*since I couldn't give y'all a double update...here you go^.^*

I was in a loss for words. My body steeling itself while my mind went abruptly blank. Levi stands before me, awaiting my reaction.

It was as though my voice failed me as well as my ability to show any sort of emotion. His words rang louder through me than he thinks.

Strip for me.

Was he in the right state of mind? In just a mere few hours I had come to realize how confusing he was and how difficult liking him is. There were many things he did that drove me to rage while other parts of him had me melting.

However, this was a time of I should be angry by his order or even consider complying. I did say I would do anything to make him believe I wasn't in love with Edward. But this—this was a step over the line.

"Levi, I–"

"You what?" He challenges gruffly. "You can't take you clothes off?"

"I-it's not that," I splutter. "It's just that you're asking too much."

He scoffs at my words as if they were a weak excuse. His eyes glowed darker, the frown upon his lips only becoming deeper. I try my best to calm my anxious heart.

"Didn't you say you'll do anything to make me believe you don't have feelings for that loser?"

"I did but, I never thought you would say this."

"How else am I supposed to know you don't like him?" He snaps. Somehow that triggered an ignition in me.

Does he truly think that seeing me strip myself before him would really make him realize the truth I spoke? No, he was just toying with me. Degrading me like he always does. This time, I wasn't having it.

"Levi, I'm not doing that," I murmur, with my chin held high. "Don't treat me like I'm a whore out in the streets."

Levi narrows his eyes clearly displeased by my behavior. He clicks his tongue, "You're a spoiled brat, you know that? You're over here begging me to understand that you don't like him and when I ask you to do this simple thing you throw a fit."

"It's not a simple thing, Levi!" I explode. "Giving you my body and the enjoyment of seeing me naked isn't what I'll do to get you to believe me! How dare you tell me to do such a thing after the way you acted these past couple days?!"

"I've acted nothing but civil around you."

"Oh, bullshit! You degraded me in front of my Commander and continued to do so when I said I was looking out for Edward. You ignored me the past couple days. You even treated me so coldly this morning despite what you did for me last night! You made me feel like shit when I don't even deserve such behavior!"

"Don't play victim, Emma!" Levi roars. "Haven't you stopped to consider how all this affects me?"

"Affect you in what way?" I scoff. "You're an emotionless being with a heart of stone. When we kiss, you feel nothing. When we held onto each other you didn't care. Hell, you don't even care when a fallen comrade dies in the heat of battle!"

I was sure I saw a flicker of shock spark in his silver eyes but I didn't care. I was done with these games and if this was a way for him to understand me then so be it. I would ignore the ache in my chest so he can learn to respect me.

"So, don't give me that, Levi. I know you and whatever game you're playing at with me needs to stop. I hate how you treat me. I deserve some respect like you said. Don't be a hypocrite."

I knew I left him breathless. Just by the look in his eyes and the way his body stood still, I was sure my words made its way through him. But there was something about his face.

It brought the aching pain more definite like someone punched me there. There was pain. Pain had contorted Levi's features making his eyes seem broken and dull.

His anger was nothing but a silent simmer radiating off him now. And yet, I don't say anything. I only watch him and waited for his answer.

Levi only scoffs with a fake smirk. He averts his gaze, his black hair falling over his eyes.

"If you truly think I'm emotionless as you say I am then you don't know me, brat," he spats darkly. "If you want respect from me then you should start acting like a woman who deserves it. Starting by keeping that damn temper under control. The words you say, it can cut deeper than a sword."

He strides towards the door and opens it gently. I couldn't speak, my anger was too hot in my blood. Levi doesn't look back as the door clicks shut behind him.

After a moment, I had expected tears to leak out of my eyes. I waited for that panicked feeling where I didn't want to lose him. But I was not filled with such feelings.

It was like my mind and body became numb to those sort of things now. I turn over my words and his as well. Not once have I seen that broken look in his eyes.

I felt even more angry when I knew I was the one who did that. I slam a fist down on the table in rage, the loud slam bouncing off the walls.

Why was everything so damn hard to understand now? How come I don't know what I exactly feel anymore? Why was everything so damn hard?

\/\/\/\/\/\/

"I want to know every single detail, Emma. Give me the gossip. How long have you harbored feelings for clean-freak?"

Nifa had barged into my office later this afternoon, bombarding me with endless questions. Hanji had trailed in after her and despite the disinterest facade she put up, I knew she was just as intrigued as Nifa. I was glad for the distraction despite who the topic was about.

I was busy trying to understand the murders and what motive was behind it all. But what was on my mind more than ever was where these killings were located. Four of these murders happened within a five-block radius from my apartment while the two were just three-blocks from me.

I try not to dwell on it but it was unnerving to think about. I had to keep telling myself it was all a coincidence.

"Nifa, if you truly want to know then it would be wise if you step away from my desk," I sigh. "If you keep slamming it my coffee is going to spill."

With a small tsk, she does as she was told. Taking a huge step back as if it were to rouse me in some way before harrumphing.

"There. Now tell me everything."

I take my time, her puffed cheeks and narrowed eyes were quite amusing. I lay down my pen, lean against my chair with a long sigh.

"Just a couple of weeks," I reply briskly. Silence had greeted us soon after. The gaping stare Nifa sent me was quite intriguing but also quite irritating.

Was what I said that shocking? Hanji's eyes had widen slightly but she still doesn't speak. She simply situated herself on the couch with her gaze upon us both.

"You-you only started to like Captain Levi a couple weeks ago." She repeats breathlessly. "That's a little hard to believe don't you think?"

I raise a brow, "How so?"

"Well, I mean, it's more like a hate-love relationship you two have ever since the Academy. I've figured you actually liked him since but wouldn't admit it."

I had to chew on my inner cheek. As much as I hate to admit, she was right. I didn't like him when we first met, that was quickly established when he dully announced his name to rest of the trainees along with his two friends, Isabel and Furlan.

But I knew he was handsome and built unlike the many town-boys who were there. I even took to indulging myself in his fascinating but also mysterious eyes. They were beautiful to me back then and still are.

I didn't care he was just inches shorter than me, I found him attractive. But it went nowhere beyond that and my feelings dwelled into hate. I clear my throat unable to meet Nifa's skeptical eyes.

"Feelings change," I mutter. "And that can happen through certain events."

Through the closeness of our bodies and the sensation of his lips on my hot skin had brought me to realize that. Despite the constant annoyance he provided me, he was someone I deeply cared for. Even if he was an absolute ass.

"Certain events?" Nifa breathes. "What are you—MY GOD!" She gasps dramatically, eyes wider than saucers. I couldn't meet her gaze, my stomach chromed and my heart raced. My cheeks started to heat as I clench the arms of the chair.

"Have you guys been—doing it?" Nifa whispers as if it were a secret. I stew in silence unable to answer.

"Wait, wait you mean that?" Hanji gapes while shooting to her feet. She rushes towards us, her hands slamming on the desk. I curse when my cup rattles. "You and Levi," she begins. "Had sex?!"

"Don't make it sound weird!" I groan. "It was only one night."

And I wished there were more nights like that though. Those thoughts dwelled within me but I don't dare to voice them. Hesitantly, I peek at my friends seeing the creepy grins and intrigued eyes.

"Details," Hanji orders.

"What? No way! That's private!"

"Nothing's private between friends! I tell you everything about my sex life!"

"Yeah, same here!" Nifa huffs.

I grimace slightly, those were the times I would slunk down in my chair. As interesting as the information was, I despised the images that would pop in my head. I don't dare give those imaginative thoughts to them about me.

"So spill it," Hanji demands. "He was the was the one who gave you all those hickeys, right?"

"And caused you to have a hard time walking?" Nifa adds with a smirk.

I cringe at that, my blood boiling inside me. I manage a tight nod allowing my brows to furrow together. They both squealed excitedly bringing an even more tingly sensation to my core. Maybe telling them was a bad idea.

"Okay, serious question," Nifa begins with a narrowed stare. "Was he good?"

"Nifa!!" I gasp in horror. She doesn't understand my sudden outburst and blinks. I couldn't believe her.

This was Captain Levi, we're talking about. Answering that question could change the respect she had for him. However, it was not hard to answer.

Releasing a sigh I answer, "Obviously."

Despite the many days that went by since that night, I could still imagine his soft lips pressed against mine. His hands holding my hips firmly. And the way he gazed lustfully down at me.

I swallow thickly, bidding those thoughts away. That's how good he was. I still wanted him.

I could tell they were holding in a fit of giggles. Hanji was gawking with that stupid look on her face.

"Emma," she grins teasingly. "I never expected to see this side of you. Especially with Levi. The guy you hated for five years."

Nifa nods in agreement, "Yeah. What changed?"

I shrug with a sigh, "I dunno. We met up for the past couple weeks to make-out and all so I guess it happened then. . ? What does it matter? He ended whatever we did."

I shake my head. I decide to end this conversation. I was starting to want him. Not that the desire went away but, remembering everything was driving me mad. If only we weren't angry then I wouldn't have to feel so empty.

"Because he's mad at you, right?" Hanji ponders. "I mean, he did yell at you this morning."

"Wha–he did??" Nifa exclaims. "Why?"

"Look, that isn't important—"

"I'm pretty sure it's about Edward," Hanji nods.

I groan in response. I didn't want to take this conversation on to this path. I was already heaving heavy breaths just thinking about that hateful glare of his. And the broken one of Edward. It all crushed my heart.

"Edward likes Emma," Hanji continues despite the displeasure look upon my face. "And I guess Levi didn't take a liking to that." She shoots me a questionable gaze. "Right?"

I chew my inner cheek. I still couldn't wrap around my around that. Still couldn't understand his anger towards me.

"That's the gist," I reply tightly. I wasn't about to tell her how I ended up at his chambers. "But who cares?"

"You do." Nifa states plainly. "Look at you, you look like you'll punch the closest thing near you."

I scoff but don't bother denying. What's the point anyway?

"Even if I want to punch something it doesn't change the fact Edward and Levi are upset," I mutter. I notice how Hanji's smile falters at my words. Looking at her with a small frown, I knew the reason why she seemed upset. "Couldn't find him, could you?"

She shakes her head, "I don't know where he ran off to but I guess he wants space."

I nod solemnly. Seeing how Edward fought back against the darkness that greeted his eyes and the fractured smile he kept only made me feel guiltier. A part of me wished he never liked me and that I never talked to him.

But yet, I was still missing him. Worrying over him and how he'll think of me now.

"I think–I think Levi likes you."

My eyes widen as I whirl my head to Nifa. Even Hanji seemed shocked. My cheeks flush and my stomach tightens.

Her words couldn't be farther from the truth. What rumbled in my throat was laugh and a scoff mixed into one.

"Don't try to coddle me, Nifa. I know Levi, he won't waste his time or energy on another person. Heck, I don't even think he has the ability to love another."

She seemed surprised by my words. But she knew I spoke truth. Not once had I seen the man take full interest in a person. He's simply too distant.

"Now, hang on," Hanji says. "Don't rule that out just yet. I mean, he may not show emotions but he still has them." Tell that to his face then, I say in my head. "I'll run a test–an experiment if you will."

I raise a brow, skeptical over Hanji's claim. As intriguing as that sounded, I wasn't all that hopeful. If she tried talking to him about this he would definitely spit venom at her.

"How are you going to do that?" I ask. "Everyone knows how difficult Levi can be."

It was like my words were worthless to her. Instead of agreeing with me, Hanji simply smiles with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"I got the perfect idea."

/\/\/\/\/\

What do you think of Levi's and Emma relationship so far?

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