03 | Unforeseen Moments
The medical mission was just around the corner, and Petra had been running herself ragged trying to ensure everything was perfectly in place. That night, she just got home from an exhausting day at the orphanage. She slumped her restless body on the long couch and groaned, but moments later, her phone vibrated from her handbag.
Pulling her phone out, she saw a text from 'Dr. Levi' which made her both intrigued and excited.
Have the kids finished the health consent forms yet?
She quickly replied, a smile painted on her lips as her fingers typed on the screen. Almost! I'll make sure to collect the rest tomorrow.
His reply was brief. Good.
As she laughed softly to herself, she muttered, "I thought you'd ask me out for dinner. Geez." She shook her head, amused at her own thoughts, and decided to take a quick shower to freshen up.
After putting on a loose pink shirt and black shorts, she was about to prepare a simple dinner when a sudden knock at her door made her jump.
"Who could that be?" she murmured, glancing at the clock.
She wasn't expecting anyone.
When she opened the door, her jaw nearly dropped. There stood Levi, holding a paper bag filled with Chinese takeout. It looked like his shift had just ended from the hospital as he was still wearing his silver-framed glasses and a usual faint scent of rubbing alcohol wafting around him.
"Dinner?" he asked, his tone neutral, but his eyes held a flicker of something—perhaps amusement or warmth—as they met hers.
It took her a moment to recover from the surprise. "Sure," she stammered, quickly stepping aside. "Come in."
She gestured for him to enter, her mind racing to process how the stoic man standing in her doorway with food in hand felt both surprising and, somehow, perfectly natural.
Without second thoughts, Levi stepped inside, his sharp eyes sweeping over her living space with the same precision he applied to everything.
"It's clean," he remarked, his eyes glinting with satisfaction.
"Thanks," Petra replied with a faint smile, still trying to grasp the casualness of the moment.
She watched as he walked to the small counter, setting the paper bag down with deliberate care.
"I wasn't sure if you'd already eaten," he said as he began unpacking the containers, revealing an assortment of dishes. "Figured you were too busy to bother."
She leaned against the counter, both hands resting on the surface of the counter's edge, a smile tugging at her lips. "You figured right. I was just about to prepare dinner. The hospital and orphanage has been a lot lately."
He paused, glancing at her. "You're running yourself into the ground."
She blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness of his observation.
"Sit," the word slipped from his lips like an order, motioning toward the small dining table as if it were his own room.
Petra bit back a retort and followed his instruction, too curious about the unexpected visit to command. As she settled into her seat, Levi joined her, handing her a set of chopsticks.
"You don't do small talk, do you?" she teased, breaking the silence as they started eating.
"Not when there's food," he replied, deadpan, which earned a soft laugh from her.
They ate in companionable quiet for a while, the silence punctuated by the occasional clink of chopsticks or the rustle of takeout containers. But as the meal went on, the conversation began to flow. They talked about the upcoming medical mission and even their neighbors' odd quirks.
"So," Petra began, "Aunt Karina told me that Mrs. Kirschtein said Jean heard from Mikasa that you're planning a medical mission at the orphanage."
Levi paused mid-chew, his tone laced with quiet exasperation. "That's... an exhausting chain of people."
Petra laughed, leaning back in her chair. "Welcome to life in this apartment complex. The grapevine's faster than the internet around here."
Levi swallowed the food before meeting her gaze. "Good to know I can't fart without half the building finding out."
Petra chuckled and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "You know, gossip aside, what you're doing with this upcoming medical mission is incredible. The kids at the orphanage could really use something like this. It's been ages since they last had a check-up. A few of them said they've dreamed about you already."
His expression softened, "And what do I look like in their dream?"
She smirked, "They actually drew their mental image of you during our art therapy session. I'll send you the photos of their artwork. You'll definitely like it."
A small smile tugged at his lips as he nodded.
The room fell quiet in a comfortable way, the warmth of her words lingering in the air. He busied himself with his plate, unwilling to admit how much her efforts meant.
When dinner was over, Petra started clearing the table, but Levi waved her off.
"I've got this. You look like you're about to fall over."
"I'm fine," she protested, but the exhaustion in her voice betrayed her.
He gave her a pointed look. "Go sit. Or better yet, sleep. You've got enough on your plate as it is."
Petra hesitated. "You're surprisingly bossy for a guest, you know that?"
"Call it practicality."
The truth was, his sharp eyes had caught a glimpse of bottles of antidepressants and sleeping pills on top of a nearby cabinet as soon as he set the food down earlier. The sight lingered in his mind, an unwelcome pang of concern settling in his chest. He hadn't expected her struggle with depression to require medication. As a doctor, he knew that such medications weren't prescribed lightly. They hinted at sleepless nights, an inner turmoil that couldn't be soothed by therapy alone.
Petra quietly sat on the couch, watching Levi tidy up with surprising efficiency. It was such a simple gesture, yet it felt deeply thoughtful.
Before he left, he paused at the door, glancing back at her. "Don't overdo everything."
"I'll try," she promised, her voice soft.
He gave her a brief nod, then stepped into the hallway. As the door clicked shut, she leaned back against the couch, a small smile playing on her lips.
Over the next few days, their lives began to intertwine in the professional world. Levi started his first medical mission at the orphanage, and from the moment he stepped inside, he was greeted with an energy and warmth that caught him off guard. The staff and children welcomed him and his team with bright smiles and cheers.
A young boy approached shyly, holding a colorful lei made of fresh flowers. Without hesitation, the child slipped it over Levi's neck. He froze for a moment, clearly not expecting the gesture. His sharp gaze softened as he looked at the boy, who grinned up at him.
"Thanks," Levi said quietly, his tone unusually gentle.
Petra, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold with a satisfied smile. She had organized the welcome, ensuring the kids felt involved and excited about the medical team's visit. Seeing Levi, who so often seemed unshakable, caught off guard by their hospitality was a rare treat.
"You've got a knack for making an entrance," Petra teased as she approached him, Oluo following behind, snorting.
Levi shot her a look, tugging at the lei as though unsure what to do with it. "I didn't ask for this."
She laughed softly. "It's a sign of gratitude. Just accept it."
"Tch. Fine," he muttered, though he didn't remove the lei.
Oluo whispered in Petra's ears from behind, "I told you he's not good with kids. He didn't even appreciate the lei!"
Petra poked his side, her piercing glare screaming disdain, "Shut up and observe."
Eld and Gunther were shaking their heads as they lugged behind with Nifa, a general practitioner at the hospital who volunteered to join the medical mission.
The day unfolded with a flurry of activity. Children lined up for check-ups in the makeshift clinic, some nervous, others excited, while Petra flitted from one group to another, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Levi worked with his usual precision, but Petra noticed how his demeanor softened around the children. He spoke to them in a low, steady voice, his sharp tone tempered with patience as he explained procedures or offered reassurances. When he caught Petra's gaze as he handed a lollipop to one of the kids, he mouthed a soundless word that she caught as 'bribery'.
As the day wound down and the last kid left the makeshift clinic, Levi stood by the window, gazing out at the orphanage courtyard. Petra approached, holding two cups of coffee she'd scrounged up from the staff kitchen.
"Here," she said, handing him one.
He took it with a nod. "You planned this whole thing, didn't you? The lei, the welcome, everything."
She shrugged, a playful smile on her lips. "I wanted the kids to feel comfortable. And maybe I wanted to see you a little flustered."
He huffed, though his smirk gave him away. "Mission accomplished."
They stood in companionable silence for a moment, watching the children play outside.
"You're good with them," Petra said softly. "Especially with bribery."
He glanced at her. "So are you."
She took a sip of her coffee to hide her smile. "You should join us for dinner tonight. The kids will be asking about you anyway."
He raised an eyebrow but didn't refuse. "I'll think about it."
Petra knew him well enough by now to recognize that as a yes.
That evening, the orphanage was alive with laughter and chatter. Dinner was a simple affair—large trays of spaghetti, bread rolls, and a colorful salad spread out on a long table, with the children bustling to find seats. Petra guided Levi to the table, who, much to her amusement, looked slightly out of place amidst the chaos.
"You're lucky," she teased. "Tonight's spaghetti. It's their favorite, so they'll be in good moods."
He eyed the overflowing trays before turning to her. "I'm here for the food, not the mood.
She watched as he settled into the seat quietly, his presence commanding yet oddly comforting. He didn't seem to mind the rapid-fire questions of the children thrown his way:
"Doctor Levi, do you like spaghetti?"
"What is your favorite color?"
"Do you have pets? Like a dog?"
The doctor responded to each question with short, straightforward answers. "Yes." "Any color." "No pets." But his tone lacked its usual edge, and his rare smirk earned delighted giggles from the children.
Petra sat down nearby, amused at the sight of the typically reserved Levi surrounded by a sea of curiosity. One of the older girls, Kaya, leaned over to her.
Kaya whispered loudly, "Is the doctor your boyfriend?"
Petra's cheeks turned crimson as she choked on her water. "What? No! He's just helping me with the mission."
"Uh-huh," Kaya said knowingly, a sly smile spreading across her face.
Across the table, Levi's sharp ears picked up the conversation. He glanced at Petra. "Is that what they're saying now?"
She shook her head furiously. "Kids say the craziest things. Don't read into it."
He let out a soft "tch" and returned to his meal, though the corners of his lips twitched ever so slightly.
As the night wore on and the children began to wind down, Petra found Levi leaning against the doorway, watching as a few of the older kids cleared the tables in the dining hall. She approached, leaning against the opposite frame beside him.
"You handled dinner like a pro."
"It was loud," he replied simply, but his tone lacked any real complaint.
"Welcome to my world," she said, smiling. "They loved having you here. You should stop by for dinner sometimes."
He turned to her, his gaze steady. "Maybe I will."
She was about to respond when Kaya called her name outside the dining hall, breaking the moment. As she walked away, Levi lingered by the doorway for a moment longer, watching her with a thoughtful expression before joining the cleanup crew.
Meanwhile, in one of the orphanage's rooms, Oluo groaned loudly as he slapped a crumpled ten-dollar bill into Gunther's waiting hand. Nifa, after hearing about the bet, was silently laughing at the corner.
"Unbelievable," Oluo grumbled, slouching against the nearest chair. "Who would've thought he's good with kids?"
Gunther smirked, casually pocketing the money. "Told you. Dr. Levi's got a soft spot. You just don't see it because he's too busy pretending he doesn't care."
Eld, perched on the edge of a table, shook his head, chuckling. "You should've known better, Oluo. Dr. Levi's not as stone-cold as you think."
Oluo shot him a sour look. "Stone-cold, my foot. He can scare a grown man into silence with one glare. I figured kids would run for the hills the second he walked in."
"Guess you underestimated him," Nifa retorted, her tone smug. "The kids actually like him. Probably because he doesn't sugarcoat things."
Eld leaned back, folding his arms. "It's not just that. He's got this way of making people feel safe, even if he doesn't say much. Kids pick up on that. They know when someone's reliable."
Oluo huffed, crossing his arms. "Still feels weird. Dr. Levi? Good with kids? Next thing you'll tell me, he's secretly a stand-up comedian."
Gunther, Eld, and Nifa laughed at that, the sound echoing through the room.
"Don't push your luck," Gunther said, grinning. "But hey, keep making bets like this, and I'll be rich in no time."
Oluo rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Next time, I'll win the bet, that's for sure."
"Hey," Nifa said, her tone light but filled with excitement, steering the conversation to another, "how about we celebrate a little? The medical mission was a success. Let's grab a drink or something."
Her suggestion hung in the air momentarily before Eld grinned and clapped his hands together. "Now that's a great idea."
"That's a proper suggestion," Oluo added with mock enthusiasm. "I thought we were just going to pat each other on the back and call it a day."
Gunther chuckled, nudging Oluo. "You're just looking for an excuse to drink."
"And you're not?" Oluo shot back, his smirk growing wider.
"We've already done enough. A celebration isn't necessary," Levi remarked from the doorway, his tone as flat as ever, and his sharp gaze carried a hint of disapproval.
The group turned, startled to see him standing there. They had assumed he was still busy helping Petra with the children. What they hadn't realized was that their loud chatter had echoed down the hallway, unintentionally drawing him to their impromptu gathering.
Eld scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Well, you can't blame us for being excited. It's not every day we pull off a mission this big."
Gunther stepped in, smirking. "Besides, we were just discussing a small celebration. You should join us, you know."
Levi narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't leave. Seconds later, Petra appeared behind him at the doorway, leaning over his shoulder to peek inside the room, looking amused.
"Maybe a small celebration won't hurt. Let's go for yakiniku and sake." she suggested excitedly.
Levi closed his eyes for a moment, followed by a defeated sigh after realizing that he was outnumbered. "Fine."
The group chuckled as they realized even Levi couldn't resist being roped into their plans—however reluctantly. With that, they quickly made plans, momentarily forgetting their fatigue from the long day. The energy shifted, and laughter and anticipation built as they headed off to unwind and celebrate their collective effort.
The warm, smoky aroma of grilling meat greeted them as they entered the yakiniku restaurant. The group had agreed it was the perfect spot to celebrate the success of the medical mission. They squeezed into a booth, the table already set with a grill in the center and plates of raw meat ready to be cooked.
"This is exactly what we needed," Nifa said, her cheeks glowing from the warmth of the place. "It's been a long day."
"You're telling me," Oluo remarked, leaning back in his seat. "If I have to help facilitate another medical mission as big as that, I might lose my mind."
Eld laughed as he grabbed a pair of tongs and began placing slices of beef on the grill. "Come on, Oluo, you're not that bad at it."
Petra, sitting beside Levi, raised her glass of sake, her eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and exhaustion. "Here's to everyone. We did a great job today!"
The group echoed her sentiment, their glasses clinking together in a celebratory symphony.
As the evening wore on, the grill filled and emptied with sizzling cuts of meat. The laughter grew louder, and the conversations flowed more freely—helped along by the rounds of drinks that made their way to the table. Petra, in particular, had a flush creeping up her cheeks.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this drinking thing," she declared, raising her fourth glass of sake. "It's not so bad!"
Levi shot her a sidelong glance, his usual stoic demeanor firmly in place. "That's enough for you."
"Come on," Petra teased, leaning toward him. "It's a celebration! Lighten up."
By the time the group decided to call it a night, Petra was completely drunk, giggling uncontrollably as she tried—and failed—to walk straight.
Levi sighed, rubbing his temples. "This is why I told you guys this celebration was unnecessary."
"She's your responsibility," Nifa said with a smirk as she slung her bag over her shoulder. "Good luck."
The others made similar remarks as they left, leaving Levi to deal with a swaying Petra.
"Let's go home," Levi said, grasping Petra's arm to steady her wobbling frame.
"I can go home alone," she insisted, dramatically waving him off. Her unsteady steps, however, told a different story as she nearly toppled over. "I already called a cab," she slurred, her words dragging slightly.
He let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine," he replied flatly, staying beside her to make sure she didn't fall. His grip remained firm on her arm despite her dismissive gestures.
Petra waved a shaky hand as if to shoo him away. "You go home."
"No." He deadpanned.
They stood in silence outside the restaurant, the chill of the night air settling between them. Levi watched her out of the corner of his eye. She, meanwhile, kept sneaking glances at him, her drunken gaze playful and amused.
"What are you up to?" he finally asked, his brows knitting together.
She giggled, leaning slightly toward him. "You look cute."
Levi blinked, momentarily thrown off by her unexpected remark. She was clearly drunk, which explained the strange behavior, but something about her words caught him off guard. He wasn't used to compliments—especially about his appearance—and he couldn't recall anyone ever calling him "cute" before.
"You shouldn't drink more than you can handle, drunkard," he said, trying to deflect his discomfort.
She blinked at him, her expression comically serious. "Drunkard? Me? I can handle myself perfectly fine, silly. I could even fight a bear right now if I had to!"
He sighed and shook his head. "You're something else."
Moments later, the cab arrived, pulling up to the curb. Petra stumbled toward it, swaying as she climbed into the backseat and slumped comfortably. Her head lolled slightly, her dizziness evident.
To her surprise, Levi slipped into the cab beside her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as she turned to face him.
"I can't drive while under the influence," he replied flatly, his tone as dry as ever.
She grinned mischievously, pointing a wobbly finger at him. "You're following me, aren't you?"
"The last time I checked, we're neighbors."
She giggled, clearly enjoying herself. "I think you have a crush on me." She paused, her smile growing wider. "It's okay, though. To be honest, I like your face. It's my type."
He groaned quietly, his palm pressing against his forehead. Of all the things she could say while drunk, that was what she chose. He wondered briefly if she would even remember any of this in the morning.
After a brief ride, the cab pulled up in front of their apartment complex. The warm glow of the porch lights illuminated Mrs. Braun, who was seated comfortably outside Unit 5 with a steaming mug in hand. She glanced up at the sound of the cab door shutting, her curiosity piqued. Her eyes widened slightly as she spotted Levi stepping out of the car, followed closely by Petra, who stumbled unsteadily as he helped her out.
Petra giggled, clinging to Levi's arm as he muttered something under his breath, clearly less than thrilled with the situation. They made their way up the stairs, Petra swaying slightly while Levi maintained his steady grip on her to ensure she didn't trip.
When they reached the second floor, Mrs. Braun was waiting for them, her sly smile cutting through the evening's quiet.
"Well, well, Dr. Levi," she said as if a greeting, her voice brimming with amusement. "Isn't this a charming sight?"
Levi stopped in his tracks, his usual stoic expression slipping for just a moment as he cast her a sideways glance. "It's not what you think, Aunt Karina."
Petra leaned against him, still grinning. "He's helping me with everything! Isn't he just the best?"
Mrs. Braun chuckled into her mug, clearly enjoying the show. "Oh, I'm sure he is. Such a gentleman. You're lucky to have him looking after you."
Petra poked Levi's cheek playfully. "See? Even Aunt Karina thinks you're nice!" And then, she laced her arms around his neck. "You're the nicest guy in the whole wide world!"
Levi sighed, clearly regretting every decision that led him to this moment. He glanced at Mrs. Braun. "She's drunk. I'm just making sure she doesn't fall on her face." And he suddenly wondered why he had to justify the situation to the older woman.
He gently adjusted Petra's grip around his neck and muttered, "I'm reconsidering my life choices right now."
Mrs. Braun leaned forward, her smile growing wider. "Well, don't let me keep you. Just make sure you tuck her in properly, alright?"
Levi gave her a curt nod, determined to end the conversation before it spiraled further.
"You're so serious," Petra murmured, her voice softening as they reached her door. "But I like that about you. You care. Even if you pretend you don't."
Levi paused, fishing her keys out of her bag with one hand while still supporting her with the other. Her words caught him off guard, but he quickly ignored the thought. "Let's just get you inside before you say something else you'll regret tomorrow."
Unlocking the door, he gently guided her into Unit 7, her weight light in his arms as she leaned on him with a dazed, unsteady smile. As soon as they entered, his eyes momentarily swept through the living room, satisfied by its neatness. They made their way toward the door on the right, and as he entered the room, something about it immediately felt quite awkward. It was the first time he had entered her bedroom, and it was actually personal.
As soon as they stepped into the bedroom, he saw a vanity mirror standing neatly in one corner, its surface adorned with a few small trinkets: a delicate hairbrush, a jewelry box, and an open bottle of perfume that filled the room with a faint floral scent. On the opposite side, a tall shelf held an assortment of books, most of them about psychology and human behavior.
He gently set her on the bed and removed her heels from her feet as she groaned. Just then, his attention was caught by the objects settled on top of the bedside table when he turned the lamp on. On its polished surface sat two framed photos, each capturing moments of meaning. The first was a group photo from the trailhead after the hike—a moment he remembered well. Hanji had asked someone to photograph their group using her polaroid camera. As the camera clicked, the group posed happily, the moment captured instantly. Hanji had handed the photo to Petra as a souvenir, and Petra's eyes had lit up with joy at the simple yet thoughtful gesture. She had tucked the photo carefully into her bag, smiling to herself as though she had just received a treasured keepsake.
The second photo was more personal. Petra, in her early twenties, stood in her graduation gown, a bright, radiant smile on her face. Beside her stood an older man, his features weathered by age but softened with pride and affection. Levi stared at the photo for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly as he studied the man's face. It had to be her father though she had never spoken about him before.
Petra broke the silence, her eyelids heavy. "Thank you, Levi."
He carefully pulled a blanket from the foot of the bed and draped it over her, ensuring she was tucked in comfortably.
"Get some sleep, Petra," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "And next time, know your limits. You shouldn't be drinking while taking medication."
She let out another groan, half in protest and half in acknowledgment, turning her head slightly on the pillow.
As he turned to leave, she was already dozing off. He stepped out of the room and quietly closed the door behind him, the image of the photo lingered in his mind. When he reached his door, ready to unlock it and retreat into the quiet of his unit, he noticed Mrs. Braun was still sitting outside hers, her usual knowing smile fixed on her face.
"I'm glad to see Petra coming out of her shell again," she remarked casually, her tone warm but laced with something more—something Levi couldn't quite place.
He stopped mid-motion, his hand still on the doorknob, and gave her a curious look. "What do you mean?"
Mrs. Braun shrugged as though it were the simplest thing in the world. "She changed a lot after her father died saving drowning children. It's been almost a year now."
The words hit him harder than he expected, a quiet, unfamiliar pang of sympathy stirring in him. He had known Petra to be fragile due to her depression, but now a piece of her past clicked into place. It made sense—the therapy, the medication, her desire to help others. It was clear now that Petra had been carrying a weight he hadn't fully understood until this moment.
He remained silent, his thoughts a swirl of questions and realizations.
Mrs. Braun, sensing his quiet contemplation, smiled with gratitude. "Thank you for looking after her. She can be impulsive sometimes, but I know she appreciates you."
He nodded, not trusting himself to speak just yet. After a brief pause, he turned the doorknob and gave her a quiet response. "Good night, Aunt Karina."
Mrs. Braun chuckled, raising her mug in a mock salute. "Goodnight, Dr. Levi!"
Levi opened his door and stepped inside, the weight of the conversation lingering as he closed it behind him. He leaned against the door briefly, trying to make sense of the new information. It was a lot to process, but it explained so much about Petra—and in some strange way, it made him feel closer to her.
Author's Note: Chapter 3 is intentionally published for Petra's birthday. Happy Birthday, Petra Ral! 12/06/2024