The few upcoming nights were spent just like that. Steamy make-out sessions in the night while the office building was empty. It was like a ritual we both created.

Clinging onto each other with so much need. Kissing each other like our lives depended on it. God, it was blissful.

Through the few times I kissed Levi I was surprised by how much of an amazing kisser he was. He was rough, there was no lie in that. But he was also passionate and gentle, it was odd considering the fact I left his office each night with a swollen lip.

We weren't sure what we were doing, not once have we breached the subject vocally towards one another. It was like a bridge we both feared to cross. So, in answer, we don't dwell on it.

Instead, we allowed our lustful desires take shape and burn ourselves with each other's touch. It's the best way we came up with and one we deeply enjoyed. However, that's all we could think of.

Despite, the obvious precautions we must take during the day there was no denying the way we looked at each other. So much hunger always lingers in Levi's intense gaze. It always made me feel exposed, almost naked before him.

I always tried to ignore him but in the end when I do go see him he would always scold me and do his best to dominate over me. I found everlasting pleasure when he does that but, in the end I hated being the one submitting to his control. But I shouldn't be thinking of such things now.

With four unsolved murders and high possibility of a serial killer on the loose, I had to try to find some sort of connection between the victims. However, there was only so much I could do from looking at reports and newspapers. I had to somehow find a way to look at the Military Police's actual reports.

And Erwin was the only who was cooperating with them. No one else in the regiment was working on the case. A loud, impatient knock comes at my door.

I glance over my shoulder and push myself out of my leaning position over my desk. I had intended to question who it was but whoever was in the hall bursts through the door almost immediately.

"For fuck's sake you three are complete idiots!"

Edward stomps into the room with red gleaming in his eyes. He was definitely not happy. Behind him he dragged in both Hanji and Nifa.

Both also seemed stunned by Edward's outburst like me. Yet, when my gaze lands on them my eyes harden like stone.

"What the hell is this?" I sigh while leaning against my desk. "Can't you see I'm working?"

"Don't give me excuses, Em!" Edward explodes. He swings both his arms in front of him causing Hanji and Nifa to stumble forward.

"Hey, handle me with care!" Hanji scolds. "I don't like being man-handled."

"And I don't like your guy's stupid silent treatment!" Edward snaps. "This has gone on long enough! I'm tired of having to you two bitch and complain about Emma."

Nifa flinches at his choice of words. She immediately stares down at her feet while fumbling with fingers. Hanji simply stares back as though she didn't hear what he said. When Edward's fierce gaze lands on me my body suddenly steels itself.

"And I'm sick and tired of seeing you trying to act all high and mighty!" He yells. His anger has truly made me speechless. Not once have I seen him this angry. Especially at me. "You three go way back," he crosses his arms. "And it's about time you get off your high horse and handle this like adults!"

"This shouldn't concern you," I snap viciously. "Not only are you three years younger but you don't know shit."

"I don't know shit?!" Edward shrieks. His face suddenly turns red with fire burning in his eyes. "Who the fuck also fought on that damn mission?! Me, Emma! So yes, I know shit and know why you three are pissed!"

"Edward, I understand why you're doing this but we don't need your help." Nifa shoots her head up and glares at Edward. He holds it for a moment before sending her a scoff.

"Is that so? So, you're telling me that almost a month of ignoring each other is helping you three?" Nifa hesitates and bites her lip nervously. She looks away. Edward rolls his eyes. "That's what I thought. Now, I want you guys to tell each other why you're so angry then apologize."

I wanted to laugh. Not only was he speaking out of conduct to high-ranking officers but he almost sounded like a scolding mother. Honestly, I don't know what right he gained to barge into my office like this.

"Why are you doing this anyway?" Hanji demands with a frown. "None of this affects you like we said."

"It does affect me!" Edward proclaims. "Do you know how much I hate to see my friends being so cold to each other? Especially when you three seemed so inseparable ever since I joined the regiment?" He shakes his head. "To be this angry is just damn ridiculous. Don't you think it's time to finally release all this pent up anger and let it go?"

I start to chew on my inner cheek. As much as I hate to admit it, Edward was right. It's been a month and a half and I've been nothing but cold and distant with Nifa and Hanji.

I had every right to be mad at them, however, but did I want to stay mad forever? I wondered if they also thought the same thing. Each one slowly looked at me as if nervous to do so.

Nifa shuffled her feet uncomfortably while her eyes wavered in uncertainty. Hanji, stubborn like always, had her arms crossed tightly over her chest while she pushes her lower lip into a frown.

"Go on," Edward pushes. "Hanji, you start."

"Damn it, why me?" She complains. When Edward gives her a look we all knew there was no way around this. Hanji releases a defeated sigh and frowned a little more. "Well, obviously you know why I'm angry, Emma." She shuffles her feet. "You went berserk on that mission and totally disregarded your soldier's lives too. And you don't even want to take fault."

"Don't put words in my mouth!" I holler. "I never said anything like that! All I said was that you two shouldn't be mad at me!"

"That's still not admitting fault!" Nifa joins with a frown. "You placed your squad and Levi's in danger! Heck, even Edward got hurt because of you!"

I flinch at her words. The sudden memory of him being slammed against a tree flashes through my mind. An overwhelming sense of anxiety began to rush through me.

I grit my teeth and balled my hands into fists. I could sense Edward's panic. He takes a step with a hand stretched out.

"Em—"

"This is exactly why I'm pissed! You guys are never there for me!" The three flinch at my tone, eyes wide and mouths agape. I breathe heavily as I try to control my trembling hands. "You left me! After that damn mission I was alone! None of you cared to ask if I was alright or even understand the pressure I was under for being Squad Leader. You both went off to abandon me like a dog. Do you even know how hard it was for me when you guys didn't even look at me?"

I hold their stunned stares. Tears pricked the corners of my eyes but I hold back. I could only scoff in disbelief.

"Obviously you don't," I sneer. "Even when you corned me in the kitchen a while back, Hanji, you didn't care about what I thought."

She had opened her mouth to disagree but immediately closes it when she realizes how true my words were. I shake my head, this was senseless. What point was I even trying to make? All I'm doing was screaming out what has been eating me alive.

"Just go, all of you," I breathe. "None of this worth it anymore."

They don't heed my words. Instead they all lingered before as if they didn't know where to go. Nifa abruptly stakes a bold step towards me. She looks at me with a sympathetic gaze.

"Emma, we care," she murmurs. "You know damn well we do."

"I don't think so," I snap. "When everyone compared me to this murderer ruining rampant in Trost in the mess hall, you guys didn't stand up for me. Hell, no one did except Edward!" I got in her face, masking my hurt with anger. "Tell me, how's that caring?"

"Emma, we wanted to! We wanted to tell them that they were wrong."

"Then why didn't you?! Was the idea of sticking up for me that revolting now?"

"No! It's just that—we were—"

"Were what? Mad? You don't even have a solid reason why you are!"

"My god, Emma! We're upset because we could've lost you!" Hanji appears behind Nifa. Her brown eyes were blazing down at me. She was breathing heavily and almost seemed she was close to tears.

"You were always the calm, collected one with a steady head no matter what you faced. And the fact you abandon all that to prove some stupid rivalry to Levi shocked us."

She releases a tight sigh and moves to stand beside Nifa. "We could've lost you if we didn't see that flare in time. And it scared us, Emma."

"We were only mad because we never thought you could act on stupid notions," Nifa added. "And the fact you didn't realize how worried we were made us think you only cared for yourself."

"We do care for you, Emma," Hanji assures. "Despite the short-temper, cool attitude, and mouth you got you're our best friend. And we're sorry. For both ignoring you and taking this long to say so."

A large lump blocks my throat. Shaky breaths was I could take and not blinking was best if I didn't want tears to fall. Yet, I couldn't mask my face entirely. Seeing how I tried brought a small smile to Nifa's face.

"Oh, quit the tough act," she teases. "We know you got a soft spot for us."

To that I could only nod. A stifled laugh escapes me as I feel their arms embrace me. They held me tight as though I may disappear. Their warmth engulfed me, filling me with such familiarity that I missed so much.

"I'm sorry," I murmur. "I never wanted to worry you. My stupid ass just got caught up in the moment."

Hanji chuckles as she and Nifa pull away. "Oh, we know. That part was obvious."

Seeing their smiles and hearing their voices had somewhat filled the gouging hole in my heart. I felt almost complete knowing everything would now go back to normal.

"Wait, so you guys are good now?" Edward suddenly jumps into the picture and lands between us with wide eyes. Nifa giggles before replying to his question. The Cadet immediately grins in victory. "I knew forcing you three to apologize would work!"

He then wraps his arms around my waist leaving my breathless. Both Hanji and Nifa's eyes widen silently but don't say a word. I wished to but couldn't.

I didn't want to ruin the mood. Edward was especially ecstatic and I didn't want to be the one to dowse it.

"So, we can hangout again, right? All four of us??" He questions energetically from behind. Hanji releases a loud sigh with a smile.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure we confirmed that seconds ago. BUT! One a side note—" her eyes land on me. "Let's hit up the local tavern tonight, Em! It's been ages since we all went out and I'm sure you got loads to tell us."

She motions her eyes to the young man embracing me from behind. I could only smile awkwardly. There was little tell about Edward since I wasn't sure what has gotten into him lately.

But hearing her mimic Edward's nickname for me I knew she wasn't going to let this go. Besides, it's been a while since we hung out. It wouldn't hurt to comply this one time.

"Alright, fine," I cave. "Just as long you two don't get me drunk." Hanji simply smiles in response before sharing a wink with Nifa.

I could only sigh knowing what I say would be discarded later tonight. Glancing over me, I meet Edward's gaze.

"Wanna come?"

"As much as I want to, I can't," he whines. "I got training first thing in the morning."

Despite how his words brought relief to me, my lips form into a pout. "That sucks."

"Doesn't it?"

We hold each other's gaze for a reason I wasn't sure. When I look into Edward's eyes I see some sort of softness glowing within them. Yet, I wasn't sure what it was.

"Ahem."

Hearing the sound of someone clearing their throat had brought me out of my daze. I turn away from Edward and peer over Nifa's shoulder. Hanji and Nifa seemed to slightly stiffen at the sight of Levi.

He leans against the doorway with arms crossed over his chest. With no indication of what he felt, he sweeps his eyes over us. However, his eyes linger on me the longest. I hold his gaze and watching his eyes turn icy cold. His lips set into a frown.

"Am I interrupting something?"

/\/\/\/\/\

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