Chapter Twenty- Eight

Call me Levi

Dancing with Levi felt good. It made all my worries go away and I wasn't even thinking too much about the fact I was abandoned by A.L. Every time I was thinking about it, Levi somehow managed to interfere and helped me think about something else. I didn't have my mask on for the first time at this ball and everyone saw us dancing, as friends of course!

Or comrades?

I'm not sure I haven't had the conversation with him like that.

"Are you going to accept the position?" Levi looked at me with no emotion on his face still, I don't understand how he manages to always keep a poker face.

"I'm not ready." I sighed.

"The more you say it the more you won't be." He scoffed. "You have to be confident, how else will you fight for humanity?"

"If I get my whole squad killed I'd rather be dead." I frowned before realizing my words. "I'm sorry— I meant—"

"It's not the best luck," He admitted. "It happens, if I could stop my squad from— Nevermind."

"I'm sorry." I apologized again as I looked him in the eye. "It's not your fault."

"Whatever," He stopped dancing. "I have to go."

Huh? Go where?

"What?" I furrowed my eyebrows as he walked off leaving me alone in confusion.

I walked towards the snack table with a frown, I think I hit a nerve. I feel bad. Just when we were getting to know more about each other, I don't think he wants to be friends.

Damn it.

"Fuck!" I heard a loud giggly voice hit the floor as I turned to my left I saw Hange fall on the floor.

What the hell is she on?

"Hange?" I raise my eyebrow.

"Leave me alone! I'm fineee!" She slurred her words as her eyes remained shut. "I'm tired, I'll go to sleep."

Oh Hange...

"Come here," I lifted her up and wrapped her arm around my neck. "Time to head home."

"Nooooo!  I want to dance with Moblit!" She whined  as she turned her head to me and opened her eyes. "Athena?"

I managed to carry her outside the ballroom and down the pathway, nothing changed in the end. I still cared about her. 

"Hange, use your feet!" I groaned as she was basically dragged across the floor.

"I'm a jellyfish," She slurred as she fell to the floor. "You know what a jellyfish is? Heard your brother talking about it in the book he read." 

I chuckled as I helped her back up, Armin really had to go around throwing out this information. 

I remember when I read the book to him for the first time, he was really depressed that day I remember there were bullies taking things from him when he was all alone. 

"Yeah?" I smiled bringing her to my room. "What other things did he tell you?" 

"He's such a cute soldier," Hange smiled. "Even if he's gentle he's growing a lot and I can tell he can defend himself." 

"I'm glad people see the change," I nodded and laid her on my bed. "He's a lot stronger now but I'm afraid he'll grow a bigger ego... So far it's going okay." 

"And you know what! I remember seeing you and Levi dance and it made me laugh because I know the truth-" Suddenly Hange finished her slurring and knocked out.

"Huh?" I sat next to her and shake her. "Hange? What do you mean? What truth?" 

No answer but snoring. 

Figures.

"Goodnight, Hange." I sighed as I brought the covers up to her neck.

I stepped outside my room and stared at the sky again, lately I've been so deep in my thoughts and I can't seem to escape it. 

"Figured you'd be here," Levi appeared beside me. "I needed time to think I apologize for running off like that." 

I nodded before resting my arms on the railing glancing back at the sky. "It's fine."

"Fine?" He questioned leaning his back on the railing and staring at the space behind me. 

"I'm not going to fight to be your friend, Levi- I mean Captain Levi." I apologized as I glanced at him. 

"Friend?" He raised an eyebrow at me and finally looked at me.

"Yeah? Unless I misread the situation." I leaned my back against the railing like he was now. 

"No one's ever said it like that I guess." He hummed as he moved to stand in front of me.

"Well.. I.. I'm sorry we don't have to be friends I know you like your space," I frowned and ran my hands through my hair looking up at him. "I don't like the tone you use to talk to me most of the time, I really hate being on someone's bad side." 

"That's just who I am." He shook his head placing his hand in his pocket and walked to the railing close to me staring at the sky. "I can't change who I am."

"And I'm not asking you to," I kept my attention on him. "Captain, I'll follow your orders if it's meant to make me a better soldier I promise. But I also need respect in return, I can't learn if you're going to disrespect my efforts."

"I'll keep that in mind then," He turned to me. "And if you want to become friends, you can start by calling me Levi." 

Wow, oh fuck. I felt my eyes widened at his words. Was he actually being serious? He's always serious. 

"Thank you, Levi." I smiled at him. "I'll work harder to be a better soldier." 

"Cut that out, it makes me seem like I'm a powerful." He rolled his eyes.

"You are,"  I snorted. "You should totally beat up this guy I was supposed to meet up at the ball."

"Oh?" He turned his attention to me and crossed his arms. "He didn't show at all?"

"Yeah," I sighed. "It doesn't matter though I'm secretly hoping he was eaten by a titan or something so that I don't have to think about being rejected." 

"Harsh much?" He stifled out a small chuckle.

I made him chuckle. 

It was cute.

"I'm wallowing in self pity don't mind me." I groaned and hung my head low.

"I'm sure there was a good reason, don't jump to conclusions." He replied. 

"Not to sound gross or anything but I really liked him." I inhaled sharply. "I wish I knew who he was, I want to meet him. Behind the mask." 

"Then find him at the next ball," Levi continued to stare at me with a softened look on his face I haven't seen ever. "If this is something you want to pursue then go for it but don't let it get in the way of your duty."

"Right," I frowned. "I understand." 

"Now, get some sleep brat." He ruffled my hair before walking down the hallway and disappearing into the night. 

He just touched my hair, he touched me. With his bare hand? 

Didn't think once you became friends with the guy he would suddenly accept skin contact? 

He sure is interesting.