Chapter 25: Order and Chaos
Levi opened the door to his quarters and stepped inside, his expression as unreadable
as ever. Behind him, Aria followed with an eager energy, her lavender hair cascading
down her back as she took in her surroundings. She had never been to Levi's personal
space before, and now, knowing it would be her new home, her eyes immediately
began scanning the rooms with keen interest.
The quarters were spacious, much more so than the rest of the regiment's lodgings, as
befitted someone of Levi's rank. The suite had a clean, minimalistic style, which was no
surprise to Aria. The living room had a simple couch and coffee table, the walls were
bare except for a single painting that Levi had probably never even looked at, and the
shelves were neatly organized. Everything had a place, and everything was in
order—just like Levi himself.
Aria paused in the doorway for a moment, her lavender eyes sparkling with amusement.
"This place is so... you," she said with a teasing grin, her voice soft but full of playful
affection. She stepped further into the living room, her fingers brushing lightly over the
back of the couch as she began mentally cataloging where she could make changes.
Levi, already knowing what she was thinking, raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He
wasn't one for a lot of decoration or unnecessary clutter, but he knew that Aria had a
very different perspective on these things.
Aria wandered over to the bookshelf, her gaze flicking over the perfectly aligned
volumes before turning to Levi with a smirk. "So, where can I start adding my feminine
touch?"
Levi sighed quietly, closing the door behind them as he crossed his arms, leaning
against the wall. "As long as it doesn't disrupt the way things are now," he said in his
usual calm, even tone. "I don't want any clutter. And no messing with my cleaning
supplies."
Aria laughed, her voice melodic and light. "Don't worry, Captain Clean Freak. I won't
touch your precious cleaning supplies." She moved to the dining area, inspecting the
plain table and chairs, then over to the small but functional kitchen, where everything
was neatly arranged. "But this place could use a little warmth, don't you think?"
Levi shrugged, his gaze following her movements as she circled the room. "I don't need
warmth. I need order."
Aria gave him a mischievous look over her shoulder. "Well, now that I'm here, you're
going to get a little of both." She walked back to him, her eyes gleaming with a playful
challenge. "Besides, this is our home now, isn't it?"
Levi's eyes softened just a fraction, though his stoic exterior remained intact. "I suppose
it is," he said quietly.
Aria grinned, pleased with herself as she stepped closer, resting her hands on his chest
and looking up at him with a knowing smile. "You know, I'm not going to turn this place
into a palace. Just a few things here and there—some flowers, maybe a new rug, and
definitely something for those bare walls. What do you think?"
Levi sighed again, though there was no real resistance behind it. "As long as it's not too
much."
Aria beamed, her hands sliding down from his chest as she stepped back, already
imagining the changes she would make. "Don't worry, I'll keep it tasteful. You'll hardly
even notice."
She wandered toward the bedroom next, peeking in through the doorway. The
bedroom, much like the rest of the quarters, was simple—just a bed, a nightstand, and a
dresser. It was functional, but there was no sign of personality in the room. Aria tilted
her head, already imagining the ways she could make it more inviting.
"This could use some work," she commented with a smirk, turning to Levi. "Maybe some
new sheets? Something softer, more comfortable."
Levi raised an eyebrow. "There's nothing wrong with the sheets."
Aria laughed softly. "Of course you'd say that. But trust me, you'll thank me later."
Levi watched her, his usual guarded expression softening slightly as he took in her
enthusiasm. He wasn't used to someone like Aria—someone who was so full of life and
energy, who wanted to leave her mark on everything around her. But, despite himself,
he didn't mind it. Her presence had already started to change things, and though he
would never admit it out loud, a part of him was glad for it.
As Aria wandered back into the living room, she shot Levi another playful grin. "Alright,
Captain, I've got plans for this place. Just give me some time, and I'll make it feel like a
real home."
Levi shrugged, though there was a faint flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Just don't get
carried away."
Aria leaned up on her tiptoes, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before stepping back
with a wink. "No promises."
Levi, despite his best efforts, couldn't help but smirk at her. "Figures."
With that, Aria began exploring the rest of the suite, already planning how she would
add her own touches. Levi, as always, watched her from a distance, his calm gaze
following her every move. It was strange to think that this was his life now—this bond
with Aria, this shared space. But in the back of his mind, he couldn't deny that it felt...
right.
And even though he knew Aria would undoubtedly turn his orderly quarters upside down
with her ideas, he couldn't bring himself to stop her. Not when her presence was the
only thing that made him feel something other than the cold discipline he had lived by
for so long.
This was their new home now.
And no matter what changes Aria made, Levi knew he would find a way to adjust.
…
Levi could only watch, a mixture of resignation and quiet exasperation on his face, as
Aria systematically transformed his once-pristine quarters. The subtle changes had
started almost immediately after she moved in—small things at first: a vase of flowers
on the dining table, a plush throw blanket tossed over the back of the couch, a few soft
pillows that had no business being in a soldier's living quarters.
But then it escalated.
Aria was a girly girl through and through, and it showed in every corner of the quarters
now. Levi's once bare and functional space had been overtaken by an explosion of
color, fabric, and accessories. The closet, which had once been neatly organized with
Levi's standard uniforms and plain shirts, was now overflowing with clothes in every
imaginable color and style. Dresses, skirts, blouses—all of them brightly colored and
delicate—hung beside his own things, cramming the space so tightly that Levi could
barely find his own clothes anymore.
Shoes lined the floor of the closet, stacked in haphazard rows. High heels, sandals,
boots—all of them Aria's. Jewelry spilled out of boxes and trays, shining in the light
whenever she opened the closet doors. And the scent—her perfumes lingered
everywhere, floral and sweet, filling the air with a fragrance that was distinctly hers.
Levi had tried, at first, to maintain some semblance of control. He had grumbled about
the shoes taking up all the space, about how he couldn't find anything anymore, but Aria
just laughed and kissed him on the cheek, telling him not to worry. "It's all under control,
Captain," she would say with a wink, as if that solved everything.
But the worst of it, in Levi's opinion, was the vanity.
Aria had insisted he build one for her, right by the bedroom window where the light
came in just right. It wasn't even a suggestion—it was a demand. "I need a place for my
makeup," she had said, pouting in that way that Levi had already learned he couldn't
resist. "And for my perfumes. And all my beauty stuff."
And now, there it was: a full vanity, with a mirror framed in gold, small drawers filled with
an array of makeup, brushes, and perfumes. Bottles of every shape and size lined the
top of the vanity, each one labeled with some exotic-sounding name, their scents
swirling through the air whenever Aria got ready for the day.
Levi stood in the doorway of the bedroom, arms crossed, staring at the vanity as if it had
personally insulted him. Aria, sitting at the vanity, was humming to herself as she
carefully applied her makeup. She caught his reflection in the mirror and smiled at him,
her lavender eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Don't give me that look, Captain," Aria teased, dabbing perfume on her wrists. "You
knew this was coming."
Levi grunted, his expression unimpressed. "You didn't need all this. You've taken up half
the closet, and now you've turned this place into... into this."
Aria laughed, leaning back in her chair as she turned to face him. "Into what? A home?
This is what homes are supposed to look like. Not... whatever it was before."
"It was organized," Levi shot back, though his voice lacked any real bite. "I don't need
all this."
Aria stood and sauntered over to him, a playful grin on her face as she wrapped her
arms around his waist. "Well, I do. And now that we live together, it's not just about you,
is it?"
Levi sighed, shaking his head. "I knew I shouldn't have let you in here."
"You say that, but you don't mean it." Aria pressed a soft kiss to his jaw, her fingers
trailing down his chest. "You secretly love it."
Levi gave her a flat look, but there was no denying the faint smirk tugging at the corner
of his mouth. He knew he had lost this battle before it even began. "Whatever."
Aria grinned, stepping back with a victorious look on her face. "I'm not done yet, you
know. I've still got a few ideas for the bathroom. I was thinking some scented candles,
maybe a new shower curtain—something with a little more color."
Levi pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning quietly. "I'll never get my space back."
"Stop being so dramatic." Aria laughed, waving him off as she returned to the vanity,
adjusting a bottle of perfume that had been slightly out of place. "You've still got your
side of the bed."
"For now," Levi muttered under his breath, though his eyes softened as he watched her.
Despite the chaos she had brought with her—despite the colors, the perfumes, the
sheer volume of stuff that now filled his quarters—Levi couldn't deny that Aria had made
the space feel... warmer. It wasn't just about the decorations or the vanity. It was about
her presence, her laughter, the way she moved through the rooms as if she belonged
there. And maybe, just maybe, Levi didn't mind it as much as he pretended to.
Still, he wasn't about to admit that out loud.
As Aria continued fussing over her vanity, Levi leaned against the doorframe, arms
crossed. "You'd better not touch my cleaning supplies," he warned, his voice
half-serious, half-teasing.
Aria glanced over her shoulder, flashing him a dazzling smile. "Wouldn't dream of it,
Captain."
Levi shook his head, but the small smile he couldn't quite hide said more than words
ever could.
…
The common room was unusually lively that afternoon, though not because of the usual
hustle and bustle of soldiers preparing for missions. Instead, it was the sight of the
sirens lounging together on the large couch, all huddled closely, laughing and giggling.
They looked so carefree, completely at ease in each other's company. Some of them
were even sitting on one another's laps playfully, the warmth and affection between
them clear as day.
Aria, true to her flirty nature, was stretched out lazily across Luna's lap, her lavender
hair spilling over the armrest as she toyed with a strand of Luna's white curls. Bria, as
bold as ever, had comfortably draped herself across Solara's knee, her legs swinging
lazily as she laughed at something Solara had whispered. Melody was curled up beside
Sera, her shy smile soft as Sera braided her hair. Rue, ever the firecracker, had perched
herself on the back of the couch, leaning against Caspia, who occasionally tugged at
her fiery red curls, making Rue swat her away with a grin.
It was a peaceful, intimate scene—the sirens finally able to relax, no longer needing to
be on guard after so long being hunted and on the run. Now that they were mated, they
felt safe, protected by the bonds they shared with their mates.
Two soldiers from the scout regiment happened to be passing by the common room
when they caught sight of the sirens. They stopped in their tracks, eyes wide, clearly
flabbergasted by the sight in front of them. These women, the sirens who had
enchanted and bonded with the most powerful men in the regiment, were sitting so
closely, so openly affectionate with each other—it was a sight unlike anything they had
ever seen.
"Are... are they always like this?" one of the scouts muttered under his breath, his eyes
glued to the couch where the sirens were now giggling and leaning into each other.
His companion, equally stunned, scratched the back of his head, still processing the
scene. "I don't know, man. I've never seen them like this. They're always with their
mates, so I didn't even know they hung out like this."
Aria, always quick to notice when someone was watching, caught sight of the two
soldiers lingering in the doorway and smirked. "Enjoying the show, boys?" she called out
teasingly, her lavender eyes sparkling with mischief as she stretched out even more,
draping her arm across Luna's shoulders.
Luna, slightly more reserved but still smiling softly, gave Aria a playful nudge before
glancing over at the soldiers with a knowing look. "Don't mind her," Luna said in her
thick accent. "She's just trying to get a rise out of you."
One of the scouts, his face turning red, quickly averted his gaze, but the other one
couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly. "Sorry, we didn't mean to stare," he said, rubbing
the back of his neck nervously. "It's just... we've never seen anything like this. You all
seem so... close."
Bria, ever bold and confident, shifted in Solara's lap and winked at the scout, her
burgundy eyes gleaming. "Well, that's because we are close. We've been through a lot
together." She tossed her hair over her shoulder, her grin widening. "Besides, now that
we don't have to run anymore, we can actually relax."
The first scout blinked, trying to recover his composure. "Right, I guess that makes
sense. You're... not soldiers, right? You don't have to fight anymore?"
Solara, always the flirt, leaned in closer to Bria, her golden hair catching the light as she
smiled coyly at the two scouts. "Exactly. We've spent enough time running and
surviving. Now, we can just be ourselves."
Melody, who had been quietly enjoying Sera's company, glanced up shyly, her soft smile
adding to the serene atmosphere. "It's nice not having to worry all the time. We finally
feel safe."
The two scouts exchanged glances, a newfound understanding dawning on them. The
sirens weren't like the rest of them—these women had lived lives full of fear and danger,
constantly hunted for their powers and beauty. Now, with their mates, they were finally
able to find peace.
"Must be nice," the second scout said with a small smile. "We're always on edge around
here. I can't even imagine what it must feel like to just... relax like that."
Caspia, ever the jokester, leaned back and grinned. "Maybe you should try it sometime.
Find yourself a nice siren to mate with, and you'll see what we mean."
Rue snorted from her perch on the couch's back, flicking her fiery curls away from her
face. "Good luck with that. We're a pretty rare catch."
The soldiers laughed, the tension easing as the sirens' warmth began to rub off on
them. Even though these women weren't soldiers, their presence brought a strange
sense of peace to the often chaotic headquarters.
"I guess it's good to see you all like this," the first scout said, glancing back at the group
of sirens. "After everything we've heard about how tough your lives have been, it's nice
to see you finally get to enjoy yourselves."
Aria, always the ringleader, sat up slightly, her smirk softening into a genuine smile.
"You're sweet. But yeah, we've been through hell, and now? Now we're finally free. And
we have our mates to thank for that."
The second scout nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, those guys are different now. Stronger,
more intense. But it makes sense now that I see how much you mean to them."
The sirens exchanged soft smiles, their bond palpable as they looked at one another.
This was their time to relax, to heal, and to find joy again—something they hadn't known
in so long.
As the two scouts began to leave, one of them glanced back over his shoulder and
smiled. "You've definitely brought something different to the regiment. It's... a good kind
of different."
Aria blew him a playful kiss. "Don't worry, sweetie. We're just getting started."
The soldiers left, still flabbergasted by the scene they had witnessed, but with a deeper
understanding of what these sirens had gone through—and what they had brought to
the lives of their mates.
For the sirens, it was just another peaceful moment among sisters, finally free to enjoy
the closeness they had always relied on. Now, there was no more running, no more
fear. They were safe, and they were home.
…
Floch stood in the training grounds, overseeing a group of Jaegerist recruits as they
practiced their formations and techniques. His eyes were sharp, his tone commanding,
as he barked orders at the recruits, trying to maintain the seriousness of the training
session. But it was hard—very hard to focus with Bria nearby, lounging under the sun in
her bikini.
Bria, as seductive and alluring as ever, had chosen that exact spot to sunbathe,
knowing full well the effect she had on Floch and everyone else around. Her burgundy
hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her eyes—those striking, hypnotic
eyes—gleamed in the sunlight as she stretched out on a towel. She seemed completely
at ease, her flawless skin practically glowing as she tilted her head back, her eyes
half-closed as if soaking in every ray of sunlight.
Floch had tried—he really had tried—to stay focused on the training. But how could he?
Every time he turned to correct a recruit's form or shout an instruction, his gaze
inevitably drifted toward Bria, her bikini-clad figure impossible to ignore. And he wasn't
the only one.
The Jaegerist recruits were struggling. Their movements were sloppy, their attention
wavering, and more than one recruit had completely lost focus mid-swing as their eyes
strayed over to where Bria lay, blissfully unaware—or so it seemed—of the chaos she
was causing.
Floch gritted his teeth, trying to snap himself out of it. He knew Bria was doing this on
purpose. She loved playing with him, testing his control, knowing exactly how to push
his buttons. And she was doing a damn good job of it.
"Alright, focus!" Floch shouted, his voice more aggressive than usual as he tried to rein
in both the recruits and himself. "We're here to train, not get distracted! Move your feet,
form up! Now!"
One of the recruits, a younger man who had barely managed to tear his eyes away from
Bria, fumbled with his weapon and quickly stood back in line. His face was flushed, a
mixture of embarrassment and something else entirely as he glanced over at his fellow
recruits, all of whom seemed equally distracted.
"Sorry, sir!" one of them muttered, though it was clear his attention was still wandering.
Floch rubbed his temples, trying to fight back the frustration. He knew what was going
on—it was impossible not to know. Bria was an absolute vision, lying there with all the
grace and sensuality of a goddess, her body stretched out in that skimpy bikini that
seemed designed to drive him—and everyone else—crazy.
He turned back to the recruits, trying one last time to get things back on track. "Look,"
he growled, his eyes narrowing. "I get it. She's... distracting. But we've got a job to do
here, so get your heads back in the game or you'll be running laps until the sun goes
down!"
The recruits snapped to attention, their faces red but determined as they tried to focus
on the training once more. But the effect was temporary. Every time Floch stole a glance
at Bria—and he couldn't stop himself—the recruits followed suit, their stances slipping
as they lost focus all over again.
Bria, still lounging as if she had all the time in the world, caught Floch's gaze and gave
him a wicked smile. She stretched her arms languidly above her head, drawing even
more attention to her figure, and then slowly rolled onto her stomach, propping herself
up on her elbows as she looked directly at him.
"You're doing great, love," she purred, her voice smooth as silk, loud enough for Floch
to hear but not quite loud enough for the recruits. "Don't mind me. I'm just enjoying the
show."
Floch's jaw clenched. She was definitely doing this on purpose.
One of the recruits muttered something under his breath—something that sounded
suspiciously like "lucky bastard"—before quickly catching himself when Floch shot him a
warning glare.
"Alright, that's it!" Floch snapped, throwing his hands in the air. "Break! Take five!"
The recruits, clearly relieved, stumbled away to catch their breath, though more than a
few of them gravitated toward where Bria was lounging, trying not to stare too blatantly.
Floch, meanwhile, stalked over to where Bria lay, his frustration barely concealed as he
crouched down beside her.
"Really?" Floch muttered, his voice low but exasperated. "You had to pick this spot? You
know exactly what you're doing."
Bria turned her head slightly, her burgundy eyes gleaming with amusement. "Who, me?"
she asked innocently, though the playful grin on her lips betrayed her. "I'm just
sunbathing. You're the one getting distracted."
Floch narrowed his eyes, though there was no real anger behind it. "You're driving me
insane, Bria."
Bria laughed softly, the sound rich and melodious. She reached out and playfully trailed
her fingers down his arm. "That's the idea, love. You're cute when you're frustrated."
Floch sighed, though he couldn't help the small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"You're such a handful."
"But I'm your handful," Bria teased, shifting slightly so that she could lean in closer to
him. Her voice dropped to a seductive whisper, meant only for his ears. "But if it's really
that distracting... I could always go somewhere else."
Floch's mind raced. He could hardly concentrate as it was, but the thought of Bria
leaving? No, that wasn't an option either. He wanted her there—even if she was driving
him mad.
He shook his head, his voice low. "Don't even think about it. Stay right here."
Bria's eyes sparkled with victory. "As you wish, love."
With one last teasing smile, Bria settled back into her sunbathing position, leaving Floch
to return to the recruits—who, despite the break, were still visibly distracted. As Floch
stood up and glanced over his shoulder at Bria, he sighed inwardly. Keeping his
focus—and the recruits' focus—was going to be nearly impossible with Bria around.
But, deep down, Floch wouldn't have it any other way.
The recruits stood around in a loose circle, catching their breath and trying to focus after
Floch called for a break. But it was impossible. Their eyes kept drifting back to Bria,
lounging there in her bikini like a goddess, casting glances in Floch's direction with a
playful smirk. There wasn't a man in the group who wasn't envious of him, and it was
clear from the whispers and exchanged looks.
One of the recruits nudged his friend, muttering under his breath, "Can you believe it?
Floch, of all people. How the hell did he end up with her?"
The other recruit shook his head, still staring at Bria as she lazily stretched out on the
towel, her body catching the sunlight just right. "I don't know, man. She's... something
else."
Another soldier, standing nearby, let out a low whistle. "It's not just her looks, either. The
way she talks to him, like he's the only person in the room? Floch's got it made."
The group of them continued to gawk, their training long forgotten as they watched Bria
rise gracefully to her feet. She stretched languidly, her arms arching over her head, her
burgundy eyes gleaming as she caught the attention of everyone—especially Floch. Her
bikini, small and form-fitting, left little to the imagination, and her every movement was
deliberate, sensual, as if she were fully aware of the effect she had on them.
Floch, despite trying to keep his composure, couldn't tear his eyes away. The jealousy
from the recruits practically radiated off them as they watched the interaction.
"Floch's a lucky bastard," one of them grumbled under his breath. "Doesn't even
deserve her."
"Seriously," another added. "What's she see in him?"
Bria, catching the whispered conversations, merely smirked and stretched again, taking
her sweet time before casually walking over to Floch, her hips swaying in that slow,
confident way that made him momentarily forget how to breathe.
Before she reached him, though, Melody and Caspia strolled over from the other side of
the training grounds, their eyes sparkling with curiosity as they joined Bria. Melody, shy
but sweet, gave a small wave in Floch's direction, her sky-blue curls bouncing lightly as
she walked, while Caspia grinned playfully, her orange hair catching the light as she
teased Bria.
"Having fun, Bria?" Caspia asked with a knowing grin, her eyes flicking to Floch and the
jealous recruits before landing back on her friend.
Bria grinned, unbothered by the attention. "Always," she replied, flipping her hair back
as she turned her gaze toward the recruits, who were still staring in awe. "Though it
seems I've caused a bit of a distraction."
Floch, trying to regain some semblance of control over the situation, cleared his throat
and addressed the recruits. "Alright, break's over! Back to work, now!"
The recruits groaned, but they obeyed, though their eyes kept wandering back to Bria,
Melody, and Caspia, who were now standing together, chatting softly among
themselves.
Melody, ever the sweet one, looked a bit embarrassed by all the attention, her cheeks
slightly pink as she shifted from one foot to the other. "We didn't mean to interrupt," she
said softly, glancing at Floch. "We were just coming to check on Bria."
Caspia, on the other hand, didn't mind the attention at all. In fact, she seemed to thrive
on it. "Yeah, but let's be honest, Floch. They're not here to train. They're here to gawk at
your gorgeous siren," she teased, nudging Bria with her elbow.
Bria laughed, a rich, melodic sound, and turned her gaze to Floch, her eyes sparkling
with amusement. "They're just jealous," she said simply, her voice as smooth as silk.
She stepped closer to him, her hand trailing lightly down his arm. "Can you blame
them?"
Floch, caught somewhere between exasperation and pride, let out a resigned sigh.
"No," he admitted, his voice lower. "But you're not making it any easier for me."
Bria winked at him, leaning in just enough so only he could hear her next words. "I
never said I was going to make it easy, love."
The recruits, still glancing over at the group every chance they got, could only shake
their heads, muttering quietly among themselves as they resumed their
training—though it was clear their focus was entirely elsewhere.
One of the recruits, unable to hold it in any longer, groaned loudly and whispered to his
friend, "This isn't fair. How are we supposed to concentrate when that is happening right
in front of us?"
The other recruit nodded in agreement, casting one last longing look at Bria before
sighing. "I don't know, man. Maybe if we trained harder, we could get that kind of luck
too."
As the recruits finally started to get back to work, Bria, Melody, and Caspia continued to
chat, their laughter occasionally drifting over to the training grounds. And though Floch
tried to keep things serious, his eyes couldn't help but drift back to Bria, his focus
slipping once again.
Because as much as he wanted to be professional, how could he when
Bria—seductive, alluring, and absolutely captivating—was always just within reach?