I apologize for the long wait! I wanted to post this on the 2nd but I had to expand and rewrite a lot of things until I was satisfied with the chapter. But here it is now, finally! I hope you enjoy!

The next few days since Levi has come to the realization with regards to the family formerly next door, things have continued on pretty smoothly, if continuously exhausting on his body and mind and trying to his patience. And while his gaze may admittedly be darting automatically to the next lawn over — perhaps expecting to see a car pulling out of the drive or a small figure planting itself in the shrubbery, who knows — his mornings are pretty much the way they have always been for the last couple of years. Nothing sticks out or is disrupted from the normalcy of his daily life. After all, how much can a ten-second encounter per day possibly impact a person's overall busy life?

Or at least, that's what Levi wishes he can say for himself. Because try as he might to ignore and deny it, the fact remains that there has been a change and he's undoubtedly feeling it. It's true that it's quite small and practically insignificant in the scheme of things, but even those miniscule ten seconds everyday, when part of a long-time routine, will have their absence felt when abruptly cut off from the norm. Whether or not he admits that to himself, it shows in the details of his actions, like looking up from his textbook and briefly wondering if he's going to hear the familiar sound of the engine soon that night.

But those are the small stuff, sounds and sights that used to be there but aren't present anymore, and that's perfectly okay. Within reason for him to feel as if something's amiss even though it's a bit out of his character. What he finds odd, however, is the vague sense of unease that has somehow crept its way inside him. He has no idea what it's supposed to mean or what has triggered that small apprehension which has lodged itself in him, and likely for no apparent reason. And yet Levi can't shake off the tingling suspicion at the very back of his head, making him question if maybe there's something that he's actually missing in the bigger picture, or that he's seeing something that shouldn't be there. There's a plethora of reasons why this is a strange situation to find himself in, but apart from knowing that these unwarranted feelings have something to do with those strangers that, in some ways, have become familiar somehow, the fact that Levi has it in him to be concerned at all with regards to them is what baffles him the most. The idea of chalking it up to him feeling the effects of their absence after all makes him uncomfortable — not that he even believes for one second that it's the case — but on the other hand, he can't figure out a valid answer, can't pinpoint what it is exactly he needs to work out from this — if there is even — which only adds to his restless impatience.

The feeling is not to an extent that can be a cause for alarm — because, really, what could be wrong? —, mostly it's a dull sensation that has settled in his stomach with the gentle lull of waves, not oppressing in any way but noticeably there, nudging at his awareness every once in a while with its persistent nature. It won't be a problem for Levi to merely shrug off the feeling as irrational, and therefore irrelevant, and admittedly, he's just irritated that he will have to stay in the dark when it comes to this particular matter at hand. Even then, a part of him wants to rebel at the thought of disregarding his gut feelings just like that because maybe, just maybe, there's a small chance that it might hold some truth to it. But since there's no logic or evidence to back it up, so far at least, Levi has simply chosen to ignore it as best as he can. Though not without keeping tabs in the back of his mind, of course.

Either way, there are plenty enough to distract him. Within his friend group alone, Hange herself is an entire league of force all on her own.

Case in point...

"Oi~ Leeevvviiiii! Are you going home?"

The raven-haired guy turns at the more than obvious calling of his name. Hange waves at him enthusiastically from one classroom down the hallway from him, so he rather thinks using a normal pitch would've been just fine, but then again, nothing about Hange spells normal. She's currently wearing her lab coat on top of a maroon tracksuit, her usual getup in college as a lot of her time are spent in the laboratories.

"Yeah," he replies simply as she approaches him with a big smile.

This hell of a woman seems to have him on her radar twenty-four seven, often managing to spot him no matter how hard Levi tries to evade her. He doesn't know if he should be amazed or alarmed by this, so he decides he's just annoyed. He's not scared of Hange's uncanny 'ability', of course he's not, although there is some subtle jolting involved on Levi's part at some points, like when he turns into a corner and finds the other already standing at the end of the hallway waiting for him. Then Levi swears he can almost visualize a pair of antennae perking up on top of her messy head, lighting up like a blasted tower along with her wild eyes glinting behind her glasses, as though she's just seen her most favorite person in the world — or her next specimen, same difference — right before she rushes over to completely smother him with affections he certainly never asks for, or blabbers about her latest theories on how to start what could be the world's next pandemic.

"Good! Don't go home yet! You can accompany me in the lab for a while. You've got nothing better to do, right?"

Levi considers it for a moment. That's certainly true. But whether or not going with Hange to her lab is a 'better' thing remains to be seen. It often is. With her rather intriguing yet eccentric ideas, one can never be too sure when it comes to her.

"Is Moblit not around? Why not bother him instead? Or did he get tired of looking after your crazy ass already?"

Hange grinned. "He's there. But it's fine, right? The more the merrier, plus we haven't hung out in forever! I've been cooped up in the lab for too long I'm starting to miss the company of human beings. Aren't you the same? You know, since you live practically in a very remote, very isolated island far away from any trace of civilization."

Levi gives an annoyed huff. Of course Hange won't pass up the opportunity to tease him about his 'solitary' living conditions. "Unlike you, I don't thrive off communicating with technically anything that has a mouth," he responds simply to her wisecrack, but starts walking anyway in the direction of the laboratories, earning a delighted whoop from the brunette. Well, it's still too early for him to return home, and besides, he supposes a bit of unwinding won't hurt. God knows he could really use some.

"You know what I think, Levi?" Hange begins as the pair of them continue down the hallway, footsteps echoing in the otherwise empty corridors, "I think you should really get a girlfriend."

No sooner has he accepted that this might be a good idea after all than the young man starts to regret his decision. He shoots Hange a glare which she promptly ignores.

"Don't you have a pretty co-worker? I don't know her that well, but she seems really nice, not to mention she obviously has a thing for you." Hange nudges him with her elbow. "What's her name again? Is it—"

"That's none of your business. And anyway, I have no interest in being in a relationship. I've got enough on my plate as it is without the additional burden of looking after another person and trying to meet her needs."

"Goodness, Levi!" Hange puts a hand on her chest, gaping at him through the lens of her foggy glasses. Levi's not sure if she's really appalled or she's just feigning it. "I pity her, whoever she is! How could you treat your girlfriend as a burden? That's mean!"

Levi heaves a deep sigh. "Listen, you Four-Eyes. First, I don't have a girlfriend. And second, if I do have one, I will not be treating her as shit because in the first place, being my girlfriend would mean that I'd have chosen for that person to be in my life." And seeing that Hange's about to open her mouth, face flushing and eyes sparkling at this tiny but juicy revelation, Levi beats her to it so he can promptly shoot down any ideas she might get. "Though that's only a hypothetical scenario, of course. So don't go assuming that I'm actually interested in that crap just because I've said some sappy stuff for two seconds."

Hange pouts, but then laughs anyway as she shakes her head in both exasperation and amusement. "Aw, Levi, see? That's why you need that special person in your life. You're so grumpy all the time. You need someone to soften those hard edges."

Levi fights the urge to shudder and instead opts to give Hange a more scathing look. "Tch. Don't treat people's lives as a fucking romance novel, Shitty Glasses." Hange only chuckles at his disgusted expression. "I can't believe I'm hearing this from you, of all people. Have you been in a relationship before?"

"Me? Well no, but—"

"Then what makes you think you can give a good advice?"

By now, they have reached the doors to the laboratory, which Hange then slides open, stepping aside to let him through first. "For the record, I never said it was a 'good' advice."

Levi gives her an annoyed look and receives her cheeky grin in return. But before they can continue their bickering, a voice from across the room catches their attention.

"Ah, Hange-san, you're back! Levi is here too." A tall, well-built guy approaches them with a smile.

Levi nods to the man in acknowledgment. "Moblit."

"What were you guys talking about?" Moblit looks alternately between the two, having overheard the statement Hange has made as she entered the lab with the other male. "Is something the matter?"

Levi clicks his tongue. "No. It's just Hange making a damn issue out of nothing."

The aforementioned woman is more than happy to include Moblit in the discussion and for the chance to further tease their mutual friend.

"Hey Moblit, don't you think so that having a girlfriend would suit Levi here?"

"Pardon?" Moblit looks perplexed, clearly not expecting that. He follows Hange to the back of the room, not without glancing over his shoulder at Levi and ascertaining from the latter's expression that he hasn't heard wrong.

"Well, I was thinking it might do him good to have someone care for him and vice versa."

The light haired-man turns to Levi who has taken a seat on one of the chairs facing the long table where he and Hange have been working at. So far, apart from the prominent scowl and distaste present on the other's face, there doesn't seem to be any hint of murderous intent directed towards the young woman. Moblit himself can't help but chuckle. "I think that's actually a good idea."

"Right?!" Hange exclaims as Levi's accusing glare shifts towards him.

Moblit offers him a pacifying smile. "Don't be mad. I didn't say you need a woman in your life for whatever reasons Hange-san has told you. It's just that you seem so strong and independent all the time, Levi, and frankly, I'm also very interested to know what kind of person you would channel all that strength for so you'd be the person they can rely on. And who knows, maybe they'd also end up being the one you'd want to rely on in turn."

Hange claps her assistant on the back and beams at him proudly. "That's deep, Moblit. I couldn't have said it better!" Suddenly, she smacks her fist onto her palm. "Oh, I know! Why don't we set him up on dates?"

At Moblit's speech, Levi has fallen silent, not quite knowing how to respond to such a statement. But at the ludicrous words that spew from the brunette's mouth, the newly irked man snaps his head towards her, his glower much too intense to be painted. "Huh?"

Moblit gives an awkward laugh. "Now I don't think that's a good idea at all."

But Hange will not be Hange if she doesn't insist on sticking to her plans in spite of the protests. "Say, what's your type of girl, Levi? You do like women, right? I mean, if you prefer—" At the dirty look he shoots her, Hange dares not continue with that route. In the background, Moblit sighs in utter exasperation. "—Well anyway. I haven't known you to have shown any interest in someone so I can't tell. So if I were to go with opposites attract, then maybe a sweet, cheerful, friendly girl? You're one-hundred percent sure you're not into that girl at the cafe? You two would look so cute together!"

Levi exhales sharply. "I don't like to repeat myself, Hange. I'm not looking for a relationship, nor am I interested in anyone. So save your breath and stop listing off names to me."

Hange pouts. "You're so boring, Levi!"

"Don't say I didn't warn y—"

Moblit is interrupted by a loud gasp from Hange, both men regarding her with varying degrees of suspicion as she now gapes at Levi, her finger pointing accusingly at the shorter male. "W-Wait! Could it be that... Levi, you..."

"What, Four-Eyes?" Levi demands, growing increasingly wary of the crazy woman's antics which, unfortunately for him, he's the direct victim of.

"By any chance, Levi... Your type wouldn't be Nanaba, would it?! Or could it be... is it ME?!" She exclaims dramatically, almost screeching the words and grabbing onto her hair as though she's gone mental, which she probably has.

"What the fucking fuck, Four-Eyes?" Levi couldn't have expressed himself more eloquently, or accurately, even if he tries.

Meanwhile, Moblit has coughed a few times. "Hange-san, please stop making absurd conclusions!"

"Huh?" The bespectacled woman sobers at that, loosening her tight grip on her now even messier nest of hair, which, to be honest, actually hurts her scalp. "Is that wrong?"

"Of course it is, idiot," Levi says, much calmer now. He would've gone on and told her how disgusting he finds that notion, even though it's untrue and they're all aware that she's joking, but Levi doesn't want to risk offending her, even though the idea really is repulsive to him. Both women are fine, on a male objective point of view. They are both attractive, have their own distinct charms that appeal to people, on top of that, they're extremely intelligent especially in their own chosen fields. And they're Levi's friends too. For such a long time in fact that he's so used to their presence in his life which is why he can't see either of them filling any other role apart from the one they each currently hold. And while he knows the both of them feel the same — towards him at least, because he'd bet his entire future that, for each female, there's one specific guy within their group who's an exception, although whether or not they're aware of it is another matter entirely — and that Hange is cool enough not to feel offended, she's still a woman and Levi wants to be respectful of that fact.

Hange laughs at her own silliness as Moblit continues to berate her lightly. Despite the ridiculous turn of their conversation, it's a testament to how comfortable they all are with each other that there's no trace of any tension or awkwardness in the air. Unseen by the preoccupied couple, a tiny smile curls up Levi's lips.

"Alright, alright!" Hange giggles, deciding to have mercy on poor Moblit who returns to his work in what he certainly hopes to be a relative peace. She looks over to the raven-haired man with a more sincere, thoughtful smile. "I'm serious though, Levi. Wouldn't it be nice to have a company in your home for a change?"

"I seriously don't know whether you're treating me as a little boy to be babysat or an old man that needs to get married. And I don't know how you're making these assumptions about me, but I'm not lonely."

"I never said you are," Hange shrugs, checking on her chemicals and speaking a bit distractedly. "But everybody has their own special person."

Levi's brows raise. "Oh? Do you, Hange?"

"I do! I have Moblit," she says in a tone that suggests that's the most natural thing in the world and thus not a question that needs to be answered.

Moblit chokes on his spit, while Levi's eyebrows raise even higher.

"Congratulations. I didn't know you two have taken your odd relationship to the next level," he says in a deadpan manner.

"You know that's not what she means, Levi!" Then, not for the last time that day, Moblit turns to scold the bespectacled woman who only looks at them with an innocently confused face. "Hange-san, do be careful about what you say please!"

Levi merely scoffs. What a funny pair.

Half an hour later, Levi exits the laboratory, but not without some parting words to Hange to further work her up.

"Hey, Hange. For the record, I don't see myself being in a romantic relationship anytime soon. So don't count on it. If I ever fall in love, it wouldn't be in another ten or fifteen years at least."

"KYAAAHH! Moblit! Did you record that? Levi says he's going to fall in love eventually, what's more, he's given us a timeline! Moblit, mark today's date. In fifteen years, we'll be seeing him with that special someone by his side. I can't wait to meet the person who will capture Shorty's heart! Argh, I have to live to see that day!"

"Hange-san, don't wave those chemicals around, that's dangerous! Do you want to die right now?!"

That's his cue to quickly leave, making his way down the building and towards the campus grounds. The change of pace is nice, no matter how brief or crazy their time spent together has been. If he's being honest, he's also enjoyed himself, and is more than a little glad that he's taken Hange up on her offer.

Despite what people might say of Levi's perceived outward annoyance at the genius young woman, it's actually quite the opposite with Levi as he's quite fond of Hange. She can be a bit too overwhelming most of the time, but it's arguable that she's also one of the most endearing persons one could ever meet. After all, she has managed something that, so far, no other human being has been able to accomplish, that is, she made him warm up to her as quickly as she learned the entire biology of a rat, which is three days, in junior high. Although he'll die first before admitting that fact to anybody, much less the endearing 'Four-Eyes' herself.

Luckily for him and the rest of their friends, Moblit is there to keep her in check. He can't say the same for the man though. He often appears stressed and haggard; on top of being a member of Hange's very own bio-chem club in the university and a sort of assistant and partner to her when conducting researches, he's also the self-appointed 'caretaker' of the chaotic and disorganized student scientist, always running after her and preventing her from being a danger to herself and possibly to the entire student body. So Levi doesn't really envy Moblit, in fact, he would've pitied him, if not for what he sometimes witnesses during the rare, supposedly secret moments of the man that Levi's sure he's not meant to be privy to — those soft smiles and tender looks directed towards the sole person who causes him all that trouble that tell him Moblit's just content and happy right where he is.

Not that either of them can see the obvious. Hange is oblivious while Moblit is either too gentlemanly for his own good to make a move, or equally as dense as Hange to notice the glaring truth. Levi couldn't care less about those fluffy shit, really. He just can't help the urge to roll his eyes whenever he's in the same room as those two and the unresolved romantic tension that is palpable to anyone but them tends to suffocate him enough to want to leave. Well that's one reason, but there's also the fact that Levi wants to keep his life. That's exactly what he's done moments ago, taking the first chance to escape when the brunette had Moblit all over her trying to stop her from igniting a fire that could possibly send the whole laboratory into explosion.

...

As though summoned by Hange's incessant matchmaking attempts, just as Levi has walked past the gates, something ginger swims in his peripheral, and it turns out he's right about who he thinks it is when he turns back around and sees auburn hair and amber eyes set on a pleasant-looking face. The person has been leaning against the brick wall by the side of the entrance with her hands at her back, but straightens up once she's noticed him pass by her, before giving him a small, tentative smile when he meets her gaze.

"Petra," Levi acknowledges the young woman, his even tone not betraying any surprise he might have at her presence. Petra Ral is a sophomore in high school, two years his junior. They used to attend the same high school — along with all of his friends who are now also in college — until he graduated last year. That school so happens to be on the other side of town. But he supposes that, considering he has a good hunch on what might have brought her here in the first place, the scenario is not entirely unexpected.

Petra takes a few steps forward, but casually leaves a considerable enough space between them for the sake of comfort. "Levi-senpai. It's been a while." Her smile evolves into a brief chuckle that's only a tad bit awkward. "Well, I guess not really, since it's only been a few days. But it kind of feels like that when I'm used to seeing you on a daily basis." Then probably realizing how weird that sounds, she gives a small grimace, clears her throat, and scuffles the toes of her shoes on the ground. "So anyway, have you been well?"

"Yeah," he answers simply, unperturbed by her slight fidgeting. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm fine!"

She waves a hand in front of her as if to emphasize her point as well as dismiss any doubts and worry that are surely loaded in the seemingly innocent question. But after a silent pause where Levi merely looks down at her with an even, unreadable expression, Petra groans and runs both hands from her forehead down her neatly-combed hair. She pouts at him accusingly as if he's the one making her confess, which earns her a raised brow from the ever-stoic senior which she more or less rightly interprets as 'I don't know what you mean and I don't care that I don't know either'. But she eventually gives in and looks at him a bit sheepishly.

"So I've had worse days, alright, but really, Levi-senpai, I'm okay now. I actually got off work for two days — well, one, not counting the first since that's my off anyway. Plus, err, I had gone home early that Monday before my shift ended, but you already know that." She blushes at the memory, before shaking her head. "But thankfully, the manager was... understanding, and he only banned me to kitchen duties for a whole week, which is bad because I hate working in the kitchens."

She pauses to take a deep breath, averting her eyes from his focused stare. "But Oluo's not there, and I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. But then, neither are you..." She peeks at him through her fallen bangs as her gaze and voice gain an uncertain edge. "The guys told me what happened that day. After — after I left. And that's why I came here," she trails off lowly. Her cheeks have reddened to an extent that they stand out so much against her pale skin. "I, uh, I just want to say thank you, for what you did... and to apologize as well."

Levi suppresses the urge to sigh and instead urges the girl to walk. He has noticed the stares they've been getting from the other students and Levi does not appreciate being ogled at like their private conversation is some freaking live soap opera, but more than that, he wants to relieve Petra off of some of the pressure and discomfort she must feel from having to say all this in front of him, and he thinks it will maybe help her if she has something else to focus on.

"There's no need for that," he speaks again once they set off the sidewalk. "You're not the one who owes anyone an apology."

Petra has her eyes on the pavement, looking downcast. "I know. But it's still partly my fault that you got suspended. And all because you punched that huge asshole in his stupid face for me. N-Not that you did that just because of me, of course! I know Oluo's been a pain in our asses ever since. But this is my problem with him and I should have handled it better but I didn't, and you got involved and punished for it. Even though you don't deserve it and I just, I feel so guilty."

This time, Levi doesn't hold back his sigh. "He went overboard. I don't particularly care about the right and wrong of the act, or that it got me into trouble. I'd say he earned it, and I already owe him for all the trouble that he is. Besides, I'm actually glad for the break. So don't stress yourself about it. It's not a big deal."

Petra moves her head to the side so she can give his face a once-over. "Is it just me or did the circles under your eyes get darker? Are you really on a break, Levi-senpai?"

That's true of course, and even now he can feel the heaviness around his eyes from yet another sleepless night, but he still gives the young woman a dark look for her unnecessary remark, before he grumbles, "Like I said. I need the break." Beside him, he hears Petra giggle.

They walk in silence for a few minutes. However, Levi knows their conversation is not over. He can practically sense the waves of rekindled anxiety emanating from his female companion and surmises that whatever it is she's mulling over has to be the worse yet. Nevertheless, he decides to wait her out until she's ready. Thankfully, she doesn't take too long.

"Um, Levi-senpai, there's something else. What Oluo said that day, about me... Um, a-about that, it's—"

"I wouldn't bank on it."

"—actually — I, uh, what...?"

Levi briefly regards Petra, noting her flushed face and the rising confusion from his sudden interruption, which he has done because they don't need matters to be complicated more than they ought to be. He exhales deeply before looking ahead.

"I said I'm not trusting Oluo's words. Obviously, he did and said all that to get a rise out of me. Something he didn't succeed in of course, still he used you and that was really a foul move. That's why I'm telling you not to overthink it. Oluo has it in for me, not you. If anything, you're the one that got involved."

There's a momentary pause as he lets Petra process those words.

"But that's not the reason why I don't trust his words. It's because of who said them. I'm not just pertaining to Oluo; regardless of who says something, more importantly if it's something serious or delicate, unless it comes directly from the source, it's pretty much unfounded rumor to me."

Biting her lower lip, Petra considers the older man's words, not really sure how to take them. Does he mean he actually wants to hear the truth from her own mouth? Or is it his own way of sparing her from the humiliation by choosing to disregard the 'rumor' and allowing her the grace of holding on to her secret as though it has never been spilled out into the open? The latter explanation seems more plausible, not to mention it's definitely something Levi would do. Suddenly, she's pulled out of her musings by his smooth voice, and she's got her answer when she hears his next words.

"So for the last time, stop worrying, brat. No harm done."

Petra blinks up at him for several seconds, then slowly, a smile spreads across her face. "Roger, Levi-senpai!"

Honestly, she's been almost scared out of her mind at the prospect of seeing her senior. She has expected it to be full-on awkward, that she wouldn't be able to speak due to her nervousness getting the best of her, causing him to get irritated at her for wasting his time, and worst of all, she's expected him to view her with judgment in his eyes, then let her down with as much indifference and coldness as he could muster. What she has not counted on and has stupidly forgotten in her blind panic, however, is the fact that this is Levi Ackerman. He may be all hard and sharp edges, but he's also very compassionate. And even as he has every right to treat her differently, he has listened to her and looked at her with the same neutral expression with an underlying kindness that he's often worn around her. Moreso, in his own blunt way, he has tried to save her pride and assured her that everything's fine between them.

Ignoring the small part of her that feels a little saddened by this, Petra chooses to focus on the bright side of the situation, feeling incredibly happy and proud that she has laid it all on 'someone good and worthy'.

"Though I highly doubt that he would after what I did to him, but just in case. If Oluo tries something like that again, don't punch him in the face. Just knee him right where it would hurt the most. That should send the message loud and clear."

Petra's laughter rings loud and jovial. "I'll do that then."

Levi glances at her, and the corner of his lips turns up into a small smirk. He has to give it to Petra; even after what happened, she can still afford to be cheerful. And even though he knows that it hasn't been easy for her to approach him and talk about the subject that's no doubt humiliating and uncomfortable for her, she has held herself quite well despite the apprehension and awkwardness she must feel but otherwise did a decent job in not letting them show. He appreciates that about her. More than being his junior both in high school and in the workplace, Petra is also a friend to him, so he doesn't wish for her to be ill at ease around him unnecessarily. Though judging by how this conversation has gone, he's confident that nothing will change about their relationship. And this is perfectly fine with Levi.

The two of them part ways at the intersection, where Petra leaves for the cafe and Levi goes back to his house.

Ending things here! I was supposed to add something else but I'm having a bit of a hard time organizing my thoughts, so I decided to just cut it here since it's been almost two weeks since I posted the first chapter. As for the OC, don't worry because she'll be officially introduced soon! Please be patient with me, we're getting to the actual plot, things will get exciting soon! :)

Also, I'm so sorry for making Oluo such a jerk! I don't hate him, in fact I adore him a lot and I might redeem his character yet jkjkjk ofc I would coz I'm including Oluo/Petra as a side ship in this story in addition to MobuHan and MikeNana, which I forgot to mention in my notes on the first chapter hehe~

Lastly, I'm also currently working on several AoT fics, one of which is a Halloween story. It's already at 4k words even though I'm only one scene into the first chapter lmao XDD Hopefully I'll be able to post it soon, so if you're interested in horror genre like me, you might want to check it out sometime :)

Thank you for reading and commenting! Please keep them coming, they really cheer me up! :)