*I'm sure I owe you another chapter since there was no double update(:*

I was puzzled at the sight of the white paper. Whats the meaning of giving me this? And why must he be ever so discreet about it?

When I take a hesitant glance at Levi he acted as though he didn't drop it in my hands moments ago. I frown with crinkled brows and look back at my palm. Deciding to open it, I unfolded the paper to find Levi's elegant penmanship across the white surface.

Why are you acting strange?

I must've read that sentence countless times because it sounded quite absurd with each passing second. I was acting strange? How did he come up with that conclusion?

I wanted to scoff but only rolled my eyes instead. Quickly, I rip a piece of my own paper and scribbled over it.

Shall we talk about you first?

I hand it back to Levi and he takes it ever so slowly. I watch him read it, his lips turning up into a small smirk. He writes on another piece of paper.

Before handing it to me, he makes sure everyone was still paying attention to Erwin.

Interesting. Seems like you also strive to play victim. Goes good with ruining moods, I suppose. Should we make a list of all the dumb things you excel in?

I make a face, what the hell was his problem? A small irk pops out on my left temple as I do my best to control my breathing.

Being away from one another I figured he would at least cool off but it seems as though he had cherished that anger he gained that night. Now he was throwing it at me like stones.

"Why are you starting shit?" I hiss while clenching the paper.

"I'm not starting anything," he quickly denies with small smirk. "I'm simply pointing out your idiocy."

I bit back my insult. No, if I wanted to salvage at least the small shreds of what we shared many nights ago then I head to tread carefully. Although, that seemed quite difficult considering how I wished to slap him upside his head.

I was able to take in a small breath, however, and turn away from the fool beside me. I try to refocus back on the meeting but only find myself lost and confused. I wasn't truly sure we were talking about.

Levi's arms suddenly bushes up against mine. I glance over to him noticing how he closed the small gap between us.

"I'm still pissed about what you said the other night," he mutters.

"Oh yeah? I never asked." I huff softly while looking away. If he wishes to talk about this here then he must be losing his mind.

As horrible as the timing was he was also a few days late for this sort of conversation. I didn't need him telling me how angry he was. I could tell by looking at his face.

"I'm not submissive," he continues in a deep, throaty tone. "I know how to take charge."

"Are you sure? Because during that night it seemed like you enjoyed me having control."

I knew he liked it because I knew sure as hell I did. Seeing the cold, distant, rude Captain actually enjoying skin-ship as well as touching another human being was truly a delightful thought.

"Do you want me to show you?" Levi suddenly challenges. "Because I can take control and show you how it's like to be under my finger."

His words brought a tingly warmth down my core. I enjoyed the sound of that. Hell, my mind instantly started to create fun imagines of what he could do. Does this mean he would do it again?

I swallow thickly, "What do you propose then?"

I didn't want to sound eager or excited but seemed to fail miserably. When I look at Levi all I could see was a glimmer of amusement and the corner of his mouth quirked up into a devious smirk.

"My office," he states. "Off-duty hours."

It would be a lie to say I wasn't giddy at all. No, I was more than that. It was as though my body melted in this very chair. Every nerve in my tingled while my hands started to quiver in anticipation. God, I couldn't wait.

"Lieutenant Wolfram."

The mere calling of my title had me jolting out of my chair. I wasn't ready for such a thing and blush furiously when I hear Levi insult me colorfully. I force my eyes upon my Commander while I ignore the curious stares from everyone in the room.

My body stood straight and stiff, I even clench my fists behind my back. Erwin's questionable gaze locks with mine and I wasn't sure why he called me.

"Lieutenant Wolfram," he repeats. "Report."

It was like his words were foreign to me. I stare at him stupidly and I was certain my face even presented that. He silently gestures to the papers on the table and immediately I remember what he meant.

"O-oh! The funds we have so far are less than two-hundred-thousand. Seven-hundred fifty thousand is exactly what we have. Not many taxpayers are willing to pay the normal amount recently."

"How much are they giving?" Erwin questions.

"Fifteen dollars less than their usual."

This causes quite a stir amongst the officers. Everyone was questioning if the Regiment would run for long. Others were wondering if the taxpayers won't give us the normal amount because we haven't been making progress.

Many of these questions had been directed to me. I tried to answer the best I could but it was only a matter of time till I ran out of answers.

"How are we supposed to win their support again, Lieutenant?" One questions with worry in his eyes. "If we don't gain enough support or funds then the Survey Corps will cease to exist."

Not only did his words ring true but also bringing reality into light. We were losing funds, support, and even soldiers. If nothing is done now then the politicians in Shina wouldn't hesitate to close us down.

I began to chew on my inner cheek as I try to think of any ideas. Even Erwin had his hand clasped in front of his mouth as he thought. Everyone needed a small grain of hope that we Scouts can truly give them the freedom they wished.

If only we knew more about Titans then surely everyone would feel confident in our strength. My eyes suddenly widen and I whirl my head to the left. I stare at Hanji who was biting her lip in thought.

Catching my gaze, she turns to me and stares back in questioning. I knew right then and there she was the answer.

"Blueprints," I breathe. "We show them some blueprints."

"Emma, what are you talking about?" Levi asks while crossing his arms. I look down at him with a small smile.

"Think about it, what is everyone afraid of? Titans. But what else is the most terrifying? Not knowing the unknown." I turn to Erwin and everyone else who all look equally confused. "Hanji has developed some sort of machine to capture a Titan. If we show the politicians then maybe they'll keep funding us. That way, we gain more information as well as fueling the citizen's hope to keep believing in us."

Erwin nods thoughtfully before turning his gaze to Hanji. She looks almost sheepish about being called on this sort of thing. But I could also see the small glimmer in her eyes.

"Is this true, Hanji?" Erwin inquires.

"Huh? Oh, umm, yes! I-I mean, no. I mean, I just made a blueprint, that's all." Hanji chuckles nervously while rubbing her head. A bright blush coats her cheeks and she tired to look anywhere but at our Commander.

"Do you think it'll effective if used in missions?" Levi questions. He was also taking interest in this mysterious machinery Hanji somewhat developed.

"I think so," Hanji answers truthfully. "It's a simple mechanism where we disable a Titan from any movement. Similar to our ODM gear we launch arrows into its joints while launching another set of arrows to trees or the ground for stability. I haven't really worked out the size or how we can carry it into the fields but with more research and trial and error I'm positive it'll be the most effective piece of equipment we'll have."

I already knew of her blueprint as I was the first she showed it to. I know it'll be useful, Hanji was the one who thought of it after all.

"Sir, I believe this can lead everyone into believing in us again. If we use this on a simple mission and capture a Titan, it could help us learn more about them as well," I say confidently. "Showing the other regiments as well as those politicians would surely boost up our funds."

I had awed everyone into silence. They all stare at me in wonder as if I said something so religious. Even Erwin seemed to be in a loss for words as he didn't respond immediately.

"Alright," he breathes before standing. "I want to make at least one prototype and test it out. If it works then I'll request a meeting."

I found myself releasing a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. My shoulder sag a bit while a ghost of a smile whisks upon my face. Erwin turns to me and gives me a nod of approval.

"I appreciate your idea, Lieutenant." He then quickly calls the meeting to a close. I watch everyone gather things before leaving.

Some even said congratulations to me before the walked out. A sense of pride suddenly wells within me but I only manage a simple nod and smile. I notice Hanji was also leaving along with Mike.

When both make it to the exit she stops. Glancing over her shoulder she locks eyes with me. I stare back with a stern look, unsure what she wanted.

But, she gave me a small nod before walking out. It brought the tiniest smile upon my face.

"Impressive. Not only did you grant Hanji's wish but you also lifted the hearts of many." A firm hand drops upon my shoulder. Erwin stood beside me. He looks down at me with a proud smile. "Thank you."

"I only said what I thought would be helpful," I murmur with a shrug.

"Yes, but I haven seen these officers this energized in months. We might actually make a discovery."

There was this gleam in his cerulean-colored eyes. Light had greeted him and no longer did he seem like a haggard commander pulled down by work. He looked like a man with a revision purpose. I could only manage a nod his way and his somehow smile widens.

"I'll see you later." He gives me one final pat on the shoulder before striding out the double doors. He was the last one to leave. Or so I thought.

"I agree with Erwin." Levi appears by my side with arms crossed over his chest.

He didn't seem all that impressed like Erwin or the others. Boredom seemed like a suitable word for his expression.

I quirk up a brow. "Agree on what?"

"Everything," he answers simply. He takes a step towards me before leaning forward. Breathing suddenly became a difficult task on my end. I held it once his face grew near. "Hope to see your sorry ass in my office, brat," he breathes. "Otherwise, you'll see yourself in deep shit."

I wanted to say some snarky remark but I found it hard to. My throat was dry as ever and I was afraid I would croak instead of speak. I opted for keeping mouth shut and calming my stupid heart.

Levi only smirks as he pulls away. He knew his words went through to me. I watch him silently walk towards the doors. He takes one last look over his shoulder, smirking in the process. It sent my body into a melting mess.

"Off-duty hours," he reminds. "I don't like being interrupted."

He leaves soon after those words left his lips. When the door clicks behind him I found myself staggering about like a baby deer. I quickly grasp the ends of the table.

Confusion overwhelmed me. I wasn't sure what he meant by not wanting to be interrupted but, god damn it did that smirk sent my body on fire. I may not know what he has in store for me tonight and I didn't care.

As long as I get touch those lips again and pull him close I couldn't find it in me to care for anything else. 

/\/\/\/\/\

Quick question;
Should I change the Title?

I'm just curious:)

Please! Lemme know in the comments!!

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