Chapter Three ~ Pleasantries

Reader's prov.

The ride back to the Scouting Regiment HQ from Stohess was a long one. Since there weren't enough horses to transport the three criminals back home, the Military Police had to reluctantly loan a carriage. They grunted as the pulled up outside the opening to the Underground stair well, disgust weighing heavily on their features. The three criminals were standing just outside the stair well, marvelling the Surface that laid before them. All three of them shielding their eyes from the vicious onslaught of the low setting sun.

If they think this is impressive, wait until they see outside the Stohess wall, I sighed, rubbing my temples. It's sad to think that these three are the only ones in years to see the surface. It would be horrible if they had to return back into the dark, dank depths of the Underground district.

Once the carriage arrived, Erwin came towering over me, shielding me from the unforgiving rays of sunlight, "(L/N), you will accompany the three in the carriage. It seems one of the horses got loose while we were in the Underground and Mike now needs to borrow yours."

I groaned inwardly, "Sir, with all due respect. Placing me alone in that carriage with three criminals is rather idiotic. They could easily over power me. Would it not be wiser to put Mike in the carriage?"

Erwin smiled lightly even as his large eyebrows pulled downward, "I highly doubt that. I saw with my very own eyes how you and Levi fought. And lets say I am more than impressed," He praised, slapping my shoulder in a friendly manner, "Besides, I think Mike needs to nurse his ego. I don't think he realised how strong a woman can be when desperate to get out of his hands."

I pressed my palm against my mouth to stifle the giggle threatening to escape my lips, Ha, humanity's strongest my arse. Mike walked past, mumbling something unintelligible under his breath, his eyes narrowed at the blonde Section Commander.

As much as Erwin's approval and praise felt good, I was still uneasy about sitting in close proximity to those three, who no doubt, would love nothing more than to see me dead along with the Section Commanders who brought them down.

I climbed in after them and took the seat opposite, nearest the window. The tension thick in the air, so thick you could slice it with a knife. I could feel three pairs of eyes glaring at me, whispers were being exchanged amongst them, low enough that all I could hear was the low rumbles of their voices. I couldn't even make out a clear sentence that actually made sense.

I groaned, leaning my elbow against the window ledge and placed my head against my fist. Watching the retreating form of Wall Sina as we made our way back to Wall Rose.

Their whispers continued, gradually getting louder. The female snickered as she eyes me, clearly they were talking about the events of today.

"Honestly, if you have anything to say, make sure everyone can hear you," I sighed in an exasperated tone, momentarily closing my eyes.

Wait...

My eyes snapped back open, I inwardly winced, realising that I had just said that out loud. Jeez, way to go brain to mouth filter. Way to go! I scolded myself.

"What's it to you? What do you care what we talk about?" The female spoke, her emerald eyes glaring into my own. Her bright red hair catching fire in the remaining rays of the setting sun.

Shit, if I wasn't dead before, I certainly am now!

I glanced over at the three. The ravenette was also sitting by the window, his eyes staring out at the outside world that quickly passes us by. The other two had given him some room and sat as far away from me as possible. It appears that it was only the other two that were talking since the ravenette seems as though he will fall asleep given enough time and quiet.

"I couldn't care less about what you're talking about. I just think it's rude to whisper," I scolded, returning my gaze back to the outside. The pair glared back at me, however it was the female who broke first. Her face smoothed out and her features shifted into an emotionless mask much like the ravenette's.

"Sorry," was all she could say. There was no emotion in her voice as she turned back to the male, who continued to stare at me. Levi regarded them carefully out of the corners of his eyes, his thin eyebrows slightly furrowed. He sighed lightly and his eyes settled on me for the briefest of moments before going back to the fleeting surroundings.

I brushed the half-assed apology off, choosing silence over any sort of conversation. Could this get anymore awkward?

"I'm Isabel, what's you name?" she asked, her features turning up slightly as she introduced herself. I blinked at her, not able to find the words. Her mood has completely shifted as both she and the male both smile gently at me.

"My name is (F/N)," I nodded at them, not wanting to let them lull me into a false sense of security.

"Well despite the situation, it's nice to meet you," Isabel continued, flashing me a megawatt smile. She lent on her forearms and scooted a little closer to Levi so she was facing me properly. She seemed enthusiastic to try and get to know me. I stole a glance at Levi, he hasn't moved nor has he tried to butt in to try and tell her to shut her mouth so I guess its okay. But it still feels awkward and I couldn't put my finger on whether she was being genuine or not.

"This is Furlan, and I guess you've already met Levi." At the mention of his name Levi turns his head slightly, his emotionless features not betraying any hint of what he was thinking or feeling. His cold emotionless steel eyes burned into my own as he leant his hand on his cheek, grunting before staring back out the window. His full pale lips held in a tight line as he clicked his tongue against the inside of his cheek. I took in his smooth pale features, how his ebony hair fell lightly to frame his face, his undercut blending in a black gradient from his collar up to his skull. If it wasn't for the cold stare and no emotion, I would have to admit him being very handsome. I tore my gaze away from the nonchalant ravenette to glance at Furlan.

He held my eyes in a warm embrace, his dull blue eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. His mouth twisted into a tight smile. Rugged, brown hair fell into an untidy mop on his head however unlike Levi, his features weren't as smooth, but he was still what I would regard as handsome. Just in a different form.

I felt my heart skip a beat as I peered back at Levi, "I guess I should apologise for cutting your wires," I offered gently, not wanting to anger the man.

His eyes flickered to me, sliding over my form as if he were assessing my sincerity. He didn't speak, he just allowed me to take a quick breath before continuing, my eyes staring at my fingers that were twisting together, "I'm sorry about trying to kill you."

"Well I guess if you didn't, we wouldn't be out of that dump and we'd still be drinking sewer water," Furlan spoke up, his voice higher than what I was expecting.

"Tch... shut it Furlan," Levi spat harshly, snapping his head to glare at Furlan, who shrunk back into his seat, "She didn't help us out of the kindness of her heart. The Scouts clearly knew what they were looking for and they got it. No need to thank this damn brat!"

I winced at his insult, Jeez, give the guy some happy pills. Put a girl in his lap, anything to cheer him the fuck up. I swallowed past the lump that had formed in my throat as the carriage came to a halt.

Thank-fucking-goodness! I breathed as I scrambled out of the carriage, barrelling my way over to the blonde Section Commander.

"You owe me for that!" I hissed, glaring at him.

He stared at me, dumbfounded before shifting his gaze over to the three criminals who were exiting the carriage, stretching their muscles. I huffed and turned on my heel, snatching my stallion's reins from Mike and began to lead him to the stables. I heard the footfalls behind me, "What happened?" He asked, running to catch up to me. My horse shaking his head is disapproval as the blonde man stepped beside him. I lead the stallion into his stable and began to unbuckle his saddle and take his bridle off. Patting him once on his neck before moving out of the stable. Erwin regarded my movements carefully as I threw a feed together and chucked the bowl over the door and watched the stallion's head disappear.

"Nothing," I replied, wanting for this day to be over.

"Well it doesn't look like nothing..." Erwin continued, his azure eyes meeting my irritated glare. He towered over me and placed a hand on my shoulder. The warmth of his hand seeped through my clothes.

"Just don't leave me alone with the three of them again," I huffed, my eyebrows knitting together as my eyes fell to the stallion who was practically inhaling his food.

Erwin grunted and scrubbed his face with his hand, his mouth pulling open at the sides as he exhaled loudly, "Unfortunately I cannot do that (F/N)."

I glared up at the tall man, my eyes fixed on his. If looks could kill, my Section Commander would have been reduced to a pile of ashes.

"What are you talking about?" I spat, my fists shaking at my sides. Anger bubbling in my stomach, anyone who knew me, knew I was easily angered and to stay away. I blinked up at him, taking a few deep breaths, I really didn't want to punch the man who's been like a brother to me.

The Section Commander returned my glare, placing a hand on my shoulder, "Because they are apart of your squad," He explained.

My eyes widened as I gawked at him, Shit! Now I really am dead.

"You can't expect me to trust them!" I hissed, my voice rising a few octaves. To my left, I felt three pairs of eyes bore into my head. I could feel my skull being burnt into by the force of their stares.

"No but I expect you to be civil towards them," Erwin continued, "You will be bunking with them until further notice."

I gaped at him, "What? All of us bunking together?" I questioned, running my hand through my (H/C) long hair. An exasperated groan escaped my throat as I tried to wrap my head around this.

Erwin ran his hand through his dishevelled hair, his eyes burning with irritation as he tapped his foot lightly, "How else do you expect to keep an eye on them all?" He glanced over to the three bodies who were talking amongst themselves. Occasionally throwing a glance in our direction. Furlan's brows knitted together in concern as he looked from me to the Section Commander and kept talking to the other two. Levi didn't look like he could give two shits as he leant against the wall, crossing his ankles, his arms folded over his chest as he glanced up at the opal sky.

I also cast my eyes in their direction, feeling my face heat with rage as my eyes were met by those steel orbs. Erwin grasped my arm in his tight grip and towed me behind the stables. He glanced around before leaning down, his face inches away from my own. My breath quickened as I surveyed the situation, feeling like a caged animal, "I need you to be my eyes and ears. I want to know what they are up to."

I raised an eyebrow and cocked my hip to the side and rested my hand in the crook of my waist, "What do you mean?"

Erwin smirked, noting how compliant I was being, "The leader, Levi agreed all to quickly. I believe his mind was already made up when we caught them that the best thing would be to comply with any offers we would give them. I believe they have an ulterior motive..."

"...So basically you want me to befriend them, find out their dirty little secrets and come running to you?" I sneered.

"You would be correct. By any means necessary."

Levi's prov.

I watched as the tall blonde grabbed the (H/C) haired female by the arm and practically dragged her away. Her hair flowing behind her as she disappeared around the corner. Tch... probably for a quick make-up session, I thought, noticing his haste. I shook my head at the thought and glanced at Furlan. He, too, was looking after her, but his features resembled more of that of a rejected man. Like he had a damn chance with the woman.

"Tch... please tell me that in the short time of knowing her, that you haven't acquired a liking to that bitch?" I chastised, furrowing my brows as I glared at him.

Furlan snapped his head toward me, his eyes heating as a flush dusted across his cheeks, "No. W...why would you think that?"

"Because you look like I just beat the shit out of a puppy right in front of you. That's why," My eyes boring into his as the corners of my mouth twitched. His bland blue eyes widened, a film setting over his eyes, his guard now set back up into place as his features hardened.

"Fuck you Levi. Let's just get this mission over and done with!" He cursed, walking over to the abnormally large dirty blonde, who was feeding his horse out of a bucket. I absentmindedly rubbed my head, remembering his hands that gripped my hair when he tried to scalp me.

Isabel glanced at me with a stupid grin on her face, her hair flickering in the torch light. I sighed as she bounded over to me, her excitement bubbling into over drive.

"What's your problem?" I asked, ruffling her hair.

"I think bro has a crush," she boldly stated, pointing back to the female who has reappeared. Her hair slightly dishevelled and falling around her shoulders, stopping just shy of her breasts. A small smirk etched on her full lips, her eyes slipping over me and Isabel. Her hips swayed as she walked over to the arse who stood next to Furlan. She turned her back to me, which is when I caught a glimpse of her posterior. I had to admit, she's definitely attractive, her looks clearly not giving away her strength.

"Hello? Levi! Earth to Levi!" Isabel chuckled, waving her small hand in front of my face. As she tried to grab my cheek, I turned and bit her fingers hard. I instantly regretted the decision, the taste of earth and sewer water coating my tongue.

"OWWW! What the hell Levi!" Isabel hollered, yanking her hand away from my face. I spat, the taste repeating in my mouth, churning my stomach. Well shit, if I had something in there I knew damn well I would have been violently ill on the steps of this damn filthy looking hideout, I thought as the corners of my mouth twitched at Isabel's reaction, but instantly became frozen again once I saw a pair of (E/C) eyes glare at me.

"No I don't. I was actually thinking that the Scouting Regiment has clearly lowered their standards to allow brats like her in."

(E/C) eyes ignited with rage, her plump lips formed a tight white line and her jaw muscle ticked.

"Now you've done it," Isabel whispered, backing away from me as the female approached. She stood before me, an inch or so shorter than me, her eyes piercing into mine. Her carefully shaped eyebrows pulled down in a frown which marred her pretty features.

"What was that?" she asked in a false sweet voice. Her voice smooth, no evidence of intimidation. Hm... is this really the same timid woman I insulted in the carriage a mere twenty minutes ago? I thought.

I glared down (yes down) at her, not saying a word.

"Have we got a problem?" she asked in her sickly sweet voice.

"Not at all brat," I said venomously.

She smirked, her eyes flashing with irritation, "Good, I would hate to have to rearrange that angel face of yours," She bit back. My frown deepened, I pushed off from the wall I was leaning on and straightened my back, towering over her smaller form.

"I would much rather we not kill each other since it seems you are on my squad."

WHAT! There has to be some sort of mistake, I cannot work with this brat! I thought as I chew the inside of my cheek, my features not betraying my thoughts at all.

She leant in, reaching up on her toes so she could whisper in my ear, "That means, unfortunately for you, we are bunking together. So you best behave yourself." Her warm breath tickled my ear as I took in the information she just provided. She rocked back and walked back to the tall Section Commander, swaying her hips. He smiled at her, placing his arm around her shoulder as he lead her away. She flipped her hair off her shoulder and cast a quick glance at my dumbstruck face before heading inside the building.

Reader's prov.

I smiled to myself as I followed the Section Commander inside. I felt a light triumph, standing up for myself against the ravenette, his shocked expression etched onto my brain as we walked away. That will teach him to mess with me, I thought. I stared at Erwin, his blonde hair like a ray of sunshine, bounced lightly on top of his head as he marched toward the mess hall. His broad back rippled as the muscles worked and his powerful legs taking long strides, long enough to have me quickening my own strides in order to keep up with him. His gear rattling at his sides.

"Will you be wanting weekly reports, Sir?" I asked, flipping my hair out of my eyes.

Erwin turned his head slightly, his eyes holding my own, "Please. But I would also like a behaviour report on the leader as well."

"No problem, who's squad are we joining?"

Erwin stopped abruptly, turning to face me, "You're not joining any squad. You've been in my squad the moment I set eyes on you," he explained, his eyes warming as he placed a hand gently on my cheek, "However you are under orders to go under cover in Flagon's squad."

I nodded my head, regarding the information intently.

"Sir, I am a new recruit. Why would you want me on your squad?"

Erwin smiled, removing his hand from my cheek and placing it on his hip, "Because I trust no one else like I trust you. After all, you are family to me."

I smiled back as we proceeded to the mess halls to get something to eat.

Commander Shardis loaded my arms with the uniforms for the criminals. The soft fabric brushing on my arms lightly as I took hold of the clothes. His tired gaze trained on me as he placed the last jacket into my arms and stared at me with his assessing amber eyes, "They should fit, if not then they will have to make do until we can get some made," he spoke, his voice gruff as he ran his calloused hand through his thin hair. To my understanding, he had spent the day with Darius Zackley, making sure the higher ups understood the actions of the Scouting Regiment that was taking place. His tired eyes focused on mine as I turned to leave.

"Oh and if they try anything, just crack their skulls against the walls," he chuckled as he waved me off. I smiled lightly, nodding as I made my way to the shared barracks.

I stopped in front of the door, listening to the faint murmurs, my ear pressed up against the cool, smooth wood.

" Just don't let the bratty bitch distract you from the job, Furlan," the disembodied voice of Levi spoke, his voice monotone.

"She won't! Maybe you should reel in your tongue, you were the one drooling all over her after she stood up to you," Furlan retaliated, anger evident in his voice as it rose a few octaves.

"Why you little..."

I knocked on the door, hearing Levi stop mid shout. I heard a pair of feet shuffle towards the door. Stepping back as the door swung open and a pair of bleak blue eyes stared down at me.

"Furlan," I acknowledged, smiling politely over the heap of clothes in my arms.

"Urh... H...Hi," Furlan stuttered, rubbing the back of his neck. His features tensed as an erratic, excited voice sounded behind him, "Well let (F/N) in, Furlan. Jeez, don't be rude."

"O...Oh, O...Of course," Furlan pushed the door open more and stepped to the side, and allowed me to pass under his arm into the room. The room was much larger compared to the one I previously inhabited. Erwin had ensured me it would be kept vacant for me to use if I needed to use it.

The wooden floor boards creaked under my weight as I shifted on my feet. The shutters were open, dim light passing through the murky windows. The beds were neatly made, however much like the other barracks, the beds were bunk beds.

Isabel sat on one and Levi was perched on a stool in the middle of the room, a tray of tea, bread and empty bowls of broth sat in the middle on a small table next to him. Furlan took a seat next to Isabel and gestured for me to sit next to him. I shook my head and shrugged my shoulders, "I'm here to give you your uniforms."

Furlan's face fell slightly as Levi rose from his chair gracefully and stood over by the wall, glancing out of the murky window. He put as much distance away from me as he possibly could without physically jumping out of the window.

I handed Furlan and Isabel their uniforms and glanced at Levi, then back to Furlan. He pointed to the top bunk near the window and I dropped the uniform onto the soft sheets.

"Well unfortunately for you guys, I have to stay in the same room, since I am in your squad," I paused, rubbing my forehead with my fingers. Isabel's eyes lit up, Furlan's face split into a full-on grin, Levi 'tched' behind me but I paid him no attention.

"So which bunk can I have?"

Furlan looked at Isabel, "Oh, we've already chosen. The only bunk left is the one under Levi's."

I sighed and rubbed my temples. Of course it's the only bunk left. Now I have to sleep under Mr I'm-the-biggest-arsehole-known-to-humanity, I thought grumpily.

"B...But I can move if you want?" Furlan stood up, making his way to the bed under Levi's. I side-stepped in front of him, placing my hand on his solid chest.

"No it's okay. I don't mind," I chuckled, hearing Furlan's breath hitch as a bright red flush crept onto his cheeks.

"You better not snore!" Levi snapped, turning his burning steel glare onto me. His mouth set in a harsh line as he takes me in. I glanced around the bed post at the short ravenette, my eyes sliding over his impressive physique. Swinging my arms in the air, I walked over to stand behind him, "Can I talk to you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. I was feeling anything but calm, my earlier triumph at standing up for myself had been beaten down and I was now feeling self conscious next to the harsh man before me.

Levi turned, his eyes glared over me and settled to hold my gaze in his cold one, "Fine, get on with it!" he huffed.

"In private," I hissed, trying to match my tone to his.

Levi sighed, turning on his heel and walked out of the room, telling the other two to stay put until he got back. I followed him out, falling in step with him as we began the accent up to the roof of the building. How does he know where to go? He's only been here five seconds.

The night was cloudy, the sky dark and ominous. The atmosphere was heavy and thick, much like the heavy air of the Underground. Levi took a seat on the edge of the roof, hanging one leg off the edge while resting an arm on his bent knee. He turned around, his eyebrows pulling down in a frown as his eyes narrowed, "Well spit it out then, brat."

My eyes widen at his bluntness, but I ignore the insult I was willing to throw at him. Instead I swallowed past the lump in my throat, "Why the roof?"

His eyes flashed with annoyance as his lips curled into a sneer, "You wanted privacy, now you have it."

I shifted my foot to kick at the ground, all of a sudden I was feeling nervous about being alone with him, "Well yeah, but the corridor would have suited just fine," I grumbled, sitting a little way from him. His steel blue eyes narrowed further, creasing his perfect porcelain forehead. His thin eyebrows curved slightly over his feline like eyes.

"Furlan and Isabel have a tendency to eavesdrop, so I thought it wise to take this elsewhere," He clarified, his voice softening slightly. I tore my gaze away from him and glanced out toward the forest that surrounded the base. The trees swayed in the light wind, my hair fluttering like a butterfly against my cheeks, gentle and light.

"Fair enough," I sighed, placing my chin on top of my knees as I hugged myself tightly.

"Look brat, if you're not going to talk then I am leaving," he huffed, bracing himself as he got to his feet.

I stared out at the forest, hypnotised by the swaying leaves as I spoke, "What have I done?" my voice no more than a whisper, I wasn't even sure he heard me.

He sighed loudly, pinching the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes, "What do you mean brat?"

"Do you always treat people like this? Like they are nothing but scum for you to look down upon?" I questioned, still not meeting his eyes. I could feel my blush creeping up my neck, making me feel warm and uncomfortable.

He stayed silent, probably still didn't hear me. Or maybe he's already left. I turned to check but he was still there, standing still as he eyed me. His posture calm and in control.

"You don't even know me, and you are treating me as if I..." I trailed off, not wanting to continue. I sighed, brushing the thought off as I stood and brushed the dust off my backside, "You know what, forget I said anything. But call me a bratty bitch again and I will break your face. Bullying me will not work, and it's not something I tolerate."

I glared at him as I brushed past him, his face completely void of emotion yet his eyes were sad. Well shit, he actually has feelings. Let me do a little happy dance to show how much I care, I thought sarcastically as I continued toward the door. I was about to descend down the stairs before his voice stopped me.

"...Sorry."

My step faltered, I didn't turn around, I just stood there, trying to comprehend whether I heard correctly or whether I imagined the apology. I heard footsteps approach me and move past to stand in front of me. I didn't look into his eyes, in case my own betrayed how hurt I actually was, so I just stared at his black boots. They are immaculate. Not a spec of dirt or dust on them, and incredibly shiny too. Wow he must spend hours shining these bad boys.

"You could at least accept the apology bra..." Levi caught himself, before he could finish the insult, sighing as he ran his hand through his undercut, "Look, don't take it personally. I insult everyone."

I deadpanned as I peered up at him through my lashes, "I meant what I said in the carriage. I didn't want to hurt anyone," I murmured, twisting my hands behind my back.

Levi's expressionless face didn't give any indication as to whether he would accept of dismiss my words. However he surprised me as he shrugged, his face still emotionless, "You were doing you're job."

I took that as acceptance, shitty way of putting it but acceptance all the same. I smirked, gently thrusting my hand out between us, "Start over, I'm (proffered F/N I.e. Suzanne =Suzie)."

Levi raised an eyebrow at my hand, "I thought it was (Full F/N)."

I shook my head and smiled lightly at him, "Only my friends call me (proffered F/N)."

"Oh so now I am your friend?" Levi sighed, although his amused voice betrayed his emotionless face.

I smirked and shrugged, "Eh... you seem sadistic enough so yeah I guess," I chuckled. Levi didn't smile but the corners of his mouth twitched and his eyebrows unfurrowed. He inspected my hand lightly before taking it in his own. His flesh warm, sending a jolt through my veins as he squeezed gently.

"Levi," Was all he said as he turned on his heel and made his way back to the barracks. Before he was out of sight he turned and glanced up at me, his eyes highly amused as he stared at me, "Since you are now sharing bunks with us, I hope you know how to clean. Because none of us are going to bed until that room is damn spotless."

I mouth dropped open at the thought of cleaning, and at such a late hour... Oh I think I am going to come to regret being friends with you Levi. Yep Definitely going to regret it, I thought as he chuckled and continued descending down the stairs.