Sorry for the delay, I'm back at university in person (uh, kind of) so updates will be slower. Had to change around the timeline very slightly, but it won't affect the plot too much. If at all. If you recall the winter training where Ymir and Christa/Historia spoke about living for herself, that just takes place now.

Warning: this chapter does contain smut. Minors dni, as this will contain adult content. This is your warning.

As much as I wanted this to be a plot-driven chapter like the rest of my chapters thus far, this is almost self-indulgent and focusing solely on Bláithín and Levi's relationship. Hope that's ok - if not, the regular, overly dramatic chapters make a comeback in chapter 26!

Published: 05/03/2021

Revamped: ?

Bláithín didn't need to sleep on that decision at all. She knew exactly what she wanted.

The week waiting up to the departure to the Cadet Corps passed by as normal as ever, although now, Bláithín and Levi spent a bit more time together. Not in either person's rooms, but they both found themselves waking up earlier than normal to have extra time together.

And beyond that, nothing much changed between. Realistically speaking, what would change? They were already so close, but now Bláithín could get away with annoying him a little bit more and Levi had to watch his tongue.

Levi was, quite noticeably, on the fence about this relationship. He wasn't going to distance himself like before but Bláithín noticed if she ever leaned closer to him, he'd stiffen and look way out of his depth. He tried to hide it but nothing could go unnoticed by the blonde anymore. Bláithín chalked it down to him not being overly experienced or used to someone reaching for his hand or being physical in a way that wasn't throwing a punch. Bláithín wasn't either, she was going purely on instinct so she did understand how he felt.

It wasn't just that, though.

Should he, Humanity's Strongest, have allowed himself to fall for her? What would he do if she passed away, or vice versa? How would either of them cope? Better yet, would they even cope?

Truth be told, Levi didn't want to know that answer. In fact, it was one of the few things he was scared to know the answer to. Levi wouldn't admit that, though.

Was he wrong to fall from his pedestal and become more devoted and enamoured with his second-in-command, or was it okay for him to indulge - to let go and accept - what life could offer? He had suffered enough in life already, was he allowed to have one good thing go right, or was this going to curse him in the long run?

Was there anything wrong in being a bit more human and wanting to be with her, or would this jinx him later?

He didn't want to know and these thoughts kept him awake at night on top of everything else. And so, last week after Bláithín had confirmed she'd like to be his partner, he went straight to Erwin, hoping the blond commander would set him straight. Plus, it was probably the responsible thing to do to let him know he was now on romantic terms with Bláithín.

Much to his surprise, Erwin only responded with an "about time" and Levi could only groan. So perhaps, it was inevitable they'd find their way to each other? Levi didn't say much more about this, but Erwin, Levi and Bláithín did agree on one thing: this relationship would still remain professional when in the presence of other people and that in private, they were free to do what they liked.

And that Hange couldn't know, because she would not let them live it down. She probably already had her suspicions but hearing them confirm it to her would only make her combust with excitement. And the fewer people that knew, the better.

So, maybe Levi was a bit scared of this new relationship but he couldn't deny he liked the extra time with Bláithín. Even if it was just spent sitting in the Mess Hall and drinking tea, or ruffling her hair before people came in, it wasn't going to waste. He was glad Bláithín was receptive of his nervousness as she never tried anything too 'bold' in front of people and their relationship seemed to be progressing slowly, as ever before.

It was all different and new and it was foreign territory for the onyx haired man. Yes, he had experience before with women in the underground but they were short-lived or they were never romantic in nature. Short-lived because Levi would move bases all the time to avoid getting caught by the MPs for his petty crimes or it would often just involve sleeping with them a few times and that was it. You couldn't really have a romantic relationship in the Underground. Whatever relationship you did have with someone, it was hard to sustain a loving relationship whilst living amongst disease, famine and poverty. That isn't to say it didn't happen, but Levi had no intention of letting romantic relationships blossom in such dire living conditions and as such, his relationships with other women, though few, were based on just desire and fleeting moments of release.

He didn't know how to love someone in that way before. He just knew his heart burst in his chest every now and then when he sees her smiling or when she looks sad. He just knew that he wanted to be with her.

Little did the short man know that there isn't much to it to relationships, or they weren't worth this much overthinking and he was just being paranoid.

He just needed to not be as much of an asshole.

He knew Bláithín was just as inexperienced as him, probably even more.

He also knew that if this relationship got any more serious than it was or if they had been together for a while, would she start asking for things that a 'normal' relationship could offer? He told her he probably wouldn't be able to provide a home for her, and that marriage and children probably weren't on the table.

She accepted him regardless but he knew she wanted a family.

No, she never said anything, but he has seen the way she interacted with Eden. Someone like Bláithín - someone maternal - would eventually want these things, right?

Shit, I am thinking too far ahead. This is why relationships are silly, he said to himself as he walked into the Mess Hall. He turned the corner and saw his now girlfriend and already felt a bit more at ease after spending the whole morning thinking about their relationship.

He took a seat at the foot of the table and pulled out a stool. Bláithín had already lit the candles in between them in the dark Mess Hall and it created an almost intimate atmosphere between them. It was around an hour before breakfast, this was one of the times they had total privacy.

Yes, they had each other's bedrooms but that boundary, for lack of a better word, was never crossed yet. They still had to feel around and get used to each other's new title for each other.

"Good morning, Levi," she murmured after failing to suppress a yawn. She was wearing her military white pants and a navy tank top, but without the tan military jacket. A squeak escaped her as she stretched, she looked positively exhausted but she still wore a smile. "Did you sleep okay?"

He nodded and was already standing up again for it was his turn to get the tea. They took turns each morning, and Levi had studied the way she made their tea long enough to make it the way they both liked. He walked into the kitchen and muttered a curse under his breath; the ginger was always up too high.

"Does Shorty need a stool?" Bláithín called out as she watched him look around for one.

"Shut up, Bláithín," she heard him mutter. She chuckled softly and waltzed into the kitchen after. Normally after he told her to shut up, there'd be a scowl or dark aura emanating from him. But his face looked totally neutral. "You're also a midget."

"Yes, you're right but…" she began as she walked up behind him.

She looped her arms around his chest and held onto him tightly. "Bláithín, what are-?"

"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you…" she said before quickly wrapping her legs around his waist and shimmied up his back.

"What the shit- Bláithín!" he barked.

"Help me up!" she yelled, legs snaked around him for dear life. He wasn't as strong or as muscular, he probably would have toppled. He released a sigh and his hands found her behind and helped push her up. She sat on his shoulders and she steered Levi to the right with her thigh pressing against his ear. "Over to the right a little bit more…"

Levi leaned over a bit and she secured the required herb. "You have it?"

"Yes!"

Levi maneuvered her down until she sat down on the counter top before him. He leaned in a bit closer until there were only inches apart. "Dumbass. You could have just used a stool like any other normal person."

"Oh, come on… that was way more fun…" she taunted, also leaning forward a bit more. "I know you enjoyed that."

"It's not enjoyable when it's your shoulders. You wouldn't handle it if it was me." He taunted.

"So, you're saying you'd enjoy a piggyback from me?"

"Tch. Absolutely not. I'm not a fucking child, Hahn." He retorted.

She pursed her lips, still staring at him. She could just about see the way his pupils dilated. As stoic as he was, basic human biology would never lie. "You know, Levi… I think you're lying. Or you won't know until you try it out…" she whispered.

"Hmm…" he hummed as he leaned in, lips ghosting her own, as if asking for permission. He was asking, he often felt like he was walking on eggshells when it came to initiating these things. Thankfully, Bláithín was quick to get confident with kissing him.

She leaned in as her lips caressed his and she swore he was close to smiling against her. He craned his head to the side to explore more, their lips moving against each other for a few seconds. He tried something new and parted her lips with his as he began to explore her mouth with his tongue. He could feel her initial nervousness and he brought one hand to her shoulder and the other to her cheek and with this gesture, she relaxed and let him kiss her. She moaned against his lips as she returned the gesture and his grip on her shoulder tightened.

She was stunning. Her hair was a bit disorderly from not brushing it after waking up but that didn't bother Levi in these more passionate moments. Her hair was short enough now that it didn't - couldn't - be tied up, sitting just under her chin in a bob. The way her tank top showed off her frame while still keeping her hidden; it showed off her muscular arms and torso and it was just enough to just tease him, but not quite.

Saints, he wanted more, but he knew better than to try anything with her given her lack of experience. His brain could always govern his heart very easily, but he found that over the past few days when he kissed her, his resolve would come undone very quickly. He slowed and pressed one more kiss against her lips and pulled away. Even in the darkness of the early morning, he could see her cheeks flushing pink.

"You're blushing." He commented, plainly.

Her face contorted in annoyance. "Don't point it out!" she cried, pointing a finger at him. He backed off, stepping backwards to the counter top on the other side of the kitch, still looking at her. "Make me my tea!" She demanded.

Levi rolled his eyes and headed towards the fireplace. "I'm not your damned slave."

Bláithín grinned in victory and walked over to the table. She looked over towards the grandfather clock in the corner of the Mess Hall. Just a few minutes shy of half seven, another half hour of peace between them before breakfast came and went. At twelve, they would be heading for one of the cadet corps' bases in the snowy mountains of Wall Rose. Bláithín reached for a brown and mouldy banana from the fruit bowl in front of her.

"Bleugh." She said, eating the banana.

Levi rested a hand on her shoulder as he set her cup down. "What?"

"This banana is yucky."

"You chose it," he pointed out. "Look at how disgusting it is."

"But… bananas are my favorite fruit…" she mumbled, feigning sadness. She turned towards Levi and put on her best set of doe eyes.

"Tch. What do you hope to achieve?"

"I don't want it to go to waste… Want to eat it for me…?" she attempted.

Levi's lips parted in shock. She really could be a child. "Do I look like a parent to you?" he teased with a scornful look. "Do you need a lullaby and a cup of hot milk to sleep at night too then?"

Bláithín looked very hopeful for a second. "Is that an option?"

"Eat your damn banana and shut up."

"Fine."

The two sat in silence then as they drank their tea, awaiting more soldiers to join them for breakfast. Levi would occasionally reach for her hand and give it a squeeze as he busied himself with paperwork and she would do the same back. Levi's patience wasn't exceedingly high when it came to her childish antics and pranks, but he didn't mind either. Bláithín also would have preferred for them to be up and about, doing stuff, but she knew Levi enjoyed sitting in silence and let his brain do a few flips and somersaults as he did paperwork. It kept them both sane in their own ways.

Maybe this relationship stuff is sort of easy, Levi thought, but he shook his head at the naive thought. If course relationships had their challenges, they just weren't together long enough.

Either way, he couldn't deny that they seemed to fit well together and it seemed that Bláithín was happy. Whether they had entered a relationship or not, he was content to just see her happy.

Happy and alive. That was all he wanted.

Soldiers clambered into the Mess Hall for their breakfast and the two stiffened and sat up straight, getting rid of any evidence that they had been kissing or being romantic together. Bláithín turned her head and Levi buried himself further into his work. Levi and Bláithín lined up together to get their food and once they had returned, all of the Special Operations Squad had sat down.

"Good morning!" Bláithín chirped as she and Levi sat down at the foot of the table. She received a handful of salutes and mumbles back.

Levi eyed each of his members before clearing this throat, getting their attention. "Bláithín, Hange, Mike and myself are heading to the Cadet Corps for two nights. So, essentially, I won't be in charge of your training. However, I expect you to be productive regardless and to keep working for yourselves. Is that clear?"

"Crystal, sir!" Petra cried, enthusiastically.

Levi nodded. "Good, then," he replied. "Oh, and keep your rooms clean. I will be doing a spotcheck when I return."

Bláithín smiled to herself. Thank god she was his second-in-command and not a squad member, her office was never tidy! She continued to smile in relief as she ate her mouldy bread and, well, whatever lumpy liquid was in that bowl.

"Behave while we're gone, also. We may not be there, but other squad leaders and Erwin are staying behind. They will report to us of any insubordination or poor behaviour." Bláithín said.

"Pfft, nothing to worry about!" Oluo cried.

It was always Oluo who said too much.

"Besides, people know the Special Operations Squad are among the best of the best. We're essentially royalty in this HQ!"

Levi slung a look towards Bláithín as if to say 'you deal with that' and she inhaled before speaking. "Oluo, did you know I used to be Levi's superior?"

Oluo sat up straighter in interest.

"And if you thought I'd let my squad members act with the same amount of arrogance you did, they would be punished just like any other squad, regardless of rank… My favourite punishment for men was cleaning out the rag bins in the women's chambers!" she told him, sending Petra beside him into hysterics.

Oluo frowned and turned over towards Levi. "Captain, is she-?"

Levi only nodded, confirming her seriousness, before bringing a cup of tea to his lips. He remembers the one time she made him clean out the rag bins and he hated every passing moment of it.

"Is she allowed to do that?" Gunther asked.

"Well, she is your Vice Captain and is occasionally in charge of your training." Levi answered.

Oluo squirmed a bit in his seat and all signs of arrogance fell from his face immediately. "Sorry, Miss. I won't doubt you ever again."

Why… did that feel like a lie?

Bláithín nodded and everyone began to eat. Once everyone finished, people brought their trays to the kitchen or to the soldier on wash-up duty. Levi and Bláithín retreated to their bedrooms and began to suit up and pack for braving the snowy mountains later.

Levi emerged from his room in the thick winter jackets that the Survey Corps provided. He thought back to the expedition just a week ago and figured that jackets like these were certainly suitable for facing the harsh winter elements. The jacket fell to his shins and was padded with wool on the inside. He walked outside the HQ where he saw Bláithín and he made his way over to her, wrapping the scarf she knitted for him around his neck.

"Oh, it suits you!" she beamed.

It was just a plain, black scarf but the wool she used was very thick. Even though she did it for everyone in the Special Operations Squad, his heart still warmed at the gesture as though it was only for him. He looked over at her and noticed her scarf was only hanging around her neck, not tied or wrapped around.

"Tch," he said as he reached to wrap her scarf around properly. "At least wear it properly." Bláithín looked behind him and gasped and then stood on his toe. "What the fu- What is it?"

"Goooooooood morning, Levi and Bláithín!" Hange cheered from behind, Mike a few paces behind her.

"Oh." Levi uttered in realization. Levi backed away, creating a space of three feet between them.

Good job, not suspicious at all, Bláithín said to herself, sarcastically. Hange walked up to be beside the two other veterans and Hange linked arms with the blonde before the four began to walk to the stables. Horses would only get them so far; there was a stable at the foot of the mountain and the four would have to hike up the mountain to get to the base.

Levi and Bláithín stood side by side until Mike stepped out in front of them. The new couple, though still unbeknownst to Mike and Hange, stared at the much taller man. He leaned over and sniffed Bláithín's hair after pulling down the grey hood.

"You smell… like Levi again." He commented, before turning around on his heel and walking ahead of the group to the stables.

Levi and Bláithín looked at each other quickly and the look on their faces said it all: both Hange and Mike had to be left in the dark for as long as possible.

"Levi, Bláithín, it's good to see you two again." Keith Shadis greeted after speaking to Hange and Mike. "Thanks for agreeing to do this."

It took the bones of two hours, but the four had reached the base at the foot of the mountain. There were two log cabins at the foot of the mountain, both three stories high. It was enough to house all the cadets in the Southern Cadet Corps as well as have a few spare bedrooms. Past the front door of the cabin was the main room. It had a large fireplace that was already sparking plenty of embers and creating a lovely, rustic smell of turf and there were sofas dotted around the room. Some of the cadets were trying to keep warm while others seemed to be doing chores.

Levi nodded, admiring the order and rigidity that seemed to be set in place here. He never joined the cadet corps but he was interested in seeing the way Bláithín trained, especially since he was the one who essentially left her with no option but to join.

"This is the 104th Cadet Corps," Keith began, gesturing his hand towards the vast amount of cadets. There were also some in the kitchen area behind the main room. "I know some of them are keen on joining the Survey Corps…" Keith began, swallowing a lump in his throat, thinking back to his less-than-fortunate time there, "so it mightn't be a bad idea to tell them what it's like should they ask."

Levi and Bláithín nodded, silence spreading between the three. Keith Shadis wasn't really good at conversations. Even so, Bláithín's heart ached at seeing how much he had changed. His hair had long since gone and his eyes were sunken. Cheek bones stuck out like a sore thumb and the man was visibly more exhausted and riddled with traumas. She knew he had a tough time as a commander, but having not seen him in two years and for him to change this much shocked her.

"Any promising cadets?" Bláithín asked.

"Too early to tell, they only joined a month ago. But, there are some promising young soldiers. A girl named Mikasa Ackerman… That girl is destined for great things." He commented.

Levi only nodded and Bláithín looked towards the black-haired girl Shadis was pointing to. She was standing in the corner with a blond haired boy with a bowl cut and she was pointing her finger and saying something to a boy with brown hair and teal eyes.

Ah, she said to herself, I handed him food one time… I never expected he'd join the Cadet Corps.

Levi walked off and stood over by the fire to warm up and Bláithín turned to face Shadis. "That boy with the brown hair over there. What's his name?"

"Eren Jaeger. Lacklustre in everything but he'll go far if Mikasa is by his side. Childhood friends." He explained.

"Ah." Bláithín murmured.

"How's Levi?" Keith asked, peering down at her.

Keith was so tall in stature compared to her and Levi and having not seen him in a while had her feeling a little threatened. Hearing his name made heat rise to her cheeks and she was quick to lift her scarf up higher to conceal her blush. "He's okay. He and I are still in charge of the Special Operations Squad, five very talented soldiers."

"They're all still alive and kicking?"

"Yes, sir," she answered, "Petra, Oluo, Ioana, Eld and Gunther. I know you picked those soldiers out for him initially, but admires them for their suspicious nature. I'm sure you remembered what happened back in 844… so he wants to keep them as they are people who will react while they hit the ground running. And, seeing as they have lived this long, his trust in them only grows."

"And you? How are you doing?"

Was he asking because he was also aware of her suicidal tendencies in the past? Hell, who wasn't aware at this point, it seemed that everyone knew and it was because everyone had reason to be concerned years ago. It dawned on her in moments like these the amount of people she must have upset, Levi in particular. Of course, his concern often manifested itself in the form of anger or a scolding, but she could always see a flicker of emotion in his eyes. Or she saw the way Hange would speak to her in a gentle tone, gentler than normal.

Just how often had she upset people?

"I'm doing fine, great actually. I don't think…" she began and turned her head towards Levi who was dangling his hands over the fireplace, "I have ever been so good."

Keith gave a curt nod and dismissed Bláithín before calling out to one of the cadets. "Springer!" he roared. A boy with a buzzcut immediately sprinted over towards the commandant. He wasn't very tall like the other kids, probably two inches below Levi's height. Keith placed a piece of folded paper in his hands. "Escort the veterans to their bedrooms while they are with us."

"U-Uh, yes, sir!" he cried, with a heart salute.

Levi and Bláithín picked up their rucksacks and walked behind the young cadet. The four walked up the cricket, wooden stairs until they were guided into a hallway with three rooms.

"And what's your name, cadet?" Hange asked with a bright smile.

"C-Connie Springer from Ragako Village!" he replied, hastily. He stood in front of the first door on his left. "Uh, Mike Zacharius, your room is here, followed by Zoe Hange…"

Hang on, wait… There was only one room left.

Connie walked to the end of the hallway to the final bedroom. "Captain Levi and Bláithín Hahn, this is your room!" He cried with another nervous salute.

"At ease…" Bláithín murmured, raising her palm. She opened the door to the bedroom, at least hoping there were two beds, but luck wasn't on her side today. The room was grand and spacious… as was the one bed in the middle of the room. She exhaled heavily and turned to face the cadet. "Say, is there not a spare room?"

"It'll do. I have a bedroll," Levi said and nodded at Connie to dismiss him. Levi shut the bedroom behind him and the two were left alone in the bedroom with just one damn bed. The blonde kept looking over at it, the painful reminder settling in each time that they'd probably end up doing what they did in Sine one time.

Levi removed his winter jacket, followed by Bláithín, and plopped the rucksack on the ground and began to inspect the room. It was a queen size bed and the window was to the left of it. Across from the bed was a wooden wardrobe and chest of drawers. Peering inside the wardrobe, there was an extra set of bed sheets, one towel with holes in it, a spare winter coat and two sets of 3DMG, minus the gas canisters and blades… so, in other words, two useless sets of 3DMG. He dragged his finger along the surface of the chest of drawers before letting out a "tch" when a coating of dust covered his index and middle fingers. On top of the chest of drawers was a candelabra and a clock.

"You're okay with staying in the same room as me?"

"It's not like it hasn't happened before, Bláithín," he replied. He turned around to face her, brushing his fingers against the black trousers he was wearing. "If we're going to be in a relationship, we might as well get passed this boundary sooner rather than later." He commented, plainly.

Bláithín twiddled her thumbs, knowing he was right. Saints, she really wasn't good at this stuff.

"You look nervous." He told her.

"You aren't?"

"It'll only be a big deal if you make it a big deal," he said, casually. "It's just a bed." He said, sitting down on it.

"I guess so…"

He patted the space next to him, looking out the window. He was inviting her to sit. She walked over and sat down next to him, now in only her casual clothes; grey sweatshirt and darker grey running pants. She brought a knee up to her chest and stretched. It was already starting to snow; it was just graupel now but later that evening, they would be hit with a blizzard which would be the perfect condition for the training assigned to the cadets.

She threw herself back against the bed, back colliding with a mattress that was much harder than her own back at HQ. Levi looked back at her and scoffed.

"Tired already?" he asked, allowing his body to relax against the bed beside her.

She curled into a fetal position. "Yeah. And cold." She mumbled, shutting her eyes.

Levi inched a bit closer and she stiffened up, but quickly relaxed against his body and the heat radiating from it. He brought a hand to her hair and patted her head softly.

"Five minutes." He spoke.

"Hmm?"

"Shut your eyes for five minutes and I'll wake you."

She looked at him with a big smile, her eyes smiling also. "You mean it? You're too nice." She murmured, a yawn escaping her.

Levi looked at her, lips threatening to twitch upwards as she leaned against his shoulder, her breathing slowing. He craned his head up and pressed his lips to her forehead, before returning his gaze to the clock on the chest of drawers. Her eyes were still fluttering as they remained shut and Levi tore his gaze away from the clock and back to her. He placed one hand behind his head to relax and the other on top of hers, rubbing circles into her temple with his thumb.

His breathing and pulse slowed looking at her and he felt a sense of calm when he was with her.

Maybe he wasn't as much of a fool as he thought he was for wanting her.

The rest of the day was spent talking to the instructors about the training tomorrow. The four veterans didn't actually get to meet with the cadets at all, that was for tomorrow. They were, however, given the list of people in their temporary squads to carry out this training.

Levi was in charge of Marco Bodt, Reiner Braun, Bertholdt Hoover and Connie Springer. Bláithín was in charge of a girl named Ymir, Christa Lenz and Daz. Other cadets were divided up amongst the other remaining squad leaders or instructors.

Levi returned to their shared bedroom that evening, Bláithín looking out the window. It was completely dark outside now, and the wind had definitely picked up. It was now snowing heavily and the temperature was beginning to dip. The log cabins were extremely warm though, the fires having not once gone out. She turned around and saw Levi had a towel around his neck, indicating he had just showered. He was also wearing loungewear now, or clothes for bed. Just another loose sweater and another pair of black bottoms.

"I showered this morning." Bláithín said amidst the silence.

"What?"

"Well, just before you say I'm not allowed to sleep next to you unless I am clean, I did so already."

Levi didn't know how to react; was he happy she knew him that well or was he slightly annoyed that he knew her so well, she could now fill in the gaps that quickly? He didn't know. He shook his head in thought and began to dry his hair in the towel. If he was back at the HQ, he would have taken the towel straight to get washed up after use but for now, he had to leave it on top of the chest of drawers. He set the towel down and saw that there was a glass jug of water and two glasses on top.

"Who brought these in?" He asked as he walked towards the blonde.

"Hmm?" she asked and turned around. "Oh, I did."

"Why? I'm not thirsty, are you?"

"Well, you're an insomniac, no?" she asked. Levi cocked a brow, asking for clarification. "Well, I know you have nightmares and this would save you from having to leave the room or whatever." She replied, turning to look out the window some more.

Levi approached her until he stood by her side, his hand resting on her shoulder, beckoning her to look at him. "Thank you." He said, softly.

Her sentiment was really sweet. He looked down at her hands and noticed she was tightly clutching onto some clothes. She pressed one hand against his solid chest and pushed him back.

"Move and don't peak, I want to get changed."

Levi pulled back and took a few paces towards the bed, turning his back so she could get changed in peace. He heard the clothes being hastily torn off so that he wasn't kept for too long. She called his name and tld him he could turn around. She was wearing just a tank top and shorts that came just above her knees, showing off her well defined legs over the years. The heat being generated by all the fireplaces in the cabin was more than enough, so she opted to shrug off her long-sleeved top.

She headed towards the bed and pulled the covers back. She slid under and relaxed into the pillow, Levi doing the same.

And they both just stared at the ceiling in silence together.

Oh, this was painful. Just like the two of them before getting together, now they were just as painful.

"Ground rules," Levi said after a few minutes of silence, "No drooling. I don't wanna wake up to a wet patch by your mouth."

Bláithín was going to interject, wondering where he had gotten this information from. But she quickly remembered he had seen her sleep quite a few times by now.

He extended another finger, listing off more rules. "Two: try to stay on your half of the bed. Don't want you starfishing all over me."

She chuckled at this image… and a part of her wanted to try it, just to see his reaction. "I will do my best to please you, sir." She uttered, sarcastically.

The two settled back into their typically comfortable silence. Bláithín mentioned to Levi that she was going to try to get some sleep and he gave a grunt in response, saying he'd be reading over some paperwork he took with him. Levi laid under the covers and though he knew it was a poor decision to be doing work in bed and to do work in bed next to your partner, he was actually a bit too nervous to fall asleep beside her. At least he thought he was. Nothing a bit of paperwork couldn't distract him from though. As much as he tried to distract himself, he could only pay attention to the fact that Bláithín wouldn't stop her damn fidgeting and shuffling under the covers as she attempted to get comfortable. He stared at her blankly for a few more minutes and placed the document on the floor. Suddenly, Levi turned to lie on his side and he grabbed her bicep.

"Move once more, and you can take my bedroll and sleep on the floor."

She turned on her side to face him with an "eek!" and her lips tightened before speaking. "Aha… Sorry."

"Just close your eyes." He commanded softly, closing his own eyes, as if inviting her to join him.

She swallowed quietly as she stared at him. Looking at the man sleep, or pretending to sleep, made him look so much younger. There was no scowl on his face or any kind of turmoil, he looked completely at peace. In fact, he looked inviting and warm to sleep next to. The blonde took a deep breath and shuffled towards him until her head was buried into his chest. She was so close now that she could hear his heartbeat. Despite his calm exterior, his faster than normal pulse betrayed him.

"Goodnight, Levi." She whispered into the darkness.

Levi opened his eyes at her and rested an arm on the dip of her waist. "Night, Bláithín."

They stared at each other for a few seconds and Bláithín leaned in to close the gap between them. Levi stiffened at this but quickly relaxed against her lips and sighed against them, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss, carefully bringing his hand up to cradle her head. Her heart raced and a feeling of something akin to desire burned deep within the pit of her tummy as he deepened the kiss, parting her lips with his and allowing his tongue to explore her mouth just as he did in the morning. She knew she was doing something right both then and now when he tried to stifle a sigh but couldn't. He kissed her like this for a few more minutes before rolling himself on top of her. She let out a gasp which he noticed and she tried to hide it with a smile.

Was this heading where she thought it was heading?

Levi shook his head and slowed down slightly, opting to leave a chaste kiss against her forehead and one more on her lips, holding her chin with his index finger and thumb. "I can stop if you want me to, I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to do."

He was serious, and rightfully so. That was what should be expected of people when advancing these ministrations in the bedroom, especially when someone is quite inexperienced. But Levi knew from almost secondhand experience that forcing someone was never okay and the trauma it left within people. He shut his eyes tightly to try suppress the unfortunate memory and image but it completely overwhelmed him. The image of sunken cheeks and hollow eyes, clothes hanging off the corpse-like body. It was one thing to know common decency to not advance without consent but it was another to experience the violation of those boundaries through experience. Or for Levi, to see his own mother experience it.

"Can you just…" she began, and she fiddled her hold of him in her grasp.

She wanted more too... or at least she didn't want him to stop. Levi tried looking for her gaze, searching for the answer in her blue eyes. He patiently waited for her to continue.

"...Can you just kiss me, please?" she mumbled, meekly.

Levi smirked a bit, and he leaned down and kissed her again. His lips moved against hers slowly and he relaxed more when he felt her smile against him. The tightened muscles in his neck relaxed and he moved to kiss the corners of her mouth every now and then. She felt him stiffen when she decided to slip her tongue in and explore his mouth and he responded in kind, but slowly. He wasn't about to rush this… whatever this ended up being.

They stayed like this for a few minutes when Levi tried testing the waters again. He moved to the corners of her mouth, then her cheek and down towards her jaw, before nestling in the sweet spot of her neck. Once he found it, he latched on and began to lightly suck. She let out a choked moan and he allowed his hands to roam, paying attention to the sighs leaving her mouth and seeing what he was allowed to do. He hand found itself at her waist and latched onto her tank top and his other one wound with her hand on the right side of her head. He always continued on for a few minutes before attempting something new. He pulled away and looked for her gaze and she found him instantly. She hoisted her weight to her right elbow and leaned up to pull him in for a kiss. He kissed her back and she moaned, and in response, she gasped when he ground himself against her. His fingers reached for the straps of her vest and he looked back at her, his eyes asking for permission. She bit her lower lip before nodding and the layer was removed.

He leaned back on his haunches and admired the sight before him. He almost groaned at the sight of her shirtless and bare towards him. It was the first time she had ever been this exposed. He swallowed a lump in his throat and began to undo the first few buttons of his shirt. He stopped when he realised her eyes were clamped shut. He let his arms fall beside her head again and he cupped her cheek, beckoning her to look for him.

"You okay?" he asked her.

She opened her eyes and looked at him, relaxing the more she stared into his grey eyes. "Y-Yeah, I'm just… self-conscious."

Levi cocked a brow. His eyes scanned over her body and he puzzled over the thought of her being body conscious or if it was the fact that this was all brand new to her. He concluded it was more than likely the latter but he didn't dismiss the first thought either. "There's no need to be." He said.

Her lower lip trembled. "W-Why not? I mean, you're the first person to see me like this…"

So, it was the latter thought of his. That confirmed it.

"I know," he said, plainly. He was thinking back to how Hange exposed her, albeit unintentionally (at least, knowing Hange, it more than likely was unintentional.) He looked up and down her body once more before settling into the crook of her neck. "Don't be, though."

She could have sworn he whispered a muffled "you're beautiful" against her, but she wasn't going to question him.

He trailed his lips along her collar bone and seeing no signs of her protesting, he undid his shirt with one hand as he kissed down the outline of her breast. He took her hardened nipple in between his lips and sucked, thumbing the other one in his hand and fondling it. She let a few moans slip past her lips as he continued and they sounded like music to his ears. He wanted to hear more. But first, the shirt had to come off.

Shrugging it off after all the buttons had been opened, the moonlight made his defined muscles stand out. Years of using 3DMG left his chest looking as solid as it felt and Bláithín looked in awe. He returned to kissing the handfuls of flesh on her chest before starting his trail of kisses again, down her toned abdomen and towards the dips of her hip bones, daring to go where no man had gone before but him.

Again, his eyes were asking for permission to remove the next barrier. She pursed her lips and he paused.

"You first." She commanded.

Levi smirked, his eyes flashing at this order. "Getting confident, are we? Desperate, even?" He teased.

"Shut up!" she cried, reaching down to toss her discarded vest at him.

He caught it before it hit him and he tossed it to the other side of the bedroom, hoping that this wouldn't be a repeat offence from the blonde. He unbuckled his pants and unsheathed, leaving him in his underwear. Bláithín could make out the outline of his hardened member and she felt her heart begin to pound in her chest.

This was happening, and by the goddesses, she was getting very nervous. Levi did remind her she could stop and he'd cease all ministrations if needed and this comforted her. Maybe it's normal to be nervous for the first time; after all, it's not like she'd know.

Levi hooked his thumbs at her shorts and he looked one more time, asking if it was okay. She nodded and he carried on, shimmying her shorts down her toned legs. He tossed the shorts behind her and hovered over her, capturing her lips with his and kissing her softly for a few moments, hoping it would ease her nerves.

He stiffened at the sight of her in just her underwear, lustful thoughts filling his mind which he quickly tried to dispel. He knew she was beautiful, but seeing her in this proximity was mind blowing. She was mostly solid and muscular but still had a few womanly curves, like the dips of her waist and her breasts. He cupped her cheeks and let his finger leave a trail down her torse, trace over her hip bones and over her clothed heat. He reached out and grabbed her hand and brought it down with him in between her legs, wrapping her fingers around his.

"How do you like it?" He asked, bluntly.

She was brought out of her nervous and lustful thoughts as she stared at him in confusion. "Huh?"

"Shit, er… Have you, you know…" he asked, hoping she'd put two and two together. "Have you ever tou-?"

"Oh!" she gasped in realization. "Uh… yes."

"How is it you do it?"

She swallowed, thickly, and pressed his index and middle fingers against her damp, clothed heat and he inhaled sharply through his nose. She rubbed his fingers in circles with a moderate pressure and he flicked her hand away and began to carry on himself. Her legs shook, either from pleasure or from nervousness (both, probably) and he leaned down to kiss her.

"You okay?" he asked her again, just to check in. "If it's too much, tell me." He reminded, his lips brushing against her.

Kissing her softly while he continued his advances seemed to calm her down and take her mind off things. He kissed her lovingly, caressing her lips, all the while he rubbed her hardened bead in circles. Moans slipped past her lips and her head rocked back.

"Shh," he commanded in a soft whisper, "we can't have everyone waking up because of you, can we?" Even so, he rubbed her faster and harder, producing more whimpers. He was even struggling to suppress his moans at the feeling of her wet heat.

"Take it off," she commanded, breathlessly, as he continued.

He did as he was told and she frowned immediately as his fingers left her pulsing heat. He looked at her with a devilish smirk as he tossed them to the ground, hands immediately returning to his circling. She gasps when he plunges a finger inside her with ease, his fingers trying to find that spot inside her that would make her come undone.

"Fuck…" she breathed, head rolled back.

"Is that okay?" he asks. He found the spot and began rubbing his finger against it, up and down, and an even louder moan falls from her lips. "Oi, I told you to be quiet."

He chuckled darkly at her desperation, and he leaned down again to capture her lips as an attempt to absorb her moans. He slipped another finger in, knowing that her last response was so positive and she whimpered at his touch. He parted her lips with his tongue and he kissed her like she is the last meal on earth.

"You're good at kissing…" she murmured in between his pecks.

"Oh, yeah?" he taunted. He pulled back and looked at her. "How about... I kiss you like that somewhere else?"

Bláithín stared at him in confusion, her neck craning up at him but once he began to leave kisses down her body, she let her head fall down against the pillow. His lips stopped at the dip of her hips and he positioned himself between her legs. He looks at her one more time before placing a firm lick against her wet heat. She gasped loudly and sat up.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

Levi could only blink. "What do you mean what am I doing?" he asked, seeking clarification. "Do you not know what this is?"

She shook her head, still confused. Levi sighed as he leaned over her, securing her by the shoulders.

"Lay back," he told her, softly, "and relax."

That dialogue was used before, in the cave pools from his birthday that one time when he tried to get her to float.

He returned to her entrance and placed a few more firm licks there, before latching on to her sensitive bud. Once he found it, he sucked and licked as his finger creeped closer to her entrance. If she wasn't a moaning mess for him now, she absolutely was when his finger reached in and began rubbing that spot from before. Levi would have chastised her for moaning louder but he found himself getting drunk on the noises that escaped her.

"Levi…" she croaked. Levi peered up to make sure it wasn't a pained moan, but given how her fingers found their way to the top of his head to press him in even further, he only smirked and continued. He felt her legs begin to shake and the volume of her moans increased.

"Bláithín," he whispered against her, "just let go."

Her head fell back even further as a cry ripped from her throat. Levi helped her through her orgasm with his mouth and she shivered in its aftermath. Levi looked up at her, leaning over her again.

"You probably woke up everyone in Sine with that damned mouth of yours." He commented, wiping her essence from his mouth with the back of his hand.

Bláithín just looked up at him with nothing but want in her eyes. She was already missing his touch, giving by the way her hips began to rock. He removed his underwear and he hovered over her once more.

"Are you sure you want this?" he asked for the final time.

"Yes, I'm sure."

Levi cocked a brow, needing further convincing. "It's probably going to hurt at first."

"Please, Levi." She begged.

Saints, hearing her beg was all it took for his discipline and self-control crumble. He aligned himself with her entrance and he looked up at her one final time, before slowly filling her. She let out a pained groan, teeth gnashing together as he filled her to the hilt. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and released a groan that he had been holding in. He braces his weight over her, hips pinning her down and he slowly moves, allowing her to get used to this feeling.

"It won't last too long." He told her.

She clawed at his back, trying to stretch for him, another pained moan falling from her lips. But, as soon as the pain came, it began to disappear and it was replaced with pleasure. Soon, she began to buck her hips against him, wanting him to fill her more. He saw this as a sign to increase and set a steadier pace, thrusting into her at regular intervals. That same spot where his fingers were before started to get stimulated and her mouth parted into an 'o' shape, brows knitting together in pleasure. A few more thrusts and she came undone for the second time that night.

"Levi!" she cried out, her walls clenched around him, eyes rolling to the back of her skull.

"Fuck, Bláithín." He grumbled, snapping into her faster, now eager for his own release also. The sound of skin slapping against skin and the bed creaking filled the room and Levi muttered a curse or two under his breath at the tight sensation. "Shit…" he whispered, his thrusts getting sloppier and more hasty. Sensing his own release coming, he hurriedly withdrew and spilled onto the empty space next to them. He panted and brought two fingers up to feel his pulse, as if to coax it to slow.

He climbed over her and stood up. "Get up, I gotta change these. I ain't sleeping in soiled sheets."

She took the hand he offered her and stood up, her legs buckling from the aftermath of her releases. Levi was quick to hold onto her bicep. "You're the one who soiled them…" she mumbled.

"Shut it." He told her, dumping the dirty sheets in the corner of the room, making a mental note to deal with them in the morning. He walked over to the wardrobe and found a spare mattress sheet. Once it was on, he gestured for Bláithín to slip under the covers with a "get in."

Bláithín folded her arms over herself in an attempt to warm herself up. Levi slipped under and noticed her shivering. He pushed more of the covers her way for her to get warmed up.

"...Are you okay?" he asked her.

She leaned on her side to look at him. "I… don't know… I guess I'm overwhelmed."

He cocked a brow and now it was his turn to lean on his side. "Good overwhelmed, bad overwhelmed?"

She averted her gaze and looked at the space between him. "I… can't tell."

It more than likely was good but post-coital hormones could make anyone emotional. Levi's heart lurched forward at her somber tone and he pulled her towards his chest.

"Why didn't you say anything if you didn't like it?" he asked, covering himself just in case he missed one of her cues to stop.

He reached up and began to play with her now sweaty hair. Normally he'd grimace but now was not the time. "I loved it, but… I feel…"

"Empty?" he supplied, and she buried her head deeper into his chest and nodded. He winced involuntarily and he pulled her closer. "Hmm. Yeah. It's your body calming down after all of… that."

Silence permeated between them.

"Probably a bit of exhaustion too. Don't overthink it. Just let your body come down from its high." He told her. "Sorry, pillowtalk is something I'm shit at."

"Aha, it's okay. You can't be good at everything." She told him.

He continued to stroke her hair as they talked about seemingly stupid and senseless things, all of being done in hopes to calm her down. He knew from his prior experiences that these moments were vulnerable and you're really exposed when you do this, especially if it's your first time. He sighed, hoping this was not anything he did. He felt relieved after a while when she rolled onto him, resting her head on his chest. She peered up at him and he let his hand fall to his side.

"Thank you, Levi." She mumbled, yawning.

"Told you it was tiredness. No need to thank me, though." He told her. "Let's just hope you woke nobody up."

"...Was I really that loud?" she asked, laying her head down on his chest and his hand returned to her hair. He pulled the covers up for extra warmth, though the head emanating from their bodies was probably plenty. "Sorry…"

Levi shook his head and flicked her forehead. "Dummy, it's not me you should apologize to… Perhaps the other cadets… Or, you-know-who."

An image of the bespectacled Titan scientist flooded her and she groaned in embarrassment. "She's not going to let us live this down, is she?"

"That's if she heard." He told her.

"She's sleeping next door, Levi."

"Then she will absolutely bully us for the rest of our lives," he said without skipping a beat. He heard her yawn one more time and his hand scratched her head. "Hey, get some sleep, we have a long day tomorrow."

She nodded against his chest, but not before placing a kiss where his heart thumped.

His heart warmed at the gesture and when she was sure she had fallen asleep, he felt the corners of his lips twitch upwards. That night was one of the few nights Levi fell asleep without a single nightmare plaguing him.

wasn't too happy with that tbh... I will be editing my chapters though so if it was painful to read, my apologies.

Let me know what you think though? How do you find these chapters that focus mostly on Levi and Bláithín (or should I say Blevi?) I know when the current arc ends (in a few chapters) we'll need a few more of these filler-like chapters that are more on the plotless side, as shit only really hits the fan once Eren transforms in 850. This means the story may take a different approach and chapters may be shorter (I normally aim between 6k - 10k these days) but also have chapters where these two grow, get used to each other, have Levi interact with Eden and so on. I was thinking about doing either a few chapters like this or one big long chapter of just miniature, plotless oneshots dedicated to just Blevi and their interactions with each other and other characters.

Okay, long spiel over. Have a wonderful day!