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Chapter 11: Amends

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Hange knew that words had some kind of impact on Levi. A strange aura surrounded him as a tragedy had just happened. Something she wasn't aware of and did not know about. She wanted to stop him but he was fast and seemed like he wanted to talk to no one. He walks away, getting himself confused within the crowd.

"Where is he going?" Maria interrupts Hange's thoughts as she sees Levi walk away in silence.

"He is probably going back to the carriage," Hange says as she turns around to face the brunette. "But tell me ... Are you ready to go home?"

"I've been thinking ... And I would like to stay here for some time to help the kids get adjusted," Maria mentally prayed more than anything at the moment than to stay.

"I am sorry but you can't do anything about it, you have to go back to the dorms-"

"But!"

"We have strict orders from Commander Shadis, Levi and I already did too much by asking him permission to come and look for you all," Hange looks at Maria with sadness in her eyes, it was tragic that Maria wasn't allowed to take her own decisions. "We have to come back with you all ... If we don't we will get punished and you will have it worst."

"But what if we say-"

"Maria, we can't lie ... We are here to take the house attendants, even one of the commander's advisor is here with us," Hange added. "Another specialized group is going to come for the injured soldiers, they are going to come and investigate the place ... They will find you."

Hange places a hand on the brunette's shoulder to show her resilience, "I am sorry, but you are still legal property of the Survey Corps ... If they find out you are here without permission, they will punish you. You won't be able to stay on the dorms anymore, you will be put somewhere else or they will even sell you to someone."

The brunette looks down to the ground in disappointment, she knew that she couldn't stay here for long. However, she had the hope that this time could be different. The brunette looks over to the children, they looked to be happy at the moment as their tummies received proper amounts of food. It has only been a couple of days but she became fond of them quickly.

"But on the bright side, Erwin will officially become the next Commander really soon and he may permit you to come back," Hange tried to cheer up the brunette as he noticed that Nicholas was approaching her from behind. He had heard the conversation as he was walking by.

"Do you think he will let me come?"

"Erwin has a good heart ... I am almost sure," she smiles, and that brings comfort to Maria.

"Also! I asked some of my old friends to keep giving the kids extra food while we are gone," Nicholas interrupted as he places an arm around Maria's shoulders. "They are strong kids too, so don't worry too much ... Also, my friend Hannes comes every week to visit the kids and makes sure they are eating properly."

Maria smiles feeling a bit more positive, this obstacle shouldn't stop her from achieving her wants. She shouldn't give up too easily, once Erwin becomes Commander of the Survey Corps, she will ask him to allow her to stay at the refugee facility for a couple of days. At least until the children were relocated to a safe place.

"Fine, I'll go with you," Maria responds. "I'll go tell the other house attendants to get ready too."

"Don't worry, the Commander's advisor will go to each room and look for them," Hange says, and then she looks at Nicholas with a teasing smile. "Also, Flaherty!"

"Yes, squad leader Zoe!" Nicholas suddenly removes his arm from Maria's shoulders as he salutes Hange.

"We will talk about your punishment later," Hange says. "Don't think I have forgotten that you left the hospital without permission."

"I'll take any punishment that you think it's righteous- "

"And Captain Levi will make you company too, he also disobeyed orders during the outside the wall expedition."

"Ah, shit."

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The children assured Maria that they would be just fine without her and to not worry too much. However, they would love to see her from time to time. Maria knew that they were strong but even so, she couldn't stop shedding tears when she hugged them goodbye.

She promised to come back once she clear things up with the new Commander.

Now she and the house attendants were on their way back. Around five carriages came to pick them up and tomorrow they will send back the carriages if possible. After all, they were suffering from a scarcity of vehicles since they were all used by the government at the moment.

It was strangely awkward, Levi was next to Hange facing Maria and Nicholas. The prairie schooner was big enough for them and they were thankful that the white mantle was on top of them because it seems like it could rain at any moment. The sky was filled with clouds, and strong winds crossed by.

Seeing that not a lot of things were said, Maria decided to speak up. She was still worried about her friend Lisa since she didn't know exactly where she was.

"I've wanted to ask," she looks at Hange because she was still a bit embarrassed about the whole situation with Levi. "Will the Survey Corps staff visit other refugee facilities? We believe we have other friends who may reside in them."

"Yes, it will take some time but we will try to be as fast as we can," Hange responds, mentally thanking the brunette for speaking up because she also couldn't take the awkward silence. "We had a great loss, I still don't know how we will be able to move from this."

"We are probably going to have to cut money on a lot of things ... Food especially," Nicholas says out of nowhere. "I may even add that some soldiers may not receive payments in a while ... And maybe even sell some house attendants."

Levi rolls his eyes, whatever Nicholas says annoys him a great deal. But even he had to admit that he was right, there was a small possibility that it might happen.

"But don't worry! I'll think of something to buy you off before that happens!" Nicholas smiles at the brunette as he places his strong hand in Maria's leg. She didn't mind too much since the fabric of her dress stopped him from touching any skin. "And then you will finally be mine!"

This is the type of thing Hange enjoyed. Watching a love triangle unfold, jealous Levi was something so amusing to her. Almost like an experiment, she wanted to know just what was Levi's limit.

"Nicholas, don't say those things so lightly!" Maria says, still not minding the touch on her leg. She was more worried about his words.

"I mean it! Don't worry I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do," he winks at her while Maria feels heat going up to her cheeks. "And once we married we will have a nice house, what about a kid or two?"

"You should think about getting a house inside Wall Sina if possible, it's safer," Hange added out of the blue and Levi looks at her, feeling betrayed.

"Please, don't give him ideas," Maria added, and then she turns around to look at Nicholas. "Besides I am still angry at you!"

"Uh, why?"

"You know why!" Maria turns her face on the other side as she finally saw that it started raining.

Levi on the other hand wasn't having too much fun. He was thinking of two things, either cut off Nichola's hand for touching Maria's leg or cutting off his tongue for saying that she was his. Either or, he would like to do whichever.

"Wait, I know why!" Nicholas takes off his hand from Maria's leg and instead he looked for something in his pant's pocket. He then showed it to Maria, it was the white ribbon that Maria had given him before the outside the wall expedition. "Your hair ribbon, sorry I forgot to give it to you with all the commotion."

Maria didn't want to look at Levi at the moment. She just could feel his gaze on them and she didn't how to react. The brunette didn't want to give the wrong impression to Levi but she also didn't want to be rude to Nicholas. It wasn't just fair to him either.

"It's not because of that that I am angry at you," Maria says as she takes off the ribbon from his hands. "But ... I hate how I can't stand mad at you for long ... Thank you."

Hange looks to her side to see humanity's strongest soldier, just there, radiating anger off his body.

"I know you can't," Nicholas says as he suddenly places his head on Maria's lap, resting peacefully. "That's why I tease you so much."

While Maria didn't know what to do, Hange was having the time of her life. She was surprised at the high tolerance Levi was having at the moment, she could also tell that Nicholas was looking at Levi with challenging eyes.

With defiance blue eyes and a teasing smile, Nicholas was telling Levi everything he needed to know."She is still mine, so back off."

"Maria, can you play with my hair?" Nicholas asks. "It's been a while."

"It's ... It's not appropriate-"

"Oh, don't worry about us! We don't mind, right Levi?" Hange asks as she turns her face to look at the angry man who was throwing daggers at her with his blue cold eyes.

"Fuck you Hange."

"Actually I do-" Levi began but he was then cut off by the scientist.

"So, go ahead!"

"Um, alright,"

Maria says as she awkwardly pats Nicholas's red hair, as she tried to be delicate she couldn't help it but turn her head to the other side. She just could feel Levi's eyes on her and it was making her uncomfortable.

At the moment, Levi was really thinking that jumping off the carriage was better than to witness what was happening in front of him. For the last days, the only thing he wanted was to lay next to Maria. For her to caress his hair, to be intimate with each other. What else did Nicholas want from him?

Or a better question, what else was Nicholas sharing with him? He already treats her like his girlfriend in front of everyone, he kisses her, shows her affection, cares for her? What else? Sexual intimacy? No, Levi couldn't think like that. He knew that he was going to go crazy just at the thought of it. Maria said that she was going to stay with him but ... She never said she was going to stop seeing Nicholas.

What if ... Just what if they are seeing each other intimately? It's nor like he could do anything about it not discuss it with her. Because he was nothing to her ... Nothing. He didn't have the right to feel this angry, nor this petty.

"But fuck, why am I the only one feeling jealousy?" Levi thought. "I want you to feel it too!"

And as Hange was enjoying the scene too much, she suddenly feels something on her shoulder.

Did Levi just place his head on her shoulder?

She turns around to see that he had actually done it. He had his eyes close as he rested his head on the scientist. Hange on the other hand wanted to let out a laugh, this was clearly done to make Maria jealous. But it seems like it wasn't working.

Mostly for two things, one that Maria and she were close friends and Maria knew about Hange's interest in Moblit. The other thing was that Levi's action wasn't that intimate.

"Oh, Hange!" Maria says suddenly as she notices Levi's head on her shoulder.

"Oh, are you jealous now Maria?" he thought.

"You should let Levi rest on your lap too, he looks tired," Maria says with a smile.

Oh, yes Hange also forgot ... That Maria just wanted the best for Levi and things such as jealousy may not be on her list.

"Fuck me, Maria,"

At his failed attempt to make the brunette jealous, Levi removes his head from Hange's shoulder. Now he didn't know at who he should be angrier at ... Nicholas for living the life he wants or Maria because she just didn't seem to understand him just yet.

"Stop touching his hair already dammit,"

Levi suddenly realized that he said that out loud and not in his thoughts.

"Um? Why-"

"Oh! No, Maria, it's alright!" Nicholas says as he removes himself from Maria's lap. "The Captain has a good idea ... You must be tired ... Here, now you rest your head on my lap."

"Go to fucking hell Flaherty."

It was quiet as the only thing that could be heard was raindrops hitting the ground. The soft walk of the horses on the grass, the soldier managing the horses as he moves the reins strongly. Levi held a powerful look at Maria, he was just looking at her with no expression whatsoever. He was just waiting for an answer, one that was taking long.

The brunette knew her answer, she wanted to deny him. However, she was just taking longer because she was trying to figure out how to softly turn down his proposition.

"Four eyes rest on my lap!"

"What?"

With an incredible force, Levi grabs Hange by her neck and forces her to place her head on his lap. The act made everyone surprised and Hange wanted nothing but laugh at how pathetically Levi was trying to get some type of reaction from the brunette. If he wanted to make Maria jealous, he should have picked another pretty girl ... Not her.

"Right ... A pretty girl."

"Yo! Maria, try it it feels nice!" Hange tried to get rid of those thoughts as she wanted to keep on making Levi angry. "Try it! Try it!"

Maria turns to look at Nicholas who was smiling and at Levi who was just waiting for an answer coming from her. Hange resting her head on Levi's lap and she smiled at the brunette too. She didn't know where she felt the most pressure from, her two friends or humanity's strongest soldier.

"Come on, don't be shy! You used to do it all the time!" And just like Levi did with Hange, Nicholas did the same. Using his left hand, he grabs Maria by the neck and forces her to place her head on his lap.

"Ah, just close your eyes, don't look at Levi ... Don't look at him." Maria tried her best to think about anything but the killer looks Levi must be giving Nicholas at the moment. "I am going to have to talk to him after this ..."

Thoughts aside, it was actually very comforting and it felt nice just as Hange said. She hasn't gotten any proper sleep these last couple of days and she began to feel numb very fast. The sound of the rain hitting the ground, the smell of wet soil, and Nicholas playing with her hair ... Almost the perfect place to sleep.

"Ouch Levi! You are pulling my hair!"

Watching her sleep was nice, Levi always thought that no matter how Maria slept, he would enjoy seeing her. However, there was always an exception to the rules. How he hated to see her sleeping so peaceful as Nicholas the lucky bastard played with her hair. Levi had never even had that opportunity. Sleeping with her after sex? Yes. Her sleeping on his lap? No. And that was his problem, that he just didn't want sex with her but also just be with her. Intimacy, being together was enough.

"Keep doing that and I'll make you run until you vomit Flaherty, and I don't care if Hange is your squad leader, you'll do as I say," he was already thinking in so many ways to punish Nicholas once they get back to training at the Survey Corps grounds.

"Look at her," Nicholas' voice wasn't directed at anyone, it was more to himself but even so Levi couldn't help but pay attention to his words. "She is just sleeping but it's crazy how I wouldn't change this for anything."

Levi looks at the other side, wanting to see anything but the couple in front of him. In a sense, Nicholas and him were similar, Maria had the two of them at her feet. And just like he would do anything for her, Nicholas would do the same. That was a great threat and an enemy that Levi might not be able to win against.

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They had come to a sudden stop. The rain had become too heavy for everyone to continue. The horses couldn't continue walking and the carriages would continue to stall due to the mud and rocky paths. Commander advisor's, Leon Müller, decided to seek for a hostel in a nearby village for the safety of everyone. Counting, in total there were 17 women and 8 men. Each room in the hostel could host up to 5 people, meaning that only 5 rooms were needed. Some men and women would have to sleep in the same room. Seeing that everyone was a responsible adult and that they didn't have the luxury to spend money on more rooms, everyone was alright with the decision.

After all the math is done, two women and three men would be sharing a room. Nicholas, Levi, Leon, Hange, and Maria. They were tired enough but the brunette wanted to take the opportunity to take a bath at least.

"Yo Levi, I'll let you share the room with your girlfriend but keep in mind we are all here," Leon says as he himself was on his way to exit the room, trying to see if he could get some food. "We don't want any unnecessary ... Sounds ... It's better if you both sleep in a separate bed bunker."

"She is not my girlfriend and we weren't planning on doing anything," Levi answers as he sat in the lower bed, Nicholas on the top. Facing Levi, Maria looks at him with a bit of disappointment in her eyes. Not like she could say much at the moment either.

"Well then, sorry," Leon says, he was saying that sarcastically. More as a joke and a reference of the previous day. He still couldn't believe Levi would go to Commander Shadis and ask him for permission to look for the brunette. "I should be saying that to you then Flaherty! No touching your girlfriend for the night!"

"Yes, sir!" Nicholas says from the top bed of the bunker. "Although it's Maria who you should warn! She can't keep her hands off me!"

"Nicholas!" Maria says from the other bed. Seeing the funny reaction coming off the brunette, Leo let out a laugh as he left the room.

A few seconds of silence passed in which Maria didn't know where to look. Levi laid on his bed, looking at the top part of the bunker bed. Maria thought that maybe she was exaggerating but a strange aura was radiating off Levi. He just seemed to be distant, he was probably just tired or so she hoped.

It was still raining, as Maria could tell from the window. Heavy rain, thunder, and lighting. The dim light from the candlelights made the room the perfect place to sleep in but at the moment the only thing Maria could think of was to find a place where she could take a bath.

"I'll go see if there are any communal baths in here," Maria says as she stood up from the bottom bed. "Hange, do you want to come with me?"

"Uh? I don't like showering," Hange says. Maria also noticed that the scientist was awfully quiet since they arrived at the hostel and that wasn't something normal.

"... You are definitely coming with me, then," Maria looks at Hange with strong eyes. "Come on, it will be fun!"

"But..." The scientist tried to deny her again and she would have if it wasn't that she was actually in a melancholy mood today.

"Please?"

"... Fine."

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Thankfully, there was a communal hot tub for Maria and Hange to enjoy. It wasn't the biggest one but it was big enough for five people, which was enough for the brunette. The wooden bathtub was filled to the top, the boiling water was changed every thirty minutes to keep it hot.

It was nice but Maria couldn't help but notice that something was missing. Maybe it was Hange that she also seemed distant, usually whenever they talk, it was she who initiated the conversation but tonight it has to be Maria. And of course, she didn't mind. But how could she start? Maybe a compliment? When she used to work at the tavern, Maria would start a conversation with men by complimenting them. Their suits, their shoes, their eyes, and even when she didn't mean it, they would believe it.

"Hange, you have beautiful hair ... You should let it loose once in a while," Maria smiles, she actually meant her compliment. Hange was a woman of many qualities but she also had her beauty assets.

"What for?" As if Hange had been awakened from a dream, she looks at Maria with curiosity in her eyes. "I don't have anyone to impress."

"It's not about having some to impress ... It's about yourself, about trying to have more confidence in oneself" Maria responded but she immediately left out a laugh. "But of course, you are Hange Zoe! Squad leader and the smartest person in the world! You must not care about petty things like vanity-"

"But I do!" the scientist raises her voice a little, making the bathroom go quiet. She couldn't help but remember the words that Elise said to her weeks ago at the dinner made for the house attendants.

"Oh, Squad Leader Zoe, no need to be so aggressive, I won't do it again, I wouldn't want to get into a fight with you, that's not very ladylike ... But of course, you don't know anything about being a lady, right?

"I know, I shouldn't care about those things ... I am good at so many things, I am an important person," Hange looks down at the water that surrounded her, not being able to face the brunette. "But I still care ... I care about what others say about me and what they think ... I want to look and feel pretty too ..."

Now that she thinks about it, Maria was similar to Hange. They were both confident in their own fields. Living with prostitutes and saloon girls made Maria learn about confidence. It was something that her job demanded, to be confident in her appearance, to be able to talk to men and intrigue them. But when it came to educational matters, Maria couldn't help but feel stupid, ignorant, and intimidated by women like Hange. Maria was always careful with the things she would say around her for the fact that she didn't want to sound stupid in front of her. In front of the woman she admired so much.

"Pathetic is not? We are in the middle of a crisis and I am thinking about this."

But now, looking at Hange, a woman who had so many amazing qualities being a victim of vanity ... It made her realize that she is just a simple woman like her too. Both of them lack confidence, in their perspective persona.

"You know Hange ... I was raised by saloon girls, all of them prettier than me. They helped me a lot to feel confident because it was part of my job ... So to be honest, I've never felt pessimistic about my looks," Maria moves slowly next to Hange, who was still looking down. "But, when I look at women like you ... I feel so intimidated, I feel so ugly and stupid."

"What I am trying to say is that you shouldn't feel bad about feeling unconfident ... I guess everyone is a victim of vanity at the end of the day," underneath the water, Maria softly grabs Hange's hand. "I don't know if this helps but ... Hange, you are by far the most amazing woman I've ever met ... And I mean that!"

Hange blushed a little, she didn't expect for a pretty woman like Maria to feel intimidated by her. Her, who doesn't take baths, who smells bad, talks like a boy and sits with her legs open. But the brunette was talking with such sincerity, that it was complicated not to believe her.

"Thank you, Maria, it does help," Hange smiles and Maria smiles back, she was happy to see Hange being her usual self.

"But don't get me wrong, I also think you are beautiful!" Maria says. "You exceed in both, looks and brains! Any man would fall for you ... But if you ever need my help to bust up your confidence a little, let me know! I would love to try to make up with you and groom your hair!"

"I'll take your word once we go back to the dorms," the scientist says as she lets out a smile. She extended her hands around the edge of the wooden bathtub. "Also, don't think of yourself as stupid ... I would never think of you like that ... And if you want, I could lend you some books and teach you somethings."

Maria's eyes shone with excitement, especially to know that Hange didn't think of her as ignorant. "Yes, thank you! My reading level is very basic right now but I'll try my best to learn."

Ah, so was this why Levi felt so attracted to Maria? It was so easy to talk and open up to her. Hange didn't know if it was the brunette's natural ability or if it was learned because she had to deal with talking with men. But either-or, Maria's communication skills were something to be appreciated.

"You really don't judge anyone, uh?"

"I am a tavern dancer, I don't think I could judge anyone even if I wanted to."

The women let out a laugh, it was sometimes good to laugh about oneself. It was as if everything had gone back to normal between the two, and it was nice to talk to Hange like this. Learning a new side of a friend was always interesting.

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Meanwhile, the room was awfully quiet. It was only Levi on the lower bed and Nicholas on the top bed. Levi tried to conceive some sleep but was having a hard time since he couldn't get a moment of silence. It was the scribbles of a pen against paper, the screeching sound of the top bed moving, and the candlelight that was still turned on.

"Hey, dumbass!" Levi says as he kicks the top bed, making the young man on top bounce. "Stop making so much noise! I am trying to sleep!"

"I am trying to write!" Nicholas moves his head a little, trying to see if he could get a peek of the angry Captain on the lower bed. "It's not my fault you don't have anyone to write to."

This guy was driving him crazy, one of these days he was going to punch him in the face.

"Well, it's not like Maria can't read anyways," Levi says, he wasn't one to get involved in cheap fights like this but Nicholas was really pushing his buttons.

"I can read it out loud to her," Nicholas replies almost instantly. "I am writing a book for her, so she can practice her reading ... But she has also done her fair share of studying. She can read slow and stumbles in some words but she is making progress."

"What?" Levi didn't want to sound so surprised and he mentally cursed at himself for sounding like that.

"She told me that you started teaching her and also Petra has helped her," Nicholas takes a pause, having a small flashback in his head. "I have to thank you ... It was really nice listening to Maria read."

Humanity's strongest soldier felt a heavy pressure in his heart. When they were practicing reading and writing, Levi had asked Maria multiple times if she could read out loud for him. However, she would always deny him, saying that she still wasn't ready for any long paragraphs.

Why? Why was the brunette comfortable reading to Nicholas and not him? Why was he so special to him? So intimate and open? Why couldn't Maria get close to him the same way she did with Nicholas?

"Was she always like that with you? So, comfortable?"

The question caught Nicholas off guard, he was showing a certain vulnerability. But although the question was more to himself than to Nicholas, the redhead didn't mind answering that question at all.

"Not at the beginning ... It took some for our relationship to get to that level ... and something else brought us closer too."

"Something else?"

"I won't talk about that, its a secret between her and me ... Sorry, to be honest, I don't think Maria will ever tell you about that," Nicholas says as he went back to writing, already having some ideas to write about in his book. "We have a special bond, lets leave it like that ... But I can answer you any other question."

He was having a golden opportunity, Levi could know anything he wanted about Maria. It was as if Nicholas was the one inviting him to ask questions. But he also couldn't ask too many, maybe one or two but not more.

"Were you ... her first boyfriend?" He asks.

"Um, I am not quite sure ... I know she was forced into an arranged marriage, but Maria doesn't like to talk about that, so we never did," Nicholas used this opportunity to make the man a little bit jealous. "But I was her first for many other things if you know what I mean."

Nicholas felt another strong kick coming from underneath his bed, making him jump and hit his head with the ceiling. "Ouch!"

"Shut up fucking bastard!"

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The next morning was better, they had safely arrived back to the Survey Corps Houses. While everyone in Levi's squad was happy to see Maria again, the Captain was still acting distant towards the brunette. The good news had also arrived, a letter from Lisa had reached the hands of Petra the day before. She informed through her letter that she was taking refuge at a facility in Trost District and thanks to her connections she was able to send a letter. It would take a couple of days before they send someone to get her, but knowing that Lisa was safe made Maria's day.

"Don't get too happy," Levi warns her as he stands up from his seat on the dining table. "We are ordered to go and talk to Erwin in an hour."

"But, we just came back," Maria says, she was hoping she could take a quick bath before meeting him.

"Not my problem, just wash your face and change clothes," Levi says as he walks towards the door, ready to leave. "I will be leaving now, I don't care if you stay or not."

"But!"

"Don't worry Maria take your time, I'll give you a ride in my horse once you are done," Petra interrupts the scene. Getting a heavy 'tsk' coming off from the Captain. He leaves angrily as he slams the door.

"Thank you, Petra," Maria says a bit embarrassed about the situation, she didn't even know why Levi was giving her the cold shoulder.

"No problem, but ... Captain Levi seems a bit distant and angry, don't you think?" Petra asks as she looks at the brunette. She looks down at her hands, delicately pressed in the wooden table.

Maria was quiet and an awkward smile was placed in her face.

" ... Is everything alright with you and the Captain?" Petra asks again.

The house attendant knew that something was strange about Levi. Ever since he went to look for her at Trost District, something changed. Was it because she didn't accept his public affection? It wasn't that she didn't mind, it was more that she was confused and embarrassed.

But she also had her questions ... Why did Levi hold her hand in public? Was that his way of telling her that he wanted more out of her? More than just a simple partner for sex? But then again ... If he wanted that, why was he so distant?

"To be honest with you ... I don't even know."

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Walking through the corridors of the Survey Corps, Levi was on his way to meet with Erwin at his office. The meeting was supposed to be about their punishments. It was awfully quiet until he heard small steps following from behind him.

"Levi!"

He recognized the voice and he decided to keep on walking, knowing very well she would follow him either way.

"Don't you think you should still be resting?" Elise asks as she caught up with humanity's strongest soldier. He wasn't looking directly at her and if she guessed any better, she could tell that Levi was going to Erwin's office.

"I had plenty of rest," he replies. "I think you should be the one resting."

"I just got better by talking to you," she says sweetly but Levi only rolls his blue eyes. Suddenly, the beautiful woman grabs Levi by his hand and he stops immediately.

"I just wanted to tell you something," her voice changed, she began to softly caress his hand and the action surprised him. He had never seen her like this before, well actually there was a time. The first time she confessed the love she had for him. "The day of the expedition ... I saw how much you cared for that whore- I mean Maria."

"I think I realize ... Just how important she is to you," Elise lets out a heavy sigh, her eyes began to tear a little. "All I want for you is to be happy ... If she is your happiness then I'll step aside and stop being so clingy to you."

There was silence and at that Levi became suspicious. He knew that Elise wasn't a bad person but her sudden change surprised him nonetheless.

"I just want to be your friend now, for you to trust me," she lets out a smile as she tries to get closer to him. However, she saw that he was having a bit of discomfort.

"Shit, I need to act more natural." Elise thought and she let go of Levi's hand.

"I mean my words Levi, I want to be someone who you can trust," Elise says. "I know I've been bad to you but I promise to make it up to you ... If you or Maria ever need my help ... Do not hesitate to ask me."

"Bullshit," Levi thought but he still didn't want to be rude to the blond.

"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt," Levi replies as he takes a few steps away from her.

At that Elise smiles, it was genuine from what Levi could tell and that was already written down on his personal book. He didn't trust her at all yet, but he actually hopes that she was being sincere. Levi wasn't one to judge after all. If someone like him was given another chance, then why not Elise too? For now, the only thing he could do was to wait and see.

"Thank you, Levi ... I won't let you down!"

"If you say so,"

With one last smile, Elise salutes him, "I'll see you later Captain."

And with that, she walks away. Her smile fades away as she takes stronger steps. Her eyes shone with desire, the immense power of vengeance and with that, another smile was placed in her beautiful face. One that would scare and intimidate the strongest of men.

"It's going to take some time but I'll win your trust, I'll become your closest friend, your confidant ... And when that happens, I'll just have to get rid of that whore ... I just have to patient ... Just wait Levi, you will be mine."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

It was quiet, they were only waiting for one person. Meanwhile, Levi, Erwin, and Nicholas were just staring at each other. There were three seats, the one in the middle was empty. Erwin sat on behind his desk, already knowing that if they could, the two men in front of him would fight each other.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Erwin says out loud, knowing very well who it was.

Maria smiles innocently at the three, feeling a little bit of discomfort for being with three men alone in one room. However, she trusted Nicholas and Levi very much and felt safe around them. What scared her the most was what the Commander's advisors, Erwin Smith, will say.

Levi looks at Maria and he regretted it because he wasn't able to look away now. She looks more refreshed, her face slightly painted, her hair nicely groomed. The brunette was wearing one of the dresses given to her by the men who courted her during the dance ball. It was nice and not very 'ladylike' it showed off her collarbones, her shoulders, and even part of her cleavage.

A white corset around her waist and the dress's skirt was slim, nothing like the heavy and big maid dress she wore regularly. There was even a large cut aside on her dress and as she walks, her leg shows from time to time.

"Sorry, am I late?" Maria says with an awkward smile and she received silence from the three men. Even Levi noticed a certain surprised look on Erwin's face and at that he decided to clear his throat. Breaking the blond's trance and Nicholas stood up quickly from his seat. He moves the middle chair, giving enough space for Maria to take a seat.

"Just arrived in time," Erwin says as he looks back to the papers at his desk, trying to get back his composure. "We are here today to distribute these gentlemen's punishments ... Tragically, you are involved too, Miss Turret."

"Please just call me Maria," the brunette says. "I've never liked my last name, besides legally I don't have one."

Levi made it a mental note to ask about that later. It was strange, what did she mean she didn't legally have a last name?

Erwin nods as he turns to face Nicholas who was quiet, already scared for his punishment.

"Flaherty, since you left hospital grounds without permission," Erwin starts. "Your punishment is cleaning the library and the cafeteria's kitchen for a month."

"What? That's so long!" Nicholas says out loud.

"Want to make it for two months?" Erwin asks and Nicholas instantly shuts up. Levi lets a small smirk form in his face and as Erwin notices this, he turns to face humanity's strongest soldier.

"Levi, you disobeyed orders during the outside the wall expedition," Erwin says firmly and Maria had to admit that she was even scared of him. "I can't punish you by cleaning because I know you enjoy doing that ... So, instead ..."

The Commander's advisor and future Commander of the Survey Corps looks at Maria then at Nicholas.

"Flaherty, your house attendant is still not with you, correct?"

"Correct, Lisa is still at a refugee facility," Nicholas replies.

"Very well then, Maria will be your new house attendant until Ms.Lisa comes back," Erwin says. "And Levi, you are going to have to clean the horse's waste for a month."

Levi wanted to curse at Erwin, to tell him to go to hell. He didn't care much about cleaning horses' shit but the fact that we won't be seeing Maria for a weeks was of concern to him. And Erwin knew that.

"I hope there is no problem with you, Maria," The blond one looks at Maria and the brunette quickly nods. She really couldn't go against his words, especially when she wanted to ask him a favor after this meeting.

"Very well, if there are no more comments, you are all dismissed and start the punishment next week," he clears his documents and puts them in a file. Levi and Nicholas already standing up, ready to leave. But then they hesitated as they saw that the brunette wasn't standing up from her seat.

"Mr. Smith," Maria began, she looks up to him.

"Erwin is fine," he says.

"Alright, Erwin ... Can I talk to you for a few minutes ... in private?"

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

He has never had the opportunity to talk to the brunette before and he was wholeheartedly interested in knowing more about her. About the kind of women, someone like Levi was interested in. Erwin was also curious about what kind of thing she wanted to talk to him about privately.

"I know that this may be inconsiderate of me," Maria stumbles with her words. She was nervous about two things, Erwin was a very serious man and smart as well. And she was afraid of saying something wrong and coming off as stupid. "But, I've heard that you will be becoming Commander of the Survey Corps soon."

"Correct."

"I was wondering ... When that happens, would you allow me to visit and help the children in the refugee's facility? Her hands trembled as she grabs the fabrics of her dress to try and pretend to be strong. "I want the children to find a safe place to stay, whether it's with a family member or at orphanage inside Wall Rose."

"I need to talk it out with the other advisors, you must understand that if we let you outside the Survey Corps grounds, rules need to be implemented," Erwin says. "I admire your willingness to help others ... So, you have my word ... I'll do anything in my power so you can go back to the refugee facility."

Maria let out a heavy sigh in relief, and with a sweet smile she responded, "Thank you."

Meanwhile, outside the door and the two men were trying to hear the conversation between Erwin and Maria. Their ears pressed against the wooded door, they could only hear whispers but they still tried their best.

"What are they talking about?" Nicholas asked out loud.

"If you shut up we might be able to hear," Levi says angrily. He couldn't believe just how low he had gotten, trying to hear the conversation of others.

And suddenly, they hear laughs coming from the inside the room.

"Was that Erwin ... Laughing?"

The act was unknown to Levi and his mind began to wonder just what the hell was going on inside his office. Thirty minutes had already passed, Erwin was a busy man meaning that whatever they were talking about, the conversation must be really important. Either that or he was just simply enjoying her company.

"Well, seems like they are having a good time," Nicholas says as he takes off his ear from the door. "I need to go help Hange with one of her experiments, so I need to go."

"Wait," Levi says. "You ... Don't care?"

"Of course I do," Nicholas says as he was ready to walk away. "But honestly, I'll be happy if Maria gets to be with someone like Erwin ... He is a good man, unlike you."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

45 minutes.

45 fucking minutes in which Levi had to wait for the brunette to come out. They were laughing, talking, and moments of silence which drove Levi crazy. Just what the hell were they doing? One more minute ... Just one more minute and Levi would be kicking the door open.

But as he was about to do that, the brunette came out of his office smiling. She seemed to have a good conversation.

"Oh, Levi," Maria was surprised to see him outside waiting for so long. "Sorry, were you waiting for me-"

But the short man grabs her by her hand and began to walk at a fast pace, almost dragging her through the corridors of the Survey Corps facility.

"Is there something wrong?" the brunette asks again as she tries to take a peek at his face. But he remained quiet, it only took a few moments to arrive at the place of his destination.

Taking some keys out of his pocket, Levi unlocks the door and forcefully takes the brunette inside. Making sure that no one was around, he closes the door behind him. Locking it to make sure no one would interrupt them.

Maria looks around the room, it was just like Erwin's office just a little bit smaller, and seeing that Levi had the keys to this room she could only make her conclusions.

"Is this your office?" the brunette asks as she gets closer to the desk, everything looks so clean and well organized.

"Yes," he replied from behind as he makes his way closer to Maria. "But that's not important now ... What were you and Erwin talking about?"

"What?"

"You heard me ... What was so important that you were in his office for 45 minutes?"

This could go two ways, Maria knew that her conversation with Erwin had been a long one. Mostly they were talking about the kind of help the refugee facilities needed, the type of rules that must be implemented if more house attendants would like to help and they even talked about Leah. Maria had shared with Erwin some stories about her friend, gaining the laugh of the blond man. He was a very interesting man as well and she was happy to see a more humane side of him.

"You are too quiet," Levi says again, he was becoming impatient but Maria just took a short moment to organize her thoughts. "What? Are you interested in him now?"

Maria found herself cornered. The large desk behind her and Levi in front of her, his arms around her, stopping her from escaping. "I am not! I was just asking him for a favor!"

"A favor? No wonder you are wearing that dress," Levi looks up and down at her. "You were trying to seduce him, weren't you?"

"No, I wasn't! Levi, I am not trying to seduce anyone!" Maria looks at him, still, a bit intimated by him. "I am wearing this dress because ..."

The house attendant looks to the side, a blush forming in her cheeks. "You have been distant with me and I just ... I just wanted to look pretty for you."

Maria could feel her heart go faster as Levi's blue eyes gaze at her. The intensity in his eyes was unmeasurable and she couldn't help but feel intimidated by his strong stance.

"It doesn't matter what you wear, I always desire you," he got closer to her face, whispering in her ear. "But I won't deny that the dress you are wearing is particularly interesting to me."

Maria felt her legs go weak at his seductive voice, as he softly began to caress her face as he looks at her caramel eyes.

"But didn't I tell you before?" he whispers again. "I hate it when other men look at you ... They want you, just like I want you right now."

Levi still didn't have a proper answer about what Maria was talking about with Erwin but he couldn't do much but trust her judgment. Also, about her kiss with Nicholas ... The thing that was hunting his mind, the reason why he was being so distant.

"And all you do is go against my wishes ... Is as if you want me to punish you."

Placing one hand in her face, Levi uses his thumb to caress Maria's lips, appreciating them.

"It's been days since I last had you," Levi places his thumb inside's Maria's mouth, enjoying to see her embarrassment because of his actions. "You don't know how much I need you."

He missed it so much, her exposed skin against his. Giving small kisses along her shoulders and collarbones, using his tongue to mark a small path of saliva. Finally reaching her lips which he had craved so much since the moment he saw her again. To Levi, everything still felt unreal and this was his way to prove to himself that she was alive, with him. After thinking about the possibility of her dying, this is what he needed. Just to be close to her to reassure himself she won't leave.

Their kisses became more heated the moment Levi places his hands on her waist, picking her up and placing her on top of his desk, their lips not separating. His heartbeat began to increase the moment he touches her exposed leg, caressing it softly.

Maria could feel herself tremble with excitement as Levi began to take dominance of the situation. It was a different kind of passion, it was strong, heated, uncontrollable. Very different from the last time they made love. She didn't mind but she was a bit scared and excited at the same time.

It took her a long time to want to be with another man. After what had happened, it was hard to be interested in sex at all. But after she met Levi, she felt a certain sense of security. Maybe it was because he got there in time. That time when she was getting harassed by that soldier in the forest and before anything could happen, Levi arrived. He saved her, he protected her in such a manner that made her feel completely safe.

And unconsciously, that is why she felt attracted to him from the beginning.

And the way he cared for her, even that night when they first tried making love and instead just talked all night long. Levi stopped when she asked him to, that was probably why Maria felt so safe and good around him. Levi showed her that she was still able to enjoy the act of sex without having negative flashbacks of that moment.

When she was with him, she could forget everything and just enjoy herself.

And even at this moment, it was strange for her to be thinking about Levi. But what else could she do? When he was holding her so tenderly? With so much desire and passion? She was getting aroused by just him kissing her, their tongues touching, their teeth clashing as they couldn't stop getting enough of each other.

Levi parts away and he likes to see the brunette's face, her blushing face, and her lips dripped a little bit of saliva due to their previous act. He had to admit that he liked the idea of making love to her in his office but had to ask her first if she was comfortable with it. After all, there were windows but being on the top floor, there was a low probability of people looking at them. Also that the desk was centered in the middle, far away from the large windows.

"Can I make love to you here?" Levi asks and Maria's eyes instantly look down to his crotch. She couldn't control it, the blush forming in her face the moment she noticed that Levi had a noticeable bulge.

"Yes, but can we keep the clothes on?" Maria looks to the side, trying to avoid his intense gaze. "There is just ... too much light."

Levi let out a small laugh, he liked her shyness, and most importantly he likes that this could turn out better than he expected.

"Also ... um ..." There was another condition, a question Maria have been wanting to ask since they started making out. "Have you ... brought anyone else in here? I just don't want people murmuring that I ... Well, that we ..."

"Do you care that much? What people say?" there was one thing he disliked about himself since he met Maria. And that was how self-conscious he became. He still remembers Erwin's words, about him saying that he should hurry up and get married because he was getting old and had no money and no woman would marry him like that. "I guess, you don't want to be seen sleeping with someone like me, right? You are embarrassed ... about being seen with me?"

But for Maria, it was completely different. It wasn't that, it was more that she didn't want people to think that she was a whore and sleeping with the Survey Corps' Captain.

"It's not that! It's just ..." she began to stumble with her words but she got her courage from seeing his disappointed face. "People have always thought of me as a whore ... I know I shouldn't care but when I arrived at the Survey Corps, I thought I could start again ... It's sometimes hard ... the stares of others."

Was she being selfish? Thinking about her needs but what about Levi's? Until now, she didn't know that he cared for such things. She knew he had his insecurities but never to this degree. Did he think less of himself? Even being Captain of the Survey Corps, humanity's strongest soldier, and a very handsome man wasn't enough?

"And I am also confused ..." Maria says again, she was afraid to ask but the situation seemed necessary.

"What do you mean?"

"Sometimes you are distant, as it seems you only want my body ... and that is fine too," she says, remembering how Levi shows certain affections in public. Like holding her hand, standing close to her, and staring at her. "But other times, you act as if you want more ... As if you want something else from this 'thing' that we have going on."

"How do you see me, Levi?" The brunette looks at him with pleading eyes. "Do you see me as a partner of pleasure only? Or ... Do you want to see me as a lover too? ... Do you want to be ... In a serious relationship with me?"

This was the question he was avoiding for so long because he knew he wouldn't like the answer. He wasn't sure about it either, and he couldn't give her a proper answer at the moment.

"I've been so selfish with you haven't I?" Levi gets closer to her, it was strange how easily she could change the mood between them, not like he cared too much. "I know that you have a strong romantic feeling for me and I have been using that to sleep with you."

"To be honest with you, before I wouldn't have care ... I would have been fine with just your body," he looks away. He didn't know why but he felt quite embarrassed by his own words. "But the more time I spend with you ... the less I want to hurt you... I don't want to cause you any harm, physically nor emotionally."

"I am scared that if my feelings continue like this ... I am going to have to let you go because I am not good for you," there was a pause as he keeps looking away. "And I even think you know that."

"I am not sure of what I want," almost like an instinct, Levi grabs Maria's hands and caresses them softly. "And I know is selfish of me to ask you for more time to think about what I want to do next ... but please just indulge me a little longer."

"Just before I let you go."

The man places small kisses on Maria's lips and starts to kiss her face, she was like a treasure to him and he only wanted her for himself.

"I want you, your body, your lips, your touches, your skin, I want all of that ... I am sure of that," Levi whispers in Maria's ear as he suddenly places a hand on her chest, feeling her fast heartbeat. "But I also have to admit that a part of me wants to hold your hand, I want to walk next to you, I want to give you my jacket when you are cold, and I don't want to hide you."

He kisses her again on the lips, tasting her every inch of skin. She was sweet like honey, like vanilla ... as if she was made from the sweetest type of tea. Maria was made completely for him.

"How could I ever hide the best thing that happened to me?"

With that, Maria let herself go. She just had to be patient, just wait a little longer for Levi to be able to find out what he was feeling. And she didn't mind waiting ... Not if it was him.

And Levi knew he couldn't be selfish either. He needed to stop being so scared of his feelings, of letting himself get lost in her. Maria was nice for waiting for him but even he knew he wouldn't be able to make her wait much longer for an answer. Levi couldn't be that selfish to her, not after the much love she had given him.

Would he let her go? Or would he stay with her?

Levi couldn't think clearly at the moment and decided it was best not to. He wanted to enjoy the now and worry about those things later. Right now the only thing that matter was them, their kissing, and how slowly his hands were touching Maria's soft skin.

One hand held her face while the other made its way down to her temples. Just thinking about how other men would look at her in this dress made Levi jealous, angry even. But once again he was glad that he was the only one who could look at her like this. So it was alright for them to keep looking, to keep appreciating her beauty because that's as far as they will get to her.

The long cut on the dress, next to her leg made it easy for Levi to access to her underwear, and he didn't doubt to tease her a little. She was already wet and Levi let's out a smirk, a bit proud that he could make her be like this by just touching and kissing.

"Let's play a game, shall we?" Levi whispers in her ear as he plays with the wet underwear fabric with his fingers. Slightly touching the skin around her clitoris. "I'll ask you some questions and if I like your answer ... I'll reward you well."

Maria nods, her legs already trembling and if it wasn't because she was sitting on Levi's desk, she would have probably already fallen to her knees.

"Good girl," he says as kisses her again, only for a brief second. He didn't want to give her too much, not yet.

"Do enjoy sleeping with me?" he asks as he tries to not break eye contact, he just enjoyed seeing her face too much. The brunette nods as she was too embarrassed at his act to even say a word.

"What is the thing you enjoy the most?" he wanted to listen to her voice and with his thumb his begins to softly caress her lovebud. Gaining a small moan from her voice, it was like music to him.

"When you play with my hair and hug me," she says and her words made humanity's strongest soldier stop his acts.

He immediately separated from her, his hands no longer giving her pleasure. Levi turns around, giving his back to her.

"Idiot!" he says and Maria could only wonder what she said that it was so bad that it made him stop. "I meant it as if you like having sex with me!"

"Oh! I am sorry!" Maria says. "Were you trying to be intimate with me? Do you want to try again?"

"No, you ruined it," there a few times in which Levi felt embarrassed. And this must take the cake. "I just don't want to put it in you, I mean yes but I want to make you feel good ... many times."

"Fuck, control yourself Levi!" he hated how complicated it was for him to express himself. Usually, sex for him would be very simple. Just a simple act and he really didn't care much about his partner's pleasure. But he didn't want that with Maria. Levi wanted her to feel pleasure, and for him to be the one to give it to her.

Why is it that whenever he tried being intimate with her ... it ended up like this?

"Are you ... embarrassed?" Maria asks.

"No, I am not!"

He turns around and although he denied it, his face shows all the contrary. It wasn't only that he was embarrassed about his previous actions but it was that the position Maria was in wasn't the most ... modest. The sleeves of her dress had fallen off her shoulder and her hair was a bit of a mess.

"Pfft ..." Maria covered her mouth as she tried to contain her laughter but the longer she stared at Levi, the funnier he looked to her.

And Levi heard it again ... That sincere laugh he heard back when they were at the facility. That time Nicholas was the one who caused her laughter but this time ... It was him.

The brunette looks angelic too him, the window behind let's the sunshine lay on her soft skin, her brown her glowing, her face red due to their previous act and the dress that accentuated the best parts of her figure.

And that laughter ...

"Holy shit ... Is this what happiness feels like?"

He watched her as she was finally able to get air back to get lungs and Levi just stood there as if Cupid had just used one of his arrows on him.

"I am sorry Levi, I'll try to read in between the lines next time," she smiles at him, and with a little jump, she hops off Levi's desk. Walking towards him. "Let me try now? Alright?"

Levi took a sigh, even in matters like this he was a slave to her. He felt Maria grab him by the hand and slowly moved with towards one of his office's chair, indicating him to sit down.

He does and Maria follows, sitting on top of him in his crotch area. Her already wet panties made contact with his hard member underneath his pants and Levi couldn't help it but let out a small growl.

Maria was about to unbutton his pants but Levi immediately stops her.

"Do you think I'll give up that easily?"

He grabs her by the waist, his strong hands had a firm hold of her. Using her hips, he moves her back and front, making her went temples rub against his clothed hard member.

"Who do you belong to?" he whispers in her ear, enjoying the close contact with her.

"You," she whispers back, a few moans escaping her lips.

"Do you love me?" he didn't plan to ask that, at least not now. But at the moment his heart was filled with so much desire to know that and Levi couldn't hold back.

"Yes."

Being like this made him remember the time he doubted her, and a part of him still does. He still needed to know the meaning behind the kiss Nicholas gave her and at the thought, he felt his insecurities and anger rise again.

He couldn't believe that Maria was in love with a possessive man like himself but he couldn't complain. The only thing Levi could hope for was that she never conquers the heart of another man like himself because he was sure as hell that he will fight him. Anyone.

"Love me completely, just me," he kisses her, wet kisses, their mouths red and saliva around their lips. "Don't you ever dare to love someone as much as you love me, understood?"

The house attendant nods as she couldn't formulate the words to answer him properly due to the waves of pleasure running through her body.

But suddenly, Levi stops his movements. Focusing on the eyes of the brunette, there was silence. His hands still on her waist and he liked how she was moving slowly, trying to get back into the action.

"I didn't hear you," his seductive voice made her inside's trembled and without much thought, he places his strong hand on her backside, almost slapping it. "... Say yes, Captain Levi."

He could feel her, her thighs trembling in extasis as she wanted more of him. It was exciting, the place, his words, his mannerism. She didn't even know if she was allowed to feel this good at this moment.

"Yes, Captain Levi," she whispers, almost begging him to continue their non-innocent act of lust.

At her words, he couldn't hold himself any longer as he kisses her passionately while unbuttoning his pants. His hard member already hurting from being contained inside his underwear and a growl came out of his lips as he finally exposed it.

"Can you take it all like this?"

He asks and the brunette stands up as she tries to pick up most of her dress. It wasn't heavy just long. However, it was still a bit complicated to pick it up and put it to the side while trying to take Levi's member inside of her. Especially since she still had her underwear on. She was a bit embarrassed but seeing that both of her hands were busy, she had no other option.

"Could you ... take off my underwear please?"

How could Levi ever deny that request? He enjoys seeing her in pretty dresses but he likes taking them off the most.

As she picks up her dress, Levi's cold hands began to pull off her white underwear. He could finally appreciate just how wet she was, her fluids coming off her temple and Levi couldn't think of anything more satisfying to see than this.

When her private garment was finally on the floor, Maria didn't hesitate to slowly place herself on top of Levi's hard member. Delicately and with sounds of pleasure, she took it all in, feeling every inch of it.

Meanwhile, Levi thought that his heart could explode at any second. His body was filled with ecstasy, his mind with desires, and his heart with newfound feelings.

This is the second time they had done this but it just felt like the first time. It was filled with passion and Levi even wonder how much he could take in of Maria's love, of her pure feelings.

Her arms were around him, her mouth next to his ear. Levi could hear it, her every escape of breath, her moaning, and gasps. It was the sweetest type of song, the sound that he wouldn't mind hearing every day.

She kept moving up and down, bringing  pleasure to herself and him. Moving a little bit away from him, Maria took a moment to appreciate his face.

Levi had red cheeks, drops of sweat and even his hair had become a bit messy by now. She could tell that humanity's strongest soldier was even containing himself from letting out exasperated moans. It was nice to see him like this too.

And ... there were knocks on the door.

Maria stops moving but Levi worries not too much, he knew he had locked the door. With one hand, he signals Maria to stay quiet as he placed a finger on her lips.

"State your name and business!" Levi says out loud as he suddenly stands up, picking up Maria in the act. Their intimacies never separating. He places Maria's back on his desk finally having the opportunity to make love to her just as he likes.

"James Byrne! Commander's Advisor's Erwin Smith requires your presence!" a young man said from the other side of the door.

"And what does he want?" Levi began to move his hips, going in and outside of Maria while she covers her mouth trying to make the less noise possible.

"He didn't specify sir!" the soldier from outside heard the screeching sound of wood coming from inside the office. "Captain Levi, is everything alright inside? Do you need any help?"

"Yes, I am just cleaning around!" Levi says enjoying the excitement and danger of the moment. "Just leave already, tell Erwin I'll be there soon."

"Yes, sir!"

After that, they heard steps leaving the outside of the office.

They were free to continue their act of love, he won't admit out loud but he liked the danger of being caught.

"Not so controlling after almost being caught, uh?" Levi teases her as he continues to feel her insides, she was almost there and he could tell.

"Shut up and kiss me," she says and Levi did just as she asked. Following orders was his thing and all the more if it was her giving the commands.

He enjoyed being dominant but he greatly appreciated the moments when she takes the initiative. It was as if she wanted to be part of the lovemaking and not just a mere bystander trying to get the most out of it.

After a few minutes, they knew that they were about to reach their climax. Maria's legs began to tremble, Levi secretly made his way on marking love bites on Maria's shoulders.

"Can I finish inside?" Levi asks but Maria was finding it hard to formulate words.

"Please, let me know ... I am almost there," he says, wishing with a passion that she would let him have his way on her insides. He just wanted it so much, for their love juices to mix together even more.

"No ... Outside, please," Maria pleaded as she felt a big wave of pleasure run through her body. "Levi ... I am-"

And he felt it too, her body shaking underneath him. She suppressed her voice, Levi could feel her insides throbbing, evolving his member even tighter.

Levi couldn't go against her wishes as he pulls out from her, he massages his member a few times before finally finishing on the floor. He didn't want to make Maria dirty and respected her decision. Hopefully one day she can let him finish inside, it will be nice to have some children with her.

"What the fuck are you thinking right now, Levi? Stop it."

He knew he had to clean the floor eventually but now he only cared about the tired brunette, still resting her back on his desk. She was a mess, her long brown hair spread across the desk, her dress was wrinkled and unsteady. Her shoulders filled with love bites and even saliva remaining. A true masterpiece in Levi's opinion.

"Are you alright?" Levi asks as he softly helps her sit on his desk. She nods, the heat in her body slowly disappearing and again she was feeling embarrassed.

But her silence wasn't good to Levi, he always doubted himself even in these circumstances.

"Are you sure? Did I hurt you?"

"No ... I sorry Levi, I don't want to worry you," she says. "I am fine! Thank you, that was good."

Levi lets out a small smirk, the situation was quite familiar. "... I am not a whore."

The house attendant begans to move her hands rapidly across her face, heat going back to her cheeks. "No! That's not what I mean, I just-"

But before she could continue, she felt her lips being kissed by Levi again. A sweet tender kiss, full of emotions.

As he kissed her, he really cursed Erwin for requesting his presence. Levi just wanted to spend more time with Maria, especially in moments like this. He didn't want her to feel like he was just using her for sex and didn't need her afterward.

"I should be thanking you," he separated from her, as he places a soft kiss on her forehead. "Thank you for staying with me."

Maria never thought she could feel like this again. He had a delicate smile on his face, so genuine and pure. Her heart was beating fast and she felt so happy at the moment, to be the cause of that smile.

"Always."

Her words bring comfort to his broken heart and he was sad that he needed to leave so soon but Erwin must be waiting for him. Nonetheless, he first needed to make sure of something.

Levi begins to take off his brown jacket and he placed it around Maria's shoulder.

"My apologies, I left hickeys on your shoulders," Levi says. "So, make sure you wear this before leaving the office."

"Ah, you need to stop doing that," Maria looks over her shoulders, the marks should go away in a couple of days. "I don't have a lot of clothes that cover my shoulders."

It's not like Maria minded the love marks as long as they were in non-noticeable places of her body. The fact that she didn't have a lot of clothes that covered her shoulders or collarbones was also to take into consideration. She dislikes wearing the uniform pants and shirt Petra had given her since they were a bit too tight. But now that she remembers, she had some leftover fabric that was given to her by the men she met at the ball event. She could probably do some garments with that.

"We could go to town and buy you some things," Levi wanted to establish his wishes. He was just looking for an excuse to spend time with her. "And maybe ... get food or something."

"It's alright, I can sew something up, I think I have enough fabric," Maria stands up in her feet, still trembling a bit but pretended to be alright. "And we shouldn't waste too much money on food, but if you need more tea or something else let me know ... I am going with Nicholas to town on the weekend."

The brunette was completely oblivious about his words. Levi, on the other hand, was having a difficult time expressing what he wanted to do. He wanted to spend the day with her ... What was that thing called? When two people spend time together because they like each other?

"I will pay for everything, the clothes, the food," humanity's strongest soldier had an angry look on his face but this time it didn't intimidate the brunette. "And what are you going to be doing with Nicholas anyways?"

"I don't want to waste your money," Maria looks for her undergarments and was glad to find them in the floor. She puts them on, thinking about how she needs to take another bath once she gets home. "And we are going on a friendly date, we are going to eat at a cafe, maybe a bonfire at night or something ... we will be talking."

"Friendly my ass," Levi thought as he rolled his eyes in annoyance. That was the word he was looking for. Date. He wanted to go on a date with Maria but he just didn't know how to ask her.

"And why are you telling me this?" Levi let out a teasing smirk, he wasn't planning on showing his real emotions so easily. "Are you trying to make me jealous?"

"Uh? No, would you have preferred not to know?" Maria approaches the short man who seemed not satisfied with her answer. "I just didn't want any misunderstanding ... Since I thought you care for that kind of stuff."

And he did care. Multiple times Levi has told her that he didn't like it when she was with other men. But was she going to listen to him? No. Was he going to do something against it? No, but it still bothered him.

"Tsk, I don't care ... You are not that important to me, you know?"

Maria wanted to give out a small laugh but decided to just go with the flow. She knew that Levi did not mean his words at all and he said that more out of spite that he was annoyed and didn't want her to go.

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind for next time," she teases him.

"Next time?"

"Oi, but that doesn't mean you can be with him all the time," Levi says out loud as he watches the brunette pass by him, heading for the door.

"Don't you even think of holding his hand, or anything like that!" he follows her closely.

"I thought you said you didn't care," Maria turns around unexpectedly and the act surprised Levi. "And if I did ... What would you do?"

A few seconds passed in which Levi was in deep thought, of course, he would never do anything to harm her ... But he couldn't guarantee the safety of the bastard.

"Nothing ... I'll just be angry," Levi looks away, and in a slow whisper he continues, " ... And sad."

Levi couldn't believe he said that and was even surprised to show such level of vulnerability to her. It seemed like an eternity for him in which Maria showed no reaction.

But suddenly, he feels her lips against his. Sweet and gentle and all of his worries went away ... Almost all of them.

"I'll never do anything to make you feel sad, I hope you know that," Maria smiles at him as she caresses his cheek. "Just trust me alright?"

It was as if all of his worries went away, as if the pain in his heart had vanished whenever she was with him. Maria was too good for Levi and he knew that but he didn't want to think about that. He just wanted to enjoy this moment.

"I'll be leaving already, I don't want you to be late to see Erwin," Maria separates from him and Levi already missed her touch. He knew that this attachment to her was strange and maybe even unhealthy but what could he do? He was too broken to even know what was going in his mind and heart.

"Very well, I'll see you,"

The house attendant smiles as she opens the door to exit his office but strangely enough Levi felt an impulse. As his heart began to beat rapidly, his hands were sweaty and his head began to hurt.

It was strange but now that Levi thinks about it, it was always him the one leaving home and Maria waiting for him. But now it was the opposite, it was her leaving. She was leaving and as ridiculously as the situation may be ... it still had an impact on him. Just the thought of it, just the mere thought of her leaving him in any type of situation ...

"Maria!"

His deep voice interrupted her actions and the uncertainty in his eyes made her question if she had done something to make him feel at discomfort.

"You will be waiting at home right?"

She couldn't tell what it was, it was like a silent plead. As if he just needed reassurance that she was still with him, that she won't magically disappear from his life.

"Of course," Maria smiles one more time, trying to be as comforting as possible. "I'll be waiting for you."

She walks out of the office, wearing his jacket and Levi watched her disappear into the distance. He mentally curses at Erwin for having to interrupt such a perfect moment between the two.

Just what the hell was going on with him?

His emotions were wrecked, at moments he knew what he felt, and at others, he didn't. He was terrified that everything could change in one moment. That if he lets his guard down even for a second, life will take everything away from him just like before. He was even more scared because he knew that his feelings for Maria were just stronger like that and the moment he loses her ... What would it become of him? Would he be able to stand it and continue with his life?

He wanted to keep a distance between the two, thinking that was the healthiest and best thing for both of them. But whenever they were together and alone, those thoughts disappear. Whenever he is with her, all of his worries go away as she comforts him in ways he never knew possible.

And he could only hope, only wish that his heart will hurry and decide what to do next.

There many things he needed to figure out but now it didn't matter, he just wanted to hurry up and end with today's work.

Maria was waiting for him at home and he didn't want to make her wait for too long.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

A/N: I have nothing much to say about this chapter, it could be a 'filler' episode if you want to see it like that. We are just building up stuff for the next thing to come. We have great things coming, Elise is a smart woman, so her plan will be elaborate. Slowly we are starting to see that Levi is changing and finally starting to embrace his feelings even when he is scared. He is trying to be intimate with Maria but he fails and it makes him feel embarrassed. Levi has only been in one relationship and it was with Elise. She's toxic and well, Levi doesn't know how to properly act in a 'relationship.' He doesn't know about dating nor things like that and that's why he is also scared that he might mess up and end up hurting Maria.

I also enjoyed writing about Maria and Hange and their friendship. I've always seen Hange as a great woman but I wanted to see a more humane side of her by giving her insecurities because at the end of the day we all have them.

I have something major prepared for the next chapter so I hope you all don't miss it! It will be filled with fluff/angst/comfort moments. Also, I hope the 'heated' scenes are of you all's liking. I wanted to highlight their relationship by making it cute and sexy.

I missed a lot of things I wanted to write like Erwin's ceremony to become the next Commander and Nicholas and Maria's date (But if I included that, this chapter will be 20K words and it will be too long) Hopefully, I will implement that in the next chapter.

Levi is a character that needs development and on next chapter we are finally going to see more of that. So, I hope I am not boring you all with my long chapters and slow pacing of the story but starting next chapter things will get spicy!

Once again, I encourage comments and constructive criticism, they motivate me a lot and help me improve too! Thank you so much for reading and I'll see you all next week!