~

[6 days later]

My feet moved frantically, carrying me down the corridors. I had woken up late, which wasn't really anything new, though I was supposed to train the cadets this morning. I past a few members of Levi's squad on the way, leaving behind small waves and soft smiles.

Rushing through the door I looked over to where the training grounds were. Seeing all the new faces, and the newest ones added to my own squad, last lined up awaiting my arrival. In front of them stood Levi along with my mother, a chilling feeling creeped down my spine, not for the fact that Levi was there and what he might do because I was late. Oh no, not even close.

Mother is going to kill me.

I stood there debating wether or not to bail on them and run away, but soon realised that idea was only a temporary solution and won't work for the long run. With a hesitant step I began to make my way towards them.

"Sorry I'm late." I say walking in front. But as I expected, a heavy, painful feeling appeared at the back of my head.

"Who raised you? I sure didn't." Mother slapped the back of my head causing me to place my own hand over it to ease the pain. "Making all these kids wait like that. Disgraceful." She folded her arms over her chest giving me that 'you're in deep shit' look.

"I said I was sorry." I rolled my eyes. Then turned back at the cadets whom were whispering and giggling at me, I narrowed my eyes looking over them and in a blink of an eye they all stood straight silently. "That's what I thought." I say. I start walking closer to them, eyeing them one by one. "Trust." I spoke after a few minutes of intimidation.

They looked at me like I had just called them all sluts then fucked their moms, I sigh "you need trust in any kind of battle, you can never fight along others without trusting them. Am I right?" They gave me hesitated and confused nods. "And because of this, today you all will learn how to trust one another and how to work together to defeat your enemy."

I began to throw instructions at them, "I will pick groups and in those groups you will have a task, nothing too complicated nor dangerous. But it will require for you to trust your team and communicate with them." I step back where I had been before. "I won't pick a captain, nor do I say you should have one." And with that I began to group them.

There were groups of ten. The task was that they were supposed to work together as a team to try and take Levi down, of course Levi had no idea, so there was an advantage for the first group. "When you're ready." I said pointing at one of the groups closest to Levi. They all turned and jolted towards him, obviously even if his hands were folded over his chest and his stance wasn't the best at defence, he was quick enough to move and get himself into position.

A few painful minutes later all ten of them were on the floor, face first into the dirt. "What the fuck was that?" Levi glared at me with deadly eyes, but before he could throw another word at me the next group came from behind him. But it soon ended similar to the group from before.

________________________________________

[time skip]

I was sat at my desk in Levi's room: Levi seated at his own desk, and my mother leaning back on the red couch which once was placed where my desk was sat now. She was reading a book that she probably knew off by heart by now.

I was going through some documents, secretly stealing small glances of Levi. Ever since that night, I've been having small heart attacks every time we locked eyes. I've tried my best to not say or do anything that would make things weird.

I was scared, part of me wanted to push these emotions deep down where they were for so long. But the other part wants him, I want to tell him so bad. I want to be able to be with him: kiss him, hug him and cuddle with him, maybe even more than that. But I knew that wasn't an option right now, we had to figure out a way to get my brother off our throats, maybe after.

Maybe.

"Erwin said we should have a game night with him." I heard my mother say, I looked up to see her face, she looked so soft and her eyes were filled with excitement. "He wants a re-match with you." She giggled.

"Oh, so he finally admits he lost against me." I smirk at the thought, but soon it vanished. "Sorry, I have a lot of work. Maybe another time." She gave me a soft smile letting me know she was okay with my response.

I wasn't lying. I had a lot of work to do, but I also had something I wanted to do since we got back a few days ago. I looked over at Levi and caught him staring at me. His face was blank. I slipped him a small smile then went back to my work.

~Levi's pov~

He watched as you smiled at him, a warm feeling growing deeper in his chest. He had never experienced such emotions, and at first he had no idea what it was, now the urges grew deeper along with his understanding.

Every time he caught even the slightest glance of you, his heart would start beating uncontrollably, and the urge to grasp a hold of you grew harder to restrain. He wanted to bring you closer to him, hold you in his arms, feel your warmth.

He craved it.

He felt at ease with you, calm, relaxed. It had never happened with anyone else before, he didn't know how to push these emotions down, and if he wanted to even push and hide these feelings.

Damn it.

________________________________________

[flash back]

I sat on the fountain outside in the garden, where I have found myself quite often these past few years. There was a small chessboard in front of me, as I watched the little chess pieces stand awaiting attack; I was playing alone, though there were guards surrounding me from every angle imaginable, a lonely feeling slowly crept up inside me.

My sitting position was quite unnatural for a 'lady', my mother would always tell me to sit right but sometimes I just needed a break; my knees were brought up to my chest as one of my arms was wrapped around them, while the other extended towards the game. My skirt fell down on both sides of the stone I was sat on barely touching the water.

I looked up at the man sitting in front of me. Xenos sat straight with papers in his hands completely ignoring me; his face seemed distressed his eyebrows almost touching one another, his eyes fixed down onto the boring yet more interesting words than myself.

I can't believe him, he was the one who asked to meet up, so why was he ignoring me? Lately the only reason he ever wants to see me is for his own pleasure, I miss the old times when we would play chess or sneak around the estate.

I looked around at the guards who were standing like statues, their uniforms all the same; all black with endless pockets on their jeans and belts to keep weapons, they all seemed so serious which honestly kind of made me uncomfortable.

I sigh bringing my gaze back to the ginger in front of me. "What is it?" He let out in cold words not even looking in my direction. I stay silent for a second trying to figure out what was the matter with him.

"I was gonna ask if-"

"No. I'm not going to play chess with you. I have shit to do." He interrupted me before I could finish my sentence. I frowned at his ice-cold behaviour, I didn't want to be out here in the first place; it was warm and I could feel the sweat starting to build up on my forehead, also the fact that the guards were watching my every move made it even worse.

"Fine." I say before getting up dusting off my white silk skirt, but before I could even make two steps I felt a harsh pressure forming around my wrist. I looked back to see his hand wrapped around my wrist though his eyes were still not on me, "what." I stated waiting for him to let go though his grip only tightened causing a small wince from me.

"Where are you going." He said through his teeth.

"Back inside, if you're not going to speak or even look at me there is no purpose for me to stay." I state calmly, he was about to say something else but I had already gotten my wrist back from his strong hold and began to walk away.

I was completely aware that if there was no one around I couldn't have just left, if there were no guards this would have ended on a way different story.

Men are so aggressive...

[flash back end]

Bread crumbs covered my plate as I picked at my bread loaf, my mind was filled with memories I hoped to forget. It was now dinner time and I was sat with a bowl of stew in front of me: Erwin, my mother and Hange were talking, while Levi was.. well doing what he knew best, looking miserable.

My thoughts have taken me away from the table, so I wasn't paying attention when Hange kept pocking the side of my arm, in attempt of grabbing my attention. "Y/n? Hellooo??" I snapped my head to them staring into their golden eyes confused. "Are you alright? You're spacing out." Their concern was clear.

"Yes I'm okay, just thinking. Why? What did I miss?" I say looking around the table everyone staring back at me.

"Well, Erwin and your mother here were planing a game night, are you in." Alden asked. I shook my head.

"I have work, sorry." I gave them a small side smile, before going back to my not so appetising meal.

By the time dinner was done everyone was already away: either to their rooms or somewhere with Erwin along with my mother and the other people whom agreed to the 'game night' case, they were now somewhere playing chess and probably humiliatingly loosing.

I was walking slowly down the corridors, with Levi following close behind. No matter how many times I've told him I could take care of myself he still won't piss off, I can barely take a shit without him bugging me.

I passed Levi and my office door which caused for Levi to stop in his place. "Where are you going?" He asked, I stopped and turned myself in order to face him.

"To my room." I lie.

"Yeah right, I know your damn schedule, try again." I rolled my eyes at him. Of course he knew my schedule, he wouldn't leave me alone. I just turn back and started to walk again.

If he wants to follow me, he can be my guest.

I made my way to the top floor, where at the end of the hallway was a door. I could feel Levi's presence behind me, along with his man killing glare he was throwing at me. When I got to the door I took out a key from the inside of my jacket and opened it, the inside displayed a storage room: buckets and mops scattered around, both sides had shelves build into the walls holding cleaning supplies.

Opposite from me was a window, I walked over to it opening it. "What are you doing brat?" Levi asked again. I ignore him once again and proceeded to climb onto the windowsill, the window was very close to the roof and so it was quite easy to get myself on top of it.

I placed my palms on the roof, and started to push myself onto it, when I managed to stable myself onto the middle of the rooftop, I awaited for Levi to appear, and soon enough he did. He looked at me. "Tch, filthy brat." I rolled my eyes, but he refused to sit.

He's so dramatic.

I took off my Scout jacket and placed it next to me. "Happy?" I said bringing my legs closer so I wouldn't get too cold. He hesitated but finally sat down. I looked up at the night sky: stars twinkled, and the moon watched down on us.

"What the fuck are we doing here?" Levi said irritated, I didn't look at him. I kept my eyes on the magnificent sky.

"Well I don't know what brought you here." I say keeping my gaze towards the stars. I look up at the night sky, my eyes go in and out of focus, the small specs of light shining bright like dozen of fairy lights, as the whole world around me seems to fade into the background.

The mixes of blues and purples clashing together as the void of darkness swallows me whole, making me feel vulnerable yet at peace. A slight mist forms with every breath, the coolness of the air was refreshing and different to usual, it was not the type of the coolness that clings to you, more the type that would settle and leave you at ease.

My thoughts were scattered, the whole week replaying in my head. I couldn't believe how from my normal, training and paperwork days, went to having to figure out a way to get rid of my brother. And there was also another thing. My feelings.

Why do I have to fall for him out of anyone?

I wonder if Levi felt the same. The feeling that has been growing inside me rapidly without my free will, the feeling of butterflies swarming inside me every time I caught his gaze, or how safe I felt with him. I felt so comfortable just sitting here, not saying a word to each other. I felt happy knowing I can feel like this with him, but at the same time I was scared.

I didn't want for history to repeat itself, but despite that I'm not able to pull myself away from him. With every second I was falling more and more for him.

I turned curious on why he was all quiet, half of me was expecting him to just go off at me and ask me to leave. Though once my gaze turned its attention to him I caught his own gaze, drowning in it, but he didn't look away he kept his eyes on mine.

All of a sudden everything in my mind suddenly paused and it felt like it was only us, it was only the two of us nothing else mattered. The breeze brushed against my face, becoming cooler, goose bumps started to form onto my skin. I took him in: the way his hair danced along with the wind, his lips relaxed along with his eyebrows. This was the only time I had seen him so relaxed, except when I caught him sleeping that is.

His eyes drew me closer, drowning me, they looked like a lake: the soft ripples bending the bright warm lights reflected onto the cool water. His eyes were different from all the other times I've been snatched into them, then they were like a storm, violent and rough, but now they were softer. They weren't still but they were calm.

My head tilted closer to him, but the moment didn't last long. The tile under my right foot slid off from under it down the roof, which caused me to loose my balance and start sliding off the rooftop too. It took me off guard so I didn't have time to grip anything, though when I was mid way off the roof I felt a cool and soft grip wrapping around my arm. I looked up meeting Levi's eyes staring at me with shock, and a little annoyance.

He pulled me back to my place, "what the fuck, are you okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a loose tile." I say looking back to where the tile once laid.

After a while of silence I looked back up, and before I could stop my lips from parting I had already spoken. "Have you ever been in love?" I asked, I wasn't sure if he would even answer, but I couldn't take it back now.

"What the fuck are you on about? Did you hit your head when you slid off or something?" He asked, not able to understand why I asked him such a ridiculous question.

"Just humour me, would you." He gave me his typical 'tch' then continued.

"I haven't been in love no, well from what I've heard my feelings wouldn't match that description. But I have cared for people." He said and I looked at him surprised he actually told me that. "What? You do realise I am a human being, right?" He said again now looking back at me.

"Can I be truthful with you?" I asked and he gave me a curious 'mhm', "with the way you come off, it doesn't seem like you have much of a heart." I say half joking. He raised an eyebrow, realising I was taking the piss, he turned back to the small specs of lights leaving me staring at his side profile.

"What about you?" I raised an eyebrow at his question, he didn't look at me but from the silence he continued to explain his question. "I know you have been in love with someone. But have you loved someone before her?" He asked and it took me off guard. I turned my attention back to the sky while the question repeated in my head, and I couldn't find the words to answer it.

[tw: mention of sa]

A few seconds past and I managed to speak, "there was this boy, his name is Xenos, after my best friend disappeared he was the only person closest to my age. Him being two years older." I say stopping for a second to gather my thoughts. "He was the son of a maid and guard, which was quite common to happen, once he turned 11 he was put through training as my father needed more men. And since I also was in training we crossed paths."

"My father didn't care about our friendship since he knew Xenos wasn't going to have any plan of escapement, so he let him be around me. At first it was okay, he was very nice and sweet, caring too. But once we got older he began to do things to me." I stopped, remembering all the disgusting things he had done to me. "I was confused... I had no idea wot all the kissing and touching meant. And he never asked me out so I didn't know if we were a couple or not, so I don't call him my ex boyfriend either."

I could feel a heaviness building up in my chest. "He wasn't allowed in my chamber. No one was, except of my father. But one night he came in. And I didn't know what he wanted from me..." I stopped not able to say anymore. After a minute I gathered my words and spoke. "So I can't say I loved him. I never did, I thought I did because he would tell me he loved me and I thought that's what love was. Oh boy was I wrong." Silence fell between us again, but my brain was running marathons inside my head.

Should I tell him?

I kept asking myself that same question over and over again, what will he do if I do tell him? I don't want him to reject me, but the worse thing that could happen is him and I being awkward. Especially with him having to look over me. My brain and heart were both having a war, and I didn't know which one to root for.

"I guess I broke my promise." Levi looked at me with a questioning look. Well now we know who won, and there's no going back. "That night when I brought you tea, I promised I wouldn't fall for you." I say not daring to look at him, my heart was beating so fast I thought I was going to die, maybe that would be a better outcome than this. He didn't say anything, not a word.

He's judging me isn't he.

"Levi..?" I say not realising I just called him by his name.

"You don't say my name often." He remarked, he was right, the only time I use his name was when me and Hange talk about him and his ridiculously short height for a guy as angry as him. "It sounds better." I looked at him shook.

He just..

He was staring at me, the ripples were gone and now the water was still. "You.. don't say my name much either." I say in a breathy voice, I couldn't comprehend what this meant. I couldn't tell what he was feeling, and it was killing me.

"Y/n." He said in a soft tone, my heart flipped a few times at the sound of my name coming from his lips, it belonged there. My face drew closer to his but he didn't protest. A warm feeling grew greater inside my chest, soft and fluffy, like a blanket of emotions.

I could feel his shoulders shifting slightly along with his front coming closer to my own; my hand moved closer until the tips of my fingers crossed paths with his. As my body came closer to his I could feel his warmth radiating off him and onto my skin, leaving goosebumps on my arms.

Our bodies came closer, almost touching, I looked up at his eyes: watching as his eyelashes hid the beautiful still waters of his eyes I would willingly drown in. He stiffly inched closer, his lips almost touching mine, I could feel his hand shaking slightly next to my own trembling fingers.

My lips finally made it onto his, his lips were soft but cold, I moved my lips slowly in sync with his. He didn't pull away, quite the opposite, I could feel him push forward onto my lips desperately. I couldn't believe it, he was kissing me, Levi was kissing me. Our lips opened, ravaging each other's mouths.

My hand moved up to his face and cupping his cheek, then moved further to the back of his head: my fingers tangling themselves in his silky, smooth raven hair. His hand swiftly made its way to my waist, and pulling me closer, the sudden pull cause me to whimper in his lips.

He pulled onto the side of my waist begging me to get closer, I pushed myself up putting my legs on either side of his lap and my arms wrapping around his neck. He placed his gentle palms on either side of my waist, his hands weren't shaking anymore and his figure was no longer stiff and scared, he was gentle and sweet.

We pulled away, both breathing violently, our chests moving in sync. I pressed my forehead onto his, small drops of sweat forming on the side of my face and forehead. "You're not that bad." I scoffed. He took one of my hands that rested on his shoulder, moving it closer to his mouth and pressing his lips onto my skin, when he pulled away I could still feel the imprint of his ghost lips on my knuckles.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do that." My cheeks flushed at his words, I drew my other hand from his shoulder and brung it to my face, covering my embarrassment. "Embarrassed now? After you ruthlessly kissed me like that?" He said cockily.

I didn't know if I should be ashamed or proud at my boldness. "Shut up." I said still holding my face. He let go of my hand, wrapping both of his arms around my waist pulling me closer, my head rested onto his shoulder now both of my hands covering it. "Just kill me." It came out muffled, I wasn't even sure if he had heard me.

His lips graced my ear slightly. "I'm glad it's you." He said, with that a comforting silence fell between the two of us. I had kissed and confessed, and he was glad I did, I was happy. I was ecstatic.

I wished this moment would never end: me in his arms embracing his warmth, the sound of the trees dancing along with the cool wind, hearing his heartbeat. It felt right, this was right.

_______

We walked side by side down the hallways. I felt at ease, like nothing can go wrong now. I knew that as long as me and Levi were... together? I think we are, but whatever we are it was enough. I was happy. I couldn't stop grinning the whole way back to my room.

It was silent between the two of us, but it wasn't awkward or irritating, it was comforting. We walked down the stairs, and with every step closer to my door I wished for this moment not to end, but my wish was not granted, and we both found ourselves in front of my door. "This is it." I say turning to face him, my back facing the door.

...Okay now this is the awkward part.

"So... does that mean... we're like, you know.. together?" I mumble over my words as I didn't know if I was saying something obvious or not. In return he raised his eyebrow at me.

"So that make out session didn't imply it?" He said as if it was nothing, as if it was clear what we were.

"Well you never actually asked me out, or said anything about it for that fact." I say a pout forming on my lips. He sighed and cleared his throat.

"Tch, alright. Y/n?" He paused and I hummed at the sound of my name being spoken by him, "may I be your boyfriend?" He asked so nicely, and it was so out of his character for some reason I wanted to laugh. But I didn't, it was funny, but also cute. Very cute.

"Hmmm." I hum placing a finger on my chin, he crossed his arms over his chest and glared at me which made me laugh a little. I walked closer to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, his arms still folded enabling me to getting closer, I smiled at him. "Yes you may." I leaned closer kissing his cheek, his arms swiftly wrapped around my waist trapping me.

He leaned in to my lips, his lips inches from mine but I stopped them with my right finger. "Nope." I say and he frowned at me.

"And why not?" He said in a low voice that made my heart do flips. He pulled me by my waist trying to get me closer to him.

"That's enough fun for tonight." I say poking his chest pushing him backwards, he released me from his desperate grasp. "Plus, having my mother walk out that door and seeing me making out with you, I don't think she would love that as much as I would." I said winking at him. I gave him a peck on the lips before walking over to open the door.

"Goodnight Levi." I smiled.

"Tch, goodnight Y/n." He said trying to seem irritated, but the small smile that was trying to sneak it's way onto his lips were telling me otherwise.

I closed the door behind me which left behind a small squeal, my cheeks still red and my lips still tingling. My heart hasn't stopped racing since we came down from the roof and I had just realised that.

I turn grinning uncontrollably like an idiot, suddenly a light had turned on in my room. I froze. My eyes locked with with hazel ones and I couldn't breathe, my heart had stopped completely.

He held my gaze, as my own frantically searched his face. He hasn't change, the same deadly glare. He had aged quite a lot which was the only big difference: he looked even older than me, his scar still there, it had healed quite well though it was still very prominent.

"Well, I would say it's nice seeing you again. Though that would be deceiving of me, don't you agree? Big sis." I didn't waste one second and went straight for my boot where my dagger was. I was going to kill this bastard. I lunged forward yet he had no reaction to my outburst, not even a flinch.

What the fuck?!

But I soon found out why, a heavy weight pushed me down locking my arms behind me. A loud thump erupted from underneath me. "What the fuck! Get off!" I struggled but to no avail. I looked over to the person who was trapping me and when I met his green eyes I felt all the joyful emotions I had before drained from my face.

"Oh don't be loud, you're going to worry your little boyfriend." He said pointing at the door, a knock echoed inside the room.

"Y/n? I heard you fall, are you alright?" Levi question loudly, he was worried. If he finds out I'm in danger that would put him in danger too, but there's no trace of anyone else except of Xenos and my brother. I debated for a second not knowing if I should call him in or not.

"Levi!" I shouted, the door flung open and the weighted body that was keeping me from escaping was pushed off me. I got up immediately, grabbing the dagger that was flung to my left, I looked around for my mother but it didn't seem like she had even been in the room for the past few hours.

She's with Erwin. Good.

"I see you still hold grudges." I say pointing the end of the blade at him. Levi had Xenos pinned face first, with his own dagger pressed onto his throat.

"Well burning down our home and killing our old man isn't something to be glad about now is it?" He said through his teeth.

"That prison was never my home, and that bastard you call a father was never my father." I bite back. He scoffed.

"Well we can discuss that later, now are you willing to give yourself up and not waste my time." Adwir said a devilish grin forming onto his face, "or are you going to make things difficult for me?" He said with hope I would choose the second option.

I lunged forward at him. He jumped back avoiding my blade. He avoided all my attempts of attack, though he didn't notice my leg coming from under him. I flipped his leg causing for him to fall back. I grabbed him by the collar of his black turtleneck preventing him from falling. I pulled him closer placing the dagger onto his throat.

"Checkmate. Little bro." I say the 'little bro' with a mocking tone. He chuckled and I raise an eyebrow.

"Men!" He yelled out and all of a sudden, some of his men started to appear, other from my closet or the bathroom. Five of his bitch boys came in from the open window that I hadn't even noticed it had been open. Two grabbed me by my shoulders pulling me off Adwir, I looked over at Levi and on of the guys had kicked him off Xenos.

"Levi!" I yelled. "Get the fuck off!!" I struggle to get myself out of their grasps but I couldn't. Levi stood up, flipping the guy whom kicked him over off his feet, but he couldn't even catch his breath as another one jolted towards him. In a few seconds he was pinned down by four guys with a blade to his throat. "GET OFF HIM!"

"Oh no need to yell, I'll do as you say." He said coming closer to me, he brought his finger up to my chin lifting up my face to look at him. "Of course only if you do as I say."

"No Y/n! Don't fucking listen to that bastard!" The blade on Levi's throat was firmly pressing against his bare skin, piercing his flesh causing for blood to start dripping down his neck.

"Time's ticking." Adwir said.

I couldn't bare seeing him like this, as much as I knew how capable he was I wasn't going to stand here and watch him get hurt.

"Take your time." He said again. Giving a signal to the guy pressing the blade onto Levi's throat to increase the pressure.

"FINE!" Tears rolled down my face.

"Oh look see, that wasn't that hard now was it?" He smirked.

"Y/N NO." Levi yelled. Adwir came over grabbing a hold on my face tightly: pressing his thumb harshly on my right cheek and his other fingers on the left one, his nails piercing my skin. "DON'T FUCKING TOUCH HER."

"Oh damn so aggressive." Adwir mocked, he brought some bottle to my nose, the smell was terrible. But it made me feel dizzy, I could feel my limbs go numb as my vision went fuzzy.

"I'm sorry." I finally managed to say before everything went black.

Please forgive me.

________________________________________

[Authors note]

Firstly I would like to apologise for the wait, ik it's been like almost a month even more but it's finally out and it's the longest chp I have ever written. Also two things that might seem weird abt this chp, well to me anyway, the kissing scene was alright but a little cringe or maybe that's just me idk. And also ik Levi would effortlessly take down four guys but I needed it for the plot so 😚.
Sorry for any mistakes.

Thank u all for ur patience and support ily all sm.
I hope u have a good day or night<33

Vote plz.