Chapter 9: Calm

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There's a super long author's note at the bottom, so I won't say much now other than I LOVE PLATONIC SHIPS, this chapter was hell on earth to write, and all your reviews make me so happy :)

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Also, Levi and Kagome are absolutely adorable together and no one can change my mind. Just as a random update.

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Levi had been utterly annoyed that entire morning and well into the afternoon. It was unknown at this point if the soldier who killed Hange's Titan specimen was just some idiot vigilante who couldn't see the benefits of experimenting on Titans, or an enemy of humanity. Whichever it was, though, they were creating an extremely irritating situation. And he would make sure they were dealt with.

Especially considering that the captain had been seriously toying with the idea that whoever it was, was in fact like Eren, a human with Titan abilities.

His current displeasure was only doubled by the fact that, when he had gone into the hidden relic room, he could find nothing out of the ordinary with either the boomerang or the bow. What had she refer to them as? Hiraikotsu and the Sacred Longbow of Mount Azusa? It pissed him off to no end that he couldn't explain the pink spark that had glowed between Kagome Higurashi's reaching fingers and the sacred weapon. And he didn't like the idea that he had just been seeing things.

That didn't sit right in his stomach. The spark had to have happened.

Tch. Perhaps that bow only responded to her because it comes from her ancestors' lands. He thought to himself, drumming his fingers on his desk, But that would mean there was truth to that demon story she told. I have enough on my plate dealing with Titans, as if I need to find out there's a whole host of other damn beings out there. What was that Hiraikotsu again? A boomerang made of demon bones? Damn. What a pain.

He sighed heavily, then heard a few knocks on the door in an uppity beat. He glanced up at the door with his grey eyes narrowing in curiously, "Come in." The words were forceful and stern, though, he wouldn't have guessed that the woman of his thoughts would have entered. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail as she stood up tall like a freshly blooming rose. There was an unclear energy around her, something he couldn't read like a book written in some ancient language, and when she met his gaze as she took the first step in, he wondered if it was possible to translate.

"Hey Captain. Hange just wanted me to deliver a message to you." Kagome began as she shut the door behind her, though she didn't move more into the room, rather she just remained planted by the exit, "Commander Erwin has approved the experiments on Eren's Titan powers. They'll start in roughly a week, after more time is spent on the current investigation. Any suspected soldiers are getting their gear inspected."

"I'm assuming Shitty Four-Eyes was too down about her pets to deliver this message herself. Tch, I would have expected that she would break down my door to tell me the news." He mumbled, leaning back in his seat and looking down at his desk, eyeing all of the paperwork he had to do.

"Nope, all you got was me. But if you want, I'll break down your door. Just say the word." She shrugged jokingly, a smile already widening on her small face before she took a little puff of air, "But I do feel a little bad for her. I kind of wanted to see what kind of experiments she would perform, you know? It's cool how passionate she is, even if she gets carried away."

"You into that sorta Titan shit, Higurashi?" He questioned bluntly, gaze meeting hers harshly, though she didn't flinch.

"I don't know. I guess knowing your enemy is the best way to beat them." A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes, "Speaking of knowing your enemy, why don't you tell me more about yourself, Cap?"

Now, he was leaning forward, "So, now I'm an enemy?"

"I decline to answer that." She feigned a certain coyness that made the man cock his brow. Knowing this was all another part of her games, he was met with an uncertainty of how to feel about the constant, teasing playfulness. While he could claim that she was being unprofessional, he wasn't one to demand formality for the sake of it. Yet, it made him uneasy how comfortable she was just talking to him like a friend or something, joking around and such.

Still, it wasn't like he couldn't be funny himself.

"An enemy of mine is an enemy of the military. Maybe I should give you up to the Military Police, brat. I'm sure they'd enjoy torturing information out of you." He replied casually, his expression remaining the same, "I hear they're quite skilled in that respect."

Alright, he would concede that his humor was quite dark and sadistic. And he wasn't sure that it was considered humor by most people's standpoint. Still, he was positive it was still technically a joke, good or not, given that he wasn't serious. But if he was being honest, he was quite amused by the look of horror that would play out on everyone's faces when he 'made jokes'. At least that's how it usually went down.

However, Kagome's face seemed to light up even more as if she was actually entertained by the whole exchange, "I'll never talk, even if they gouge my eyes out and rip off my nails, Levi Ackerman." She drawled out her words dramatically. By now, she was beaming, her teeth flashing at him as it became very clear that she was doing her best not to crack up.

"Tch. I didn't know you were such a bad actress." He grumbled, still dull in his demeanor. Though, he was intrigued by how unphased she was by his more disturbed comedy.

Kagome bit her lip as she grinned, "I didn't know you could be a jokester, Captain."

He leaned back in his chair once more, drumming his fingers on his desk again as he scoffed. "That's ridiculous. I've always had a sense of humor."

"Torture is a little morbid, but I guess I'll call it a sense of humor." The woman chuckled, but quickly paused after the comment, toying with her fingers. Levi noticed a new expression dawn over her as her features softened into petals, somewhat delicate and sensitive to the touch. He tightened his lips, his curiosity for how her mind worked reaching new heights as he contemplated what thoughts were contorting her appearance.

"Completely unrelated..." She began after taking an unsure breath, "Well I know it's not my business, but I noticed that you don't sleep very well. And I was just wondering, if it's a constant problem, if you'd want to try some new tea. I know you like black tea, but I have a recipe for this nighttime tea with lemongrass and ginger that's really good."

Now that was unexpected as far as he was concerned. He widened his eyes slightly, her words sinking into his person in a slow fashion before he adjusted his appearance and returned to his cold look.

"What is it, brat? Didn't like running into me last night?" He clicked his tongue before crossing his arms in an threatening fashion. Levi was now fully intrigued as he lifted a brow.

"I was a little disappointed that you didn't wanna talk with me until the sun came out. What? Are we not best friends?" Her smirk was reborn over her rosy lips, fake offense laced into her tone. But before the captain could spit out a harsh retort, she inhaled and continued, "But seriously, this is a dangerous job. And sleep is important, so I think you should just try the tea."

Silence crept up over the two as he pondered her offer, his lids closing as a heavy exhale escaped through his nose. There was a juxtaposition between her carefree banter and her honey-sweet concern that momentarily weighed on him, the way her face twisted from an excited leer to a thoughtful, warm consideration. He contemplated where the line was between the two, and if she even noticed her demeanor shifting when it did. But more than anything, he was puzzled by just how easily engrossed he was trying to figure her out.

Still, new tea didn't sound too bad.

"You've got a slim chance at knocking me out, brat. But I'll try it." He opened his eyes to find Kagome nodding her head happily, as if she was delighted at the prospect. "Don't screw it up, though. The last thing I need is to take a sip of whatever piss water you're capable of making."

"I know I'm but a measly subordinate. But I have more class than to serve piss water." She chuckled, taking note of the papers that piled upon his desk, "So, I'll make you some tea tonight before dark. Let me know if you need anything, Captain Levi." She gave him a quick wave, to which he responded with a barely noticeable nod of his head. Then, like a giddy ghost, disappeared out of the room, leaving the captain alone with his thoughts once more.

She's an odd girl... He thought to himself, hands roughly grasping at a few forms he had to fill out, I wonder if she even noticed that pink glow and if she's wondering the same shit I'm wondering. Tch. What a stupid situation. Even if those weapons do respond to her touch, I can't tell if they'll even be useful for Titans. In a time like this where I have to deal with the new idea that humans can turn into those giant bastards, I don't have time for all this extra crap.

And yet, he knew he had to know. No matter how many times he tried to convince himself that this new turn of events shouldn't take priority over any of his normal duties, he kept going back to the same thought. And it pissed him off to the point that he wished he hadn't seen the damn spark of the bow.

Hell, I gotta get my hands on some arrows...

Kagome strolled down the hall, feeling somewhat refreshed and at ease. When Hange had initially asked her to deliver the message, the dark haired woman had to spend a good few minutes hyperventilating in her room. The callous and unforgiving thoughts of Levi somehow knowing she time-traveled had invaded her brain and the fear of possibly being given up to the military police had sent a panic through her body like a slow-burning flame that dried her throat. But she had calmed herself down and, after having talked to him, she couldn't sense any suspicion on his end, relieving her of her nightmares.

He had just been the same rough and cold captain, with nothing out of the ordinary. Well, he had actually joked around with me... in his own strange way... She thought as a smirk cast over her face. He hadn't even smiled a little bit, but I could somehow see the witty amusement in his eyes. I think that's where most of his emotions shine through. She continued down the hall, entertained by the interaction and increasingly curious about his mannerisms.

It wasn't until she was passing the portrait room that the image of his serious face dissipated. Replaced was a vision of the two weapons from her past, floating like clouds in her brain. Her muscles both tensed and relaxed at the thought of them being so close to her. It was as if she was gifted a little piece of her past, but there was a dull ache at the fear that this was all she'd ever get. The well may never work again. And if it does, she may die before she even sees it.

And if she was being honest, when it came down to it, she didn't trust the well, either. It had brought her here instead of to the Feudal Era, so there was the chance that it might just bring her to some new time period. The thought of having to start over again put a layer of displeasure over her face, worry lines deepening in her forehead. As much as she hated it, she had built somewhat of a living here. Did she miss her family and friends terribly? Of course. But she appreciated the scraps of life she was able to gather to form something she could hold onto.

I... I'd rather stay here than get forced somewhere new. Kagome's subconscious began dragging her feet towards the secret door as if it was drawing her in without her even noticing, Logistically, I'd be screwed if I ended up in a new time period with technology. I'd have no identification and no means of getting anything. At least here, there's no advanced form of census or anything like that. She sighed, remembering how she was able to lie about her origin, And above all else, I don't think I could do it again... I don't think I could lose more people and never know what would become of them. I don't want to be that detached and feel like I'd never have anything solid to hold onto, nowhere to belong.

She mindlessly wandered into the dark hallway behind the portrait, then into the relic room. Before she even realized it she was standing before Hiraikotsu and the sacred longbow. But she didn't question it. It felt right standing there.

"The world is such a curious place." She licked her lips. "There were demons. And then there wasn't for some reason. And now, there are Titans." Her voice was barely above a whisper as each syllable glided from her mouth delicately and disappeared into the space between her and the weapons, like a secret between them.

"I wonder what happened to all the demons and holy people." Kagome recalled how her original era was devoid of any of that, at least as far as she was concerned. Maybe they had just grown so weak. Or maybe they were there all along and she never noticed. Though, she had to admit, she had always felt her spiritual energy the most when she was in the Feudal Era, as if it was stronger back then. She wondered what could have happened, and why. The world had so many secrets hidden and the answered seemed so out of reach, like teasing stars in the night sky. It was almost a curse that the woman had seen enough to form the questions in the first place.

Depressed, she felt the lonely weight of her experience press firmly over her bones. And there just didn't seem enough training in the world to make her strong enough to lift it off. And no help. Just a lonely girl carrying a fate she never asked for.

"I've been there." A voice suddenly broke her from her agonizing thoughts, and she looked over to see a vision of Sango standing next to her, pressing her palm firmly onto Hiraikotsu. Then, a smirk appeared on the demon-slayer's face as she looked over at Kagome, "Fate can be cruel. That's why we gotta be tough. But it can also provide if we wait for it. That's how I met all of you guys."

"Sango..." Kagome watched as her illusion continued to beam.

"And we did it, didn't we? We beat Naraku and saved the world from his wrath." Sango's voice echoed like a breath that filled the air, "... I miss you, you know. I miss the girl talks and the games we'd all play. But I never worry, because I know you'll always be able to handle anything that comes your way. You were always special like that... So don't be scared. I have faith in you."

Kagome wanted to reach out and tell her that she missed the slayer, too, but in a blink of an eye, the illusion was gone. Sango had disappeared just as mysteriously as she came. And Kagome wondered if she was going crazy because she felt like it was really her friend comforting her, even if that was impossible.

Still, even as she told herself it wasn't real, tears swelled up and her mouth turned upwards into a bittersweet smile. Even if she was alone, she carried the love and support of those who had cared for her wherever she went.

And suddenly, she felt less lonely.

With the encouragement, Kagome reached up to grab the bow. When I took the sacred longbow in my hands yesterday, I felt a light surge of spiritual energy coursing through me... She recalled the pink glow that had sparked when she touched it, I think it's strengthening me again. But still... Something has been repressing my energy here. That's the only explanation. I can't even feel Hiraikotsu's demonic aura unless I'm holding it.She gripped it in her hands, pulling it down from its place on the wall. As soon as she held it, she felt a peaceful strength build within her, pulsing lightly and sending warmth under her skin. She could feel the demonic aura from the Hiraikotsu once more, the dark energy acting as an ironic form of familiar comfort. It was nice to feel her old self come alive within herself again, and an old urge came rising up from her depths like it broke free from her ribcage and called out to her soul.

And it felt like a bad idea, one that could get her in trouble. But no matter how she tried to reason with herself, it remained steadfast and tugged at her as if to pull her away from her better instincts until that thought was all that rang through her brain.

...I gotta get my hands on some arrows.

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This was hard to write. So sorry for the late update. I've planned out the next bunch of chapters and they all sound much funner. And I also have spent a lot of time focusing on how I'm going to interpret Levi's character as well as Kagome's. I rewrote their conversation over and over until it felt like I had really gotten in their heads

I needed to really feel like this was them. Especially since each of them are reluctant to form intimate relationships due to their losses.

But I also didn't want to create a tragic Kagome that is completely dark and socially reclusive. And Ill definitely delve into her a lot more because her traumas do need more unpacking.

Sango also ripped my heart out as I wrote this because, like I said, platonic love is very important too. I adore Kagome's platonic relationships. And I think Kagome using these images of her friends to cope and heal works really well for her character.

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But yay! They both wanna get some arrows for the longbow! And also... TEA TIME! I'm really excited to write the tea scene. I've been planning that and other upcoming stuff which will be much more enjoyable to write.

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So! For this chapter, discussion we're actually getting a little NSFW (well not explicitly). Since this is a romance, I've thought HEAVILY about Levi's possible romance/sexual history (or lack of) in the underground during the years that aren't really covered in any Manga. Obviously that plays a role in this fic and his development with Kagome. What I've pondered is the likelihood that he is a virgin.

I wanna hear everyone's take on it (if they have one). I already formed an opinion and I've seen cases made for both sides, but I won't reveal what I think until next chapter. There's no wrong answers since it's all speculation.

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Also, I have some ideas for some possible Levi/Kag one-shots and I'd love for someone (who has dabbled in Levi/Kag) to bounce some idea off of! PM if you're interested!