Levi had a way of getting lost in his work.

After returning to his unit that morning, he dove straight into a stack of research papers for the upcoming conference. The sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, catching his attention through the window. He removed his silver-framed glasses, set them beside the papers, and leaned back in his chair, staring outside as if searching for a brief escape.

As the quiet moment faded, his stomach grumbled in protest, reminding him that it was almost dinner. His fridge was empty as he hadn't had time for groceries with his hectic shifts. Not wanting to settle for instant noodles, he decided to head to his usual dining spot in the city, but he didn't feel like going alone. Rising from his chair, he left his unit and knocked on the door of Unit 7.

"Petra," Levi called from outside the door.

There was a brief silence before faint rustling sounds reached his ears. When the door finally opened, he was greeted by wide, curious eyes. Petra stood there in an oversized pastel shirt and white shorts, her hair slightly tousled as though she'd just woken up.

"Did I wake you?" he asked casually.

"No, I just woke up a few minutes ago. Do you need something?"

"Yeah. I need you to come with me for dinner."

His straightforwardness sounded more like a command than an invitation, catching her off guard. Surprised, she smiled despite herself and nodded.

"Sure. Give me five minutes to get changed," she said, gesturing for him to come inside.

Levi stepped in without hesitation, settling comfortably on the couch. Petra noticed he was still in the same clothes from that morning—clearly ready to leave at any moment.

She hurried to her room, rummaging through her closet as mild panic set in. The suddenness of the situation left her flustered.

What should I wear for a dinner date—? She froze at the thought, her eyes widening. Dinner date? Seriously? Shaking her head, she scolded herself. Get a grip, Petra. He's just being nice, you idiot.

Pushing the thought aside, she picked out a simple baby blue knee-length dress and paired it with ballet flats. Exactly five minutes later, she emerged from her room with light makeup on, smiling as their eyes met.

"Let's go," she said casually, grabbing her handbag.

He nodded, and they left the apartment complex together.

The car ride toward the city was peaceful, wrapped in the quiet of the evening. Streetlights glowed against the darkening sky, casting a shimmering glow over everything. It was strange—Levi had never paid much attention to the city's lights before, especially not on a day like this.

He stole a glance at Petra, who sat quietly in the passenger seat, seemingly enjoying the ride. Before long, they pulled up to a cozy, warmly lit restaurant. Levi parked the car, and Petra hopped out without waiting, breathing in the comforting scent of food wafting through the air.

"This place smells amazing," she said as they walked toward the entrance.

Levi opened the door for her, the small bell above jingling softly. "They serve good food here. Plus, it's usually nice and quiet—hardly ever crowded."

They found a seat by the window, and the server greeted Levi with a friendly nod, clearly recognizing him. As they browsed the menu, Petra leaned slightly over the table.

"So," she whispered but was clear enough for him to hear, "is this the part where I get your life secrets over dinner?" her face etched with innocence and curiosity.

Levi raised an eyebrow. "That depends on how you behave."

"I'll behave tonight, I promise," she said with a mischievous smile. "No more sake—one more drunk incident, and I might just die of embarrassment."

"That's what happens when you binge too many drama series," he remarked with a good-natured sigh, thinking that maybe tonight wouldn't be as heavy as he'd anticipated.

They ordered the restaurant's signature dish after Petra found out it was Levi's go-to comfort food after long, exhausting workdays. While they waited for their meals, Petra kept glancing at him. He sat in silence, eyes fixed on the empty plate, clearly lost in thought. There was something different about him tonight—something quieter, almost fragile.

Curiosity got the better of her. "You okay?" she asked softly.

Levi blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Yeah," he said, though it didn't sound convincing.

Petra tilted her head, a gentle smile on her face. "What's on your mind?"

"You sound like a psychologist," he said with a hint of amusement.

"Well, I am one," she retorted, though her tone soon turned quite serious. "You seem vulnerable tonight. What's going on?"

He hesitated, clearly caught off guard by her directness and amused at how she could see through him. After a brief pause, he decided to be honest. "Today's my mother's death anniversary."

Her expression softened, full of quiet understanding. "How do you feel about it?"

He shrugged slightly. "It's hard to say. She died when I was a kid. I just remember her being elegant... and warm."

Petra nodded thoughtfully. "She must've made a big impression, even after all this time."

"Yeah," Levi said quietly. "She did."

"Do you want to talk more about her?" Petra asked gently, leaving room for him to say no if he wanted.

"Are you treating me like one of your clients now?"

His instinctive answer should've been a simple "yes," but instead, words tumbled out the moment they left his mouth.

Petra's laughter was light and warm, easing the tension. She met his gaze with quiet sincerity. "I'm not analyzing you," she assured him. "I just want to help you process whatever thoughts might be bothering you—if there are any, of course."

For the first time in a while, he smiled—a fleeting, genuine curve of his lips. It didn't last long, but she cherished it, knowing just how rare it was to see.

There was a comforting pause between them, the weight of unspoken emotions filling the space. The server returned with their food, and Petra decided to let the conversation shift naturally, offering Levi the peace he seemed to need. But she didn't expect him to be immersed in a conversation about his childhood when he stirred the conversation about it as they enjoyed the food.

"I remember Kenny used to bring me here after he took me under his care," Levi said, slicing a piece of meat with effortless precision and placing it on Petra's plate. "He told me this was my mother's favorite spot when they were young."

Petra appreciated the thoughtful gesture but was more intrigued by his words. "Your mother had good taste. You must've gotten that from her," she remarked warmly. "I'm really glad you invited me here."

Levi's hand paused ever so slightly, and though his expression remained composed, the faintest flicker of surprise crossed his face. Her words seemed to catch him off guard.

Still, he kept his focus on the meal, carefully avoiding eye contact. Sensing his hesitation, Petra decided to gently press on. There was something meaningful in this moment, and she didn't want it to slip away.

"Your uncle looks familiar. I think I've met him before," she said, furrowing her brows in thought.

He gave a small nod. "He's a cop. Maybe he came to your hospital for one of those promotion requirements."

She considered it. One of her friends, who was also a cop, had referred several officers to her for psychological evaluations a few years back. "Cops are actually pretty interesting," she remarked thoughtfully.

Levi arched a brow. "They're just a bunch of annoying monkeys."

Petra laughed. "You seem to have a particular distaste for them."

"Anyone but Zeke Yeager," Levi muttered darkly.

Right on cue, a blond man with a beard and glasses strolled toward them, grinning. "Yo, Levi. Didn't know you missed me that much—you're even talking about me to your girlfriend," Zeke quipped, stopping at their table.

Levi muttered under his breath, nearly rolling his eyes. "Speak of the monkey."

Petra looked at Zeke, recognition dawning as she pointed a finger at him. "Oh! It's you—"

"Oh, you're that psychologist from the community hospital," Zeke said, cutting her off while mirroring her gesture. "You helped me with my promotion."

"Yeah. You were easy to work with—you've got a great personality," Petra said warmly.

Levi nearly choked on his food. "Great personality, my ass," he muttered. "He's a darn monkey."

Zeke clapped a hand on Levi's shoulder with a grin. "Levi, your girlfriend got a good eye—I'll give her that." And he winked at Petra.

"Get your filthy hand off me," Levi warned, his voice low and menacing.

But Zeke, unfazed, slung an arm around Levi and playfully pressed a fist to his cheek. "You see, Ms. Psychologist. Levi and I are best buds. We go way back—military days."

Petra quietly ate, curiously watching the interaction. Despite Levi's clear disdain, there was a history between them she couldn't ignore. And it amazed her that it was a small world for them.

Levi shoved Zeke's arm away, grimacing. "Get lost so I can eat in peace."

Zeke grinned wider. "Fine, I'll leave you lovebirds alone. But before I go, Kenny told me what you said about my beard this morning. Don't you know this is why I'm a hit with the ladies? You should—"

Levi clicked his tongue sharply, eyes narrowing. "Go. Away."

Zeke chuckled. "All right, all right. Ms. Psychologist, it was a pleasure. Enjoy your date. I'll see you two around."

He strolled off, a blond woman with a bowl-cut hairstyle trailing after him.

When Zeke was finally out of earshot, Petra's eyes met Levi's. "It's nice to see this side of you."

He raised a brow. "What side?"

"You know—less stoic," she teased.

"Tch." Levi scoffed, folding his arms. "That's just because adults are a pain to deal with."

"You mean complicated?"

"It's the same, Petra."

"Maybe you just need to socialize more," she suggested lightly. "Practice talking to people without wanting to get rid of them."

"I'm doing just fine without that nonsense." Levi's gaze flicked toward the door where Zeke had exited. "And that idiot doesn't count as 'people.'"

Petra laughed softly. "I actually think he's funny."

"Tch. You need better taste in men."

"I do. That's why I'm having dinner with you," she quipped effortlessly, only to mentally kick herself the next second. Her tongue had slipped carelessly, and she knew it.

Levi froze, momentarily caught off guard. The words hung in the air, disarming him completely. Before he could stammer out a reply, the server returned with a tray of desserts, providing a much-needed rescue.

"On the house," the server said with a polite smile, placing a beautifully plated slice of cake on their table. "Courtesy of the gentleman who just left."

Levi's brow twitched in irritation. "That monkey," he muttered under his breath. Yet deep down, a grudging sense of gratitude flickered—Zeke had unknowingly saved him from an impending moment of awkwardness with nothing more than a well-timed piece of cake.

Petra stifled a laugh, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Now I'm even more convinced you two are best buddies," she teased.

Despite her playful jab, a wave of relief washed over her as the surprise dessert was set down between them. She silently thanked Zeke for the timely intervention, grateful for the sweet distraction.

Levi scoffed but didn't argue.

Their conversation drifted from one topic to another as they finished dinner. Levi seemed to loosen up more with time—though he always tried to cover it up with a snarky remark. But Petra had learned to spot the little signs: the softening of his gaze, the slight upward curve of his lips. And those moments, brief as they were, felt like small victories.

As she sipped her drink, she noticed him watching her for a moment longer than usual. His usual guarded expression had softened, and it made her wonder—did he feel the same pull she did?

When he insisted on paying for dinner, she excused herself to use the restroom. He stayed in his seat, hands resting on the table as he quietly waited. But when she returned from the restroom, his world seemed to shift without warning. It was so sudden when the ambient music of the restaurant faded, and time itself slowed. His gaze locked onto her as she walked toward him with effortless grace, each step light and confident. The soft glow of the overhead lights caught the warmth in her smile, making it seem almost radiant. Her presence filled the room, and for something he couldn't quite explain, nothing else existed—just her.

His chest tightened unexpectedly, a feeling unfamiliar and raw. She was captivating, and for a fleeting moment, all the weight he carried seemed to lift.

"Ready to go?" Petra's voice cut gently through the moment, her smile laced with curiosity at how intense his gaze was.

Levi snapped back to reality, though his heart still lingered in that suspended moment. "Y-Yeah."

Petra's brow quirked slightly, a spark of curiosity flickering in her eyes. Why did he stutter? Something had shifted, and she wasn't quite sure what—but she liked it.

The next two weeks turned out to be unexpectedly hectic for Petra. After submitting her resignation, she had to tie up countless loose ends at the community hospital, pushing through one psychological assessment after another until her final day. She hadn't shared her decision with anyone yet, but deep down, her heart and mind were aligned—Director Smith's offer was too good to pass up.

Still, curiosity lingered at the back of her mind. What would it be like to work at the country's largest hospital? She had confidence in her skills and unwavering dedication to her profession, yet one persistent question clouded her resolve: Can I truly fit in, knowing only a handful of people there?

Her doubts began to ease when a message popped up from Hanji, who had somehow caught wind of her surprise encounter with Erwin Smith at the café.

"I really hope you take the opportunity. Offers like that don't come around often, you know."

Petra could practically hear Hanji's voice, brimming with conviction. It made her chest tighten with a bittersweet warmth—she missed Hanji's comforting presence. Their paths had crossed only once during that memorable hike, but Hanji's energy had left a lasting impression. That simple message had managed to ease some of the uncertainty clouding Petra's thoughts.

Her final day at the community hospital felt surprisingly mundane, just another day at work. When the shift ended, there were no farewells, no send-offs—just her quietly gathering her belongings into a cardboard box.

By the time the cab dropped her off at her apartment building, it was well past dinner. Petra sighed as she stepped out and made her way upstairs, her arms wrapped around the box filled with the remnants of five years of work.

Reaching the second floor, she spotted Levi leaning casually against the railing outside his unit, a familiar mug in hand. Déjà vu washed over her—only this time, she was hauling her office life in a box.

The truth was, Levi's sharp eyes had caught sight of her the moment she arrived at the gate. Unbeknownst to Petra, it had become a quiet habit of his to wait for her outside his unit whenever his shift ended early.

When their eyes met, he gave her a small nod, his version of an evening greeting. But Levi's perceptive gaze didn't miss the heaviness in her expression.

"Did you resign?" he asked bluntly, skipping any pretense of small talk.

Petra mustered a faint smile. "Yeah."

She trudged to her door, setting the box down with a sigh. "Nobody even seemed to care when I left," she admitted quietly, like a sulking child opening up to her best friend, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Levi said nothing, but his steady gaze didn't waver. His silence, oddly enough, felt like an invitation for her to continue.

"I worked there for five years," she went on, frustration creeping into her tone. "And now that I think about it, I didn't even make a single real friend. Not that I was unfriendly or anything, but everyone I got close to eventually left. Doctors, nurses, psychologists—they all resigned ahead of me."

She let out a bitter laugh. "It's kind of funny, though. Meeting Director Smith at that café? That only happened because you dragged me out for breakfast. Heaven knows I wanted to quit, but I didn't have anywhere else to go."

"Petra." Levi's voice cut through her thoughts, low but firm. "Let's talk inside." He jerked his head toward Unit 6, catching her off guard.

"Oh. Okay." She blinked, surprised but grateful, and left the box outside her door.

Stepping inside Levi's apartment for the first time, Petra couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity. What would this unexpected conversation reveal? Somehow, she sensed that Levi's quiet strength was exactly what she needed right now.

He gestured toward the sleek black couch, his usual stoic expression intact, and headed straight to the kitchen counter. Petra watched as he moved with practiced efficiency, preparing a mug of tea. His deliberate, almost methodical manner was oddly soothing.

Awkwardly settling into the couch, she let her eyes wander around the room. The apartment was immaculate—minimalist, yet tasteful. Clean lines, muted tones, and a palpable sense of order defined the space. But what truly caught her attention was a large portrait hanging above the marble fireplace.

It depicted an elegant woman with refined features, her presence radiating warmth and grace. Petra's gaze lingered, curiosity mingling with admiration.

"That's my mother," Levi's voice broke through her thoughts as he approached with a mug of chamomile tea, setting it gently on the center table in front of her. The way he said it felt almost as though he were introducing his mother to Petra.

Petra's lips curled into a small smile. "I knew it. She looks elegant... and beautiful," she remarked, her eyes glinting with genuine admiration.

Levi's expression softened. "Yeah, she was," he said simply, taking a sip from his own mug.

Petra wrapped her hands around the warm mug, savoring the comforting scent of chamomile. She took a slow, thoughtful sip. "This is warm and refreshing," she murmured.

"I know." Levi leaned back, his gaze steady. "Now, finish what you were ranting about earlier. It's safer to talk here than outside with prying ears."

A sheepish laugh escaped her lips. "You're probably right. I got carried away with my emotions earlier."

He nodded, silently urging her to continue.

Petra stared down at the mug in her hands, the steam curling softly into the air. Her silence stretched, not awkward but contemplative, as if she were gathering her thoughts. Levi didn't push her. He simply waited.

Yet even as he sat back, his gaze remained steady on her face. There was something different about seeing her like this—her usual warmth dulled by a mixture of sadness and disappointment. It unsettled him in a way he couldn't quite explain.

The quiet stretched on until Petra finally spoke, her voice low but steady. "You ever feel like you give everything to a place, to people, and when it's time to leave, it's like you were never really there at all?"

Levi's brows furrowed slightly. "Yeah," he said after a pause, his voice even. "I've felt that."

She glanced at him, seemingly surprised by his honest response. "Really?"

He gave a faint, almost imperceptible shrug.

She exhaled deeply, her voice tinged with frustration. "I guess I just thought... after five years, someone would say something. But no. I walked out of there carrying a box, and no one even looked up. Not after they passed me over for promotion after promotion for five years."

"Sounds like it wasn't the right place for you, then," Levi said matter-of-factly, as if stating an obvious truth.

"I guess so, too," she admitted, swirling the tea in her mug. "It still stings, though."

He leaned in slightly, his gaze steady. "It's natural to feel hurt, Petra. But what matters is learning to cope and surrounding yourself with people who help you see your true value and capabilities. I saw that potential in you back at the orphanage."

His words hung in the air, simple yet strangely profound.

Petra's smile lingered, warmth returning to her features despite the day's emotional weight. "Thanks, Levi. You have this way of saying things that just make sense. You're more of a psychologist than I am."

"Just here to help," he quipped, the faintest flicker of warmth in his usually stoic eyes.

Her smile deepened, genuine, and now unburdened. The weight she'd been carrying seemed lighter now. Perhaps leaving the community hospital wasn't the end—it was just the beginning of something better. And maybe, Levi was right. She only needed to be around the right people.

"So," Levi added casually, "when are you submitting your resumé?"

Petra blinked, the question catching her off guard. "Tomorrow."

"I can give you a ride in the morning," he offered without hesitation.

"That'd be great, thanks." But her expression shifted to uncertainty. "To be honest, I'm kind of nervous."

"Just imagine you're walking into a place where you fit in," he said confidently, setting down his empty mug. "You'll do just fine."

Petra nodded, silent gratitude shining in her eyes.

The room fell into a comfortable silence as she finished the last sip of tea, setting the empty mug on the table with a content sigh. "It's getting late," she said softly, standing up. Levi mirrored her movement, his presence steady beside her.

He walked her toward the door, his steps measured and unhurried. When they reached it, Petra stopped, turning to meet his gaze. For a long moment, neither of them looked away as if something unspoken lingered between them.

Then, with quiet resolve, Petra leaned in and pressed a gentle peck on Levi's cheek. His skin was warm beneath her lips.

"Thank you for everything, Levi," she whispered sincerely with a soft smile and then reached for the doorknob.

But before she could open it, his hand stopped her, firm yet gentle. The suddenness of the gesture made her heart skip a beat as she looked back at him.

The air between them was thick with anticipation, hearts pounding in sync as Levi leaned in. Petra's breath caught, her eyes fluttering closed, the world narrowing to just the two of them. Time seemed to suspend itself, every sound and thought fading into the background.

But just as their lips were about to meet—a loud knock shattered the moment, startling them both. They jumped apart, as though caught doing something illicit. Petra's eyes flew open, wide with surprise while Levi's usual composure cracked into a scowl.

His jaw tightened, a rare flicker of frustration crossing his face. "Darn it," he muttered under his breath.

Petra's cheeks flushed as she let out a breathless laugh, trying to recover from the sudden jolt.

Levi huffed, his annoyance barely masked. He glanced at the door, then back at her, a reluctant softness lingering in his gaze despite the interruption.

"I'll get it," he said gruffly, his voice steadier now as he stepped past her.

As he opened the door, Petra stood rooted in place, still feeling the ghost of that almost-kiss tingling on her lips. Whoever was on the other side of that door had no idea they'd just derailed something fragile yet electric.

Levi's voice broke through the tension as he addressed the unexpected visitor, his tone returning to its usual flatness. Petra exhaled slowly, composing herself.

Whatever had just sparked between them was undeniable—and perhaps inevitable. But for now, it would have to wait.

"Hey," Mikasa greeted, her voice monotone yet soft as she stood just outside the now-opened door of Levi's apartment. In her hands was Petra's box, which she'd clearly rescued from the hallway.

Petra blinked in surprise, her gaze darting between Mikasa and Levi, trying to piece together the sudden appearance of his cousin. Mikasa's sharp eyes flicked to Petra, then back to Levi, her expression shifting from indifferent to slightly suspicious.

"Did I interrupt something?" Mikasa asked bluntly.

Levi's scowl deepened, irritation creeping into his voice. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

Mikasa looked down at the box in her hands, seemingly unbothered by his tone. "I'm staying at your place tonight. Don't tell Aunt Kiyomi. And I saw this box—"

"Isn't it a bit late for you to go through a rebellious phase?" Levi muttered, folding his arms across his chest. "And give Petra that box. It's hers."

Petra awkwardly accepted the box when Mikasa gave it to her, heat rising to her face. The last thing she wanted was to be caught in the middle of whatever sibling-esque banter the Ackermans were having. She gripped the box tightly, wishing she had a polite escape route.

Without waiting for an invitation, Mikasa stepped inside Unit 6 with unflinching confidence. Levi's brows furrowed in irritation.

"I'll sleep on the couch," she declared matter-of-factly.

"No, you'll sleep on the floor," Levi shot back with a scowl, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Mikasa ignored him entirely, already making herself comfortable. "I'm hungry."

"There's a pouch of instant noodles in the cupboard," he said, let out a frustrated sigh, and turned back to Petra. "Looks like I have an unwelcome guest tonight," he grumbled.

Petra managed a soft smile despite the awkwardness. "Good night," she whispered, her gaze lingering for a moment longer than necessary. There was something unspoken but meaningful in her eyes—gratitude, perhaps, or a quiet understanding.

Levi's breath caught for a second, and he almost swore under his breath at the effect she had on him. Instead, he settled for gruff practicality. "Yeah, take your meds. It's late."

Petra's smile grew faintly amused. "I'll see you tomorrow."

As she turned and made her way to her door, Levi watched her go, feeling the weight of what had almost happened. The night had taken an unexpected turn, but something between them had shifted over time, and he knew it wouldn't be the last time they'd find themselves standing on the edge of something deeper.

Author's Note: I hope this chapter warmed your Rivetra hearts! This is my first time writing this kind of content for Rivetra, and let me tell you—I was practically breathless while working on it. Lmao. Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts after reading this; your comments and reviews truly mean the world to me and warm my heart. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback!