┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓

Chapter 6: Acceptance

┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛

Levi had stayed at a hotel in town while Petra had gone straight home after the date. The night had gone peacefully and he enjoyed the accompany, although the only thing he could think of was someone else.

He had stayed in town because the next day, he had some matters to attend to. Last night, he remembered that he still had Maria's blue blanket she had given him the first night they met. Of course, he wasn't planning on giving it back. He found comfort with it and the warmth of it helped him sleep better. Nonetheless, humanity's strongest soldier felt like he needed to give something back to her.

Now, here he was ... Walking through the town's market, looking to see if there was anything worth buying. What should he get her? Flowers? No, that seemed too cheap and even romantic. He didn't want her to think that he had other intentions. Fruits? No that would be too basic.

"Dresses! We sell beautiful dresses!"

Levi heard a merchant's voice scream almost on his ear. If this wasn't a signal from the Goddesses, then he didn't know what it was.

"Don't you have any other dresses?"

"I only have three, one to work, one to go out to town, and another for special occasions."

He walked towards the merchant, who greeted him with a smile. He was inside a small tent and dresses from all shapes and colors were hanging from the top and basically all around the tent.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"I am looking for a gift, I am not well versed with dresses ... What do you recommend?" Levi said as he looks around the hanging dresses. Some colors were too bright, which from what he has seen, it wasn't Maria's style.

"Well, that depends ... What does your wife usually wear or how is she?"

A shiver ran down Levi's spine. He didn't want to explain himself and since he had pretended to be Maria's husband a couple of weeks ago, he decided that it wasn't that bad and he was going to go with the flow.

"She usually wears soft colors ... She is gentle and kind. Always cleaning and taking care of the house."

"I meant how is her body?" the merchant asked.

"And why the fuck would you want to know how my wife's body is?"                                           

The short man was about to throw hands with the merchant. He didn't even know his wife and he already wanted to fantasize about her body?

"Sir, I need to know so that way I can pick a size."

"Oh-" Levi felt a little bit of heat going to his cheeks but quickly got rid of the feeling. "She is around 5'6 and she is a medium-size from what I can see."

"Got kids?"

Levi felt a bit annoyed at the question but he still decided to reply. "No."

"Well, then I recommend this," the dress merchant went under the counter and Levi just watched him disappear for a moment. Looking through his stuff, the merchant was quick to take out a beautiful white dress. With beautiful flower embroidery at the edge of the dress. Short sleeves and the top part will allow her to show off her collarbones. The dress was completely white but the pink corset will adjust to her waist and push up her breasts.

Levi could already picture it.

Maria wearing the dress, walking through a flower field as her hands caress them. The sunset touching her face, making her eyes shine. The wind moving freely along her hair as she turns around and faces him. Inviting him to join her, hold hands, and walk into the horizon.

"I'll take it," he said.

"Great, I am sure your wife will love it," the merchant said as he took out a paper bag. "I am sure your wife most be very beautiful and a great woman. I see she makes you happy."

This was a feeling that Levi recognized although he wasn't too familiar with it. He likes it when people praise Maria and him. Whenever they are together and people think they are together, when they tell him that he has a beautiful and great wife ... It was strange but he felt proud. Not even having the title of 'humanity's strongest soldier' could compare to the feeling of having Maria as his 'wife'.

"Yes, she makes me really happy."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

The dress came out to be a little bit more expensive than he thought. He won't be able to buy black tea for a couple of weeks but it was worth it.

For some reason, he was looking forward to giving Maria the dress he bought for her. He wanted to see her face, her smile, and surprised look. And if he was lucky, maybe he could even get a hug or something.

"Alright, this needs to stop ... I can't feel like that. Its' not possible."

He was finally home and he felt relieved to be back. Levi opens the door easily, which surprised him. He knew for sure that he had told Maria to always check if the door was locked before going to sleep.

When he entered, he planned on going to his room. Nonetheless, he found something interesting in the dining room. A sleeping figure. Positioned to face directly the door, Maria was deep asleep. Her mouth a little open and even some saliva rested next to her lips.

"How can I stop feeling like this when she is acting so ... adorable."

"Be careful to not wake her up,"

Levi slowly turns around as he found Petra on her pajamas. It seemed like she had just woken up.

"I told her that you were going to stay at a hotel in town but she still decided to stay awake and wait for you just in case you changed your mind," Petra walked next to Levi, a smile decorated her face as she noticed how comical Maria looked.

"It seems like she had a date of her own yesterday," Petra said. "I couldn't see him because it was too dark and he left when I got there."

This caught Levi's attention. Just who the heck was visiting Maria late at night? He had to admit that he was a bit rattle and even angry at the new information he had got from Petra.

"Did she tell you who it was?"

"She said it was one of her deceased brother's friend, which I don't mind. This might be our first step into getting Maria a boyfriend," Petra let out a small giggle, smiling.

"Yeah ... We will see about that."

Levi appreciated the brunette, she looked so peaceful at the moment but right now he cared about only one thing.

"WAKE UP, TAVERN SHIT!"

Levi said as he kicked the chair Maria sat on. The act not only surprised Petra but Maria as well, she jumped from her seat, her heart beating fast.

"Care to explain who give you permission to bring a guest last night?"

Maria took a short moment to appreciate Levi. He was clearly angry for whatever reason, he had a frown on his face. His eyes threatened to kill ... nothing out of the usual, maybe just that he was caring a paper bag.

"And you care to explain why you didn't tell me you were going to stay in town?"

The house attendant needed to change topics. She was angry as well with the short man but she also didn't want to explain what happened last night. Maria didn't want to bring up Nicholas no matter what.

"Petra told you, didn't she? Besides, I am an adult. I know what I am doing!" Levi knew exactly what she was trying to do. Make him forget about the previous topic of her bringing a male to their house. "What makes you think you can bring a stranger to our house?"

"We were outside! And we just talked! And even if something happened, I am an adult and I know what I am doing!"

Again, she was using her power to leave him speechless. Using his own words against him.

"No, you can't!"

"And why not?" Maria asks as she places her arms across her chest.

"Because you and I-"

Levi suddenly stops himself. He had enough, he didn't want to fight with Maria. Much less when he knew that Petra was still watching. They only stared at each other's eyes, now it was an intense stare fight.

"Pfft,"

They heard small giggles and this made their attention focus on Petra who was containing her laugher. "You two sound like a married couple."

Her words caught them off guard, they both looked at each other with a disgusted look and simultaneously they said;

"We do not!"

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

It wasn't like she didn't want to do this, in all honestly she thought that this could be something interesting to learn.

Levi and Maria were on the Survey Corps prairies, miles of green grass and Levi thought that this was the best place to give Maria some proper self-defense classes.

"I appreciate you doing this, but do you think right now is the proper time? I have a lot of things to finish at home," Maria said as she faced the short man. A few meters away from her. "Besides, I don't have proper clothes for training."

"You can finish your duties later ... As far as your clothes, it's better if you wear your dress. After all, it's the thing that you wear frequently. If you ever get attacked, you most likely be wearing one."

Levi was in his normal attire. White shirt and black pants. His stance was a bit rigid but with no intention to fight whatsoever.

Maria just accepted the fact that Levi must be a natural at fighting too. Probably he even invited his own fighting style.

"Alright listen, you are no soldier. Regular fighting techniques won't apply to you. So, I'll teach you how to fight dirty," Levi began to roll up his sleeves. He had one goal in mind and that was to teach Maria how to defend herself in case someone attacks her and he is not there to defend her. "There are 7 rules for self-defense."

"One, be aware of your surroundings, walk confidently, and avoid eye contact, avoid confrontation ... especially you, who have no previous training," Levi began to walk around her, studying her body. Not in a perverted way, just to see if she had any weakness. "As a last resort, attack first ... Hit the groin, eyes or throat, yell for help, and most importantly, don't hold yourself back. Fight to kill unless you have the opportunity to run away."

The brunette tried her best from stopping herself from blushing. She just could feel Levi's eyes on her, fully examining her body. The only thing she could do was to nod at his instructions.

The soldier noticed her sudden change in mannerism. She looks down, concentrating more at how the wind moved across the grass than his actual words. A small blush decorated her face as she played with her hands in front of her ... It was strange to see her this shy.

"If she acts like this when men look at her ... Then she looks all the more desirable to them!" Levi let's out an angry sigh, just the thought of it bothered him.

Maria, being the ex-saloon girl she was, she was used to men looking at her. All of their eyes filled with lust. But with Levi, something was different. The way he looks at her ... is lust, desire ... and something else. A feeling within him that she couldn't quite describe.

It wasn't only that. She felt nervous because whether she wants it or not ... She felt attracted to the man.

"Finally, remember to use your enemy's weakness against them," Levi said as he once again stood in front of the house attendant.

"Now, attack me."

"What?"

"I said ... Attack me."   

His deep voice sent a shiver down her spine. He was serious about this, but he was in no fighting position.

Maria began to panic as she didn't know what to do. She had never gotten in a physical fight before ... Well, that was a lie. She had fought other females before in her youth but never a man. Where do you even start attacking?

"As a last resort, attack first ... Hit the groin, eyes, or throat."

All right, she needed to take action. Especially because Levi was standing, waiting.

Without notice, she ran towards him and he didn't flinch not even a little. Her plan was easy, to kick him in the groin, the place it hurts the most. When she was close enough to him, she picks up her leg to try and kick him. But she was so inexperienced that Levi let out a small smile at her pathetic attempt.

He quickly grabs her right leg with one hand, which makes her lose balance. Levi had her pinned against the ground, he was holding her wrists. One of his legs in between her thighs so she couldn't move nor escape.

This was mostly all to teach her a lesson, and hopefully, in due time she will learn how to react to these situations.

"If you are pinned to the ground like this, then remember you can-"

Oh, how much he hated when she left him speechless like this.

Her hair was spread across the grass, there was no resistance coming from her as she had given up on fighting the moment he got on top of her. Her brown eyes glowed on the sunlight, making Levi appreciate her two pools of caramel eyes.

Soft breaths escaped her lips, pink cheeks decorated her face as the heat of the sun touched her skin directly. Her chest rises up and down underneath him and he feels totally entranced by her whole being.

And suddenly he felt her. She uses her left leg to caress his leg and the movement made her dress drop all way to her thigh.

In that instant, Levi couldn't think of anything but caress and touch her exposed leg. It looked so soft to the touch and without thinking too much about it, he did it.

He lets go of one of her wrists as he places his strong hand on her leg. It was everything he dreamed of, her skin like the petal of a rose. Slowly, his fingers began to make their way up her legs, all the way to her thighs. Wanting to touch more, to feel her more. Explore every inch of her body and mark it as his own.

It was like a sweet dream but quickly he was pulled down to hell as he felt intense pain in his groin.

She was playing with him and he fell into her trap.

Suddenly, he wasn't on top of her anymore. Instead, Maria had made her way on top of him. She sat down on his thighs preventing him from fully standing up.

The pain was intense but nothing he couldn't handle. As well that he was sure that Maria didn't use all of her force on him.

Nonetheless, he needed to write a mental note ... She had a powerful knee.

"I won!" Maria had a victorious smile on her face. But Levi would dare to say that he had won as well as he was enjoying the view too much.

"You play dirty," Levi added as he began to feel too comfortable. He places his hands behind his head to have more support and be able to see the brunette better.

"You were the one who told me to use my enemy's weakness against them and I just followed orders," Maria teased him as she moved away from him. Not too far, she laid down next to him. Enjoying again the soft grass on the back of her body.

"Since when are you so obedient?" Levi turned his head to look at Maria, their faces very close to each other. But they weren't uncomfortable, all the contrary ... It was like they were meant to be together like this.

"Since you started getting angry at me."

"Well, I shall be a little bit rougher with you from time to time," Levi knew exactly what was going on.

He knew this was small flirting which he didn't mind at all. Well, at least he was flirting on his side, it all depended if Maria wanted to follow along with his game. At this point in their relationship, they were past being friends. Officially, they were 'friends' but their relationship had gone beyond that. He didn't know what to label it or even if it was worth labeling it.

But at the moment, he didn't care. The only thing he cared about was Maria, the way she looks so peaceful next to him, her lavender smell, and the way their hearts beat at the same rhythm.

He didn't want to ask but his heart was begging him too ... And he just couldn't stop himself.

"Maria,"

His voice was softer and for a moment he cursed her mentally because she was making him feel things he didn't want to feel.

"Would you caress my hair?"

Wow, he hated it. Being this vulnerable, begging her like a puppy. He is scared to open up about the things that he wants but with her ... it could be different. For her, it didn't matter. It didn't matter if she laughed at him or thought it was a pathetic request ... He was alright, with whatever she does.

And that was a problem he needed to take care of ... but later.

At hearing his request, the house attendant takes a sitting position. She pats her dress as to take away the dirt from the ground. She patted again on her thighs as an invitation for Levi to place his head on her lap.

She saw his eyes shine for a moment as he made his way to her. He softly placed his head on Maria's lap and he couldn't think of a better place to be right now.

Letting out a small sigh, Levi felt Maria's soft hands touch his hair. Massing his scalp and caressing each strand of his short hair.

Levi had never thought of heaven being real but if something similar existed, then this was it for him.

Maria appreciated Levi again. His eyes were close and his chest rose up and down as he took small breaths. His black hair was soft, just like last time she brushed it. She played with it, twirling strings of hair in her fingers.

For a short moment, nothing mattered. Just them, just the way Levi felt at total peace when he was with Maria. Just how Maria felt happy by seeing him be at peace. They complimented each other and they didn't even know it.

And for now ... They only thought of each other.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

The next day Maria was finding herself in trouble. She was in the kitchen, trying to make breakfast but the can she needed was in a top cabinet and she was unable to reach it.

"Hey, Maria ... Everything alright?"

It was Eld who came inside the kitchen. He and Maria had a good relationship ever since she advised him on the ways to conquer the heart of Elena. Just like an older brother, Eld watched out for Maria and her well being.

"Good morning Eld! Actually, can you get that can for me? I can't reach it." Maria said as she pointed at the top cabinet.

"I have a better idea," 

Suddenly, Maria felt strong hands around her waist and she was elevated from the ground.

"Ah!" she exclaimed in surprise and she could finally see the can she was looking for.

"Do you see it?" Eld asks.

"Yes!" she was quick to grab the red can. "Now, you can put me down."

"Have you been eating properly? You are not heavy at all." Eld was then fast to move Maria up and down as if she was a rag doll.

"Yes! Now put me down!" Maria let out a small giggle, actually enjoying the moment.

"No, let's spin you around a little longer!"

With his words, he was fast to place Maria on his shoulders. Grabbing her by her waist with one hand and with the other, he held her legs. He began to run in circles and although Maria was scared, she knew that Eld wasn't going to drop her. Laughter and giggles escaped from the brunette's mouth, loud enough for everyone in the house to hear.

"Haha! Come on put me down! I need to make breakfast!" Maria said as Eld was still spinning her around.

"Not until you throw up!"

"I advise you to put her down unless you want to get in trouble."

Eld came to a sudden stop as he heard Captain Levi's voice.

The Captain never looks happy, actually, you could say he always looks angry. Nonetheless right now ... He looks totally displeased. Indignant even.

Eld was never scared of Levi but at this moment, the soldier could tell why the Captain was feared by everyone in the Survey Corps.

"Oh sorry sir, were we too loud?"Eld asks as he puts Maria on the ground. Unconsciously, his hand was still placed on her back to give her support.

"Yes, I need Maria to do my morning tea. I would appreciate it if you keep it quiet until then," Levi said as he notices that Eld was still holding into Maria. "What were you doing anyway?"

"Eld was helping get a can from the top cabinet," Maria replied. She didn't mind Eld's hand on her back since at the moment she was worrying more about Levi. "And we just started to play a little-"

Levi knew that Maria was still talking, trying to excuse herself. Nonetheless, everything that Levi could focus on was Eld's hand on Maria's back.

"And he started to spin me around and-"

"Eld, could you go wake up Petra, Gunther, and Oluo ... Is getting late."

Levi interrupted her, looking for any excuse to make Eld stay away from the brunette.

"Yes, sir!"

And with that, Eld left the kitchen. Leaving the house attendant and humanity's strongest soldier alone.

The brunette noticed that Levi began to walk towards her, an angry expression on his face.

"Next time you need help with something ... Don't hesitate to ask me first."

Maria let out a small giggle, he had good intentions but some things were over his abilities.

"But, with your height ... how were you supposed to help me?"

Maria didn't mean it in a bad way but Levi's pride was a bit hurt. He didn't want to admit it but deep down he was self-conscious of his height.

"Does she think of me as less useful because of my height? ... Does she see me ... as less attractive too?"

"Tsk, whatever ... This is the last time I try to be nice to you," Levi looks to the side as to avoid eye contact. Feeling the tiniest of embarrassment.

"Oh, I didn't mean to offend you!" Maria said quickly. "I think your height is very cute actually and it's your most outstanding trait."

Did she even know what she was doing to him when she said things so lightly like that?

"I am not cute."

"Well, then you are a very attractive man," Maria smiles at him, she was looking almost too desirable. "With a face like yours, I am sure the ladies wouldn't care too much about your height." 

"But ... Do you care?"

Levi didn't mean to ask that, it came out unintentionally. He wanted to run away, to hide even. And he cursed mentally because he must be looking like a total fool.

"Umm ... I don't care too much, although I've only dated tall men," she responded as she looks up in a thinking manner.

"Alright, I've heard enough."

Maria notices a change in Levi's mood. He wasn't angry any longer but there was a different aura around him. Something she couldn't quite describe ... rejection, maybe?

"But! If I found a good man like yourself ... It wouldn't matter how he looks like," Maria said, a bit embarrassed about what she was going to say. "As long as he loves me and wants children ... I'll probably marry him even."

Levi looks up to her and it seems like her words had gotten to him. He looks more relaxed and his rigid stance was softer.

"But as things are going, I don't think I'll be going out with anyone soon," Maria let out a small giggle as she tried to change the topic. This time, she turns around and faced the kitchen counter trying to look for a knife to open up the can she had in her hand. "Besides who will marry a tavern dancer, right?"

"I would."

Maria quickly turns around, not believing what she heard. "What?"

"Ah! Maria is the food ready? I am hungry!"

Oluo entered the kitchen with a lamenting face. Immediately, the brunette forgot about the previous moment and with a smile, she responded,

"Yes, I'll serve you soon."

Levi only sighed in disappointment. He will remember this as he will make Oluo run extra laps around the flower fields today.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Maria wasn't herself these last days. She was well aware of that, especially because of him. Ever since Nicholas visited her, many questions arose within her.

"Please just give me five minutes to explain myself!"

"Nicholas, I don't want to hear it. I am still hurting but it's over ... I ... I don't want to see you anymore-"

Suddenly, a memory came across her mind.

"I just would like for you to make the decision that you will regret the least."

"Promise me that you won't be afraid to experience love and I promise you that I won't be afraid of accepting love again."

Maria looks at the man in front of her. He was still as handsome as she remembers and although she wanted to say no, she remembered the promise she and Levi made.

And she had to fulfill it.

"You have five minutes."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

"And then I was thrown into jail for four years,"

Nicholas finished his story. They were just right outside the house and although there was only one candlelight illuminating them, Maria could still see his blue eyes.

"And the only thing that kept me sane was you ... I thought of you always. I even wrote you letters! I couldn't send them but I had hope that one day I could read them to you."

"Do you still have them? The letters?" Maria asked, her eye lowered a little in embarrassment.

"Yes, I do! If you want I can give them to you ... Did you learn how to read while I was away?"

"No," the house attendant now looks up to him and for a moment the only thing he wanted to do was to hold her. To feel her close to him. "But if you wrote them for me ... Then I think it's my responsibility ... To have them and .. try my best to read them."

God, how much he loved her. And how much he still does. He knew he had failed her and it pained him. Just the thought of her, waiting for him day after day. How long did it take for her to give up on him? How long did she wait for him?

"Did you ... ever get married?" The question came out of his mouth without thinking about it but he didn't regret it.

"Uh?"

"It's alright if you did ... Maria, you know that I'll be happy as long as you are happy ... but I was just wondering-"

"I didn't ... I tried to be romantically involved with other men but it wouldn't be fair to them ... because I didn't love them, I could only think about you," Maria felt her voice break a little, tears began to form in her eyes. "And even now ... I-"

And Nicholas couldn't hold back. He kisses her softly, delicate but with so much passion. So many feelings were going through his heart. He missed her so deeply her body, face, her soul. There were different things that kept him alive when he was in jail but one of them was her happiness. He didn't care if she had found happiness with someone else ... he just wanted to be there for her. To know that she was happy and to be part of that.

He loved her unconditionally, even if she doesn't any longer.

After a few seconds of tasting her lips, Nicholas separated from her but he still stared at her caramel eyes.

"If you don't love me any longer that's ok ..." Nicholas' face was close to hers and Maria would be lying if she said that she didn't miss him deeply. "I am not asking you to love me again either ... What I am asking is for you to let me be part of whatever happiness you have and ... If I can be the one to give you that happiness ... I'll be the most blessed man in the world."

They both had suffered and a lot. A part of Maria wanted to jump into his arms and kiss him again, to forget the past and move on. But another part was telling her to think again and this part was thinking of only one person.

Levi.

Why does she think of him in these moments? Why does she feel like crying at the thought of him seeing her like this with Nicholas?

"You don't have to give me an answer right now ... You know I am patient," Nicholas then grabbed her by the hands and began to kiss them delicately. "My feelings for you will never change ... but please ... let me see you from time to time."

The house attendant was hesitant but she just couldn't deny him. His voice, his eyes ... If there was one thing that she still loved about him was how sincere he was with his actions. Not only that but she could still feel how fast his heart beats against hers.

He was ... So honest, he knew what he wanted.

"Alright, but not here let's meet next week by the river ... I don't want Captain Levi to see you," Maria said as she began to look around just in case Levi decided to do once of his iconic and sudden appearances.

"That reminds me ... It's strange but I was actually talking to him about you and-"

"What?" Maria interrupted him, a bit of a blush on her face.

"Well, I was looking for you and I described you and I asked if you lived with him as his house attendant ... But he said no," Nicholas gave it a thought and began to wonder many things about the Captain of the Special Operation Squad.

"He said ... No?"

"Yes, how strange ..." Nicholas decided to let go of the thought, after all, he didn't have the time to think about that when he had just found the love of his life again. "Anyways ... I am really happy to have found you and I can't wait to give you the letters I wrote for you-"

"Maria?"

The brunette recognized the voice immediately, it was Petra who was walking towards the house. A few meters away.

"I'll see you on Wednesday afternoon on the river ... Now go!" Maria pushed Nicholas away and he gave her hands one last kiss before nodding.

"I'll wait for you, my love."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

"Are you alright?"

The house attendant felt a shiver run down her spine as she heard Levi's deep voice.

"Yes! Just please stop moving so much,"

Maria was working on making Levi's suit for this Saturday's event in town. He was very much against it but since Erwin had commanded him to come, there was no much he could do.

"You have pinched me with the needles around five times ..." Levi said as he notices that Maria was focusing on making some stitches to his suit. "If anyone is to blame it's you ... You have been awfully distracted lately."

There was a pause, a silence and Levi knew that there was something in her mind. Anguish, preoccupation ... and something else he couldn't tell.

If there was one way ... To make that sad face of hers go away ... he will do anything.

"Let's take a break," Levi said as he came down from chair. Maria needed to make sure his sleeves were the right size and to be able to do that, Levi needed to be put in a higher position. This is why he never liked going to the tailor and order a suits. He was put in a humiliating position, but he was comfortable with Maria. He knew she won't judge him.

"I need to show you something," Levi added and he went to his room.

Maria watched him disappear for a few seconds and just as he went inside his room, he came out. Holding three things: White paper, a pen, and a book.

He sat down on the dining table and spread the things on the table.

"I am not a good teacher ... But you might learn a thing or two."

Then, he saw it. A glow in her eyes as she smiled at him. His heart was warm and if this was what it took to make her happy, then he will do it every day.

He didn't know why, but making her happy ... Made him feel a tiny bit of happiness as well.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

"Not bad, now write it on your own."

Time passed quickly, Levi had spent the last hour teaching Maria how to write and read. She was a bit slow but she was making progress.

He enjoyed seeing her determined face, she was struggling at first. But now when she reads the words come out easier. Reading syllable per syllable, she was like a small kid.

But it amused him, her voice, the way she was excited, the way she would ask him questions. The way she was looking for his approval.

She will smile whenever he said things like 'Good', 'Not bad,' and even, 'It could be worse.'

"I did it!"

Maria said excitedly as she almost shoved the paper into Levi's face.
    It was horrible handwriting but he could understand it fully.

Levi

"I wrote your name! Do you like it?"

Oh, if only he could find the right words. He didn't know what he was feeling. A certain heat rose in his cheeks. His hands became sweaty and his legs began to tremble.

What was he feeling? It was uncomfortable but ... He didn't hate it too much.

"I've seen better," Levi said as he grabbed the paper with his hand, taking a second to appreciate Maria's handwriting.

"You've seen better handwriting? Where? In love letters?"

"In wanted posters,"

There was a pause again and although Levi wasn't trying to be funny, Maria couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

Her voice filled the room, like music, something that Levi never wanted to stop hearing. A sweet melody made just for him.

The Captain also let out a small laugh and although at first, Maria would be surprised, she has to admit that it was a pleasant sound.

"You should laugh more often ... You are very charming when you laugh."

For Maria, it was a simple compliment. Everyone could say that she was used to the act of complementing men since it used to be part of her job. But this time she meant it. Levi could be hard to read but that was also part of his charm.

On the other hand, Levi just wasn't used to getting compliments, much less from females. He didn't know how to react either, usually, he only knows insults and curse words. But it didn't feel right to use those kinds of things with her.

"You too," he said.

"Uh?"

"You are very charming,"

She felt a blush forming in her face as they stared at each other's eyes. Dark eyes met caramel ones and for a moment the world stops. Unconsciously, they began to pull towards each other, getting closer. They sat on the dining table, a few inches away from each other. A few candle lights illuminated their faces and the only thing that Levi knew at the moment was that he wanted to taste her lips.

He just wanted to know if they were as soft as they look. To know what flavor she was ... Something sweet like her? Maybe something addicting? He didn't know, but he was sure that he was going to love every flavor of it.

Maria's heart began to beat faster ... There was no doubt that she wanted what he wanted. To finally be able to taste each other, to know what the other felt. And as they felt each other's breaths in their lips they knew ...

That this couldn't be a friendship anymore.

"What I am asking is for you to let me be part of whatever happiness you have and ... If I can be the one to give you that happiness ... I'll be the most blessed man in the world."

Maria suddenly pulls away as she remembers the words of her previous lover. How can she be this selfish? Levi doesn't love her and she should know better than to be involved with him. He was a great man but she still had her doubts whether he only sees her as his house attendant or more. She still couldn't figure out ... If he was only being nice to her because he wants to sleep with her. Not only that but ...

Nicholas.

"I am sorry," Maria said as she stood up from her seat. "I am a bit tired, I'll be going to my room ... Thank you for tonight Levi."

Levi was having his moment of realization and so many things were going through his head but he couldn't find the moment to figure them out, especially now. "Anytime."

With that Maria left him, alone on the dining table and holding a piece of paper that had his name on it. It may be a simple thing, just a paper that could go to the trash ... But for Levi? He knew that he was to keep this as a treasure.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

     The next morning was a bit awkward, especially since Maria couldn't stop thinking about what almost happened yesterday. There were many things that she could hide, but hiding that she was embarrassed was not one of them.

Levi, of course, noticed this and he had to admit that it was fun to look at her. It only took him a single look, a single smirk and she would be looking the other way with a blush on her cheeks.

"Ah!"

Maria's voice had made it's way to Levi's ear. Quickly he looked to where her voice was coming from. They were having a nice morning but it seemed like things were taking a different turn.

"Are you alright? I am sorry, does it hurt?"

Gunther was apologizing like crazy, he was going to the kitchen when Maria was coming out holding Levi's cup of black tea. The hot liquid had splattered in her chest and onto her dress, leaving a dark stain.

"It hurts a little," Maria said as she places her hands on her chest. "But the teacup ..."

Maria looks over at the porcelain teacup which was no shattered into pieces.

Everyone began to surround her, worried about her. While everyone was standing up to get near her, Levi was already next to her almost pushing Gunther away with hate.

"Let me see your chest," Levi's words came out without thinking too much about it. It wasn't only Maria who was blushing but everyone else as well. Everyone kept quiet as they look at their Captain with amusement.

"I just want to see if she got burned or not! Dammit!"

Everyone let out a sigh in relief as the Captain rolled his eyes.

The brunette slowly began to remove her hands from her chest, revealing the liquid on her skin and the stains on her dress. From what Levi was seeing, she was fine.

"You will be fine, the skin is a bit irritated but it won't leave a mark."

The area was red but it wasn't anything serious. He stared for a little bit longer as a small drop of tea had made its way in between Maria's breasts.

He realized soon that Maria was starting to get embarrassed not only because he was looking but because Gunther was looking as well.

"Oi, stop looking!" Levi proceeds to smack Gunther's head and he almost fell to the floor for how hard the hit was.

"Sorry!" he said as he massaged his head to relieve the pain.

"I am sorry, I dropped the cup," Maria looks once again at the shattered teacup on the floor. Everyone thought that she was going to get the screaming of her life since she had dropped Levi's favorite teacup. But it didn't go as they thought.

"It's alright ... As long as you are not hurt."

Everyone was left with their mouths open, Captain Levi had definitely changed these last weeks.

"Now my dress is dirty, this is the only one I had clean ... I was going to wash today," Maria gave it a thought, maybe she could wear her pajamas but that wouldn't be proper of her. "I guess I am going to have to go out like this."

This was the perfect time for Levi to bring up the topic that he had bought a dress for her. He has had it since Monday but he just couldn't come up with an excuse to give it to her.

"I can lend you some clothes!" Petra said as she stepped on the scene. "They are a bit old, but I think they will fit you!"

Maybe Levi will have to wait for another time.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

"How can you even walk on this ... pants?"

Petra had lend Maria one of her old clothes. It was the white shirt and pants of the uniform of the Survey Corps. She even gave her some brown boots to match.

"These are a bit tight ... Honestly, how can you even move with these?" Maria made all kinds of weird movements to try to make the clothing a little bit loose.

"Says the girl who wears heavy dresses all day," Petra said sarcastically. "Besides they look good on you."

"Aren't they a bit too tight?"

"Well, these clothes are from two years ago. I was skinner back then."

The house attendant gave a quick look at Petra. She was slim as it is, how can she possibly be skinner? Maria started to become self-conscious again. She barely fit into the pants and the white shirt was tight as well, her breast almost threatening to pop out the buttons.

" ... Do I look ... Fat?" she asked.

"What? No, you don't!"

"Don't lie! I know-"

"Petra, we need to leave now-"

Levi then entered the dining room. Oluo, Gunther, and Eld had already left for the Survey Corps' training ground. Levi was also going to leave but decided to wait for Petra as she was helping Maria change her clothes.

"Captain! Do you think Maria looks fat?" Petra asked, hoping that Levi wouldn't say something indelicate like he usually does.

Was God testing him? This was the first time he saw Maria wearing pants and a shirt. He had seen her wear his clothes as pajamas before but this time it was different. The clothes were considerably tight on her, the white shirt moved nicely around her waist and her chest was more visible. She was a regular size, not too big nor too small. But the old shirt was small for her, making her chest look more voluptuous.

The pants wrapped around her curves nicely and he whished nothing but to see her back.

"Turn around,"

Maria didn't think too much about it, she gave a quick turn and that was all that Levi needed. She looked nice indeed ... very nice. But then, a thought crossed his mind.

"If she goes out like that, other men will stare ... I can't let those perverts have their way with her."

"They are a bit too tight. You are showing too much, it's indecent." Levi said as he places his arms across his chest.

"But, she's not showing any skin," Petra added. She strongly thinks that Maria looks really nice. "Besides, it won't hurt her too show a few of her assets from time to time ... Maybe you can even find a boyfriend like that."

Petra quickly eyed Levi who suddenly remembered the night of their date. The woman had convinced him to be part of her plan to find a boyfriend for Maria.

"Yeah, like that's gonna happen."

"No, she can't go out like that. It's dangerous besides I heard it's gonna get cold later on and-"

"Cold during spring?" Maria interrupted Levi who let out an angry growl. He then was fast to take off his brown Survey Corps jacket and throw it at her. She catches it immediately and stared at it in amusement.

"If you are going out, you better wear that. It's going to cover you better ... Do you understand?"

The brunette was going to protest, after all, it was really hot outside and wearing a jacket won't relieve the heat. But then, as she took notice of Levi's face, she noticed that he was serious. He wanted her to wear that jacket as if it was a matter of life or death.

He was even scary.

" ... Fine."

"Good," he said. Unintentionally, Levi placed a hand on Maria's head, petting her hair.

"Fuck." Levi thought for a moment as the act surprised both of them. They stared at each other's eyes for a second, Maria blushed at the thought that they will have a repeat of yesterday's act. Unfortunately, they were interrupted.

"You two do act like a married couple!" Petra said, letting out a few giggles.

But once again, they denied the facts at the same time.

"We do not!

"We do not!"

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

The night of the event was here. And Levi wanted nothing more but to stay home, nonetheless, he already had changed into his black suit and groomed his hair. With one last look in his room's mirror, Levi sighed in disappointment. A part of him was never satisfied with his looks. But there was nothing much he can do, and according to Maria, he looks nice.

He heard a few knocks coming from his door. He sat at his desk and immediately puts the mirror away before answering.

"Come in,"

"Hey, am I interrupting?" Maria slowly opens the door as she steps inside his room, closing the door behind her.

"No, it's alright," Levi said and he notices that Maria was holding a small box in her hands. She didn't change clothes, though she should be ready by now.

"Aren't you going to change?"

"No, I'll be leaving soon and I'll be getting ready at the ballroom along with the other house attendants."

Levi knew that she was hiding something, she was looking directly at the small box she was holding with a small blush on her face.

As if she felt his eyes on her and the pressure, the house attendant was fast to speak.

"I felt bad for breaking your teacup ... So, the day I broke it, I went to town and looked for something to make up for it," the brunette extended her hand towards Levi, implying for him to take the carton box. She was standing and Levi gave her a quick look as he sat on the desk's chair. "I hope it is ok."

Levi grabbed the box, a bit amused by what it could contain. He opens it and it reveals a small white porcelain teacup. It was brand new, never used before and it shone nicely against the candle's light. He delicately takes it out of the box, not grabbing it by the handle.

"I've seen that you never grab teacups by the handle," Maria said. "So, it's kinda useless for you ... So I decided to engrave something on it."

At her words, Levi's attention was directed to the inside of the handle. Small words were engraved on it with golden letters.

To Levi, enjoy every day as if it was your one last time.

While Levi stood quiet, Maria was panicking at the thought that Levi may not like her gift. Should she just walk out and pretend this didn't happen? It felt like an eternity in which Levi only stared at the white teacup.

"How did you buy this?"

Finally, Levi spoke up and although they weren't the kind of words Maria wanted to hear, it was better than nothing.

"Do you really have to know?" Maria asked, knowing that Levi meant how did she get the money to buy an expensive teacup, an engraved one nonetheless.

"Yes," he said still not taking his eyes away from the teacup, especially the engraving.

"... I sold my most expensive dress." Maria was a bit shy, thinking that Levi may disapprove of her action.

He didn't know what it was. He didn't have a name for this newfound feeling. It was warm, delicate, sweet, like a cup of black tea in the morning. Like the sweet giggles of Maria, like her lavender smell, like the way she smiles at him. This feeling was so many things, it was scary because he had never felt like this before. But it was nice and addicting even, to the point of wanting for this moment to be eternal.

Levi delicately places the teacup on his desk, trying to be as gentle as possible. Still not speaking, he stood up from his chair and went towards his closet.

Maria watched every moment as he opens the closet and from it, he takes out a brown paper bag. He does just as she did, he walks towards her. Extending his arm as to imply for her to accept the paper bag.

She didn't know what was happening but still did as the Captain wanted her to do so. Kindly, she opens the paper bag and at the bottom of it, she saw something white. With one hand she takes out the white fabric and places the paper bag on Levi's desk.

It was a white dress with a pink corset, made out of silk. The sewing was done almost to perfection and the decoration at the edges of the dress looked almost unreal.

"You ... bought this for me?"

Levi felt his heart skip a beat the moment she looks at him. Her face was bright, her eyes filled with hope and another feeling he couldn't quite describe. But he knew that she was touched by his actions. How he liked it, her face when it was so gentle. If this is what it took for her to be happy, then he doesn't care giving up tea money just to buy her dresses.

"You told me you only had three dresses ... So, I just thought ... That you might like it," Levi said, still not getting enough of her face.

"This is so beautiful ... But, this is expensive fabric ... How did you even get this?"

"It doesn't matter, I am glad it is of your liking."

"Oh! But did you like the teacup I gave you?" Maria said as she looks over at the small teacup. Compare to the dress Levi gave her, the cup just seems like a small gift.

Words couldn't describe how much he likes the teacup. Now that he thinks about it, this must be the nicest thing someone had given him. It was a simple porcelain teacup, the design was simple compared to others. But what made it special was the engraving. The words that he will see every day when he takes a sip of his tea. He didn't even want to use it, because he was scared that it will break. In his life, he has had many unfortunate events, where everything he cares for is taken away. But this teacup ... This was something he was planning to never let go. He was never going to let it break, he wasn't going to separate from it, he was never going to let anything bad happen to Maria-

He stopped thinking the moment he realized her name came across his mind.

Maybe it wasn't just the teacup who he was found of ... It was probably the person who had given it to him.

"I think I will enjoy drinking from this cup."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Already one hour into the sponsor's event and Levi had enough.

The ballroom was filled with the things he hated the most. Bright candles lights, loud live music, alcohol, a lot of people and must of them rich. Superficiality must be this event's theme.

There was chattering all over the place, Levi and his squad had arrived at the same time but due to circumstances, destiny had made separate. Petra was talking to some other girls, Oluo and Gunther were getting some food while Eld ... Well, he seemed to be looking for someone. Now Levi was alone and with no one to talk to. Not like he minded too much, he was used to be alone. What he didn't like were the stares ... Can't people mind their own business?

"Yo! Levi!"

Ah, here we go.

It was Hange who looked more lively than ever if that was even possible. She was wearing a long light blue dress, very elegant and it looked nice for someone of her height. Her hair was groomed in a nice ponytail and to Levi's surprise, she wasn't wearing glasses.

"Hey shitty glasses, can you even see?" he asked as she approached him.

"To be honest your face looks a bit blurry, but I can see fine from afar!" Hange squeezed her eyes a little just to see Levi's angry face better. "Anyways, where is your date?"

"I didn't bring one ... Where is your date?" Levi asked.

"He should be arriving pretty soon with the rest of the squad, Moblit can take a lot of time getting ready."

A sudden thought crossed Levi's head. Everyone in the Survey Corps was invited therefore if he was in Hange Squad, then that must mean-

"What about Flaherty? Is he coming too?"

"Nicholas? Yes, he should be coming, he said he didn't want to miss the performance of the house attendants." Hange looks at Levi with a surprised face, it was strange for him to take interest in someone he barely knows. "But why do you ask?"

"Nothing in particular."

But there was something in particular. He was worried now about the possibility of Maria and Nicholas meeting again. What if he sees her performance? What would happen if she discovers that she still feels the same about him? Now what?

"The saloon girls are here!"

Great, here come the problems.

"Yo, Levi! Let's go see our house attendants dance!" Hange grabbed Levi by the arm, almost forcing him to come in front of the stage. The first line, just what he needed. And it wasn't like Levi wasn't interested, it was more at the fact that he was going to watch other men drool over Maria that made him puke a little.

They were around 20 to 25 girls. Levi really didn't bother to count all of them. He looks at their faces as they placed themselves in lines. Wearing dresses of the colorful spectrum, trying to get as much attention as they could. Some had their hair up other down and there was no doubt that they will be showing their legs since they were wearing fishnets on their long legs.

Finally, Levi found the person he was looking for. Long brown hair, caramel eyes, around 5'6. She looked different, in a pleasant way. This was probably the first time he had seen her with makeup, a bright red lipstick, blue eyeshadow, and pink blush. Half of her hair laid in gracefully in soft curls while the other was up in a bun, a rose decorating it. She had moved her bangs to the side, making it easier to appreciate her face. Maria was wearing an all-pink dress with a black corset that looks hard to breathe in. Her chest was pushed up but it wasn't as exaggerated as he thought it would be. The skirt at least looked to be lightweight but of course, it was made to be easy to be picked up.

In order words, he was left breathless. She was like a completely different person and he dares admits that he wouldn't mind seeing this part of her more often.

"Yo! Lisa! Give your best!" Hange said out loud as she waved at her house attendant. "Come on Levi! Cheer for your house attendant!"

"Hange, you are embarrassing me."

Then the music starts to play.

Levi was never one to appreciate saloon girls, much less tavern dancers. He thought that everything was just to satisfy the males' need of seeing attractive girls. And in part, it was true. But he could also see why tavern dancers were respected to a certain extent by the upper classes. Although they could never get decent jobs after becoming dancers, a man's needs are always put first. It's tragic but due to this, tavern dancers are given special treatment at least by the male population.

Also, he had forgotten that they are performers too. The acting, their facial expressions, the way they move, everything was a performance. A form of art even. Everything with the purpose to entertain.

And wow, was Levi entertained.

Not just by everyone but his house attendant was ... completely captivating. She was different, a sexy smile decorated her face, she touches her body with her hands as she threw inviting eyes. Every time she would pick up her dress, Levi could feel something awake inside of him. She was just so sensual ... And although  he wasn't used to this side of her, he didn't mind it at all ... He didn't mind no one bit.

"Isn't that Maria from the Golden Tavern? The one that closed down because the owner was found to be conspiring against the king?"

"Yes, that's her! She is still as beautiful as ever, I guess that's what 10 years of living with prostitutes does with you."

The Captain tried to keep his cool as he kept listening to the men next to him.

"Yeah, I wanted to buy her for her first time  but she refused ... Later on, I learned that she had been with someone else ... A military man from the Garrisons."

"Well, personally, I don't mind if she is a virgin or not ... The price goes lower anyway."

"Control yourself, Levi, don't bother with these rats," Levi looked over to his shoulder trying to see if he could fix everything by just looking at them with a deadly glare. However, they were so engrossed in their conversation that they couldn't feel his wrath radiating off him.

"Well, if she is as good in bed just as good as she dances then I wouldn't mind paying double." 

"To be honest with you, now I would give anything to have her legs on my shoulders."

Alright, they were looking for it.

Just as he was about to throw a punch, Hange stopped him by putting a hand on his shoulder.

Hange knew the man very well, and she recognized that look. He wanted to go and kick the hell out of the men next to him. She didn't know why but she couldn't afford a scene. After all, it will look very bad if a Captain from the Survey Corps starts a fight.

"Stay calm, what did they do? Spill a drink on you?"

Hange tried her best to control Levi but it seemed like he wasn't backing away. She wasn't scared but she could see why everyone else was scared of Levi ... His eyes were just something to behold.

At the moment, Levi was angry and he knew that he wasn't thinking clearly. Nonetheless, that didn't stop him from feeling infuriated. As he takes a closer look at everyone, he notices that all the men had their eyes on his Maria. He was either hallucinating or not but that didn't stop him from wanting to take every man out of the ballroom.

He looks at Hange who had a concerned look on her face, he slowly removes her hand from his shoulder and without caring much he let out an angry growl.

"Just leave me the fuck alone."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

After the performance was done, the house attendants had the homework of accompanying the men for the night. It was a simple duty for the ex-tavern dancers and it could even be pleasant to a certain extent.

Before getting back to work, Maria wanted to see a little bit of the ballroom. A lot of men stared at her but she didn't mind too much, after all, she knew that the clothes she was wearing weren't the most decent ones. It was nice to see a room being so well illuminated with light candles, the live music was exquisite and from what she could see, there was plenty of food and alcohol for the night.

"Maria!"

Maria heard Petra's voice from afar and as she looks around she notices the red hair coming towards her as she waves her hand from side to side.

She greeted the beautiful woman with a smile, Petra was wearing a nice white and green dress. Similar to the one she wore on the date with Levi.

"I loved your performance! You looked so beautiful!" Petra said as she finally got close to Maria.

"Thank you! I am happy you liked it," Maria said as she held Petra's hands in appreciation. "I am a bit tired, however ... It's being a while since I wore a corset this tight-"

"Petra!"

An unfamiliar voice interrupted the duo. It was a beautiful tall woman with long blond hair and blue eyes. Her red dress accentuated her figure and the lower cut made on of her legs stand out. Maria could even say that she had prettier legs than some of the tavern dancers she knew. She was a beautiful woman and Maria couldn't help but be intimidated by her.

"Oh Elise, how are you-"

"Have you seen Levi?" the blond one asks, she stood up with a hand on her waist, she was clearly out of patience.

"You mean Captain Levi?" Petra asked, a bit of annoyance in her voice.

"He may be your Captain but to me, he is something else," Elise smiled teasingly at Petra, enjoying making her angry. "Anyways, do you know where he is or not?"

"No, and even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you," Petra stood on her tiptoes, trying to be as tall as the strong blond woman.

"Well, no need ... I will find him eventually or he will come to me."
     The blond one turns around with force, intentionally making her hair smack against Petra's face.

Maria watches the beautiful woman walk away, all men staring at her beauty. Not like she blames them.

"Who was that?" Maria asked, curious about the woman she just 'met.'

"That was Elise Dietrich, squad leader of the 23 unit and a pretentious bitch."

This must the first time Maria heard Petra curse in such a manner, she must dislike the woman a lot.

"You didn't hear this from me but ... Captain Levi and Elise used to be ... friends with benefits ... or something like that."

"What?" Maria's voice came out almost too loud for her liking. She covered her face in embarrassment as she notices that some people were looking at her.

"They never admitted it, but it was pretty obvious to everyone else ... Captain Levi likes to be secretive but her? She will tell everyone ... I guess she was proud to have humanity's strongest soldier all for herself," Petra rolled her eyes, anger was evident in her face. "I guess that is why Levi broke off whatever relationship they had ... but now she won't leave him alone! She is always after him in training ... Ugh, I hate her!"

Maria had not much to say. She knew that she never took the time to get to know more about Levi and it wasn't because she didn't want to ... It was because it seemed like Levi didn't want to open up with her. There were small moments in which he will open up to her, like the things he wanted to do in the future. But he never shared his past. She didn't want to force him to speak up about something he wasn't comfortable speaking about.

He will talk to her whenever he is ready.

But if that never happens?

Her heart ached a little at the thought, the thought of never getting close to Levi hurts her for some reason. A reason she didn't want to admit just yet.

And he had to admit that a part of her was jealous too ... that someone else had already taken a place in Levi's heart.

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Levi was doing something he rarely does. And that's drinking alcohol. He just needed to calm himself for a little ... Well, a lot.

Sitting on the bar section of the ballroom, it was pretty quiet. It surprised him because he thought it will be full of people trying to get drunk. That was probably thanks to the house attendants who were doing their jobs of entertaining the men. And of course that the rich men preferred to drink wine than the cheap beer that they were offering.

He had a pretty nice view of the entire ballroom, of all the guests, royals, rich men, house attendants, and Survey Corps members. Between all the people in the ballroom, he only cared about the brunette woman, giggling and smiling at other men that weren't him. Maria had her arms intertwined with a man a bit taller than her. His suit was white which was pretty impressive, he showed his status by his clothes. His brown hair was well-groomed and a red rose was placed in his suit's pocket.

She was just so close to him, her chest touches his arm and Levi could tell that he was taking quick glances whenever he had the chance. His right hand placed on her waist.

Levi finished taking his last sip of beer as he took a sit on the bar counter's chair.

He gave it some thought and he still can't figure out why he was angry. Well, actually he knew but there was no way he was going to admit that.

Suddenly, he notices Maria approaching him. Walking towards him slowly and Levi looks to the other side as to pretend that he didn't care or he just didn't see her.

"Hey grumpy man, are you having fun?"

He couldn't pretend he didn't see her, after all, she was standing in front of him. Levi rolls his eyes as he notices that Maria had now taken a seat next to him.

"Do you want anything to drink?" Maria tried again as she knew that Levi seemed to be angry for some reason. She hated it when he acted like this out of nowhere.

"No."

Alright, maybe he just needed to be alone for some time. Maria asked the bartender for some water, which of course it was a strange request. Nonetheless, tavern dancers had a 'code' of not drinking alcohol while being with clients. There were two reasons for that, the first one being that if she gets too drunk she might vomit. Men don't like dirty women. Men don't like women that drink too much because it seems as improper... Of course, unless they wanted to take them to bed without their consent.

After she got a glass of water from the bartender, she didn't doubt drinking all of it in one gulp.

Levi watched her every move, he tried hard not to but still, his inner instincts wouldn't let him look away. She was drinking like there was no tomorrow, he didn't blame her. Dancing and not having a proper rest can lead to dehydration. Small gulping sounds were created as the water went down her throat, her neck moved a little as she lets in the liquid into her body. And a small drop of water rolled down on her neck, making its way slowly to her collarbones.

"Ah, fuck me."

Now he was even angrier, utterly into madness. And the worst thing was that he didn't even know why. He was being childish, he knew but he couldn't help it. 

"Stop doing that," Levi said as he watched Maria finish her glass of water. This must be one of the few times he would be acting on anger alone ... Alright, that was a lie.

"What?" Maria said a bit startled. She placed the empty glass on the bar counter and thanked the bartender, she got a sexy smile from the gentleman and in exchange, she just smiled back. Levi, watching the whole thing felt like just storming off at the moment.

"Stop trying to seduce me," Levi said as he got her attention.

"... I was just drinking water." Maria said. "How is that supposed to be seductive?"

At the moment, he really didn't have the time to explain. Well, it wasn't that it was more that he didn't want to explain it. He didn't want to talk about how the thought process of men ... Especially when it comes to that. He didn't want to come off as a pervert and scare her.

"I am not one of your costumers. Don't treat me like that," Levi crossed his arms in front of his chest, not looking at the girl any longer. Instead, he focuses his eyes on the people on the ballroom.

"I've had never thought of seducing you and I will never do that."

That wasn't the answer he was looking for. A small part of him ... Well, no a big part of him wanted her to feel the same way he does. For her to feel a type of attraction towards him, for her to desire him, need him even. He just wanted her to know ... Just how much of an impact she has on him. What he was feeling was even becoming hatred. He just hated it ... That someone had complete control over him.

"And why don't you? Is it because I am not rich? Because I am a simple military man?" Levi remembered many things, things that happened between them in which he thought his feelings of desire where reciprocated. The teasing, the small smiles, the way she would caress his hair. The way he would make her blush, the way she would talk to him, the small flirting. Maybe everything was in his head, maybe he was going crazy ... But at the moment he didn't care.

"You may have not notice it but you have tried to seduce me. You like it don't you? To have all men all over you and at your feet?"

And he was exasperated, his blood was boiling and that was because he couldn't stand the thought. Of her treating him the same way she does with other men. He wanted to be special to her, he wanted her to only have a desire for him. And even if his heart wasn't ready to admit it, it pained him at the thought that she was using him.

"You know Levi, I came here because I thought I could be comfortable with you ... But right now, being with rich fat men is way better than to be with you!"

Maria stood up from her seat, he had never seen her act that way. To an extent, he knew that he deserved it. He didn't know what pained him the most, the thought of Maria just playing with him. Or Maria being angry at him for his stupidity.

This was their first argument and Levi would naturally feel guilty and even think about apologizing right away.

But the thought quickly went away as he saw her approach a group of men with a beautiful smile already placed on her face.

Just as she left, another figure approached him. It seemed like no matter what he does tonight, people just won't leave him alone. He knew this person very well as he was known for his determination.

"Would you allow me to give you some advice?"

It was Erwin and of course, he was as straightforward as always. Levi knew that Erwin was a very perceptive man, he must have seen everything from afar. Although he will be angry at him for meddling with his personal issues. Someway or another, he was always on top of things, no matter how small they were.

"You are going to say it anyway," Levi said as he rolled his eyes.

"Look at her right now ... Do you notice her fake smile? Her fake giggles and straight posture? Is she like that with you?"

Levi looks for the brunette again and he found her with the same man she was with before. She covers her mouth as she lets out small giggles, something he had never seen her do before. Maria was quiet most of the time and only talks when the man asks for her opinion. She looked rigid as to make her chest stand out and satisfy her costumer and somehow she just looks uncomfortable.

"No ... She isn't."

Erwin lets out a sigh. Somethings in life were simple, like fighting for humanity. Dealing with stubborn soldiers made fighting titans look easy. Levi wasn't stupid and Erwin knew that he might know already what is going on in his mind. But he had too much pride to accept it.

"She is not seducing you, she is comfortable with you. She can be herself ... The reason why you think she is seducing you is because you find her personality charming," Erwin tried to be clear as possible, he wasn't the best at this kind of thing either. But having a loving father who talked about matters of the heart did help once in a while. "You are falling in love with her. You just can't differentiate between the feelings of lust and love."

"I am not falling in love with Maria."

"I never said Maria."

These were the types of moments in which Levi really hated Erwin. One, because he was too smart and second because he made him see things he didn't want to see.

"I hope you man up and tell her soon ..." Erwin looks at Levi who only looks away, he was listening and although he would appreciate his full attention, it didn't matter at the moment.

"If not someone else is gonna take the place you have in her heart ... and that will be something you will regret."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

Maria was taking a break from everything that was happening. She was outside the ballroom, on the garden to be exact. She was just walking around it, still hearing the music from the inside. It was a full moon and the stars decorated the sky, the light radiating from it shone on the roses making them look beautiful. It was rare to see such pretty roses and she even thought of cutting some to bring to the Survey Corps's house.

She couldn't stop thinking about him. Maria felt guilty because a part of her knew that the words Levi said were true. A part of her wanted him, she found him attractive, desirable, and even when she didn't want to admit ... She was starting to fall in love with him. And maybe her actions, even if they were unintended, did attempt to seduce him.

Guilt was something she was used to but not this length. She was seeing Nicholas. Although he understood that the feelings she had for him were no longer there, she still felt guilty. Mostly because Nicholas had said that he still loves her. On her side, Maria cares deeply for him and she can't deny the fact that her heart still races when she is with him.

She felt like she was betraying him and that was something she couldn't live with.

But Levi ... He was utterly charming, from his soft deep voice to the way he cares for her even though he doesn't admit it. And she was starting to fall in love with that, with his small actions, with his mannerisms, with the way he drinks tea, the way he is a perfectionist and loves to clean.

Just everything about him ... She couldn't get enough.

And she knew it was wrong ... For her to have such feelings towards him.

"Are you busy?"

His voice interrupted her small thinking process and for a moment Maria cursed under her breath. She wasn't expecting on confronting him this soon.

"Not really ... I was just looking at the roses," Maria still didn't turn around. She was looking at the bushes of roses, still too embarrassed to look at him. She heard him take a few steps next to her and although he was a bit shorter than her, she still felt intimidated.

"I am sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."

At his words, Maria looks at him. She saw his face thanks to the moonlight and the few candles placed around the garden. She could tell that he was sincere and even if he wasn't she wanted to believe otherwise.

"I am sorry too ... This is embarrassing but ... I must admit that ... You may be right," Maria gulped her own saliva, trying to take a moment to gather the courage she needs. "I am attracted to you ... I probably did something that made you think that I am seducing you. But believe me when I say that I am not seducing you on purpose! I don't want you to think that I-"

It happened so fast Maria didn't have time to react. Levi had grabbed her by the arm and pulls her towards him, making her bend a little.

Levi was kissing her.

His lips felt cold, against hers. They were soft and firm at the same time and although it wasn't passionate, it was more important the meaning behind it. His eyes were open as he enjoyed seeing her dumbfounded face, he didn't move his mouth. It was just lips against lips with no malicious intentions.

It lasted for a few seconds, and when they separated, Levi had the same look on his face that he always has. In that instant, Maria knew what Levi wanted, he came looking for her for this moment right here. She touches her lips, still not believing what happened.

"I'll make it clear ... I don't love you," Levi said. He knew that his words were indelicate but if he wanted to be successful, he needed to be as clear as possible. " I don't have the luxury of love, nor romance ... For me ... It's hard to love someone. I have lost so many people ... They say they won't leave but they all do at some point. Its better if we keep those feelings apart from us."

Maria stood quiet, listening to every word Levi had to say. She couldn't think clearly but all she knew was that a part of her heart broke when Levi said he didn't have romantic feelings for her. Not like she expected any either way.

"But still, I am a man ... I have my needs, I have desires, ambitions and my wants ..." Levi stood closer to her, trying to see every single moment of her facial expressions. "And you are someone that I want ... I wanted to keep away from those feelings but the more I got to know you, the more I wanted you, and eventually, I knew ... That I just can't keep my desires to myself."

Suddenly, the Captain grabs Maria by her hands as he misses her touch on his skin.

"And it makes me angry too, whenever I see you with other men who only want to take you to their beds ... It makes me angry because they want what I want," Levi said. Maria feels her cheeks grow hotter as every second passes. His face had changed and she could tell that he was angry as he remembers her previous interactions with other males. "And that makes me want you more."

"I am a bastard because I want you for myself, I am possessive with the people I care about because I am always afraid ... that something or someone will take them away from me."

Maria felt her heart go faster, she had never seen this side of Levi. She knew that this part existed because after all, she couldn't deny the tension that was built around them since they first met.

"And to be completely honest, I care about you. Because I want you to feel the same way I feel about you ... I want you to desire me as well. If I didn't, I wouldn't care if you were playing with my feelings or not," Levi looks at her eyes. The brunette saw how beautiful they look under the moonlight. They were captivating, making her fall completely in love with them.

"But now, I don't care if you are playing with me or not. I just know that I want you, that I'll follow you with no regrets ... and that you have me completely at your feet."

Time stopped for a second and Levi couldn't believe that he had just opened up like that to her. But he just couldn't hold it in any longer, he wanted her, and that was all there was to it.

He was waiting for an answer, one that took an eternity. But he didn't mind waiting as long as he got one.

"I want you too ..." Maria said, finally understanding everything that was happening. "But I am scared ... That if we do this ... I may end up falling in love with you."

"That is something I can't stop ... I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do ... We can stop whenever you want," Levi began to caress Maria's hands, loving how natural they felt on his. "I know this is selfish ... But, would you put your feelings aside for me? I have nothing to offer you but my care ... I am just a simple man, begging you for some of your affection, that's all I want. All that I need from you to satisfy this desire in me."

Maria knew this was a dangerous game. But she just couldn't say no, she just couldn't deny it. She wanted him, they wanted each other. And although she was already falling in love with him, she didn't care at the moment. She didn't care if her heart would be broken after this. Because right now, all she wanted from him was his affection, his touches, to know that he wanted her just as much as she wants him. It was selfish on her side too, she wasn't thinking about Petra nor Nicholas ... But just for this time, just for this moment ...

She wanted to be selfish.

"I accept ... but I would like two favors in exchange," Maria looks down at her hands as she noticed that Levi was still holding onto them. "I want this 'relationship' to be a secret. Since we are not a real couple, nor we have romantic feelings towards each other and this relationship is only based on the acts of pleasure ... I think it would be best if no one knows."

"Granted, I think it's for the best too ... and the second favor?"

This time, Maria looks away a bit embarrassed. Her request maybe too much to ask but she still wanted to give it a try.

" ... Before the event ends ... Would you dance with me?"

Levi wasn't wrong, Maria had made him completely hers. He was lost, like a child seeking his parents, like a vagabond seeking a home, like a sinner seeking forgiveness ... and she was everything he was seeking for.

"For you ... I'll do anything."

✧༝┉┉┉┉┉˚*❋ ❋ ❋*˚┉┉┉┉┉༝✧

A/N: Almost 15K words! Wow, anyways this was super fun to write. Especially the ending! Next chapter, things get steamy! More drama to come since I introduced a new character: Elise Dietrich. She has a long past with our beloved Captain Levi ... But just how far did they go?

Quick character chart for my two characters:

Name: Elise Dietrich (Dietrich means 'mighty ruler')

Characteristics: Beautiful, long blond hair, blue eyes, literally a doll. 5'8.

Personality: Determined, she never stops until she gets what she wants. Comes from a wealthy family and joined the Survey Corps because she  always thought she was destined for greatness as a savior of humanity. Loves cats and will even keep one in the Survey Corps house even when it's prohibited. Had a relationship with Levi, more details to be revealed later.

Name: Nicholas Flaherty (Flaherty means 'rightful ruler' or 'Descendant of the great.")

Characteristics: Ginger, dark blue eyes, tanned, strong, 6'3.

Personality: He used to live life without worries, only cared for his needs until he met Maria who changed him. She made him see life from a new perspective and that made him fall in love with her. He was falsely accused of treason and even after being put in prison for four years, he still loves Maria deeply. He only wants her happiness regardless if she loves him or not. He loves writing and even when Maria doesn't know how to read, he loves to write her love letters every night with the hope that one day she will read them.

Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you all next week!