Chapter Thirteen
Be my partner?

Hange and I were back in the dance room learning a new dance, it was a bit of a waltz but it had a bit more of a contemporary kick to it? I don't know that's how Hange tried to explain it to me.

It was a bit more unsettling seeing men enter the room I'm guessing to learn more and there was a lot more than expected. 

What I didn't expect at all was Captain Levi entering the room with a fussy look and accompanied by Commander Erwin.

"Hange? What the hell are they doing her?" I hissed as I stopped my stretching.

"Not sure, maybe I could ask- HEY GUYS!" Hange waved which made me instantly regret telling her anything. 

Commander Erwin and Captain Levi walked over to us, Commander Erwin had an amused smile on his face, "Athena, didn't think you'd be into these things." 

"Ah, well you see Hange always seems to drag me around like a puppet sometimes but I'm fine with sticking around for a few classes... And you commander?" I replied not even glancing at Captain Levi who I could tell held a glare at me. 

"I see," Commander Erwin chuckled. "Well I brought Levi here to come and watch apparently there's a guy on the loose who purposely comes in to be a creep, be safe ladies I'll be heading out." 

"Aw! But Commander you should stay!" Hange whined. "If I got Athena to like dancing I think you would like it too!" 

"Oh no- Hange I'm good-" 

"Commander Erwin!" I added a pout. "One class! I'd love to see you rock some moves at the ball!" 

"I can't do that-"

"PLEASE!" Both Hange and I begged in unison. 

"I- Fine." Commander Erwin gave up and in perfect time because class was starting.

To say I felt uncomfortable by Captain Levi's presence was to say the least, I felt like he was drilling holes in the back of my head!

"Erwin!" Hange scolded. "To the left! Not the right- NO YOUR LEFT!" 

I chuckled as Commander Erwin became a partner for Hange, I was left practicing by myself I used to have Hange as a partner but that spot seemed to be filled at the moment. 

I didn't mind, I could learn on my own it's way easier than to have someone hold you back. 

It was a darker dance for sure, Historia had a new playlist of music she prepared and I'm guessing for each ball it's going to be new music. A song called "Highschool Sweethearts" was going to play and it was a darker theme yet somehow kind of lovely? 

I heard the lyrics and god it was very... Creepy? It was almost addicting thought I really didn't mind the vibe I found it intriguing. It wasn't such a fluffy song like the other ones I danced to on the first night. 

"Okay, now at this part of the song the females get to have a solo moment!" The teacher clapped her hands. "Ladies pay close attention, this part is really going to be intimate so be prepared to dance this with a trusted partner!"

I didn't plan on dancing this with anyone, god it was awful! She did a demonstration of the part without us following her but just seeing a preview and it was... Yeah, it was too close for comfort. I didn't imagine myself dancing like that with anyone. Could be because I only trusted Hange and I wouldn't mind dancing with her like that... But I bet she'd want to dance with Moblit this time around. What did I get myself into?

"You, young lady!" The teacher walked up to me and I was stunned. "Are you here to learn?"

"Me?" I pointed at myself in confusion. "Uh, yes?"

"Then where is your partner? You'll need one for this dance." She placed her hands on her hips. 

Shit. 

"I uh-" I began but she quickly shushed me and pointed behind me. 

"You, young gentlemen!"

I turned to see she pointed at.... Fucking hell. You've got to be fucking joking. 

Captain Levi. She pointed at Captain Levi.

"Oh no! That won't work-" I began but she shushed me again.

"In this room titles won't work on me, you're doing nothing so come and help this young lady!" The teacher said and my eyes widened.

I turned to Hange for help but she just wiggled her eyebrows at me and turned to Erwin who had a smug look on his face. What the hell? 

So no help? Got it, thanks guys. Just peachy.

"Excuse me," Captain Levi replied. "I'm here on duty-"

"You can spare a few minutes Levi!" Commander Erwin interrupted. 

Captain Levi breathed out and shot me a glare as he walked over to me with his hands in white gloves.

They look familiar. 

Hm. 

"Oh good!" The teacher cheered and went back to the front, she continued her lesson and I see all the other dancers follow her words. 

I hated this. 

I was supposed to basically do intimate moves in front of this guy? This short ass guy who doesn't give a fuck about me. I just wanted this to be over with.

"Just for the record, we do not speak of this ever again." I cursed before his hands brushed up against my waist sending me shivers.

"Don't have to tell me twice," He grumbled.

"Ladies, you will walk in a small circle." The teacher began. "You have to stare into the eyes of your partner no matter what, follow the words of the song and feel." 

I followed the directions and soon I was staring into his eyes, his stupid piercing eyes that captured my attention for some reason. I felt my heart pacing fast the longer we stared into each other's eyes, it almost felt like we've done it before. It felt perfectly in sync. 

~Can we just be honest? 

The words rang through my head as the music played. 

As the bridge came I had no choice but to dance in such a... Intimate way in front of the captain. I hated every second of this but he didn't seem so fazed.

~ Could you be my first time? Eat me up like apple pie, make me not wanna die. Love me rough and let me fly.~

~Get me up, yeah, get me high. Tie me down, don't leave my side~

~Don't be a waste of my time~

I felt something inside my stomach build up as the song inched closer and closer to the end. What the fuck was I feeling? Fuck. 

Swaying my hips side to side taking my eyes off of Captain Levi I looked over to see Hange getting it down, she looked really good. Well, all of the women in the room looked really good they all looked attractive. Who knew dancing could make someone look good. Really good. 

I turned my attention back to him as his eyes traveled up and down my body and we were back at it, his arms around my waist and my back pressed against his chest. I wanted to pant out because I was tired from how quick the movements were compared to past dances but I kept it in. 

His hands flew to mines and held them tight as we continued like partners, so I guess for women to have their little solo moment the men just stood and watched? Ew. Definitely not comfortable with that, Hange owes me big time for this class. I will not be continuing after this no matter what shit she pulls. I've had enough!

When the song was over I finally let out the air I was holding onto and he did as well surprisingly. Who knew the captain's stamina was shit at dancing?

"Didn't know dancing could tire someone like you out," I chuckled as I stood up normally and brushed the hairs out of my face. 

"It's not the dancing that was tiring," He replied sternly and quickly walked away from me leaving me alone.

Oh. Oh?

Hmm.

Nope,  I will never understand that man.