Chapter 9: Midnight Swim

Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin

Previously: Petra helps Levi hide when he accidentally uses the women's showers. She shows him her breasts to make it even for seeing him naked. Levi and Oluo have a talk about Petra.

Someone came to stand by Levi's bunk. Pausing in cleaning his switchblade, he sat up when he noticed who it was. "Petra, what're you doing here?"

She nudged him to scoot over, crawling on the mattress so they could sit side by side, backs against the wall. "Where's Oluo?" Petra asked.

"Probably showering."

She leaned in, speaking quietly. "I want to talk to you guys about something."

Levi's mind was scrambling. Her presence in his private space and her face so close to his was making it difficult to think clearly. "Talk about what?"

"You know that pond in the forest about a mile from here? The one you can see when you look over from the cliff? Nifa and I are going to swim there in three days from today at midnight. It'll be a full moon then."

"Why?"

"Cause we thought it'd be fun. And since it's so warm during the day, by nighttime the water should be a nice even temperature for a late-night swim."

"I don't know," he said, unsure.

"We won't get caught."

"I'm fine, thanks."

"Really? Okay." Petra didn't push him but the disappointment was clear.

Levi badly wanted to go with them. A moonlight swim with Petra? Of course he wanted to do it. Sure they wouldn't be alone, but still. He cherished every moment he got to be with her. Only issue was he didn't know how to swim. And if Oluo found out, there was no way he was letting Levi live that down. Maybe I can just go hang out with them. The excuse of "I don't want to get sick" might be lame but it might work.

"Oluo," Petra said, leaving his bunk before Levi had a chance to tell her he changed his mind. "I gotta ask you something. You wanna go for a swim?" She waved him down and whispered the time and location to him.

"Sounds like fun. Count me in!"

Do I really want to join them? Levi wondered skeptically. He couldn't imagine it would be very fun to sit on the sidelines while they played and swam and had a good time in the water. No point in him being there if all he was going to do was sit there and watch them in jealousy as they enjoyed themselves.

The next day, the three of them talked about it constantly.

Levi had long since stopped sitting by himself—he hadn't even known when. Just one day he realized he was scanning the room to find his group instead of a semi-secluded spot.

They kept talking about the midnight swim. It made him feel left out. He was right there but he wasn't a part of the conversation. He knew they weren't doing it to be mean. They were just excited and caught up in making plans. It made him want to join them. But I don't want to hang out by myself on the side like some loser, he thought unhappily. It was too embarrassing.

Was there a manual or something he could read that would teach him how to swim? Could he master swimming in a couple of days? He was an extraordinarily fast learner when it came to physical activities. Though he was still hesitant to teach himself without someone there to watch over him. What if he drowned? Kenny, you annoying old goat, you pounded strategy and fighting techniques into my head but couldn't teach me how to swim? In all fairness, it wasn't like drowning was exactly a big concern in the Underground.

A few hours later, Levi resolved to learn how to swim after a certain conversation between Oluo and Nifa. His habit of perching high in trees had him accidentally overhear their conversation.

"Nifa, can I talk to you?" Oluo stopped her as they were heading deeper into the forest, most likely to practice their maneuvers on the Titan dummies.

"What's up?"

Oluo fumbled to explain. "So, uh, about the midnight swim. Do you think you could maybe, uh..."

"You want me to leave early so you can have alone time with Petra?" Nifa guessed wisely.

Levi narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah. Sorry. I don't mean to kick you out or get rid of you—"

"It's okay. I don't mind. I'll just say I'm getting a headache or something and leave."

"Thanks, Nifa," Oluo said in relief. "You're the best!"

"Are you going to tell Petra how you feel?"

"N-No. I just... We haven't really been able to hang out, just the two of us, for a long time now. I think the last time was before we joined the Training Corps. She's either with Levi when they have class together, or we're all together in a group. Even when the two of us finally have some time alone, she'll talk about Levi and it's still like he's there between us."

Levi perked up. She talks about me?

"They are close," Nifa agreed. "Are you going to ask her how she feels about him, then? If you don't plan on telling her that you like her."

"I don't know. Maybe. But I don't want her mind going to Levi again. So maybe I should tell her," Oluo said contemplatively. "Who do you think she likes?"

Levi was greatly interested in Nifa's answer himself. She was the closest to Petra after him and Oluo. And she was a girl. Petra might have shared certain things with her that she wouldn't have with him and Oluo. Nifa could have useful insight.

"She likes both of you. But romantically? I don't know. She only talked like that a few times about a guy she kissed last year. But it wasn't anything serious. Right now I don't know her heart."

Once Oluo and Nifa left, Levi went off in search of his crush.

Petra was cleaning and oiling her rifle when he found her. Free time was frowned upon by the commander. As far as Commander Lange was concerned, there was always something they could be doing. Only on their days off were they allowed to laze around and slack off. The rest of the time even if they didn't have duties or chores or drills, they had to be doing something that would contribute to their military careers. Anything less was unacceptable.

"Petra, can we talk?" Levi came to stand next to her. "I wanted to ask you something."

"Go ahead."

There were half a dozen or so trainees in the room standing at other tables. They were cleaning their weapons and chatting. Lowering his voice, Levi asked. "Can you teach me how to swim?"

"Is that why you said no?" Petra asked in surprise. "You really don't know how to swim? You, Levi Ackerman?"

"I was never taught."

"Won't Oluo be thrilled to find out you aren't Mr. Perfect after all?"

"I never said I was. And can you not tell him? He'll never shut up about it. Never."

Petra chuckled at the thought of it. "That could be entertaining."

"You know he's a one-trick pony. Watch it be the same lame joke every single time."

"Good point," she conceded. "Then again, you do beat him at everything else. And I mean everything. I kind of feel like he should be allowed to have this one thing."

Despite what she said, he knew she'd honor his request and never reveal it if he asked her. "Please, Petra," he said and that was all it took.

"I won't tell. When do you want to start?"

"What about tonight? It'll be a full moon tonight, too." Levi felt nervous excitement at the thought of sneaking out with Petra after dark. To be alone with her under the moonlight and get the pleasure of her uninterrupted company. "If you're okay with breaking curfew."

"Why not during the day?"

"Someone might see us."

"I don't mind teaching you tonight. But we'll have very little time if it's at night."

"I know I can pick it up quickly," Levi replied confidentially. "Just on the off chance I can't, it seems stupid not to have someone around to save me from drowning."

"You are ridiculously good at picking up anything physical. Okay, tonight it is. We'll give it an hour after curfew. Come meet me behind the women's barracks."

Instead of moving the curtain aside and risk making noise, Levi quietly rolled out of his bunk and under the curtain. He left his boots by his bunk and went to his locker, grabbing his civilian shoes and a jacket. When he stepped out, he realized the jacket was unnecessary. It was only slightly cooler outside than the inside of the barrack. He probably could have done without the jacket. But he decided to keep it on. After their lesson, the walk back to the barracks while soaking wet might be a chilly one.

Petra was waiting for him when he arrived behind her building. Her voice was low when she said, "Ready?"

He nodded. "Let's go."

When they were hidden by the trees in the forest, they started talking casually, no longer fearing being seen or overheard.

Petra laughed giddily. "I can't believe I'm actually doing this."

"Wasn't it your idea to go swimming?"

"Nifa and I both kind of talked ourselves into it. Neither of us is really the rule-breaking type, as you know. Compared to sneaking in alcohol and getting drunk, this seemed easy and not too horrible. But we were still too chicken to do it alone."

"Good choice," Levi said when they reached their destination.

The view was breathtaking. Bright and luminous, the full moon was surrounded by an expanse of twinkling stars. The branches and leaves of the trees stirred softly in the wind. An owl hooted in the distance. In the large clearing was the pond. Deep and blue, its water shone and reflected the glowing silver moon. Everything was quiet around them except for the sounds of nature.

They walked across the wooden jetty and removed their jackets. Levi felt his breath leave him when Petra began to strip. She was in her black workout shorts and a pink sports bra. It was nothing he hadn't seen before. But the act of stripping made it a lot more intimate.

Together, they sat down, him in his green boxers, feet in the pond. The water was warm at surface level and cool below.

"Perfect," she sighed.

You are, he wanted to blurt out like some lovesick fool.

Petra slipped into the water first. "We'll start with floating. It's pretty simple." She touched his legs and tugged. "Come closer," she instructed. He perched at the edge of the jetty, legs more submerged in the water, and she guided him. "This is how the motion goes. Keep your knees a little bent."

Levi tried to stay focused on what she was teaching him rather than her hands touching his calves.

"Stay calm and relaxed and let your legs sink. If you start to sink, kick your feet only a little. And have your arms spread out like this" —she made an almost T-shape, elbows bent— "to increase your buoyancy. Gentle breathing is also good."

He memorized it and repeated it back to her after a minute.

"Get in," she invited, opening her arms.

"Don't let me drown. Or I'll haunt your ass."

Even the fear of drowning could not distract him from enjoying his proximity to Petra, holding her. He loved the softness of her breasts and the ridges of her abs as he clung to her. Sometimes his cheeks would brush her silky hair and he'd feel the urge to pet it.

"Are you ready to try it yourself?"

Levi didn't want to let her go—both out of a sense of nervousness and because he liked having her in his arms—but he loosened his grip. "I'll give it a shot," he said reluctantly. A part of him wanted frantically to hold her, clinging to her and squashing her against his chest, but he ignored it. He trusted her to keep him from drowning. Levi took a deep breath and let his legs sink.

Knees bent. Breathing calmly. Arms spread out.

"You're doing it!"

"This isn't so hard," Levi admitted. It was kind of fun. Then he felt himself sink and kicked his legs without thinking, making himself wobble before calming down.

"I got you." Petra clutched his hand with both of hers and he realized he'd reached out for her.

Levi didn't let go of her. He did have a valid excuse for keeping holding. "I think I got floating down. Should we move on to the actual swimming part?"

"Let me show you a cool trick first." She grinned and came closer to him. Petra put her hands together and twisted her fingers. When she moved her thumbs, a bit of water squirted out and hit him in the chest. She laughed in delight. "This used to drive the kids in the neighborhood crazy. They couldn't figure how I did it caused I'd do it so fast."

"I have a better trick." With a sly smile, Levi cut his hand across the water and sent it flying at Petra.

"Levi!" She gasped. "You didn't!" Petra began slapping the water with both hands to splash him. "No," she cried out when he retaliated. "Don't get my hair wet!"

They were laughing and smacking their hands against the water when he realized how close she was to him. Suddenly, he realized his arms were on hers, trying to keep her from splashing him. Petra laughed, attempting to wiggle free.

Was it the moonlight? Or that they were alone at this beautiful secluded spot? Having fun and enjoying each other's company? Maybe a combination of all three. Levi didn't know. Or care.

Without thinking, he leaned in and kissed her.

It was quick and light and sent his heart racing.

Petra stared at him with her large, doe-like eyes.

Ah, fuck this, Levi thought, throwing caution to the wind. He'd already moved on impulse once. Might as well go all in. Levi leaned in for another kiss, moving his hands to her face. This one was longer and deliberate. There was no way she could mistake this for just a heat of the moment kiss.

Levi felt her hands rest on his shoulders before wounding around his neck as she kissed him back.

His heart soared in his chest and he felt a surge of delirious joy. Levi followed his instincts and tilted her head, kissing her at a better angle. He liked how she tasted. She felt so soft and hard and good. Her lips are touching mine, he thought in are, and embarrassingly it sent his heart aflutter.

A moan escaped him as her mouth moved against his. He tightened his hold on her. Levi bit her lip gently and she inhaled sharply. He could have kissed her there under the quiet moonlight forever.

But she started to pull away.

"No," the word escaped him in a gentle and wanting whimper. His lips sought hers again. Just one more kiss. Just one more. This was everything he'd wanted since he first saw her. It was more than he could have hoped for or dreamed about. Touching her sent lightning across his skin and felt better than all his fantasies. This was not enough. He needed just a little more.

"No...Levi...I... We shouldn't." Yet she kept pouting her lips when he kissed her. But she wouldn't allow him to kiss her fully.

"Petra," he almost whined when she half-heartedly resisted his kisses. She needed to make up her mind. He wanted to keep kissing her until he ran out of breath.

"No," Petra said firmly, placing her hand on his face. "Stop ruining my resolve." She kept her hand planted there. "You're way too tempting for your own good."

Levi removed her hand from his face and kissed her palm. She sighed so dreamily he wanted to capture her mouth again. "Why shouldn't we?" Levi asked. She had kissed him back just as enthusiastically. She'd clung to him and felt that spark, too, he just knew she did.

"It's a distraction. I have a goal I want to achieve and this, the Training Corps, is the first step. I want to rank in the top ten and I can't afford to get distracted by you."

Levi wanted to argue but he couldn't. He had a goal, too. He wanted to make it into the Military Police at all costs. Often times, though, when he should have been focused on the task at hand, his mind would wander to Petra instead. He could only imagine how much more she would come to dominate his thoughts if they started dating.

"I know you also have your own goal," Petra continued. "Our first focus should be getting in a position where we can achieve what we want. Everything else, like this," she said, touching his lips and he kissed her fingertips, "all this can come after."

Though he found himself agreeing with her, Levi half-heartedly felt compelled to argue. "We could still do it. Maybe we could try."

"We could but..."

Levi knew what she was attempting to say but having a hard time figuring out how best to put into words without hurting his feelings. He sighed and relented. "You gotta put yourself first and secure your own future. Everything else can come after, like you said. Trust me, I get it." Flashes of his poverty-stricken childhood appeared in his mind. He longed for a secure future, a good job, and a comfortable life more than anything. "Romance we'll have time for for the rest of our lives. But this time is critical to ensure we secure a good life for ourselves." As wonderful as it was to have someone to rely on, to share your life and joys and burdens with, Levi knew you always, always needed to be able to rely on yourself first and foremost.

"Thank you," Petra said in relief.

"Yeah, yeah," he replied unenthusiastically.

"Really. I'm so happy you understand where I'm coming from. I know you're not agreeing with me just because you like me. You get it." She caressed his cheek with the hand he kept pressed against his face. "I don't have to worry about some lecture about how great love is and putting in the effort and all that crap. As much as the idea of being loved and being in love delights me, I much prefer practicality, especially in our current situation. So I appreciate not being guilted or convinced against what I know I want."

"But you do like me." Levi wanted to know. To hear her say it out loud. He, too, wanted to first take care of his future like she did, and it would be easy to hold off until graduation if she felt the same way about him as he did her.

Petra began to mumble, a lovely blush coloring her cheeks. "You do...interest me...you know...in that way..."

"Romantically?"

She looked away shyly. "Yes," she said, very embarrassed. "I like you in a more than friends, very non-platonic, and romantic way. Happy?"

"That's all I needed," he said, satisfied. To know the jolt of thrill he felt when their skin made contact was shared by her made touching her even more pleasurable. "Can I get one more kiss?" She hesitated, debating. "Please? Just one more," he begged, brushing her lips with his thumb.

"It's a slippery slope, Levi."

"I won't want more," he promised. He'd desire it, certainly. But wouldn't try to tempt her. Probably. Maybe.

"But I might."

That was a rejection he'd happily accept. "Fine," he gave in, albeit with some reluctance. "So, are you going to teach me how to actually swim or what?"

Time spent with her was even more enjoyable now, knowing his attraction to her was mutual, and his feelings were reciprocated. It made him so giddy. For now, this is enough.

But Levi didn't miss the chance to brush his skin against hers every chance he got. Or shower her with compliments and make her get all embarrassed and cute.

When they returned to the barracks, Petra stopped him, calling out his name softly.

He stopped, watching her consider something. Then she ran up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Goodnight," she said, smiling before leaving.

The following night when they returned to the pond, this time with Oluo and Nifa, he and Petra exchanged secret smiles. Another secret thing just between them.

Her confession about finding him romantically appealing made it easier to ignore Oluo's attempts at catching her attention. Levi was starting to think she was genuinely blind to Oluo's affections for her, probably thinking he was teasing her or being friendly. Levi wondered if he should point out Oluo's feelings for her. But Petra had no interest in Oluo so Levi was content to let them figure it out themselves. He saw no point in sticking his nose between two old friends and potentially ruining things between them. It was their business and they'd handle it.

His relaxed attitude with Oluo's pursuit of Petra didn't mean he would let Oluo have time alone with her, though, so he could charm her. Additionally, the pond now held a special meaning to him and Levi wasn't about to let it be sullied by Oluo's attempt at trying to have a moment with Petra.

"Can we go back?" Levi asked Petra while Oluo raced against Nifa to see who was the better swimmer. "This place is ours. And while I like them—don't you dare tell him that—I don't want them here." He felt oddly possessive. This place is ours. Mine and Petra's.

"I feel the same."

During the day, Levi would often come to sit at the edge of the tall cliff overlooking the clearing with the pond. The view and the fresh air was relaxing. Also relaxing were the sweet memories he had attached to the pond below and often replayed. He couldn't wait until graduation. Just two more years. Then his life would truly begin.

Levi wanted to get to that warm and cozy future as soon as possible. He daydreamed about how his life would look ten years down the road: he was going to be a high-ranking, well paid, and respected MP. He would live in a beautiful, spacious house filled with delicious food and sunlight. Next, Levi imagined a wife for himself with shiny red hair, a glowing face, and a wonderfully round belly. Levi smiled to himself, hearing the sound of childish laughter and small hands reaching for and playing with Rascal, who wagged her tail rapidly.

That's enough now, he thought, getting out of his daydream. Don't get ahead of yourself. Levi stood and made his way back to camp, spending the entire time trying to force the happy smile off his face.

Levi didn't have any grand ambitions. Some might consider getting into the MPs grand but considering his abilities and dedication to learning and training, it wasn't hard like he'd feared it would be. All he wanted was to be an MP with an easy life that he could share with a wonderful woman and maybe have a couple of kids with her. Still, he needed to focus on the now if he wanted to get to that future. You can't get complacent and distracted, otherwise you could end up failing. He'd seen plenty of examples of fellow trainees who let their heads get clouded by romance and their performances suffered as a result. How well he did now would set the foundation for the rest of his life. Can't fuck this up. It was only for two years. Then he could romance Petra as much as he wanted. That made him smile again.

In the mess hall, the trainees had gathered for dinner and he went to sit with Oluo. "Where're the girls?" Levi asked, noting the missing redheads.

In response, Oluo rolled his eyes. He jerked his thumb over to where a group had gathered around a table to Oluo's lower right. "Over there," he said.

"What's going on there?"

"An arm-wrestling contest. You know that guy Lukas? He's beating everyone who challenges him and they started making bets using money and food. So now there's a nice little stash going and people keep challenging him to get their hands on the loot."

"I'm surprised you're not over there yourself."

"I'm above such immaturity," Oluo said dismissively, shrugging.

Levi didn't buy it for a second. "Uh-huh."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're just scared you'll lose, aren't you?"

Oluo opened his mouth to retort then closed it. "Hey, Lukas," he turned and yelled to the crowd, "I bet my man Levi here can beat you any day."

Lukas stood and said cockily, "Is that so?"

"Leave me out of this," Levi said, not looking up from his food. "I'm hungry and I just want to eat."

"Feeling scared, Ackerman? Don't want everyone here to know you're not good at everything, Golden-Boy?"

Oluo snickered and Levi winced, embarrassed. "Can you not call me that?"

"What're you going to do about it, Tiny?" Lukas taunted, visibly fueled by the babbling of the trainees around him.

Levi ignored him.

"Hah! I knew it. He's too scared, the little chicken."

"He's not scared," Petra came to his defense.

"What about you, Petra? Wanna give it a shot? But if I win you have to be my girlfriend and I get to kiss you in front of everyone."

Levi set his glass down loudly. "On second thought, I won't be able to enjoy my meal in peace with you yammering away like some braying donkey."

Everyone gathered around in anticipation.

The biggest meathead of the 97th Training Corps vs. the (unofficial) first ranker.

"Hell yeah, this'll be good."

"It'll be a fair contest now."

"I don't know about fair."

"Look how big Lukas is. Levi doesn't stand a chance."

Money and food were whipped out and bets were placed.

"My money's on Levi!"

"Nah, Lukas is clearly gonna win. Just look at those muscles!"

"There's no way Levi's winning this."

"I'm with you, too. Put me down for Lukas."

Levi knew they'd be clamoring his name if this were a contest of skill, not brute strength. Lukas towered over him and probably also had a good forty pounds on him. Levi's physique was also rather slight compared to Lukas's stocky one. In a contest of pure physical strength, it was obvious who would come out on top. Obvious to those who didn't know the true depth of his strength. Levi had kept it on the down-low. Not even Oluo, who sparred with him regularly, could gauge just how much raw physical power he had.

His opponent's enormous hand wrapped around Levi's smaller one.

"Ready?" A brown-haired trainee placed her hands on theirs. "Go!"

Levi slammed his opponent's hand on the table. "There. I win."

"W-Wait!" Lukas spluttered as the trainees let out shocked exclamations. "I wasn't ready!"

"Fine. One more time." Levi let the other boy sweat this time. Lukas was trying so hard that his face turned red but Levi barely budged. Casually, Levi started pushing against the massive hand, forcing it down little by little.

"Whoa!"

"He's beating him!"

"Go, Levi!"

"C'mon, Lukas, you can do it!"

Veins bulged in Lukas's neck but it was useless. The crowd erupted in groans and yells of triumphant when Levi won again.

"Yes! Pay up!"

"Aw, man!"

"There goes the money I was saving to buy a new dress."

Levi stood and said smugly, "I'll be taking my winnings, thanks." Petra, Nifa, and Oluo helped take the extra food over to their table, congratulating him while Levi stuffed his pockets with the cash. He pushed some food toward Petra. "You can have that."

She smiled warmly and sweetly at his gesture. "Thanks."

Not to look like he was giving her special treatment, he distributed the food between the four of them equally.

"Tonight we feast," Nifa said cheerfully.

"Don't mind if I do," Oluo said, helping himself to a loaf of bread.

Levi's eyes landed briefly on Petra's lips. He remembered how they felt and tasted. She caught him staring, a knowing look in her eyes. Was she thinking about that dreamy kiss, too?

This is nice. Levi thought, listening to his friends babble.

As much as he anticipated graduation, he decided he was going to miss his trainee days. They didn't have any real responsibilities yet and could enjoy themselves without too much worry.

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