Chapter 7: Gift

Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin

Previously: Levi and Oluo start competing more often. Petra remains oblivious it's over her. Levi feels disappointed about not being able to get her something for her birthday on time.

What do you give your crush for her birthday? Levi had been mulling it over for almost a week now and still didn't have an answer.

Unfortunately, it was too late to ask Ms. Biel—he had decided it was worth her teasing if she also gave him some ideas. Mail day was once a month so he wouldn't be able to get her reply until the week after he and Petra went to town. It was bad enough he was going to be late giving her a gift but he didn't want to get her something she wouldn't like on top of it.

What did Petra like? Levi reviewed as he mindlessly cleaned and oiled his gear. She likes sweets, animals, cute things, practical things. He could get her candy. Except Nifa and a couple of others had already done that. A pet was out for obvious reasons. Should he ask her outright what she wanted? No, that wouldn't do.

I need to get her the perfect gift. It had to be something she could use every day. Something beautiful and elegant but also cheap and practical. She would always remember it and love it and cherish it because no one had ever gotten her something so perfect in her life ever.

Finished assembling his gear, he stashed it away and changed into civilian clothes. It was a surprisingly warm day for December, for which he was grateful. He had outgrown the one winter coat he'd brought and a new one was the main reason he told Petra he was accompanying her. He pulled on the dark sweater that still fit since Ms. Biel had anticipated he'd grow into it and made him a larger size.

Most of the trainees were heading home to see their families for the two days off, but none were staying behind at the camp as they were headed to town to explore. Petra waited for him by the fence, which was about thirty yards from the entrance of the camp. She was holding the reins to two horses. Her back was to him so she didn't notice him approach, or stare.

When he saw her his eyes were at once drawn to her exposed shoulders. The ruffled, short-sleeved white blouse she wore left her neck and shoulders mostly bare. Only the black vest she wore over the blouse provided limited coverage. He was quite taken by the smooth, creamy skin he saw. He swallowed, realizing his mouth was going dry.

"Levi, are you ready?" Petra asked and he got to glimpse her lovely neck and collarbones.

"Thanks for waiting," he replied, clearing his throat.

They rode the horses into town, leaving them tied to hitching posts. The entire ride he'd had to keep his attention from straying to her skin.

"Where do you want to go first?" Levi asked, wondering what she was going to get Oluo for his birthday.

"I know about this one shop that makes the most beautiful musical instruments."

"Oluo plays?" That was a surprise to Levi.

"No, there's a shop right next to it that I want to go to. I'm getting him a customized beer mug with his name on it. A friend of mine said his sister-in-law runs the place and she can do it pretty fast. So I can go place the order now and it'll be done by the time we finish looking around town and complete our shopping."

"Works for me."

Levi enjoyed their casual stroll and wished she would hold his arm like all the couples he saw walking around. Alas, she was blind to his feelings for her and he was scared of expressing them. She showed no interest in romance whatsoever. And he did not want to lose what they had in case she became uncomfortable if he told her he liked her, but she didn't feel the same way about him.

Petra led him to different shops and he was content to follow her around. He liked how her eyes sparkled when she was excited, the little quirk of her eyebrows when she was curious, and the pretty smile anytime she spotted something she liked. If only he had money. He would have bought her everything that delighted her and savored her joy. Unfortunately, the stipend they earned as trainees was pathetic, to put it mildly. Since they were as low as one could be in the military hierarchy—and because the government provided them with food, shelter, medicine, and clothing—their earrings reflected that in their meager wages. With the trainees' necessities taken care of, there was no reason for the Royal Government to pay them a decent wage. But once they became full-fledged soldiers and joined a division, their pay would be raised. And the Military Police got the best pay out of all of them.

Levi hungered for that salary. For everything the position would bring him: money, prestige, a comfortable life. After the poverty-stricken childhood he had, and even the orphanage where he was raised on bland food and secondhand clothes and toys and books, he deserved the easy living the Military Police would give him. He was slaving every day for that future.

Levi began daydreaming of a beautiful house with his beloved dog. Their home would be spacious and beautiful, filled with all new furniture and clothes plus a fully stocked kitchen and pantry. The only thing left was a woman to spend the rest of his life with. Marriage was still a distant thought, though. He felt far too young for that. He wasn't even twenty yet. But someday he'd like to settle down with a sweet woman, preferably one that had soft red hair.

"What're you thinking about?" Petra interrupted his fantasy. "Is it something good?"

Yes, you. Us. Levi shrugged and said, "Just lunch. There's a place I know that has the best baked potato with butter and cheese and bacon and chives—"

Petra groaned. "You're making my mouth water."

"We can go there for lunch. We've got time."

"I don't know if I brought enough money. I was planning to do a little bit more shopping."

"I'll pay. Don't worry about owing me. Next time we get a day off, you can pay for my lunch."

"Alright then."

Levi mentally patted himself. Not only for getting her to agree but also for arranging another meal with her. At lunch, he spent more time enjoying watching her eat than he did savoring his own food, which was one of his favorite things to eat.

After they ate, Petra tried to banish him and told him to look around by himself so she could be alone.

"But why?" Levi asked, confused, wondering if he'd done something.

"Because there are certain lady things I need to buy and I can't have you hanging around."

It was then he noticed they were standing in front of a shop selling undergarments. Feeling brave, he said, "It's okay. We can go in together. I'll be very quiet and you won't even know I'm there."

"Levi!" Petra gasped, laughing, and pushed him away. "Just go. Shoo!"

Pleased at her reaction, Levi thought maybe he needed to be bold more. After purchasing a new winter coat, he walked around, trying not to let his mind wander. He failed. Images of Petra in a lacy bra and matching panties continued to follow him. It wouldn't matter how fast or how far he walked, he couldn't escape his own imagination. It was a wonder he didn't get a boner. Stop perving out and use this opportunity to find her a present.

Nothing truly jumped out at him as extraordinary. There were so many things he thought she would like but it wasn't enough. He needed to get the perfect gift but it had to be within his budget, too. Why was it so hard to find?

When Petra finally found him she was carrying a new bag. "Are you ready?" She reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear and he fought hard not to stare at her slender neck.

On their way back to pick up Oluo's gift, he noticed the things she admired. She has simple taste. While her eyes were drawn to expensive and luxurious items, she did also like simpler things.

Instead of fretting over getting her the perfect gift, he needed to buy her something simple and cute that she would like. Otherwise he was never going to be able to find her anything. Much as he disliked to admit it, his imaginary "perfect" gift for her didn't exist. And if it did, it probably wouldn't be in his budget. Just get her something that will put a smile on her face. Else at the rate he was going she wasn't going to get a present at all.

"Do you like it?" Levi said when Petra stopped again by a stall to inspect the trinkets on display. He could tell she badly wanted to buy something but she had spent all her money on gifts for other people. Typical.

"The color is so pretty," she said, holding a thin silver necklace with a round jewel-like stone in a mesmerizing shade of amber. Petra inquired about the necklace's price and was disappointed. The stall owner offered to sell it to her for less but she shook her head and thanked him, starting to walk away.

It matched her eyes perfectly. Levi decided to act on impulse. "I'll take it," he said, pulling out the money.

"You don't have to—"

"Consider it a late birthday present." He could tell she was torn but her resolve crumbled when he put the dainty necklace in her hands.

The stall owner had the nerve to quote the original price to Levi.

"But you just offered it to her for less," Levi argued, frowning. Did the man think he was deaf?

"Yes, but she's a pretty girl," he replied cheerfully, winking at Petra, who giggled.

Swarmy bastard knows I have to have it. Levi grumbled under his breath but agreed, ignoring Petra's protests. "Here," he said grudgingly, thrusting the cash out, mentally wincing.

Surprisingly, the stall owner honored the price he offered Petra and handed Levi the change. "Why don't you take your sweetheart and buy her a brown butter apple tart at that bakery next to the glass blowing shop over there? I promise it's the most delicious thing you'll ever eat. You'll love it."

"He'll do it," Petra agreed cheerfully on Levi's behalf, taking his arm and pulling him away.

Meanwhile Levi tried not to overthink the fact she didn't correct the man about the sweetheart assumption. He glanced down at their linked arms—both in question and to get an eyeful of her naked skin. He was shameless. "So, you're my sweetheart now?"

"If that was what it took to get your the bargain." Petra eyed the bakery longingly when they passed by it.

Levi stopped. "Okay, then, sweetheart, fancy a brown butter apple tart?"

She removed her arm from his and he tried not to show his disappointment. "You really don't have to."

"But I'm curious to see what it tastes like." That was partially the truth. He did want to try it. But he also wanted her to taste it. "Do you want to share one? I don't know if it'll taste good and I'd rather not waste money."

"If you're sure. Next time when I buy you lunch I'll get you something sweet afterward, too."

The bakery was warm and smelled like heaven. An assortment of colorful, delicious, and mouth-watering tarts and pies and cakes and confections were on display. Levi asked for the brown butter apple tart and while the baker packed it, he asked Petra, "Aren't you going to wear the necklace?"

"Can you hold these for me really quick?" Petra handed him the bags and put the necklace on while he stood still, very conscious of the fact there was a very thin barrier between him and Petra's new undergarments inside one of the bags he was clutching to his chest. "How does it look?" She smiled for him, tilting her neck.

Levi knew he was going to want to hold on to this image and memorized every detail. "Looks great," he said, loving how the pretty amber necklace sat on her delicate collarbones. It also brought out the gold in her eyes. Levi paid for the treat and the baker complimented the necklace.

When Petra mentioned they just bought it from the elderly stall owner just down the street and he was the one who recommended the bakery, the woman laughed. "I see my father-in-law is at it again."

Sneaky old codger. Levi thought.

Their last stop was the shop where Oluo's newly customized beer mug awaited.

"Why does it say 'Beaver?'" Levi hadn't paid enough attention when they were here earlier, it had been drawn to the lovely pieces on display instead.

"It's a thing between us," was all she said.

Levi tried to squash his jealously, knowing he was being ridiculous. It was to be expected considering they grew up together.

Soon they returned to the hitching posts to retrieve their horses and he was disappointed their time together was already over.

"This was fun," Petra said, storing away her bags in her horse's saddle. "We should do it again on our next days off. I owe you lunch and a baked treat."

"I'd like that. Enjoy your weekend."

"Thanks. You too. I'll see you in a couple of days." With that, Petra bid him farewell and took off.

When Levi returned to camp, it was oddly empty. Used to all the trainees running around, it now looked a little sad to him. But it was also very peaceful. He looked forward to another day of sleeping in and slacking off. He still planned on working out and training with his 3D gear, not to mention his shooting skills could be improved as well, but he'd have time to slack off and would go back into town again.

Thinking about the pretty necklace sitting against Petra's warm skin, Levi went on to grab his 3D gear with a satisfied smile on his face. He'd prefer to have gotten her something unique but he'd take the delighted smile the necklace brought her.

It was with some difficulty that Levi held back his yawn. He was getting tired of class and wished it would hurry up and end already. He was more excited to go camping out in the forest. But the instructor continued to drone on and on with his never-ending lecture.

"I'm seeing some glazed eyes," the instructor said to the silent classroom. "I think this should get your blood pumping: pop quiz! I'll go over all the topics we covered this week from laws to survival training."

It was the last week of December. Half a year had passed since the 97th Training Corps class began and they knew better than to groan out loud. That was unbecoming of soldiers. His class had made that mistake once at the beginning and as a result, they'd suffered physical punishment for their undisciplined behavior in the form of five laps around the courtyard outside.

Certainly the class was fully awake now as the instructor began calling them one by one, asking a question as he scanned his packet of material. If they got the answer correct, five points. Otherwise, if they got it wrong, it was a zero. It wouldn't make or break their final scores but it was tough not knowing when you might be picked and put on the spot in front of the entire class.

"Ral," the instructor called out.

"Yes, sir."

"What's the emergency treatment for a snake bite?"

"Wrap a clean and sterile bandage firmly around the bite. Don't pour alcohol on it or cut it. Make sure to keep the heart above it. The person bit should not walk or move as it'll make the venom circulate faster."

"Good," he said, pleased. "Remember that for your camping trip, everyone. Occasionally someone gets bit and there are poisonous snakes out there so you want to remember this. It's important to correctly identify the snake because administering the wrong antivenin will get you killed. So covering the bite isn't just to slow the circulation, it's also because the venom can be used to identify the snake and get the correct medicine in case you didn't see what bit you."

Levi noticed Petra began doodling when the instructor's attention shifted to someone in the back. Impressive, he thought, seeing her draw a very realistic snake. He wished he had artistic talent like that. He'd love to draw her all day long.

As if sensing his attention was straying, the instructor selected him. "Ackerman, what is the sentence for possession of illegal drugs?"

That was right up his alley as a future MP. "If there's no intent to distribute, then three to five years."

"Excellent. Intent to distribute carries a much higher sentence than simply having the drugs and using them."

At least now that he was done he was free to daydream, no longer having to worry about being caught off guard. Levi knew he should pay attention still, but he was feeling unusually bored. The upcoming camping trip seemed more interesting. They were going to ride out deep into the woods and were expected to build shelter, start a fire, hunt their own food, and set up watch. It was a lot more fun than sitting around a classroom listening to a lecture.

Petra was of the same mind. "It's supposed to prepare us for the overnight expeditions that the Survey Corps sometimes does. I heard some of the instructors pretended to be Titans and attacked the campsite with the last class."

Levi didn't buy it for a second. "That's just a dumb rumor," he snorted. "Titans aren't active at night. That's a pointless exercise. And obviously, there's no humans outside Wall Maria, either. The instructors don't have any reason to run around in the middle of the cold night trying to scare us."

"True," she agreed. "I've never been hunting before. That should be fun. Have you?"

"I chased after Rascal once when she chased a squirrel up a tree. Does that count?"

"Depends." Petra grinned. "Did you catch the squirrel?"

"No. But I swear the fucker flipped us off."

Some of Petra's friends fell in step with them on their way to 3D gear training. Levi had learned to get along with them decently. It was easy to talk about what they were learning and such, so their interactions were limited to those topics. With a scoff, Levi realized he had more interaction—as in, outside the surface-level talking—with Oluo than he did with the rest of their class. Nifa was easy to talk to also. Undeniably, though, it was Oluo who was the closest thing Levi had to a friend after Petra.

"What?" Petra asked him. "What're you making that face for?"

"Don't even ask."

Their training consisted of how to break a fall by doing a roll. It only took him a couple of tries to perfect. But the commander had him repeat it again and again anyway, along with the others who were still trying to learn to do it properly the first time. "So it becomes muscle memory," she explained to him. "You don't have to think about it. Your body will automatically know what to do."

Levi felt like his body already seemed to know what to do.

After lunch, they were to go get ready for the camping trip. Since they would be spending the night out there, Levi prepared accordingly.

Over an hour's ride later, they arrived. They were broken up into groups and assigned different tasks. Gathering firewood? Seriously? Levi was not impressed with his assigned task.

"Have fun picking up sticks," Petra called out, waving as she and Nifa left to go with the hunting party.

"Lucky," Oluo said, stuck on tent duty.

The camping trip ended up extending an extra day but Levi didn't mind. He liked sleeping under the stars and especially because he and Petra were on the same watch shift. They weren't supposed to be talking so they kept it to a minimal, but he just liked being in her presence and he was especially thankful for being able to see how she looked bathed in the moonlight.

Fuck, you've really got it bad for her, Levi thought and snuck a glance at her again.

Oluo and Nifa also had the same watch but they were elsewhere around the camp. Levi was glad he could occasionally talk to Petra. Otherwise he would have been bored to tears after a couple of hours. Sometimes he caught Petra shivering. She was sensitive to the cold. He wished there was a scarf he could give her or even his own jacket—he'd freeze if he did, though. Or you can warm her up by hugging her. That seemed like a fine idea, too.

"Levi," Petra whispered when light began to fill the sky. It meant their watch would end soon, thank the Goddesses, and they could finally get some sleep.

"Yeah?"

"Happy 16th birthday."

"How did you know?" Levi asked, straightening against his tree.

"I have my ways," she said with a smile in her voice.

How something so small could make him go all warm from happiness he didn't know. "Thanks," he said, smiling to himself.

"I bought you a present. I hope you'll like it. You got me something that I really like," she said, hand going to her chest. "I wanted to get you something, too."

She's wearing it? Levi thought. Did she have it with her always? That in and of itself was present enough for him. And while that was true, he was still excited to see what she got him.

Kenny used to give him things randomly but they were tools, not presents, and definitely not for a special occasion. His mentor saw nothing all that special about birthdays, though he still did treat Levi to a large meal on the 25th of every December. Ms. Biel couldn't show favoritism so she would make small treats in secret. This time too she had baked for him. A few days ago he'd gotten a box of cookies from her plus a letter, wishing him well and sharing more stories about Rascal that she heard from her parents. No one had really bought a gift before, though, aside from his mother. But those memories had faded and dulled, partially due to his own stubbornness in refusing to bring them up.

When they returned to the training camp, Levi quickly stored away his things before going to see his crush. The women's barracks were the same as the men's. Only difference was the writing on the door that verified members of which sex were housed there.

Levi felt nervous standing before it. They were allowed to go to whichever barracks they wanted within curfew. Outside of curfew was when the hammer would come down if someone was found in a place meant for the opposite sex. The buildings with the showers and toilets were always off-limits to the opposite sex regardless of the time of day. Getting caught there if you didn't belong would mean a world of trouble.

"Over here." Petra waved when she saw him enter her room. "Come on up." She patted her mattress and moved when he started to climb up.

I'm in her bed. I'm in her bed. Levi sat cross-legged on her bunk. Regardless of what she got for him, he told himself he was going to act excited. Which wouldn't be too hard. Anything she gave him he'd love.

Petra held out a tin box for him, staring expectantly as he opened it.

"Tea?" Okay, he could work with this. "It smells really good," he said truthfully.

"Do you like it?" Petra asked eagerly and nervously.

"I do," Levi fibbed a little. He wasn't the biggest fan of the stuff but the many flavors did interest him. Surely he'd find one he loved. "Thank you. How did you know?"

"Oluo said you like to drink it. I didn't know what flavors you'd like so I guessed."

Oluo had heard him make a comment once and teased him for a week about Levi acting like some snooty nobleman, sipping tea with his pinky sticking out and all. "I haven't tried this flavor yet," Levi said. "Good choice."

She beamed and said, "I'm so glad!"

Levi drew the curtain of his bunk, hiding from the world so he could rest in peace.

About a month or so after joining the Training Corps he'd learned why they had privacy curtains for bottom bunks—the top ones were too high for anyone to see from the ground so curtains were unnecessary up there—but there weren't doors on the shower stalls. Levi was just grateful his roommates either jerked off elsewhere or were very discreet about it. Admittedly he had come close a couple of times and almost given into the temptation himself. Fear of being caught and the resulting embarrassment had won out in the end.

Thankfully, the room was empty now. Majority of the trainees were hanging around the mess hall before they'd have to retire for the night. He'd left early, feeling a headache coming. A small painkiller from the infirmary and resting his eyes for half an hour ensured the annoying pain in the back of his head didn't turn into a pounding headache.

Levi pondered between lazying about here or returning to the mess hall and hanging out with Petra and her friends. It was the beginning of the new year, 841, and they had been talking about their goals for the year when he'd left. Levi still considered them Petra's friends despite getting to know some of them better.

Regrettably, his peace was interrupted by a group coming in. He sighed, hearing them gather together not too far from him, instead of going to their respective bunks. If they were sitting together it meant they planned to talk for a while. But they weren't being overly loud so he could tune them out as he cleaned his switchblade.

One word suddenly caught his attention.

"...about Petra?"

Levi perked up at the mention of his crush.

"She's definitely one of my top five."

"Petra is very pretty and cute. She could almost be considered beautiful."

Almost be considered beautiful? Clearly that dumbass was blind and soft in the head, Levi decided irately.

"Her body is a ten, though."

Maybe he's not a complete moron. Levi thought. Her body is definitely a ten.

"Yeah, she's short but her legs are long and her abs are the best, hands down."

"Dude, she's totally stacked, too. Definitely my type."

"Those tits are a gift to humanity," one said reverently.

Damn straight they are. Levi smirked to himself. His eyes may have wandered from time to time. But he didn't want them fawning over her body so much and felt tempted to drag them down and kick their asses. Levi was well aware he was being a complete and total hypocrite.

"How big do you think they are?"

"Bigger than your balls, that's for damn sure."

"Yeah, yeah, I know I don't have a shot. Can't a guy dream?"

They continued discussing the other beautiful girls among the 97th Training Corps. It probably wasn't the first time they'd had this discussion and Levi was sure it wouldn't be the last.

Anatomy of the opposite sex was a popular and common topic among his age group. Such enthusiasm and curiosity was to be expected when they had to live around each other and went through puberty. They were training and reaching adulthood together. Levi had heard more than his fair share of these discussions.

Petra sometimes teased him about being part bird because of his skills with the 3D gear, but she didn't know how accurate she was in a way. Unknown to the rest of them, he liked to perch high up in trees, where it was quiet and secluded, providing him some privacy and calm. Such a position also led him to accidentally spy on people without meaning to. Twice he had heard a group of girls have the same discussion and Levi, to his smugness, had been one of the boys they talked about both times. They'd laugh and giggle as they discussed which of the boys they thought were good-looking, commented on whose abs they liked, who had a better ass, and what they thought someone's dick size was.

While his positive image among the girls had stroked his ego, Levi was bummed out Petra wasn't among them. He would have liked to hear what she thought of him. Or if she had another guy on the mind. Maybe learn what type of guy she was into and which parts of the male anatomy appealed to her the most. He had heard she liked tall men and hoped puberty would come through for him.

The conversation circled back to Petra. It was the same guy who had wondered about her chest size, her admirer who admitted he didn't have much of a chance. "Do you think Petra's into blonds?" There was a hopeful note in his voice.

"Buddy, give it up. She's never going to give you the time of day."

"Actually," another one piped in, "she might because she's so friendly. Just don't get the wrong idea. She's smart and capable so she'll never see you in a romantic way."

"Petra's out of your league. Besides, don't you know who you're competing against?"

Who?! Levi demanded in his head, sitting up, unashamedly eavesdropping now rather than being an unwilling snoop. Who did they believe their lovesick friend would have to defeat to be worthy of Petra's attention and affection? Who was the guy this neutral and unbiased group thought had a shot with her? He strained his ears, half hopeful half scared.

"There's no point in even trying."

"Yeah, you don't stand a chance against Levi."

The urge to grin like an idiot hit him. Levi felt a smug sense of satisfaction knowing they thought there could be something between him and Petra. That he was a contender for her heart and she would pick him and no one else stood a chance so they need not even bother.

"Nah, it's totally Oluo."

And his triumphant victory was immediately soured. Which fucker said that? Sounded like Jan, the imbecile who had crashed against the tree during one of their first 3D gear exercises.

"You guys are the worst friends," Petra's admirer complained. "Thanks so much for your support. Assholes."

"We're just doing you a favor now so you don't get your little heart shattered and cry into your pillow after Petra rejects you."

The conversation turned to good-natured ribbing and Levi lay back down, hands behind his head, losing interest.

Oluo, he scoffed in his head. Why would she pick him? Sure they knew each since they were kids, had a good relationship and liked each other, were on good terms with the other person's family, and Oluo was pretty strong and capable and loyal—

Levi made a face at where his thoughts were going. All he was doing was making a better case of why Petra might choose Oluo. He was only ruining his own mood.

Oluo's not her type, he thought pettily. As if he knew anything about her type. Just shut up and go to sleep, he told himself before he got a headache again.

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