I was perplexed. Edward had no resentment towards me for what happened. Not even a drop of anger.

"Well, I was sad," Edward admitted after a bit. "I mean, you did care more about beating Captain Levi than everyone else."

I bit my lip when I shifted in my chair. I had apologized for what happened and assured him I wasn't in a sane state of mind. Edward was fine with it though.

"As long as we're all alive it doesn't matter anymore." I had caught him grinning at me with his face almost radiating in happiness. My eyes widened before I looked away.

"You're an odd one," I muttered helplessly.

"Only you would think that," he chuckled. "I'm just happy around you."

It was then I realized this Cadet would give me a heart attack. His words were too gentle and kind. I wasn't sure I deserved such words.

My reaction was hopeless. As much as I tried, I couldn't conceal my stupid bright blush. It only made Edward laugh till he whined about his side hurting.

Now, with comfortable silence veiling around us there was a question eating at the back of my mind. Edward was too engrossed in his newspaper to notice. I decided to bluntly ask as I saw no harm in it.

"Are Nifa and Hanji still mad at me?" I remembered the way Hanji brushed me off a few weeks ago, lying to me that she wasn't upset. And a couple hours ago she was acting like nothing changed.

I haven't seen Nifa but I'm sure she's twice as disappointed as everyone else was.

Edward hums thoughtfully to himself before turning a page. "Hm, I would say no. . ?"

"Why did you say it in a question?"

He takes a moment to respond. His eyes were trained on the paper but no longer focused on the words. I waited patiently for him to look at me or even utter a word.

But he sat on his bed, seeming as though he was trying to frantically find words to explain it all. Until he lets out a heavy sigh.

"I'll just tell you bluntly," he caves. "They're pissed. And when I say that I mean, beat the crap out of you type of pissed." He finally glances over to me with a grimacing expression pasted on his tanned face.

I blink twice, I wasn't surprised. I knew they were upset, hell, I even expected them to hate me. Yet, I felt like I was stabbed in the heart.

No matter how much I braced myself for such news or even just a glimpse of their anger, I was deeply upset. It brought shame to my core.

"So, Hanji is still mad, huh." I didn't say it in a way of questioning. I was still confused by her behavior earlier. I guess she only put up an act in front of Levi and Erwin.

"Yeah, everyone is still kinda mad at you and the Captain," Edward mutters awkwardly. I nod mutely without averting my gaze from his. I steel myself as well as my eyes. No use of dwelling on it now. I already expected these results.

"Yeah, I figured," I sigh as I recall those nasty glares. Edward eases slightly at the sight of my relaxed body.

He shrugs casually before picking up his paper. "Yeah, well, you got me, Em. I'm not going anywhere." I huff in response as I feel my troubles whisk away.

"Are you implying that I stick to a Cadet now?" I question with a teasing smirk.

"Why not?" Edward ponders. "We get along easily and I sure as hell don't hate you." He flashes me a quick smile before looking back at his paper.

I smile at that before looking away. I set my eyes on the window before me and gaze at the cloudless sky. Summer was near.

I began to think about Nifa and Hanji, then my squad members. I lost the respect I gained from both and I wasn't sure if I could gain it back. I'm sure Levi is in the same pit as I am but seeing how Petra was eager to see him I don't think he'll have much problems like me.

A sudden gasp brings me back to reality. I whirl to Edward who slammed his newspaper on his lap dramatically.

"I got an excellent idea!" He beams. He looks at me with a spark in his eyes and a hopeful smile. I rose an eyebrow, puzzled by his sudden excitement. "Tomorrow, you and I should go around town!" He proposes.

Seeing that gleeful smile of his my heart commits a sudden leap. The mere idea of being with Edward all day was intriguing. In fact, I couldn't find it in me to list all the cons against it.

However, I was finally out of that damn cell. I can just imagine the pile of papers awaiting me. I release a heavy sigh for I was in no mood to upset Edward.

"As much as fun as that sounds, I can't," I say solemnly. "I got so much work to do and you still need to rest."

To my surprise he doesn't take it like a rejection. Instead, he saw it as a challenge and wished to prove himself. He sits up straight with fire in his eyes.

"One, you haven't been working for weeks now. I'm sure it can be held off for another day," he states with his pointer finger. Then he shows his middle finger. "Two, I'm a strong man! I don't need rest!"

I release an airy chuckle. Edward does not find it amusing, however.

"Besides, I'm being discharged tomorrow. So, think of it as a way of celebration or something," he exclaims.

I bite my lip unsure what to say. He made two great points that made it hard for me to make an argument. Seeing how much Edward desired to spend time with me I couldn't find it in me to refuse much longer.

"You can go a day without doing work. Plus, I'll make it fun!" He gives me a teasing grin. I realized the longer I stay quiet the more he's going to find reasons for me to come along.

"You're not going to shut up till I say yes, aren't you?" I question tiredly.

Edward smiles innocently, "That's right."

I heave a heavy sigh. "Alright, fine. You can shut up now."

Despite my rude comment, Edward grins widely with a red flush coating his cheeks. I couldn't help but follow suit with the blush and smile.

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

Somehow, I was the first one to show up for this, 'hangout' Edward deeply desired to go on. Standing in front of headquarters wearing only a dress truly made me feel uncomfortable. I couldn't avoid the questioning and desirable stares thrown at me by many soldiers.

Many guys, unfortunately, winked my way while looking up and down my body in approval. I rub my arm nervously while biting the inside of my cheek.

"This is ridiculous," I mutter with a warm blush coming to my cheeks.

I should've went home yesterday instead of wearing the clothes Nifa gave me for my nineteenth birthday. I was in luck to find it in my office and decided to go wear it. Now, seeing all the attention I was bringing I was starting to feel as though I was out of place.

As time ticked by my temper rose to a boiling point. Did any of the men here have any respect? I wasn't some object they could gawk at, let alone whistle at.

Despite the anger building inside me, I could feel it being strongly oppressed by my sudden self-conscious. I wasn't used to this type of attention and sure as hell hated it. I look around once more and see no sign of Edward.

I probably had enough time to change. Would it be weird if I wore my uniform?

"Em!"

Loud clopping of feet against stone begin to fill my ears. I turn to my left and see Edward jogging towards me. At the sight of him, I release a relieved sigh. My nerves started to cease at the sight of his wide grin.

"I'm sorry I'm late." He apologizes when he stops before me. "Daniel and Sean hid my shirt from me."

I nod aimlessly, I was too busy eyeing his stature to listen. He wore a simple grey shirt and black pants. His feet covered by black shoes.

His attire was simple but oddly looked great on him. I noticed he had neatly combed his blond hair as it was not its usual messiness. Without the uniform I would think at first glance he was a merchant's son.

"Wow." I hear him breathe. I blink twice before locking eyes with him.

"Wow, what?"

Edward swallows thickly before a blissful smile whisks itself over his lips. "You," he replies. "You look stunning."

In response, I look down at myself. I wore a simple sky-blue dress and black flats. My hair was not bounded by a hair-tie and had flowed down my back and stopped at my waist.

Despite how simple I looked Edward was clearly mesmerized. I grip the fabrics of my dress and avert my gaze to the ground.

"Thanks." I immediately curse myself for sounding timid. "You look great too."

Edward grins in response before gesturing his head to the streets. "You ready then, Em? I'm sure all these stares are making you uncomfortable."

With that I notice how Edward throws a threatening glare at those who gawked at us. To my surprise they scurry away. I had to smile, somehow he always knows how to create a relaxing mood.

I nod when he looks back at me before following him into the streets. We had walked for a while conversing when we deemed it so. Edward's presence not only made me unusually smiley but I also felt comfortable around him.

His smile never left his face, in fact, it only grew every time he looked at me. His jokes never disappoint and had found myself laughing like I never did before. It was nice like he promised.

Our time together wasn't awkward as I thought it would be. There were times when we walked his hand would graze against mine. I caught him blushing immensely at the contact but to my surprise, I didn't share his balled up fluster.

I thought not much of it and suggested to eat at a nearby café. When we were seated I took a quick glance at the menu before deciding what I want. When I told Edward, however, his reaction was not one I expected.

"So, you want cake and that's it?" Edward questions with raised brows.

I couldn't understand why he seemed puzzled or even startled by my want. I simply shrug with a pout.

"Yeah. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing!" Edward replies hastily. "It's just--I could buy all the food here for you if you want."

He skims through his menu thoughtfully as mumbled to himself. I shake my head flattered by his suggestion.

"Why?" I found myself asking. I was truly curious as to why Edward would spend most of his money on me. It would be a waste to do so. He abruptly slams his menu shut with a loud sigh.

"Can't a man treat a woman to something nice, Em?" He smiles kindly.

I stiffen in my chair and unconsciously chew my bottom lip. My actions seemed to entertain Edward, he leans forward with a gleeful smile upon his face. "Well? Can't he?"

I swallow thickly as I found it to be quite difficult to speak. I keep my gaze firmly locked with his and try to calm my damn nerves. Unfortunately, it only causes my blood to run strongly through veins.

"I mean, if they want," I answer finally. My voice was awkward and unsure. I wasn't sure what came over me but it caused Edward's eyes to gleam in amusement.

"So, if I want to treat you to something nice, like buy you everything here, am I allowed?"

God damn it, I curse. Why the hell is he making this difficult for me? It angered me to know my quick wit and easy retorts and insults had left my mind.

I felt like an idiot with my mind feeling like nothing but mush. I stare wide-eyed at Edward as I frantically try to think of a stupid answer. I had barely noticed the two people who appeared before our table.

"Well, look who it is." I hear one drawl.

I blink at the voice, my blood suddenly running cold. My attention was no longer upon Edward.

"Damn, is it just me or did the last three years treat you well?"

I turn to my left to see two young MPs standing before us with wild grins over their faces. Both were male and had dark brown hair. They paid no mind to Edward across from me. I swallow thickly at the sight, my lips pressed firmly together.

"Arron, Booker," I greet tightly. "Quite a surprise to see you two here."

My words were nowhere close to welcoming. I was trying my best to not snarl at them. After two years their stupid faces never changed.

Their hideous eyes gleam in delight at the sight of my appearance. I try my best to not bristle at their disrespectful gaze. I see Booker's grin turn into a devious one that sends a chill down my spine.

"Likewise."

/\/\/\/\/\

Ship name for Emma and Levi or Edward and Emma?

I suck at these so I kinda need help...😅

If you got any please comment!

I might use it in a future chapter👀

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