┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓

Chapter 5: A Date

┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛

Days passed and Levi and Maria haven't talked about that night. Which in all honesty, Maria was glad. They could really let that go and start a new, the only important thing to remember from that night was the small 'deal' they made. She was glad that Levi had taken her words seriously as well because from what Petra told her he invited her for dinner this upcoming weekend.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't believe you convinced Captain to invite me to dinner this weekend!"

Their date was on Saturday night. But Maria is going to accompany Petra to town to do some shopping on Friday. She wanted some new pretty clothes for the date.

The house attendant also had some unfinished business with Petra. In the sense that the brunette couldn't sleep at night knowing that she almost betrayed her. She needed to come out clean, be honest with her.

If Petra wanted to stay friends with her after that, then Maria would feel very blessed.

The brunette even feels bad to be doing this but she knew that friendship couldn't be built on dishonesty.

"So, Maria ... Was Elena always so charming?"

After the night they drank together and Elena spent the night together with Eld, he couldn't stop talking about her. If Maria didn't know better, she knew that Eld was in love with the blond girl.

"She was more of a tomboy when she worked as a waitress ... She definitely has learned a thing or two since she started working as a tavern dancer."

It is early morning on Wednesday and Maria moved around the dining room happily as she served breakfast for the Special Operation Squad.

"And by any chance ... Do you know if ..." Eld looked away a bit embarrassed as he slightly touches his right cheek. "Did she ... saw other men before?"

"Oi, stop asking questions and eat," Levi looks up from his plate to Eld and glared at him. It was early in the morning and he hasn't gotten his daily black tea.

"It's alright!" Maria said. "To be honest with you, I am not sure ... Us, saloon girls and tavern workers don't talk between ourselves about our intimacy with men unless is someone important."

This piqued Levi's interest and decided to keep quiet, this could be good information. He quickly eyed his other teammates who seemed to be interested in the ongoing conversation as well.

"What do you mean?" Eld asked.

"Everyday tavern dancers are seen with men. It's part of our job, to be with them, attend to their needs, listen to them," Maria walked around a little as she proceeds to give out slices of bread. "So, I honestly can't tell if the men she's been with are just customers or serious relationships ... She never told me anything about a guy, so I am guessing she hasn't been in a serious relationship yet."

"Oh, so that's why Elena knows about Nicholas!" Petra who was too happy about her situation decided to jump into the conversation. "You wouldn't talk about other men because they are not important, but you talked about Nicholas because he is important to you, right?"

Maria blushed a little but she tried to contain her feelings as well. She made a mental note to herself to make Elena pay for saying so much information about her.

"Yes, he was important ... he is important."

Levi rolled his eyes, he thought that he could get some information of value. Instead, he was just getting annoyed.

"What's with her caring for him all of a sudden?"

"So, do you think I have a chance?" Eld asked as he interrupted Levi's thoughts.

"Have you heard the phrase, 'never fall in love with a tavern dancer'? Maria was on her way to the kitchen but before, she wanted to end the conversation in a good manner and Eld nodded to her question. "We tend to make men fall in love with us because it is convenient. We talk to them, play hard to get, and all of these things men like ... We get things out of it, money, favors, connections."

"We?" Levi thought as he raised an eyebrow.

Seeing that Eld was looking down at his plate in disappointment, Maria decided to give out some words of encouragement.

"I can't talk on behalf of Elena ... but from what I saw on the day we drank together ... I've never seen her so excited with someone before."

Eld's face immediately changed as a small smile decorated his face and he went back to eating his breakfast peacefully.

"Hey, Maria, between you and us," this time it was Gunther who jumped into the conversation. Maria and the Special Operations Squad had gotten closer ever since that night they drank together at the Queen's Tavern.

"What is the most expensive thing a man has offered you?"

Suddenly, all eyes were on the brunette. Waiting patiently for an answer, she was surprised that they were so invested in her past life.

"Mmm, maybe diamonds? I think I was offered a house inside Wall Sina on different occasions too," Maria looks up and placed a hand on her chin as she gave more thought into it. "I've met a lot of men. Lots of them from royalty, others are merchants, and others would just go to the tavern to see me ... Some of them were really sweet too! Once a guy-"

"Alright, I am leaving."

Suddenly Levi stood up from his seat, his mood changed completely.

"But Captain Levi, you haven't finished your food. You said to not waste it-" Oluo wanted to make a point but then he was interrupted by the captain.

"Then you fucking eat it."

Everyone stood quiet for a moment, they knew that the Captain had a very colorful language and he didn't strain himself from using it. But this time it was different, he was being disrespectful to one of his comrades, something he rarely does.

Maria decided to take a shot at it, even when she felt intimated by the short man.

"But Levi, I haven't served you your black tea, do you want me to-"

"And you, I want this room to be spotless when I come back. Wash our clothes and have diner ready before we are back," humanity's strongest soldier walked towards the brunette who unintentionally moved back a few steps. "Also, it wouldn't hurt you to be a little bit more respectful towards me."

He gave her one cold look before turning to his squad again.

"I'll be waiting in the training grounds, if anyone of you is late, I'll punish you all."

And with that, he left. Levi was scary but he never loses his cool like this. He was angry and he was letting his anger out in others.

Maria had stopped calling him 'Mr. Levi' as he requested it but it seems like it was better to address him respectfully and to keep her distance for a while.

Levi was just hard to read.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

If he had any idea what was going inside of him, he wouldn't be in this situation. He was annoyed and angry just a few moments ago, now that he had calmed down it was clear that he crossed the line with Olou and Maria.

He didn't know what triggered his sudden change of mood ... but at the same time, he did. Maria talking about other men, thinking about them and having fond memories of them even ...

"Fuck this, I shouldn't give a shit about her at all," Levi thought as he let out a small growl. He remembers her face again, the small smile she had when she thought of the men who courted her. "Who cares if she's gone out with other men? I've been with other women too."

So, why was he angry? Why did he feel the need to punch something at the moment?

"We tend to make men fall in love with us because it is convenient. We talk to them, play hard to get, and all of those things men like ... We get things out of it, money, favors, connections."

And he couldn't stop thinking about it. 'We' ... Why didn't Maria say 'they'? Deep down, Levi knew that the intimate encounter they had a few days ago was due to the heat of the moment. And nothing happened but talking. But, was this a technique of hers? To make him crave her more? Was he a game to her, just for the pleasure of seeing him at her feet?

"Like hell that's gonna happen ... Not like I have any stupid feelings for her nor I will."

Training was done and although Levi just wanted to go home, Commander's advisor Erwin, requested his presence at his office.

Humanity's strongest soldier give a small recap in his head to see if he had done anything worthy of a punishment. Nothing crossed his mind and the conclusion came to be that Erwin was probably going to talk about the upcoming outside the walls expedition.

After walking for a bit through the Survey Corps headquarters, he finally found Erwin's office. He knocked on the wooden door three times and when he heard a 'come in', Levi did as he was told.

"Ah, Levi, please take a seat."

The short man was greeted by his superior officer. He walked towards him but instead of taking his invitation to sit, he was standing which Erwin didn't mind. He was used to the Captain being this way.

"Just get to the point already, what happened?" Levi asks as he places his arms across his chest.

"I see that you are as enthusiastic as ever," Erwin let out a small sarcastic laugh. "There's going to be a small change for our upcoming expedition ... We are going to push it back for a a while."

"We've been training for months! We are a month away from going outside! Why move it?"

"Our recent economic reports say that the Survey Corps is on the verge of bankruptcy ... If there's no money, there's no expeditions, no Survey Corps."

Erwin was behind his desk and he noticed that Levi was getting more annoyed at each passing second.

"Then, what the fuck are we going to do?"

"We are hosting a large event to get sponsors," Erwin had to admit that he was a bit nervous to say the following. "And you need to be there ... As humanity's strongest soldier and Captain, it's only proper of you to be there."

"So, you are telling me ... That I have to be a fucking party host?" Levi was clearly angry, his voice changes as he shows his annoyance. "What else do you want? Do you want me to wear a dress and fucking show my legs?"

"No, we will be asking the house attendants to do that."

"Wait, what?"

Before they could say anything else, Captain Levi and Erwin were interrupted by a knock on the office's door. But instead of waiting for permission to get in, the person just entered and she looked as preppy as she could be.

"Erwin, we already have- Oh! Levi! I haven't seen you in a while!" Hange Zoe came inside the room with her arms wide open, ready to hug the short man.

"If you touch me with your dirty hands, I'll break them shitty glasses," Levi threatened her, not really meaning his words.

"Glad to see that you are as affectionate as ever, Levi." Hange directed her attention towards the Erwin . After all he was the one she was supposed to meet. "Erwin, I just wanted to come by to inform you that the ballroom has been reserved for two weeks from now."

"Very well then, March 3rd it is," Erwin said as he took a notebook from his desk drawer and wrote the date for the event.

"I thought the Survey Corps had its bad times but this? This has to be the lowest we will ever be," Levi said as he rolled his eyes.

"Actually, Levi, this is pretty common ... You don't know much about it because you joined the Survey Cops a year ago but this is the way we do things, we need the money."

"We joined the same year," he said.

"But, I still know more," Hange teased.

It was true, Levi had joined the Survey Cops a year ago. He still remembers how he swore to kill Erwin to get out of the underground city. Now, they were comrades, and a month ago, he became Captain and Squad Leader. He was still pretty new to the job. But if he knew that he had to be a party host, he would have probably thought about it twice before joining.

Suddenly, knocks coming from the door interrupted them. It was a young man, one that Levi had never met before.

"Sorry to interrupt, but Ms. Zoe, it's time for you to check on your experiments," he said as he stood by the door.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot!" Hange placed a hand on her forehead as she remembered she was working on something in the lab. "But come on in! Let me introduce you!"

At that, the young man came inside the room. He looked to be around his twenties, blue eyes, and orange almost red hair. His face features were well defined and he was incredibly tall.

"Moblit is sick and this fine gentleman is helping me conduct my experiments meanwhile," Hange added. She then pointed at  Erwin, "This is one of Keith Shadis's advisor Erwin, I am sure you two already know each other."

Then her attention went to Levi who's eyes had become sharper and Hange was quick to point at him. "And this is Captain Levi, be nice and he won't do anything to you."

The red-hair saluted him as he places his fist on his heart. "Nice to meet you, sir!"

"Sir?"

"And Captain Levi," Hange said, "This is Nicholas Flaherty."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

What were the fucking odds? What were the mother-fucking odds? Levi knew that eventually, Maria and Nicholas would meet. Nonetheless, he never expected to meet this piece of trash. He didn't want to ever see him either. But here he was, walking back home with the 6'3 feet tall man. Hange needed some documents from Levi and since she needed to check on her experiments, he sent Nicholas to go pick up the documents alongside Levi.

They were almost there, Levi could spot their house a few meters away. He began to panic.

"What if Maria sees him? What would she do? What would they do? And why do I care?"

"Captain Levi, I need to ask something and I am sorry if I am evading your privacy."

How he despised this guy and he didn't even know why. He was young, had good looks, was tall, and had his way with words. The total opposite of him.

"But by any chance, is your house attendant a brunette with brown eyes? Around her twenties and around 5'6 feet?"

Yeah, he was describing Maria alright. He was in a strange predicament. He didn't want to help the guy nor wanted him to be involved in any way again with Maria. The thing was that he didn't know for sure if Maria wanted to be found or not.

"No."

Nicholas sighed in defeat, his blue eyes showed disappointment but Levi didn't care at the minimum. "Sorry to bother you ... You see, I am looking for someone dear to me."

"I didn't ask," Levi said and he wanted the conversation to end there but a part of him wanted to continue. "But if you are looking for this person, how do you know if they want to be found?"

"Because I love her, and I know she still loves me," Nicholas said and Levi saw it. The look on his eyes, the sparklers that were created as a memory of her crosses his mind. "We were separated ... but I know everything will go back to the way it was before once I talk to her ... We are each other's happiness."

Levi wanted to throw up at the moment. Was this the type of guys girls were into? Hopeless romantic and cheesy as fuck?

"Who the fuck does this guy think he is? Maria's happiness? She is already happy, she doesn't need you." Levi rolled his eyes and decided to let go of the thoughts, of everything. He was just getting more agitated and he didn't know if it was because the guy next to him was annoying or because he is going to have to deal with Maria and Nicholas's meeting again after 4 years.

"What do you see in her anyway?" Levi cursed at himself, he just couldn't keep his mouth shut.

"She is a simple girl with a good heart. She's selfless and cares for others but most importantly ... She changed me," Nicholas said. "She doesn't know it, but she has the power to bring out the best in people ... She made me, this piece of trash and a nobody, into a kind man who cares for others."

Levi knew that Maria was secretive and the night that he asked her to tell him about Nicholas, she kept a lot of things to herself.

"Would you explain that?"

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

"Sorry to scare you I just ..." the redhead mumble a little to himself as he looked down to the ground. "I just wanted to tell you .. that I think you are beautiful.'

Maria knew that the man in front of her was clearly drunk. She rolled her eyes in annoyance, the brunette didn't want to deal with a drunk man.

"I am sorry sir, I think you are drunk," she said.

"No! I am fine! So, tell me how much do you charge?"

Maria sighed in defeat and decided to ignore the man. She turned around and began walking, it wasn't the first time that a drunk man had approached her nor will be the last. Now that she remembers, she had seen him a couple of times on the tavern she works at. Drinking and eating, not really doing much.

But Maria stopped mid-track as she heard a loud sound, something smacking against the ground. It was the red-haired man who had collapsed.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

"I fainted and next thing I know, I was in her house," Nicholas turned his head to find that Levi was invested in his story. "When I collapsed I injured my foot and was unable to move ... She took care of me and I was just horrible to her ... Now that I think about it, it's funny ... I imagine her carrying me through the streets late at night."

Levi couldn't help but feel a sting on his heart. The Captain had a fond memory of Maria carrying him on her back. He didn't want to admit it but he appreciated the moment, it was unique for him. Something that he didn't want to share with anybody. And just the thought that Maria had done the same for someone made him disappointed. Because that moment was no longer special ... He wasn't as special to her as he thought he was.

"She took care of me for weeks and I just fell in love with her. And suddenly, I found myself trying to become better," Nicholas' hair moves slowly with the wind. His blue eyes sparkled as he let out each word. He was happy with memories alone.

"I stopped drinking and took my job seriously ... I tried to become the man she deserves and I think that's why she fell in love with me."

And Levi couldn't stop thinking. If Maria had the power to change people for the better, could she change him as well? Did she have the power to tame the monster inside of him? Could she be the one to break down his walls? If there was anything that he wanted was to feel at peace, to accept himself fully.

Was his house attendant the one? Could he feel at total peace with her?

Was she ... What he needed and desired?

And wanted?

"I am still nobody, just a lucky bastard trying to get the love of his life back ... After so many years, I am still under her spell."

Without knowing, Nicholas began blabbing. More concentrated on his memories than actually telling a story. "I miss her deeply, her passionate kisses, her hugs, her caresses-"

"Would you shut up already fucking bastard? I didn't ask you about your life story," Levi had enough. His emotions were all over the place and he didn't know any of them. However, he was in good terms with anger. A feeling that he likes because he knows it better well. And the only thing he knows is that his anger increases with every word Nicholas says.

He didn't want to listen, he didn't want to know that Maria had cared for someone else before him.

"Oh, yes! My apologies Captain!"

Now they were a few meters away from getting home and Levi was in a strange predicament. Should he tell Maria that Nicholas was here? He needed to stop being so selfish, he was only thinking about himself and not about what Maria wanted.

"You stay out here, I'll bring out the documents," Levi said as he came to a sudden halt, they were in front of his home. First, he needed to ask Maria if she wanted to see him or not.

Nicholas nodded as he watched the Captain enter the house.

"I am back,"

Levi did not mean his words towards anyone. Alright, that was a lie.

He wasn't expecting to find the house spotlessly clean. Everything was taken care of, the table was clean, the floors were mopped and the aroma of the house was that of lavender. It truly calmed him but then, he remembered. The words that he said in the morning, and how rude he was with his teammate and his house attendant.

He needed to apologize.

"Welcome back Mr. Levi, I have diner ready," Maria went to greet him and for a moment, Levi wanted her to be angry at him. To tell him that he was a jerk to her and that she didn't deserve to be treated like that. But instead, he got a smile from her. "Everyone else already ate, we didn't expect you to get late today."

"I had some business to attend to," Levi said, he looked around and noticed that there was no one. It was pretty late at night and everyone must be asleep already. He decided that this must be his opportunity. "I want to apologize for this morning, I-"

"No, it's alright!" Maria interrupted the short man. She held his hands and without knowing it felt natural to Levi, it felt like her hands belonged with him. He didn't hate the act and at this point; he should know better that their relationship was beyond that of being professional. They were friends, very close friends indeed. "I am not angry, besides remember what I told you? Don't ever hold yourself back from asking me for help ... I am here to help and make your life as easy and as happy as possible."

Levi stared at her caramel eyes and he knew she was telling the truth. He couldn't do anything but to mentally punish himself for what he was about to do.

He was going to be selfish just this one time, just this one moment. And he hoped that if she ever finds out, she will forgive him.

"I am going to my room,"

His voice was fragile and Maria just watched him disappear into the hallway and into his room. Sometimes, she couldn't figure him out and the only thing she could do was to support him in the shadows.

A few moments passed and Maria noticed that Levi came out of his room holding some papers, probably documents from the Survey Corps.

And then, there were three knocks on the door.

"Oh, I'll go get it."

Maria made her way into the wooden door, ready to open it.

But she never got the chance to.

    A strong arm stopped her from opening the door, it was next to her shoulder and it didn't take her long to realize who's arms it was. She looks at the right hand that was stopping her from opening the door, the long and delicate fingers of Levi. She slowly turned around and without noticing Levi had embellished her. Her back was against the door while Levi's right hand was placed right next to her head. With his other hand, he grabbed the doorknob. His body close to hers and there was no doubt in Maria's mind that her heart beats faster whenever she's with him. She had forgotten this pleasant feeling but it didn't bother her.

Levi is a handsome man. Maybe not the most attractive one she's seen but definitely he was worth appreciating. His eyes were sharp, always intimidating but there were times where they show his gentle side. She found them comforting, like never-ending black pools. She could drown in them, in their mysteries but never feeling discomfort. His black hair was soft to the touch, sometimes well groomed. His face was clean, probably due that he took showers regularly and he smells like pines tree.

She was completely at trance, like a dream she didn't want to wake up.

"Oí, could you serve me diner while I attend the door? It's no one important, I just need to give out some documents."

With that, Maria woke up from her trance. She nodded and Levi let go of one hand, the one that was holding onto the doorknob. He watches her walk away and go into the kitchen until finally, she disappears from his sight.

Now, all he needed to do was to give the documents to the bastard that was outside his house.

"Only for this time ... Let me be selfish."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Tuesday night and everything was back to normal for the most part. But the mood had changed drastically since yesterday, it seemed like everyone was in a good mood. Especially Olou, who had gotten an apology from the Captain and that just made his ego increase. Now, going back with the situation of Maria not wanting to eat with the rest of the squad was brought up to the table.

"It's alright, I eat in the kitchen!"

"No, you can't! We need to get a bigger table," Petra said as she looked to her other comrades, looking for approval.

"I say we should go to town this weekend and get a new table," Gunther added as he elbowed Eld who was looking for an excuse to see Elena.

"She can just sit next to me, I don't mind-"

While everyone was fighting, Levi's words were left unnoticed. It was obvious that he didn't care much about the comfort of the brunette as long as it meant to have her close to him.

"I volunteer to go to town!

"No, it's ok! I'll eat in the kitchen it's fine! I am your maid after all!"

"You are not just our maid, you are our friend!"

"She can just sit next to me,"

"Let's all go to town this weekend!"

Knock Knock

Everyone kept their quiet as they heard knocking from the door. It didn't take long for Maria to be the one to attend it.

"I'll go get it!" She said enthusiastically, at least the small argument will stop for a few minutes.

"No, I'll go get it."

This was getting strange for not only the brunette but for Levi's squad as well. For the brunette because since yesterday, Levi wouldn't let her open the door. He seemed very enthusiastic about opening it himself, for whatever reason it was. For his squad, it was strange because Captain Levi would always be the last person to ever attend a door call. He just wasn't one of chatting or letting people inside the house.

But of course, he knew the real reason. He just couldn't afford Nicholas Flaherty to come in and encounter Maria.

He slowly opens the door and he was relieved to find that it was just Ryan, a soldier who delivers mail to the rest of the Survey Corps.

"The mail is here," Levi said in a monotone voice, he never cared for mail since no one ever writes for him but his teammates had family who constantly wrote to them.

All of them stood up from the dining table, with a smile on their faces as one by one got their letters. From family and loved ones.

"Sorry, but I am heading to my room early. I want to read this at peace," Petra smile and waved goodbye to her friends before disappearing into her room.

"Yes, me too."

And with that, every one of the squad left to their rooms. It was a sudden change of mood, everyone was happy but now it was really quiet. Leaving Levi, Maria, and the mailman alone.

"Aren't you going to leave, Ryan?" Levi asked as he still held the door open.

"I still need to deliver one letter, it's from Erwin Smith to Ms. Maria," Ryan said as he pulled out one letter from his black bag. "I am requested to stay here until I get an answer."

"Uh? But I can't read," Maria replied, wondering what did Commander's advisor Erwin need from her.

Maria wasn't the only one who was intrigued by the letter, it was also Levi. Just what in the world was Erwing planning?

"If you don't mind, I'll read it out loud for you," Levi said and Maria nodded, giving him permission. Ryan handed out the letter to Levi and he was fast to accept it and open it.

There was no doubt that this was Erwin's handwriting. There was a bit of panic running through Levi's body and he began to read the letter.

Maria waited for Levi to start reading out loud, but instead, she noticed that he was just reading to himself. An angry expression began to form across his face.

"So, what does it say?" Maria asks but instead, Levi turns to Ryan. And if looks could kill, the poor man would have been dead a long time ago.

"Tell Erwin that he can take his request and shove it up to his ass-"

"Wait, I want to know what it says!"

Maria was fast to take the letter away from Levi's hand and she handed it over to Ryan.

"Could you please read it for me?"

The mailman was hesitant, especially because Levi was throwing him daggers at him with his eyes. But he still complied with the brunette's request, hoping that humanity's strongest soldier will stop himself from murdering him as long as the house attendant was here.

He took the letter from the brunette's hand and started reading.

"This March 3rd, the Survey Corps is hosting an event to gather sponsors to collect money for our cause. Our regiment is suffering from financial problems and we need to take extreme measures. Therefore, I am asking the Survey Corps House Attendants to use their past knowledge as tavern workers to attend to the best of their abilities to our male guests for the night. By all means, you don't have to accept this request, but let it be known that I will highly appreciate your help."

- Erwin Smith.

"So, all I have to do is to attend men, dance, and show my legs to get money for the Survey Corps?"

Maria wasn't one to be straightforward with her words but Levi appreciated it when she was. That was it, that was exactly what Erwin wanted. For the tavern dancers to spend the night with rich men so they could invest their money in the Survey Corps.

"Yes, I guess so," Ryan's voice was a bit shaky especially because Captain Levi didn't look the happiest.

"Tell Erwin, she's not doing it," Levi was already pushing the mailman outside of his house. Levi wished he had Erwin right in front of him so he could give him a piece of his mind. But then, he was interrupted by the brunette.

"I'll do it."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Levi didn't want to care. Actually, he was going to stop caring. Right this moment ...

But why the fuck he couldn't?

After Maria accepted Erwin's request, Levi decided to just go to his room. He was done for the night and just wanted to sleep. But of course, his insomnia wouldn't let him. He just laid on his bed, looking at the ceiling like a scolded child.

Just why ... couldn't he stop thinking about her?

Then, he heard knocks.

He didn't think too much about it, he knew who it was. And although he couldn't stop thinking about her, he didn't want to see her at the moment.

But again, knocks.

"Fuck off!"

"Thank you for letting me in!"

Maria entered the room regardless of Levi's words. She was holding a cup of black tea, hoping to make up with the short man. Although she didn't know what she needed to apologize for.

Levi laid on his bed, his back facing Maria. He really could be like a child sometimes. She closed the door behind her and walk towards humanity's strongest soldier.

The closer she got to him, the more Levi could smell the black tea. The aroma grew stronger and even when he was not looking directly at her, he knew that she had come here to influence him.

"If you think bringing me a cup of black tea is going to make me calm down, then you are completely wrong."

Maria didn't respond but instead just placed the cup of tea on the drawer next to Levi's bed.

She watched him not moving an inch and let out a sigh.

"Levi, do you think of me as a friend?"

"No,"

"Then why do you care about what I do?

That was a good question, why did he care? Maria was just their house attendant but now it was different. He cares for her as he cares for his teammates. That was just it ... it had to be it.

"I think there's a misunderstanding between us ... I was a tavern dancer and although it's not something I am very proud of, it's the only thing I know how to do well."

At that Levi had enough, he finally turns around and sat at the edge of his bed. Facing the brunette who was standing in front of him.

"You could get hurt, raped, or fucking kidnapped ... I just hate how you are willing to put yourself in danger for the sake of others."

"Isn't that kinda what your job is about as well?" Maria said as she places her arms across her chest.

"But I can take care of myself."

"I can take care of myself too! Or do you think I made it all of this way without having to handle drunk men trying to harm me?"

Levi stood quiet at Maria's words. He knew that there was a part of him that was overreacting and he had to admit that he was being a jerk by not accepting her decision. After all, she was a 24-year-old woman and she knew what she was doing.

"Even if you don't admit it, I am happy that you care for someone like me."

The house attendant took a few steps closers to him and she kneels in front of him. Both of her knees touching the floor. It seemed like this was the only way to get his attention as he didn't dare to look at her until now.

He stared at her brown eyes for a second and it was strange. The way she was acting, her mannerism, the way she was kneeling in front of him. It was as if she was asking him for permission.

And he just couldn't say no.

"Tsk ... Whatever," Levi rolled his eyes in annoyance but noticed that Maria let out a winning smile.

"Also, I have a gift for you," she was still at a kneeling position. She looks down to her white apron as she took something out of her apron's pocket. The brunette handed it over to Levi, it was a white paper and he perfectly knew what it was. It was the drawing they got together the day they went to town.

"I really love this drawing, so you can keep it as a guarantee ... If I do something stupid that puts me on harm, you can destroy it to teach me a lesson ... Or you can also just keep it, so you can see it whenever you miss me."

Maria of course was being sarcastic at the last part. But Levi didn't care too much at the moment. He took the drawing from Maria's hand and he began to appreciate it. It was torn apart because he had the other half of the drawing.

He was fast to open up one of the cabinets of the drawer that was next to his bed. Maria watched every movement he made and suddenly, he took a piece of paper. It was his part of the drawing.

Levi places it next to each other, completing the drawing. Maria sitting on a fancy chair, a delicate smile placed on her face. Gentle eyes and elegant posture. Levi was next to her, a hand placed on top of the chair in a protective manner. His features were strong and well defined, his eyes were sharp and he had a dominant figure. He likes how he looks taller than her, even when it was the opposite.

He didn't want to admit it, but he too was fond of this drawing portrait. Especially when it was complete like this. When the two pieces of paper came together to become one, to complete each other. And become the portrait he was fond of.

The detailed pen drawing of him and Maria ... together.

It could be cheesy and stupid.

But it was just something he couldn't deny.

"Fine."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

The weekend was here and  Levi couldn't believe he was about to go on a date with Petra.

The day before, she had gone with Maria to town to do 'girls' stuff' and he really didn't care. But of course, he knew that they had gone shopping for dresses or something like that.

So it was only right that he had his fair share of grooming. He was always clean but today he took extra care of himself. Maria even helped him shave, cut off a little bit of his hair, and brush it. He still remembers her, softly caressing his hair.

"I can do it by myself," Levi was sitting on a wooden chair in the restroom. He was facing the bathroom's mirror and a bucket of water next to him. Maria was behind him with a pair of scissors and a brush on her hands.

"I know you can," Maria said as she continued grooming him. "But I can do it better."

Levi only let out a defeated sigh, he didn't care and at the moment he was enjoying her acts. He felt her soft, small hands run through his hair. The brush and her hands delicately messaging his scalp. Her lavender smell filled his senses and her body was close to his, giving him a certain feeling of comfort.

Yeah, she could do it all better. Without noticing, he slowly began to close his eyes. Drifting into a peaceful slumber, it was moments like these in which Levi deeply appreciated. He was at total peace, nothing going through his head. Just him and Maria ... living a peaceful moment of brief happiness.

"Done," Maria whispered in his ear and Levi felt a shiver run down his spine as he woke up. Maria knew that Levi was asleep and she whispered on his ear as a way to softly wake him up.

"See, you look handsome!"

Levi took a look at himself in the mirror. His hair was well-groomed. His hair was a tiny bit shorter but it made all the difference. All of his hair stayed together due to the water that Maria had used to groom and cut it. Only two strings of hair remind on his face and it was parted to the side just like always. There was no doubt that he looked better due that his eyes were more visible, his face features looked more defined and his jawline looked sharper.

But that's not what mattered to him.

It was Maria's face next to him. He appreciated her features through the mirror. Once again, there was a smile on her face. The one that made his heartbeat go faster.

Levi wasn't a 20 year old anymore. He was well aware of what was happening or of what may happen. But of course, he still was unknown to the feeling. He still wasn't sure but for all the gods he really wished ... that what was happening with him wasn't what he had on mind.

There was no doubt that he desired her, craved for her even ... but there was another part of him. Another part that just didn't want lust. He wanted something deep, a meaningful relationship. And although that part of him was really small now, he was scared that it may grow bigger with time.

"I am pretty sure Petra will like it," Maria said, still not moving away from him. "It makes me want to cut my hair short, it really can be a hassle."

"Why don't you then?" Levi added, "I'll cut it for you."

Mira giggled, the scene of Levi cutting her hair looked comical. "No it's ok, I have my reasons. Besides don't you think I look better with long hair?"

Levi gave it a thought. Maria would look good in any way, shape, or form. But he did find it pleasant the way her long brown hair delicately fell on her shoulders. The way it moved with the wind and how angelic it made her look. A thought of him brushing her hair came across his mind. Him softly caressing it, brushing each hair string and even playing with it on his fingers as he twirls her brown cascades of hair.

"Yes, don't cut it," Levi said still entranced on Maria's brown hair. "I like your hair."

It was a surprise for Maria to hear his comment. She moved her head and she was face to face with him. She looked at him directly on his eyes and it seemed like he was numb. As if he wasn't awake at all, like in a trance. He just stared at her and Maria felt a blush coming to her cheeks. There were times in which a man would look at her like that, especially Nicholas. And although she didn't think too much about it, the thought still was in her mind.

And she couldn't stop it, that feeling arose again ... a feeling which she thought it was forgotten.

"Alright, I won't cut it."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Now, here he was ... Eating diner with Petra at a fancy restaurant in town.

She was wearing a white dress with a blue corset. The sewing was beautifully done, it was almost to perfection. Her collarbones were showing and the corset really helped to shape her figure. Her light orange hair was softly brushed, her face had the small tint of makeup. She indeed was a beautiful young lady and Levi just couldn't help but wonder ... What was it about him that attracted her?

"What are you getting Captain?"

Petra's voice interrupted Levi's thoughts. He wasn't used to fancy diners like this, going to restaurants wasn't his thing. He barely came to places like this, only when it came to meeting other commanders to talk about the Survey Corps, money, and the fate of humanity. Not the best of memories, of course.

"I don't know ... Whatever you get I guess," he replied and in all honesty, he hated himself at the moment. He thought that it was pretty obvious, even to Petra that he wasn't here because he wanted to. Her eyes show a bit of disappointment but she wasn't at all sad. It was like the truth had hit her but it was comforting.

"You, don't want to be here ... right?"

Levi couldn't help it, he felt guilty. She is in love with him and he was just acting as if he didn't care. But also, Petra needed the truth.

"My apologies ... It's not that I don't care, it's just that I have a lot of things on my head."

" ... What is on your head ... does it have to do with Maria?"

Levi couldn't help it but look at the beautiful woman in front of him with surprised eyes. He waited for her to continue.

"Yesterday, she told me what happened between you and her last week."

"Stupid Maria ... I thought we had an agreement of never talking about that ever again," Levi thought as he kept looking at Petra. Although the topic of conversation was uncomfortable he had to be man enough to confront it.

"Sorry, we-"

"No, it's alright! I am glad she told me," Petra looked down at the table. A bit in embarrassment and sadness. In heart, she always knew .. that there was just no hope for her. "She is a great friend and person ... and in all honesty, I would have done the same if I was her."

Even humanity's strongest soldier couldn't do anything but stay quiet. Just listen to the woman in front of him and sometimes, listening was everything that she needed.
Seeing that Levi was paying attention to her words, Petra decided to continue talking. It was one of the few times in which Petra saw Levi as a defenseless child.

"She told me about what happened with Nicholas ... It must have been hard for her, after so many years of wanting to forget him ... remembering the person who hurt her," Petra looks up from the table, and the act scared Levi just a tiny bit. "But you were there and you wanted to do it too ... She just wanted a way to forget him. To break free from the pain and even so ... She didn't do it, because of me."

Petra's face changed, her expression used to be a sad one but now it only showed admiration. He had made a promise to Maria to never talk about what happened that night. But if he was being honest, the only thing he could do was to think about that night. To think about her, her whole being and soul.

"Petra, I want to be honest with you," Levi said. "I may never be able to see you the way you want me to ... Don't get me wrong, you are beautiful, strong, smart. Any man would want to have a relationship with you."

Levi made a pause as he looks up to her, "But ... I respect and admire you too much to ever think of you in that manner. You deserve someone better than me."

Levi didn't know but his words meant more to Petra than anything else in the world. He said that she deserves someone better than him ... But what about what she wanted? There was no doubt that the more she looked at him ... the more she fell in love with him.

"You may not feel the same for me but ... But that won't stop me! If you don't mind ... I'll keep on trying!" Petra said, almost too loud. "Because I really ... Really like you, Levi!"

In his 28 years of life, this was his first love confession. It was pure, full of feelings, and love ... something that he thought he wasn't worthy of. Something he thought he was never going to experience because it simply was something he did not deserve. And yet again, here he was. With a beautiful woman confessing her love to him.

"It's fine by me," Levi replied and Petra received his answer with a sincere smile.

"Also there is a favor I wanted to ask you!"

Her words surprised Levi but he felt that the only thing he could do was to nod in agreement.

"Maria has helped me a lot and I want to help her too," Petra said as she leans in closer. The table shook a little due that there was more weight on the table. The white mantle moved as well but that only showed how determined Petra was for Levi to listen to her.

"I am sure that bastard Nicholas is looking for her and it's just a matter of time for him to find her."

Many things happened tonight that might have surprised humanity's strongest soldier. But instead, the Captain find it more amusing than Petra had cursed. "So before that, I want to find her someone ... A good gentleman she can fall in love with, maybe someone from the Survey Corps?"

No, definitely. No one should be near her, she was just too good for anyone. No, Nicholas and certainly no bastard from the Survey Corps. It wasn't like he cared, actually she could be with anyone ... But just the thought.

He didn't know why, but it made him ... annoyed.

Levi stood quiet just wanting to listen to Petra.

"It really makes me angry ... Nicholas left her just when they were going to get married! She was so in love with him and to be honest, I think she still is ..." Petra let out a sigh, a bit of pain in her eyes. "Did you know that Maria hates having long hair but she keeps it that way because Nicholas once said he likes her long hair?"

Why don't you then?" Levi added, "I'll cut it for you."

Mira giggled, the scene of Levi cutting her hair looked comical. "No it's ok, I have my reasons. Besides don't you think I look better with long hair?"

"Yes, don't cut it," Levi said still entranced on Maria's brown hair. "I like your hair."

He didn't know what it was, maybe it was because there was a lot of sound in the restaurant. Maybe because the candlelight was too strong on his eyes. Or maybe because he hasn't eaten.

Or maybe ... Just maybe ... It was because of what Petra had said.

Although he didn't know the exact reason why; he perfectly knew that feeling. He was angry, he even would dare to say he felt the tiniest of betrayed. He felt like a fool for even thinking about caring for her.

No, that was a lie.

He did care for Maria ... and even when he didn't want to admit it, he was hurt. Because what he thought was a meaningful moment between the two, he discovers that it wasn't that special. That someone had already taken his place.

And even when he didn't' want to admit it ... He had the tiniest of hope that maybe ...

"So, what do you say Captain?" Petra's voice interrupted his thoughts again, but this time he was too numb and too tired to think straight. "Would you help me?"

And that hope ... With just a few words ... It was shattered.

He was the stupid one ... he should have never cared.

"Yes, I'll help you."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Maria would be lying if she said that she didn't care. She did and a lot. The problem wasn't about caring itself but the problems that come with it. To care for someone means that you love them. Whether is romantically or not, love is involved. The brunette care for Levi and what scared her was that the friendly love she had for him might turn into something else.

In fact, she was probably starting to, without her noticing. She had known a lot of handsome men and although Levi wasn't at the top of her list, he still had his qualities. It was easy for him to make her blush and feel little butterflies on her stomach and Maria knew that this wasn't normal between 'friends' or whatever type of relationship they had. And she knew that it was all because of that night, maybe it was friendship what she felt for him but the intimate night they shared made her have mixed feelings. There was no doubt that there was tension between the two and of course it was because of the unfinished business they had. She was attracted to him, theres no doubt on that. After all, it's been a while since she had been with a man. For Levi, she wasn't quite sure. She didn't know if it was just a man thing, of wanting a woman just because they can. Stubborn until they have them.

For now, that was the only possibility in her mind that could explain why he was being nice to her because if Levi wanted, he could just hook up with any prostitute.

That made her heart shrink a little. The thought that Levi was only being nice to her because he wanted to have sex crossed her mind. That would explain so much ... but Maria refused to believe that. She wanted to believe that Levi was a different man and that the reason why he was nice and treated her differently from the others was that he saw her as a friend or that he was just a gentleman.

Now that she was finishing up her daily chores, her mind went back to the couple that should be having diner by now. They are probably talking about their lives, friends, their interests.

Maria felt better too because she was able to talk to Petra about what happened between Levi and her that night. Not, like something actually happened. She was glad that she understood her and it seemed like their bond had gotten stronger since she told Petra the truth. It was nice to have a forgiving and understanding friend.

She still remembers how beautiful Petra looked on the new dress she bought. There was no doubt that Levi will find her very attractive and if everything turned out fine, they might as well become a couple by the end of the night.

"It's getting a bit late ... I wonder if they will go somewhere else after diner," Maria thought to herself as she finished moping the floor. "I wonder if they will kiss by the end of tonight."

Suddenly, the thought crossed her mind. Levi pressing his lips against Petra and the couple looked so beautiful together that it seemed to be a sin to break them apart ... So then, what was this disappointing feeling in her heart?

She shook her head from side to side as she tried to get rid of the feeling.

"I can't be sad, I should be happy for them,"

Maria tried again, but her heart wouldn't change. It wasn't only disappointment but also a little bit of jealousy that filled her heart.

"I haven't been on a date in so long ... I guess I am just nostalgic, yes that should be it!" Maria let out a sigh in relief. "There is no way I can feel jealous, that would mean I have other feelings for Levi and that's definitely not it ..."

"Right?"

There were knocks on the door which interrupted her thoughts and she was glad because that way she could get distracted.

She walks towards the door, feeling like a housewive who receives guests. Slowly, she opens the wooden door, it was dark and it was hard to see. But from what she could tell, it was a young man. His back was facing her and he was wearing the uniform of the Survey Corps.

"How can I help you?" Maria asked.

At hearing the voice, the young man turns around.

"Yes, it's Captain Levi here? I need to return some documents-"

He looked different from the last time she saw him four years ago. But even when the years had passed, it did him well. His straight orange hair wasn't as long as she remembers. It looked soft to the touch as the wind slowly moved along with it. His dark blue eyes were bright although they looked tired, his eyes added assertiveness to his delicate face.

Maria knew that it was only a matter of time for him to find her.But she just didn't think it was going to be this fast.

"Nicholas?"

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

A/N: Wow, almost 10k words for one chapter.

Anyways, I think everyone will like the next chapter.

Levi, although he doesn't show it much, feels the tiniest of jealousy. He had never felt jealous before like this, so it's gonna take him a while for him to find out this feeling and why he feels it.

What will happen now? How will Levi react to Maria and Nicholas' meeting? Will she keep it a secret? What is Petra's plan?

The next chapter is the Survey Corps's event to collect money ... This is going to be a fun chapter to write!

See you all next week!