DILAN'S P.O.V.
It was a few days later and unfortunately the day she spent trying to make up with Eld didn't take as well as she hoped it would.
He avoided her a lot.
It's not like he was overly rude to her or anything but whenever Dilan walked into a room, Eld normally left it, and eye contact was absolutely off the table. It was making things very awkward around the squad and honestly Dilan was starting to get a little pissed. She couldn't understand the problem. Sure, maybe she should have waited a little longer but she couldn't go back in time and change that. He was reacting like Dilan broke it off with him just to jump on Levi.
It was ridiculous.
They had been having problems for a while and they had both agreed to end it. He was making it seem like her love for Levi was the main thing that drove them apart when realistically they had been failing as a couple for many reasons. Dilan was determined to make him talk to her and get everything on the table.
She wanted to know why he was acting this way and what she could do to make it better. Not only was it pissing her off but it was causing unnecessary tension in the squad. Dilan had a feeling if she didn't get Eld to cut it out soon then Levi was going to talk to him and she didn't see that going well in the slightest.
Currently it was just after dinner. Dilan was quick to check no one was in the hallway before stepping into Levi's room and closing the door behind her. This had become something of a routine after the squad dismissed themselves for bed. She would change into comfier clothes, wait on the edge of her bed, tapping her foot impatiently while staring at the clock for 10 minutes before hurrying to Levi's room, eager to be alone with him again.
Today had been particularly torturous. He was so close and yet so far. Subtle touches while the squad weren't watching during the day weren't enough. They had managed to seek off at one point today into an unfindable corner in the castle, but the peace didn't last long and Dilan was eager to continue what they started.
Seems she wasn't the only one.
As soon as she stepped into the room, Levi turned her around. Dilan smiled at him and he smiled back before capturing her lips in an eager kiss. Dilan grabbed a fistful of his t-shirt and tugged him closer. Close enough that Levi got the message, breaking the kiss momentarily to pick her up in one smooth motion and Dilan laughed, wrapping her legs around his waist and putting her lips back on his as he kissed her up against the wall.
Levi licked her bottom lip, biting down on it teasingly and Dilan muffled a moan, feeling that feeling again. It was becoming more frequent these days as Dilan got more confident with receiving the affections and Levi got more confident giving them to her. The sound she made the night before when Levi left another hickey on her shoulder was insanely embarrassing. But the pleasurable feeling that caused her to make that sound was worth the embarrassment.
Besides… Levi seemed to like it.
Dilan opened her mouth slightly, understanding what he was asking from the gentle bite, swallowing back another moan when Levi's tongue deepened their kisses. She didn't think she would ever get used to kissing this man. He made her feel things she didn't realise were possible.
Levi broke the kiss to give them air and Dilan panted as he nipped at the skin on her neck, licking and sucking gently, making sure not to leave a mark anywhere that wasn't easily coverable. He smoothed his hand up her thigh and Dilan felt like a fire just ran through every nerve in her body.
Shit, that was new.
It wasn't bad but it was surprising enough for her to tense up a bit. Levi pulled back, feeling her sudden change and looked at her.
"Dil?" He asked quietly, worried. Dilan was still panting, the lasting effects of that burning still setting her on edge.
What was that?
"Levi…" She breathed, confused. Her heart was pounding too hard, it was starting to overwhelm her. He was both too close and yet not close enough. "I… I don't…" She tried, feeling too hot. She wasn't sure what she wanted. Levi took a second to observe her before his eyes softened in understanding.
This only confused her more.
How did he understand if she didn't?
Levi picked her up again and gently laid her down on the bed, sitting down next to her, holding her close while she calmed down. Dilan was so frustrated with her emotions that tears were building up in her eyes.
She just didn't understand.
She loved kissing Levi. What the hell provoked such an overwhelming reaction? He wasn't pushing her too hard and she was enjoying everything they were doing. So why? Why did her brain fuck her over and ruin the moment? Dilan was equally pissed as she was overwhelmed.
"I'm-" She tried to whisper shakily, feeling the need to apologise for some reason but Levi cut her off before she could finish.
"Don't, brat." He assured with a smile, gently stroking her hair. Dilan felt a tear slip down her face, even more annoyed at herself. Why did she think he'd be mad? Levi would never be mad at her. So why did she feel like she deserved a bad reaction?
God, she was so fucked up.
And with that self-loathing thought, she was unable to hold back the tears. Levi got further down in the mattress wordlessly and pulled her into his arms while she cried silently, still unsure of what she was even crying about.
"W-what's wrong with me?" She sniffed, her words coming out quiet and uncertain. Levi rubbed her back gently, pressing a kiss to the side of her head.
"Nothing." He answered. Dilan let out a shaky, humourless laugh mixed with a sob.
"We're laying here a-and I'm crying for no fucking reason and y-you think there's nothing wrong with me?" She asked in exasperation. Levi chuckled softly.
"There's nothing wrong with you, Dil. I promise. Take a breath for me, calm down and I'll explain, okay?" He soothed, holding her close and Dilan let out a shaky breath, relieved. She had no idea how he knew what the problem was, but if he knew the problem then he likely knew the solution and that thought calmed her down enough to even her breathing and stop her tears.
Levi held her for a while until she composed herself. Sensing her more stable state, Levi pulled her back slightly so he could look her in the eye.
He hesitated, probably thinking of the best way to explain it to her.
"I think I know what happened. But just in case, answer honestly, okay brat?" Levi asked, wiping the tears off of her face. Dilan sniffed, nodding. "I didn't push you too much, did I? I wasn't making you uncomfortable, right?" He asked, a worry in his eyes. Dilan looked at him in surprise and was quick to reassure him.
"No, of course not." She answered truthfully. If she knew anything right now, it's that she wasn't scared or uncomfortable before she started panicking. It had just happened. Levi let out a silent breath of relief before continuing.
"So, you enjoyed what we were doing?" He said. Dilan blushed a bit but nodded. Levi smiled in approval, stroking her cheek gently and Dilan relaxed a bit more as she looked into his eyes. "Tell me what you were feeling before." He asked. Dilan bit her lip, averting her eyes but relaxed again as Levi took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze for support.
"I… I guess… I felt good…" She admitted, slightly awkwardly and Levi gave her an encouraging look to keep going. "And then… I felt… too much? I didn't know what it meant, and I guess I was too overwhelmed, so I freaked?" She asked, almost a question. She was still very confused.
Levi smiled softly.
"Dil, I think you were just getting aroused and you aren't used to that feeling." He explained.
Dilan blinked.
"Aroused?" She asked, perplexed. She didn't think she'd ever been aroused before. Levi nodded.
Dilan's eyebrows furrowed, unsure. Levi seemed to sense she wasn't understanding and continued.
"You wanted more, right?"
"More?" She asked.
"You wanted me to touch you." He clarified carefully and Dilan's eyes widened a fraction before she thought about it. She supposed in that moment she did want more.
It didn't feel like what they were doing was enough.
"Maybe…" She mumbled, still not understanding. If she wanted more, as surprising to her as that was, then why did she freak?
"So… wanting more made you panic because you aren't ready. You haven't experienced arousal before so it makes sense that it would feel overwhelming." Levi explained logically and suddenly it made a lot more sense.
Because he was right.
She wasn't ready for more and the fact that she wanted it scared the fuck out of her. Levi seemed to know her better than she knew herself.
Dilan calmed slightly, feeling more at ease now that she knew what happened. That didn't mean she still wasn't very embarrassed.
"Oh…" She blushed. "Is that bad?" She asked quietly, looking at him. Levi smiled reassuringly, tucking some hair behind her ear.
"No brat. It's not bad. The next time you feel overwhelmed just tell me and we'll take a breather. Don't get upset, okay? I'm never going to be mad." He comforted. Dilan cracked a smile, feeling indescribably warm. She was too lucky for this man.
Dilan got closer and Levi gave her what she wanted, holding her in his arms again.
"I don't deserve you." She mumbled, half joking, half not.
Levi scoffed softly.
"Shut up. You deserve everything, stupid brat. I'll do my best to give it to you." He replied and Dilan's eyes teared up again, the warmth in her chest almost unbearable. She had never felt so safe and loved.
"I love you, Levi." She whispered, content. Levi pressed a kiss to her neck.
"I love you too." He replied, a smile in his voice and Dilan sighed, happy as she melted into him. Levi held her for a while, stroking her back while she completely calmed down. "Feel better?" Levi asked quietly. Dilan hummed a 'yes', her eyes closed. It was scary being that out of control of her emotions, but she felt okay now. "Good. Come on, we should get ready for bed." He suggested. Dilan sighed, too tired and comfortable to even think about moving.
"No." She mumbled. Levi chuckled warmly
"Fine, stupid. Hang on and I'll carry you." Levi offered. Dilan smiled at his thoughtfulness. It was hard to believe she had ever thought this man was cold and emotionless. He was the most caring person she had ever met.
Keeping her eyes closed, she held on as Levi sat up, wrapping her legs around him as he stood and walked into the bathroom. He sat her down on the edge of the sink, keeping his hands on her hips to make sure she didn't fall off in her tired state. Dilan pulled back slightly to look at him, keeping her arms wrapped around his neck. Levi lent his forehead against hers and Dilan smiled, closing the gap to put her lips on his.
He kissed her for a moment. It was slow and gentle and everything she needed. He always managed to be everything she needed.
Levi pulled back, letting them catch their breaths, pressing a few kisses to her neck before leaning around her to get their toothbrushes. Levi had suggested it the fourth night she slept in his room, saying it made more sense than keeping it in her room since she doesn't really sleep in there anymore.
Dilan knew it was just a toothbrush but having something of hers in his room permanently delighted her more than her pride would allow her to admit. In fact, she wanted more of her things in his room. The idea of living with him properly made her heart swell and she had cursed herself for such a reaction, giving they had only just started dating. She never used to be this sappy.
What the hell had this bastard done to her?
"How's the blonde devil?" Dilan asked as she took her toothbrush and put some toothpaste on it. Levi sighed, doing the same.
Levi had gone to HQ early this morning to report to Erwin which had pissed Dilan off to no end given the mornings were her favourite part of the day. She got to lay in with Levi, sometimes talking, sometimes not. It was just peaceful and perfect and normally no one distracted them. When a messenger from Hanji's squad knocked on his door, breaking the tranquil moment, they both almost jumped out of their skins.
"Irritating as ever. I don't know why he insists on dragging me up there. We have nothing to report that couldn't be done in a telegram. Nothing's happened." Levi scoffed.
"He's paranoid. Especially after the attack on Hanji's specimens." Dilan pointed out. Levi hummed.
"Yeah, I guess his feeling was spot on. The squad being there must have deterred the bastard for a while. As soon as we left, they made their move. Their smart. It's unsettling." He mumbled. Dilan smiled reassuringly, brushing some hair away from his eyes.
"We'll catch them. Don't worry right now, there's nothing you can do." Dilan comforted. Levi let out a breath, nodding.
"You're right." He agreed. Dilan smirked and hopped down from the sink, feeling more awake now. Awake enough to control her limbs at least.
"Course I am." She grinned. Levi rolled his eyes, starting to brush his teeth. Dilan chuckled silently at his relentless scrubbing method before starting to clean her own teeth.
They finished cleaning their teeth and Dilan left the bathroom so Levi could get changed out of his uniform. A part of her was curious. She had seen Levi half naked once, but it was only a brief second's glance and it was a long time ago. She wouldn't be opposed to another viewing…
Dilan's eyes widened, shaking her head quickly and desperately forcing down a blush at the inappropriate thoughts.
Her head was all over the place tonight.
Why the hell was Levi interested in a mess like her anyhow? Dilan sighed and flopped back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. It was something she thought about often. Why would anyone ever like her? She was vulgar, blunt, violent, brash. Did she have any redeeming qualities? She had certainly fucked Eld up during the time they spent together. Would she fuck Levi up too? Her heart twisted at the thought.
He was so perfect.
And she… she was so… broken…
For a split second, Dilan felt herself slipping but the sound of the bathroom door opening snapped her out of it, and she looked up as Levi came through, raking a hand through his hair.
"Oi, shithead. You got spit on my floor. Do I need to teach you something as simple as personal hygiene?" He mocked, elegant as ever.
Dilan looked at him and all of the bad feelings vanished in an instant. He loved her. She wasn't sure why, but he did and that was enough.
"What's the smile for, brat?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as he slid into the covers with her.
Dilan smiled wider and cuddled up to him.
"Nothing much." She shrugged, pressing a kiss to his neck before relaxing into him. Levi settled as well, wrapping an arm around her. "Besides, how do you know it was my spit? Maybe your clean freak went rogue." She challenged with a smirk. Levi grimaced heavily and it made her laugh.
"Nice one. Absolutely hilarious." He replied dryly. Dilan giggled, rolling her eyes.
"I'm completely hilarious. You love it." She smiled, leaning up to look at him. Levi cracked a smile of his own before stubbornly looking away.
"You aren't boring, I'll give you that." He huffed. Dilan chuckled, stroking her fingers through his hair and Levi instantly relaxed.
The response was involuntary.
Dilan had learnt this a few days after they got together, and she had to stop herself from laughing at the realisation. Whenever she goes anywhere near the man's hair, he practically purrs like a cat. She never expected to find things like this out about him. It was completely adorable.
The funniest part was Levi didn't seem to notice.
"Should I clean it?" Dilan whispered in a warm voice as Levi turned on his side and pressing his forehead to her shoulder, subconsciously giving her better access and telling her, without words, what he wanted but was too proud to admit.
Dilan smiled and gave it to him anyway, slowly smoothing her palm up the back of his neck and undercut, continuing to comb through the soft strands of hair, pleased as all the tension dripped out of his body. Levi wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer and letting out a breath.
"I cleaned it already, stupid." He mumbled tiredly. Dilan frowned and stopped her hands in his hair.
"Stupid, huh?" She asked, deeply amused as Levi's body tensed up dramatically.
There was a moment of silence while he was clearly weighing his options, obviously wanting her to continue but too proud to say it. But apologising was something his stubbornness wouldn't allow either.
Dilan wondered what he would do.
Another second later, he gave in. Dilan was surprised by the option he went for.
"Sorry… don't stop." He grumbled into her shoulder, a clear embarrassment in his tone and Dilan found it incredibly cute. He continued to surprise her. The Levi she used to know never would have given in like that. Guess she wasn't the only one allowing herself to be more vulnerable.
Dilan didn't say anything, simply humming softly and continuing to thread her hands through his hair, her heart considerably warm. Levi sighed in relief, relaxing again and Dilan chuckled silently.
"Any progress with Eld today?" Levi asked after a while. Dilan's mood dropped slightly, and Levi clearly noticed. He pulled her back gently to look at her.
Dilan sighed.
"No. This morning when you were gone, I went down to have breakfast and Eld was in the middle of saying something… and when he saw me, he stopped talking and looked away. It made me feel so shitty I just grabbed my food and ate outside." She admitted, fiddling with a button on Levi's shirt.
Levi frowned.
"He's being pathetic. I hate that he's making you feel like that. I don't want you separating yourself from the squad just because of his issues. If anyone should fuck off, it's him." Levi protested. Dilan smiled sadly.
"He's hurting, Levi. No matter how he's showing it. He feels hurt and he has a right to let it out. I've already talked to the squad about it. He needs them right now more than I do. I don't want him to feel like the squads abandoning him." She explained. Levi pursed his lips, obviously still annoyed.
"He's being a dick. Why won't you just let me talk some sense into him?" He asked. Dilan chuckled, rolling her eyes.
"Because. Threatening your girlfriend's ex doesn't seem very professional. Besides, I still want us to be friends after he takes the time, he needs, away from me. I don't want you to scare him into it." She continued. Levi's frown lessened a bit.
"I… don't have to be scary." He shrugged, averting his eyes. Dilan smiled, pressing a kiss to his lips, pleased as the frown vanished.
"Levi, I'm sorry, but that's just not true." She replied with a smirk. He made a face.
"What are you talking about? I can be… nice." His face twisting in annoyance and disgust at the very idea and Dilan burst out laughing at the sight, pressing her face into his shoulder so people outside wouldn't hear. Levi sighed. "Fine. You made your point." He huffed. Dilan composed herself and pulled back to smirk at the light pink on his cheeks as he looked away.
"It's adorable that you thought that. Even for a second." She teased. Levi glared at her.
"Don't call me that." Dilan kissed his cheek, delighted as the blush grew deeper.
"But it's true. Are you asking me to lie to you?!" She asked dramatically with a grin and Levi glared harder.
"Whatever. We're getting off track here. I don't want you alone if I'm not here just because Eld needs the squad right now or whatever. You're important too." He said seriously. Dilan smiled, stroking some hair behind his ear.
"Don't be worried, I'm not alone. Each of them has actually come to me individually asking if they can help with the situation. Even Oluo was worried about how I was doing. I told them all the same thing. To be there for Eld and help him get through this. I'm doing fine, great actually. I've got you after all." She said honestly. Levi sighed in defeat, smiling a bit back.
"As long as your fine." He asked. Dilan nodded.
"It's only been a few days; I'm sure things will get better. Besides, while this morning was horrendously awkward, and I'll admit, left me feeling pretty shitty, the kid came out and sat with me. Eren is so sweet. You're way too hard on him, Levi." Dilan pointed out. Levi's eyes softened a bit.
"Well… he isn't completely useless." He mumbled. Dilan gave him a look and he sighed. "Fine, he's a good kid." He admitted. "I'm glad he was there for you today." He added. Dilan smiled in agreement, leaning into him.
"We'll all be fine, right?" Dilan asked tiredly, her eyelids growing heavy. Levi pulled the covers over her shoulders.
"Course, brat. It'll work out." He comforted. Dilan smiled, relieved.
"Good." She sighed. "Are you tired?" She asked, yawning slightly. These days she didn't like to go to sleep if Levi wasn't at least close to it himself. Dilan didn't like the idea of him up alone struggling with his insomnia by himself. If he couldn't get to sleep, Dilan would rather stay up with him, so he had someone to keep him company. Thankfully, there hadn't been much opportunity yet. Levi's insomnia seemed to be dormant recently. When he was tired… he just went to sleep.
It made Dilan happy to see him so well rested.
"Yeah, I'll be out soon. Don't worry, go to sleep, brat." He encouraged. Dilan pulled back slightly to look at him, pleased to see the tired contented face Levi often wore when he was verging on sleep. She smiled at him, pressed her lips to his for a moment, lingering before pulling back and melting into his embrace. Levi kissed the side of her head, blowing out the oil lamp before settling down into the covers himself, holding her close to him.
Dilan sighed in content, closing her eyes and fading into the darkness.
LEVI'S P.O.V.
Levi woke up early the next day. The morning was premature, the light barely beginning to trickle through the curtains of the window. He sighed softly in content; Dilan still wrapped up in his arms. Levi pulled her back, only slightly, to look at her, delicately brushing a strand of hair out of her face.
His brow furrowed in thought.
Last night had opened his eyes slightly. While he had expected Dilan to freak out about intimacy at some point, and he was already prepared to calm her down and reassure her, he hadn't expected her to panic from arousal alone. Minor arousal too. They hadn't even taken any layers of clothing off.
Perhaps he had underestimated just how little she had done with Eld. He knew they never had sex, but was there the possibility that they never even had a heated make-out session? That Dilan was so utterly surprised by these new feelings that they completely ambushed and overwhelmed her? Levi supposed there was no other explanation. It made sense now that he thought about it. Dilan hadn't told Eld that she was raped, so it's unlikely that she would often put herself in a position that could potentially freak her out, if Levi disregarded the few times she forced herself into trying to have sex with him.
Was that what happened last night to some degree? Did she think on a subconscious level that what they were doing could potentially lead to more if it got heated enough? Did she think that Levi was hoping it would turn into more? Was that why she tried to apologise?
Levi guessed they hadn't talked about sex yet.
They both knew she wasn't ready, and Levi was confident that Dilan knew how much he respected that. But Dilan didn't know his whole thoughts on the matter. If she never wanted to go through with it, that would be completely fine with him. Levi wouldn't be able to live with himself if she forced herself into sex just to make him happy. Maybe they should have a talk, just to lay everything on the table. All he needed was her. What they had right now was more than enough for him. He didn't need her body to satisfy him in this relationship.
Smoothing his thumb over her cheekbone gently, his eyes softened at the subtle smile that pulled at her lips.
She's so beautiful, he thought with a smile.
Levi glanced at the time, looking back at Dilan afterwards. He kissed her forehead and carefully untangled himself, pulling the covers over her after he stood up from the bed. He'd let her sleep in for a bit while he got himself a drink.
Pulling on a jumper, he quietly left the room, heading down into the kitchen.
When he entered the space, his eyes were immediately drawn to the other person seated at the table in the room.
Eld was slouched over, nursing a cup of coffee. His eyes flicked up to Levi's and they stared at each other for a moment.
Levi might have felt awkward if he wasn't so pissed off. Dilan was doing everything to make this pathetic shit happy. She made him breakfast, she scrubbed his room until her hands were raw, she helped him out subtly whenever she could with chores. She even separated herself from the squad so Eld could get his space without isolating himself from their friends.
Levi could get how shitty he felt. He, himself, had felt that way for a long time. To love Dilan and not have her truly sucked. She was the most amazing person in these walls, and he could try but there is no truly getting over her.
Levi had stopped attempting to.
Perhaps if Levi was in Eld's position, he would even be a little upset too, but the way he was treated Dilan was not justified. Just like all the times he made her feel like shit while they were together were not justified. She was trying so hard and he wasn't giving any effort back.
Levi hesitated before breaking the eye contact, coming further into the room to make his tea. Dilan may bend herself backwards to make Eld more comfortable but Levi sure as shit wasn't going to give him any special treatment.
There was a heavy silence around them, but Levi didn't pay any attention. He idly walked around the kitchen, collecting the supplies he needed while the kettle boiled on the stove. Eld, surprisingly, stayed sitting at the table, drinking his coffee. Levi was reminded of the night he came downstairs at the Inn and Eld was seated in the darkness. They were both troubled by thoughts of the same woman that night. Levi would easily bet his life on the fact that the current thoughts of this room were directed in a similar area.
Levi finished making his tea, leaning back on the kitchen counter while he drank it. He watched Eld staring at his coffee, his hands clenched around the mug, wondering what was going on inside that blonde head of his. It was a shame Dilan told him not to talk to Eld. This would have been the perfect opportunity.
Unsurprisingly, Eld broke first.
"Say it." He muttered under his breath. Eld looked at him and he raised an eyebrow. "Please Captain, you obviously have something to say. Say it." He said bravely. Levi's eyes glinted in interest.
"Are you sure you can handle it?" Levi asked, monotoned. He took another sip of his tea.
Eld clenched his jaw.
"I'm not made of glass, contrary to the believes of the squad." He gritted in annoyance. Levi frowned.
"Okay, Gin. You want me to say it." He walked over and sat opposite him at the table, setting his tea down. "You're petty. Possessive. Pathetic. Dilan has apologised, she's done more than apologise. She's done more that you deserved, especially after the way you treated her when you two were together." He started. Eld swallowed and averted his eyes. "Personally, I don't see that there is anything she should even apologise for." He said, crossing his arms. Eld frowned.
"She only waited-"
"A week. Yes, she only waited a week. But let me ask you this. How long should she have waited?" Levi asked seriously, eyes trained on the man in front of him. Eld looked slightly taken a back.
"I…"
"How long did you expect her to wait? Weeks, months, years? What did you want from her? Did you want her to cry? Grieve you? Miss you? Because if you did that isn't love. It's possession. You don't love her Eld. You love the feeling of her being yours." Levi said coldly, slightly surprised by his own harsh words. He knew he was pushing it, but he needed to get through to him.
Eld's eyes widened.
"That's not true-!"
"If it isn't, then prove it. Let her be happy without regret. If you truly loved her then stop being so shitty to her. She's trying so fucking hard with you, dumbass. Can't you see how much you mean to her? Yes, you aren't together anymore, and it sucks. But that's not Dilan's fault so stop taking it out on her." Levi finished.
Eld dropped his eyes back down to his coffee, an unreadable expression on his face.
There was silence for a long time.
"I do…" He whispered, looking up at him. "Yes, I was an asshole! I… I am an asshole. But I do love her, can't you understand?" Eld asked in a broken voice.
Levi sighed, leaning back in his chair. His eyes softened because he could understand.
"Eld, I've loved her for seven years." Levi admitted and Eld's eyes widened at his confession. "I've had my fair share of the shitty feelings you've got crammed up in you there." He said.
Eld took a moment.
"How… how did you get rid them?" He asked quietly. Levi scoffed.
"I didn't, clearly." He replied. "But if you're asking what you should do with them, you've got two options. I've tried my hand at both." He continued.
Eld looked at him eagerly.
"You can let them eat at you, try to ignore them and Dilan. Push her away to protect yourself… or… you can accept them. Accept they might not change, and things might be shit for a while but hope at a certain point you will find yourself content. Now I know I'm not your favourite person right now but trust me, it's better to have her in your life than to not. It might even be harder at first, but the pain does go away. In a few years when this is all in the past and you've moved on, you'll feel a lot better if she's a friend. Not a regret. Understand?" Levi asked.
Eld's brows furrowed slightly.
"I think… I do. But… what if I can't accept them?" He asked. Levi sighed and stood up, setting his empty teacup in the sink.
"Then you lose her." Levi answered, turning to face Eld again. "But as someone who has attempted to cut her out of their life before, you need to know two things. One, it will hurt her indescribably and no matter how many times you tell yourself you are doing for her, it's bullshit. Hurting her like that is selfish and if it benefits anyone, it's only yourself." Levi informed and Eld looked down slightly.
"And the second?" He asked.
"She won't stop trying to get you back." Levi said simply.
Eld looked up in surprise.
"No matter how far you try to push her away, she won't give up on you. It doesn't matter how long it's been or how awful you were to her. When you come to your senses one day and apologise, she'll accept you back, she'll be your friend again and she'll hold absolutely no resentments towards you. Not that it makes what you've done to her okay. But she will forgive you. I suggest you choose wisely." Levi finished, walking towards the door. He had said what he needed to. It was the blonde's decision now.
Eld's eyes glossed over slightly and he stood up, speaking again before Levi could walk away.
"Why though? Why does she keep trying? Why doesn't she resent people?" Eld sniffed. Levi glanced at him.
"Because she's Dilan." Levi answered, heading out of the room.
Levi could only hope that Eld would heed his words and not make the same mistakes he did.
DILAN'S P.O.V.
Dilan blinked open her eyes and sighed, stretching out her arms and snuggling back into the covers.
She heard a soft snort of amusement and frowned.
"Are you laughing at me?" Dilan asked tiredly, her voice muffled by the pillow her face was currently pressed into. Another small chuckle was her response.
"No. Just wondering if you will be the first person to smother yourself in your sleep. It must be impossible to breathe like that." Levi pointed out. Dilan was currently lying flat with her head down, face shoved into the fluffy pillow. With much effort she lifted her face to look at Levi, who was sitting next to her on the bed, reading a book, raising an eyebrow at her.
"I'll have you know, asshole. I have a method." She said through a yawn, shuffling over to cuddle into his side and close her eyes again. She sighed in content as Levi wrapped an arm around her.
"That right?" He asked, a smile in his voice. Dilan hummed a 'yes'.
"When I run out of breath, I twist and breath normally for a bit then I can get comfy again." Dilan mumbled. Levi laughed lightly, stroking some hair behind her ear.
"And suffocating yourself is comfy?" He teased. Dilan opened her eyes to glare at his smirking face.
"Do not judge my sleeping habits! You- you…" She tried, sitting up and trying to think of something annoying Levi does in his sleep.
Levi's smirk widened.
"I…?" He asked with a smug look. Dilan frowned at him, but he did have a point. The man was annoyingly perfect while unconscious. He stayed in one place, didn't snore or drool. Dilan on the other hand, was a roller. If Levi didn't hold her in his arms so often, she was certain she would have fallen off of the bed by now out of probability alone.
"Fine, bastard. You're perfect, is that what you want to hear?" She huffed, feigning annoyance and attempting to get out of the bed but Levi laughed and pulled her back, kissing her. And like always, all of Dilan's annoyance, even the fake part, melted away.
"I'm not perfect." He stated after pulling back.
Dilan narrowed her eyes at him and he laughed.
"I'm not, brat. I only sleep like I'm dead because I don't normally get a straight 9 hours. My body isn't used to it, wants to make the most of it, not wasting energy on rolling around and getting comfortable." He explained and Dilan's eyes saddened slightly, realising that was true.
Levi smiled reassuringly, stroking her cheek.
"But with you around, I'm pretty sure things are good now. Give me a month and I'll be suffocating myself too." He joked and Dilan laughed, the idea of him sleeping normally filling her with happiness. Not only that but the idea of sleeping next to him for a month and hopefully a lot longer.
"Good. Although I wouldn't recommend it. Fucking kills the neck." Dilan grimaced, rubbing her neck. Levi chuckled, rolling his eyes, he kissed her again.
Dilan pulled back, feeling like something was bothering him. What was also weird was that she had the opportunity to roll around. Normally she woke up in Levi's arms meaning today he must have gotten up early.
"Did you go somewhere this morning?" She asked, curious as Levi's face dropped slightly and he looked away. "Levi, what happened?" She asked.
Levi sighed.
"Total honesty, right?" He asked, looking back at her. Dilan frowned slightly in confusion but nodded. "I talked to Eld-"
"You what?!" She asked, wide eyes.
Shit.
"I didn't mean to- look, I just went down to get a drink and he was there." Levi explained. Dilan raked a hand through her hair, distressed.
"So just because he was there, you had to talk to him?" She was pissed off and she wasn't going to hide it. She had directly asked him not to talk to Eld. It would only make things harder for them to reconcile.
"Dil-"
"Levi, you told me you wouldn't." She complained, pulling away from him and starting to pace. Eld was never going to forgive her. He's going to think she sent Levi to talk to him.
Levi sighed, rubbing his face, sitting over the edge of the bed.
"I know. I know, I'm sorry, it's just… I hate seeing you upset. I wanted to do something, I wanted-" He cut himself off and shook his head.
Dilan sighed, her eyes softening.
She took a breath and walked back over to him, standing in between his legs. Levi looked up at her, regret in his eyes. She offered a sad smile.
"I know. You just wanted to help me, and I appreciate that but… we can't go behind each other's backs. It doesn't matter if talking to him helped or didn't, it was going around me and I always want us to be upfront with each other." She explained calmly, smoothing her hands over his shoulder blades and Levi sighed, relaxing a bit.
"You're right, I want that too. I'm sorry." He said genuinely. Dilan smiled, leaning down to kiss him for a moment.
"I'm sorry too. I was just surprised, I over reacted." She replied softly after pulling back. Levi shook his head slightly, gently pulling her onto his lap and Dilan draped her arms over his shoulders.
"You were right to be mad. I fucked up." He sighed. Dilan stroked some hair out of his eyes.
"Was it bad? What happened?" She asked, not angry but still nervous.
"Honestly I think it went well. I might have been a little harsh but once we got past me telling him off for being a dick-"
"Levi!" She made a face and Levi chuckled.
"Sorry. But once we got through that we had a real talk. I don't think I changed his mind on anything, but he knows his options now." Levi continued. Dilan tilted her head.
"Options?" She asked.
"Hm. It's shitty but Dil, he either has to let you go or accept you as his friend again. The in-between isn't right or fair to either of you." Levi explained carefully. Dilan's face fell a bit. She knew Levi was right but the idea of losing Eld completely hurt too much to think about.
"I don't want to lose him." Dilan mumbled. Levi gave her a look of understanding, pulling her into a hug.
"I know, brat. But for now, it might be for the best, if it's what he chooses. We may not always see eye-to-eye, but I respect Eld for his decision-making skills. If he has the time, he always obsesses over every possible angle. It's why I chose him as my second, while you were gone, during Maria. If he thinks this is what's best, you might have to accept that." Levi suggested.
Dilan thought about it for a moment.
"No." She replied, pulling back to look at him. "Maybe it makes me a selfish bitch, but I don't give two shits. He's my friend and I'm going to make him see that." Dilan said stubbornly. Levi looked at her in surprise for a moment before cracking a smile and shaking his head slightly in disbelief.
"Alright. If you want to keep trying, then you have my support. I'll help out where I can." Levi offered and Dilan smiled back gratefully.
"Thanks, grumps. I appreciate it." She said genuinely, kissing him and climbing off his lap.
Glancing at the time they should really get ready. People should start getting up soon-
Her thoughts were cut off by an agonising scream followed by a lot of shouting.
"CODE RED! I REPEAT CODE RED! THE CHICKEN HAS MADE IT'S MOVE! A MAN IS DOWN, I REPEAT! A MAN IS DOWN!" A muffled yell that sounded like Gunther's came from downstairs and Dilan and Levi shared a look of horror, ripping the door open and sprinting down the stairs.
Everyone was gathered in the dining hall, fear on their expressions. Dilan gasped as she saw it. Oluo was writhing around on the ground, squirming and groaning, cupping his crotch. Why was he-
-oh. That poor bastard.
Hanji's stood behind him; face twisted in shock. Dilan was surprised to see her. She had been away at HQ for a while.
"Sir, what happened?!" Eren asked in a panic.
Unfortunately, there was only one very obvious answer to that.
The chicken.
This was not the first incident they had faced over the past few days. Ever since the chicken had gained access to the building… all sorts of things started happening.
First, the panty was destroyed.
Second, the chicken got into Petra's room and tore up her bedding as well as leaving a lovely little surprise in her shoe. To Petra's dismay she wasn't in the know about the gift until her foot was already in. Dilan heard her scream from the other side of the castle.
Next, it hid in one of the cupboards in the kitchen, made itself a little burrow. When Gunther opened the door, it screeched in his face and Gunther fell over and hit his head. He ended up with a concussion for a day. A similar thing happened to Eren when the chicken ran into the bathroom while he was having a shower and he fell over and broke his leg. Thankfully it healed in a few hours but Eren's embarrassment for having been found naked on the bathroom floor and carried out, in nothing but a towel, would have surely scarred.
Eld drank coffee which had bird shit in the bottom of it. The worst part was he complained about how bad the coffee was that morning until the last sip and then saw the cause. Safe to say he threw up hard after seeing that. They had all learnt a lesson after that incident to guard their food with their life.
Thankfully Dilan and Levi hadn't been subject to any more attacks themselves. Neither had Oluo until this very moment.
They had tried everything, set traps, searched countless times but the bird always disappears. They were at its mercy and it was very troubling. Dilan was starting to think it was a ghost chicken. Whatever explanations were there? Where the hell did it come from and where the hell does it go?!
Gunther helped Oluo up, sitting him with his back against the wall. The pale faced man wiped some sweat off of his brow before recounting his trauma.
"Took my… paperwork. I tried… I fought so hard to get them back but… no use. The fucker headbutted me in the crouch and I was down for the count." Oluo informed and all the men in the room winced. Oluo sniffed, close to tears. Gunther pat him on the shoulder for support. At the beginning of this, they probably would have made fun of him, but it had gone on too long now.
The devil was taunting them, hiding in the shadows until it could make its next move.
"Did you see where it went?" Levi asked seriously, eyes burning with annoyance. Dilan could understand his frustrations as well as her own. They were humanities strongest soldiers and they couldn't stop their squad from being bullied by a chicken.
Oluo shook his head.
"No sir." He sighed.
There was a moment of solemn silence.
"I'm sorry! But what in the fresh hell is going on here!?" Hanji asked in exasperation, looking at them all like they were crazy.
Dilan almost laughed. For once in her life, Hanji wasn't the craziest looking person in the room.
"Petra, get Hanji and her squad up to date." Levi said seriously. Everyone looked to him. "Get ready and meet back here in 10. We're ending this." He finished and eyes grew in determination.
Oluo took a ragged breath and struggled to rise but managed to stand tall.
"We're with you sir. One battle to end it all." Oluo said strongly. They all nodded in agreement.
Levi looked at them in approval.
"Let's get to it then."
10 minutes later and they were all dressed and ready for battle. Hanji had been filled in, as well as her squad and after hearing about all the horrible things the chicken had put them through, they were eager to help. Hanji, herself, was interested in studying the creature. Levi assured her that if they were able to trap the thing, she could take it back to her lab and study what makes it so fucking annoying.
Currently they were all gathered in the meeting room at the top of the castle. The doors were shut and bolted. The chicken was not getting in here to disturb them right now. Dilan and Levi had spent the last 10 minutes planning how to capture the thing.
"Right. Here's how it's going to go down." Dilan started, resting her hands on the strong oak table and looking at the blueprints of the building. "In the past, we were naïve. We underestimated how far this chicken was willing to go to cause us trouble. So, where did we search?" Dilan asked the crowd.
"The areas around the places of attack." Petra answered. Dilan nodded, orange eyes glowing with determination.
"We figured it wouldn't stray too far and risk getting lost. We believed it to have a specific hiding place in the centre of our base so it wouldn't have to go too far in order to hide away, regroup." Dilan scoffed, annoyed with herself.
They had been thinking about it all wrong.
"You're saying it's hideout is in a distant location." Oluo interpreted, casually holding a pack of clothed ice to his crotch.
"Exactly. We've searched our sector of the castle more than once and got nothing. This bastard is playing the long game." Levi explained and eyes widened.
"Y-your saying… it seeks us out. Travels distances to torment us?" Gunther asked shakily. Dilan and Levi shared a look before nodding. It was the only explanation. They would have found trace of it otherwise.
"Oh god. It's a psychopath." Eren mumbled.
There was a moment of silence before Hanji exploded.
"THIS IS INCREDIBLE! A REAL-LIFE ANIMAL SPECIMIN WITH GRUDGES AND A BONE TO PICK! What do you think it wants?! It must have a motive! Maybe it has issues with authority! Do chickens have present fathers? Maybe it has daddy issues!" She squealed, face red with excitement, writing her theories down rapidly in her notebook.
"Section commander!" Moblit complained.
"Be a bit more sensitive." Nifa chastised.
"But-"
"Shut it, four-eyes. You can go all crazy scientist once we've found the demon. Deal?" Levi asked, irritated.
Hanji pouted but nodded in agreement.
"Alright. So today we searched the parts of the castle that are completely abandoned." Dilan continued, marking out the parts of the castle they were to search in red. "It'll be dark over there so bring torches. I have no doubt they'll be debris and dirt everywhere. Make sure you don't hurt yourself or fall over anything. It's what the chicken wants." Dilan said seriously.
They nodded.
"I'll put you into teams of two. No one should be alone at any time. You'll be equipped with nets and grain. Use it wisely, the last thing we want to do is give it more food to live off of." Levi explained and they nodded again in understanding as they grabbed a net from the side and a small pouch of grain.
Dilan glanced over to Eld and bit her lip. This could be a good opportunity. Or more like her only opportunity where he won't be allowed to escape her. If he was going to cut her out of his life she at least wanted a real explanation.
"Levi." Dilan whispered as the group discussed which sectors who should be sent to. Levi looked at her. "Put me with Eld." She asked.
Levi hesitated.
"You sure?" He asked, worried. Dilan smiled reassuringly.
"I'm sure." She said confidently. Levi gave subtle smile back and nodded, turning back to the group.
"Alright. Petra, Gunther, got to the west wing. Oluo, Nifa, the right. Dilan and Eld, the mess hall. Moblit and Thomas, the storage supply room." He ordered and most took subtle glances at Eld, who's face twisted in panic. Dilan cringed slightly, sort of regretting her decision but she had made her choice, no going back now.
At least he didn't outright object.
"Um, you didn't give me a partner, sir?" Eren pointed out. Levi frowned at him.
"That's because you're with me. Someone's got to keep an eye on you, titan brat. We'll head to the old kitchen" Levi replied and Eren gulped.
"What about me!? You didn't give me a partner either Levi!" Hanji said, jumping up and down and waving. Levi grimaced slightly.
"Do you need one?" He asked dryly. Hanji laughed, pushing her glasses up.
"More like want! I'll just come with you and Eren, I have some questions to ask him anyhow!" She said cheerfully, throwing an arm around the nervous teen's shoulders.
Levi sighed.
"Perfect." He mumbled. "Let's head out then. You need back up, call for it. The nearest team will come to your aid." He added. They nodded.
"Yes, sir."
When they got outside, the teams split off. Dilan shared a last look with Levi before walking off in the opposite direction with Eld. They had all been given torches and smaller versions of the map. Dilan lit the torch and smiled at her partner.
"Ready?" She asked. Eld frowned and looked away.
"Yeah." He mumbled and they started walking. Dilan sighed silently.
She felt like this was going to be a long day.
A/N: THE CHICKEN HUNT HAS COMMENCED!
God. What am I doing? Lmao!
No regrets personally, who knew it was so fun to write about a chicken fugitive?
I'm unsure if it's a chicken or a rooster actually. I think it's probably a chicken. Just a possessed one lol.
For those of you that aren't liking all the chicken parts of the story you have my apologies but it will be over with by the end of the next chapter. As will the grievances with Eld. Hopefully.
Dilan finally had a bit of a panic. We were probably expecting it eventually. She's not used to any of these feelings, especially subconsciously wanting to go further with Levi. Given she's not ready there's no question that was going to freak her out. But Levi handled it perfectly as always. He's so good to her, I cry. Lol.
Levi set Eld straight. Probably a bit harsh but it is Levi. We weren't expecting that much sympathy but he did his best to relate. They had their first lovers spat too. Pretty mellow argument. There's enough drama around with Eld and the chicken for me to put Dilan and Levi against each other too. Despite what you may think I am not that evil lol. They are a team and they are going to handle the drama together.
Next chapter will be the final showdown with the demon. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for reading and commenting as always. Love you guys! Stay safe! X