Chapter 15-Love misunderstood

Levi Pov

Getting up early than _ was unexpectedly easier than I thought it would be. I made a nice breakfast just to get my mind off of Armin. I made some eggs and ham for the two of us while the pancakes were cooking on the stove. She awoke an hour later, groggily walking down the hall and into the kitchen. I just finished setting the as she downed her freshly squeezed orange juice. I smiled at her as she munched on the warm pancakes. She eyed me suspiciously but turned her attention to the clock.

"Don't worry, you have plenty of time." I reassured her. She went back to her plate and ate to her heart's content. Afterwards I cleaned up and did the dishes. I wanted her to relax before she had to get ready for her date. It was easy to contain my anger, not jealousy, while I scrubbed the dishes slightly rougher than usual. She surprised me when she hugged me from behind. I almost dropped the plate I was washing as she gently kissed my head. She whispered 'thanks for breakfast' before she scurried to her room giggling like some crazy teenage girl. I rolled my eyes as I continued my dish cleaning, hoping my blush wasn't noticeable. She's never been affectionate like that before so maybe she's just excited for her date. I knew that she's had men in her life before, none of them got very far other than a kiss, thanks to Keith. I still listened to her past experiences while I was bending metal silverware under the table to repress my anger. If she told me their names and addresses, they would've been at death's door once I got to them.

The time passed quicker than I expected and soon enough _ was out the door and waving goodbye at me. I rushed to the window and peeked out. I ran to the back of the house once she was at a good distance. After I hopped over the fence (with much struggle, much to my dismay), I headed to Hanji's house in order to execute the plan. She was already prepared once I knocked on her door. She decided to wear darker clothing and had binoculars attached to her hip. She dragged me to the military HQ and then stopped. I asked what was wrong before realizing she probably didn't know where the blasted bakery was. I pointed in the direction before she began to tug on my arm again. She dove into a bush once she was across the bakery. After yanking me down to her level and shushing me, Hanji pulled out her binoculars. They were sloppily made but worked nonetheless. The pair seemed to be having fun, to my disappointment, laughing about some kind of joke. Armin probably cracked the joke just to hear her obnoxious, cute laugh. It was probably a stupid joke too, something only those two kids would find hilarious. Hanji seemed to be trying to get my attention and received it as soon as she punched me in the shoulder. Before I could spat at her, she pulled my face into the left direction. Eren and Mikasa were walking, practically crawling, toward the entrance of the bakery. I realized that they were on a mission to support him on this date. Hanji and I glanced at each other before nodding and then tackling said pair. Mikasa was quick to get out of the way but Eren wasn't very lucky. He winced as I shoved my boot into his face, challenging him to conflict with my mission (destroying Armin's chance with my childhood friend). Mikasa almost attacked me but Hanji was able to restrain her while I "talked with eren". We soon agreed to respect each other's goals and had a rule of may the best pair win.

Hanji and I went into the bakery after purchasing hats and sunglasses. Hanji took the disguise a little too far and bought a preppy blonde wig and killer heels to match. She noticed the spare apron near the entrance of the kitchen and took off with a new plan all in her mind. I sighed, wishing that whatever her plan would benefit our mission and not backfire. Eren and Mikasa sat a table near Armin's and waved at him. Armin tried to be discreet with their arrival while he tried to continue listening to Ms. Shadis' story. Eren snatched the blackboard from the register's counter and scribbled his horrifying handwriting onto it. I was surprised that the cashier did nothing to stop him. Eren soon stopped scribbling and held the board up for Armin to see. It said something the lines of "make a move, man". I scoffed at his simplicity and took sip from a freshly brewed cup of tea. Wait, when did that get there. I looked up to see Hanji gleaming at me in a brown button-up shirt, black sweats, a messy blonde wig, and a white frilly apron. On her apron was a big name tag with cursive writing spelling Sally. She somehow was able to pass as a waitress with her getup and serve the few customers here. I shook my head slowly, letting her know I don't approve but don't really care anymore. She patted my head before skipping off to Armin's table. I looked back at Eren to see him raising the blackboard with something new chicken-scratched onto it. "Kiss her". I almost spit out my tea but silently choked it down instead. I could see Armin's ears blushing red as he re-read the board. If only I had some kind of object to throw at the brat to make him stop from writing absurd advice that was getting the blonde nowhere. Not that I wanted to give Armin better advice. As if shitty-glasses read my mind, she gently placed a plate of small rolls onto my table. I smirked up at her as she went back to the kitchen, probably cooking too, to retrieve Armin and his date's order. I ate three of the rolls before deciding to throw the rest at Eren from across the bakery if he writes any more shitty advice. Armin was too shy to even try and touch Ms. Shadis intimately. Even if he did have the guts, I would have had Hanji do something to stop him.

Eren stopped his shenanigans after Armin made some sort of angry face while Ms. Shadis was busy devouring her sandwich. I decided to join Eren nd Mikasa while Armin was busy with his own food. I assumed Hanji messed with it. He made a sour face as soon as he took the first bite. I took a seat in front of Eren, blocking Armin from seeing my face. Mikasa cautiously took a roll from the plate I brought over. I nodded at her, letting her know I didn't care much for them any more. Eren tried to talk to me but I was more interested in my best friend's laugh who was right behind me. I slightly turned around to try and see what idiotic thing Armin did. He apparently was a messy eater, mayo smeared across his cheek. He was blushing as his date (god, I hate using that word) was wiping off the condiment with her thumb. She was always the motherly type toward her academy students but I think Armin is thinking too deep into it currently. She giggles once more before returning her attention to her drink, smiling as she sips it quietly. Eren's smile fades once I turned around. He looks at me worried, something must have been on his mind for a while. He seemed to be gaping like a fish, closing his mouth before opening it again. It soon became annoying so I yanked on his nose to meet at me at eye-level.

"Something on your mind, brat?" I let go of him roughly and Mikasa looked as of she tempting to appear threatening.

"Mikasa, please wait outside for me." Eren suddenly gained some courage to look me in the eye even though what he was saying wasn't for me. I didn't turn my attention to her nod and take her leave. I kept it on Jaeger and his intense gaze. He contained a serious expression and began to voice his thoughts. "Corporal, I was wondering if you had any opinion on Ms. Shadis?"

"None that is of your concern." He was quick to counter with my statement.

"Then why are you and Hanji-san here?" He almost smirked but my glare prevented him from doing so.

"We are here for Ms. Shadis' own safety. You never know when a robber or murderer could come in a bakery like this one and inflict harm onto her or Armin." The brat didn't seem to pleased with my answer. If he was observant enough of me, he would easily be able to tell it was a lie.

"Sir, I am sure you are aware of Armin's feelings for Ms. Shadis. I'm sure he would protect her with his life if need be, there is no reason for you to be here. Unless you doubt on how Armin was trained under Ms. Shadis?" He caught my gaze and had his sly grin covered by his hand that balanced his head on the table.

"I do not doubt her way of training her students but I do not believe Armin is adequate enough for Ms. Shadis." I could have sworn I heard the kid mutter something about blondie being taller than me. "She needs someone who is extremely bright." I heard a whisper of how was usually top of the class in their academy days. "She needs someone who is high in quality in society's eyes." He didn't have anything to say except how his current rank in authority was practically the same as my own. "Are you trying to piss me off, brat?"

He looked up, slightly shocked at my good sense of hearing, "I was just stating facts, sir." He winced as if anticipating me to pound his face in. I would have too if not for the location of our conversation. He then continued as if he didn't fear me as much. "Please, sir. If you could just give Armin a chance. He is a very good person and my best friend. He has never done anything wrong in his whole life. He stands up for his friends and is loyal to his closest friends. I'm begging you, Levi-san, please give Armin a chance."

His eyes seemed to widen as he angled his head to look up at me. I suddenly remembered how Ms. Shadis would call this the "puppy-dog face". I rolled my eyes at him, unaffected by his attempt at begging cutely. I still gave it thought of actually considering Armin as a potential partner for my childhood friend. I guess Armin's records aren't that bad. He would also respect her and he has known for a while but not as long as myself. I looked at Eren once more, his face reminding me of a dopey mutt. I sighed and agreed with his reasoning. I will give Armin one chance with her and only one. My stomach suddenly felt sick when I thought about her and Armin together for the rest of their lives. A splitting headache soon approached and I bid Eren good-bye, letting him know I gave Armin my hesitant blessing. Hanji saw me exit the bakery and quickly followed after me. I stayed silent as she bombarded me with questions. She seemed to worry as she noticed my silent treatment being more stubborn than usual. She decided that we take my mind off of everything and take a walk around the town. This easily killed seven hours. After hearing her stomach grumble, she pulled me into a small shop selling dinner items and treats. Once she had her fill, she suggested to go to a bar to release the stress and forget everything. I smirked at how she knew what would cheer me up. Getting drunk and having this day become a complete blur. After numbing my mind with the alcohol, shitty eyes decided to give me more ideas on how to destroy their love.

"Hanji," her face surprised when I use her given name, "I give up. He can have her. He'll probably make her happier than I ever could. He's younger than me, taller, and quite bright for someone of his generation." She couldn't help but to agree since he became her assistant right after his academy days. She tried pointing out that maybe he was too young for her and doesn't have the qualities that I have. "The qualities I have? The only good qualities I have is that humanity's existence rest on my shoulders and everyone else in the survey corps. No other good comes out of my existence. I'm horribly unsocial, constantly brooding, and over the top with cleaning." She smiled at me sadly. I hated the pity look so I drunkenly hit her head. She commented on how more chatty I can be when intoxicated. I groaned and set my head on the bar counter. The buzz going through my bones helped me forget that I let that blonde shrimp to date my best friend. Hanji continued trying to cheer me up but soon changed the subject completely. I engaged in conversation with her every now and then. The time seemed to pass by so quickly and before I knew it, the bartender was kicking us out since it was nearly dawn. I groaned again as I realized I had to work in the morning, very soon actually. I would probably have a migraine by then as well. I don't even have time to rest. This is going to be the best day ever for me, isn't it? Armin may try and attempt to be more romantic toward Ms. Shadis on military grounds. I may have to give those two their space so my anger isn't fueled and I suddenly see red in my eyes. Hanji helps me up as I stumble to walk. She carries me home with arm grasping onto her shoulder for support. If only _ could see me now, a drunken, sloppy mess. I only had time for a quick and much needed shower. I would have to grab a quick bite for breakfast and maybe some tea for my increasing headache. Hanji crashed onto the dining table, snoring away, once she got me to my room. I laughed quietly wondering what _ would think when she gets up in the morning. I peek into her room, seeing her sleeping soundly before heading out to do all of the damn paperwork for the expedition and proposed future expeditions.

Reader POV

After a wonderful breakfast created by Levi, I got ready for my outing with Armin and relaxed until it was time to leave. I decided to show Levi my thanks by surprising him with a hug. When he was younger, he would always hug Keith and I, always telling us how much he loved us. I went back to my room giggling about how the old days were so different compared to now. I waved a good-bye to Levi once it was time to leave and see what Armin wanted to do for the day. I walked to the bakery near the military HQ and waited near the entrance for my old pupil. Armin ran toward me after a few minutes of waiting. Huffing, he explained that he had lost track of time when he was preparing himself. I smiled at him and said I didn't wait very long. His face turned slightly pink and quickly rushed to open the door for me. I entered the small bakery, inhaling the scent of warm, fresh bread being baked. A few treats were up on display on the counter. There were very few customers and plenty of open seats. Armin chose a seat in the middle of the dining area and pulled out my chair. I sat down and decided to strike up a conversation to kill this awkward silence. We chatted for a bit before a waitress named Sally (Hanji). Her big blonde hair covered most of her face but she could still hear us, surprisingly. We both ordered tea and sandwiches. Sally smiled at us before heading off to a table with a heavily dressed man with sunglasses. I shrugged at his appearance before returning my attention to Armin. He seemed to be looking behind me and suddenly his face turned an exquisite red. I ignored whatever was behind me and started a new topic with him.

After finishing our meal, (which was quite tasty on my part, Armin didn't agree as much) we headed outside toward the middle of town. Armin asked if I could close my eyes and I looked at him suspiciously. He laughed and said he would never do anything to harm me. Somehow, I completely believed him. After all, in his academy days, he could barely harm a fly until I got a hold of him during workout exercises. I closed my eyes, hearing rushing water nearby. I assumed we were near a river and I stood in place. I did not feel like getting wet today. I still felt something moist. Something on my cheek was holding its place there for a few seconds before retreating. I opened my eyes and realized my old student kissed my cheek. It was so innocent, so sweet yet I didn't feel any emotion for it. No fluttering butterflies or giddy feeling in my entire body. Armin, on the other hand, was feeling everything for me. His face was angled downward, ears red, and eyes shut tightly. I thought he wasn't going to say anything so I opened my mouth.

"Miss _, I love you!" I soon closed it after he blurted out his confession. I smiled sympathetically at him saying I return my love for him but as a family member or close friend. He looked up at me, tears in his eyes. I told him he would find someone who would return his affection. I felt bad for rejecting him, realizing that he must have felt this way toward for quite a while. There was nothing wrong with him nor with how he treated me during our lunch date. I just wasn't able to feel the same way toward him. I hugged him, in motherly way, stroking my hand through his soft hair to calm him down. He sniffled and accepted my comforting embrace. He now held a broken heart and asked if I loved someone else. I couldn't help but answer yes.

I headed home after escorting Armin back to where his friends were waiting for him. I was greeted with John sitting at the table, lazily turning his head to look at me. He seemed in distress so I decided to ask him what was wrong.

"Do you know what's it like to have someone killed right in front of you?" I would be lying if his question didn't catch me off guard. I gave it some thought before taking a seat in front of him.

"I may not have experienced that scenario but I do remember Levi having to go through that when a titan killed his squad. I have experienced a loved one dying in front of me and I was not able to do anything. I know these kinds of things are a permanent memory inside but I know my brother would not me to blame myself for his early death. He wouldn't want me thinking about any sad past memories if possible. He wouldn't want to see me in pain and I'm pretty sure Peter wouldn't want you doing the same to yourself. We'll be okay if keep our mentality strong and positive. We may not forget the past but we can try and let it go. It may take some time to before you become yourself again or it might make you a stronger person and help get through situations like these in the future." I looked into his hazy brown eyes. They were filled with sorrow and guilt. I realized that we had to break the news to the families of whose sons and daughters were lost to the titans tomorrow.

"Can you accompany me tomorrow to see Peter's family?" He may be in need of moral support. It's never easy to see best friend's parents crying over their child or sometimes even going as far as blaming you for it. I knew he already felt bad and I needed to be there so it couldn't get worse. I grasped his hands and got him to look into my eyes and not past them, nodding my head. He thanked me and hugged me tightly.

"Would care to stay for dinner? I don't know when Levi will be back." He gave me small smile before accepting my offer and wiped his eyes from the few tears he shed. I started a simple soup since I didn't feel like making something too complex if it is only just going to feed two people. He graciously took the warm bowl and quietly ate his dinner. I tried to think of something to talk about but decided against it and let him eat in a comfortable atmosphere. After dinner, John headed home and thanked me again for dinner. It was almost eight o' clock so I decided to turn in for the night. I had no idea where Levi went off to but I assumed he would come home later.

I slept peacefully until I was woken up quite early thanks to the stupid birds right outside my window. I jumped at the sight outside my door. Hanji was sprawled out across the dining table, snoring away loudly. I knocked on Levi's door to ask him as to why Hanji was asleep on top of the place we eat. After a while, I opened his door since he didn't answer me. Apparently he decided to head to work earlier than usual and left Hanji in my care. I rolled my eyes at the unforgettable of my superior on top of my table. I began making breakfast, hoping she would wake up to the smell. A simple breakfast was quickly eaten once Hanji was sitting in a chair and readied the table. She did the dishes while I got dressed for work and ready for helping out John later today. She soon headed home, her hand rubbing her head as if she could heal a headache from the outside.

After cleaning my work space in the military HQ, I finished my share of paperwork and signed proposals for the academy and missions for the survey corps. I waited for John in the training field since it was an open space until we would get new recruits in a few weeks. I might not be able to speak to Armin again until he is comfortable with me as just a friend and coworker. John approached me with a small piece of paper containing Peter's address and in his other hand, Peter's survey corps cloak. He was still not up to the idea of letting Peter's family know of his best friend's death. They would probably ask him a bunch of questions about how he died or why he didn't do anything to save him from the titan's mouth. Even I haven't heard the whole story, only pieces from John and the other member that was there that day. We walked in silence toward Peter's home. A small house with many different voices were calling out as John stood at the door step, shaking, and knocked on the large wooden door.

A bulky man swung the open with ease. So I guess this is where Peter got his natural size? The man looked at me and John. He opened the door a little wider and walked inside. I assumed that was our que to follow. I gently pushed John inside and he stumbled before regaining his composure. Two men were looking at me and John. I remember how Peter would mention how his younger brother would try to prank him. Peter sometimes would talk about how he wrestled with his younger brother or challenged his older sibling to all kinds of things. He also used to say how his goal was to surpass his older brother and that was why he joined the military.

"Father, who are these two people?" The older one looked at me, accusing of some kind of wrong. I guess he doesn't approve of the survey corps. The big man told us to sit in the two chairs across from him. His dining table seemed very large but a chair was missing. I didn't see Peter's mother anywhere. The other three chairs were to seat Peter and his two brothers. The father told his sons to stay quiet and then turned to us with some kind of expression of fear in his eyes. I caught his glance and looked at him sincerely.

"Sir, we are here today to tell you about how the expedition was a success for each part of the military. We were able to retake a part of Wall Maria and restore our territory and-"

The man stood up, cutting me off mid-sentence, " I don't care about how it benefited humanity!" His voice slightly choked as his expression turned to anger. "I want to know where my son is!" I couldn't look up, hell, I didn't feel like I was breathing. His intimidation put me into a state of paralyzed shock. I never could handle it when someone would yell at me and make me feel like shit. I tried to speak but my voice couldn't reach the potential of sound. "Where is he?" He continued his furious yelling. "I haven't seen my boy in months! I want to know where he is!"

"He's in a pile of ashes with the other hundreds of soldiers we lost during that expedition." I looked at John in fear. He stated the fact as if it were the weather. I then noticed how Peter's father stopped all movement. His sons were also silent, waiting for John to finish his statement. "He died protecting me and other soldiers from the claws of titans. He showed the truest amount of bravery. He was an excellent leader. He was a strong, prideful, and powerful soldier. He held the position of a squad leader and led them into battle with only victory in his mind. He never left a man or woman behind and encouraged them all to fight their all. He inspired many to fight, win or die trying. He would have been promoted and come back home a hero. I wasn't able to react fast enough to save him and even when I did try, I didn't make it in time. He gave me this dagger as a token of our rivalry. This is his cloak, please respect his death and hang it proudly on your walls." John stood, bowed, and left. He left both said items on the table. I gave my condolences to the family and left before they could stop us. I followed John out the door and asked if he was alright.

"Wait!" The younger brother ran toward us and pulled us into a tight embrace. "Thank you for telling my family of my brother's bravery. I know it will take us a while to accept the fact that he will not be coming home again but thank you for letting us know of how he died. I remember how Peter would come home from his training days and go on and about you, John. He would also talk a lot about his squad leader, Ms. Shadis, I believe."

"Guilty as charged." I smiled softly at the younger brother.

"You're her!" The younger brother pulled me in for another hug before letting me go. "Thank you for being his teacher! He would talk about how you would remind him of our late mother so thank you for taking care of him!"

"It was no problem, I enjoyed treating my pupils as family. We must go now, thank you for seeing us out." I waved him a good-bye and led John to a nearby cafe. The brother went back into the house to console his father and other brother until they could accept Peter's existence is no more. I ate a meal while John kept stirring his tea. He seemed better now that the younger brother was able to make him not feel too guilty. After dinner, John said he was going to drink away his sorrows. I pulled him by the ear to my home. I was not going to have him return home intoxicated and suffer the consequences in the morning. We played card games until it got late. John went home after thanking me for coming with him to Peter's home. Levi still wasn't home once again so I went to bed early and hoped Levi would get rid of this habit. He could've at least left a note or a message that Hanji could give to me. He seemed more distant ever since yesterday after my date with Armin. I hoped he would snap out of his routine of avoiding me soon.