Captain & Soldier

Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin

Summary: Rivetra Week 2013 Day 5 Prompt

Something was off with Petra. There was an odd gleam in her eyes and her posture had a stiffness to it. Was she at unease around him? That wasn't like her. Was she feeling unwell?

"Petra, you look a little pale. Maybe you should go to bed early," Levi suggested.

She visibly drew herself up. Resolve shone in her eyes. "Can you come here, please, sir?"

Puzzled, he circled the desk and stood before her. Three steps forward and she stopped mere inches from him. She was close. Too close. Inside his personal space. Levi wasn't the type to be easily intimidated. Only one man had ever made him feel sick with dread. But there was a spark in her amber eyes that made him feel oddly nervous and out of his comfort zone.

It was no secret in his squad that Oluo had a crush on Petra. And it also didn't escape Levi's notice that his subordinate would try to imitate him to get Petra's attention. Maybe Oluo simply mistook her devotion and admiration for something more. But the air between them felt charged now and it made him reconsider that stance. Was it possible she did truly feel something for him?

Unconsciously, he wet his lips. "Petra—"

She closed the space between them. Her lips were soft against his and her hands cupped his face. It was a sweet kiss. Gentle and warm and light. There was no denying it felt good. A little uncomfortable since he was unprepared, but her lips were warm and soft and comforting. And she smelled really good.

Levi remained frozen in his spot, unable to reciprocate. Although he didn't have the heart to push her away, either.

Then she threw him for a loop. When she stepped back, rather than the hurt or disappointed look he was expecting, she appeared relieved. Almost smug. "Thanks, Captain. Goodnight."

The door clicked shut behind her and within seconds, her footsteps faded.

Levi stood there, looking confused.

What the hell had just happened? Was that supposed to be Petra confessing her feelings? But she didn't say anything. Even though he hadn't verbally rejected her, he hadn't kissed her back, either. He couldn't figure it out.

The following day, he called her to his office.

"Erd said you wanted to see me, sir?"

"We need to talk about what happened last night."

"Captain—"

"Exactly, I'm your captain. And you're a soldier under my command. There cannot be anything between us."

"I'm sorry!" Petra apologized quickly before he could keep talking, her eyes wide. "I think you're under a misunderstanding!"

"You kissed me."

She smiled sheepishly. "It was a challenge."

"A challenge?"

"The guys and I were bored and started daring each other to pass time. It was just silly fun. We were joking around and Erd said the bravest person would be the one who kissed you. I got caught up in the moment because Oluo was pissing me off so I blurted I would take that challenge."

That explained why she hadn't been upset when he did nothing. It was only a dare.

"I didn't want to back out and look like a wimp."

"You've always been so professional and collected. What made you think your behavior was in any way appropriate?" Levi scolded her.

"I ran into Hange and asked for her help. She said you knew what we were up to because you'd overheard us, and you'd be a good sport about it and wouldn't mind. I'm sorry. I should've known she was messing with me. I feel so dumb now."

"That damn four-eyes," Levi muttered, frowning.

"It won't happen again," she promised hastily.

He grunted, "Don't cross the line again."

"Yes, sir! I won't."

"What is it?" Levi asked when she stared hesitantly at him instead of leaving.

"If you don't mind me asking, why didn't you move back when I kissed you? Or push me away?"

Levi considered that for a moment.

"You froze." A pause. "Is it because you've never been kissed before?"

His expression became neutral. "What difference does it make?"

The way her eyes widened made him think he just gave her confirmation. "Was that why you let me kiss you? Were you curious?" He opened his mouth but she kept going. "How was it? Did you like it?"

"It wasn't fire and passion and all that nonsense I hear people say," he found himself saying.

"Well, it wasn't meant to be that kind of kiss."

"I never said it was bad," he admitted honestly.

"Then...do you want a kiss that's fire and passion?"

"Petra, didn't I just tell you not to cross the line again?"

"Sorry, Captain." She smiled sheepishly and backed away. "I'll go now."

After she left, Levi leaned back in his chair, fingers touching his lips. That kiss had left him restless last night. The feeling of her lips against his had refused to leave. With a shake of his head, he returned to reality. Daydreaming about that amazingly wonderful kiss wasn't going to finish his paperwork.

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