~~~~~~~Chapter 25: Cake ~~~~~~~
~~~~Previously~~~~
"I'm in love with you, Levi."
"I'm in love with you, brat."
"How did we get here?"
"I don't know. I don't care."
"Are you happy?"
"For once in my life, yeah."
"Me too."
~They softly kiss each other's lips and the water starts to run cold~
~~~~Now~~~~
~Levi and Eren stare at each other, smiling like children. They would have stayed like that forever if they hadn't heard a voice calling out to Eren~
Armin: Eren? Hey where are you? Are you taking a shower? I think Mikasa is looking for you. Are you okay? Eren?
~Eren peeks his head out of the stall and sees Armin looking around. Armin sees Eren~
Armin: Hey, Eren. You've been gone for a while. Hange started asking where you were and I came to see if… is that Levi?
~Levi peeks his head out of the stall next to Eren~
Levi: Yo.
~Armin turns around to avert his eyes~
Armin: Whoa, I- I'm sorry! I didn't mean- uh you guys should wrap it up… um people are looking for you and whatever…
Levi: Is that so?
Armin: uh yeah… um I guess I'll leave now...
~Armin tries to run off~
Levi: Oi, brat. Wait up.
~Armin stops walking but his body stiffens in place and Levi can tell he is uncomfortable~
Levi: Relax. I just want you to go stand watch.
Armin: Oh okay…
~Armin runs off to the door to watch out for anyone looking for Eren~
"I guess we should clean up..."
"Yeah…"
~Levi and Eren wash themselves and turn off the cold water. They dry themselves and put on their clothes. The room is still filled with a thin amount of steam. Levi still feels hot despite having just been in cold water~
"It's fucking hot in here."
"Is it?"
"You can't feel it?"
"I guess not… The cold water really cooled me off."
"Huh. Whatever."
~Armin keeps watch and Levi leaves the bathroom first, then Armin and Eren leave together to find Mikasa. They find her hanging out with the rest of the brats outside~
Eren: Hey, Mikasa. How's your arm?
~Mikasa had her back to them when they walked up to the group. She turned her chair around with a smile, but it seemed to break when she saw Eren and Armin standing next to each other. She noticed Eren's slightly curled hair~
~Mikasa's thoughts~
His hair only does that in a hot shower… (Everyone says Levi beat him for hurting you. Maybe he just needed to wash off blood) Yeah… That's it… that's why he's been gone so long… It's not like he said he and Armin started being together in a shower or anything…
Mikasa: Hey guys…
~The brats look on in silence, not knowing what to say. Eren glances around and remembers how awkward things are and scratches the back of his neck in discomfort~
Eren: I'm sorry about hurting you again…
Mikasa: Yeah, you kind of suck at that.
Eren: I guess you could say… I won that round of arm wrestling…
~Mikasa sighs before looking at Eren with a grin~
Mikasa: No way, you cheated. I would have beaten you if you hadn't gone titan.
Eren: Tch. You wanna bet?
Mikasa: You're on.
~~~~Levi makes his way to the mess hall to try to cool his head. He figured he just needed a cool drink. He walks in and sees Mike, Hange, and Nanaba sitting around not doing anything. Moblit and a few of the other underlings sit around drinking nearby~~~~
Levi: Hardly working?
~The group gasps as they see Levi standing at the door~
Levi: Relax. I haven't done shit today either.
~Levi walks past them to the bar and pours himself a glass of cold water. He drinks it in haste, and the others just watch~
Levi: What?
Hange: Your face is really red… are you drunk or something?
~Levi instinctively touches his face. It's still burning hot~
Levi: Huh. That's odd.
Hange: Also, you're not insulting us... Are you okay?
Levi: Never been better. What are you fuckwads doing?
~Mike squints at Levi, trying to sniff him from far away. When he only smells soap, he sighs and opens his mouth~
Mike: We're still trying to plan a prank.
Hange: Erwin didn't want us to be doing this during the day when we are supposed to be productive. Promise you won't tell?
Levi: I don't give a fuck.
Hange: Great! We still haven't thought of anything good.
~Levi had poured himself a second glass and took a big swig of it~
Levi: Fuck the cadets.
Mike: What?
Levi: I mean forget trying to get the brats. Sure, playing a prank on them would be fun, but I think we should do something seriously evil.
Hange: Like what?
~Looking up from his glass, Levi grins~
~~~~Meanwhile~~~~
~Connie puts a table in front of Mikasa and Sasha gets a chair for Eren. Eren sits down and puts his elbow on the table with his palm out~
Sasha: We're going to have a fair game: No titan shifting, winner is declared after the back of the opponent's hand is against the table. Are the participants ready?
~Mikasa grabs Eren's hand and puts her elbow on the table while making eye contact with Eren. Eren grins cockily while Mikasa simply stares back coolly~
Mikasa: Ready.
Eren: I'm not going to hold back just because your legs are broken.
Mikasa: I'm not going to hold back just because you're weak.
Eren: You're gonna eat those words.
Mikasa: Don't be so cocky, Eren. I am stronger than you.
Eren: Sure you are.
~The brats had formed a circle around the table, listening to the challenging words exchanged with eagerness~
Sasha: Alright! Three…
~Mikasa and Eren's hands squeeze each other~
Sasha: Two…
~Mikasa begins to smile~
Sasha: ONE!
~Mikasa and Eren begin to push against each other. Their arm's become flexed and their hands stay put for a moment. Everyone whoops and cheers for Mikasa – even Armin. Eren tries to ignore them as his arm starts to become tired. He feels himself begin to sweat. Mikasa sits across from him unmoved~
Sasha: 15 seconds have gone by without a flinch! Who will break first?!
~Eren grunts and Mikasa's hand slowly begins to overtake his~
Sasha: Mikasa has made progress! It's going down! Wait! Eren is starting to make a comeback!
~Eren pushed back against Mikasa, and he could see a small frown growing on her face~
Eren: You tired yet?
Mikasa: Not a chance.
~~~~~In the kitchen with Levi and the others~~~~~
~Nanaba is busy stirring up some kinds of batter while Mike whisks eggs. Hange and Levi stand at a counter mixing up a white powder and a few liquids~
Hange: You think this'll work?
Levi: As long as we don't fuck it up.
Hange: Your ears are still red.
Levi: Are they?
Hange: Ha.. you kind of look like you're blushing, too.
Levi: Shut up and keep mixing. We need to get the right measurements and I'm not exactly good at this science shit.
~Hange pours white powder into a tube silently~
~~~The brats~~~
~After being in a standstill for a little while now, Mikasa begins to push Eren's hand down with more force. Slowly, Eren's arm leans closer and closer to the table. The brats go wild. Finally, Mikasa smiles one last time, and with one final burst of force, slams Eren's hand the rest of the way down. The group jumps up and cheers. Mikasa laughs out loud and Eren holds his arm~
Sasha: Mikasa is the victor! Eren wallows in defeat!
Connie: Mikasa you're so fucking cool holy shit!
Krista: Way to go, Mikasa!
Jean: HA! Eren you should have seen that one coming.
~Mikasa flexes her arms and pats her muscle with he other hand~
Mikasa: What can I say? I'm strong.
Eren: Yeah, you are.
~The brats laugh for a while and after a few moments the laughter and jokes die down. Most of them hold their stomachs from laughing so much that it hurts. They all have smiles on their faces~
Bertolt: So this means we're all cool now? We're talking to them?
Ymir: Mikasa's cool with the faggots. Right?
~Mikasa looks down. Smiles start fading~
Krista: Ymir! Bertolt! Mikasa probably doesn't want to talk about it…
Mikasa: No, it's okay.
Eren: You know how sorry I am…
Armin: I…
Mikasa: I forgive you both.
Armin: Really?
~Mikasa looks up and smiles~
Mikasa: You big dummies.
Armin: Huh?
Mikasa: You're my best friends. How can you be so surprised that I would forgive you?
~Armin surprises Mikasa with a hug~
Armin: I'm so glad you don't hate me!
~Mikasa hugs Armin, and invites Eren to join the group hug. He leans down and joins them quickly~
Ymir: You guys are all so mushy.
Krista I think it's sweet. You're a very graceful person, Mikasa.
Mikasa: Thanks Krista.
~Sasha leans into the hug and Krista follows~
Sasha: GROUUUP HUG!
~Connie sighs and also joins. Ymir hugs from behind Krista. Reiner nearly knocks everyone over when he joins in~
Eren: You're all so damn heavy!
~Jean stands around with his arms crossed~
Mikasa: Jean?
Jean: I can't believe this.
~Jean also hugs the group around Mikasa's wheelchair~
~Mikasa releases the boys and they all stand up to take a moment to just stand around and smile. The silence is broken by a sneeze~
Mikasa: Eren?
~They look at Eren, and collectively notice how pale he suddenly looks~
Armin: Are you okay?
Eren: Yeah… it was just a sneeze… I'm going to go blow my nose…
Mikasa: Are you sick?
Eren: I don't think so… I'll see you guys at dinner in a bit.
~Eren turns to face the fort and briskly walks to the restrooms to blow his nose~
Am I getting sick? I hope not… damn it's cold in here…
~Eren looks at himself in the mirror~
I look kind of pale… maybe it's because I titan shifted this morning… (Also the beating you took) And then the shower… (Also you strained yourself arm wrestling) but that shouldn't be a factor… (Levi wanted you to rest in between experiments for a reason)
~Eren shivers~
Why is it so cold in here? (Maybe it's because you're body is deteriorating…) My body is not deteriorating. I'm just tired. (You should probably not strain yourself anymore) Yeah…
~Eren washes his hands~
Thinking of that little guy… I wonder what he's doing…
~~~~~Back at the kitchen~~~~~
~Nanaba peers into an oven~
Nanaba: It's almost ready.
Levi: Great. Hange?
Hange: Yeah?
Levi: You've got flour on your forehead.
~Hange wipes he forehead with the back of her hand~
Levi: Hey Mike.
~Mike peeks his head into the kitchen from the dining room~
Mike: What's up?
Levi: How are we on time?
Mike: They'll be coming soon.
Levi: All right. Let's do this.
~~~~Later~~~~
~The brats come into the mess hall get their food. Nile and his entourage from the Military Police had been invited to eat dinner with the Survey Corps leaders. It was a fancier set up this evening. The brats were a little surprised but figured it was because of the guests from the MP. Each of the squad leader's uniforms were perfectly ironed and put together~
~~At Eren's table of friends~~
Sasha: Why'd they have to go and get all perfect and pretty for the stupid MP?
Ymir: So they can know we're better than them.
Jean: They live in the inner wall. They probably have nice dinners like this all the time.
Mikasa: Come to think of it they don't look that surprised.
Eren: We're still better than those cowards.
Sasha: You really think they have dinners like this all the time?
Eren: I can't wait for them to leave…
Sasha: Actually if we're going to have dinners like this every time they're around I kind of want them to visit us more often!
~Eren picks up his glass, but the strength in his hand suddenly gives out and he drops it. It breaks and spills everywhere~
Armin: Eren?
~Eren looks up at Armin, who grabs a napkin and starts dabbing the water with several napkins~
Armin: Are you okay? You seem kind of out of it…
Eren: I'm fine I just... I don't know… My hand just… Am I the only one in here who thinks it's freezing in here?
Armin: Did you lose strength in your hand just now?
Eren: Yeah…
Armin: Is that the same hand that went titan today?
Eren: It is…
Armin: Just don't use that hand for a little while.
Eren: Okay I can do that…
~Eren looks around to see that Mikasa is glaring and him and Armin as Armin had started to dap water off of Eren's lap~
Eren: Hey, Armin, you can stop…
~Armin stops and turns back around to keep eating. Eren continues eating unfocused like he is in some sort of trance~
~~~At the squad leader's table, Levi stays quiet throughout most of dinner, so Nile and him don't argue as usual and things go smoothly~~~
Nile: Levi, you've been awfully quiet.
Levi: Awfully? You like hearing my voice that much?
Nile: Don't flatter yourself. I just think it's odd.
Levi: Just trying to be civil, is all.
Nile: Well it suits you.
~Levi exhales in boredom and looks at Hange. Hange nods at Levi~
Levi: I'm craving something sweet. How about you guys?
~The squad leaders nod in agreement~
Levi: Nile, how about you stick around for coffee and dessert?
Nile: What?
Levi: Coffee and dessert. I believe it's customary for comrades to enjoy food together.
Nile: Comrades?
Levi: Don't act so surprised. I know we always bicker, but you and Erwin are friends, yes?
Nile: Yeah…
Levi: Well I figured if Erwin could stand you then maybe I can too. So I'm being civil.
Nile: I see…
Levi: Cake?
~Nile smiles and then nods. Nanaba and Mike get up and head for the pantry. They come back with plates with individual chocolate cake slices on each and set them in front of each of the squad leaders from both the Survey Corps and the Military Police. The brats look at the cake with jealousy~
Nile: None for the cadets?
~Levi laughs~
Levi: That's a good one. Like we would ever give the brats anything like cake.
Erwin: Levi you're really cheery today...
~Levi says nothing and takes a forkful of cake. Erwin squints at Levi suspiciously. Nile looks at the tasty looking cake on his plate. He takes a bite~
Nile: This is really good…
~Nile greedily eats more. Before he knows it, he's done with the whole slice~
Nanaba: Glad you liked it.
~Hange giggles~
Nile: Squad Leader Hange?
Hange: Yes?
Nile: What's so funny?
Hange: Oh, it's nothing.
~Nile looks around to see that Hange's, Levi's, Mike's, and Nanaba's faces are all red and their lips are held together trying to hold back laughter. Erwin also notices~
Erwin: What's so funny, guys?
Levi: Nothing, its just… ahaha… Ahahaha! AHAHAHAAAHAA!
~They all begin to laugh maniacally. Hange slaps her hand against the table repeatedly~
Erwin: What's going on?
Nile: Did I miss something?
~Levi stops laughing and wipes a tear from his eye~
Levi: Nothing…. BWAHAHAHA
~Nile hears a terrible rumbling in his stomach~
Nile: Ugh… I feel… What the hell…
Hange: AHAHAHAHAHA IT'S ALREADY WORKING!
Nile: What did you do to me?!
Mike: OH, nothing just a little bit of LAXATIVES! AHAHAHAHA!
Levi: It was just so classic we couldn't resist! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Nile: You fuckers are all crazy!
~Nile runs off, hunched over and holding his stomach. The rest of the Military Police visitors eventually get up and run away in the same manner~
Levi: LOOK AT THEM RUN! AHAHAHAH! OMG I HOPE YOU MAKE IT! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!
~Erwin stands up and slams his hands on the table~
Erwin: What the fuck is wrong with you?!
Levi: Come on, that was funny.
~Erwin walks away from the table. After a while, Levi calms down and glances around the room to see all the brats staring at the table of squad leaders~
Levi: What the fuck are you all staring at?
~The brats turn around to mind their own business~
Levi: That's what I fucking thought.
~Levi stands up, and holds his head and winces as a headache attacks him~
Levi: Ow… what the fuck…
~Levi glances back up and sees the brats are staring at him again but with a different kind of look. He turns to look back at the squad leaders, who had also started looking at Levi, but they were looking at him with wide eyes. Worried eyes. Levi feels something drip off of the top of his mouth. He touches the skin between his nose and his upper lip. He feels something wet and looks at his hand. It's got blood on it~
Levi: I guess… my fever never broke... from…
~Levi's vision starts to go black~
Levi: earlier… it's so…
~Levi can see Hange get up and run up to him~
Levi: hot… too… hot…
~Blackness engulfs his vision. He's out before he hits the floor~
~Chapter 25, Fin~
~~~Author's note~~~
I wasn't going to post until next week, and then I was struck with inspiration and I woke up in an unfamiliar room not knowing how I got there or how many days I'd been asleep but I had this chapter finished so yeah. It's Reiner's birthday! Yay! I like to think he got a special birthday present from Bertolt hehehe… 25 Chapters! What? When did I write 25 chapters?! Crazy. I want to take the time to say thanks to all of you lovelies for reading and for those of you who review or send me PM's. You all rock. Special thanks to Subla12 for giving me inspiration. Special thanks to isaiah0011, pokeperson01, and bloodrippedcupcake. Thanks! I'll be posting again next week.
Fluffy out