CHAPTER XXXII

He'd been seriously tired of the recurrent punishments he'd gone through ever since his arrival at this place in the middle of nowhere, and for a newbie like him, escaping was impossible without getting lost. The bright side was that it looked at least as big as the area where the orphanage was, surrounded by green and stuff that didn't grew where he came from, and he liked that. Too bad he barely had time to go take a shit during the day because that man called Captain Levi had been treating him like a slave the whole time.

He'd thought he'd have a break during those few days when the man, or more like a captor, was out of sight, but even of that he'd taken care of; assigning him to help no other but the Commander himself, or his assistant to be more specific. Who'd just asked him to deliver the envelop recently handed by some messenger, so he was heading to the man's office at that very moment.

Still on his way, he couldn't help recalling how uneasy he'd felt around the man and his people at the beginning, especially him, for being so interested in his life for no apparent reason, as well as his pep talk about him having a lot to offer to the world if he wanted. Words he hadn't fully understand yet. The only thing he knew was that the blond dude was no creep.

He no longer was in the underground, but he knew the smart move was to stay alert and be suspicious of everyone. So that's what he did when he got here, observing people's behavior. For all he knew, that distinguished man called Erwin Smith could have been one of those treacherous motherfuckers that were into kids. He'd known many in the past years; leeches that preyed on starving, homeless orphans, and offered food, shelter and presents in exchange for what they called company. It was only thanks to his rebellious spirit that he managed to escape them. So when he analyzed these military dorks, he was glad to see none of them were that kind of monsters. And this man, just like his hateful subordinate, the very famous Captain Levi, were decent folk. An absolute pest but not a threat, he thought to himself as he finally reached the man's office, yet he couldn't help stopping when he heard other voices inside. A meeting? he wondered and scratched his head in confusion, because the guy named Nicholas said nothing about it.

The boy gave a step back with the letter in his hand, but then he considered the possibility of eavesdropping in case there was important information he could use to his advantage now that they were only a month away to leave the safety of the walls.

"To put weapons in the hands of untrained civilians… I think it's dangerous" was the first thing he got when he pressed his ear to the door, and he immediately recognized the blonde's voice.

"True. But giving them a chance to join the Garrison should be an option. At least for the ones with the guts to fight" the shorty offered, and then he heard a long sip coming right after that; he was probably drinking tea. He always did.

"Nile's men are going to be deployed all around the territory to support them" Commander said.

"I think we all know the MPs won't hold their ground for long" his captor added.

"That's the thing, Levi" said the brunette woman, the same he met that day at the orphanage "Would that make any difference?"

"What do you mean? You're okey with them dying like fucking cattle, ready for the slaughterhouse, is that it?"

"You know I'm not; I don't want that for any of them, but we must be realistic here. You know if we die, the walls will be breached sooner or later, and the territories will be flooded with titans, so they'll have nowhere to run to anyway" she said and sighed dejectedly after.

"That's reason enough to let them die in their own terms, whether that means blowing their own brains or waiting to be eaten and hurled like a nasty hairball later" he wasn't seeing him, but he could tell he sounded truly disgusted.

For over two entire minutes there was only silence, a very awkward one yet the blonde was the one who broke it.

"If we fail, these people will die horribly but what we need to ask ourselves now is, which choice is better to the general population…" the man voiced, and even when he wasn't looking to his face, he sensed certain sadness on him "We either spread panic and risk this place to chaos before the cities are taken, or allow them to live somewhat peacefully for whatever time they have left. We still don't know if the enemy will launch an attack immediately after our confrontation, Levi".

"Besides, they think this is just about us going there to retake Wall Maria from mostly regular titans, not that we're going to war" the usually merry woman said while someone else paced slowly around the room.

"I get it, but it's still fucked up. That's exactly what the First King did to his people, which is insulting" the soldier commented, and the boy didn't understand what he meant by that. Nothing except that they were talking about their own deaths with uncanny tranquility, and genuinely caring more about what would happen to everyone else there than themselves.

"Having power over other people's lives is the heaviest burden but we ran out of options" the Commander muttered, and he winced at the scrape of a chair on the floor. Someone's quiet steps were getting farther now "If they come this way, Commander Pixis and Nile will have the routes ready for evac".

"Meaning they'll die, only not right away and inside the fanciest Wall" the soldier scoffed with pure irony.

"The result won't change, Levi. Still, I will raise this issue tomorrow morning, in our weekly meeting" said the man, and he sounded very tired yet not dispirited "It may be small, but we still have the chance to win".

This time, Ted heard nothing but silence, until there were two pairs of feet standing up and approaching the door, to him. He quickly moved away and hid around the nearest corner, or that man with disturbing blue eyes would surely kick him for snooping on a private conversation.

When the door opened, both officers, the brunette lady and the shorty captain were leaving the place.

It was at that time he decided he'd ask his captor for his help because he didn't want to die out there. So, after delivering the stupid letter, he walked to his small office and when he was about to knock, he heard his voice loud and clear.

"What is it, brat?" to this day, he had no idea how the soldier knew it was him outside.

He used to be a decent thief down in the Underground City, sneaky after years of practice and also thanks to how slender he was, so the fact that this man knew it was him made him uneasy. Nonetheless, knowing he'd have not much time, not to mention he was no longer afraid of the consequences, he nodded to himself right before pushing the door, trying to gather as much courage as he could to pull this out smoothly.

"I need to talk to you" he said, walking towards the man's desk while he continued to read some papers he held in his hand "It's about…".

"Did you know how smart animals are? I've heard even rats are easy to train" he heckled him with such confusing words. He saw him putting the documents on the desk and finally looked at him with that usually tired, disinterested face "Makes me wonder why the hell you keep forgetting one simple thing, brat" he was raising an eyebrow at him, undauntedly.

"Oh" the boy said, realizing what he wanted despite his wish to yell his name was Ted, not brat.

Is not that he forgot. He just hated it because it made him feel stupid to call him that yet no matter how he eluded it, the man insisted. The only reason he obeyed his bullshit was the memory of the punch he got the day they met and the kick he received after his second futile escape, so he'd thought the best for now was going along until finding a breach in this prison, but now that he understood he'd suffer the same fate they did, he no longer cared about the consequences.

"Go on. Spit it out" the man crossed his arms, awaiting.

"I needed to talk to you about something, sir" he voiced, emphasizing the last word exaggeratedly.

"Stop beating around the bush. I don't have the time or the patience" was all he said, leaning on the back of his chair, his eyes were fixed upon him. He sure looked comfortable but there was tension in his shoulders.

"I wanna join the Corps to train… sir" he got to the point and clenched his fists behind his back.

He'd been thoroughly thinking about that for days although not really wanting to be a soldier; it just sounded like a good idea when his plan had been nothing else but to run away while being transported to the Academy. However, the recent information he'd learnt changed everything. So the smartest thing was learning to use the ODM gear; that was his one chance to survive.

"And why the sudden interest? Thought you wanted to go back to your dumpster and be a crime lord or something" the soldier said, and for the first time since he'd met him, he caught a glimpsed of what looked like curiosity in his gaze. Did he somehow know he knew what was going on?

"To… kill titans… sir" he repeated the words he often heard from those pathetic wannabe heroes during meals, when they were bragging about the deeds they wanted to accomplish.

"I don't buy it"

Tell the truth… or most of it. He might not like it, but he seems like the kind of people who prefers honesty, the voice in his head said.

"I… just… don't wanna die out there without knowing how to fight" he confessed, gritting his teeth, never looking down. This man would never pity him, he knew that for sure.

"I see" the soldier stared at him for what felt like five whole minutes and then went back to his notes or whatever he was reading "I'll leave this office in half an hour so you better start cleaning as soon as I'm gone. If I find dust tomorrow morning, I'll cut one of your ears" he said, looking all around his room.

"What!?" he complained in a high pitch note "Why? What does that have to do with training?"

"Nothing. It's mere discipline" he said and placed the paper on the table to write something on it "Be glad I'm not telling you to clean Erwin's office. That'd take you days"

"I don't understand" he said, trying to bite his tongue not to insult him but it was so hard "Are you playing me for a fool?"

"Not possible. You already are one, as well as a nosy brat. So, maybe keeping you extra busy might help you forget the bad habits".

Oh… so this was about punishing him for eavesdropping on them. But again, how did he know? How did his senses work? It was something he kept wondering, over and over.

"What about my petition?" he dared to ask, "I wasn't joking!"

"Neither am I" he stated, deadly serious "The thing is, you cannot join the Cadets at this point of the year. You may do so in a couple months, once you've come of the minimum age, which is thirteen, not before"

"But… how am I…?"

"Who knows" the man said, turning to his window and the sky that was beginning to darken "Just do as you're told. Exceed yourself in every task and I may reconsider taking you along".

Was he imagining this? Was the man drunk? Was he even the same dude that had been a pain in his ass all this time? Ted was so dumbfounded that he didn't respond a thing. He just stood there, mute and trying to process.

"Go now. The more you distract me, the longer takes me to finish this and the less you'll have to work".

"But if they come here…" the boy finally snapped out of the commotion and asked what he feared, now that the possibility of staying behind existed. And it was just as bad "We'll die anyways".

"I'll make sure things don't go that way" was all the man said, or more like promised; that was the impression he got from it, although for some reason it didn't feel as if he'd been saying that to him.

Ted finally looked down and walked himself out, comprehending he wouldn't have learned the basics to fight and survive in such short time. Still, when he closed the door behind him, for some strange reason he experienced hope; he'd found that in the soldier's words and the determination in his eyes.

As he walked down the stairs to the mess hall for dinner, he came to the realization that even when he didn't like him or his stupid rules and hygiene obsessions, he wanted to believe in that man. There was surely a good reason why he was known as Humanity's Strongest Soldier.


The rain clouds from the previous evening had finally started to disappear. He could tell by the way her room was now bathed in the dim moonlight that sometimes was hidden by them, creating diverse, nonsensical patterns in the shadows on the ceiling. The same he'd been observing in an attempt to stop thinking too much and fall back asleep as he laid on her bed, with an arm stretched up beyond his head while the other rested on his stomach.

An hour passed, or maybe more, since the minute he opened his eyes and remained wide awake, realizing the sun was nowhere near to show up yet. Even after putting on his long sleeve gray shirt and black sweatpants to go get some tea, there was no improvement in his situation. He'd have tried reading or something, but he honestly had no desire leave her side; he'd had missed that woman's presence for days, so lying beside her was all he needed right now.

Levi turned his face to his right and his entire body followed shortly after as he set his eyes on her, not fully understanding what happened inside him to see her there. The urge to feel and please each other at the beginning had led him to believe this thing between them had been like a physical need, one that was always there yet he knew he wanted so much more, not only sex, especially when she was out of sight; the longing to have her close, taking advantage of every small instance, whether it was as quiet as this, meant everything. He craved for that voice, their conversations, sharing a laughter or more like hearing her laugh, or anything really. She's right there now, idiot, his voice reminded him, and he wondered for the zillionth time how did this happened, how come she chose him over the many out there surely worthier than him. Not because he wanted it any other way, of course; Levi hated imagining such scenario, but he couldn't help the question dancing in his head.

But she was really his, and even though things could go terribly wrong, he knew he wouldn't change any of it. Perceiving the heat of her body as she looked in his direction, pleasantly sleeping on her side and stretching out her arms in front of her face as they rest on the edge of her pillow, was perfect. It was one of the moments he treasured the most, because that peaceful expression of hers showed how absolute her trust in him was. Like right now, Elia was so relaxed that she looked even younger; most of her dark mane laid somewhat messy beneath the side of her face that leaned against the pillow, partly covering the left side of her face while some other rebellious locks of hair reached her hands, making her even more attractive. It actually brought memories of how wild she could get in a matter of seconds, an incredibly pleasing thought to relive in his head: the desperation with which they touched and connected a few hours ago. He hadn't considered it possible given how tired she was with the Klorva business that fortunately got better during Jean's two-week recovery. But damn, she'd been amazing! Only to know that lust for him was enough to invigorate her whole body was mind-blowing, but of course, as soon as both collapsed on the bed gasping for air, she soon fell asleep, completely worn out.

Levi stretched out his hand and grabbed a lock of hair with care, appreciating that silky texture in between his fingers while he engraved all of this on his mind, as he always did when they were together, well aware that the dream might come to an end very soon. Something he'd come to accept since day one, because nothing this great was meant to last forever and for somebody like him, it shouldn't have even happened. But you're one lucky bastard, his inner voice reminded, and he knew he was, yet nobody could tell how grateful he was for it. A tiny smile nearly formed in his lips, but instead he suddenly froze when he saw her wrinkling her brow in what seemed like concentration, while still fast asleep.

Unable to restrain himself, the soldier reached out and grazed the lines he saw there, also noting her eyes moving frantically under the eyelids. What do you see there, Elia? he asked in his head and from one moment to the next, he saw her turn to the other side, practically adopting the same posture. Nonetheless, in doing so she pulled the sheets and blankets, the same she was now hugging tightly, ignoring she'd uncovered him and most of herself.

Amused and wanting her closer, he approached until leaving a minuscule space between both, relying the weight of his torso on his right elbow to support his head with his hand so he could contemplate the woman. He didn't mind her taking over the bedclothes because unlike her, he wasn't naked, yet she didn't seem to care the low temperatures. The soldier sighed, mesmerized by such magnificent view of her back's bare skin and her long dark hair covering both neck and shoulders, even more so now that the light of the crystals was bringing her paleness out, giving her some sort of ethereal aura in contrast with the darkness around.

He extended his left arm over her to get some of the blankets and cover her, however he didn't manage to accomplish the task because his hand decided to act on its own, making a brief stop to touch the curve of her left shoulder. And without thinking, he was now fondling the skin there with his fingers, bewitched by the smoothness and warmth coming from her. I doubt you feel the same when you do this, woman, he told her in his head, recalling the several times she did this when she believed him to be asleep. Something he didn't bother to correct, or she'd hardly do it again, and that'd spoil the wondrous pleasure of her soft caresses, especially when she stroked or gently brushed his scars with her fingertips or the back of her hand. The extreme delicacy and tenderness with which she did that put him under the impression that she somehow feared hurting him, as if he were something truly precious. Him, a breathing lethal weapon, capable of leaving a huge trail of death everywhere if he wanted. And she cares for you still… there it was again, that hopeful side of his inner self, reminding him about the joy to know that was true. A wonderful sensation that made him want her even more, and not only physically.

Surrounded by mostly silence and the peace he had beside her, Levi dedicated himself to explore her skin without the exquisite agony of sex involved. This was exciting in its own way; to trace invisible lines on her body whilst admiring those breathtaking curves only he'd touched and seen shaking with pleasure. He gulped, controlling the animal inside by staring to that attractive lentil-sized mole right below her left shoulder, the one his thumb now rubbed very softly. He continued to do the same until he couldn't resist the desire to kiss it, so now getting closer, the soldier skimmed it with his lips while his hand finally moved to where it'd intended first, to have her covered.

"Must be the first time I'm glad I open my eyes and see I wasn't dreaming" he heard her whisper the instant he managed to open her hands.

Unexpectedly, she grabbed his hand, pulling him even closer to have him cuddle her whole body, to what he showed no resistance. He simply hid his face in the back of her neck, worshipping her scent as he relished in the feeling of his pounding heart against her back.

"You seemed extremely focused a moment ago. Can't tell if you were making a choice or simply irritated" he said, without moving from that position "It was similar to the expression you had at the hospital, when I tried to kiss you".

"I had to control myself, Captain" she said and gave away a long sigh "As much as I wanted to give in, I couldn't. And you said you understood when I offered a similar scenario about us while you're working in your office, or in the middle of a mission" Elia squeezed his hand playfully when she said that.

"I know, just as I know I better avoid watching you work" the man observed as he nuzzled her skin, recalling how enticing her professionalism was.

"Yeah, well, uh... I'm not particularly grateful for the last thing you said that day"

"I don't even remember that" oh, that was such a big lie.

"Suuure, I believe that" the healer replied sarcastically. She knew he was messing around with her "It's no fun imagining us in this kind of situation whenever I'm making my rounds and find an empty room, Captain" she reproached him, although her voice showed no resentment "Your suggestion wasn't the subtlest, you know?"

"Never said it'd be" he muttered, trapping her legs with his and put his arm around her waist to demandingly hold her closer "Seeing you so into it reminded me of that night you treated my ankle. All I wanted was to smack the shit out of everything after what happened" he of course, was referring to his squad and all the casualties in the mission "But now I see you were part of my frustration, 'cause I wanted you already" he shared, glad to sense her legs entangling with his.

"I honestly couldn't tell. You're quite good when it comes to put a distance" the woman said with certain melancholy in her tone as she covered his arm with hers.

"And yet you're here" he pointed out, delighted in this kind of intimacy they had; his hideaway from everything.

"I'll always be" she wasn't saying it but that was a promise; he knew so the instant he felt her taking his hand to her lips and kissed it "I missed you, Levi" she spoke in a hushed tone, and the heat of her breath on the back of his hand was the perfect balm to appease the gloomy thoughts telling him such promise would last for as long as he lived.

"I think I figured that damn well" he replied, choosing to think about the smile with which she welcomed him, delighted to feel her body vibrate when she chuckled at his sassy remark "Now tell me, what were you dreaming just now? I'm curious".

"No can do, Captain. You can't say a word if you want them to actually happen" she assured very seriously, but he detected fun in the tone she used "In any case, what I found myself in when I opened my eyes was far better than the dream".

"Is that so?" these games they sometimes played, the teasing, and seducing one another was one of his favorite things "Gotta say I was merely trying to cover you, but I got carried away" he placed his chin on her shoulder, so his mouth was right next to her ear "I regret nothing by the way".

The wholehearted laugh he heard after saying that gave his stomach a fluttering sensation, which was odd but not in a bad way. Surely related to how marveled he was by their exchanges; how natural and easy they were.

"I'm sorry" out of the blue, she was apologizing while stroking his arm back around her waist "I know you couldn't care less about the blankets, but I have to say it or I'll feel even more guilty" right then, the healer covered both with them "I wasn't cold with you here".

Despite he shook his head in exasperation, Levi couldn't deny how pleasing was to learn she felt him around, even in her sleep.

"I had two cups of tea a while ago, and in case you didn't notice, I got clothes on me, woman, so I was ok" he affirmed, sliding the side of his foot all the way down her leg.

He watched her nodding and say no more, probably basking in the warmth of his embrace, just as he did for holding and having her all for himself.

After a couple minutes, Levi closed his eyes while his head rested behind hers. Not really sleepy but being this comfortable was also fine.

"I'm afraid I'll have to ruin the moment but… I really must go to the bathroom" Elia said reluctantly, and then laughed at the way he growled and tightened his embrace.

Hearing that surely helped him forgive this insult of hers, specially when he didn't remember making anybody laugh out of what sounded like pure joy.

"Hey, I haven't wet my bed since I was a baby and I'm hoping it won't repeat now, let alone with you here. So, let me go for a minute".

Moving now to lay on his back, the soldier unwillingly obeyed. He closed his eyes, granting her some privacy, although that didn't stop him from listening attentively to every move inside there, following the sound of a drawer being opened, her hands burrowing through her stuff or her quiet steps heading outside her room.

"You better empty that bladder and get back here soon" he said loudly enough for her to hear.

"Got it, Captain!" she replied shortly before closing the bathroom door.

Levi remained the same during the time she was gone, and only opened his eyes when he heard Elia's muffled footsteps in the hallway. The soldier sat up, placed the pillows against the headboard and leaned his back against them.

"You could have just stayed naked, you know" he joked after seeing the way she rubbed her arms to warm herself up when she entered the room. She only had a white tank top, shorts, and socks on; her loosened hair seemed to cover better than all those "If it weren't for the socks, I'd believe I'm talking to someone else" he commented, noting her cheeks got red and she averted her eyes, embarrassed "Oi, oi, don't do that. Tell me what is it".

"These past weeks were incredibly busy at the hospital. That's the reason I've been unable to do my laundry" the woman responded, yet it sounded as if she were admitting a terrible crime "I was planning on doing it today, since it's my first decent day off after the chaos".

The soldier nodded thoughtfully, comprehending her reaction now. He'd have been the same, except he wouldn't feel ashamed or worried. Only pissed.

"I see" he said, and that's when a very simple idea hit him "Wear these then" he moved to the edge of the bed and started by removing his sweatpants "I'd tell you we switch but I'd look ridiculous in that so I'm better naked" that horrified her, probably thinking about how cold it was; Elia got mortified over trivial things quite often "Don't argue. You'll have to make it up by staying sickly close to me the rest of the night".

She didn't say anything right away but merely stared back at him for like a whole minute before finally giving in. And while she obeyed, he witnessed a soft and beautiful smile on her face, one he first thought was out of happiness, but that seemed so stupid to his rational self, because it wasn't such a big of a deal. By the time she was ready and he found himself in nothing but his underwear, he watched her walking up to him and sat beside him.

"Thank you, Levi" she whispered, taking his right hand in her left and then leaned her head on his shoulder after the same smile showed up again.

Staggered, the soldier said nothing in return. Expressing himself with gentle words wasn't in his nature, yet he'd picked up a couple things from all the ways she demonstrated her caring. And even though it was quite simple, he knew she'd get that mild squeeze to her hand, she'd know it was the same for him. He half smiled then, comprehending he'd been right to assume Elia was happy, and he was the reason for it.

He buried his face in her hair, musing about making a move to arouse her, but it wasn't even what he wanted at that very moment. This contact, to have her like this, felt just as good; uncomplicated, different, heartwarming, and perfect. Plus, it was cute to know she most likely was restraining any comment about him getting a cold.

"How long have you been awake?" she asked after some time, her voice filled with concern "You seem anxious lately".

"Not sure… Maybe two hours" he answered in all earnest "I tend to sleep less when something approaches" Levi shared, without explaining that staying alert was like breathing to him; it was unnecessary when she was so sharp to read between the lines.

"But it's still a month away" she uttered as she looked up to see him "Having a proper rest is important" her other hand was now cupping the left side of his face while he lost himself in those breathtaking eyes, trying to conceal the reasons behind his uneasiness.

"It's not like I do it on purpose" that got him a playful pinch of his cheek and an ironic smile in response, so he decided to be a bit more open about this "Believe it or not, here is where I mostly have a good rest, Elia" she sighed, and the couple thoughtful nods told him she believed him.

"I'd like to help you somehow" she was obviously worried, and already figured there was more to it. He saw it in the way her eyes half-closed in suspicion when he was about to say he was good.

Intending to distract her, Levi reclined on the mattress and dragged her with him, placing her on top of his body while her hands were now on his chest. He saw the disapproving look, but there was fun and resignation in the gesture as well.

"Just kiss me senseless" he commanded, running one of his hands through her hair, truly wanting that "That'd help".

"Will you tell me the rest of the truth if I do?"

Yep, of course she saw through you, you fool… he gave in. She was stubborn enough not to let it go and, in the end, he knew he could trust his worries to her, especially when she was partly involved.

"I have no intention of failing, but that doesn't guarantee our success. And I can't help thinking that if we die, everything would have been in vain. Not to mention all of you here are next".

It was quite easy to see how taken aback she was by that, but the woman composed herself quick. And from one moment to the next, she was cradling against his body, covering both with one of the blankets.

"It's a possibility, yes. But even if you don't succeed, it doesn't mean you're failing, Levi. Giving your life to fulfil your promise is more than enough" there was so much sincerity both in her stare and tone "This war doesn't depend on you solely. It's a story that belongs to everyone, so you cannot take full responsibility for the outcome" she emphasized, and that penetrating gaze reminded him of a similar one when he scolded her for risking herself; how determined she'd been when she said she could make her own decisions "As for us, I don't know what I can say to convince you that whatever happens, we're with you. People here in Trost do know you care about them, and I'm sure they'll fight with everything they have, like you did for us" he glimpsed pain in those eyes for a brief moment but there was no fear, and he liked that "I know I will... I could never live or die in peace knowing I disgraced Ilva's memory by giving up. She taught me that. And you reinforced it".

Levi said nothing for some time, pondering about his options, that weren't many. And it'd depend on her anyways.

"What would you say if I offer to continue what she started?" he asked, his blue eyes stoic to the surprise in her expression "A month isn't much, but it is better than nothing".

It was actually less if they considered the frequency with which they managed to see each other, but they'd spend the last two weeks at the city's HQ instead of the former one, for the preparations as well as granting better rest for the troops before the mission. And if she agreed, he knew she'd practice by herself.

"Is that going to give you some peace of mind?" Elia inquired.

Levi nodded once, pleased to see bravery and resolve sparkling in her eyes when she returned the gesture. Not to mention that fierce pride in her expression whenever she declared her faith in him and his comrades, no matter the results; that was also priceless.

"Alright, Captain. Now that we're clear, and I see some relief in that lovely face, I need you to lie here, face down" she winked at him when he rolled his steel blue eyes to that comment about his face. Only it was no joke to her; Elia truly thought he was adorable sometimes "I'm going to put you back to sleep" she indicated as she got up from bed, but he was faster and sat up straight first. Levi rounded her waist with one arm to hold her there as she gazed into his eyes, and slid her fingers through his hair distractedly now "What's the matter?"

"This is the second time you do it, woman" the soldier grumbled "We were very comfortable like that".

"True but getting you a good sleep is more important to me now" he glared at her, quite irritated for making a fuss over such a silly thing.

"You're in…" in mid-sentence, she cut him off with a kiss. One of those slow burn and exquisitely addictive long ones that silenced all thoughts except what was happening.

Her perfectly proportioned lips felt so soft and warm, but the best always was the honey-like taste of them, and how gentle but damn sensual they were in his. The smell of Elia was incredibly hypnotic, and the pleasant tickles of her mane grazing his bare chest and shoulders made it so much better. He wondered how the hell was she able to make him feel this way, powerful yet incredibly vulnerable, willing to do whatever she wanted with him. He knew his mind was long gone, happily enslaved by her, knowing he wanted no freedom when this felt so right. Being this glued to one another, as if nothing else existed there but them, not even the possibility of dying, was amazing, and oh, he wanted more but they were running out of air.

Only when they made a pause to catch their breaths, he noticed Elia hadn't wrapped her arms around his neck, as she usually did. He narrowed his eyes at the angelic face expression of hers.

"You were saying…" she offered, and the mischievous gleam of her eyes told him she knew.

"Insufferable" Levi stated, tightening his embrace, and stealing another kiss from her delicious mouth after she pretended to be offended "And a merciless woman" he was going to go for another, but she gently covered his mouth with the tip of her fingers.

"What would you say...?" the healer managed to articulate but was caught off guard when he grabbed that hand and slid his tongue all the way up of her forefinger, making her blush.

"I can play dirty too, Elia Stoltz" he muttered with smug satisfaction, enjoying the sound of her chortling.

"Oh, I know that well, Captain Levi" she responded, grinning boldly.

He seriously never had enough of this nonsensical yet pleasurable game of tantalizing each other, and neither did she. He saw it in the way he caught her eyes sneaking up to his underwear and then returned to his face, with an innocent, pensive expression.

"As much as I'd love to play right now, it won't last much. I'm too tired to keep up, and I still think you should try having some more sleep tonight" she explained, with a soft smile now "I promise you a surprise in the morning".

"I'll pass. Not a fan of surprises so tell me what it is" he asked, with a sullen face but that mysteriously clever look and the way she bit her lower lip arouse his curiosity.

"Nope. I can't or it won't be the same" she assured, and Levi exhaled through his teeth before letting her go, defeated. So, he grudgingly obeyed, and was now lying face down on his side of her bed with his arms wrapped around behind the pillow "Come on, Captain, don't get mad. I promise no further surprises if you end up disliking it".

"So annoying" he mumbled and closed his eyes. His competitive self now determined to stay awake, just to tick her off.

You complain about the brats and you're behaving like a childish one now, his mind pointed out, and though it was right, he couldn't care less; he was free to do as he pleased when she was around. Besides, infuriating her was fun sometimes, depending on the results.

The soldier didn't move or spoke while he remained the same, attentive to the sound of her muffled steps when she got out of bed and then left the room, to the other room first and then to the kitchen. Five minutes later, Levi sensed her presence close by and then she was taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

Without saying a word, he heard her opening what sounded like a small flask. He finally peeked on her out of the corner of his eye and saw her placing the lid on the nightstand. That was all he could see without moving, but soon after that followed the small container, now onto the same surface. He tried figuring out what was in it, but despite the crystals light were very handy, the room was still dark; he couldn't even tell what color was, and the fact that it was odorless made it impossible. The only thing he could do was to listen and feel, so he concentrated on the sound of her palms rubbing each other, probably the same way he'd seen her do in the past.

Damn, that feels good! His senses yelled when he got her hands in his lower back, right above his ass. This felt so different from that night she treated his ankle, but maybe it was only the lack of witnesses.

Undeniably, he had a blast whenever she was all hands on him, yet this kind of touching was great in other ways, soothing instead of electrifying, and warm but not burning, and those unbelievably precise movements she was performing on his bare skin were just miraculous.

Elia worked all the muscles in that lower area for at least ten minutes, gradually and consistently ascending with those delicate hands, going from one spot to the next and sometimes going back to massage the same using a different method, using her palms and other times, the tip of her fingers.

"What will you teach me first?" he heard her ask. She'd just made a brief pause to apply more of that liquid on her hands and then rubbed her palms against one another again "I'd like to investigate a little in my spare time. Less chances to make a fool of myself later" she joked, placing her hands back on his body and Levi couldn't help but groan and shivered out of how good that felt.

"Since we don't have the time to work on your stamina and speed, your aiming is my priority" he replied, closing his eyes, taking great pleasure in her touch. It made him wonder if all massages were like this or perhaps it was a combination of her skills and the fact that it was her doing it… who knew? What was clear to the soldier now was how heavenly this was "I'll bring a bow and a couple knives tomorrow night" he said. He'd buy her one once she mastered the technique.

"Guess kitchen knives can't do, right?" she was working in his neck now, and her thumbs were doing a spectacular job "There's no need for a bow though. I kept Ilva's in the attic because I wasn't ready to let it go" she confessed, and though he detected sadness and longing in her tone, there was also pride and enthusiasm.

"And you won't ever have to" he ensured, understanding her attachment to the object, and glad to know she'd learn how to use it "You better learn fast, woman. No whining or mediocrity" at least a tiny chuckle escaped her when he said that, letting him know she was fine. Right then, he couldn't help letting out another soft groan of satisfaction at something she'd just done in his spine.

"I'm persistent enough, Captain" she teased, and even when he wasn't staring to her face at that moment, he pictured a half smile on it. "Especially when this is such an honor" there was no hint of jest in her words now, and Levi knew she was most likely thinking about her sister and what she'd have said about this.

"Since we need to give more strength to your movements, your arms above all, you'll have to work out in the mornings, so I'll show you a simple but effective workout routine" he explained, trying to keep a yawn at bay now that his eyelids felt uncommonly heavy "I'll know if you were slacking off, Elia" he mumbled his warning, incredibly drowsy.

This time, he could no longer suppress a huge yawn while his eyes slowly started to close now that his entire body felt almost weightless.

"I won't fail, Captain" he heard as he abandoned himself to the fascinating sensation of her fingers running slowly up his back, until she reached his undercut and caressed his hair fondly. That was the last thing he recalled before falling into unconsciousness.


I'm sorry for taking longer, guys. It's just, aside from responsibilities and stuff, I've been watching a couple other anime lately (to cheer myself up because I already miss SNK).

As for the story and as they're anticipating, their quiet time together won't last long and the uncertainty of his return is getting real.

Namárië