The members of the Special Operations Squad stood at the center of their cabin with hands clasped behind their backs. Eyes moved to track Captain Levi as he took a slow, deliberate route around the cabin's furniture. He paused at one point to move aside a jar of flour on the countertop. His squad held their breath as he took a gloved hand and dragged his fingers along the wall behind the jar. A collective exhale accompanied Levi's glove coming back unsullied.

Hopeful glances were exchanged when Levi exited the kitchen. The common area was all that was left, and a passing inspection meant the rest of the afternoon being free for personal time. The square-tucked sheets on their beds down the hall were practically singing a lullaby for a mid-afternoon nap. In only a few minutes, they–

Something crossed Ymir's features. The rest of her squad zeroed-in on the look as Ymir quickly turned her head away. Their thoughts moved at the speed of light to recall exactly what cleaning duties Ymir had been in charge of.

"You missed a spot," Levi said.

One of the armchairs had been drug from its corner. Beneath where the chair had been was a square of dirt so fine most people would miss it. Unfortunately, Captain Levi wasn't 'most people.' His level gaze lifted in time to catch Armin letting out a sigh and Eren putting his head in his hand.

The white gloves were delicately removed as Levi tugged on each finger. "Aside from this area, your cleaning passes inspection. One of you will take care of this spot then join the rest of us outside. I have a project that shouldn't take long; you'll be dismissed for the day once it's done."

The members of the squad exchanged looks as if they may have misheard. A failed cleaning inspection normally resulted in running laps, shoveling out the stables, or ODM gear drills. Something was off.

"If you brats would prefer a more difficult task to better suit your punishment," Levi said as he made his way to the door. "I have plenty of ideas."

There was no protest from Levi's squad when they hopped into motion.

A knock came at the door of Celine's quarters.

"Coming; coming."

Celine finished buttoning up her simple blouse. Today had been a rare occasion; she'd been able to take a full bath with ample time being a luxury far greater than any soap or hot water. Lately Celine hadn't been a fan of dwelling alone with her thoughts. Today she had something to legitimately ponder during the time she'd spent flicking water over the edge of the tub while wrinkling like a prune. Her mind had been on a topic she was planning to bring up that would likely garner some opposition, particularly from Levi. A number of counterpoints were slotted and ready to go in her memory by the time she'd left the bath and sharpened her resolve as if readying herself for a particularly tense business negotiation.

"You got back quick," Celine said, expecting Moblit to be on the other side of the door with the correspondences he went to pick up from the nearest outpost. Damp strands slid between her fingers as she reached behind her head to untuck hair stuck under her collar before opening the door. The person standing on the threshold was a bit of a surprise.

"Wow," Celine said. She put her hands on her hips, taking in the languid expression looking back at her. "I didn't expect to see you until close to dinner; did your squad finally pass a cleaning inspection?"

"Of course not," Levi said. He gestured for Celine to follow as he turned. "They still had a punishment."

"In here?" Celine asked, her question going unanswered as Levi continued his retreat. She hummed in contemplation before following Levi down the hall. They entered the common area of the captains' cabin, Celine immediately noting a rearrangement of the furniture. Sitting near the corner was the new addition of the broken-down antique loom.

"What's this doing here?" Celine asked. "I thought it got chopped up a few weeks back."

"I had it set aside," Levi said. "The brats cleaned off the cobwebs and dirt before bringing it in. There's no point in wasting a piece of equipment when there's someone around who wants to fix it."

Celine smiled as she regarded the twisted contraption. She shifted her gaze to Levi. He wasn't watching her with any expression of note, but it didn't stop her smile from widening none-the-less. She lifted her arms to roll up her sleeves. "I know it's your free time, but would you object to keeping me company while I try to bring this pitiful thing back from the dead?"

Levi blinked in lazy fashion. "I already put on some water for the tea I was going to have while writing statements. I suppose I can bring out my supplies."

"Sounds good."

A short time later resulted in a tap on Celine's shoulder. She accepted the steaming mug being offered with a nod in thanks. Celine's palm shifted above the mug until she held it around the rim, taking an absentminded sip as she used her free hand to tighten a joint.

"It looks like you already made progress," Levi said. A stack of papers was placed on a nearby side table. Levi took a seat in the adjoining armchair, swinging one leg over the other as he sat back in his seat.

Celine's crouch in front of the loom shifted into a more comfortable sitting position as she began blowing over the tea. "These old floor looms aren't very complex. Securing the back beams and front posts were most of what was needed to get it upright. I'll need to replace the cross-beams, but that should be simple. The ratchet still being intact is what I'm happiest about. I was surprised to still see it there."

Levi lifted the cup of tea to his lips. He paused, adjusting his grip on the cup from the rim to around the side. "What does that matter?"

The hint of interest caused Celine to perk up. "It's the only component made of iron," she said, pointing to the small object. "Even the screws and the handles are made from wood. I think all of those were replaced to get melted down except that last component. There'd be no point bothering if it wasn't there."

"I see," Levi said, studying the loom. "It's impressive how you can take in this pile of wooden parts and visualize what it could be."

"Is that so?" Celine said. She took a sip of tea, watching Levi over the rim. "Sometimes I have a problem of thinking too much about what could be instead of what is. You've witnessed that yourself during our lessons."

"Your progress is frustratingly slow," Levi said. He picked up a paper from atop a short table, drinking his tea as he began to read. "That's not to say there isn't progress."

"A lot of that is thanks to you," Celine said. "We work together better than expected, don't you think?"

"Considering how low my expectations were before," Levi said. "I can't help but to agree."

Celine nodded in satisfaction. "I for one am pleased with the results." She took another sip of tea before continuing.

"What do you say to the idea of the two of us courting?"

The eyes drifting over the paper Levi had in hand froze. A line formed between his brows as he lowered the report to get a better look at Celine. "Is this a joke?"

"I'd consider it more of an opportunity," Celine said. She set her tea aside, working her fingers through her hair to get out any knots. "I have lots of options, you know. I'm sure someone like Moblit or Erwin would be elated to court me."

The touch of surprise on Levi's features ebbed away to something more familiar. "Erwin is too good for you."

Celine hadn't dived into this topic without expecting any counter arguments. However this retort in particular hadn't been anticipated and left her prickling like a tomcat. What made it worse was the trace of amusement on Levi's face before he schooled his expression.

"What are you trying to say?" Celine said. "I would be more than a suitable partner for someone like Erwin. I'm cultured, intelligent, and have a decent rank."

Levi set the paper he had in hand aside. He took a sip of tea in a casual manner. "I'm only stating a fact."

"Is that right?" Celine said. Her lips came together in a pucker. "Men like you two are above my lowly station, huh?"

"I never said I was at Erwin's level," Levi said.

A sudden thought itched at the back of her mind. Celine's irritation fell away as she worked to unpack what was behind Levi's steady gaze.

"Is that it?" Celine asked with a tilt to her head. "Is it because Erwin is the one you're enamored with?"

Levi took a moment to arrange a handkerchief on the table at his side before setting his cup down. "I wouldn't say that's the case."

Despite Levi's tone being as level as before, the denial wasn't entirely convincing.

"I know it gets a little more complicated in Wall Rose," Celine said. "But two men being together isn't frowned upon in Sina. You don't have to lie if that's the case."

Levi offered Celine a slow blink. "There's nothing to lie about. I haven't seen the need to consider companionship outside my peers in the military. I'd say I'm satisfied enough."

Celine leaned her chin into her hand with a hum. "Interesting – I can't say I've seen it. I've noticed disgust, pity, and anger. You've shown me sympathy and frustration; but not satisfaction." She lifted the corner of her mouth in a smirk. "The thing is, I'm greedy. I also want to witness sorrow, tenderness, jealousy, and affection. I want to learn what you're like when you're joyful, and if that's an emotion I can make you feel. It's like you're a house who's layout I only know from catching peeks through the windows. You've made me curious to open up the doors and see what's inside."

Reading Levi had never been particularly difficult. Celine had noticed he was generally unapologetic and had no reason to hide what was on his mind. This was the first conversation the two of them were having where she felt he was making the conscious effort to keep a level expression. She wondered how long he'd be able to keep it up as his eyes tracked over her face.

"You'll be disappointed to learn I'm not half as deep as you expect," Levi finally said.

Celine leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "You won't even give me an inch, huh? You're making things hard on me, you know."

"What are you, then?" Levi asked. "A masochist? Why ask to be around me more if I only bring you hardship?"

"I need hardship."

Celine stood. She placed her hands on the armrests of Levi's chair as she leaned in to hit him with a level expression. This wasn't the first time they'd been that close, Levi being the one to invade Celine's personal space to impart a measure of intimidation on more than one occasion. He remained motionless as Celine studied his face, strands of her damp hair coming loose from behind her ears and gently grazing his cheeks.

"I need someone who pushes me to act," Celine said. "My father and Marco … they've always been perfectly happy leaving me to my own devices. They'd support me no matter what I decide to do. And I care for them deeply because of that … but if I leaned into that comfort, I'd become stagnant. You're the only one who challenges me to grow. You don't give a shit about my potential because you just take in what's right in front of you. You saw me at my worst, but didn't judge me for it as long as I kept getting up to try again."

Celine leaned forward. She paused as her nose brushed Levi's. There was a beat as she waited for him to react in any way; Levi only continued to stare.

"You can tell me to stop," Celine said, her voice soft. "I won't get angry. I won't speak of this again, either."

Her eyes slid closed as she shifted. She half expected Levi to shove her to the floor. It was almost a surprise when her lips met his.

There was no reciprocation of the kiss; Celine had a flashback of flirting with a factory mannequin during her blossoming adolescence. It'd been a low stakes way to practice confessing her love to whatever schoolboy took her fancy at the time. She had soon found pressing her lips against a lifeless mannequin didn't compare much to the real deal. Not until now, anyway.

An empty, twisting feeling took over Celine's gut. She pulled away. "I guess that's an answer enough."

A hand wrapped around her wrist. She frowned as she tried to read the expression on Levi's face.

"Exactly what is it I'm supposed to do?" Levi asked.

The question was genuine. He was looking for orders – as if Celine was to direct him to lead a scout party or conduct a rescue mission.

"How about a poem?" Celine said, tilting her head with a smile. "I like irises and toffee, too. Burgundy is a color that flatters me if you're thinking about picking out a dress."

The hand around Celine's wrist withdrew. "I regret asking."

"No, you should regret talking to me like I'm your commanding officer," Celine said. "My job isn't to issue you orders. You do what you want. Just like how I'm going to do what I want."

Celine straightened to run a hand through her hair. "I can already tell you're going to play hard-to-get. That's alright, though – I like to solve puzzles."

Celine studied Levi much like she did the loom; taking him apart in her mind piece-by-piece. She figured Levi being sized up wasn't anything new. Being sized up for this unfamiliar purpose seemed to leave him sitting back in apprehension.

"For you," Celine said, putting her chin in her hand. "It'll be … feather dusters from the finest fowls, rare tea blends, and a new sewing kit."

The tense nature in Levi's shoulders relaxed. He nearly looked insulted. "Saying all that together makes me sound like an old woman."

"That makes sense," Celine said with a chuckle. "You're an old soul."

The front door to the cabin opened. Moblit appeared, one hand unfastening the cape over his shoulders as the other clasped a messenger bag. "Oh good, you're both here," he said with a grin. "These are the latest correspondences from the Commander. Are you available to go over them together after I wash up?"

"Absolutely," Celine said. She stepped up to Moblit, holding out her hands until he offered his bag. "I'll sort through the correspondence while you change out of your riding gear. We can start prepping for lunch, too; that should also give enough time for my dearest to finish writing his reports."

"Sure," Moblit said, hanging up his riding jacket. "That would–" His expression twisted in confusion. "'Dearest?'"

"I'm finishing my reports in my quarters," Levi said, rising from his seat. He kept his gaze averted as he collected his paperwork and passed them by. "Refrain from embarrassing yourself further."

Celine put a hand to her cheek with a sigh. "He's so shy," she said, watching Levi retreat down the hall. "I wasn't prepared for him to be cute. Oh my, I think I'm genuinely smitten."

"Celine," Moblit said, the alarm in his voice rising. "Are you trying to provoke the captain into another fight? I thought we talked about this …"

"No, nothing like that," Celine said with a wave. "Go ahead and get changed and I'll fill you in."