As always I do not own AoT or any of the Characters except my own OC's. Minor edit in this one, probably not very noticeable. Hopefully you guys enjoy, please comment I always enjoy hearing from you guys!
The pounding in my head and ears is what brought me back to consciousness. It took a few tries for me to gather my bearings and look around the room. A few minutes passed and I was finally able to focus on my surroundings. Next to the bed was a glass of water and some pills; it looks to be aspirin. The rest of the room was dark and quiet. When did I end up here? I grabbed the pills and gulped them down with the water, the cold liquid making my throat ache. I remember sitting and drinking with the Captain, and then...then it all hit me light a freight train. How embarrassing, to make a move on the freaking Captain while I was so sloshed. There was no point in sleeping now, especially with this headache. Standing up I realized I was still only in my pants and bra. Only…what the hell is that? I looked in the mirror I had on the wall, and low and behold was black marker. *Property of Erwin SMITH* written boldly across my chest. Rage bore through my entire body as it heated up in embarrassment, throwing my uniform on quickly. He's going to die. I will most certainly kill the Captain first before anyone else. He must've done this when he came back in to bring me the aspirin. I'm never going to drink again, especially since I have a big freaking mouth and do things I really wouldn't do sober. This was definitely the cherry on top for my horrible day yesterday.
Down the stairs I stomped, steam shooting from my ears I'm sure. I headed into the mess hall with every intention to throw anything I could reach at the Captain; at least that was until I walked into a completely empty mess hall. Not a soul was there. What in the heck? I made my way outside eventually finding a large group of people, Survey Corps and Military Police alike, all staring at what looked to be a left over fire.
"Alessa there you are!" Petra grabbed me dragging me forward with our squad.
"What the hell happened?" I stared confused at the sight in front of me. Were those titan corpses?
"Someone killed Hange's titans early this morning. No one knows who did it." Oh shit. I looked around at all the gloomy faces that watched as Hange screamed her lungs out, as if she lost her own children. She really was into experimenting on titans; I really didn't think it was to this extreme, although if I stayed and listened to her last night, I probably would know more about it. Erwin's sudden presence made me nervous. He had his hand on Eren's shoulder whispering something in his ear. As soon as he was done, he turned his gaze on me. At this point I felt like my shirt was unbuttoned for him to see the lettering across my chest. I knew he couldn't see it, but boy was it certainly accurate. He made his way over to me, most of my squad leaving me behind.
"You're pretty stupid to do this after the talk we had yesterday." I couldn't help but scoff.
"I have no reason to kill her pet titans."
"Sure you do. You're here to kill Eren, this could be just a warm up for you." I shot daggers up at those bright blue accusing orbs of his.
"I have an alibi." He arched a bushy brow now. "Why don't you ask your Captain." I may regret bringing him into the mix later, but I was most definitely not going to get thrown in a cell for something I didn't do. With that I watched as he made his way back to Eren, whispering something else, the look on Eren's face almost in utter shock. He turned his back on the two of us, leaving with the Captain at his side. I growled internally, desperate to punch that snub nosed gigantor in his face.
A few hours had passed since this morning with everyone's gear being checked if it had been used without authorization. I finally grabbed myself a cup of coffee, leaning against the wall of the castle not far from where Gunther and Eld sat discussing the situation from this morning.
"Tell me Eren, are there any of your friends joining?" Eren looked up from feeding his horse and nodded.
"There is." That's right, he had that girl, Mikasa and probably that blond kid from the trial. I forgot there would be recruits coming at some point. "Or rather there was, I don't know about now."
"Assemble!" We all shot forward, doing our military salute as the Captain rode in on his horse. Part of me wanted to flip him off for the writing I couldn't get off my chest, but I held myself in check for the sole reason that his face looked serious. Well, it looked more serious than it usually did.
"Get your things quickly, we're going on a reconnaissance."
"Yes, sir." The boys spouted, but I just nodded. Eren ran up beside us and saluted, yelling a good morning. I smirked at how innocent he was, though it faded quickly the moment Levi looked at Eren with such a doom-like expression.
"Let me be clear, Eren, don't fall more than two lengths behind me. Don't forget you're allowed to hang around because I am watching you." That's right, the Captain is playing babysitter. A slip up from Eren could mean death from Levi's front. I could not let that happen, even with Captain Levi knowing my true intentions. With that we grabbed our stuff, hopping on our horses and following close behind our Captain. This was it, a first mission with the Survey Corps' top dogs and Eren. We'll see how close things come to screwing up.
Once we were off our horses in a field clearing, Gunther went over our positions again in the Reconnaissance. I stood off to the side, watching and listening for the most part. We had already been practicing like crazy, and I didn't feel like paying as much attention. My gaze caught the Captain's profile as he gently fed his horse, showing it a tenderness I've never seen before. He must like animals more than humans. I held back the smirk that wanted to show. Gunther and Eren's conversation brought me back to the reality in the circle.
"Do you understand the question the Commander asked you?" It must've been when he whispered to Eren back at the site of the dead titans. I listened intently as the thought of this expedition having an underlying meaning to it was a possibility. Erwin was definitely one for hiding things; it wouldn't surprise me if there was another purpose for this. We initially were going to do an expedition in a few weeks, but those plans hit an abrupt halt for this immediate expedition. It didn't make much sense, but whatever was happening gave me a tight knot in the bottom of my stomach.
"That will be all for today's training, let's head back." The thought of having to trust the Commander didn't sit well with me at all. Did these guys not know what a conniving man he really was? What trustworthy commander blackmails people and doesn't tell his squads the real reason of the mission? Then again He didn't trust me and found proof of that, so I guess the blackmail was off the table, but even still, I didn't trust the Commander one bit.
We made it back to the castle, Levi sending Eren to clean the stables, while the rest of us had other various jobs. I got stuck with dishes from breakfast. Seeing the piles of dirty plates made me remember I didn't get a chance to eat today. My stomach growled angrily at the realization of being neglected. I decided to have a snack before starting the dishes. Finding some bread and grabbing a glass of water, I began to snack while enjoying the peace and quiet of the kitchen. It took a while but I finally got through the mounds of dishes, heading back outside just as the recruits made their way through. I stood next to Oluo and watched as Eren ran up to his friends. Mikasa looked so worried as she fussed over what the Corps could've done to him.
"That twerp's too full of himself." Mikasa's face turned menacing at the thought of Levi kicking the shit out of Eren. "One day I'll give him what he deserves."
"You're not talking about Captain Levi are you?" Eren asked and I let out a loud 'HA' at the fact that she called Levi a twerp. Oluo nudged me roughly for laughing.
"You're short too you know." He whispered making me glare at him. Ruin my happy moment why don't you. Levi walked past us with his horse, his eyes meeting mine with a slight glare. I think he heard all of that. I glared back, holding my shirt where the lettering was. A faint smirk passed over his face, knowing very well what he did. I had to think of a way to get him back.
"Tea?" I asked everyone at the dinner table. The recruits sat elsewhere talking with Eren, so it was just the main core of Squad Levi. Everyone spoke their preferences and I acted nice enough to bring them their tea. Levi's glass was last, a giddy feeling taking over me. I had to do everything in my power to stay calm. He was certainly going to get his payback. I stood next to Petra, taking a sip of my own tea, glancing sideways waiting to see the Levi drink from his cup. And there it was, the hand on the cup, slowly bringing it to his lips. The moment the hot liquid entered his mouth, his eyes practically popped out of his head in surprise. Immediately the tea was spit back into the glass and partially everywhere else. Laughter bellowed from my body that I had to set my tea down just so I didn't spill it.
"Oh my god what did you do?" Petra asked, the whole table staring back and forth between the disgusted Captain and my happy face. If he wasn't going to kill me for everything I brought up to him the night before, he was probably going to do it now.
"Salt." I replied through my laughter; Levi's eyes tearing my soul apart. That's what you get ass, for writing on me. I proudly strutted my way to my seat, the squad trying desperately to hold in their fits of giggles. As soon as I went to sit, Levi kicked my chair hard, sending it flying and leaving me free falling to the floor. Now the entire table howled at the sight of me covered in my tea that spilt all over me. Levi stared down at me, a flash of amusement on his face. I pulled myself back up from the floor, making sure to slide his glass quickly towards him. The hot tea landed in his lap just as he was trying to jump back. He growled at me as I flashed a mocking smile at him.
"Pay back is a bitch isn't it." I stated quietly as I passed him so no one could hear.
"Oh, it really is." His voice was cold and threatening, and I couldn't break the giant smile I had plastered to my face. I left to clean myself up of the tea, coming back to the mess hall to actually eat my dinner hopefully in peace this time. Petra smiled, entirely amuse by the back and forth the Captain and I had. I glanced around the table, thankful the Captain wasn't there, before plopping in my seat.
"What the heck was that about?" She asked shaking her head.
"Nothing, just wanted to get back at him for being such an ass all the time." I shrugged, not daring to get into the situation from last night.
"I'm surprised he didn't kill you for that." Oluo stated, sipping his tea. "I was almost certain he hated you."
"I'm sure he still does." I dug into my dinner, enjoying the savory potatoes.
"You're sure I do what?" Levi sat down in his seat having cleaned up as well.
"Hate me." He stared at me a moment before shrugging.
"I wouldn't say I hate you; it's more like I tolerate your presence." I widened my eyes, sarcastically acting surprised.
"Look guys, I'm moving up in the world! It's my dream come true." Levi flicked a pea at me as the rest of the squad and I laughed. For never making friends and being so high strung in the MP's, it was such a relaxing feeling to sit amongst people and genuinely laugh. No mask on, just playful teasing amongst comrades. Comrades…my laughter died down at the thought. Even though they have no idea who I really was, could I even consider myself a comrade? Do I even want to? I've been here for such a short time, but it feels like forever. Light nerves bubbled in my stomach now; these people made even me feel comfortable amongst them. In just a few short weeks I am able to laugh with them as if I was one of them. This isn't possible. I shouldn't be letting my guard down so easily.
As the table talked amongst themselves, I quickly shoveled my food down, anxious now to get out of there. I had to remind myself that I am not one of them. I am Alessa Evans, Captain in the MP's and daughter to the Evan's family name. I had a place and a purpose and it wasn't here. As quickly as I could without anyone noticing, I left the table, hurrying my way from the mess hall. Air…fresh air. Stepping outside into the night, I took a few deep breaths. Who the hell are you Alessa? Do you even know anymore?
"Something bothering you?" The Commander's voice made me jump about 60 ft. I placed a hand on my chest to steady my rapid breath.
"Jesus, what the hell do you want?" I turned to the tall blond towering over me.
"Tonight, I want you to write back to Commander Dawk and Jason." I rolled my eyes at him.
"Fine, will that make you go away?" He chuckled, though I know he wasn't necessarily amused.
"I asked Captain Levi what your alibi was." I arched an eyebrow before turning my gaze from him and out to the night sky. "It seems he had no idea what I was talking about."
"Of course not." I sighed and shook my head. He wasn't going to tell Erwin because it would get him in trouble. Drinking with his subordinate and almost sleeping with her, yea, like he would've just said that. "Honestly Commander, if you suspected it was me, I feel like I'd already be jailed." He didn't respond to that statement, instead his eyes narrowed and he watched me curiously.
"Why would Levi know your whereabouts last night?" I turned and stared at Erwin, my annoyance level capping quickly.
"He didn't, but it made you leave me alone for a bit, didn't it?" Even if it made me look guilty, I couldn't rat on Levi, especially with as much as he knew about me. It really wouldn't end well.
"Interesting…" He began to walk back towards the castle, freaking finally. I watched as he disappeared through the castle door, my mind rattling with so much. What the hell is wrong with me? Why did I let my guard down so easily, especially around Levi? I need to get my shit together, I'm better than this, no more letting my wall down and acting like an amateur. If I don't get my shit together, I might as well turn myself back to my family for more conditioning for the sole fact that I've really lost myself here. I turned on my heel after a few more minutes outside, heading to Erwin's office. He stood, hands behind his back and staring down into the orange flames that danced away in his fire place.
"So how should we do this?" I asked, plopping down in one of the leather chairs.
"First, tell Dawk that everything is going well, and that you will tell him more within the next few weeks because of your upcoming expedition. For Jason, I want you to tell him that you will no longer be speaking to your family and that you finally have a chance to be free from them. Make him think you joined more for your freedom than to kill Eren."
"Look, that makes no sense; he was there when the discussion of me killing Eren came about. Him and Dawk talk frequently." Seriously Erwin, that's just dumb…
"No it's perfect. Give them separate information. You're closer to your brother so he'll believe you over what Dawk tells him." I stared blankly at Erwin. Was he for real? I have to play both sides of the fence and make them think I'm a traitor? Well this was really not going to end well for me. I sighed and held out my hand for a pen. I agreed to it so I might as well; I really hope Erwin knows what he's doing. The thought of training earlier popped in my head when Gunther mentioned he trusted the Commander even though he didn't tell anyone what the expedition was really about. Everyone trusts him. Should I? I couldn't let that thought go as I scribbled the two letters, immensely regretting the situation I had gotten myself in. If only I just stayed put, none of this would be happening.