**Check out my new Eren Yeager story. It's called Thug Life! It would mean a lot to me!^.^***

I found myself staring at a wooden ceiling. I wasn't sure how long I stared at it, nor was I sure how I ended up in a bed. I didn't feel like digging through my memories, everything seemed foggy anyway.

I blink once before turning my head to the window to my left. It was bright outside but there was a few scattered clouds in the blue sky. I wasn't sure what time it was, I realized I cared little. Should I get up?

My body didn't feel like moving. It felt heavy like a rock. But, there was a question lingering in the back of my mind; who's chamber was I occupying?

Glancing about the chamber I realized how dull it seemed and plain. The only furniture here was this bed, a lone nightstand, and wardrobe. It was so plain and boring, it was like whoever slept here had no desire to leave a trace of their existence.

I wasn't sure why I was judging, I was the same. Yet, this blandness and the dull piece of life I witnessed had quite the familiar feeling to it. I found serenity just by being here.

Sitting up I've come to realize I still wore my uniform. Discarding the fact, I wore no boots or leather jacket. I was just in my simple button shirt and white pants.

Fragments of last night started to pool in my mind. I shudder at the memory of hearing all those screams. But worst of all, I remembered Chris completely. For two years I've done everything I could to push any thoughts or existence of him away.

True, I continuously had nightmares but his face was always blank in them. Now, I've begun to remember his beautiful green eyes, his blond hair, and perfect smile. It was like being stabbed in the chest.

However, the dull ache radiated through me started to numb. I had slept a dreamless sleep last night, all my worries had disappeared. And it was because of Levi.

The way he held me so protectively and feeling his arms around me felt so right. It was like my body was molded just to fit in his embrace.

His words were soft and gentle, I remember his little nickname for me and couldn't ignore the warm smile spreading across my face. Just to be held by him was enough to drive away my terrors and give me a peace of mind. He gave me comfort like no one else could.

I wonder if he'd ever realized that. With some renewed energy spurring inside me, I stagger out of bed. I ponder if I should thank Levi or pretend nothing happened.

Considering how he comforted me last night I was sure he wasn't mad anymore. A bubble of hope and excitement started to burst inside me. Would he consider taking me back?

As the thought enters my head I quickly shake it off. God, I sound like a woman dying for a touch of a man. Almost like Petra who keeps pining over Levi.

I shiver at the thought. No, I'll act like everything was normal and possibly probe the subject. I won't let my guard down easily.

I was convinced my appearance was decent. Decent enough to face Levi alone at least. However, when I push the door open that factor went out the window.

I did not meet just one familiar face but two. Whatever conversation that was being carried seconds ago had stopped. Edward and Hanji's eyes dart to me, wider than I've seen them.

Oh, shit, I think miserably. There was a heavy tension, one I was too scared to break. All I could do was hold their stares with my mind going blank.

Maybe I should've listened first before opening the door. I swallow thickly when I see the amused grin coming across Hanji's face. I already knew what she was thinking and I dreaded any question she would ask me later.

"Tch, took you long enough." Levi drops his pen before leaning against his chair. He sets his icy glare upon me as he crosses his arms. "I was getting tired seeing your sorry ass on my bed."

I flinch as if those words cause me physical pain. I stare at him perplexed. He only stares back with such coldness.

I could sense the disgust in them. I wasn't sure why he was mad but it still brought a shiver down my spine.

"Um, not to pry but, what the hell is going on?" Edward shoots a questioning look towards Levi and I countless times.

He looked like he was trying to solve an equation. I open my mouth with the intent to answer. I wasn't given that privilege.

"Don't ask stupid questions, brat." Levi snaps.

"Damn, Levi," Hanji breathes. "Snappy aren't we?"

"Shut up, Shitty-Glasses. My behavior is none of your concern. And you," He looks back at me, my body automatically stiffens.

Levi doesn't speak for a moment, he assesses my state and for an odd reason I had a feeling he wasn't happy with what he saw.

"You need to get your act together. I've got no time to deal with shitty acts of yours. Take my words to heart because the next time I see you that stupid I'll make sure you run laps till you hurl. Understood?"

Why was he having such an effect on me? Why was it that I wanted to cry like a child? My heart ached and my cheeks redden in shame.

How stupid I was to think he would take me back. No, he truly despised me, possibly more than before. Yet, as much as I hated this ugly feeling swirling inside me I couldn't help but grope towards that calming side of him.

"Levi, why are you–"

"Shut up and get out of my face, Emma. And take your boyfriend with you. I'm tired of hearing his senseless questions about you."

I couldn't stand it, it was like Levi just shoved a branding iron down my throat. My body was burning while tears well in the corner of my eyes. He was too cold. Too emotionless.

I swiftly turn my gaze away, attempting to ignore the heavy tension pressing down against me. "Sorry," I murmur before hastily exiting his office.

I couldn't take this. I couldn't understand any of it. Nothing made sense with him and it drove me crazy.

"Em!"

I listen to rushed footsteps approach me but I don't stop storming down the hall. Where I was I going I wasn't sure. I just needed fresh air.

"Em! Wait a second, will you?" A hand firmly wraps around my wrist, stopping me. Edward breathes heavily behind me and I don't look back. "What was that back there?" He asks.

I shake my head, I wasn't sure how to answer that. Honestly, I didn't know either. It was all too much.

"I—I don't know, alright!" I yank my wrist from him. "I don't know! I don't know why he's such an asshole!"

Unknowingly I had slammed my fist at a nearby wall. I felt nothing, no pain radiates through me. Only the feelings I was too confused over. I was breathing heavily wondering why I bear feelings for that asshole.

"Hey, Em, you're bleeding." I blink back into reality. Glancing at my fist, I've begun to realize the streak of blood streaming underneath my fist. I still didn't feel any pain.

"Oh," I pull my fist away, noticing how my knuckles spilt. Gently, I rub a finger against it. I kept my gaze solely on my fist, seeing another hand gently grab it brought little shock to me.

"What's going on?" Edward murmurs. I felt his worried glaze upon me. He doesn't pry as I stayed silent. His question brought so much uncertainty, I don't even know where to start.

"I don't know," I repeat with defeated tone. "I don't know anymore! One minute he's sweet and the next he treats me like shit! Why the hell does he do it? He pisses me off so much but—I don't know!"

My words made no sense or the way I talked. Everything was just spilling out of me like a waterfall. I couldn't stop.

"Levi is just so—frustrating! I don't even know where to begin with how much he angers me! Yet, at the same time I don't want to be mad but he's just so cold! And the fact he keeps saying I like you is damn infuriating! Levi is the most difficult person I've ever met! I don't even understand why I like him!"

My chest heaves up and down as I try catch my breath. I spilled everything that was eating me alive. My confusion over my feelings towards Levi were complicated.

I liked him for what reason? Despite the nice things he's done he's always been cold. He's someone I least expected to fall for.

However, I gained no response from Edward. He stands before me, rooted to his spot. I raise my eyes to meet his gaze, I visibly flinch at the sight.

Not only was Edward's gaze troubling but his face became pale. There seemed to a endless pit though his eyes, one that brought my heart a sickening feeling.

"Wait. . ." He breathes. "You like—Captain Levi?" His words were full of dread, his tone breaking at the end.

It was then I realized I released a secret I upmost wished I've kept to myself. It wasn't only that, that dawned me but also the memory of Edward confessing to me. That broken expression of his tainted my heart with guilt.

"Edward, I–"

"Whew! I'm glad you guys are still here!" Hanji smiles gleefully. "That Shortie seriously has some anger issues. I've tried talking to him and—Emma, Edward, you two good?"

I couldn't answer Hanji, nor could Edward. I think he was in shock. I stare at him with pleading eyes hoping he knows what I did was intentional.

"You actually like him," he states. "You really like Captain Levi."

"I–I never meant to," I shake my head. "A-and I know you said you liked me but–"

"I don't just like you, Em. I've been in love with you," Edward sighs. "God, I thought I stood a chance. I thought we could start a relationship seeing the way we had an amazing chemistry. But, I should've known better."

My chest ached as I tried to cling on to anything that kept him from breaking. I grasp his hand hoping he sense my desperation.

"It's just a little crush, that's all."

"Don't be ridiculous," he mumbles. He shoots me a fractured smile that I knew all too well that it was fake. "Everyone in the regiment was under the impression you two might end up together."

I couldn't answer that. I try my best to see Edward in the way I saw Levi. I tried to remember the way I've felt when Levi kissed me, held me, and touched me imagining it was Edward instead.

I couldn't. No, I didn't want to. I can't see Edward past anything more than a friend.

"I'm sorry, Edward," I murmur.

"Don't apologize." He squeezes my hand for reassurance and pats my head with the other. "I'm not upset."

His words befuddled me, rocking my senses off balance. Not upset? That seemed quite absurd.

He'd despised his Levi was at my apartment that night. He hated how Levi was next to constantly. He even disliked how he dismisses him so simply just to talk to me.

How could he not be upset?

"Um, Edward, are you sure?" I ask with a frown. "Of course," he smiles. "I just—need some fresh air. I'll see you later."

Before I could say other words, he had let go of my hand and walked down the hall. I kept my eyes firmly on his back till rounded the corner. I was in a lost for words.

"I am confused as hell," I hear Hanji whine. But I couldn't answer.

My mind went elsewhere. I began to ponder, was I see things or did Edward have some sort of dark gleam in his eyes?

/\/\/\/\

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