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“I’m soooo hungry!” Sasha moaned. I rolled my eyes as we headed off to breakfast. “I haven’t eaten for hours!”

“You were dreaming about food. That made the rest of the people listening to your sleep talking hungry too!” Ymir growled at her, storming to the mess hall. I walked alongside them, silently agreeing with Ymir, and entered the mess hall.

Inside I grabbed my tray of food and we sat down to eat, when Commander Erwin came up to me. I got up and saluted him firmly, saying a powerful, “Commander Erwin sir! Good morning!”

“At ease, Cadet [l/n],” he said, waving me off. I relaxed my arms but remained rigid by his side.

“Cadet [l/n], there’s something I want to ask you help for something. Do you mind meeting me in my office after breakfast so we can discuss it?”

“Yes Commander Erwin sir! I’ll be there right away sir!” I replied. He nodded and left. I sat down, wondering what he wanted to talk about, and ate quickly. I didn’t want to keep the Commander waiting after all. Right?

Mikasa looked at me but didn’t say anything. I quickly ate, said, “See you guys later!” and ran off down the hall. Commander Erwin’s office was at the main building, so I had a little distance to travel before I arrived.

Finally, I got to the Commander’s door and stopped. Taking a few moments to catch my breath, I stood up and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” the Commander’s voice called out. I took a deep breath before opening the door and walking inside. Commander Erwin sat at his desk looking at some paperwork. He glanced at me and put his papers down. I quickly saluted, making my posture rigid and firm.

Gesturing over to the chair in front of him, he smiled and said, “Please, Cadet [l/n], sit down. And don’t look so nervous. I’m not going to punish you.”

I nodded and walked forward. Sitting down, I sat up straight and looked at the Commander.

“I’m not going to beat around the bush. Cadet, I was wondering if I could ask a big favour from you.”

Puzzled, I replied, “I suppose that really depends on the favour, sir, but all the same I cannot refuse you. You are my superior.”

He chuckled slightly before saying, “Well, this time I’m giving you the choice, though it would benefit me a great deal if you would comply.”

“Could I hear the request first, sir?”

“Of course,” he said. He walked over to a small couch and sat down, and I walked up and sat across from him in a different sofa.

He cleared his throat and looked at me. “To be blunt, cadet, I was going to ask if you would pretend to be my girlfriend.”

My mind went blank. I blinked as I stared at the Commander, and I finally managed to say, “Excuse me?”

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Well, you see Cadet, the other day Levi and I were having quite the heated argument. It was really silly, and to be honest I don’t remember what we were even arguing about. It was that insignificant.”

I giggled, imagining the Corporal and Commander at each other’s faces, giving each other death glares. “I suppose everyone has those days sir. Even people as sophisticated as yourself and the Corporal.”

He chuckled and nodded. “I suppose so. Continuing on, we were quite angry, and somehow our argument sidetracked to our love lives. Levi was quite insistent that he would keep his private affairs private, meaning he wouldn’t tell me if he had a girlfriend or not, but I wasn’t thinking and I shouted out that I did in fact have a girlfriend. I can’t quite remember whatever reason for.”

My heart thudded against my chest as I swallowed thickly and asked, “And the reason you asked me, sir, and not another female cadet?”

He sighed. “He asked who, and I have to say he knows my type of girl. The kind I like. The only person I could think of in an instant that resembled my type was you, and so I blurted out your name.”

I sat there shocked, and he must’ve noticed, because the Commander suddenly shook his head. “Oh, not like that cadet. I don’t like you in that way. You’re not quite my type, just the closest person in the camp that is.”

I sighed in relief and said, “And so you wish for me to pretend to be your girlfriend to prove to the Lance Corporal that you were telling the truth.”

He nodded. “If you agree, we would fake date for a month or so, then we’d supposedly break up. It would leave us in the clear.”

I frowned and asked, “Sir, may I ask how I’m supposed to pull this off?”

He laughed and replied, “If you agree, simply pretend flirt with me whenever I’m around. You don’t know if he’s hiding behind some sort of wall, so just flirt when we’re together. Is that alright?”

I wondered why this was so important, but at the same time I didn’t want to turn the Commander into a liar. Then there was my own feelings to consider.

Truthfully, I’d fallen in love with the Corporal on my third expedition when he showed me how sweet he could be to his fallen comrades. My team leader at the time had gotten into an accident and was losing a lot of blood. Too much blood. Corporal Levi was there and as my captain took his last breaths the Corporal told him, “Your sacrifice was not in vain. I will carry your fighting spirit on my shoulders. Your will to fight will help me become stronger. I promise you that I will not let your sacrifice go to waste. I will fight until my last breath. The kyojin will die.”

I’d seen people die and they’d all looked so scared. Never before had I seen a comrade die with a peaceful look. That was when I’d seen it for the first time. My captain smiled at the Corporal and his last words were, “I’m glad I got to serve a man like you sir.”

Corporal Levi didn’t cry, and I was most likely hallucinating or something, but I swear I saw the look of a man who lost something important to him. I know those two had barely exchanged words before, so this made me see the Corporal in a whole new light.

I looked up at the Commander, his eyes hopeful, and I sighed. Well, the Corporal would never like me back anyway, so what was the harm?

“What about the other cadets, sir?” I questioned.

“They will also have to be fooled. Remember, to fool your enemy you must first fool your allies.”

“I see.” I thought about it for a moment more, then I smiled and looked at the Commander. “I don’t see the harm in helping you sir. I will pretend to be your girlfriend for one month.”

The Commander smiled. “Thank you ¬¬¬__________. I promise I will make this up to you.”

“It’s not a problem sir.” He shook his head. “Erwin. At least you should pretend properly.”

I stood up and nodded. “Alright then. I’ll see you later… Erwin. I need to do my chores.”

He nodded and I dismissed myself. Truthfully I really didn’t want to do this, but I suppose it’s too late to turn back now.

I worked on my chores for the rest of the morning without another incident. Everyone asked me what had happened with the Commander, and I just said they’d find out sooner rather than later.

Lunch quickly rolled around and I found myself already being tested. As I grabbed my tray of food and started walking toward my usual table I heard a man call out, “_________!”

Turning around I saw the Commander motioning for me to go over and sit beside him. I forced a smile on my face and walked over to him.

As I approached the table I saw Major Hanji and the Lance Corporal also sitting with the Commander. Hanji was smiling, and Levi looked bored. There was nothing unusual about that.

“Hey Erwin. How’s your day been?” I asked, trying to sound as close to him as I needed to be. I sat down beside him, sliding my tray onto the table. He put his arm onto my shoulder and I felt myself freeze a bit as he gave me a small side hug.

“Not too bad. Too much paperwork. I’m getting too old for this,” he answered. I giggled at the joke.

I racked my brain, trying to see what I’d seen other couples do around camp. Truthfully I had no experience in this field. I never thought about what I would do if I got into a relationship. I figured I’d just do what my love-sick mind wanted to do at the time. But I didn’t love the Commander, so I was freaking out!!!!

I picked up my fork and stabbed it into my potato. Then I scooped some up, mentally screamed at myself for what I was about to do, and then I turned to the Commander and said, “Erwin! Say ‘ahhhh’!” as I hovered the fork in front of his mouth.

I saw the Commander hesitate for a moment before opening his mouth for me. I blushed and put the food in his mouth.

We kept looking at each other, trying to act like we were in love, but this was harder than I expected it to be.

“So,” I heard Levi say. Erwin and I turned to look at him and I saw an annoyed look on his face.

“I see Erwin was telling the truth when he said you two were dating.”

I smiled and nodded. “Yes sir. As you can see, we’re very happy with each other.”

“Hmmm…” Levi gazed at us before asking, “What do you like about him?”

Uh oh…

I knew I had to say something, but I didn’t really want to lie to the Corporal any more than I absolutely needed to. Yet I still needed to make this believable.

I decided to tell a partial truth. I would say what I did like about the Commander, but make it vague so that it isn’t directly about the Commander.

“Well, I love how kind he is. He’s smart, and he’s always been really good to me. I just love a man who has confidence in himself and knows his priorities, like Erwin does.”

Erwin hugged me and chuckled. “Isn’t she the cutest thing Levi?” I turned to Erwin and giggled, trying to act shy but cute.

Levi suddenly stood up and slammed his hands on the table. I jumped and looked at him with wide eyes. He glared at me before growling and said, “I’m leaving. You two make me sick! Next time you’re around me, don’t make me want to puke up the contents of my stomach because of your mushy love-sick idiocy!” After he finished yelling at us he stormed away, slamming the doors to the mess hall so loud everyone turned to look at him.

I felt shaken. I sickened him? Now it’s absolutely official. There’s no way he’ll ever like me. I felt myself about to cry and so I stood up and excused myself.

“Are you alright _________?” Hanji asked. I smiled and nodded. “Yes ma’am. I just feel drained.”

I looked at Erwin and asked, “Is it alright if I miss training today? I think I need some rest.”

He frowned, obviously not fooled by my lie, but nodded. “Of course _______. Whatever you want. Call if you need anything. I’ll be by in a heartbeat.”

“Thank you,” I answered. Then I left. I walked to my dorm slowly, trying to make myself look normal as I passed by some soldiers. Entering my dorm, I flopped myself onto my bunk and began to cry.

Levi’s words hurt me. I didn’t think this little act would get on his nerves so badly. I cried remembering his disgusted look as he stared me down.

I didn’t go to dinner that night, and by the time the rest of the cadets came back I was ready for bed. But I continued to stay awake throughout the night, thinking of my predicament.

I couldn’t go back on my promise to the Commander. Besides, I never had a chance with Levi anyway, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise to me, right?

Sighing I tried to sleep.

The next morning I ran into Erwin in the hallway. I smiled at him and said, “Good morning… honey,” I internally grimaced at the way I was speaking. I didn’t want to talk like this to anyone but Levi, but of course that was impossible now.

“Good morning _________,” he replied. He gave me a quick hug, whispering into my ear, “Are you feeling alright? I didn’t see you around at all yesterday.”

I nodded. “I’m fine.”

“Oi! No public displays of affection you two imbeciles!” I jumped away from Erwin and saluted the Corporal as he glared at me. Then he turned to Erwin and growled, “Of all people you should be more careful, eyebrows. You need to remember that you have a duty to the entire army before your girlfriend.”

“Of course Levi. I know that,” Erwin nodded. Levi huffed and walked away, calling over his shoulder, “If you’re going to make out, do it in private. That’s one thing I don’t need to see!”

I sighed. “That was a close one,” I whispered. Erwin chuckled and nodded his agreement. Then he left me alone.

This happened more or less for one entire month. It was tiring, but I did get a bit more special treatment from the other Squad leaders. No one really wanted to get on “the Commander’s girlfriend’s” bad side.

I was hit with insult after insult from Levi. Of course, I knew he didn’t like me, but it seemed like he positively hated me now.

“You’re an idiot.”

“Don’t you have a boyfriend to bother? Stop talking to me.”

“Go away. You’re an eyesore.”

After one month Erwin and I formally “broke up” with one another. I went back to my normal life, but for some reason Levi seemed to have a shorter fuse than normal. Problem is that I don’t know what I did wrong!

One day I was with Jean and Eren. The two of them were yelling profanities at each other and I was trying to get them to knock it off.

“Jean! Eren! Cut it out!” I yelled. As they charged at each other I grabbed onto Eren, tackling him, and we both went tumbling onto the ground. Jean ended up laughing because Eren landed on his face.

“I’m sorry Eren!” I exclaimed. We got up and I checked his face. I felt around for broken bones but he looked fine.

“Thank goodness,” I said. I rested my hand on his shoulder and gave him a smile. “Nothing seems broken. I’m glad. I’m sorry I did that.”

He chuckled and waved it off. “Naw. It’s my fault that I didn’t listen to you. We’re cool.”

“Jaeger! [Last Name]!” We heard Levi’s voice boom out. We both jumped up and gave him a salute.

“Yes sir!” we yelled out.

Levi’s eyes were positively murderous. He glared at the two of us before asking, “What are you doing?” in a tone that said there would be hell if he didn’t like our answer.

“Jean and Eren were fighting, so I had to make them stop, sir! I accidentally ended up pushing Eren onto the ground, so I needed to make sure he was not injured, sir!” I responded. I felt myself sweat under his gaze. He frowned and walked up to me.

He got too close for comfort before growling, “You just broke up with Erwin and it seems to me that it hasn’t affected you much at all, Cadet [l/n]. In fact, you look quite cozy with Jaeger.”

“Wha-“ I began, but I was cut off with him yelling, “Jaeger! Stable duty! Now! [l/n]! Clean the entire castle from top to bottom! Don’t stop for anything! No food and no sleep until you get my permission! Go!”

I wanted to complain, but what could I say? Any retort would end up with me getting even more punishment.

So I mouthed an “I’m sorry” to Eren and ran off. I worked all the rest of that day and well into the night until the Corporal took pity on me and allowed me to go to bed. This ended with me relaxing and falling asleep right there on the floor of the hallway I was cleaning.

Surprisingly, I woke up the next morning in my bunk at my dorm. It was strange. Who would have brought me here? The Corporal? No way. He doesn’t have enough of a soft side to do something so troublesome.

I ran to finish cleaning the castle, hoping that I would be able to finish and have breakfast. Then trouble struck again.

Reiner and Bertholdt were walking by and they saw me working.

“_______? What are you doing so early?” Bertholdt asked. I smiled at him and told him the story. Reiner and Bertholdt then, being the gentlemen they are, picked up some rags and said they’d help me.

“You’ll miss out on breakfast! I can’t let you do that!” I exclaimed.

“Relax _________. That’s our problem. We’re friends, right? Let us help,” Reiner replied. He began scrubbing and laughed. “Besides, even if you say no, you’re not getting rid of me.”

“Same with me,” Bertholdt said, scrubbing the hall. I felt myself tear up at their kindness and gave them both a hug.

“You two are the best, you know that?” I whispered to them.

They chuckled. “We know,” Reiner laughed.

Then they suddenly both froze. I looked at them, wondering what they were looking at, and turned to look behind me.

There stood Lance Corporal Levi in all his 160cm glory. He glared at me with anger evident in his eyes.

“What is this, Cadet [l/n]?”

“They-“ once again I was cut off.

“You really know how to manipulate men, don’t you [l/n].” he stated more than asked. I couldn’t understand what had happened, but he growled out, “People like you really piss me off.”

“Wha-“

“Enough! Go eat your breakfast! I don’t want you cleaning these hallways and contaminating them!” he suddenly barked out. I felt myself tear up. Standing up, I saluted him, then ran away. What did I do wrong? I hadn’t done anything! Why was he so mad?

About a week later I was sparring with Connie. He was trying to show off his moves, laughing at me every time I tripped trying to get him, and eventually he ended up straddling me, holding my arms above my head.

“Haha! Looks like I win!” Connie bragged. I struggled to break free from his grip, but he was stronger than I was. Darn it!

“Look at you! You’re squirming like a fish!” he laughed. I pouted and muttered, “It’s not funny.”

He laughed and got off of me. “Well, you’re improving at least.”

“Really? You think so? I feel like I’m going backwards,” I muttered. He just patted me on the back and gave me a kind smile. “If you want I can help you train a little after dinner. You know, give you some tips.”

“Really?!” I exclaimed. “Isn’t that troublesome?!”

He laughed and shook his head. “No trouble at all!”

I giggled and said to him, “Connie Springer! You’re the best friend anyone can ask for!”

Everyone around us froze and Connie paled. “I really wish you hadn’t said that.” Connie muttered.

I turned to see Levi storming toward us. His eyes were narrowed into a glare that screamed bloody murder. His form was rigid and his hands were balled into fists. I swear I felt a deadly aura being emitted from his body.

“You.” He came up and glared at me. “You’re really starting to get on my nerves, [l/n].”

I didn’t understand, but the next thing I knew was that I was running laps around the military grounds. I ran until my lungs burned. Eventually my legs gave out on me and I literally collapsed onto the ground. I huffed and then got up. I tried to keep running, but my vision became hazy.

The next thing I knew was that I was waking up in the infirmary with a very pissed off Corporal staring down at me.

“You really know how to make me worry, don’t you [l/n]?” Before I could question him, he turned and walked away.

I found myself treading lightly wherever I went, trying to not upset the Corporal, but my efforts were all in vain. No matter what I did there seemed to be something that I was doing wrong.

Helping Jean clean the stables? No dinner that day.

Read books with Armin in the library after training hours? I have to clean the entire library.

Just doing absolutely nothing but joking around with Squad Leader Mike? I’m given all of Levi’s paperwork and I’m forced to remain isolated in his office until I finish.

My nerves were shot! It was about three months after the whole “dating Erwin” thing ended when I finally had enough.

I was sitting with my friends during dinner at the mess hall. I was feeling a little sick, so all my friends – being the sweet and overprotective people they are – were fussing over me nonstop.

“Guys! It’s fine! It’s just a light cold! I’ll be better by morning!” I insisted. Reiner came up with some hot soup and sat down beside me. Eren took the soup and held a spoonful up to my lips.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s light or not. You need to catch a cold early, _______, or it might get worse! Now eat!” Eren exclaimed, shoving the spoonful of soup into my mouth. I swallowed the warm hot liquid and felt it warm me up.

I smiled. “Thanks Eren. Reiner. Everyone. You’re always looking out for me.”

They all smiled, but I caught a glimpse of Levi glaring at us. His hands were in a fist again, and the tension around him must’ve been thick, because all the cadets around him were eyeing him carefully as they silently ate their food.

I shrugged it off.

During the meal I got tired and I leaned on Eren. I fell asleep with Mikasa’s promise that she’d wake me up when everyone was leaving. I thanked her and fell asleep on Eren’s shoulder.

About five seconds after I succumbed to the sweet oblivion of sleep I was awoke by what I at first mistook for a demon shaking me. I screamed and jumped up, only to trip on the chair I had been sitting on, and fell onto the ground. I felt dizzy but as I looked up I thought it would be better to have a spinning vision than what I was witnessing.

Corporal Levi glared down at me. His jaw was clenched tight, his fists rigid at his sides, and his silver eyes stared me down, daring me to move. I gulped audibly and shakily stood up. I saluted him and exclaimed, “C-Corporal Levi, sir!”

He didn’t seem impressed by the fact I had the nerve to move. The entire mess hall was quiet as the Corporal took a step forward. The sound echoed throughout the silent mess hall.

“Cadet [L/N], I have just about lost my patience with you. You’re in the mess hall to eat, not to cuddle with Jaeger.” His words were steady, exact, precise, as if each thing he was saying was carefully calculated so that he wouldn’t full out yell at me. I shook and said, “But sir-“

“Why is it that I always catch you goofing off somehow instead of working,” he stated rather than questioned. “Are you trying to say you don’t need to work to get far into the military?”

“Sir I – “

“I should punish you for doing something so stupid. Using a slight cold as an excuse to cuddle with another cadet. Have you no shame?” He continued to glare at me, but at that last sentence I absolutely snapped.

Before I could stop myself I yelled out, “AND WHAT IS IT TO YOU?! WHY DO YOU CARE?!”

The Corporal looked more pissed now, if that was possible. “What was that Cadet?”

I decided I had enough, so I swallowed my fear and yelled at him, “I never did anything wrong! All you ever do is give me unnecessary punishments. I don’t deserve half the things you’ve done. I don’t even know why you were angry. But let me make a few things clear.”

I strode up to him and looked him straight in the eyes. “First of all, Erwin and I were never dating! You might have noticed that I felt heavily awkward with him if you weren’t so stuck in your own head about how disgusting we looked next to each other!

“Second of all, I never cuddled with anyone! Not Eren, not Jean, not one person! Not one girl or guy!

“Third of all, what is with you giving me punishments for helping my friends?! JUST BECAUSE I WANT TO DO SOMETHING NICE I GET TO CLEAN THE ENTIRE FREAKING CASTLE! AND THEN WHEN SOMEONE ELSE HELPS ME, YOU PUNISH THEM TOO!”

I stormed away from him, so angry that I didn’t care that I literally shoved him aside, and went to the door.

“STOP WHERE YOU ARE [L/N]!” Levi yelled out.

I stopped, turned toward him, and screamed, “I USED TO LOVE YOU, YOU BIG JERK! BUT NOW!” I fisted my hands and felt tears stream down my face as I yelled out, “I HATE YOU!”

Then I turned and ran out the door. I ran into the rain outside which was pouring heavily. I was soaked within seconds, but I didn’t care. I kept running, just so I could get away from Levi. I ran into the forest where we do all of our 3DMG training and went to a little cave a few of us cadets had found a few months back. There, I finally stopped.

It was cold, wet because the rain trickled in, and the wind howled, making the conditions worse. At the moment, though, I felt like it was better than anywhere. Why? The area was surrounded by a huge mud puddle, making sure that even if Levi found me, he wouldn’t be able to get to me. This means he can’t kill me, right?

Now I was muddy from walking through the puddle, wet, cold, and slightly sick. I curled up into a ball and cried into my knees.

I don’t know how long I was there, but I know it was long enough. My cold started to get worse from all of the wind and rain, my body was feeling numb, and all my senses were going hazy.

But I didn’t dare go back. Not where the Corporal could get his hands on me and wring my neck. Who wouldn’t be mad after what I’d said? It was all his fault. Levi was so stupid, so idiotic, insensitive to my feelings, and a total moron. He’s weird, he’s mean, he’s unfair, he’s –

“OI! ________!!!”

He’s here?!

I looked up at the sound of Levi’s voice calling out to me through the loud drumming of the rain in my ears. But I could barely hear anything, really. And my eyes couldn’t focus on anything.

Besides, I didn’t really want to see him. So I put my head back down and sat there in the rain.

His voice didn’t stop. He kept calling out, “Oi brat! Answer me! That’s an order! ______! Where are you, you idiot?!”

Smooth heichou. If you want me to answer you, maybe you should try acting nice.

I heard his calls coming closer and closer, and I hugged myself into a tighter ball, hoping he’d miss me in the darkness and walk past me. But fate was not on my side.

“______...” he said. Even in my numbed state I could tell he was near. Right on the other side of the mud puddle which goes up to your mid-shin.

“Hey _______. Get over here brat!” Levi growled out, but I remained where I was. He continued to tell me to go back, but I didn’t even acknowledge that I’d heard him.

Eventually he stopped talking, and I hoped that he’d gone back to the HQ.

The next thing I knew was a hand was gently resting on my shoulder. Surprised, I whipped my head up, only to come face to face with the surprisingly calm looking Levi. I quickly put my head down, but I saw, to my surprise, that Levi’s boots were completely covered in mud.

“_______, look at me brat.” Levi commanded. I refused to lift my head. Instead, I shifted so that my back was facing him.

“Tch, you can’t keep ignoring me forever.” He muttered.

Then I sneezed. I sneezed and I continued to sneeze. My body shook and I felt frozen. I shivered and tried to warm myself by rubbing my hands along my arms, but that provided little comfort. My fingers felt like ice, and my body heavy like lead.

“Oi! Are you alright?” Levi asked. I couldn’t tell if he was concerned or just trying to act like he actually cared. I didn’t talk to him. I just sneezed a bit more before curling up even tighter, trying to conserve body heat.

I was suddenly thrown backwards before I hit something soft but firm. I opened my eyes only to see that I was leaning against the Corporal’s chest. He had one hand on my forehead, the other against his, and he frowned.

“Idiot. Now you have a fever. Come on. You need to dry yourself or else you’ll really get sick.”

I frowned and pushed myself off of him. “Like you care,” I finally muttered. Then heichou did something I never thought he’d do.

He hugged me.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind and pulled me against his body. I felt his body heat radiate off of him and was tempted to hug him back, but my anger told me to remain rigid. I would have fought back but my body was too cold and numb to move.

He hugged me tighter, whispering into my ear, “I’m saying this because I do care, idiot. Let’s go get you warmed up. I don’t need you getting even sicker.”

I didn’t reply and he sighed. “Look [L/N], I’m not commanding you. I’m asking you, for your sake as well as my own, go back. I… I don’t want to see you like this.”

“I don’t care.”

He sighed and made me look at him. “I promise we can talk this all out like civilized people. I’ll behave. I won’t give you any punishments if you hear me out, alright? Afterwards, you’re free to ignore me.”

I would have told him to get lost, but his face looked sad. Unlike the stoic man I always saw, his eyes looked downcast and almost looked like he was going to cry.

It hurt to see him like that, so I looked at him and nodded. “Alright.”

But as I tried to stand I found that I couldn’t. My legs were too weak to support my body weight and I was too dizzy to walk straight. As I nearly collapsed into the mud I felt a pair of strong and warm arms wrap around me.

Levi picked me up as if I was weightless and held me bridal style. I was pressed against his body, feeling the heat and able to hear his heartbeat, which to me seemed unnaturally fast. Why was that?

He ran back to HQ, only slowing down once we got inside. I felt the rain stop dripping on me, but that did little to help my case. I was cold and numb. I just wanted to sleep, but I didn’t want to show Levi such carelessness, so I forced myself awake.

Eventually we entered a room and I vaguely wondered how he managed to open the door while holding me, but the thought left me as soon as it entered my mind. I was put onto what I assumed was a couch for my senses were too far gone to really tell.

He came back and lifted me up. Then he took me away and the next thing I knew was I was feeling warm water rush around me. I suddenly snapped back to my senses and realized that I was in a bath tub full of warm water (still clothed, thankfully). I sat in the tub, stunned, until suddenly someone entered the room. I looked up and saw Levi place down some towels and some clothes on the lid of the toilet seat.

He looked at me and said, “I’ll leave you for now. Warm yourself up, wash up, and come out. I’ll have some tea waiting for you,” and then left before I could give a proper response.

I slowly peeled my clothes off and sank into the warm water, letting my body relax. I felt so tired. I sneezed and shivered despite the water. I cleaned up, taking my time, dried and dressed myself, and walked out.

Levi was there, but it was the strangest thing. He wasn’t wearing his usual clothes, nor his usual backup clothes. Instead he wore a hoodie and sweatpants. The Corporal was wearing… sweatpants.

“I must be dreaming,” I muttered. He looked at me and motioned for me to sit down. “You’re not dreaming, but I can’t tell how your senses are working. For all I know, you’re sleepwalking,” he said.

I sat down and a moment later he came up and sat on the windowsill next to me. Holding his own cup in his right hand, he handed me a steaming mug. I took it and carefully took a sip, and felt the warm liquid slide down my throat.

“This is good.”

“Hn.”

I looked at him as he swirled his tea around in his cup before looking up to meet my eyes. His silvery-blue hues watched me for a moment before he closed them. Then he looked at me and said the words I never thought I’d hear him say.

“I’m sorry.”

I blinked, shocked, and stared at him. He looked at me, waiting for an answer, but saw he wasn’t going to get one, and said it again.

“I’m sorry.”

“Hu? Wha?” I stammered.

He sighed before looking out into the rain. “For everything. What I did… it was unfair and unreasonable, just like you said.” He looked back at me and held my gaze. “I knew what I was doing was wrong, completely unfair, but I did it anyway.”

I gripped my teacup and growled out, “Then why would you do it? What? Did you have some sort of ulterior motive, or did you just decide to bully me?”

I heard movement and then the Corporal was sitting behind me. I didn’t look at him, but then I felt my hair being moved. I turned to look at him, only to see he had a towel in his hands.

“I’m drying your hair, idiot. You’re going to get sick.” I turned around and didn’t reply. There was silence for a few moments before he finally said, “I didn’t want to bully you….. I just didn’t know of any other way to keep you from other people.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because I like you, idiot.”

I whipped my head around, completely caught off guard and stared at him wide eyed. “Y-you like me?”

He simply looked into my eyes, making me want to drown in their depths, before he said, “No, that’s not quite right. I guess I love you.”

I continued to stare, gaping like a fish. He smirked at my expression before he continued drying my hair (the top of my head so that I didn’t have to move).

“I don’t know how to act around you. I can’t seem to be the person I know I am. I… I get jealous, that’s all.”

“You… get… jealous…?” I whispered. He looked at my eyes before concentrating on my hair again.

“I guess that’s what it is. I can’t stand to see you with another brat. I feel like you belong with me. When you show your smile to someone else or compliment them I get angry. It feels like a betrayal of sorts. I know that’s wrong, but I feel it anyway.”

I didn’t reply. I only stared at his face as he concentrated on my hair. Finally, he removed the towel and walked around me, only to brush through my hair. Once he finished, he looked at me and asked, “Do you understand now?”

I nodded. “I… I do.” Then I hugged him. I cried into his shoulder, my sobs renewed, as I hiccupped and exclaimed, “I love you. I love you too. I really do.”

He put a reassuring hand on my back, not being one for hugs and emotional outbursts. “I thought you hated me now.”

I shook my head violently. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I was just so angry! I’m sorry!”

He patted my head. “Don’t be. It was my fault.”

He pulled me back and wiped the tears from my eyes. “Keep smiling, _________. It suits you more.”

Then he put a hand on my shoulder and came forward. Our lips almost touched before he pulled away.

“Corporal?” I asked, confused. He shook his head and stood up. “It’s no good.”

“What is?”

He watched me and said, “Kissing you…. I’ve never kissed anyone before. It’s just strange.”

I smiled and said, “I’ve never kissed anyone either.”

He looked into my eyes and saw my invitation. He leaned over and kissed me, a small kiss that surprised me. It was gentle and warm and showed how much he loved me.

We pulled apart and he looked at me and I saw the most magical scene.

He smiled.

It was slight but it lit up his whole face. He was beautiful.

“You’re mine now.” He said.

“Yes.”

“I’m yours.”

“Yes.”

“Good,” he said. He picked me up and lied me down in a bed (his bed, I guess) and then he walked away. He sat down at his desk and began working on some papers by candlelight, but I heard him say, “Good, because you being with someone else would make me jealous.”

Description
“I’m soooo hungry!” Sasha moaned. I rolled my eyes as we headed off to breakfast. “I haven’t eaten for hours!”

“You were dreaming about food. That made the rest of the people listening to your sleep talking hungry too!” Ymir growled at her, storming to the mess hall. I walked alongside them, silently agreeing with Ymir, and entered the mess hall.

Inside I grabbed my tray of food and we sat down to eat, when Commander Erwin came up to me. I got up and saluted him firmly, saying a powerful, “Commander Erwin sir! Good morning!”

“At ease, Cadet [l/n],” he said, waving me off. I relaxed my arms but remained rigid by his side.

“Cadet [l/n], there’s something I want to ask you help for something. Do you mind meeting me in my office after breakfast so we can discuss it?”

“Yes Commander Erwin sir! I’ll be there right away sir!” I replied. He nodded and left. I sat down, wondering what he wanted to talk about, and ate quickly. I didn’t want to keep the Commander waiting after all. Right?

Mikasa looked at me but didn’t say anything. I quickly ate, said, “See you guys later!” and ran off down the hall. Commander Erwin’s office was at the main building, so I had a little distance to travel before I arrived.

Finally, I got to the Commander’s door and stopped. Taking a few moments to catch my breath, I stood up and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” the Commander’s voice called out. I took a deep breath before opening the door and walking inside. Commander Erwin sat at his desk looking at some paperwork. He glanced at me and put his papers down. I quickly saluted, making my posture rigid and firm.

Gesturing over to the chair in front of him, he smiled and said, “Please, Cadet [l/n], sit down. And don’t look so nervous. I’m not going to punish you.”

I nodded and walked forward. Sitting down, I sat up straight and looked at the Commander.

“I’m not going to beat around the bush. Cadet, I was wondering if I could ask a big favour from you.”

Puzzled, I replied, “I suppose that really depends on the favour, sir, but all the same I cannot refuse you. You are my superior.”

He chuckled slightly before saying, “Well, this time I’m giving you the choice, though it would benefit me a great deal if you would comply.”

“Could I hear the request first, sir?”

“Of course,” he said. He walked over to a small couch and sat down, and I walked up and sat across from him in a different sofa.

He cleared his throat and looked at me. “To be blunt, cadet, I was going to ask if you would pretend to be my girlfriend.”

My mind went blank. I blinked as I stared at the Commander, and I finally managed to say, “Excuse me?”

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Well, you see Cadet, the other day Levi and I were having quite the heated argument. It was really silly, and to be honest I don’t remember what we were even arguing about. It was that insignificant.”

I giggled, imagining the Corporal and Commander at each other’s faces, giving each other death glares. “I suppose everyone has those days sir. Even people as sophisticated as yourself and the Corporal.”

He chuckled and nodded. “I suppose so. Continuing on, we were quite angry, and somehow our argument sidetracked to our love lives. Levi was quite insistent that he would keep his private affairs private, meaning he wouldn’t tell me if he had a girlfriend or not, but I wasn’t thinking and I shouted out that I did in fact have a girlfriend. I can’t quite remember whatever reason for.”

My heart thudded against my chest as I swallowed thickly and asked, “And the reason you asked me, sir, and not another female cadet?”

He sighed. “He asked who, and I have to say he knows my type of girl. The kind I like. The only person I could think of in an instant that resembled my type was you, and so I blurted out your name.”

I sat there shocked, and he must’ve noticed, because the Commander suddenly shook his head. “Oh, not like that cadet. I don’t like you in that way. You’re not quite my type, just the closest person in the camp that is.”

I sighed in relief and said, “And so you wish for me to pretend to be your girlfriend to prove to the Lance Corporal that you were telling the truth.”

He nodded. “If you agree, we would fake date for a month or so, then we’d supposedly break up. It would leave us in the clear.”

I frowned and asked, “Sir, may I ask how I’m supposed to pull this off?”

He laughed and replied, “If you agree, simply pretend flirt with me whenever I’m around. You don’t know if he’s hiding behind some sort of wall, so just flirt when we’re together. Is that alright?”

I wondered why this was so important, but at the same time I didn’t want to turn the Commander into a liar. Then there was my own feelings to consider.

Truthfully, I’d fallen in love with the Corporal on my third expedition when he showed me how sweet he could be to his fallen comrades. My team leader at the time had gotten into an accident and was losing a lot of blood. Too much blood. Corporal Levi was there and as my captain took his last breaths the Corporal told him, “Your sacrifice was not in vain. I will carry your fighting spirit on my shoulders. Your will to fight will help me become stronger. I promise you that I will not let your sacrifice go to waste. I will fight until my last breath. The kyojin will die.”

I’d seen people die and they’d all looked so scared. Never before had I seen a comrade die with a peaceful look. That was when I’d seen it for the first time. My captain smiled at the Corporal and his last words were, “I’m glad I got to serve a man like you sir.”

Corporal Levi didn’t cry, and I was most likely hallucinating or something, but I swear I saw the look of a man who lost something important to him. I know those two had barely exchanged words before, so this made me see the Corporal in a whole new light.

I looked up at the Commander, his eyes hopeful, and I sighed. Well, the Corporal would never like me back anyway, so what was the harm?

“What about the other cadets, sir?” I questioned.

“They will also have to be fooled. Remember, to fool your enemy you must first fool your allies.”

“I see.” I thought about it for a moment more, then I smiled and looked at the Commander. “I don’t see the harm in helping you sir. I will pretend to be your girlfriend for one month.”

The Commander smiled. “Thank you ¬¬¬__________. I promise I will make this up to you.”

“It’s not a problem sir.” He shook his head. “Erwin. At least you should pretend properly.”

I stood up and nodded. “Alright then. I’ll see you later… Erwin. I need to do my chores.”

He nodded and I dismissed myself. Truthfully I really didn’t want to do this, but I suppose it’s too late to turn back now.

I worked on my chores for the rest of the morning without another incident. Everyone asked me what had happened with the Commander, and I just said they’d find out sooner rather than later.

Lunch quickly rolled around and I found myself already being tested. As I grabbed my tray of food and started walking toward my usual table I heard a man call out, “_________!”

Turning around I saw the Commander motioning for me to go over and sit beside him. I forced a smile on my face and walked over to him.

As I approached the table I saw Major Hanji and the Lance Corporal also sitting with the Commander. Hanji was smiling, and Levi looked bored. There was nothing unusual about that.

“Hey Erwin. How’s your day been?” I asked, trying to sound as close to him as I needed to be. I sat down beside him, sliding my tray onto the table. He put his arm onto my shoulder and I felt myself freeze a bit as he gave me a small side hug.

“Not too bad. Too much paperwork. I’m getting too old for this,” he answered. I giggled at the joke.

I racked my brain, trying to see what I’d seen other couples do around camp. Truthfully I had no experience in this field. I never thought about what I would do if I got into a relationship. I figured I’d just do what my love-sick mind wanted to do at the time. But I didn’t love the Commander, so I was freaking out!!!!

I picked up my fork and stabbed it into my potato. Then I scooped some up, mentally screamed at myself for what I was about to do, and then I turned to the Commander and said, “Erwin! Say ‘ahhhh’!” as I hovered the fork in front of his mouth.

I saw the Commander hesitate for a moment before opening his mouth for me. I blushed and put the food in his mouth.

We kept looking at each other, trying to act like we were in love, but this was harder than I expected it to be.

“So,” I heard Levi say. Erwin and I turned to look at him and I saw an annoyed look on his face.

“I see Erwin was telling the truth when he said you two were dating.”

I smiled and nodded. “Yes sir. As you can see, we’re very happy with each other.”

“Hmmm…” Levi gazed at us before asking, “What do you like about him?”

Uh oh…

I knew I had to say something, but I didn’t really want to lie to the Corporal any more than I absolutely needed to. Yet I still needed to make this believable.

I decided to tell a partial truth. I would say what I did like about the Commander, but make it vague so that it isn’t directly about the Commander.

“Well, I love how kind he is. He’s smart, and he’s always been really good to me. I just love a man who has confidence in himself and knows his priorities, like Erwin does.”

Erwin hugged me and chuckled. “Isn’t she the cutest thing Levi?” I turned to Erwin and giggled, trying to act shy but cute.

Levi suddenly stood up and slammed his hands on the table. I jumped and looked at him with wide eyes. He glared at me before growling and said, “I’m leaving. You two make me sick! Next time you’re around me, don’t make me want to puke up the contents of my stomach because of your mushy love-sick idiocy!” After he finished yelling at us he stormed away, slamming the doors to the mess hall so loud everyone turned to look at him.

I felt shaken. I sickened him? Now it’s absolutely official. There’s no way he’ll ever like me. I felt myself about to cry and so I stood up and excused myself.

“Are you alright _________?” Hanji asked. I smiled and nodded. “Yes ma’am. I just feel drained.”

I looked at Erwin and asked, “Is it alright if I miss training today? I think I need some rest.”

He frowned, obviously not fooled by my lie, but nodded. “Of course _______. Whatever you want. Call if you need anything. I’ll be by in a heartbeat.”

“Thank you,” I answered. Then I left. I walked to my dorm slowly, trying to make myself look normal as I passed by some soldiers. Entering my dorm, I flopped myself onto my bunk and began to cry.

Levi’s words hurt me. I didn’t think this little act would get on his nerves so badly. I cried remembering his disgusted look as he stared me down.

I didn’t go to dinner that night, and by the time the rest of the cadets came back I was ready for bed. But I continued to stay awake throughout the night, thinking of my predicament.

I couldn’t go back on my promise to the Commander. Besides, I never had a chance with Levi anyway, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise to me, right?

Sighing I tried to sleep.

The next morning I ran into Erwin in the hallway. I smiled at him and said, “Good morning… honey,” I internally grimaced at the way I was speaking. I didn’t want to talk like this to anyone but Levi, but of course that was impossible now.

“Good morning _________,” he replied. He gave me a quick hug, whispering into my ear, “Are you feeling alright? I didn’t see you around at all yesterday.”

I nodded. “I’m fine.”

“Oi! No public displays of affection you two imbeciles!” I jumped away from Erwin and saluted the Corporal as he glared at me. Then he turned to Erwin and growled, “Of all people you should be more careful, eyebrows. You need to remember that you have a duty to the entire army before your girlfriend.”

“Of course Levi. I know that,” Erwin nodded. Levi huffed and walked away, calling over his shoulder, “If you’re going to make out, do it in private. That’s one thing I don’t need to see!”

I sighed. “That was a close one,” I whispered. Erwin chuckled and nodded his agreement. Then he left me alone.

This happened more or less for one entire month. It was tiring, but I did get a bit more special treatment from the other Squad leaders. No one really wanted to get on “the Commander’s girlfriend’s” bad side.

I was hit with insult after insult from Levi. Of course, I knew he didn’t like me, but it seemed like he positively hated me now.

“You’re an idiot.”

“Don’t you have a boyfriend to bother? Stop talking to me.”

“Go away. You’re an eyesore.”

After one month Erwin and I formally “broke up” with one another. I went back to my normal life, but for some reason Levi seemed to have a shorter fuse than normal. Problem is that I don’t know what I did wrong!

One day I was with Jean and Eren. The two of them were yelling profanities at each other and I was trying to get them to knock it off.

“Jean! Eren! Cut it out!” I yelled. As they charged at each other I grabbed onto Eren, tackling him, and we both went tumbling onto the ground. Jean ended up laughing because Eren landed on his face.

“I’m sorry Eren!” I exclaimed. We got up and I checked his face. I felt around for broken bones but he looked fine.

“Thank goodness,” I said. I rested my hand on his shoulder and gave him a smile. “Nothing seems broken. I’m glad. I’m sorry I did that.”

He chuckled and waved it off. “Naw. It’s my fault that I didn’t listen to you. We’re cool.”

“Jaeger! [Last Name]!” We heard Levi’s voice boom out. We both jumped up and gave him a salute.

“Yes sir!” we yelled out.

Levi’s eyes were positively murderous. He glared at the two of us before asking, “What are you doing?” in a tone that said there would be hell if he didn’t like our answer.

“Jean and Eren were fighting, so I had to make them stop, sir! I accidentally ended up pushing Eren onto the ground, so I needed to make sure he was not injured, sir!” I responded. I felt myself sweat under his gaze. He frowned and walked up to me.

He got too close for comfort before growling, “You just broke up with Erwin and it seems to me that it hasn’t affected you much at all, Cadet [l/n]. In fact, you look quite cozy with Jaeger.”

“Wha-“ I began, but I was cut off with him yelling, “Jaeger! Stable duty! Now! [l/n]! Clean the entire castle from top to bottom! Don’t stop for anything! No food and no sleep until you get my permission! Go!”

I wanted to complain, but what could I say? Any retort would end up with me getting even more punishment.

So I mouthed an “I’m sorry” to Eren and ran off. I worked all the rest of that day and well into the night until the Corporal took pity on me and allowed me to go to bed. This ended with me relaxing and falling asleep right there on the floor of the hallway I was cleaning.

Surprisingly, I woke up the next morning in my bunk at my dorm. It was strange. Who would have brought me here? The Corporal? No way. He doesn’t have enough of a soft side to do something so troublesome.

I ran to finish cleaning the castle, hoping that I would be able to finish and have breakfast. Then trouble struck again.

Reiner and Bertholdt were walking by and they saw me working.

“_______? What are you doing so early?” Bertholdt asked. I smiled at him and told him the story. Reiner and Bertholdt then, being the gentlemen they are, picked up some rags and said they’d help me.

“You’ll miss out on breakfast! I can’t let you do that!” I exclaimed.

“Relax _________. That’s our problem. We’re friends, right? Let us help,” Reiner replied. He began scrubbing and laughed. “Besides, even if you say no, you’re not getting rid of me.”

“Same with me,” Bertholdt said, scrubbing the hall. I felt myself tear up at their kindness and gave them both a hug.

“You two are the best, you know that?” I whispered to them.

They chuckled. “We know,” Reiner laughed.

Then they suddenly both froze. I looked at them, wondering what they were looking at, and turned to look behind me.

There stood Lance Corporal Levi in all his 160cm glory. He glared at me with anger evident in his eyes.

“What is this, Cadet [l/n]?”

“They-“ once again I was cut off.

“You really know how to manipulate men, don’t you [l/n].” he stated more than asked. I couldn’t understand what had happened, but he growled out, “People like you really piss me off.”

“Wha-“

“Enough! Go eat your breakfast! I don’t want you cleaning these hallways and contaminating them!” he suddenly barked out. I felt myself tear up. Standing up, I saluted him, then ran away. What did I do wrong? I hadn’t done anything! Why was he so mad?

About a week later I was sparring with Connie. He was trying to show off his moves, laughing at me every time I tripped trying to get him, and eventually he ended up straddling me, holding my arms above my head.

“Haha! Looks like I win!” Connie bragged. I struggled to break free from his grip, but he was stronger than I was. Darn it!

“Look at you! You’re squirming like a fish!” he laughed. I pouted and muttered, “It’s not funny.”

He laughed and got off of me. “Well, you’re improving at least.”

“Really? You think so? I feel like I’m going backwards,” I muttered. He just patted me on the back and gave me a kind smile. “If you want I can help you train a little after dinner. You know, give you some tips.”

“Really?!” I exclaimed. “Isn’t that troublesome?!”

He laughed and shook his head. “No trouble at all!”

I giggled and said to him, “Connie Springer! You’re the best friend anyone can ask for!”

Everyone around us froze and Connie paled. “I really wish you hadn’t said that.” Connie muttered.

I turned to see Levi storming toward us. His eyes were narrowed into a glare that screamed bloody murder. His form was rigid and his hands were balled into fists. I swear I felt a deadly aura being emitted from his body.

“You.” He came up and glared at me. “You’re really starting to get on my nerves, [l/n].”

I didn’t understand, but the next thing I knew was that I was running laps around the military grounds. I ran until my lungs burned. Eventually my legs gave out on me and I literally collapsed onto the ground. I huffed and then got up. I tried to keep running, but my vision became hazy.

The next thing I knew was that I was waking up in the infirmary with a very pissed off Corporal staring down at me.

“You really know how to make me worry, don’t you [l/n]?” Before I could question him, he turned and walked away.

I found myself treading lightly wherever I went, trying to not upset the Corporal, but my efforts were all in vain. No matter what I did there seemed to be something that I was doing wrong.

Helping Jean clean the stables? No dinner that day.

Read books with Armin in the library after training hours? I have to clean the entire library.

Just doing absolutely nothing but joking around with Squad Leader Mike? I’m given all of Levi’s paperwork and I’m forced to remain isolated in his office until I finish.

My nerves were shot! It was about three months after the whole “dating Erwin” thing ended when I finally had enough.

I was sitting with my friends during dinner at the mess hall. I was feeling a little sick, so all my friends – being the sweet and overprotective people they are – were fussing over me nonstop.

“Guys! It’s fine! It’s just a light cold! I’ll be better by morning!” I insisted. Reiner came up with some hot soup and sat down beside me. Eren took the soup and held a spoonful up to my lips.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s light or not. You need to catch a cold early, _______, or it might get worse! Now eat!” Eren exclaimed, shoving the spoonful of soup into my mouth. I swallowed the warm hot liquid and felt it warm me up.

I smiled. “Thanks Eren. Reiner. Everyone. You’re always looking out for me.”

They all smiled, but I caught a glimpse of Levi glaring at us. His hands were in a fist again, and the tension around him must’ve been thick, because all the cadets around him were eyeing him carefully as they silently ate their food.

I shrugged it off.

During the meal I got tired and I leaned on Eren. I fell asleep with Mikasa’s promise that she’d wake me up when everyone was leaving. I thanked her and fell asleep on Eren’s shoulder.

About five seconds after I succumbed to the sweet oblivion of sleep I was awoke by what I at first mistook for a demon shaking me. I screamed and jumped up, only to trip on the chair I had been sitting on, and fell onto the ground. I felt dizzy but as I looked up I thought it would be better to have a spinning vision than what I was witnessing.

Corporal Levi glared down at me. His jaw was clenched tight, his fists rigid at his sides, and his silver eyes stared me down, daring me to move. I gulped audibly and shakily stood up. I saluted him and exclaimed, “C-Corporal Levi, sir!”

He didn’t seem impressed by the fact I had the nerve to move. The entire mess hall was quiet as the Corporal took a step forward. The sound echoed throughout the silent mess hall.

“Cadet [L/N], I have just about lost my patience with you. You’re in the mess hall to eat, not to cuddle with Jaeger.” His words were steady, exact, precise, as if each thing he was saying was carefully calculated so that he wouldn’t full out yell at me. I shook and said, “But sir-“

“Why is it that I always catch you goofing off somehow instead of working,” he stated rather than questioned. “Are you trying to say you don’t need to work to get far into the military?”

“Sir I – “

“I should punish you for doing something so stupid. Using a slight cold as an excuse to cuddle with another cadet. Have you no shame?” He continued to glare at me, but at that last sentence I absolutely snapped.

Before I could stop myself I yelled out, “AND WHAT IS IT TO YOU?! WHY DO YOU CARE?!”

The Corporal looked more pissed now, if that was possible. “What was that Cadet?”

I decided I had enough, so I swallowed my fear and yelled at him, “I never did anything wrong! All you ever do is give me unnecessary punishments. I don’t deserve half the things you’ve done. I don’t even know why you were angry. But let me make a few things clear.”

I strode up to him and looked him straight in the eyes. “First of all, Erwin and I were never dating! You might have noticed that I felt heavily awkward with him if you weren’t so stuck in your own head about how disgusting we looked next to each other!

“Second of all, I never cuddled with anyone! Not Eren, not Jean, not one person! Not one girl or guy!

“Third of all, what is with you giving me punishments for helping my friends?! JUST BECAUSE I WANT TO DO SOMETHING NICE I GET TO CLEAN THE ENTIRE FREAKING CASTLE! AND THEN WHEN SOMEONE ELSE HELPS ME, YOU PUNISH THEM TOO!”

I stormed away from him, so angry that I didn’t care that I literally shoved him aside, and went to the door.

“STOP WHERE YOU ARE [L/N]!” Levi yelled out.

I stopped, turned toward him, and screamed, “I USED TO LOVE YOU, YOU BIG JERK! BUT NOW!” I fisted my hands and felt tears stream down my face as I yelled out, “I HATE YOU!”

Then I turned and ran out the door. I ran into the rain outside which was pouring heavily. I was soaked within seconds, but I didn’t care. I kept running, just so I could get away from Levi. I ran into the forest where we do all of our 3DMG training and went to a little cave a few of us cadets had found a few months back. There, I finally stopped.

It was cold, wet because the rain trickled in, and the wind howled, making the conditions worse. At the moment, though, I felt like it was better than anywhere. Why? The area was surrounded by a huge mud puddle, making sure that even if Levi found me, he wouldn’t be able to get to me. This means he can’t kill me, right?

Now I was muddy from walking through the puddle, wet, cold, and slightly sick. I curled up into a ball and cried into my knees.

I don’t know how long I was there, but I know it was long enough. My cold started to get worse from all of the wind and rain, my body was feeling numb, and all my senses were going hazy.

But I didn’t dare go back. Not where the Corporal could get his hands on me and wring my neck. Who wouldn’t be mad after what I’d said? It was all his fault. Levi was so stupid, so idiotic, insensitive to my feelings, and a total moron. He’s weird, he’s mean, he’s unfair, he’s –

“OI! ________!!!”

He’s here?!

I looked up at the sound of Levi’s voice calling out to me through the loud drumming of the rain in my ears. But I could barely hear anything, really. And my eyes couldn’t focus on anything.

Besides, I didn’t really want to see him. So I put my head back down and sat there in the rain.

His voice didn’t stop. He kept calling out, “Oi brat! Answer me! That’s an order! ______! Where are you, you idiot?!”

Smooth heichou. If you want me to answer you, maybe you should try acting nice.

I heard his calls coming closer and closer, and I hugged myself into a tighter ball, hoping he’d miss me in the darkness and walk past me. But fate was not on my side.

“______...” he said. Even in my numbed state I could tell he was near. Right on the other side of the mud puddle which goes up to your mid-shin.

“Hey _______. Get over here brat!” Levi growled out, but I remained where I was. He continued to tell me to go back, but I didn’t even acknowledge that I’d heard him.

Eventually he stopped talking, and I hoped that he’d gone back to the HQ.

The next thing I knew was a hand was gently resting on my shoulder. Surprised, I whipped my head up, only to come face to face with the surprisingly calm looking Levi. I quickly put my head down, but I saw, to my surprise, that Levi’s boots were completely covered in mud.

“_______, look at me brat.” Levi commanded. I refused to lift my head. Instead, I shifted so that my back was facing him.

“Tch, you can’t keep ignoring me forever.” He muttered.

Then I sneezed. I sneezed and I continued to sneeze. My body shook and I felt frozen. I shivered and tried to warm myself by rubbing my hands along my arms, but that provided little comfort. My fingers felt like ice, and my body heavy like lead.

“Oi! Are you alright?” Levi asked. I couldn’t tell if he was concerned or just trying to act like he actually cared. I didn’t talk to him. I just sneezed a bit more before curling up even tighter, trying to conserve body heat.

I was suddenly thrown backwards before I hit something soft but firm. I opened my eyes only to see that I was leaning against the Corporal’s chest. He had one hand on my forehead, the other against his, and he frowned.

“Idiot. Now you have a fever. Come on. You need to dry yourself or else you’ll really get sick.”

I frowned and pushed myself off of him. “Like you care,” I finally muttered. Then heichou did something I never thought he’d do.

He hugged me.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind and pulled me against his body. I felt his body heat radiate off of him and was tempted to hug him back, but my anger told me to remain rigid. I would have fought back but my body was too cold and numb to move.

He hugged me tighter, whispering into my ear, “I’m saying this because I do care, idiot. Let’s go get you warmed up. I don’t need you getting even sicker.”

I didn’t reply and he sighed. “Look [L/N], I’m not commanding you. I’m asking you, for your sake as well as my own, go back. I… I don’t want to see you like this.”

“I don’t care.”

He sighed and made me look at him. “I promise we can talk this all out like civilized people. I’ll behave. I won’t give you any punishments if you hear me out, alright? Afterwards, you’re free to ignore me.”

I would have told him to get lost, but his face looked sad. Unlike the stoic man I always saw, his eyes looked downcast and almost looked like he was going to cry.

It hurt to see him like that, so I looked at him and nodded. “Alright.”

But as I tried to stand I found that I couldn’t. My legs were too weak to support my body weight and I was too dizzy to walk straight. As I nearly collapsed into the mud I felt a pair of strong and warm arms wrap around me.

Levi picked me up as if I was weightless and held me bridal style. I was pressed against his body, feeling the heat and able to hear his heartbeat, which to me seemed unnaturally fast. Why was that?

He ran back to HQ, only slowing down once we got inside. I felt the rain stop dripping on me, but that did little to help my case. I was cold and numb. I just wanted to sleep, but I didn’t want to show Levi such carelessness, so I forced myself awake.

Eventually we entered a room and I vaguely wondered how he managed to open the door while holding me, but the thought left me as soon as it entered my mind. I was put onto what I assumed was a couch for my senses were too far gone to really tell.

He came back and lifted me up. Then he took me away and the next thing I knew was I was feeling warm water rush around me. I suddenly snapped back to my senses and realized that I was in a bath tub full of warm water (still clothed, thankfully). I sat in the tub, stunned, until suddenly someone entered the room. I looked up and saw Levi place down some towels and some clothes on the lid of the toilet seat.

He looked at me and said, “I’ll leave you for now. Warm yourself up, wash up, and come out. I’ll have some tea waiting for you,” and then left before I could give a proper response.

I slowly peeled my clothes off and sank into the warm water, letting my body relax. I felt so tired. I sneezed and shivered despite the water. I cleaned up, taking my time, dried and dressed myself, and walked out.

Levi was there, but it was the strangest thing. He wasn’t wearing his usual clothes, nor his usual backup clothes. Instead he wore a hoodie and sweatpants. The Corporal was wearing… sweatpants.

“I must be dreaming,” I muttered. He looked at me and motioned for me to sit down. “You’re not dreaming, but I can’t tell how your senses are working. For all I know, you’re sleepwalking,” he said.

I sat down and a moment later he came up and sat on the windowsill next to me. Holding his own cup in his right hand, he handed me a steaming mug. I took it and carefully took a sip, and felt the warm liquid slide down my throat.

“This is good.”

“Hn.”

I looked at him as he swirled his tea around in his cup before looking up to meet my eyes. His silvery-blue hues watched me for a moment before he closed them. Then he looked at me and said the words I never thought I’d hear him say.

“I’m sorry.”

I blinked, shocked, and stared at him. He looked at me, waiting for an answer, but saw he wasn’t going to get one, and said it again.

“I’m sorry.”

“Hu? Wha?” I stammered.

He sighed before looking out into the rain. “For everything. What I did… it was unfair and unreasonable, just like you said.” He looked back at me and held my gaze. “I knew what I was doing was wrong, completely unfair, but I did it anyway.”

I gripped my teacup and growled out, “Then why would you do it? What? Did you have some sort of ulterior motive, or did you just decide to bully me?”

I heard movement and then the Corporal was sitting behind me. I didn’t look at him, but then I felt my hair being moved. I turned to look at him, only to see he had a towel in his hands.

“I’m drying your hair, idiot. You’re going to get sick.” I turned around and didn’t reply. There was silence for a few moments before he finally said, “I didn’t want to bully you….. I just didn’t know of any other way to keep you from other people.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because I like you, idiot.”

I whipped my head around, completely caught off guard and stared at him wide eyed. “Y-you like me?”

He simply looked into my eyes, making me want to drown in their depths, before he said, “No, that’s not quite right. I guess I love you.”

I continued to stare, gaping like a fish. He smirked at my expression before he continued drying my hair (the top of my head so that I didn’t have to move).

“I don’t know how to act around you. I can’t seem to be the person I know I am. I… I get jealous, that’s all.”

“You… get… jealous…?” I whispered. He looked at my eyes before concentrating on my hair again.

“I guess that’s what it is. I can’t stand to see you with another brat. I feel like you belong with me. When you show your smile to someone else or compliment them I get angry. It feels like a betrayal of sorts. I know that’s wrong, but I feel it anyway.”

I didn’t reply. I only stared at his face as he concentrated on my hair. Finally, he removed the towel and walked around me, only to brush through my hair. Once he finished, he looked at me and asked, “Do you understand now?”

I nodded. “I… I do.” Then I hugged him. I cried into his shoulder, my sobs renewed, as I hiccupped and exclaimed, “I love you. I love you too. I really do.”

He put a reassuring hand on my back, not being one for hugs and emotional outbursts. “I thought you hated me now.”

I shook my head violently. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I was just so angry! I’m sorry!”

He patted my head. “Don’t be. It was my fault.”

He pulled me back and wiped the tears from my eyes. “Keep smiling, _________. It suits you more.”

Then he put a hand on my shoulder and came forward. Our lips almost touched before he pulled away.

“Corporal?” I asked, confused. He shook his head and stood up. “It’s no good.”

“What is?”

He watched me and said, “Kissing you…. I’ve never kissed anyone before. It’s just strange.”

I smiled and said, “I’ve never kissed anyone either.”

He looked into my eyes and saw my invitation. He leaned over and kissed me, a small kiss that surprised me. It was gentle and warm and showed how much he loved me.

We pulled apart and he looked at me and I saw the most magical scene.

He smiled.

It was slight but it lit up his whole face. He was beautiful.

“You’re mine now.” He said.

“Yes.”

“I’m yours.”

“Yes.”

“Good,” he said. He picked me up and lied me down in a bed (his bed, I guess) and then he walked away. He sat down at his desk and began working on some papers by candlelight, but I heard him say, “Good, because you being with someone else would make me jealous.”