A/N: I'm a horrible person. I hope you guys just understand I SUCK at updating. Never expect me to update on time. I SUCK BUTT at updates…

Chapter Ten: Doubt of Mind

Training had been tiring and rough.

Eren slumped back in his chair, his arms and legs like jelly and his head filled with cotton. Mikasa and Armin were talking in the two empty seats across from him at the table. Everyone else was sleeping – except Levi, of course.

Levi…what did he do to deserve what he had said.

Eren's mind bounced all over the place, searching for an answer to what had happened. Was the captain embarrassed? Or was it really only in the heat of the moment.

Two weeks already passed since Levi was discharged. Even though he was told to not overexert himself, he still was the same captain, overworking everyone and making everything seem like an abstract life lesson.

Armin leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table and his head in his hands. "Hey, why did you stay with the captain for a month? What was it like?"

Now that Eren was forced to remember – he couldn't recall what it was actually like, sharing a room with the same clean freak midget for a whole month. He shrugged.

"It wasn't bad. Just was. Someone needed to look after him, and since he has me on such a tight regimen, I thought it was only natural that I be there…you know, so he could see what I was doing all hours of the day." But he was probably asleep for half of the time total anyway… Eren sighed heavily and looked up at the ceiling.

"Jaeger,"

Eren jumped at the sound of Levi's voice right behind him. He bolted out of his chair and faced him. He looked angrier than usual, a dark scowl and squinted eyes staring at him.

"what do you think you're doing?" he snapped. Eren was at a loss – he didn't know what Levi was talking about.

For a few seconds, the two stood perfectly still, Levi, glaring, while Eren swayed slightly from left to right, impatient and feeling awkward.

"Come with me." Levi hissed. When he rushed out of the room, Eren stole a glance behind him at Mikasa and Armin before following after the captain.

Levi stopped abruptly and Eren did too. It felt strange, being the only two standing in the seemingly endless, empty hallways. A torch to his left burned; flickering and dancing like it was alive.

"C-Captain? What is it?" Eren asked, voice shaking with worry and anticipation.

Levi looked over at the wall, refusing to make eye contact. Eren's heart leapt at the thought of the captain still having feelings. Still caring.

"I apologize for what happened when I was discharged…" he started. His cold, expressionless stare met Eren's soft gaze. "…but I don't regret it."

Eren's heart plummeted to the ground. He found it difficult to listen to what the captain was saying.

"You care about me, fine. Call it admiration. But you are not in love with me." Levi sighed, letting his guard down a little and shifting his weight to his right leg. "You're young, not even eighteen. You don't understand love. Not to mention, even if you did, and even if I felt the same, it wouldn't end well for the both of us."

Eren's lips felt dry and his body fell like lead, but he continued to listen. Every word was painful to process.

"I would probably get my ranks taken, seeing how I would probably be labeled responsible. And you would live in shame for the rest of your life. You wouldn't have a moment's peace…not that you do anyway…"

Levi noticed Eren's confused expression and he leaned forward.

"I'm twice your age, Jaeger. Don't you think that's a bit strange?" Eren looked down at his feet, his eyelids suddenly growing heavy. He never really thought about it that way. While Levi was thinking practically and logically, Eren was going through this with his heart and feelings and emotions, not basing his love for the captain based on other people.

He swallowed harshly and took a chance, leaning forward and quickly kissing Levi. The captain didn't seemed shocked, but he did seem angry. He shoved Eren away as fast as he possibly could. Eren stumbled before gaining his footing, but the captain already had his back to him, already walking away.

Already planning to exit Eren's life forever.

A/N: Again, I apologize for the late update. Also, this chapter was short because it'll be leading up to some longer chapters. Thank you all for staying with me and putting up with my bullshit updating time! 3