VI
Precipice
"AHH!"
And who would have thought that the two would become acquaintances?
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"
A man and woman yelled at each other more in annoyance rather than anger. They barely knew each other, but the previous interactions they had the month before left a bad taste in their mouths.
"Woah! Jean!" "Ymir!"
Sasha and Christa both stood and tried to mutually figure out how to calm both of them down. On one hand you had an officer with a superiority complex and on the other one you had a punk girl with no respect for the law.
Connie stood there behind Jean confused. "Uh? What's going on?"
Christa looked at Jean and gasped with recognition. "Hey! You're that officer that asked if I was okay the other day!" She forced Ymir to sit in her chair with unusual strength. "Ymir! Don't be rude!"
"Hah?" Ymir was confused.
"Connie, Jean! I have seats for you guys as long as you shut up!" Sasha motioned the two next to her to the round table the three girls claimed earlier.
The strong scent of fryer oil, seafood, and salt filled the air of the restaurant - you could practically taste the calories. Forget about ordering the menu, just inhale the air and you'll gain weight.
It wasn't a huge restaurant, but it was big enough to hold an average dinner rush over a holiday weekend. Formerly family owned, but sold out to big business and became its own franchise. In fact, this was the first job Sasha held after she moved to the Island.
"Aw! Too bad those old hags aren't here anymore! I woulda loved to show 'em how far I've come!" Sasha groaned, stomach full of fried seafood.
Ymir had a toothpick between her teeth and her arm over the back of Christa's chair, making Jean mentally punch himself in the face. "Ya saying they died or something, country girl?"
Sasha felt a bit embarrassed. 'Country girl' wasn't something she's heard someone call her in a long time. She shook her head.
Connie wrinkled his nose a bit, trying to think, "They didn't die. But didn't they like, go travel the world or whatever?"
That brought Sasha right back in, "Yeah! They sold this business and decided to become traveling lesbians. Literally! They have their own travel blog called just that!"
"Isn't that a bit uncreative, though?" Jean asked.
"Maybe it's so uncreative they're the only ones who have the blog name." Christa countered.
Jean looked over in Christa's direction and saw Ymir's arm still draped across the back of the chair. He didn't show it physically on his face, but you could see it in the way his eyes lingered on the specific spot. Of course, Ymir whom Jean had just truly met (outside of their first encounter) had noticed. She gave an arrogant smirk and raised her brow at him. It didn't take much to set Jean off, but he had to remain his composure in this public space.
That was easier said than done, however.
"Oi, horseface. Somethin' catch your eyes?" Ymir teased.
Jean's eye twitched and he hid the lower half of his face on his knuckles to - partially - hide his scowl, "No, not at all… just spacing out."
Like most friends and groups of miscellaneous people having an outing there was another conversation going on right beside whatever Jean and Ymir were glaring at each other about.
Sasha and Christa were both laughing, completely ignoring the two idiots next to them. Connie, not knowing either of the two girls in Sasha's company, was bouncing between conversations trying to find something to say.
How awkward. I'm like a limp noodle…!
Connie slumped into his seat, sighed, and rolled his head back. Clearly he looked bored to the others, but it's doubtful they cared as they were too wrapped up in each others' quarrels and conversations.
"Uh, hey Jean. I'm going off to the restroom real quick. Don't kill Ymir." Connie got up from his own personal nightmare and escaped.
"Alright! Since buzzcut's basically out!" Ymir started, "Horseface gets to pay the bill!"
"HUH? HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?! YOU PAY IT YOU BRAT!"
"Well here we go, again." Christa smiled at Sasha and they continued having their own small-talk.
"So Sasha, how do you know those girls?" Connie asked.
"I only knew Christa - the blonde. No idea she hung out with such a rough crowd now! She's so small and nice!"
"Yeah, tall-n-ugly certainly doesn't seem to be someone who would be friends with such a cute girl like Christa." Jean commented.
"Don't think too hard on that one, Jeanny." Sasha said.
The trio decided to go to the central park after their lunch with Christa and Ymir. Sasha didn't want to go home yet and now Jean had frustrations to air out into the world.
It was a lovely day regardless. No cloud was in the sky and now that fall was around the corner it was bearable to stay outside without the heat causing any fatigue. The sounds of kids skipping school and people training dogs, playing sports, or just simply having a picnic were all around them.
Healing.
To take advantage of one's own time by working away day by day is exhausting. This picturesque day will become a memory some day.
Jean looked up to the sky and smiled. A much more relaxed face than before. Sasha took a picture to remember the moment (and for insurance).
Connie laughed a bit realizing how the delinquent reacted to seeing him and Jean still in their uniforms. Sasha took a photo of that smug look on his face, too.
It truly was moments like these that she cherished most. She never wanted to let it go.
"Woah! Long day!" Connie gave a big stretch as he walked into his apartment. "My legs hurt!"
He took his uniform shirt off and noticed something in the chest pocket that wasn't there during his shift that morning.
"What's this?" He opened a piece of paper to find sloppy handwriting and uneven font,
"Tell your freckled friend to stay home…" the note read. "'Freckled friend'? Marco?"
A knife to his throat and a gun to their abdomen, two men stood in locked combat in some smelly, dingy, and unsuitable alleyway. If the distance wasn't the reason for his suffocation then their cologne certainly was.
Wait!
You're probably wondering how I got here in the first place. Well , let me explain! My name is Marco Bodt and I'm one of the rank-and-file officers at the City Maria Police Force. Recently there have been a string of confusing and unfortunate crimes spreading throughout not just this city, but the entire Island of Paradis as well. Truth be told I'm not really sure where we stand in all of this. But my gut feeling is telling me something is up, and I can't for the life of me ignore it!
I should have probably told my fellow officers what I'm planning, but I can't risk any information being leaked. As much as I respect Jean and Connie they're both blabbermouths! After meeting their friend Sasha I now know that they break NDA rules and tell some super not-so-public stuff to her! As much as I want to yell at them or rat them out I can't. Is it rude to call them idiots? Because I have a feeling that's what they actually are. Even if they are my closest friends.
Oh! But this isn't about my friends and their lack of confidentiality! This is how I got here!
Everything nowadays has been random and suspect. Nothing's making sense! Our resources are limited and the other cities don't respect us enough to pool in those resources. Our top ranking officers are being tied thin with homicides, bombings and random fires! Honestly! What's going on? We live in a port city that doubles as a college town! Not everybody can be a delinquent, here! That's not statistically possible!
And that's where I ended up here in the Underground. The shady part of the island the city decided they no longer wanted to put money and resources into. It's fine if you live lower middle-class or on the poverty line. It's usually the dirty work here nobody on the rest of the Island would want to do to survive. For them it's not really an option. It's a longshot, but if I studied trends correctly both academically and through talking with demographics, lower class citizens tend to make the arrest section of the weekly newspaper more often than usual. Wish it wasn't like that, but violence and scandals aren't easy things to get if everybody is comfortable enough to stay away from each other.
It's a longshot, but I have a feeling I can get something from somebody here. The Underground network is crazy. Mafia , gangs…. There's always that stereotypical barkeep that buys and sells information per customer request.
So far I've scouted out several inns and taverns. All of which made my skin crawl. I clearly didn't look like I belonged in any of those places. Even without my uniform I felt as if I stuck out like a sore thumb. Eyes were all on me as soon as I entered a building. Did everybody know each other? Was it because they didn't know me? Now I feel like I'm the suspicious one… oh boy. I just hope my commanding officers don't get word of me being around here.
But then again… I don't think this is the type of place that would enjoy an officer's company unless they were planning something illegal under tha main government's nose.
But those are overtroped stories! I don't think a coup is something that's going to happen here, at least. Maybe in one of the mainland countries.
Today, I had a feeling. I had a feeling something would happen today so I wore my badge on my belt under my jacket. No one would see it, and if something did happen I could call for backup and have proof of title. I had my gun sitting snugly next to my badge for easy reach.
I couldn't give my hunch up yet. I had to keep investigating.
Here was the tavern that housed several victims of a supposed turf war that happened about ten years ago. Word is nothing's happened since, but that's also because a powerful man covered the incident up. Buying out the government and it's protection is a scary thing. I would hate to meet a man like that face-to-face. Evil.
I walked into a similar feeling that all other places gave me when I first started this investigation. All eyes on me and a warm hello from the bartender. Voices went silent, but then picked up shortly after. I guess after sizing me up the people here didn't see me as someone they could lose to. I walked up to the bar itself and sat. I ordered a basic drink. I would have to ask my superiors what they preferred on a night out, but then again I don't think I would be able to handle a night out with them. Maybe one day when I climb the ranks.
The bartender didn't seem too interested in me as he kept polishing glasses and organizing various bottles of alcohol and juices. There was a girl who looked to be in her early thirties or late twenties walking around making conversation with different patrons of this establishment. Usually these sort of places would have someone with a more youthful look walking around to do that. Easy way to make money. Easy way to make extra money.
But then again, the few people who did work here all seemed a bit older than most taverns around here. They spoke roughly, but refined. They had more manners than some of the other places, that's for sure.
Next time this guy comes up to me I've gotta ask him about this place.
"Not used to drinking? I can set you up with sumthin' if you tell me what ya tongue jumps for."
Turns out he had the first words. Even if they were a bit weird.
Now this guy seemed like a character. He had curly hair styled as an undercut, clearly starting to gray on top. Prematurely? I couldn't tell. I could feel him continuously stare at me even though I was in my own little headspace. From what I can gather he was trying very hard to play it cool and disinterested. But, uh, he had a hard time doing that. Did he see my badge? No way. But he also didn't seem like the type who played for his own team.
He did dress pretty nice, though.
"Uh, well. I don't drink too much so I don't know what a lot of the stuff tastes like. Ha ha. What about something you'd recommend?"
I can't ask him too quickly. Foot in the door, Marco! Not door in the face!
"You like things sour, sweet, or spicy?" He asked.
"Uh.. well I guess I like sweet things?"
"Careful, now. The sweets can get ya all sorts o' messed up."
"Oh, uh… well…"
"Relax, I won't make it too strong. It'll be more juice than alcohol. Learn to handle your liquor better and I'll make it full next time."
"Oh! Thank you very much! That's really kind of you, sir!"
This place is way better than every other place I've been to this past month, I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask him about this place and what happened ten years ago? It could get me some leads to the criminal organizations that might be more active than we thought.
Oh, he made that fast. "Thank you!"
"Word on the street is there's been a man bar hopping all around the underground in recent days. I have a feeling that might be you, son." He was speaking lowly so no one around them would hear, "I saw that badge on your hip. I hope you're aware you're kind ain't that welcome here. But an old friend o' mine would beat the shit outta me if I refused a customer with such generosity."
Oh, shit! Have I been caught? What's gonna happen to me once I leave this place?
"Don't look like such a deer in headlights, now. The only way something bad's gonna happen is if you flash that badge at the wrong crowd. I just so happened to see it when you sat down. Now, son. I have a feelin' you got a question to ask me. Must be important since you've been down here by your lonesome."
This is it! God Ymir, please let this go well!
"Okay.. well. I heard that this place was the showdown of a turf war kept under the rug by a bigwig mob boss. There's no record of it in our public files, so I don't know what exactly happened."
"And who said this? Big Ma's on the other end of this shit-hole?"
I was surprised. I was expecting a more violent reaction to this question. "Y-yeah. I hadn't heard of this until then, though."
"Why do you wanna know, son? What's this mission you're on?" He asked.
"I… I don't know. I don't know what I'm looking for right now, but I can't keep looking in our files for information on suspects we might not have in the system."
"So topside issues have ties to the Underground City now, huh?"
"Hmm. Not necessarily. But there's a strong information network here, and I feel it could help us from the Island getting destroyed." How else could I say it? This much was true. Rose didn't trust us, and the police's public record online AND in person had no information whatsoever. I even asked each of the Commanders. Shadis was the only one who told me to forget about it.
"Alright, son. You've played your cards right thus far. I'll give you a little insight. But not here. We go outside for this."
Oh… OH! This uh, doesn't sound that good.
"Huh? Not coming? Thought you wanted to know so bad. May as well take this opportunity. Not many people know about the survivors of that incident."
S-survivor?! Oh shit. Now I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place.
I slowly got up and followed the barkeep outside to a shady alley with no ears to see and eyes to hear. Why am I so nervous? He doesn't seem to have any ill intent.
"True, this was the landmark of the occasion, but the true crime happened somewhere else from here. I can show you. No one goes there 'cept some delinquents here and there."
"So the tavern was a coverup?"
"Sorta. A hostage situation happened that kept customers away for a long time. The real showdown was at an abandoned Underground warehouse the capitol used to use to store city building material… See how well that went, huh."
I looked at the man. "You said you were a survivor. Were you personally involved?"
"Yeah.. I was. We were a division that handled mostly extortion and in the process got dirt on people. Enemy got the upper hand somehow and an innocent we were close to got killed. It was a pretty lowball move to do a trick that dirty. After that our group's leader went missing. Boss told us it was personal. Don't blame him for wanting out, though."
I was so enthralled by the way this man spoke. You could hear the scars in his voice. It was something like i've never had to experience before. The only other person I've heard speak like this is Commander Erwin.
"And it wasn't no turf war. This was a personal vendetta that got too many people not involved, involved. Didn't like that we got the beat on 'em and collected their money. Came in and beat the shit out of innocent people having a good drink while taking us hostage. Wish I could tell you what happened to 'em after that night, but I've no idea. I woke up in the hospital barely alive myself."
"So, if it's alright. Could I get names of these groups? I can't do anything to you guys, and all I'm looking for are leads for current investigations."
"You're playin' a dangerous game, son. What's your name?"
"It's Marco Bodt, sir."
"'Sir?' I ain't your boss. Well, Marco if you do me a favor I'll tell you what you need to know."
"Uh…" Oh, jeez. Here it comes.
"Put me in holding at your station. I need to talk to someone and they're not answering my calls."
...Huh? "U-uh, but I can't just place you under arrest, sir." Is this guy crazy?
"But you can place me in holding for suspicious activity, yeah? I just want to talk to someone."
"Excuse me for saying this, sir, but I think you have a screw loose in the head! I can't do personal favors like that with your freedom on the line."
"For fucks sake, son! It ain't sir!" The man pulled a pocket knife out of pant pocket and backed Marco against the wall, knife edge against his pulse. "The name's Oluo, and I'm sorry to do this to ya, son! But I'm running out of options myself! I hope this is reason enough for you to place me for a night or two down at the station!"
I didn't even realize that I had my gun pulled and pushed into his abdomen. Everything happened so fast. Reflexive? I've never been in a position like this before. Maybe it was instinct. But this guy was a loose cannon. I couldn't afford to let him walk away like this.
I was absolutely terrified in this moment.
"Sir- Oluo. If I hold you under mental instability they'll grill long and hard before they let you see your friend. But if I arrest you under the threatening of an officer they'll hold you a lot longer without the guarantee of seeing them. And if I hold you under suspicion of criminal activity then my commanders will grill you long and hard and get everything they can out of you about what you just told me and maybe then some!"
"Hah. For a cop you've got some insight, but you lack the balls to make a decision, huh?"
"I-"
"Listen, son. Put me under whatever you want, because I can guarantee I've been through worse than some interrogation. Just let me tell my pals I won't be in for a while. If they find you're a cop you won't be welcome 'round here no more."
And that's how I got here in this mess. I have no idea what's going on. But along the way I have to think of a solution. Why would an innocent man want me to arrest him to see somebody? Someone make it make sense, please!
"Jeez, freckles. You sound like a dumbass." A woman with short brown hair and sly eyes sat atop of a worn down building looking down at the two men.
"Maybe you're friends with that horseface I keep seeing around at the activity center. Both a buntcha idiots."
"Why the hell am I here? Smells like shit."
Levi appeared at the foot of the Maria Police Station's steps and made a disgusted face. He knew exactly why he was there. That damn Oluo called him just to talk to him.
It's been ten years… Why can't he just leave me alone?
From what was told over the phone the cops had been grilling him pretty hard for the last few days. They were ready to let him speak to a friend or family member before they decided to release him.
Levi sighed. "Nothing's making sense anymore."
He went up to the station's doors and walked up to reception, seizing his I.D. to the lady at the front. He was escorted through an office area to the back of the building where they held their short-term individuals. From what he observed, it was hectic. Phones ringing nonstop and papers flying through the air. The office would smell like sweat, but coffee and energy drinks filled his nose instead.
A large man led him to the back area. A silent stoic with a cold air about him. He didn't do much to make small talk, but Levi got the feeling he should stay on his toes the entire time he was around him.
"Here." The man opened the door and looked at Levi hard. "You get thirty minutes, Ackerman."
"Thank you, officer."
The door clicked behind him and locked.
"Woah! Levi! It's really you!"
Through a barrier of plexiglass Oluo beamed with excitement. It had been such a long time since the two men had seen each other. Even Levi was a bit surprised looking at his old friend.
"Well, shit. You really pulled a stunt like this to lure me out, huh.' Levi said.
"Sorry 'bout that. But you blocked my number and honestly that kind of hurt." Oluo pouted remembering the day.
"Had to. Kept pissing me off. Now what do you want? We only have thirty minutes to talk."
"Straight and to the point, I see." Oluo readjusted himself in the stool he was sitting on, looked at the door behind him, then one behind Levi, and then back to Levi. "Remember that gang that put us through hell?"
Levi didn't like the sound of that. "Unfortunately."
"Heard the old man of that outfit kicked it a few years ago. Then I heard they'd been doing some sketchy stuff Underground. Not sure if it has anything to do with the rest of the Island. Dumbshit boy told me stuff was goin' on here and asked if I knew anything. So I gave him the benefit of the doubt about it."
"The only dumbshit I can tell here is you, Oluo." Levi crossed his arms and leaned back.
"Oh, come on that's not fair! Besides… if what the kid said was true, then I would also like to not watch this Island burn by the hands of people who can't let a grudge go."
"Getting yourself involved with a stranger?"
"Nah. if all I need to do is give some intel, then that's all that is. I don't wanna fight, either, Levi."
"Hm. then you should have spoken to Jim, first… after all, he's the one who bought out the government for this to stay under wraps."
"Well that's the other thing, too. I think those guys are still after the Ackermans. And not just the business, but they're making it personal now. I want you to be careful, Levi. Jim does, too."
Levi thought to himself about the situation. Why he was called here. Why Oluo went through all of this trouble for himself just to relay a message.
"And I don't think it's a bad idea now to let the police have a few potential leads on these guys."
"And it could also get us in trouble, too, you know. We're connected to this just as much." Levi countered.
"Well…" Oluo knew Levi was right, but… "What's done is done. I'm here, and this is all happening 'cause we're in no position to do this ourselves."
Levi sighed, "Fine. I'll take your word and play it safe. If that's all I'm leaving. When you get out I have a teashop on the outskirts of the busy part of the city. It's down a quiet alley. Find me there. And if I'm not there, Nanaba probably will be. Talking to her best friend every morning."
Oluo perked up. "Nanaba? She's here, too? So I see she made it on her feet. I'm glad. Okay, Levi. I'll find you. Don't skip out on me, got it?" Oluo gave a wink to try and seem cool.
Before Levi gave a knock on the door to let the officer that led him here know he was finished early he looked back at Oluo and said one final thing: "And cut your damn hair."
"Howoah! If it isn't the man himself! Levi!"
Mike with all of his height and charisma walked straight up to Levi and put his arm around his shoulders like they were best buddies.
Dammit.
"And what do you want, you giant?" Levi gave him his usual response. Indifferent yet annoyed by the interaction of someone who had no volume control.
"Well I saw you walking with Shadis earlier and wanted to check up on you. He can be pretty intense sometimes. But he's a good guy!"
"Oh?"
"Yeah! Unfortunately Hange isn't here otherwise I'm sure she'd love to sit here and chat with you! But she had to go up and give a lecture to some university kids for some science thing. That's not my jurisdiction, so I don't know anything more than that." It seemed Mike was going to do nothing more than babble about whatever while still working on the clock and with a civilian in the midst of a police station's main office area.
"Okay?" Why was he telling him this, again?
"Oh! Right! What're you doing tonight?"
"Well I wa-"
"Nope! You're gonna go out with me and a few of my friends! Why, you may ask? Well! We're celebrating Hange's birthday! And Nanaba's been dying to go out with her as well as get you out of your own house!"
Levi looked at Mike with an expression that could only be read as disbelief and confusion all in one. "No…" he whispered.
"Yes!" Mike gleefully yelled. "Get ready! I'll be at your house around six, address secured lovingly by my girlfriend and your friend, Nanaba."
I'm going to kill her.
Levi said nothing as he found his way out of Mike's hold and walked straight out of the office, grabbed his I.D. and went straight home.
"Bye-bye! Levi! See you tonight!" Mike waved to Levi's back.
Erwin poked his head out of his office and looked at Mike, "So is that the guy?"
"Yeah, it is! I'm excited!"
"Nanaba! How could you have given him my address!" Levi yelled into his phone.
"Oh, come now, Levi. Going out for a night won't hurt. Plus I would be the one over there, but I'm over here with my loving wife. Tits before dicks, babe."
"Oh, you sound so calm for someone who's causing a hurricane." Levi was fuming.
"You know - you think you're scary when you're angry, but you're just disagreeable. I think it's pretty funny how worked up you are over solidifying friendships. Mike actually likes you, dude."
Levi grumbled when his doorbell rang. "I think that's him. I'll let you have your honeymoon, then."
click
"Door's open." Levi sounded bored.
And just like that the door flew open and Mike made his way in. Living here for so long by himself and having this giant walk in semi-uninvitied now made his place feel cramped.
"LEVI! Told ya I'd be here!"
Oh for fucks sake here we go.
"Yeah. Now you left out the part where you told me where we're going. Otherwise I'd already be ready." Levi said.
"Yeah, yeah! You got any leather? We're going to a bar. Don't worry! It won't cramp your suave lifestyle, but it doesn't hurt to experience new scenes."
Levi crossed his arms and raised his eyebrows, "I've been to bars before."
Mike chuckled in response, "Cool."
Mike then took it upon himself to navigate and learn the layout of Levi's apartment despite the smaller man angrily following him. He made comments every now and then about some random thing he found whether it was the way he organized his towels in the closet or what type of shampoo he found in his shower. If his nose wasn't as good as it was he probably would've opened up the tops and sniffed every last bottle that was in there.
"I would've figured you to be more of a red guy, but you seem to really like green, huh. I like the way you painted and accented these colors, though."
Another grumble from Levi.
"Ah! Is this your room? I'll just let myself into your closet, then."
"Hey! Wait a minute!" Levi called after him.
"Wow!" Mike pulled out an old bomber jacket with Sword Lily flowers in a formation on the back. "You in a children's gang, Levi?"
"No. That jacket's old. Put it back."
"Hm? Why? Doesn't matter if it's old, does it? Looks cool. Looks like it still fits you, too. I think you'd look pretty dope in it. Really fits the environment. Haha."
"I know it does, but those Birds of Paradise could cause some trouble if worn around without a care." Levi clarified.
"So you were in a gang! Wow. A gang member and an officer being buddies! Sounds like a cool TV show, yeah?" Mike was having fun.
Levi was not, however.
"Hey," Mike said, "If it means anything to you, I used to be in a biker gang myself when I was in college. Decided it was time to move on and joined the police academy. Still on good terms with the guys. Ride with them every now and then. No trouble, though." He turned to let his back face Levi and pointed his thumb to the Condor on his back. "Known as The Condors back in the day. Real creative, huh?"
Levi took the jacket in Mike's hands, "Fine. if it shuts you up I'll wear the damn thing." He wished he wasn't convinced to wear this old thing, but Mike had a way of persuasion.
"Cool! Next step! White shirt! Next! I need the tightest pants you own!"
"No." Levi was never going to do that. "I can practically see everything with what you're wearing right now. I'm not doing that."
"Aw, but Levi! You've gotta have something! You're so small! Everything must fit you!" Mike pouted.
"I'll wear regular black jeans, but these are as tight as I'll go. I'm not into exposing myself to strangers through the guise of clothing."
"As long as those thighs get the spotlight I can live…. Now let's fix your hair!"
"Stay away from me!"
Nanaba sat on Hange's bed eating a bag of potato chips and scrolling through her phone, looking up every now and then to see if she needed to help her friend out with styling. Honestly Nanaba was surprised that Hange had this much trouble with putting an outfit together. But it added to her charm. Hange seemed to be getting the hang out of it though.
"Listen, Zoë. If you say the word I'll break up with Mike right now and go all for you." Nanaba said playfully, but also with a tinge of seriousness attached.
Hange sighed, "Do I really look good, though?"
"Hell yeah, you do! This is for your birthday, and you get to be hottie mcthotty tonight! Don't forget that." Nanaba went to her bag and grabbed a small palette of makeup and walked over to her best friend whom she had already decided were married. "Now bring that ass this way! If it's cool, I want to give you a bit of color on those cheeks and lift those lashes!"
Hange laughed, "As long as I don't look weird."
"Oh, yeah. You're wearing contacts tonight, right?"
"Yeah. Can't risk my glasses getting broken on a night out in some bar."
"Good."
It was the bar Mike frequented so they already knew they were in good company. The owner of this bar used to be in the same gang as Mike and made sure that no one caused trouble for anyone else regardless of affiliation or orientation. In Mike's brain, he thought he was hot shit with the hookup. To Levi, he thought he was an annoying older brother out of touch with reality trying to impress his younger sibling.
It was a lively night, but then again it was also Thursday. Closer to the weekend meant more people feeling the urge to destress and loosen up a bit. This time the music was loud, and close companions of Hange's in the police force were already setting the party's mood.
Levi mostly came partly for formalities and partly because he was forced to by Mike and Nanaba. He sat down next to another giant man with slicked back blond hair who seemed to be a bit more old fashioned. He wore an all brown gingham three-piece suit and looked like he was from the 40's minus the hat.
"Overdressed?" Levi spoke to him first.
"Leather doesn't really suit me. I prefer a more gentlemanly look. I think my personality would clash too much if I wore what the rest of you were wearing." He said.
"You're telling me. I haven't worn an outfit like this since I was twenty. Name's Levi." He introduced himself.
"Yes, I've heard of you from both Zoë and Mike. I'm glad I finally get to meet you. I'm Erwin Smith. I'm their superior in the organization. I get to be mean to them and be paid."
What a thing to say on a first meeting.
"Hm. I bet it's like herding sheep with those two." Levi admitted.
"Sometimes. But they work hard, and I appreciate them greatly." Erwin smiled. "You a whiskey man, Levi?"
"I haven't had alcohol in a long time. Can't say I remember hating it, though."
Erwin put his hand up and called the bartender over to them, "Excuse me, sir! Two glasses of your finest whiskey, please."
"You got it!"
"Don't worry about the cost. This one's on me. It's been a while since I've been able to speak to someone with the same eyes as me."
Levi raised his eyebrow, curious to what Erwin meant. "Hm? What do you mean by that?"
"I've seen my fair share of violence. I used to be in the military. Saw hell itself on the middle peninsula. Retired with an emerald oval. Never looked back."
"I'm sorry you had to experience that, but I've never been in the military so I can't say I relate." Levi sympathized.
"I know." Erwin said. "I did some background research on you. Ackerman is a heavy name to bear here. I assume someone forced you to wear that jacket out tonight given what Sword Lilies mean in the eyes of those who know."
"That has nothing to do with me now." Levi stated.
Erwin hummed in agreement. "Yeah. I can tell. I could only find information through Underground newspaper articles. That's the last I've heard of the name. I will say, though. Whoever the leader of your clan is has some influence. I couldn't even find anything in the official government files relating to the incident or anything with your name."
"Yeah. I have some regrets, but I just want to live a normal life now." Levi put his head down on the back of his wrist.
"I have no reason to suspect you of anything, Levi. I enjoyed talking with you tonight. You're a great drinking buddy. I say we do this again sometime without the commotion in the background."
"Sure. I don't like going out much, but I might be able to spare some time."
"LEEEVIIII! Hey!"
Hange called out to him from across the bar. Her volume easily made sure he could hear her.
"Come over here! Erwin! You too!" She called out to both of them.
"Guess we have no choice, then." Levi said, knowing how this would end if he didn't.
The two men walked over to Hange, Nanaba, Mike and one more person didn't know. Well, what he did know is that he was so goddamn drunk.
"Hey, four eyes. What's wrong with your friend?" Levi asked.
Mike responded for Hange, "Mobit here, what a sweet boy! He has a pretty low tolerance."
Nanaba spoke next, "But he sure as hell is a party animal! Yeah! Take it off!"
Moblit was dancing with himself next to the area where the others were sitting. If there was a phrase to describe what was going on with Moblit it would be:'feelin' myself.'
"Levi! Erwin! Sit! Enjoy the one man show that is Moblit!" Hange suggested. She was laughing alongside Mike and Nanaba watching their gifted subordinate letting loose for once.
"Does Moblit always do this when he drinks?" Erwin asked, borderline worried.
"Uh, sometimes. Usually when he's around people he's comfortable with I've noticed." Mike answered.
"It's hard to get out like this if you're working in the forensics and investigation department you know, Erwin." Hange mentioned. "So let's let him act out tonight."
"I hope you're using that planner then, four eyes." Levi said to Hange.
"Yeah, yeah! I'm trying to! I've got the rest of this month organized!"
Nanaba almost choked on her drink when got a look at Levi. She hadn't looked at him directly as she was distracted by the Mob-man having fun in front of them. "Woah! Levi! You look good with slicked back greaser hair!" She turned to Mike, "Did you do this? Did you turn my bestfriend into horny teenage girl art?"
Mike puffed his chest and gave a smug nod in response. "I sure did! He resisted at first, but once I got those locks wet and got some gel he had no choice but to let me do my thing!"
"Tsk!" Levi clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Damn giant."
"Can always trust you to get things done, I see." Erwin tried to be funny.
"Speaking of my wonderful job with Mr. Doom and Gloom over here, Levi. You know how to ride?"
"Huh?"
"Motorcycles! You ever ride before?" Mike asked again.
"When I was younger. Can't say I do now." Levi admitted.
"How 'bout I take you for a refresher course and we ride out somewhere?"
"Hmm." Levi was a bit unsure.
Hange gasped excitedly. "Are we all going?"
"Only if Levi takes me up on my offer we can!" Mike said.
"Fine!" Levi threw up his hands and gave in. "I'll take you up on your stupid offer."
"And I'll let you have your fun. Moblit would do no good on a motorcycle in his condition. I'll go ahead and take him home." Erwin said and got up to pay his tab.
"Leave instructions on his counter or fridge for the massive hangover he's gonna have in the morning." Hange said.
The wind made the night seem colder than what it was. Thankfully everyone here had at least jackets and long pants to help even just a little bit. It wasn't too bad, though.
Mike took Levi around the block so he could get used to the controls once again. That was fine. Mike let Levi borrow one of his bikes he kept here in a storage shed the bar had. That was also fine. What wasn't fine was when Hange got on the back of his bike and Mike rode off with Nanaba. Truth be told, it wasn't the fact it was Hange, it was just how he knew she would react.
She laughed with so much excitement. Or fear. Levi couldn't tell which it was. But regardless she was happy and having a lot of fun.
Between the vibrations of the vehicle he was riding and the sound of the woman behind him Levi felt weird. Was he also feeling joy? It had been such a long time since he felt this feeling. It was like a distant memory in the wind telling him to move on. For the moment, Levi decided he would let go of any ill feelings he had and just let himself react to whatever happened.
He would be vulnerable until the next morning.
He caught up to Mike who was grinning like a fool. Nanaba's head tucked into his back.
"Hey! Where are we going?" Levi yelled over the hum of the motors.
"Someplace special to me! Keep up! We're almost there!' Mike responded.
The four arrived at a place far from the lights of the city. The only light they had was from the full moon above them and its reflection off the river. There wasn't a single sound aside from the leaves rustling from the trees.
It was a cliff. A steep cliff. One could only imagine what someone would do with a cliff this high.
No matter what place your mind goes thinking about it, it was beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking.
You could see every star in the sky. Even the galaxy above made its appearance across the starscape.
"Did you know…" Hange's voice was the softest thing in the world. "We're made of the same stuff as the stars?" She sounded reflective.
Apparently, Levi was the only one who heard her as Mike and Nanaba were somewhere down the way pointing out constellations. He looked over at her and felt his lungs freeze and heart stop.
The pale glow of the moonlight and the far off look in her eyes, no glasses to hide her true gaze. She wore only a little bit of makeup, but it helped accentuate her features more with the poor lighting they were in. She was truly breathtaking right now. That wasn't something he expected, but here he is.
Falling.
"We'll become supernova's one day. We'll expire at some point. It could be at any moment, too."
Levi laid down next to Hange slowly. Afraid he'd disturb the peace she created around them. Right now it felt as if they were the only two here in their own little world.
He let her continue with her soliloquy. He surprisingly wanted her to.
"At the end of everything there is always a new beginning… God I hope that's true." She sighed at the last part.
Levi dared not to speak. This time he felt his voice was too abrasive to use. He opened and closed his mouth several times before he found the pianissimo he needed to make a sound.
"There's… always something to look forward to…" He said.
She was taken slightly aback. She didn't even realize Levi was this close to her. She couldn't find the words to speak, though. The two of them were locked in each other's gaze. The moonlight allowed them to see how soft each others' faces were.
They were in their own world. Anyone and anything around them were unknown and forgotten. Especially Mike and Nanaba who were able to take photos of the two of them without them noticing.
"Hey Reiner, where's Bertholdt? He said he would join us this time!"
"No clue. He told me he was going for a run and would be back later tonight."
"He's also not failing any of his classes so I think it's best for you guys to focus on your books and not on Berty."
Midterms were around the corner, and Eren and Reiner weren't having the best of luck in any of their classes. They asked Armin and Bertholdt for help, but only Armin showed up to save their letter.
"And besides! It's not even midterm yet! I haven't failed my classes! Not yet, anyway!" Eren declared.
Reiner joined him. They were literally the same person who loved bad ideas. "Yeah! We haven't failed yet!"
Armin blinked. "So this means you guys'll study before you do fail?"
"Armin, listen buddy. I've known you for a long time. But I haven't failed yet! There's no way I'm going to admit defeat now." Eren put his good arm around Armin and explained his delusions to his bestfriend.
"Huh?" Reiner's phone started to vibrate. Bertholdt was calling. "Hey, guys, I'll walk away for a minute. Bertholdt's calling.
"Don't get lost." Armin teased. He knew the dorms could start to feel cramped with more than two people in them, but once you lose that sense of sanity even the hallways outside become your enemy.
"Hey, whatsup? Where you at?"
Bertholdt was breathing heavy on the other line. His voice was shaky and scared. "R-Reiner. I… I don't know what to do. I… I need you here now."
"...what? What are you going on about? Where are you?"
"I'll send you my location. I don't know how long I have."
"Just stay right there! I'm coming to get you!" Reiner hung up the call.
"Hey, Armin, Eren. I gotta run. I guess Bertholdt got caught in something while out on his run."
"Do you need us to come help you?" Eren asked. Partly to get out of Armin's advanced tutoring.
"Nah. I can handle it. I'm pretty brawny. I'll call you guys if I do." Reiner promised.
It was grim. It was a scene no one should ever have to witness in their lives. What hurt more is that his friend was the cause of it. How far would you go to help your friend? If they said "jump with me off the bridge" would you do it?
"Bertholdt… What the HELL DID YOU DO?!" Reiner screamed in disbelief.
"R-Reiner… I.." Bertholdt was crying.
"Hey, you idiots. If you want to get out of this, come with me… NOW!" A girl they didn't know called out to them. She had a small frame, but stood tall on her feet. Short brown hair and sly eyes.
"Who-?" Reiner didn't know this woman. How could he trust her?
"Ask me who I am later! But if your asses want to get out of this you need to come with me. I can get you cover for the night."
Reiner was at a standstill. What should he do? He had no idea what to do. He was scared. But all he could do right now was trust this stranger.
He grabbed Bertholdt and started running alongside the woman. "Name's Reiner!"
She laughed. "I told you to ask me later, you dolt! It's Ymir."
A/N:
Hey, there! This chapter is about 3K longer than what I normally post. I do try to keep a minimum and maximum, but I personally felt this chapter had to be completed in this way so i could segway into the next sort of part. School for me is starting soon, so uploading will be even more sparse than it normally is. But you know it happens. Anyway, uh, I just realized how much I like to write these dreamy sequences. I just kinda lose myself in the imagination of them. It's something so purely fictional that you just can't help but envision it in a realistic setting? I guess that makes sense. Anyway, see you next time!
PS: Making Ymir this middle-man character is so fun to play around with.
