LEVI'S POV
The neatly made covers of my bed pooled around my hips when I sat up with a start. Breathing roughly, I rested my forehead into my warm palm. Beads of sweat dripped onto my fingertips and down to my knuckles. A nightmarish concoction mixed with memories of Isabel's and Farlan's death plagued me for months, but I hadn't expected them to return with such ferocity now. Shifting the blankets away from me, I swung around to drop my feet to the well worn wooden floor. Standing up, I padded towards Saph's room. Outside the door, I stopped to listen for any signs of life. Silence. Always silence. No matter how many times I checked, no sound ever entered my strained ears. The second night without Saph nor Leon returning from their walk meant something had to be terribly wrong. Saph had gone on previous trips that had lasted for days, but never without informing me prior to disappearing.
A nagging worry tugged at the edge of my conscious no matter what activity I'd been engaged in. And now, without any distractions present, my mind was far too occupied with where she and Leon might have gone to fall back asleep.
"I'm guessing she's not back yet?" The soft voice would've startled me if I hadn't heard the soft approach of Petra's quiet footfalls.
No answer seemed to be needed when I dropped my hand from it's place on the knob to return it to my side. The effort necessary to turn and confront the mixed emotions swirling in Petra's riveting orbs made my stomach twist uncomfortably. A warmth usually resonated in within me when she was around; but all I felt was a streak of protectiveness, seeing the worry gleam from within.
Petra gripped my shoulder in her usual soothing manner. "I'm sure she's fine. You don't have to worry so much. Leon is probably shacking up with some attractive girl, and Saph is off somewhere searching for her brother."
"Most likely doing something stupid you mean," I muttered darkly. Composing myself into my usual blank demeanor, I grew irritated with my noticeable concern for Saph's wellbeing. While Petra might have considered her a friend, I knew the truth of the matter. Saph didn't care about anyone other than her brother and herself. There lied the reason why my growing affection for Saph caused me so much distress. Her playful banter, innocent amber eyes, and friendly manner hid the calculated killer well enough from others, even me at times. Of course it didn't help that she had risked herself to save my life before. I held a bit of hope that she would change and commit fully to the Survey Corps and the work we partook in, but there was little chance of that happening. Truthfully, it might be best for humanity if she wasn't in the military, I sort of liked having her around. Saph held no fear towards challenging me even with my rank higher than hers. After many long treacherous months, we've come to something of a partnership after I forgave her for the deaths of Isabel and Farlan. My head spun every time I tried to analyze how we ended up from there to now.
Petra had fallen quiet alongside me while I mulled over my thoughts. Suddenly, she giggled. Moving closer to me, Petra didn't remove her grip on my shoulder. "She'll definitely return home."
Fixated on the small smile offered to me, I remembered Saph's disgusted scowl when she watched Petra and I laughing together. Happiness had never come easy to me, especially after seeing the few people I cared about be eaten. The world appeared to be brightening since I'd accepted my attachment to Petra. No one could blame me since the woman had a way of drawing out the joy in life where none seemed to exist. I never believed myself to be greedy, but I wanted Petra by my side no matter the circumstances. Relationships weren't exactly forbidden in the Survey Corps, but the general consensus believed that it is foolish to engage in a serious relationship due to the rate of death associated with our job. This small piece of light is worth the risk. If I stuck by Petra, I could protect her.
It seemed as though what I felt wasn't one-sided, it came to my attention that Petra had her own growing feelings for me. I've overheard many ask Saph if she and I were anything more, she usually just laughed and teased the questioner. Petra might have assumed that her two superiors were together once before. Deciding that I could figure out where the two idiots went tomorrow, I tucked some tufts of stray hair behind Petra's ear. "Now why are you so worried about your superior? Hmm?"
A smooth palm cupped my cheek. Eyes widening, I stared in wonderment as Petra gently kissed me on the other cheek. The sweet smell of honey soothed my tensed muscles, making me relax instantly. "Captain," Petra blushed underneath my scrutiny. "Ummm… I mean Levi. It's because I care about you. Not in the usual way towards a superior. Not that I don't respect you! You are Humanity's Strongest Soldier, and you're very brave, and you do your best no matter the circumstances. I understand that it's hard to be such a good leader while also caring for the people below you, and you do that! So I do respect you as my leader because of those traits, but I also believe that's why I... well... developed feelings for you. This might not be the best time, but I think we live in a world where there isn't a best time for something like this. I don't want to bother you with my emotions, but I believe I need to get this off of my chest. So I just wanted to tell you that I'm in love with you," Petra tried to compose herself as she warily met my gaze. "That's why I wanted to comfort you. I want to be there for you like you've been there in my times of need. You must think this is super inappropriate since two of our members are missing, and you may think of Saph as something other than a subordinate because I know you've been together for yea-"
I shut her up the only way I knew how. Touching might not have been my forte, but kissing Petra deeply made me feel as happy as cleaning my room, maybe even more. Separating a little bit, I rested my brow against hers. Her breath caught and shook slightly in exhilaration which sent a small thrill down my spine. "This doesn't mean I'm going to let you shirk your duties," I warned, my face hurting from the tiny grin stretching it.
Her face flushed, "Of course not."
Coughing, I took a few steps back to give myself distance from her. My brain seemed to muddle a bit when her presence overlapped mine. No sentences strung themselves together. Embarrassed, I could barely maintain a deadpan expression let alone say something comprehensible.
"I'll head back. What sort of tea would you like tomorrow morning?"
"Just give me whatever we have the most of."
Petra gave me a chaste goodnight kiss. "Sure thing. See you tomorrow."
Unsure of what to do, I watched her walk down the hall. Seeing her turn the corner, I left the door leading to Saph's room and instead went to my own.
Pausing, I didn't have to resume my knocking to understand the fact that no one was going to answer the door. Shielding my eyes from the bright sun high in the sky, I glanced over the empty house. This wouldn't be considered a coincidence. Brutus not living in the house meant something regarding the Underground happened. Whenever the Underground and criminals were involved, it could never be a good thing. I had a feeling somebody was playing some part in this and my bet was on Kenny.
The question now revolved around Leon. How was he involved? Out of everyone in my squad, I knew about him the least. Coming from the Military Police to the Survey Corps after the fall of Wall Maria, Leon kept to himself. His skills as a soldier were commendable, he wouldn't be in the Special Operations Squad if they weren't, other than that nothing about him stuck out.
Something glinting in the sunlight drew my attention. Picking up my pace with a new sense of urgency driving my actions, I bent down to look at a blood crusted blade sitting on the ground. Recognizing the knife, I picked it up. Saphs. The one object from the Underground that she had brought up with her on that fateful day. It in itself held no value, but she never went anywhere without it. Wrapping a handkerchief around the dirty steel, I carefully placed it in my bag.
Scouring the ground underneath my feet for more clues, I inhaled sharply when I realized that a hastily wiped blood stain still revealed itself in the cracks of the road. Someone had bleed out right where I stood. And with Saph's knife not to far away, it must've been her doing. Tilting my head, I considered inquiring the houses nearby if they had heard anything, but that would've been useless. Since Wall Maria fell, the activities once done in the Underground spread to the surface. Everyone knew not to talk too much.
My walk back to the Headquarters was brisk. Panic would take over if I ran past the gates. A pounding in my chest, I may not have exerted myself much but it sure felt that way. Leon had to be involved in some sort of plot against Saph. Why didn't I listen when she said that someone had attempted to kill her? Saph once told me about how Kenny now worked under the Reiss family. A prestigious, rich, family that could easily make the Military police do their bidding. That's why Leon had appeared on our doorstep.
Saph's situation just became bleaker with this newfound revelation. Leon must have been sent in as a spy or assassin. In her weakened state, it would be the perfect opportunity to kidnap her. Damn it. I should have checked Brutus' house after the first night she'd disappeared.
Letting my feet lead me to Erwin's office, I ignored the chuckles and whispers rising at my wake. People were already starting to spread rumors about me and Petra. Not caring at the moment who started it, I almost shoved past a teary Petra.
"I'm so sorry, Levi. I didn't... I didn't mean for this to happen. I swear," her voice halted. "What's wrong?"
"Saph is in terrible danger. I'm going to Erwin," I tugged her along with me. "You should listen as well."
Not bothering with trivial acts of politeness, I busted through the oak doors. "I know the reason why Saph disappeared."
"Oh! Hi Levi!" Hanji seemed to have been discussing something with Erwin. Her face brightened, eyes flicking to Petra's captured wrist in my hand. "I heard you got your first girlfriend! Congratulations! When's the wedding?"
Letting go of Petra, I figured she could handle the over eager scientist while I discussed critical details with Erwin. If she became too much trouble, I could always yank her out of the room by her swishing ponytail. "I believe the shity pigs by the name of the Military police are involved. Kenny the Ripper too."
"I've heard that name before. Never been sure if he actually existed or was a myth," Erwin admitted, thoughtfully. Betraying no surprise, his facade remained calm.
Slamming my hands on his desk, I leaned in. "Is that all you have to say? My second in command might be going through hell at the moment, and you're going to focus on the fact that Kenny the Ripper is a real person?" I wanted him to take action and not mull over the trivial points. "Saph could be dead."
"She could be," Erwin agreed, "but I can't do anything with what you've just told me. Please take a seat and tell me everything you know."
Huffing, I plopped down on a chair across from him. Petra sat down next to me, concern spilling over onto her features. Hanji finally silenced her damn mouth as I explained all the details I knew. Saph. Suzu. Brutus. Kenny. The Reiss family. And finally, Leon.
Eyebrows raising further and further into his hairline, Erwin couldn't mask his astonishment. "If any of what you've told me is true, it's no wonder Saph's been endangered. I'm not sure I even know how dangerous this information could become if put in capable hands."
"You mean like your own?" I snarled. No consideration had gone to if Erwin would want the scarce details Saph gave me every once in awhile regarding her brother. That had apparently been a mistake since he was clearly soaking it all up with energy. Must have to do with politics.
Hanji got up from her spot in the corner of the room. "There might be more spies, Erwin."
Erwin sighed, his chin resting in the palm of his hand. "We've always had spies. The Military Police are always nosing into our affairs. This is the first time I've heard of them specifically targeting a member of the Corps though. In her desperate search to find her brother, she must have made some pretty high officials antsy. We must be very cautious. That includes you, Levi. I know you're worried, but any rash actions might lead to her death. If it hasn't happened already."
Petra gasped," Oh I hope Saph is okay."
"She's survived in the Underground, Petra. I'm sure she's giving them quite a fight if her arguments with Levi are anything to go off of," Hanji reassured her.
Standing up, I faced Erwin with my head held high. "I'll leave the planning to you. Tell me straight away once it's finished, but if you don't create one soon, I'm going to go off and find her on my own." Threat hanging heavy in the air, I marched off towards the dining room.
Petra scampered to catch up with me. "Do you feel guilty?"
Hmmm? Unsure of what she referred to, I raised an eyebrow.
"For what we were doing last night." Her cheeks reddened drastically like we had done more than just kiss. "Because it's my fault for getting caught up in my own heart when a friend is in trouble."
"Don't blame yourself," I tried to reassure her. The guilt resting within myself didn't have anything to do with last night, but with how I regarded Saph as just being paranoid instead of listening to her concerns. Just because Saph acted like a terrible person most of the time, didn't mean I could ignore the wellbeing of one of my subordinates. "Nothing would have changed if last night didn't happen." I awkwardly patted her head to comfort her.
Not seeming convinced, Petra bit her bottom lip. "Are you going to the dining area?"
"In a bit."
Petra squeezed my fingers, aware of all the people around us and my discomfort towards public displays of affection. "Then I'll see you in a little bit."
Her footsteps mixed in with the crowd as hungry stomachs led everyone to where the food was being served. The wave of people parted around me, nobody brushed my shoulder as I stood still. When the hallways emptied, I turned to the figure standing in the shadows.
"It's not polite to eavesdrop," I growled out.
"You're going to get her hurt," Auruo stepped forward. "For someone who is our Captain you sure aren't acting like one."
"If there is something you want to say, just spit it out." I snapped brusquely, not in any sort of mood for his pining bullshit.
"You know better than anyone else how dangerous our lives are! I promised her father that I'd protect her, and now I won't ever be able to convince her to settle down and have a family! All because you can't be professional. What are you going to do when she wants to get married? Have kids? You're a soldier before a man," Auruo hysterically jabbed his finger at me. "You're selfishness is going to prevent her from finding happiness."
Grabbing his collar, I yanked him until our noses almost touched. "I should bash your face in for talking to your superior like that, but I won't since I know you're only worried for Petra." Gritting my teeth, my nose wrinkled. "But you don't make decisions for her."
Not backing down, Auruo tipped his chin up. "Just because you're Humanity's Strongest Soldier doesn't mean you'll always be able to protect her."
"I'll do a better job than you," I said with a low snarl. "And don't you dare presume to know a damn thing about my feelings for her. Especially when your own feelings are at question here."
Before Auruo could throw a punch in retort; Hanji swooped down on the two of us, throwing an arm around each of us. "Are you guys having a staring contest? You'll probably lose Auruo since I almost never see him blink."
Throwing the boy away from me, I glared at Hanji.
"Hey Auruo can you leave Levi and I alone for a moment?"
Dusting himself off, Auruo raised an eyebrow before shrugging. "I was headed to dinner anyways." He barely got around the corner before I got admonished.
"You couldn't have been surprised about Auruo confronting you. Everyone is a little startled that you even decided to date someone."
"It's not anyone else's business except ours, Shity Glasses."
Hanji scrutinized my face. "You do deserve to be happy, Levi, no one is contesting that, but I do hope you never regret this choice."
Scowling, I avoided speaking since I didn't know how to respond.
"I didn't come here to interrogate you about your relationships. Erwin actually wanted me to come and get you because he thinks he has something regarding Saph. You stomped out before he could inform you that we were investigating her whereabouts right before you stormed in. That is, if you still care. You seem awfully occupied with your own problems."
Ignoring the biting provocation, I turned around. Walking to where Erwin waited for me, I tried to temper my anger.
Darn. This might have been the most difficult chapter to write yet. I struggled pretty hard and redid a lot of parts over again. I'd like to give a big thanks to TheeWiccaChick for helping me edit this mess. Hopefully, you guys enjoyed this first chapter in Levi's PoV! I'm not sure everyone will by happy about the new development though. This is still LevixSaph romance! Do not worry! Also, it has been a year since I started this story. Wohoo! I'm so happy that you guys have stuck around with me this long. None of this would be possible without your support and encouragement. I hope you guys enjoyed the latest chapter. It would be incredibly helpful to hear how I did with writing in Levi's perspective and if you want more in the future. I really need your guy's opinion regarding this. Thank you so much for reading, and please leave a review on your way out!