Ch.11 Complications
The wonderful smell of food as Rhea walks through the doors of the little cafe makes her stomach grumble again, and Petra giggles next to her. The trio takes a seat in a secluded corner, and a pretty brunette waitress comes to take their order. When she notices Levi, she ignores both the women at the table and speaks to him with a coquettish smile, leaning over as she does and squeezing her breasts together. Petra just rolls her eyes, and Rhea assumes this is a frequent occurrence.
"Captain Levi! It's such a pleasure to serve you. What can I get for you?"
"Black tea and a bowl of soup."
Levi replies without even looking at her, completely ignoring her advances, and it seems to throw the girl for a loop. She pouts and sourly asks the girls what they want. Petra and Rhea order the same thing, and the food comes quickly. Rhea eats the subpar soup with gusto. She hasn't eaten more than scraps in four days. She hadn't wanted to leave Levi alone in the den long enough to hunt. Levi stares at her in mild disgust, while Petra laughs at her eagerness.
"Slow down before you choke, brat."
Rhea swallows the last unsatisfying bite. It hits her stomach like a heavy weight, and Rhea washes down her discomfort with a sip of her tea, pulling a face when the bitter taste hits her tongue.
"She over steeped the leaves. Uggh, this is barely drinkable."
Levi raises a brow. His cup is already half gone.
"Mine is fine."
Petra shakes her head with a chuckle.
"Of course yours is Captain, she's trying to impress you. Mine is bitter too."
Levi frowns at Petra and reaches for her cup. Rhea notices the odd way he grips it by the rim as he takes a sip and promptly makes a face of total disdain.
"That's disgusting. She should be fired for wasting good tea leaves. Stupid girl."
Petra laughs again, but Rhea isn't listening. She has a sudden feeling that someone is watching them. Her breathing shallows, and her heart beat slows as she peers around the room with gold flecked eyes. Levi notices her sudden stillness and turns to her, stiffening when he sees her face. He leans in an speaks in a low tone.
"What is it?"
"Someone's watching us."
He discreetly casts a glance around the room.
"Can you pinpoint where from?"
"No, there's too much going on in here. It's muddling my senses.
Levi rises from the table and motions to Petra as he takes Rhea's arm and leads her out the door. Petra leaves money for the food and follows them across the street. Levi speaks in Rhea's ear, as he keeps his eyes set on the street.
"Can you see anything?"
Rhea sighs and shakes her head.
"No, the feeling's gone now."
"We should finish our shopping quickly and head back. Petra, go grab our horses and meet us at the general store."
Petra nods and runs up the street. Rhea follows Levi to the general store, where they quickly pick out some basic necessities, pay, and leave without incident. As they stand in front of the store waiting for Petra to return, a black dog comes running toward them from the street. When it nears Rhea it cowers and begins to whine. She hears Levi as she slowly kneels toward the dog, holding out her hand.
"A dog? Where the hell did it come from?"
"I don't know, but it's not some street dog. Look, her collar is pure silver. Could it have run here from wall Rose? Come here girl, let's see if we can figure out who you belong to."
Rhea pets the dog's still cowering head with one hand and reaches for the collar with the other.
"Wait, brat. Don't touch-"
"Ow!"
Rhea falls back with a sharp cry, clutching her hand to her chest. Her hood falls from her face, and Levi quickly pulls it back up. The dog jumps to its feet and flees, disappearing around the corner as Levi kneels in front of Rhea, grabs her wrist and pulls her hand away from her chest. Both her and Levi's eyes widen at the sight of severe burns, which show no signs of her usual healing. Levi tears a strip of cloth from the bottom of her cloak and wraps it around her hand, then pulls her to her feet.
"We need to get out of here."
As if on cue, Petra appears with the horses in tow. Levi loads their purchases in Blue's saddle bag, lifts Rhea onto the horse and quickly follows suit. They make their way back to HQ, with Levi and Petra warily scanning their surroundings, and Rhea trying desperately to hold back the nausea building in her throat and stomach.
Kilometers away, on the other side of wall rose, a man with unkempt chocolate brown hair and dark eyes steps into a lavishly furnished office. He holds a black leather leash, and at the end is a black dog with a glimmering silver collar. Standing behind a rich oak desk is a thin, wiry man with ashy hair and deep set age lines. In his hands is a crystal glass full of a dark red liquid. The brunette approaches the desk and hands the leash over. The ash haired gentleman takes a long drink from the glass and fixes the brunette with an impatient glare.
"Well?"
"I found her, Mr. Carter. Rhea Vaughn was in Trost district this afternoon. I had the dog confirm it like you ordered."
"Well done. My assistant will give you your payment on the way out."
"Thank you, sir. There's one more thing.
"Yes?"
"She was with the scouts. She left on horseback with Captain Levi and a member of his squad. They were headed back to headquarters."
"Thank you. Now please see yourself out."
"Yes, sir."
The brunette leaves, shutting the doors behind him with a soft click. Carter unhooks the leash, and the dog lays down at his feet. He turns to the window, looking out over Karanes district. He swirls his glass and takes another long drink, draining the remainder of its contents, then sets it on the desk.
"Finally, I can set my plans in motion, and the scout's involvement will make it all the better. Enjoy your newfound companionship while it lasts, Miss Vaughn. It will make it so much more enjoyable for me when I rip it all away."
Carter's face reflects off the glass, revealing a pair of dark yellow eyes. The empty glass on the desk is permanently stained a faded crimson.
Levi orders Petra to take care of the horses as soon as they arrive at headquarters. He grabs Rhea's arm again, a little more roughly than she thinks he intends, and guides her swiftly back to his office. Her nausea worsens as she jogs up the stairs and struggles not to be dragged through the hallways. By the time they step into the office and shut the door, it is all she can do not to vomit on the spot. Levi reaches for her burned hand, but she hold it up and dashes for the toilet in his bathroom. She collapses to her knees in front of the pot just in time to violently empty the contents of her stomach. Rhea spends several more minutes dry heaving before the nausea begins to dissipate and she manages to lift herself with shaky hands. As she turns away from the toilet, taking deep ragged breaths, a clean white hand towel is held in front of her. She accepts it gratefully and wipes the damp cloth over her mouth and hands. Levi gingerly takes the cloth from her and tosses it in a bin, then silently holds his hand out to her. She takes it with a tired smile and allows him to lift her up and guide her to the bench next to the huge claw foot tub. Levi grabs another cloth, runs it under the tap, and takes a seat beside her, holding his hands out expectantly.
"Did the burns make you sick somehow?"
Rhea places her stinging hand in his and watches as he unwraps the cloth. She shakes her head as the angry red burns come into view.
"No. I think it's from lunch. I felt a little sick almost immediately after eating."
Levi's brows furrow as he gently presses the cold, damp cloth against her palm. She hisses at the initial sting, but the cold water feels amazing.
"You mentioned that the collar was silver. Has anything like this happened when you touched it before?"
"I've always worn gold jewelry because silver made me break out in a rash, but never anything like this. Do you think whoever was watching us saw?"
"I think that's exactly what they were hoping to see. I think they sent the dog to identify you, which means that they know something about you that we don't, possibly a lot more."
Levi removes the cloth and pulls a small jar from his pocket. He opens it, dips two fingers in the jelly like substance, and rubs it gently over her burns. The soothing effect is immediate, and Rhea sighs contentedly. Pulling a roll of bandages from his other pocket, he begins to carefully re-wrap her hand. Rhea frowns deeply as she considers everything that has happened today.
"It must be Carter. He's the only other person who knows about me. Emmett wouldn't think of something like the dog collar, and I don't think he would want to hurt me. We should go to Karanes tomorrow and confront him."
"That's not a good idea. We don't know what he's planning, or for sure that it's him. We'll tell Erwin about this tomorrow. He'll be able to come up with a plan."
Levi finishes wrapping her hand, pulls her to her feet, and brings her to the wash basin; where a toothbrush and paste are set up.
"Get cleaned up. I need to go write a report for Erwin about today. Meet me in the office when you're done."
He doesn't wait for her response, leaving the bathroom and shutting the door behind him. Rhea stares at her bandaged hand with a tender smile. Levi continues to surprise her. She can tell that to others, he appears as an unapproachable, cold hearted soldier. But to her, he appears as a man who genuinely care about people, and just doesn't want others to notice. Rhea picks up the toothbrush and paste, and brushes furiously until there is no trace of the awful vomit taste left in her mouth. As she steps into the office, she notes their purchases from today sitting in a neat pile to the left of the door.
"Petra brought our things up for us. And the courier came with your clothes."
Rhea turns to Levi, who is sitting at his desk, pen in one hand and a steaming cup of tea in the other. His silky black hair hangs in his eyes, and she has the sudden urge to brush it back with her fingers. A second cup sits on the desk, so Rhea takes a seat on the small couch, brings the warm cup eagerly to her lips, and drinks deeply. The sweet, cool taste of peppermint on her tongue washes away her remaining nausea.
"That was sweet of her. Did she make the tea also?"
Levi nods his head and continues to stare at the blank parchment in front of him. His mouth is set in a deep scowl, and his brows are drawn down. After several moments he sighs and lays the down the pen in favor of pouring himself a new cup of tea. Rhea raises a brow as he glares moodily into the cup.
"Do you not like the peppermint? I can go make a new pot with the black tea."
Levi cuts his glare toward Rhea, but the severity lessens significantly.
"The tea is fine."
"Then what's wrong?"
"Who said anything's wrong?"
"You were just glaring at your cup like you wanted to murder it."
Levi takes a long, slow drink from his cup, sits back in his chair, and crosses his arms over his chest. He looks down for several seconds. When he meets her eyes again she can clearly read the conflict.
"I'm…worried I made the wrong choice today. It wouldn't be the first time."
"To go into town? We would have had to go eventually. There's no way you could have known what would happen."
"No. Bringing you back to the walls. You've been here just one day and you're already in danger. You were free from all this crap out there, and I dragged you back into this messed up shithole where you might end up getting killed just for existing. And for what, to help a people that would probably be glad to see you dead?"
Rhea surges from her seat, nearly knocking over her cup as she does. She darts around the side of the desk, grips the arms of the chair, and forcefully turns it sideways. Levi looks like a stray cat ready to strike. His eyes are wide, muscles tense and ready to bolt into action. Rhea realizes she may have been a bit overzealous, and slowly raises her hands with a sheepish smile, in a gesture of peace. Levi relaxes, and doesn't tell her to back off; so Rhea gives in to her nature, places her hands on either side of his beautiful face, and presses her forehead to his. She hears the small hitch in his breath, feels the muscles in his jaw clench underneath her fingertips, but he doesn't push her away. Rhea pulls her head back just enough to see his face, but doesn't remove her hands as she speaks with surety.
"You listen to me, Levi dear."
He raises a brow at her pet name, but doesn't comment.
"You did not drag me anywhere. I came with you of my own accord. I knew exactly what would be waiting for me here. I'm not a fool. But, you have already proven my fears to be wrong. Everyone I have met so far in the scouts, has accepted what I am. I didn't think that was possible. I am a monster, Levi. But you have not once treated me like one. You were right; I was running away. I wasn't free out there. I was trapped in a lonely prison of my own making. I made the choice to come back with you, to put myself in harm's way. So don't you start regretting anything."
"Why did you decide to come back with me? I didn't think my pitiful speech was very convincing. That's Erwin's forte."
Rhea bites her lip hesitantly. Would he think less of her, if she was honest with him? But she couldn't have him thinking he was somehow responsible if she got hurt.
"I…wasn't a good person. I did a lot of awful things before I left the walls. Maybe when I was little I could have used the excuse that I had to, to keep Riley safe. But by 16, I could have taken her and escaped, made a new life for us. I didn't. Even five years after Wyatt's death, I stayed in that lifestyle. It was all I knew how to do, but that's not an excuse. I have the blood of countless people on my hands. I was a monster, even before I could turn into a wolf, and it got everyone I cared for murdered, or their lives ruined."
Levi is playing with her hair again, and she tries not to let it distract her.
"Now, I've been given a chance to do something good, to use this curse for something other than pointless murder. You told me this morning, that you believe there is something worth saving here, despite all of the shit. There is. It's you, and Petra, your squad, Erwin; everyone in this world who still holds out hope for a better future, who's willing to lay down their life for it. So, I will help the scouts fight. And at least when I die, I can say I did something meaningful with my life. And just maybe, I will be able to look my mother and sister in the eyes when I see them again. So, thank you Levi, for giving me a chance to be something more than a monster."
"Is that how you think I see you? As a monster who can be used for the sake of humanity?"
"I know what I am. I accepted it a long time ago."
"You're wrong."
"What?"
Levi's eyes are burning into her soul. She can sense the utter truth in his words, same as when she first spoke to him, and she can hardly breathe. He raises his hands and caresses her face, pulling her forehead back down to his.
"You are not a monster. And I will show it to you somehow, I promise."
Rhea is completely overcome. The familiar jolt floods her veins. Her molten eyes flicker to his perfect, pale lips; and before she can stop herself, her eyes close and she presses their lips together. Levi's response is immediate. He wraps one hand into the curls at the back of her head. The other grips tightly onto her finally healed hip and pulls her onto him. She places a knee on either side of him, letting him pull her into his lap. Rhea moves her right hand from his cheek and grasps tightly onto his shirt as their kiss becomes intense. Levi runs his tongue over her bottom lip, nipping lightly, and she opens her mouth to grant him entrance. The electrifying sensation steadily increases. Rhea nips a little harshly at his lip, drawing blood. She quickly flicks her tongue over it, sucking gently for just a second, and Levi groans. He pulls down on her hip, grinding her clothes sex against his. Rhea gasps, breaking the kiss. She presses her forehead to his again, keeping her eyes closed and attempting to slow her rapid heartbeat. When she's gathered herself enough to speak she lifts her head and opens her eyes. Levi looks ready to devour her.
"What are you doing to me?"
Levi removes his hand from her head and slowly traces the back of two fingers down her jaw.
"I should be asking you that."
Rhea tilts her head curiously. So, it isn't just her feeling this weird pull then. Is this just another thing about her wolf that she has no clue about? Rhea sighs tiredly.
"I wish I knew more about this. Wyatt said he would show me, but the only thing he taught me was how to kill people."
"I'm taking you to meet Hange in the morning. She's the head of our titan research division. She's bat shit crazy, but if there's anyone who can learn something about this power of yours, it's her. I wanted to wait until you were a little more comfortable, but after what happened today—"
"I'll deal with whatever kind of crazy is necessary to figure out what the hell I've turned into."
Levi chuckles lightly. It's a beautiful sound.
"Right. Just try not to freak out when you meet her."
Rhea smiles warmly.
"Consider me warned."
Rhea and Levi stare at each other for several moments. She becomes increasingly aware that she is still sitting in his lap, and a dark flush fills her cheeks, but she is too embarrassed to move. Levi breaks the tension.
"You should go to bed. You can sleep in my room for now."
Rhea's exhaustion hits here full force at the reminder, and a yawn forces it's way past her lips. She removes herself from Levi's lap and makes her way toward the bedroom door. She stops as a though occurs to her.
"Where will you sleep?"
"I only sleep a couple hours. I'll be fine on the couch."
Rhea frowns, but nods her head and pulls open the door. She steps through the doorway, and turns back to Levi one last time. He has fixed his chair, poured himself a fresh cup, and is now writing on the parchment in front of him.
"Levi?"
He looks up from his work.
"What, brat?"
Rhea shakes her head at his silly pet name.
"This, whatever it is, between us. Should we try to stop?"
"Probably."
Her heart clenches painfully and she looks at her feet.
"Okay, I'll try to be in better control from now on."
"No."
Rhea's head shoots up, surprised.
"Huh?"
"I agreed that we should stop. But to be honest, I've no intention of doing so. Unless you want me to."
Rhea shakes her head with a shy smile.
"Good. Now go to bed, brat."
Rhea nods and calls over her shoulder as she shuts the door.
"Goodnight, Levi."
Levi stares at the closed door, an odd expression on his face. He sips his tea and whispers to no one as he continues working.
"Goodnight, Rhea."