Hey yall!

Hope this day finds you well and good health. As for me, I just rolled out of bed so I'm utterly exhausted. Gonna make myself some coffee, comb though this chapter one more time for those last minute updates, and send it out into the world for your approval.

I know last week I talked about how it had been difficult for me to get new material written up as I've been more busy as of late, but this week I really turned that around and finished off a rather large arc that's been giving me a bit of trouble. So super encouraging!

Enjoy the read and happy, happy Sunday!

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When they finally arrived at the party, Petra was considerably less excited, some of her previous positivity dying down now that she was finally here and the event was in full swing. The room was absolutely packed with Officers from all the different factions, and while Petra was normally excited by the concept of a large gathering or a big to do like this, she was dreading how the night might turn out with all its uncertainties.

Considering the Scouts were hosting the event this year, it was being held within the large mess hall. All the tables had been moved, decorations had been put up, and if Petra hadn't known better, she might have actually thought she was in a different place entirely – the room appeared to be much larger than she had initially thought it to be.

To one side of the room was a large amount of food set out buffet style, a different area had tables and chairs with elegant table cloths that touched the floor with glowing candles in the center, the line of windows against the back wall where food was normally served had been replaced by a sort of bar, there was an empty space for dancing and a live band that was playing soft music – Petra looked toward Levi as they walked in the room, surprised by how formal the event actually was. Thank heaven she had chosen to dress this way – anything less and she was certain she truly would have been under dressed after all.

Levi caught her stare and watched her flatly as she continued to survey the area with wide eyes, "What?"

Petra motioned around the room with her expression, "This is…crazy. I still need a raise, but after seeing this I'm pretty sure that I just need an all-out promotion. This is a lot bigger than you made it sound you know. It's crazy to me that someone actually pays this much money so people can just goof off for a night, even if you are all Officers."

Levi shook his head as they walked into the room, moving to one side so they weren't stationed in the doorway. "Don't let the ambiance fool you. On some level this is meant to be just a simple party, but there's a lot more that's happening beneath the surface. A lot of deals get made here, it's pretty important."

He motioned with his head, directing her attention across the room as he explained what was really happening behind the scenes, "Right now people are already jockeying for positions, trying to land trade deals, bribery certainly isn't unheard of from time to time – sometimes it's people hoping to persuade trainers to speak better of their faction so new recruits join their ranks instead, but that all depends. You can only imagine how much Erwin and Hanji dread this event, yet nonetheless they have their roles to play to help the Scouts remain in favor with all the right people. There are Officers and Judges here with authority that they'll only rub shoulders with a small handful of times each year, so how their time is spent here is strategic."

As she looked around the room and followed Levi's gaze with her own, Petra could start to see what Levi was talking about. There were people doing traditional party activities, drinking, dancing – but the room was absolutely lined with people that were wearing gravely serious expressions. Some would get flashes of anger or sadness across their face, other times a handshake was exchanged – Petra watched as a beautiful woman laughed far too loudly and intentionally pressed herself suggestively against the male she was with, whispering who knows what into his ear and grinning devilishly when the man gave a simple nod.

Petra made a face, "Sounds like a lot of ass kissing."

"It can be." Levi agreed without hesitation, "Other times its strong arming someone into a corner, offering a tainted deal, outright black mail – different strokes for different folks, right? At the end of the day, there's only so many resources to go around and a lot of them get unofficially divvied up here under the guise of a simple party where things can happen under the table without raising eyebrows."

Petra looked around once more then looked back toward Levi curiously, "Do people often come up to you for anything? Try to strike a deal or whatever?"

He considered her question, "Sometimes. Usually it's just newly promoted officers who are trying to brand themselves and network, nothing underhanded or shocking for the most part with them. They'll find practically any excuse to talk to me, ask for tips or maybe a specialized training session for their team, that sort of thing. Tenured Officers have learned that I don't exactly enjoy spending my time training up those without talent and for the most part tend to steer clear."

Petra nodded mutely, somewhat at a loss after getting a more inside look at the darker world of the higher ups- something that didn't really come as a surprise to her - and Levi exhaled lightly, "While it's good to know on the backend, you really won't have to worry about those things. In terms of our evening, we just have to be here, pass the time, and go home. Realistically, I'll probably have a few things to address, people that Hanji or Erwin will want me to talk to, but those are traditionally private conversations that won't involve you."

Before their conversation could continue any further, their names were called out and Petra looked up, seeing that Hanji and Erwin were headed their direction, walking casually toward them and weaving through the tables and chairs as they made their way across the room.

Hanji was wearing a green cocktail dress that went to her knees, her hair not up in its usual ponytail but rather pooling down to the middle of her back. Petra hadn't known that her hair was so long. She found that it actually complimented the Scientist quite well, giving Hanji a sort of elegance as she walked, the air causing her hair to wave behind her slightly from the movement. Beside her was Erwin, who really stood out, to such an extent that Petra was surprised she hadn't seen him earlier. He wore a completely white suit that was complimented by a green vest and tie that peaked out through the jacket. Petra wasn't sure if the Section Leader and Commander had intentionally matched or not considering they were both wearing matching shades of green, but it didn't matter one way or another; they both looked striking.

"So glad you made it!" Hanji greeted as she stopped just in front of them, giving a large smile as she looked between Levi and Petra. She gave a sort of smirk and pointed to Levi, speaking in a fake whisper that was still meant to be heard by the entire group, "Usually Levi is just so stuffy and dull for these things; perhaps tonight he'll actually have a good time now that he has a proper date."

Petra gave a sort of snort and Levi rolled his eyes, though he remained silent even after Hanji's accusation. Petra was fairly certain that her being there would only make things more stressful and hectic for him as he undoubtedly had enough responsibilities to care for without the added hassle of his 'wife' attending the event alongside him. Nonetheless, a small part of her secretly hoped that maybe he would have a good time. It wasn't often they got to kick back and relax, so even if there was a lot that was happening under the surface that involved him, that didn't mean they couldn't enjoy the night, right? At the very least he worked hard enough, he should get to enjoy the evening and relax a little.

She looked at Hanji and nodded at her and the Commander with a smile, "You guys both look really great. Hanji I'm pretty sure I've never seen you in a dress before, and I've gotta say, white really does suit you Commander. You look so handsome!" Levi scoffed from beside her, being reminded of her comment that she did in fact compliment people on their appearance regularly, though she ignored his negative response and continued watching her superiors with a kind smile, "You both clean up well!"

"The same could be said of you. You certainly look lovely Mrs. Ackerman." Erwin smiled warmly, and Petra blushed as a smile came to her face, a sort of mumbled 'Thank you' coming out from her in an inaudible squeak.

Hanji giggled at this interaction, turning out slightly and making a point of looking around the large room, "You know Petra, come to think of it, this is your first Officer's banquet isn't it? What do you think? There's certainly a lot to do around here; things to see, people to talk with - how about you go to the bar and get a drink? You know, unwind a little? Heaven knows how hard it must be to work with Levi day in and out, I'm sure you could use the break."

Petra wasn't fooled by Hanji's sugary words and gave her a reproving sort of smile. She shook her head knowingly, "Hanji, if you need me to go away, you can just say so. Levi already explained that you guys would probably have business to see to, so its fine."

Hanji blinked at Petra's forwardness and a sort of surprise fell over her face. She nodded and adjusted her glasses before giving a smirk, "No fooling you is there. Well in that case, go away please. We need to borrow your husband for a little while, make our rounds, first impressions, that sort of thing."

Levi crossed his arms and looked toward Hanji and Erwin in irritation, "Seriously four eyes? We just got here. You can't even wait ten minutes before dragging me around? Who the fuck is so important that we have to address them so early in the night?"

Erwin's eyebrows rose and he smiled then - a sort of dark, twisted expression that was so very unlike the Erwin that Petra had seen over the years. His voice was quiet but practically dripping with a sort of sadistic anticipation, "Early bird gets the worm Levi, and I want to strike hard before anyone else has the chance."

Petra felt a chill run down her spine at the practical purr in the Commander's voice and inwardly noted that whoever it was that they were off to go and 'visit', she felt nothing but pity for them. At the very least, it was interesting, if not a little intimidating, to see this darker side of the Commander and she was more than happy to excuse herself from the group. She turned towards Levi, placing a hand over his arm lightly to grab his attention, "It's fine Captain. I'll go grab something to eat and let you guys mingle and all that. No worries."

Erwin shot her an apologetic look as she began to retreat, though that dark sort of twinkle remained present in his eye and she couldn't help but wish he wouldn't look at her with that predatory expression, "Sorry Petra, but I assure you that we'll make it quick."

She could only give a haunted, wide eyed nod as a way of response and she turned around in silence, mentally deciding then and there that maybe it was for the best that she not get promoted anytime soon, certain that she couldn't handle the dark sort of laundry list that came with the territory.

As she walked away, she could hear Levi grumble incoherent nothings, but their conversation was soon drowned out by the buzz of the room and soon her superiors were out of earshot entirely. While it was a little unnerving to be at an event as a plus one for someone that wasn't even with her at the moment, she knew there was nothing she could do but wait it out. Besides, she was a grown adult and didn't need to have her hand held; she could spend this entire party alone if it came down to it. Like Levi said, it really was just a matter of passing time.

She decided to go through the food line and found a small empty table to sit at, eating quietly without much incident. While there had been a few stares and obvious whispers of people who knew exactly who she was, she supposed it wasn't anything outside of what she had already been dealing with for weeks now, so it didn't bother her too much. She actually started to get a little bored as time began to pass by without much to keep her interest. While there were a lot of things to do, Petra really didn't know anyone outside of her immediate superiors. She recognized a few faces of Officers in the Scout Regiment, but she didn't know them well enough to justify seeking them out for further conversation, and what was more, she didn't want to draw any further unneeded attention to herself by proactively mingling with the other Officers, that didn't seem particularly thrilled that she was there in the first place.

It was then that a sort of vibration across the floor startled her and Petra blinked as a chair was pulled out, someone sitting down at her table without so much as a hello.

Petra looked up, admittedly perplexed by the complete stranger that had joined her without warning. On the opposite end of the table now sat a woman a little older than her, and there were two other women that came with her, one standing to her side and the other sort of leaning down over the table in attempts to leverage herself up. Based off the way she was swaying while she stood and the half empty glass in her hand, Petra was certain that she had already had more than enough to drink.

Without missing a beat, the woman who had sat down leaned toward her with a smile, "You, you're Petra Ral right? Or, sorry, Ackerman? That's you?"

Petra felt her stomach churn from the questions and could only give a weak nod by way of response, dreading what was likely to come. The woman gave a laugh at her sheepish response and turned to the two women that came with her, "See guys? I told you so."

Petra frowned and looked around again, wondering if she should go to a new table or find some sort of excuse to leave. She had no idea what this person's intentions were, but she knew with certainty that she didn't want to find out. As if reading her mind, the woman shook her head and held her hand out, "Oh no no, please, I don't mean to be too forward. There's just been some interesting rumors going around as of late, and I wanted to make sure I had the right person before I tried to get the real scoop is all."

Petra felt like groaning, though the woman continued undaunted, not seeming to pick up on the fact that that was exactly what Petra was trying to avoid. She set her drink down on the table and watched her seriously, "So for starters, is it true that you really did marry Humanity's Strongest? That's a fact, right?"

Petra internally debated for a moment if she should just tell this woman to go away and to take her drunk friends with her, but she remembered what Levi had said about all the deals and posturing going on – she didn't know who this woman was and didn't want to snub a potentially important higher up by being rude to her off the bat. While she didn't want to sit and make conversation with her, she didn't want to accidentally hinder the Scout's positioning in the year to come by smarting off to the wrong people and supposed the best thing she could do was play nice.

She forced an exhale and presented her left hand slowly, deciding to play along to the best of her ability in the event that this was someone important, "Yes, I am married to Levi, he's my…husband." She stated awkwardly, and the three women each leaned forward and 'ooh'ed and 'ahh'ed over the admittedly impressive ring that Levi had selected for her.

"…But you're on his squad, right?" one of the women asked, and again all eyes were on her for an answer.

Petra grimaced as she pulled her hand back, putting it below the table and clenching and unclenching the fabric of her dress nervously, "Um, well, yes, so to speak, I guess that…that is an accurate statement." She finished lamely, and a knowing smirk came to the woman's face.

She leaned back into her chair smugly, "Oh, so some of these rumors actually have a lining of truth to them after all, very interesting. Now tell me, how did all of this begin? Last I heard, Humanity's Strongest was antisocial as ever and hadn't so much as gone out on a date with anybody in years – now out of nowhere he's apparently married, and to his direct subordinate no less?" She paused and cocked her head, "How long has that been going on? Were you secretly a couple or something? How did he propose? Or is it actually true that Erwin walked in on you guys and preformed the ceremony that same day as an attempt to cover the whole thing up?" She took a long drink and set the glass back down, watching her casually, "Listen, I don't judge because I've had my own list of scandals myself in the past - I'm just curious. How did this whole thing start?"

Petra took a deep breath, knowing that it would be a waste of time to bring up the actual circumstances that led to their marriage. People had already heard so many versions by now that the concept of them getting married due to a mere letter her father wrote would be considerably anticlimactic, and furthermore no one would actually believe that two people would agree to get married just because of that.

Petra found that she was practically stuttering, finding it impossible to bring strength into her voice, "Uh, well….I guess you could say we were…uh, seeing each other?" Her statement turned into more of a question at the end as an attempt to test the waters and see how believable her statement actually was. She couldn't really see a world where Levi would have intentionally dated her, but she must have been on the right track because the women each seemed to lean in, eyes wide as they gasped in surprise.

One smiled and shook her head, "I knew it. I knew it wasn't just some spur of the moment thing."

"So how did you do it then? How did it all happen?"

Petra brought a hand over her neck, feeling her skin heat up as she tried to think of a story that might placate their curiosity and end this horrible interrogation.

How indeed.

"Well uh, you see we've been working together for a long time now, and I guess…" she took a breath and tried to think on her feet. She could only hope that the women were as drunk as they looked, because she had always, always been a terrible liar when put on the spot like this. She cleared her throat, "Well, sometimes we would uh…well, we would…walk together. After training you know? And we'd put our equipment away and it was…sunset actually, a lot of the time even. So it was… romantic…some, some would say - because of…the sunset? And…and the conversation. Yeah, lots of talking…and walking. You know, sunsets and conversation."

Gods, were they buying any of this?

"Anyway, we were walking, together, i- in the sunset I might add - and then…he…kissed me?" Petra asked in a soft mumble, watching their reactions warily.

One girl shook her head firmly, "No. No way, he kissed you?"

Petra frowned, mentally noting that she must have gone in a wrong direction with that one and tried again, "Oh well I mean, I kissed him?" She watched the women smile at her correction, and Petra coughed, "That is to say, of course I did. Because…you know, it was romantic. In the sunset and everything. After such good…conversations?"

She gave a smile to show she was finished, and the girls all sighed as though they had just been told the most romantic story in the world. Petra exhaled in relief – though really considered telling them that it was time to stop drinking. They had to be absolutely hammered if they were buying a story like that. It was bad to even her ears.

From behind her came the sudden and stern sound of someone else clearing their throat, and Petra bit her inner lip and clamped her eyes shut, knowing the low tones of that voice and the trademark irritation that came with it all too well. She couldn't bring herself to turn around, but one of the girls looked up and giggled, "Oh there he is now, your little Conversationalist."

Petra gave a pained smile in return, knowing full well that Levi would not like being called such a thing, or really anything that included the word 'little'. The real question was, had he actually heard any of what she had just said? He did, didn't he? That was why he hadn't said anything yet and why he cleared his throat to grab her attention. Petra quietly bemoaned her dreadful luck. Of all the things for him to overhear, why that? Why couldn't he have just come like, three minutes later?

As Petra was trying to build the courage to turn around and face him, one girl stood up and walked toward him, the one that Petra had suspected was drunk before they had even said anything to her, and she brazenly placed a hand on the Captain's shoulder, leaning onto him slightly and not even noticing when he visibly flinched away from her touch.

She gave a laugh and jabbed a finger into his chest, "All this time I thought you were a scary guy, but now, after talking to your lovely wife here, I know that you're just a sensitive guy who loves long walks, good conversation, and sunsets. That's just lovely." She gave a sigh and with her free hand, swirled the remaining contents of her drink before downing it in one go. She took a large breath, commenting with wide eyes, "And this whole time, I thought it was just the sex that brought you guys together. But this, this is lovely. Just lovely."

"Petra." Levi's voice came from behind her, and she slowly turned towards him nervously, shooting him a sort of innocent smile as his gaze bored into her. He looked absolutely murderous, but she couldn't be sure if it was the woman leaning on him that he despised, or if it was just her, "Are you finished here?"

The look he watched her with suggested that his question was not in fact a question at all. Even if she wasn't finished, she certainly was now. She knew better than to keep him waiting when he watched her with a glare like that. She stood up quietly and took a step toward him, not surprised when he looked toward the woman in unrestrained irritation before shaking out of her hold, not even blinking when she staggered from the sudden loss of stability.

Levi grabbed Petra's arm and pulled her away, taking large steps away from the women that had bombarded her a few moments ago. Levi scoffed as they moved hurriedly, "I don't know what's worse, that woman's breath, or your ability to lie." He shook his head and watched her narrowly, "You know, remind me to never let you write my eulogy. That was terrible."

Petra tried to keep up with his pace, mortified when Levi confirmed that he had heard her after all. She had to pause and adjust her footing, not being used to walking in high heels and feeling the straps pull across her foot in an uncomfortable manner. Noticing that Petra wasn't behind him, Levi paused and turned around, crossing his arms tersely as he waited for Petra to fix her shoes.

She leaned down and adjusted the straps over her foot, standing back up straight and shrugging at his intense stare, "Look, I didn't know what else to say! They all came out of nowhere and ganged up on me and I don't know who anyone is around here. I didn't want to burn any bridges or whatever; you said there's a lot of important people here so I thought it best to just play along and tell them what they wanted to hear!"

Levi watched her flatly, "You assumed that people who got drunk within the first hour of the party might actually be important? Basic logic would dictate otherwise; people who are important have business to see to before getting wasted." He paused and shook his head, "And really Petra, sunsets and conversation? If I really were that fucking sappy I'd be married ten times over by now to the first idiot that happened to say hi to me. Fucking unbelievable - is that really your idea of a good date?"

She felt her face flush and again words began spilling out of her mouth as she tried to defend herself, "No, I'll have you know that is not my idea of a good date, thank you very much. Not that it's any of your business, but I'd want my date to be charming, and funny, and handsome. We'd have dinner, talk, maybe enjoy the outdoors a little-"

"So, sunsets and conversation?" Levi supplemented with a snort, and Petra's mouth fell open in denial.

"No, none of that! It would be romantic, for real romantic. There would be a spark, connection, actual intimacy – something you wouldn't know about, Captain."

He gave an amused, 'Uh-huh' though Petra continued speaking belligerently, fueled all the more by Levi's taunting grin, "And if the date goes well he might walk me back; we'd stand at the door and kinda stall saying goodbye maybe, try our hand at flirting, perhaps a kiss or two, and if the date went really well, then I might invite him inside and then-" she paused all too late as Levi quirked an eyebrow, all out smirking at her words as he waited for her to finish her sentence.

When she clamped her lips together and her face began to glow red, Levi crossed his arms and leaned closer toward her, his voice a low, pleased whisper, "And then what, Petra?"

She blanched and took a large step back, shaking her head and staring into the floor in obvious embarrassment. Levi tsked once and watched her smugly, "And on the first date even?"

Her mouth went wide and her face continued to burn beet red as she looked up at him in embarrassment. She stammered for a few moments before finally finding her voice again, "Look I already said that's none of your business! I get it, my story was bad and I'm an obvious rookie who can't tell who's who. I'm sorry okay? Can I just go get a drink and try to forget about it? There's no need to…grill me like this!"

Levi shook his head, and his smirk only grew more pronounced to the extent Petra could almost see his teeth as his lips pulled apart from sheer amusement, "You kidding me? After hearing that shit show, now I need a drink." He paused and shook his head again, a chuckle escaping his lips as Petra eyed him waspishly, "Sunsets and conversation…fuck."

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End Of Chapter

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Okay, thank heaven this chapter is out.

This chapter has brought me and my friends so much laughter, and sooo much cringing. Poor, poor Petra and her inability to lie when put on the spot. Such a handy trait. I cannot tell you how many times my friends have since given each other bland, expectant looks when talking their dating life and just 'So, sunsets and Conversation?' 'Yeep.' I hope yall found this chapter hilarious, because hoooo boy, when that drunk gal leans on Levi and is all slurring her words and literally jabs him in the chest – I lose it every time. Gal's lucky she didn't lose an arm!

On a side note, I am so happy to hear how many people are enjoying the consistency of the Sunday updates. I think I said back a few months ago, I don't want to double check so it may be off, but that weekly updates would continue until the end of August? Something like that, and I would potentially go back to updating every other week if needed depending on new material? Well allow me to update that timeline now that we're getting closer to the cutoff.

Weekly updates are now slated to continue until the end of the year! Hurrah! Drinks all around! In fact, I know this is WAY in advance, but as it so happens Christmas is in the middle of the week, so I maaayy or may not update twice that week in spirit of the Holidays.

But. All in good time. For now, one chapter, one step and one arc at a time.

See yall next week!