CHAPTER XXV
Even though this wasn't the end of titans nor the ultimate victory, it still was a triumph worth celebrating. Just as much as allowing himself to get carried away with this collective kind of energy and a palpable sense of joy in the atmosphere.
The majority of people in the city had gathered at Trost main square, not that far from the barracks, to honor the young queen but in this specific city, it was also to honor them, which was a bit odd considering many of these civilians had been asking for their heads before the truth was known.
"Never take it personally because the population is as fickle as the weather. That's why it's so imperative to nourish your mind, so you can be faithful to your own ideals and beliefs, unless you wish to live like them, and be dragged to whichever direction suits best to those in power, controlling and dictating what you should do with your life... the choice is always yours to make, son".
It was one of the many things his father said long ago, however, it'd been a complex truth to assimilate when you're like seven years old, just as having to witness a public beheading, unable to grasp why there was people so happy about it and there were a few others completely against it.
But good or bad, Erwin comprehended most of his lessons the day his father's corpse was buried, when he promised him and himself to never forget how the world worked. It was the main reason he couldn't hold a grudge against the people; ignorance wasn't a crime and sometimes could be used for a good purpose, that's why he'd agreed to the Reiss girl's plan and manipulate the situation. Not for profits or their sole benefit but for the future of all.
"Here you have, Commander" said the voice of a stranger, offering him a roasted sweet potato from his modest food stand where he'd been in the line, waiting his turn. Erwin accepted it and started looking for a couple coins in his pocket, to what the man categorically refused, with a friendly smile "It's on the house, sir".
The blond bowed his head in gratitude and then retired. He'd have asked for another had Hange been here but despite her gradual recovery, she and Moblit decided to remain in the capital to commence at once her project with the engineers behind the anti-personnel vertical maneuvering equipment. And he knew Levi generally declined… Although, on a day like this, that might turn out different, his mind said, recalling how strange he'd been when they met outside HQ in the early morning, or at least Erwin noticed certain things in his behavior that led him to believe so; he could even swear he almost made him laugh about a remark he hadn't meant to be funny. But he seemed tired, so he kept his mouth shut and just let him lean his shoulder on the vehicle's wall, still arms crossed, and watched him fall asleep almost immediately.
And now, although he'd managed to convince him to participate for a while, the soldier got lost the instant both watched Commander Pixis approaching. The old man's cheeks were quite reddish, so that was probably what his friend tried to avoid; he wasn't a big fan of alcohol breath.
Erwin looked around in case he spotted him but the ones he saw nearby were three of his squad. He walked in their direction, just to ask if by any chance they'd seen him; maybe he'd decided to just retire. However, when he was only a couple meters away, the blond stopped when he heard them mentioning Levi's name, which wouldn't have been unusual except for how lively the conversation was. So, he sat on a bench, with his back to them and attentive to each word.
"Call me nuts but I'm not really sure if I could ever get used to his smiling face" Erwin couldn't see their faces, but that was undoubtedly Jean's voice "It's not like is not good to finally see a human expression on that face, but is just... I wasn't ready for it. He actually frightened me a little".
"Same happened to most of us, man" the Springer boy added, and the blond was glad to notice he'd been getting better after what happened to his mother. He certainly sounded a lot livelier today "But I think it's because no one sane would associate a smile with Captain Levi".
"Maybe we... could have taken turns to punch him too..." it wasn't easy to understand what the Braus girl said when her mouth seemed to be busy with food. He heard her gulped her food before continuing "As payback for all the hours we spend cleaning".
"Ha ha, sure! You wouldn't have dared, Sasha. Even if you could" Jean taunted her, and both boys chuckled "Dude, you're terrified of Shadis and the man's not even half as scary as the Captain so, that says a lot".
"Laugh all you want but I'm sure neither of you, fraidy-cats, would have dared either" the girl replied, and according to the mocking sound, she was unmistakably sticking her tongue out.
"Of course not! Do you take me for a fool?" a smug Jean said "And it's not cowardice, but mere survival instinct. Historia could do it because she's now above all of us, even Commander Erwin, hierarchically speaking".
"Don't you think it's a little weird this whole thing about her being queen" Connie commented, straying from the other subject a little.
"It is" Jean agreed "Especially after the years of training together and how macabre her family issue was" this time, Erwin did see them. They'd began to move towards the food carts and were now passing some steps away from him, not noticing his presence "It makes me grateful for having such a regular life before all this".
"Yeah, me too. But I mean, it's weird we found out like this, but it's not that wacky her actually being a royal; I think she was sort of cut out for it, you know? She was always very polite and kind, regardless of Ymir constantly bullying her about it" Connie said, nostalgic. But then a mocking smile appeared on his face as he elbowed Jean on the side "Now, if you ever tell me that Sasha was a princess..."
The aforementioned, who'd had been looking for something inside her little bag for the past couple seconds, laughed hard but then she realized the joke was at her expense. She made a face and then hit the lad in his head with something that cracked. Was it a hard-boiled egg?
Erwin Smith smiled for himself, observing them walking away while Connie Springer kept on rubbing his head and Jean laughed at him; their exchange reminded him it was good to have a little break from everything. And since he was in no hurry, he just continued to sit there for a while to finish eating.
"So you're finally putting something inside your stomach" this was undoubtedly the voice of his friend, who was taking a seat on the same bench. The blond saw him crossing one leg and leaning back, quite carefree "I didn't think I'd have to lecture you like a spoiled little brat, but you've been acting like one again, ignoring what the doctor told you not to do".
"I knew I was going to return to Trost this same afternoon, that's why it wasn't wise for me to eat during the feast, Levi" he explained, being honest "The medicines I'm currently taking give me some nausea, so I'm sure you'd have hated to see what I ate while we were travelling".
"Ugh, now you're getting disgusting" the soldier grimaced and then breathed out, looking distractedly around "Anyways… What did that old goat want?"
"To ask me if we'd accept recruiting members from other divisions" Erwin smiled with some irony yet at the same time, there was also pride in the gesture "Nile and him have been getting transfer requests from a couple officers".
"Huh?" this time, Levi turned around, raising an eyebrow "Did they get a beat or something? Maybe they're planning on getting rid of the airheads or useless shits".
"On the contrary. The words he used were They're good soldiers who want to serve a greater, more honorable purpose".
"Oh, I bet they'll see how honorable their first day out there will be, especially once they shit themselves" the soldier snorted, but then adopted an air of contemplation "Seems to me that this whole Reiss affair caused some massive dementia" he commented, giving him the impression that he was referring to more than just what they'd been discussing.
"Why do you say that?" he enquired, with feigned innocence.
All of a sudden, his friend stood up, with his back to him and looked to the starry sky for a few seconds. He followed his gaze and noticed a pair of clouds here and there, making the weather nice enough.
The Commander knew he'd done this to prevent him from seeing something. Until he suddenly spoke, as normal as ever.
"Our reality dwells upon losing soldiers constantly, that's why it's hard to believe they're taking this path when they've been already safer in the other… Never considered it possible" this time, he turned to him, still stern but also a bit lost in thought.
"Of the many things I've discovered in all these years, I daresay life has taught me there are no impossible things, Levi" he said, imitating the Captain. He headed to where some fellow Corps were gathered and his friend followed "Besides, inspiring people isn't as unlikely as it seems. Not when we counted on the perfect conditions for it".
"I may have been the criminal here, but your cunning tricks and how you manipulated Historia's lineage was great but still terrifying" Levi commented, as he walked with his hands in his pockets and looking straight ahead "That one final step to crown her queen and gain the people's support to back that up… it was a clever move".
"That was all her" Erwin smiled, looking to his other side, where there were several couples dancing in the street "Not my idea".
"Really?" Levi looked somewhat surprised, but then nodded, approvingly "Good. Had this been to just put another stupid puppet in that throne would have made me rethink why the hell all this trouble. And the girl seems to have the balls for the job" was it just him or did he hear some amusement in that last statement?
It was then Erwin recalled the curious conversation before his arrival, and he was pleased to see Levi was really doing better compared to the last few days after Kenny the Ripper died. There were no major changes in his usual attitude; his countenance was as serious as ever, but years of friendship and camaraderie helped him see something else about him: an unusual, good mood. He'd noticed the subtle change last Friday, when he accompanied him to the hospital, and he imagined the reason for it. So now, his subordinates' astonishment at his unexpected reaction to a joke helped reinforcing his suspicion: something clearly had him unconsciously defused the defenses he permanently raised around. Because he knew the gesture was for them; Levi might not ever say it, but he really cared and esteemed every single one of those kids, and this last experience together only strengthened their trust and bonding.
But obviously, he'd no desire on ruining his spirits by making him go on the defensive like he knew he would, so he decided to make no mention or ask a thing about it. Observing his demeanor discreetly would have to suffice to satisfy his curiosity.
"Oi, Erwin!" his voice brought him back to the present, and he responded with an apologetic smile "What the hell is wrong with you that you're so distracted?"
"Must be the many hours travelling and my medicines" he replied and faintly shrugged "You managed to sleep a little on the way there and back, but I couldn't".
"I see…" the soldier muttered "Shouldn't you go to sleep then?"
"I feel like staying a while longer. Besides, I doubt being able to sleep with this revelry" the Commander smiled with some enthusiasm, enjoying the glee in the ambience. Yet of course, he wasn't oblivious to his comrade's impatience to disappear from there "You may retire whenever you want".
"I might, but better make sure you don't pass out here on your own or you'll make it to the front pages tomorrow, which I don't care about but after all the speech you gave us on people now trusting us... Wouldn't be the smartest move, you know?" he ironized, taking a quick glance to where his right arm used to be. So this was Levi mostly worried about his health rather than the headlines.
"Thank you, Levi" Erwin said with a cheerful smile.
"Bah… you're making a fuss already" he replied and then looked with interest around them, taking his time.
"Are you looking for someone in particular?" he enquired, casually "Your squad went in that direction" he offered and pointed to where they'd come from.
"I've been trying to find a damn tea stand but all I find is wine, rum and beer" he growled, pretty annoyed "It's insulting".
"I'm sorry for you my friend but this type of reunions demand that kind of beverages" he commented and sighted something, of better said, someone far past the soldier but getting closer when she met his eyes and friendly expression "Even my former nurse seems to be having a nice time while enjoying a good drink".
Erwin kept his eyes on the woman but took a peek at his friend and noticed he remained very still for a few seconds, and then tried to turn with extreme discretion. Was he anxious?
The blond wanted to laugh, both at that and the frown on his face when he thought he'd been playing him for a fool. But then he just went back to normal when he realized he wasn't lying; that was his former nurse, and so, the blond saw a glimpse of discourage in his eyes.
"Good evening, Commander" the older lady greeted him with sincere joy, and also a bit tipsy "I'm very happy to see you're recovering".
"Evening, Mrs. Green" the man replied, tilting his head respectfully "How have you been?"
"Thrilled" she replied, with a pleased smile, full of relief and optimism. And her moderately drunken state fostered both, just as much as the one glance of distrust and evident dislike to Levi. Seems like she hasn't forgotten or forgiven your lack of decorum, my friend, he thought "This is the first time nothing that bad has occurred, almost no injured soldiers or casualties".
"Indeed. It was a remarkable outcome given our history" he admitted, and this time he looked back at Levi, beside him and who didn't seem too keen to participate, standing there with his arms crossed and poker face, yet the blond decided to introduce them properly this time "I'm afraid I didn't have the chance last time, so let me introduce you to Captain Levi, Special Operations Squad".
"Good evening, Captain" the woman greeted him politely but still not that friendlier.
"Eveni…ing" the soldier had no choice but to respond. However, from one moment to the next, he got to see something past the lady that'd made him stutter.
Erwin followed the direction of his gaze, and this time it was the person Levi surely sought when he mentioned his former nurse a moment ago, and she was heading towards them.
He didn't know if it was the fact that he'd never seen her wearing skirts or alike, but that night, although it was very simple, the knee length, bracelet sleeve, and slightly empire waist dress she wore made her look very beautiful. That dark green color against her paleness, and her long, unbraided, dark hair falling over one of her shoulders and that slash neck style…well, it was really something.
Or maybe it's just the rapture radiating from those eyes, he considered, studying her. They shine differently, don't' they, Levi? Erwin turned to study him, and again, thanks to all those years of knowing him, he got to briefly witness how stunned he was. But his expression returned to that stern one immediately after, and he looked so tensed.
The Commander looked to her once more and comprehended well why the sudden change. It was all due to the person walking next to her; a young man from the Military Police Brigade, as tall as himself, who looked very amicable, or so said the way he was laughing heartily at something that also made her smile.
This isn't good, he said to himself when he noticed how his friend's eyes hardened; subtle changes he hoped, she didn't notice. Even more so now that there was a murderous sparkle in them because Levi was furious.
The young man had been approached by a fellow officer, but the woman kept on walking towards them, and he was certain that Levi wasn't blind to how his eyes followed her for a couple seconds, as though making sure she wasn't going far.
"You practically forced me to join you today and then you just left me alone, Gris. How inconsiderate of you" he heard her complain to the older woman as soon as she reached them, half joking. And of course, she then addressed them with a respectful, charming smile after nodding once, first at him and then at Levi "Good evening, Commander, Captain".
The blond imitated her gesture and greeted her with the same cordiality he'd dedicated to Mrs. Green. Levi on the other hand, barely nodded in response without saying a word but that didn't seem to fluster her.
"You'd just bumped into your friend" Mrs. Green interrupted the moment, or saved it, he didn't know for sure "And just so you know, being a third wheel while you two catch up isn't so appealing, dear".
That said a lot. Or at least dismissed the idea of a possible date to attend the celebration together, but in spite of that, the soldier didn't show an iota of change; his silence and anger were right there.
"Call it a day for me, Erwin" the Captain declared, barely staring at him or anyone, his voice totally unexpressive. And that was the last he said to no one in particular, turning to leave.
He gave no time to any kind of response from his part or the women, which of course increased Mrs. Green dislike of him and his rudeness. As for the other woman, it was evident that the one she'd wanted to see was Levi, or so said the sting of sadness when she watched him go. Why should I be surprised? he said to himself and secretly sighed, knowing it wasn't his place to do anything. Still, he couldn't be that unfair to the soldier; seeing her this different and in the company of another man, well… his reaction was more than understandable.
"I'm sorry for him leaving so soon, but it has been a long day for us" he told to the two of them and it was then the broad-shouldered lad joined them, but he kept talking "There was a lot to do in the capital before coming back".
"I was just commenting that to Elia, sir" the young officer added to the conversation, giving one small step forward to greet him appropriately "Major Garrett Holt, Military Police Brigade" he said, although the division was easy to guess thanks to the uniform "I'm glad to see you're getting better, sir" he said, politely.
Erwin only smiled with the required deference but on the inside, he got curious about his relation to the young nurse; calling her that way in front of everyone was a clear sign of familiarity between them. Perhaps you did good to leave before that, Levi, although the soldier probably knew about it thanks to the conversation he eavesdropped by accident.
"So am I, Major" he replied, and this time he glanced to Mrs. Green "I've been fortunate to count with an outstanding medical team all this time".
"It's been an honor to us, Commander" the older nurse said, and just grabbed her younger colleague's hand in hers, startling her a little.
They four of them stayed there for a couple minutes, chatting pleasantly, but he'd noticed that the noteworthy spark in those gray eyes faded, and she barely participated during the interaction. There were actually two occasions he'd caught her looking for him in the crowd but there was no way for him to tell her that, whenever Levi announced something, it wasn't a bluff, especially now that he probably wanted to be left alone.
The clock on the wall beside her bookshelf said it was twenty to ten now. She breathed out and continued to fold her clothes for work next morning, unsure if he'd show up that night but she doubted it after the one minute in his presence at the celebration.
Elia looked around her bedroom, thinking of how she didn't like jealousy but given what they did the previous evening, what they kept on doing after finishing arranging her new home, and given his personality, she comprehended he might have felt offended to see another man by her side. Especially when the closeness between her and Garrett was there to see yet it wasn't the kind he probably imagined.
Shaking her head, she tried to get rid of gloomy thoughts as she left the clothes on the chair in the corner of her room. She went into the kitchen to put away the couple dishes that were already dry, and by the time she was nearly done with it, the healer got startled by the abrupt knocks on her door.
As she walked to the entrance and before opening, she mentally prepared herself to explain to him how things were to avoid any misunderstanding in the future, because Garrett was her friend and if they wanted this to work, they needed to trust each other.
She opened and there they were: those enigmatic, amazing blue eyes and their owner, still wearing the formal Corps attires under that coat with the Wings of Freedom in the back. He seemed frustrated, but as soon as their eyes met, that expression changed to a calmer one.
"I thought you wouldn't come" she confessed and stepped aside to let him in "About this evening..." she managed to say while she was still closing but out of the blue, his hand grabbed hers and pulled her to his body, to surround her waist with his right arm. He used his leg to close the door, and then simply crushed her mouth, avid for it.
Forgetting what she was going to say, her whole body reacted to his contact, responding with the same effusiveness, the same need. She'd been left quite breathless when he let go of her mouth to go for her neck, kissing and licking the skin very slowly, until he reached the area below her ear.
"I already know I won't like what you'll say so don't explain anything to me" the soldier murmured right there, sending those delicious vibrations all over her, making her tremble, expectant. Oblivious to all except him.
The urgent and incredibly exciting way he was kissing her collarbone while his hands unzipped the back of her dress, to brush her now partly bare skin, was so exhilarating that she was still unable to move; his touch felt so right.
"Should this make me believe you've missed me, Captain?" the healer whispered, drunken in the sensations he was causing. She'd been so sure that he was angry at her, but she wasn't going to ruin the moment by asking just now.
"I damn hope it does 'cause I've had you in my head almost all day" he stated, lowering the right side of her dress bit by bit, leaving a trace of short, sexy kisses in all the places where her skin was visible now.
By the time he pulled the sleeve out, Elia closed her eyes when she felt his fingertips going down the line of her arm, then went back up, heading to the back of her head. She wasn't looking but she knew he was drawing her near his face to kiss her again.
"Really, Captain?" she said after a long, perfect kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. The healer now teased him with the tip of her nose by grazing his and at the same time stole a couple light kisses, loving his lustful gaze.
"You're one creature so full of mischief" he said to her, right before going back to kiss her neck, and all of a sudden, Elia felt him biting her shoulder and then licked the same spot, demanding.
She knew it'd been a wild impulse, one that hurt but not in a bad way because he'd just used the perfect amount of pressure to make her feel his teeth on her flesh without harming her. And Elia had definitely enjoyed it; it felt as if he'd wanted to claim her entirely his, and that made her heart pound harder, increasing her eagerness to make that happen.
"Never thought I'd ever be a junkie yet here I am, craving everything about you" she slightly turned her face to see him, and she loved the way his eyes looked to hers, desiring but also mesmerized.
Elia smirked, so did he, and she started untying the cravat with carefulness. She didn't know the story behind it, but she was certain there was one; she'd noticed the object seemed important to him, so she wanted to show the same respect.
Levi was holding her tightly against him and both only took glances at each other while she hanged the coat on the clothes rack and placed the white piece of cloth over the same.
"It may sound crazy but it's not that different for me, Levi" she whispered near his ear, now unbuttoning his shirt to feel his burning, toned up body in her palms "It's not easy trying to get used to my necessity of having you like this. You've awakened something I wasn't even aware of myself" she confessed, and looked to his face, capturing the triumphant and lascivious sparkle in his gaze before kissing her again.
The healer sensed him shoving his impetuous tongue in her mouth, so suggestive to the times she'd felt him going inside her that she already felt moist down there. She closed her eyes and held his head with both of her hands, entangling her fingers in his hair and kissing him back fiercely, until she couldn't restrain an alluring moan when he decided to move his hand underneath the dress, slithering it from her thigh and up to her center, making her shiver.
"That reaction just got you to ask of me whatever you want" he lifted her up in his arms to carry her to her bedroom, similar to how things started during their first encounter except for how natural and less shy this exploration of one another was.
"I want to be with you" she muttered, kissing him again, delighted by the exquisite groan coming from him. She didn't know if their desperation to feel each other was due to the hours since their last time or maybe it was the fact of knowing how amazing all felt when both reached their final pleasure… either way, the wait was worth if they got to be together.
"Whether your legs had me trapped or not, I'd be here begging for that, Elia" the Captain pointed out, his chin up and gaze fixed in hers as he sat on the edge of the bed with her still on his lap. She could feel his wonderful hands grabbing her ass firmly and his arousal beneath her crevice, driving her crazy "C'mon. Be as outspoken as before. You cannot imagine how horny I get when you whisper me those things" still with her arms around his shoulders, she tilted her head to the side and gave away a cheeky smile when a hand of his pinched her buttock, sensually.
Elia separated from his embrace and took off the dress and bra, knowing how he liked to be the one getting rid of her panties. The notorious lust in the dark blue of his eyes was entrancing to see, especially at how they appreciated her figure, dying to feel her, but since she'd come to learn that the more she delayed things, the sweeter was the result. The healer got a little closer and placed her arms around his neck, seducing him by barely rubbing herself against him. She enjoyed the way he shut his eyes and clench his teeth, trying to control himself yet she could perceive just how hard he was getting. She knew she was making him suffer, only in the best imaginable way though; he'd said so the night before, and now that she'd inflamed him enough, the healer grabbed the lapel of his white, already unbuttoned T-shirt, and removed the clothes slowly, until his marvelous naked torso was on sight.
"Fine then. I want your hands and your mouth all over me, Levi" she declared, staring at him, unable to subdue her own desire to fondle him "Do as you please with me because I've been dying for it".
That impressively strong body if his was really something to behold, but above all, being able to feel it like this was like a dream. Specially to see him getting high on her exploration of him, caressing his skin, sometimes skimming over it, or following the marked lines of his muscles. Your kind of torture isn't real…How can this be this extraordinary? that's what he'd said around twenty-four hours earlier, already sweaty and breathing fast after their third or fourth time.
"I can hardly think straight if you distract me like this" he said in that raspy tone, completely bewitched.
Closing the small gap that separated them, Elia surrounded his back with one arm and the other remained behind the back of his head, playing with his hair while she touched his forehead with hers and smiled dazzlingly. Levi grinned in response right before his arms imprisoned her lower back, digging that pleasant ticklish sensation that her hair left on his chest just as much as the softness of her skin.
"I hope this helps, Captain" she muttered, straddling him for better support and then savored his lips before stimulating him with her tongue, so satisfied at the devastating effect it had on him, who kissed her back hard and deep and fiery, taking her breath away.
It was the kind of kiss that could make you forget your name, and everything else. She let herself get carried away when she noticed him reclining without letting her nor the kiss go, moving both to the center of her bed. During the couple seconds they took a small break to calm their excitement, he smirked and in one single, clear, and careful move, placed himself on top of her body and was now dragging his lips to her jaw, going down to her neck, collarbone, moving to her shoulder, all while his scorching hands took delight in the curves of her silhouette; the clever combination of his lips and touch was the one causing absolute chaos all over her.
Levi was kissing and groping her with exquisite greed, increasing her temperature fast, particularly now that his touch on one of her breasts was as soft as a feather, and then he began to caress it and the tip of her nipple tantalizingly, until he squeezed her roundness with his whole hand. Elia thought that was amazing, so she wasn't prepared when he decided to go after the other with his mouth, playing with is lips and having it at the mercy of his tongue before making her delusional at the way he commenced to suck and nibble her nipple, making her gasp while her hands entangled with frenzy in his hair, trembling with longing, gasping for air.
"Useless and everything, I think I've found one good purpose for that dress of yours" she heard him say. She opened her eyes, and his face was right in front of hers, with that hungry expression on it "I'm warning you I won't control my hands from sliding under the clothing next time I see it" she blushed a little but held his gaze, comprehending this was his way of telling her how much he'd liked her look. Yet what she loved more was his wish to keep seeing her too.
"Just so you know, Captain, you don't need me to wear one so you can do that" she said, raising an eyebrow, inviting him as she took one of his hands in hers and guided it to her need in her eyes probably said a lot because he understood what she wanted.
"Elia…" he whispered, sliding his hands to her essence until he touched her underwear and the proximity there made her heart skip a beat. He kissed her ardently, pressing her body with his.
The tension in his pants was so marked, she could feel it well against her leg. His hardness so palpable, just like her nipples were, one of them still in his hand, so she looked for the zipper of his pants, to free him from the torment both were experiencing in in the yearn for each other.
When her hand surrounded his erection, she stroked and rubbed his organ energetically as she bit her lower lip and half-smiled, once again pleased for his response, moaning at the same time he clasped her boob and closed his eyes.
The healer leaned forward and pinched his lower lip with hers, pulling it a little, just to finish seducing him, which work too well because the dark blue in his eyes was close to being black of desire.
Seeing that defiant gaze was all he needed to remove what was left of her clothes and his own. And in less than ten seconds, Elia cried with that brief pain that was rather pure delight when she sensed him plunge into her core with the perfect force, intoxicating her in the amazing sensation of his manhood, as extended and bulging as she'd appreciated with her hand before.
"I've been telling myself all day that I couldn't have hallucinated something like this" she muttered, bending her legs, and supporting her torso on her elbows, to have a better view of his face when he started rocking her "Please Levi, don't restrain yourself. I swear I won't break".
"Yesterday was dangerous, and today is daring" he said, placing his hands on the bed, to her sides, right above her shoulders as he grinned and pushed himself inside her, not that intense just yet because he also took pleasure in the way her eyes and breathing begged for more. But he was definitely going to consider her request.
She had no idea if it was the look on her face or something, but he took one small pause to move one of his hands to the back of her neck and got her closer to steal one last, desperate, steamy kiss. But as soon as he let her go, he took her hands in his and placed them separately above her head, thrusting inside her without letting go of them, intensifying the rhythm when he felt her fingers entwining with his. He seemed to like it, just as much as every single whine that escaped her lips.
Was it possible to describe how glorious was to feel him attached to her body like this? No. But she loved watching him so focused on his movements to please her, which at the same time satisfied him; that's what the smug smirk on his face said at least, particularly now that he was seeing her body arching in the wonderful agony of what was soon going to happen.
Elia couldn't help but wonder if he experienced what she did, but his own kind of grunts demonstrate how great he was feeling by being like this with her, and that made him extremely hotter to her eyes.
She now felt him burying himself rough, and automatically, Elia held his hands tighter, moaning intensely when the heat coming from their intimacy consumed her whole with nothing but pleasure. She closed her eyes but still, all she could see for now was a blinding light everywhere.
"That exactly, that's what I couldn't get out of my head all day" her pulse was quite fast, and so was her breathing, but she still smiled suggestively when she heard his voice "Seeing you do that… fuck! I can't even put it into words".
Elia took one of his hands to her chest, urging him to touch her, and she smiled wickedly when she felt him grasping one of her breasts and pushing himself with urgency a couple times more, until he finally reached his own climax. Levi groaned loudly and his body convulsed at the same time he released all of himself inside her, lingering over the incredible sensations.
The pleased expression on his face returned immediately after he slumped to her right, considerably worn out or so said his heavy breathing and pulse, surely as accelerated as hers.
None of them felt like talking yet, so both continued to lay onto her bed, staring at the ceiling still completely naked while waiting to recover from their hectic encounter.
Minutes later and while still contemplating the same view without really seeing anything, all Elia could think of were images of him touching her and kissing her the way she'd longed since she caught sight of him at the celebration. She wasn't going to tell him she only wore that dress because of a comment he made about clothes and the uselessness of that kind of garments; she'd wanted to provoke him, especially for how different her body felt after the hours spent together, so alive and even, more feminine.
The healer came back to the present when she sensed his left arm sneaking under her back, wrapping it around her waist demanding but not harsh. He made her turn towards him and dragged her closer, to nestle her against him, and surround her back with his arm.
She noticed his eyes were closed but there it was, that one subtle smile on his lips that assured he was still half awake, so she just cuddled next to him, placing her cheek on the side of his chest and her hand next to it, sensing how strong his heart was hammering under her touch.
"And you were wondering if I'd missed you" she heard him snort after saying that, without even opening his eyes or facing her yet. But his peaceful expression was really memorable.
"I thought last night had been a just a dream but then I knew it was unlikely, because I tend to wear something when I go to bed" she lightly chuckled, somewhat embarrassed as she looked to the pillows they'd shared for a couple hours. Which made her incredibly conscious of her center, as if it had life of its own. She could actually note a dainty kind of beat inside after having him "Besides, every inch of my body remembered you".
"It'd have been stupid to wake you so early" he said, and a little smile showed up, letting her see how satisfying was to hear all that "We didn't sleep much, so I figured you'd be tired. I was, and that's rare" which was true; stamina and all, it was the first time using his body this way. And it was interesting how drained he felt right after coming; he'd dare saying it was the moment when he was most vulnerable and yet feared nothing beside her.
Her face flushed at his words, and the renewed notion of how bad her legs hurt when she got up that morning, but the curious thing about it had been realizing none of those were unpleasant sensations but quite the contrary. So him feeling similar was both sensational and flattering.
"What did you do today?" Levi asked, this time turning to see her, visibly pleased at that blush on her cheekbones, and the thoughts running through her mind, without a doubt, concerning him.
"Work at the hospital. Two labors to assist, the second one with a couple complications, but everything went well in the end" she said, unable to suppress a chill. The window was open and there was a cold breeze coming from it, reinvigorating minutes earlier but not that much now. She perceived him moving his free arm, and from one moment to the next, she was covered from her shoulders down with the light-blue blanket she kept at the foot of the bed; he only covered half his body with the same. Elia smiled gratefully and caressed his chest softly "What about you? How was the coronation?"
"Not as boring as I thought it'd be. We reached Mitras at 8 AM, the thing started an hour later" he related serenely, placing his arm behind his head "Having to put up with those useless bureaucrats, politicians, and butt kissers was as tedious as always. The only decent part was when they finally crowned Historia, who of course no longer is my subordinate" he kind of scoffed at his own words, probably for something that he considered funny, and that made her happy "It was a fortune that the couple mandatory meetings were short, mostly protocolary. The third and last one was with the rest of my squad, and I'm glad the brats took seriously the threats I made so they obeyed the rules" he commented, at ease, and Elia noticed the affection in his words, despite calling them brats sometimes; she knew he cared for each one of them in his own way "They offered us a place to spend the night and rest but honestly, there was no point in staying".
Not for me at least, he thought. Because his one wish before going back to reality was to spend whatever time he had in her company. He tightened his holding of her, cognizant of their situation.
"I'm sorry that you didn't get enough sleep, Levi" she apologized, a bit concerned once she did the math in her head; they needed at least four hours to get to the Capital from Trost.
"You shouldn't" he stated, just as severe looking whenever she apologized unnecessarily. But then slipped his calloused fingertips over the delicate skin of her back, following invisible lines "I got to sleep a couple hours during the ride. I travelled with Erwin in the coach".
"Were you really able to do it?" she asked, her eyes still showing her worry for him, which both exasperated but also contented him "I've heard there are festivals in all the territories. Even my boss at the store gave us the afternoon off so we could join the rest of the district".
"I really did" he assured her, and at that moment he recalled the one thing he didn't like one bit. He wasn't mad directly at her, but that didn't vanish his annoyance so instead, he tried changing the subject a little "What did you do then?"
"Came home and took a long, warm bath" she said cheerfully, still playing with her fingers on his bare chest, thinking about how much she'd enjoyed soaping her body, evoking the way he'd touched her hours earlier "Gris showed up around 7 PM and invited me to the celebration" this time he heard her making a pause, as though deciding whether to say something or not but given how her magnificent eyes looked up to see him, he knew she chose the first option "And I accepted because I was hoping to find you there".
"I wasn't even going to attend" he said "My intention was to come straight here once officially out of duty for today" Levi manifested, averting his eyes for an instant. He could feel the heat going up his cheeks, but that honesty was one of the many things he appreciated about her, so he wanted to do the same with her. He just knew she'd never make him feel silly for anything he could ever say "However, it was still early, and I'm not familiar with your schedule so I didn't know if you'd be here. Besides, Erwin pestered me about taking this instance to let people see we aren't monsters and something about bonding with them, to avoid future slander about us and that kind of crap" he was also going to mention his concern for his state, but he knew his friend would eventually be ok so he wouldn't worry her in vain.
"The Commander was right about that" Elia said as she moved her hand to hold his chin and turned his face to her, gently; her countenance was very serious though "I hated to see how easy was to manipulate most of the population with so many lies. And to comprehend how corrupt the system is, especially the Brigade with that horrid propaganda they distributed… it was outrageous!"
"We've never been in good terms with those pigs" Levi commented, now incapable of suppressing that one moment of hours ago, when he'd seen her next to that asshole and the rage that was eating him away "What beats me is why you hang out with one of them if you despise his division that much".
"I knew you were angry!" she exclaimed, staring into his eyes intently, which was like a silent demand for him to tell the truth.
"I was. And that's an understatement" the Captain replied, scowled and then sighed, somewhat bothered and unashamed of his reaction.
"Why?" she asked, waiting for his response. He should have remembered she wasn't aware of him knowing about the idjit's feelings for her.
"I didn't like seeing him so close to you. I still don't" he declared, putting his own hand over hers and began to play with her fingers, just to distract himself with something nicer, to quiet those unpleasant thoughts "I may be indebted to him, but it pisses me off to know he dreams about this".
Levi had been running his fingertips on her hand, but she took him by surprise when she placed her palm against his and interlaced her fingers with his, resolutely. She half-smiled and breathed out while observing his expression; doing this during sex was something, but for some reason it was completely different in a moment like this, and it undoubtedly moved him, just as much as the now light gray of her eyes. He moved the hand that had been stroking her hip all this time, and tangled his fingers in her attractive mane, sliding them down sluggishly. She gazed at him in silence, now surely thinking about what he'd said because her expression changed to a thoughtful one.
"How can you owe him anything when you haven't spoken at all?" Did you believe she was going to let this go that easily? his inner voice said.
"That day at the tavern" he said and saw her nod twice "There were two instants in which I knew you'd try doing something to grant me time to escape. I thought it was late, that Kenny or his peons would kill you with me right there, helpless to change it from where I was. But that dork blocked your path and saved your life".
"I remember that, but it doesn't explain your particular aversion to him" and of course, she didn't miss that tiny detail, he complained to himself.
Levi sighed in defeat, not because he feared telling the truth. He just didn't like the idea of her thinking he was a creep, eavesdropping on her when he really hadn't meant to.
"The twat tried to kiss you" he said, his eyes fixed on hers. He first saw confusion, then came the understanding until they finally widened in shock "I wasn't spying on purpose, I'm not a fucking stalker. I just went to your place because I wanted to warn you of the danger, so you'd stop your visits to Erwin and stayed away from us".
"Why?"
"Huh?" the soldier raised his eyebrow, lost. Was it not clear that he did because he cared?
"Why didn't you show up later then?" Elia muttered, holding his penetrating gaze with confusion in hers "I forced myself to think you were okay, but if you were that close, it'd have been good to confirm it, Captain" she sounded a little sad, apparently not caring that much for his intrusion.
"You were fine, so it was pointless to ask what that fool already did" Levi replied, taking pleasure in the tingling sensation at their hands laced together "Not that you listened to him anyways" he rolled his eyes, referring to her risky attitude "Would you have acted differently had I told you the same?"
"First of all, no. I respect you and him, but I'll always follow my own convictions, Levi. If I can help, then I'll do it as long as I'm not hurting an innocent" she saw him narrowing his eyes at her, but he didn't retort anything back; that was part of who she was and he knew it "Secondly, and just to be clear on this, Garrett is my friend" now it was impossible not noting his eyes hardening and his body tensed. He once again turned his face to the other side, truly vexed. She sighed but continued "He is and always will be that so you shouldn't be jealous… I think it's pretty clear who I want by my side, don't you think?"
Levi didn't do or said anything. He knew she was being sincere, and he was the lucky bastard whom, for some miracle, she wanted to be with. Nevertheless, the beast that claimed her was the same part of him that despised any other who could possibly desire what he now had.
But even with all that turmoil inside his head, he allowed her to again hold his chin and make him turn to face her, only this time she'd moved from where he'd nestled her. He saw and felt her grazing his lips with hers, then gave him a lovely smile before kissing him deep, with deliberate calm for quite some time; it was the kind of assault that succeeded to melt away his wrath with that softness of hers. Momentarily at least.
"My problem is not that I distrust you" Levi said and buried his face in her neck and hair, breathing her scent, so unique and sweet, just like her "I'm a territorial bastard, Elia. And that won't ever change, especially if I get to see how he looks at you. It's really no good for me to know he wants to have you this way…" he stopped talking and kissed her, just as deep as she had a minute ago but harder, making her gasp when they separated, and never leaving each other's eyes "I won't lie to you saying that I'm sorry and shit when, for starters, I'd like to break his nose… Him or whoever lay eyes on you in that way".
"I get it, Captain" she muttered thoughtfully, going back to lay beside him but she hugged his stomach this time, smiling a little at the ferocity in his words. Despite Elia didn't like jealousy, she comprehended his possessiveness after the things he probably experienced. Not to mention he was as unexperienced as her romantically speaking, and Levi often lacked restraint regarding certain emotions so she couldn't demand him to change. He might be harsh and not that sociable, but she knew he wasn't a bad man, and she knew he wasn't cruel or that he'd actually hurt her friend out of nowhere "But I'd appreciate you try not to, unless of course, anyone tries to do something against my will. However, even if that were the case, believe me, I won't just sit and let it happen".
"Fair enough, but I'm not making any promises here" he conceded, and admired her confident smile, embracing the fact that she truly knew how to defend herself and it was another thing about her that enticed him.
"Now, moving on to more important issues" Elia began to say, getting very serious "If there's ever another situation like the shooting at that bar, I've understood that I can trust in your abilities to get you out of it. But in return, I need you to do the same and don't ever risk yourself to seeing how I am, Levi" she imagined he'd heard all the conversation with Garrett that night, so he surely knew about her encounter with that man, Kenny, but she was glad he didn't bring that out. Perhaps that helped him see how futile was to push her away to keep her safe when she could have died just like that. Everything happens for a reason, my child…her mother always said, and she now thought so too "My wish is to support you and the Legion... Not to become a burden, because I can take care of myself".
"Can you assure me that you won't screw up with another idiocy like the one with the mover yesterday?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow, as drastic as he'd looked the day before.
"You know... I don't plan on excusing myself for that mistake. I know it was very stupid, but I feel quite fortunate to have you here to remind me of it so kindly" she replied with some sarcasm, enjoying that frowny look she got in response. One that softened the instant she slid her thumb across his eyebrows affectionately, and it disappeared when she smiled at him both playful and whole-heartedly. His eyes contemplated her with a mixture of resignation, awe, and amusement "I promise I'll be extremely careful, Levi" Elia caressed the right side of his face with her hand, and her smile turned into a solemn one, and he saw she was taking this seriously.
"Fine then" Levi replied, placing his own hand on hers to hold it firmly, and from one moment to the next, she had the man partly on top of her. Although, he'd been careful to keep her covered with the same blanket all the way to her shoulders "I trust you to be alright while I'm away" the soldier muttered, really meaning it.
Elia felt the hand that had been in hers moving to the back of her head and his fingers entangling in her hair, pleasantly playing with it before his other hand grabbed her chin and he lowered his face to kiss her longingly. Levi was being demanding but not like how things had been when he crossed her door. If she could describe it in a simple way, she'd probably call it plain devotion, because of the rhythmical smoothness in the way his mouth moved against hers, his lips as insistent as ever, lingering on hers. So, she wrapped her arms around his neck, fondling the skin there and his undercut, wanting to show him how great he made her feel, and not just physically.
"Before you make me forget about everything…" she said during a small pause, now stroking one side of his face with tenderness. He kissed her lightly and waited to listen, now focused "When should you be leaving on mission?"
"Two days from now" he replied and closed his eyes, enjoying her gentle touch, embracing something he had no idea what to call. He perceived certain eroticism about it that turned him on, but there was a feel beyond their bodies yearning each other; having her doing that reminded him of how she'd looked and smiled at him when he'd carried her to her room the previous evening. Causing something inside him quite unique, and unforgettable; a sense of belonging that was very powerful "I'll be coming back to town every three or five days, but all depends on how things go with Eren" he wasn't divulging information; all the people knew about the new trainings to retake Wall Maria.
"Alright. Then, just so you know, I work and study at the hospital from 8 AM, until 5 PM, Monday to Friday, and every other Saturday. This next one for example, I shouldn't but I need to make up for this one, so the next I do have a shift but the subsequent one, I don't" she chuckled at the way he was staring at her, painfully concentrated in her schedule but his eyes showed how much he just wanted to make out with her "And I work from 6 to 9 PM at Mr. Lee's store from Monday to Friday. And that's pretty much it, Captain".
"I'm sure you're having a good time torturing me like this, but I guarantee, I've just memorized it all, so now behave and let me kiss you already" having her firmly under his body, Levi lost himself in her eyes, still unable to believe she was real, even less that they were in this kind of situation.
He did as he wanted and kissed her like before, not wanting to think about not seeing her for days because both had a clear idea of how things were going to be; if they wanted to be together, there was no other way except this. But as long as he never glimpsed pain or sadness in her eyes to see him go, he'd be fine because she was brave, and she'd be alright.
"You want me to behave and yet you do that... that's not fair" Elia whispered and decided to circle his hips with one of her legs, to drag him closer before trailing the line of his leg all the way down in a sensual manner, using the side of her foot "So, Captain Levi, I hope you allow me to make the most of all the time we have" she now did the same but all the way up, tempting him, and she could tell by the hardness of his groin that it worked way too fast "Unless you have a better idea. I'm open to suggestions" Elia saw his eyes shone dangerously, and she smiled at him daringly.
"Don't know how you do it but it's troublesome not to have a total control of my body thanks to you" irony and everything, he wasn't exaggerating but he wasn't complaining either. Especially not after the puns she'd deliberately used... make the most of, idea, open, we...and how she said Captain Levi… Damn, she was killing him! It was so thrilling and perfect how soft and sweet she was but at the same time she could also be this amazingly provocative. He smirked at her "I can't really think of any other idea better than go mental by just touching you and hear you begging me for more" he counterattacked, near her ear and got rid of the blanket to go straight to her chest and suck one of her breasts while one of his legs moved lightly in between hers, turning her on.
"We could consider this... as... a preview... until you… come back" Elia managed to articulate, slightly arching her back, already moaning out of the way he was igniting her.
"If you can, do it. I know it'll be a pain in the ass for me no matter what, so I'm not going to be in the greatest mood" she smiled sheepishly, really hoping he wouldn't get grumpier with his subordinates and comrades. Still, she knew he was right and it'd most likely be hard to get used to at the beginning.
"I'll make it up to you, Levi" she whispered in his ear, driving him insane to know she'd wait and long for him, because she knew how important everything was. He kissed her fervently, grateful for that promise and for simply existing.
There was still a war to fight, and although there was no specific date yet, the pieces on the board would soon begin to move and they had to be ready. But before that happened, all they wanted was to live for as long as they could.
I was hoping to post this on Levi's birthday but anyways, this whole story is a present for him, so I hope he forgives me. ^^
And since it's a special week, I'll dedicate this chapter to all my readers, but especially to Cacao85, ladymalv, ALeexheaven, Guest, Takey, Kara Fey and JkookieWifu (the last three from AO3) for their lovely reviews and kind words. It really means a lot.
So, Happy belated Christmas to all and best wishes for 2022!
Namárië