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Chapter 7: Bystander

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"So, his friends died. What is the big deal, that happens all the time here."

Elise Dietrich wasn't one to care for the problems of her subordinates. Much less for the new member of the Survey Corps, who after his two friends die, he seemed to be having a teenage episode.

"Don't be like that! He must feel so bad."

"Crying and moping about it won't bring them back, that's all I am saying."

It was late at night at the Survey Corps' old cafeteria where members who didn't belong to a squad would eat every evening.

The new recruits were fine with each other, most were friendly but a certain Levi. He will stay apart from everyone, eating by himself and never talks.

Elise found this especially annoying. Before, he would be extremely cocky, as if he knew he was the best. His face showed no worries and his posture, the way he dresses, everything about him annoyed her.

But now, there he was, being extra grumpy and even sad because his friends died ... What a pain.

"Hey, you!" Elise screamed from across the table, trying to get Levi's attention as he was eating his soup. "Is it true that you killed 30 titans in a minute?"

He was completely quiet, he pretended not to hear her. There were many things already going on his head and he didn't want to deal with petty brats.

"Well, if you did that we should start calling you humanity's strongest soldier, shouldn't we?" Elise teased again, getting satisfaction from having everyone's attention on her. "But it seems like humanity's strongest soldier wasn't even capable to save his friends."

At that, the blond woman saw Levi stand up from his seat with the bowl of soup on his hand. She could barely see his facial expression since his black hair covered his face. Levi took small steps as he approached the blond girl, she wasn't scared at all. If he wanted to fight her, then she could defeat him and prove to everyone she was the best.

But in all contrary, Levi looked at her with cold eyes.

And poured the soup on top of her head, the liquid falling from her head to her hair and then her clothes. Everyone watched in amusement with their mouths open and only waited for a reaction from the blond one.

"What the fuck do you think you are doing?!" Elise stood from her seat as she looks down at Levi. Compared to her, Levi was small and she even wanted to let out a laugh. Did he really think he could take her on a fight?

"Keep messing with me and I'll break your bones. I don't care if you are a woman, I'll give you the treatment I give everyone," Levi wasn't backing away, he had taken on bigger enemies.

Elise let out a small smile, she preferred this side of Levi. He may be a crybaby but at least he wasn't letting anyone step on him.

"I wouldn't want anything less from you."

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She has been looking for him for hours. Already meeting and greeting men that are not the one she was looking for. This ballroom event was getting boring, she had come for two main reasons. The first one being, out of responsibility with her duty. The second one, because she had bought herself a red dress with the hope that it will awaken something inside of Levi ... again.

After checking the entire ballroom, there was a place she hasn't checked yet. The garden, after all, it was a quiet place and not a lot of people would be there. A perfect place for a gloomy man like him.

She went outside and a breeze of air ran through her blond hair. She felt relieved, it was getting pretty hot inside the event. Walking around the garden, she felt a sense of peace invade her body. It was calm and a beautiful night ... just like that day.

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"Hopefully after this, you can learn to get along ... We can't afford to fight between us."

With that, Hange left an angry Levi and Elise to clean and organize files for the night. With the hopes that they will learn to work as comrades.

It all started with a fight. After that, it was more fights, cursing at each other, bullying each other and it wouldn't stop. It wasn't until the outside the walls expedition that it came to the Commander's attention. They were assigned a mission together but their conflicts only caused them to fail. Due to that, the whole expedition was marked as a failure causing the anger of the commanders.

"You know all of this is your fault," Elise said as she got a dirty drag to clean the table. "If you weren't a jerk, we wouldn't be in this situation."

"We wouldn't be in this situation if you had stopped lying to yourself," Levi said. He didn't mind cleaning, he was actually thinking of cleaning this place even before the punishment.

"What?"

"I've seen it ... The blushing, the way you get nervous when I am near you," Levi walked towards the table, next to where Elise was. "You have a thing for me."

Elise turns her head around, she was offended at the assumption but more embarrassed because it was true. It has been a constant month of fighting but she would be lying if she didn't say that there was tension between them.

But of course, she was going to deny it.

"You are crazy! As if I could have such feelings for someone like you!"

"Well too bad, because I do."

His words took Elise by surprise and until now she noticed just how close Levi's face was to hers.

"You are a beautiful woman and I have noticed that my desire for you increases whenever we fight," Levi said, his face moving closer to hers by the second. "So, why don't we break this tension once and for all?"

Elise wasn't stupid, she knew what he wanted. And if she was completely honest, she wanted to as well. He was an attractive man, he had a good physique due to all the training and his mysterious face was something that captivated every girl. And she was no different.

Maybe, this is what they needed. To end up all the fighting and the cursing, to break the tension that has been building up this entire month.

And after this ... no more.

"Right now?" she asks.

"The table works fine for me."

She kissed him, sloppy sounds were created as she began to take off his brown jacket. Levi places his hands around her waist and picks her up easily as he makes her seat on top of the table. Still not separating from each other's lips, Levi felt how Elise began to unbutton his white shirt.

It's been a while since he had been with a woman, last time it was with a friend who he trusted and was a prostitute he met on the underground. This felt different when it came to sex, each time it was a new experience.

This was lust and desire that has been built up and finally is being released ... It was an addicting feeling that both of them couldn't get enough.

It was supposed to be a one-night thing. But as different feelings began to grow within each other, they would have never thought that this was going to the first night of many to come.

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Dancing wasn't a thing that Levi was used to. And for a moment he wanted to go back on his word, but he knew he couldn't. Not after seeing how excited she was, her eyes shining as the moonlight reflected on her face. Small wrinkles in her nose were created as she smiles.

"Alright, so put your hands on my waist and I'll put by hands on your shoulders," Maria said and Levi did as he was instructed.

It even felt wrong for someone like him to place his hands on someone so delicate. Although he has seen her almost completely naked, there was a part of him that wanted to see more. Unconsciously, he began to imagine it again. That small intimate moment they shared weeks ago. It seemed like a distant memory now, but it was still fresh on his mind. And for a moment, he felt like a bastard for thinking about that right now.

"Now, you are going to take a step back ... A step to the right ... A step to the front."
Just as if he hypnotized, Levi followed every order, every sentence she made.

"See ... You are waltzing now!"

She really did have him under a spell. He had never thought of doing this before. Never had it crossed his mind to be dancing under the moonlight on a garden full of roses with a beautiful woman.

This could be the moment in which the girl would place her head on the boy's chest. Levi thought of this and cursed his genes. If only he could be a little bit taller, Maria could be in his chest right now. He was 5'3 and she was 5'7, she would have to bend a little for that to happen and of course, it would uncomfortable.

He was always straight forwards when it came to things like this but now? He became more speechless as the more he looks at her. Her soft smile, her eyes, her face, her lips ... Everything was so mesmerizing. And he wanted to see more ... All of it.

"Levi, are you alright?"

Her voice made him wake up from his trance, he hadn't realized that he was staring for too long.

"Yes, sorry ... I was just thinking," Levi let out a sigh as he mustered the courage he needed. "Things are going to change after tonight ... I hope that we have a long relationship ... but even if at some point we stop ..."

Levi holds her closer, trying his best to keep a good rhythm. Even when the live music came from the inside, they could still hear it from the outside. It wasn't loud, it was just the perfect volume and it was even soothing.

It was almost too perfect even, he still prefers the calming moments. When they lay on the grass and she caresses his hair ... But this wasn't bad either.

Not bad at all.

"I want things between us to keep on like this ... Just like this is fine too."

Her heart skips a beat as she feels his chest is pressed against hers. Their eyes connected, completely mesmerized by each other. Slowly, they stop dancing as they knew that they were going to enjoy more what will happen next.

Their faces began to get closer as they felt each other's breaths in their lips.

They didn't hesitate, their lips connected into a sweet kiss. It was small pecks at first, gradually it became more heated as timed passed. They explore each other's mouths as they felt intoxicated with each other's flavors.

As if Levi couldn't get any more of her, he grabs Maria's face trying to feel each centimeter of her lips. He knew that she was going to be addictive, but he didn't think it was going to be this intoxicating. As he kisses her more deeply, he couldn't stop thinking of her. Of how much he craved for her, her body, her mind, and soul to become one. It wasn't only that of carnal lust, but he wanted more of her. Him, a bastard, a monster ... He wanted her all to himself and more.

"What a fucking greedy bastard I am ... Haven't you learned anything?"

But did he care at the moment? No, he didn't. Just him and Maria, just like this ... Just this moment.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Whoever it was, they could go fuck themselves because they ruined a perfect moment.

They quickly separated and Maria almost jumps in surprise when she notices who it is.

"Elise, nice to see you here," Levi took a few steps back from Maria, as to pretend that the moment before never happened. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Actually, yes there is," Elise crossed her arms in front of her chest as she quickly eyes Maria. It was an uncomfortable look, meaning that she wanted the brunette to leave.

"I should leave you two alone," Maria said as she gave Levi one last look before starting to walk away. He wanted to stop her but according to their previous agreement, it would be better to keep everything on the low for now.

But Elise noticed everything, all the signs. The way Levi's eyes shone with disappointment after the brunette left. The way he follows her with his eyes just to make sure she would get safe inside, the way he was delicately holding her. The way he was kissing her ... Just everything.

It was everything that Elise wanted.

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How can her heartache so much even after knowing that to be romantically involved with Levi is impossible? Maybe it's the tiny hope that everyone has ... Because even in the impossible, everyone had hope that their wants will become true. She didn't know much about Elise nor about the kind of relationship she had with Levi. But even in the unknown, she knew that there was a history she could never compete with. Unknown feelings between each other, moments of passion that maybe have been filled with love.

And of course, she can't compete with that. Even when a competition wasn't needed, because Levi had been clear with her that he had no romantic feelings for her. He didn't love her, she couldn't even compete even if she wanted to. In the end, there was only one thing to do and that was to get rid of the growing feeling she had for the Captain and to enjoy each other's desires of affection.

And that was for the best.

Another part of her was scared too ... Of not being able to stop her feelings and having to break off the 'relationship' they have. To end up after a man who does not have the same feelings ... To end up like Elise.

No, even worse than her. She was a tavern dancer, someone with a dark reputation. Elise had a good last name, came from a good family and is a squad leader, without mentioning that she is ridiculously attractive.

Why in the world did Levi even break up with her? What was going through his head? ... But, what if they didn't? What if they are still together and they just don't want anyone to know?

Just like them right now?

"Maria?"

His voice was soothing, even angelic. Maria had missed him deeply even when they saw each other just yesterday. Whenever she was with him, she felt complete like a part of her that was broken could be repaired with just seeing his face.

"I've been looking for you! I saw your performance," Nicholas was just about to exit the garden when he saw Maria coming inside the ballroom. "I didn't think I could fall more in love with you, but I did."

A small blush spread across her face. Although she should be used to his compliments, it still surprises her whenever he says things so lightly.

Now that they were inside the ballroom, the brunette was a bit hesitant to be seen with others. Nonetheless, everyone seemed to be engrossed in a lively environment to even notice them.

"Thank you, I am happy you enjoyed it ... Are you also enjoying the event?"

"I am now, I wanted to see if I can take you out for a dance?"

The house attendant looks around, for some reason dancing with Nicholas didn't seem like a good idea. However, seeing his face full of hope, his eyes bright and smile ... She didn't want to disappoint him, just like she had been moments ago.

"I have to get back to work, but what if we meet again here for the last song before the event ends?"

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Levi couldn't expect much from tonight. He was having a great time which he didn't expect but then everything seemed to be going to hell after Elise showed up. If he was completely honest, he was angry at her at the moment for making Maria leave. He could see it in her, how Maria felt intimated by the beautiful woman, and although there was no much Levi could do, he still hated it.

"So, what do you want now?" Levi went back to his usual self, his mood had completely changed due that the brunette was no longer with him. It was strange, but she did help a lot to put him in a better mood.

"You and that saloon girl ... are you two fucking?"

Levi rolled his eyes in annoyance, he really hated when people will get into his business. He looks at the blond woman, giving her a cold stare. Still as beautiful as ever, her blue eyes, her red lips, her pink cheeks, her beautiful figure ... she was everything a man wanted. Levi still found her incredibly attractive and he can't deny the fact that there was still some tension between them.

"We are not and even if we were that would be none of your business," as he began to walk away, he heard steps coming from behind him. Of course, it was the blond woman again following him. "And stop following me."

"I just can't understand why would you want to be with her when you already have me!" Elise ran in front of him trying to get his attention. "Come on! Don't tell me you don't miss our nights together."

If Levi knew that she was going to be this complicated, he would have never asked her to be his ... pleasure partner. He has made it clear since the beginning that they weren't anything serious and that he couldn't possibly see her with romantic eyes. But as time passed and Elise began to have feelings for him, Levi tried to feel the same for her. Tragically it didn't work and it just ended badly.

"Elise we have already been over this ... I tried, believe me when I say I tried to love you but I just couldn't," he says as he stops walking. They have had many talks like this after they 'broke up' but it seemed like no matter what, Elise wouldn't understand.

"Oh, but you still enjoyed being on my bed. Didn't you?" the blond felt hurt at his words but at the moment she focused on his feelings. "You stopped being with me weeks ago, is it because you got a new toy?"

"Don't call her that," Levi says. "And remember that I am still your Captain, show some respect."

"But we could be so much more! Please, I am not asking you for your love ... at least not now," the beautiful woman grabs Levi by his hands. She missed them so much on her body and how they used to caress her long hair when they laid together on the bed. "What I want is for us ... to be just like in the beginning. You and I on the bed, on the table, on the closet ..."

He remembers all of it, the passionate nights. The never-ending tension that grew bigger with each passing day. How they would stare at each other during training and how they made out whenever they had the chance.

Levi also remembers a special night, when Elise had confessed her love for him. He had tried to make love to her and not just sex ... It was sweet, gentle and he really tried his best to reciprocate the feelings

But it just didn't feel right to him.

"You know that if we do that it's only going to hurt you," Levi said that with a sincere heart. Although he had Maria's feelings in mind, Elise was also important to him. They had shared many things and he didn't want to hurt her. "Besides, what would you get from it? I already told you I can't have those feelings for you."

"I know ... But I just want a chance ... A chance to be with you again ... I only want wake up on your arms like we used to," she was being very seductive. Whispering on his ear as she still kept caressing his strong hands.

Levi had to admit that the offer was tempting but he just couldn't accept it. Even when his innermost desires were telling him to just take her to bed already. She wanted to do it, so what was the problem? He was in no relationship with Maria either, they had no compromise, so why ... Why does it feel wrong to just accept some else in his life?

"But I am scared ... That if we do this ... I may end up falling in love with you."

Did he forget about the fact that Maria had him completely at her feet? That her needs came before his? Had he forgotten that her feelings were important to him? He felt incredibly stupid, vulnerable even. Maybe she wasn't in love with him yet but if she ever does, he wouldn't want to hurt her feelings.

"I am sorry ... I just can't."

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After meeting a lot of men, getting different love confessions, and a few fake marriage proposals from men who wanted another wife, Maria knew that after tonight she just wanted to sleep. She had stopped being a tavern dancers a few weeks ago but she was already accustomed to the domestic life.

This would normally be nothing, it was 3 am and before she would stay up until 6 am and still have energy left. But after enjoying the nights of sleeping at a proper time and waking up at regular hours, Maria was out of practice. How long has it been now? A month? A very nice one indeed.

It seemed like the night was already about to end as the gentlemen began to exit the ballroom, some of them took other house attendants to enjoy the night with.

As Maria began walking across the ballroom to look for Nicholas, her eyes met green ones. It was Leah, one of her closest friends besides Lisa. She was more like an older sister to her and always looked for Leah for advice.

"Making men fall in love with you successfully?" Maria teased a bit, knowing already that Leah was by far the more experienced one. She even had fame between the royal men.

"Like always my dear," Leah looks around the room, it had seemed like she was looking for someone or something. "But I need to control my powers ... It seems like I made someone fall for my charms unintentionally."

Oh, so that's why he was looking. It wasn't like she hasn't noticed, a strong stare of blue eyes. It was pretty obvious even to Maria that the blue eyes were staring intensely at Leah.

"Who would have thought that the Commander's advisor had a thing for you?" Maria was surprised by the skills of her friend. Nonetheless, she didn't want her to be playing with the feelings of Erwin. "But don't give him hope if you are not interested."

"I swear it's not me! Ever since I became his house attendant ... It's weird," Leah said as they began to walk together around the ballroom, saying their goodbyes to the guests. "I thought I would be doing all the chores as it is supposed to be ... But it's not like that ... He helps me with everything! And I don't even have to ask him."

"Really? Maybe he is just nice?"

"Do you think a man just stares at a woman ... just because he is nice?" Leah punches Maria's elbow in a teasing manner. She notices a red hair approaching them, a man that she knew very well.

"And talking about men who stare, here comes your Romeo," Leah smiles at Nicholas as she leaves Maria for the night.

Holding a red rose on his hand, Nicholas approaches Maria slowly a bright smile on his face. The brunette couldn't help but feel embarrassed at his actions. His intentions were pure and Maria appreciated that.

"I was looking for you," Maria says as they got closer to each other. Suddenly, a certain melody began to play. One that was close in her heart.

"I paid the musicians to play our song," the handsome man began to caress Maria's hands as she accepted the red rose he had picked from the garden. "So, would you do me the honor of giving me this one last dance?"

Maria bowed in respect as she gave a smile to Nicholas accepting his request. Slowly, Nicholas places his hands in Maria's waist. They felt like they belonged there, his hands were made to hold her like this for eternity. With his actions, Maria placed her hands on his shoulders and she loved how she felt. Just like the first time they met.

People were starting to gather around them, joining the last dance before the event ends. Maria had to admit that she was feeling emotional, so many things have happened. Things that she may enjoy momentarily but then regret. She was scared of the future and excited at the same time. But Nicholas brought her comfort. Knowing that no matter what she does, he will stay with her. That whatever she chooses he won't change. And a part of her just wanted for everything to go back to how things were. When she was engaged to Nicholas when they were deeply in love.

They dance slowly as Nicholas leads the dance, moving Maria side to side in a circular manner. It was a beautiful moment, and Nicholas knew that there could never be another woman for him. Maria was everything to him, her voice, her smile, her eyes ... He was completely in love even with her flaws. With the dark circles that she couldn't hide even with makeup, her long hair that had become messy through the course of the night. Everything ... Every single thing about her, he was deeply in love with. He didn't want to change anything, and he will fight to the end just to see her happy forever ... Just like this, just like this moment.

"I know I've said this many times," Nicholas says as he brings Maria closer to him, whispering on her ear. "You mean the world to me."

Feeling her cheeks get hot, Maria couldn't do anything but smile sincerely. There was no better feeling than this, to feel loved, to know that there was a place where you are accepted. Nicholas and she have gone through a rocky path, but maybe this was just a challenge they had to face. To know if the love she had for him could be reborn.

And she was willing to face that challenge as long as he is with her.

Maria let all formalities aside as she places her head on Nicholas' chest, hearing his heartbeat increase little by little. It was a pleasant sound and it even mixed with the song's rhythm. This was probably going to become one of her favorite sounds. No, never-mind that. This was probably going to be her favorite moment. Nicholas' heartbeat, his warm, his strong embrace, his comfort ... this was a perfect moment.

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Levi was just trying to get rid of Elise who wouldn't leave him alone. He was feeling annoyed and hoped that seeing Maria would calm him down even just a little. Still, he didn't want to scream at the blond woman behind him to stop following him.

He enters the ballroom, looking around just to try and get a small glimpse of the brunette ... Just anything would do, anything to calm him down.

But this is not what he wanted.

They looked almost too perfect. Dancing at a rhythm of the music, they were almost like the melody itself. It was a soft image, a pure one filled with love, something he could never hope for. Maria had her head placed on Nicholas' chest, her eyes closed. He had never seen her in such a manner, so peaceful and so ... her.

She was at a total comfort, one that he thought that would be exclusive to him.

He hated himself at the moment, more than anything and anyone. He hated himself for not being a little taller, enough for her to place her head on his chest. Levi wanted that, he wanted to feel her in his chest, to be close to her, to share his warmth with her.

Just like that ... Just like how Nicholas was having her.

And he felt that a part of him had been stolen. That was supposed to be him, he was supposed to be holding her, embracing her. To be dancing with her even when he had two left feet and knew nothing about dancing. How he hated himself, for letting her go and forgetting that Nicholas was a threat to their relationship.

And he wanted to interrupt them, to break them apart, to tell him to never touch her again.

But how could he?

How could he when she looks so happy? How could he take that away from her? He couldn't and not because he didn't want to ... but it was because he was putting her above him.

"Not so selfish now are we?"

It was even comical, that moments ago he was telling Maria to put her feelings aside for him. But here he was, looking at them like a man who had jus being betrayed.

He shouldn't care about this, none of it. After all, they weren't romantically involved.

But then ... What was this feeling in his heart ... This feeling that was telling him to run away and shut himself in his room for days?

"Seems like she also has someone else," Elise approaches him. She gets as close as possible to him, whispering in his ear from behind. "Why would it be wrong of you to have someone else too?"

And she wasn't wrong and he wasn't thinking logically. There was a feeling of hate, anger, and betrayal ... Disappointment even. It took him everything to express himself the way he did to her a few hours ago. He told her, how much he hated when he sees her with other men. How much he despises it when they see her, touch her ... Didn't she understand any of it? Was she underestimating his feelings? Didn't she know just how much her actions impacted him?

He wanted her all to himself ... Wasn't he clear enough?

To Levi, it was clear that Maria was just playing with his feelings. That she didn't care at all about him nor about what he was feeling.

Not even their 'relationship' at all.

So then, why should he care? Why should he be the only one feeling like this?

"Come on Levi ... Be with me,"

At her tempting offer, Levi turns around again. He looks at her, their faces close to each other. This was probably going to be another mistake ... But his mind was telling him that this was the only way to keep Maria out of his heart.

"Fine," Levi says. "Let's go somewhere private."

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The night had ended and Nicholas had left with his squad back to the Survey Corps houses. Maria meanwhile decided to stay a little longer, getting worried that she hasn't seen Levi. Servants were already cleaning the ballroom and there are only a few people left waiting for their carriages to come and pick them up.

"Excuse me," a voice interrupted Maria's search for the short man. Her face seemed familiar, but it would have been more recognizable if she was wearing her glasses. Maria has seen her talk to Nicholas through the course of the night and from what she could tell, he had great respect for her.

"My name is Hange Zoe, I am the squad leader of the squad Nicholas is part of."

Maria felt honored and she bowed slowly to show her respect to the woman. "I am Maria ... Just Maria ... I am the house attendant for the house of Levi's squad."

"Yes, Lisa and Nicholas are always talking about you! Maria this, Maria that ... They talk so much about you I wanted to meet you," Hange smiles. Maria remembers how Lisa had told her that she was the house attendant for Zoe's squad. It made sense that she and Nicholas would talk about her. Although to be completely honest, it was a bit embarrassing. "I saw you dance with Nicholas earlier and I figured it was you ... So, I just wanted to come by and say hi."

"Thank you! I am so honored to meet you," Maria says but it was evident to Hange that the brunette was distracted as if she was looking for someone. "Did you enjoy yourself tonight?"

"I did but sadly I can't say the same for my partner ... I am still waiting for him to finish vomiting outside," Hange let outs a sigh and even a small giggle. "I should check on him soon ... But tell me about you, did you get to dance with Captain Levi?"

Hange could be everything but stupid. She had seen in it Levi's eyes, the way he looked at her when she was performing in front of the crowd. The way he got angry at the men who were looking at Maria ... everything made sense now.

She knew that Nicholas was looking for Maria since the moment he got into the Survey Corps. Levi had taken an interest in Flaherty since day one, meaning that Levi knew about Nicholas and Maria's past relationship ... Why he was interested in that was another mystery but she already had her theories.

"So, this is why Levi has been acting different lately ... Her blushing is not making things difficult at all either, it's easy to tell."

"Well, I didn't get to dance with him," it was a partial truth because Maria danced with Levi for only a few minutes before they were interrupted. Also that it was mostly her teaching him how to dance than actually dancing. "I am actually looking for the Captain ... Well, everyone is looking for him. We thought that we were going home together."

"Oh, something tells me that Levi won't be joining you all for the rest of the night."

"What?"

Hange didn't know if she should keep her knowledge a secret or not. But for now, she should get to know the brunette better.

"Why don't you come with me and help me with Moblit?" the scientist smiles as she grabs Maria's hand almost forcing her to come. "And we can talk more about Levi and you."

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It's incredible the amount of information you can get by just analyzing and be a bystander. Hange had it as one of her specialties, she had expertise on that field like nobody else. It was even her pride from time to time.

The first hints were a bit difficult to spot. When she introduced Nicholas the first time to Levi, she could tell that he didn't like him. Call it hate at first sight and even though the Captain doesn't' like anyone, it was still strange to see him dislike someone almost immediately.

The training was something similar to that. Although Levi had no power over the kind of training she gives her squad, from time to time he would suggest things.

"Flaherty seems to be slacking, you should make him run more."

"Flaherty is making mistakes with his ODM, you should punish him."

"Flaherty won't last a minute outside the walls if he keeps like that ... You should make him train more."

At first, she thought of two possibilities. One that he was interested in the well being of the new recruit and second, that Levi was interested in the man. The second option however didn't seem logical. Especially because she knew that Levi had a long history with women and he was even having sex with someone at the Survey Corps. If he was interested in men, she should have known by now. Not only that, but it seemed right for Levi's personality to like women only ... They tended to be more clean than men after all.

So, that leads to another third and final option.

Levi hated his guts. Which was completely out of his characters. From what Hange had seen, Nicholas was a sweet guy. Handsome, tall, strong, and with a lot of qualities that could make any girl sigh in love. So, maybe it had to deal with a woman.

As time passed, and Hange became aware of Nicholas's search for a girl called 'Maria' it all began to connect.

"Hey, Nicholas how did it go with Captain Levi? Did you get to ask about Maria?"

"Yes, he said he didn't know her."

After that Hange was left with no other clues, she didn't think Levi had a reason to lie.

But it wasn't all clear until tonight.

Two moments gave it away. One, his clear amazement at Maria's dancing, and his evident jealousy at the men looking at her.

And the second was Maria and Nicholas dancing. When she saw them at first she thought that it was a lovely sight. Two people that were separated by circumstances and were united again by faith.

But then she saw him from afar ... Levi's face. It only lasted for a few seconds, but his disappointment, his pain, his vulnerability. It was a moment that broke Hange's heart because she had never seen Levi like that. In the few fractions of that moment, he had shown so much emotion than ever before.

As realization hits him, new feelings arose within him. Hange could tell that he was angry, jealous and he was hungry for vengeance. She knew this because she had seen this side of him before.

She watched him from afar how Levi turned around to face the blond woman behind him. Her smile was all that Hange needed to know that Levi had accepted her proposal.

And it wasn't that she was spying on them. She was helping Moblit vomit behind the bushes of roses when she recognized the Captain's voice.

"You stopped being with me weeks ago, is it because you got a new toy?"

"Don't call her that,"

"I know ... But I just want a chance ... A chance to be with you again ... I only want to wake up on your arms like we used to."

"I am sorry ... I just can't."

Hange had to admit that she was impressed, even proud to an extent about Levi. Of course, she knew about the past relationship Levi had with Elise. Mostly because he was the one to open up to her about it. And if she was completely honest, she was happy for him. She thought Levi was having a nice, healthy relationship.

But of course, he was secretive and the reason why they broke up was unknown to her.

"We just didn't understand each other anymore."

That was all Levi said to her. She didn't say anything but at the moment she thought that his words were a stupid excuse to break up with someone. If you like them ... Don't you fight for them? To make things right?

Disagreements are normal, after all, they are two completely different persons. She even remembers having fights with Moblit because she 'would put herself in too much danger.' But they would always talk things out ... and that is because they weren't even a couple.

Shouldn't things work the same way for romantic relationships?

Either or, she was starting to realize why Levi and Elise didn't work out at all. She would bother him constantly and stress him out most of the time.

But with Maria? Well, that was a different story. She had seen the changes. Levi just looked more relaxed in training, he seemed to be sleeping more, eating more, and just in a better mood overall.

"My house attendant made me black tea today."

"My house attendant makes the house smell like lavender."

"My house attendant made white rice today."

Never revealing her name but always on his mind. These were the kind of answers Levi would give Hange every day when she ask him why he was in such a good mood. The bastard was falling in love but he didn't even know.

But once again, she really couldn't confirm it. Not until she had every detail.

Including the woman involved in all of this.

"So, tell me more about yourself Maria," Hange, a sleeping Moblit, and the house attendant were on a carriage going back to the Survey Corps Houses. Levi's squad had all disperse, Petra had gone home earlier with another friend. Oluo and Gunther went with Erwin on his carriage and Eld was probably staying the night at the town with Elena.

But Captain Levi was nowhere to be seen, which worried the house attendant immensely.

"Well, there's not much to say ... I left home at fifteen and became a tavern dancer to help support my brother and myself," Maria looks outside the window. She felt a deja-vu as if someone else had already asked these questions before. "That's pretty much what I did for ten years, my boss was found to be conspiring against the king ... The Survey Corps came to recruit us... I and other saloon girls became house attendants ... and now I am here, going back to my roots."

Maria lets out a small giggle trying to build a more comfortable atmosphere between her and Hange.

"I appreciate the help you are giving the Survey Corps ... It must be hard for you to do this,"

"Not at all ... You know, after doing this for so many years, you really start seeing it as a normal job," Maria looks back to Hange. "It's not something I am proud of but when you are a woman, uneducated and lacking on visuals ... You don't really have much of an option."

"Was it really your only option?" Hange didn't mean to offend her decisions, she just wanted to know her type of character.

"I worked on the fields, picking up cotton at first. But it wasn't enough," Maria smiles as she remembers her clumsy past. "I also tried stealing but I was really clumsy ... I think I got beat up three times a day by food stand owners. And you see, it could have been enough money, just for me."

Hange watches her every moment, she didn't look angry nor sad. It was more of a nostalgic sentiment.

"But I had a nine-year-old brother to take care of ... We had no home, no enough food. We would go without food for weeks ... And I just couldn't watch him starve to death any longer," tears were threatening to come out of eyes. It was a long time ago but watching your brother die from starvation wasn't something she could forget easily. "Being a tavern dancer gave me and my brother plenty of food and a stable home ... It's not a job I am proud of but I am really grateful for it."

Yeah, alright. This was the kind of woman Levi would fall for. Not just Levi, just probably about any guy in the right sense of mind. Her actions were honorable and even if she was uneducated, and a 'whore', Maria was a lady in all of her entirety. She didn't know if it was because she learned how to be one while she lived with prostitutes or it was a natural thing to her.

"So then tell me ... Why are you at the Survey Corps working as a house attendant? Wouldn't you be making more money as a tavern dancer somewhere else?"

The carriage trembles a little as they were on a bumpy road. Hange looks outside the window, they were almost home which sucks. She wanted to join the journey a little longer, after all, it was only on rare occasions she could use the fancy carriage.

"You see, I am a pretty ordinary woman ... A tavern dancer who is probably never going to marry," Maria didn't say this to be pitiful but instead was just stating the facts. "I really have no motivations ... I am not destined to be great either ... I just want to help those who are capable of achieving greatness ... I hope that's good of an excuse to want to keep living."

"Helping others achieve the things you can't do? Kind of poetic don't you think? Also ... Very honorable," Hange smiles but still there was a bit of doubt. "But ... is there anything else you want?"

"Well, I kinda want a family of my own," Maria looks around the carriage, a bit nervous about the topic. "And well ... After watching my brother suffer from malnourishment and not having a home ... I kinda wanted to have an orphanage, with a farm and a school for kids who don't have a home."

Hange looks at the brunette in disbelief. She had big dreams but she was realistic as well. To do what she wanted to do, it will take land and a lot of money. She was a woman meaning she couldn't own land unless she was married or inherited it. She was an ex-tavern dancer, meaning that a wealthy man won't look twice at her for a marriage proposal. And even if she did get a marriage proposal from a wealthy man, what would her life be like? A life full of misery most likely, since the wealthy tend to have mistresses around to show off their status.

Either way ... It was an impossible dream. But who was her to judge?

"You don't believe in your dreams but you believe the Survey Corps will one day defeat the titans?" Hange lets out a small laugh. "Don't get me wrong, maybe one-day humanity will defeat the titans, once we make scientific discoveries and-"

"Of course I do! If I didn't, I wouldn't be here! You all are the first steps we need to take to defeat them! You all are necessary so one day we can defeat the titans!"

The house attendant could make people go speechless and that was an amazing thing to do but it seemed like she wasn't aware of that power.

"If one day, we make the titans disappear ... Then what would you do?" Hange asks again.

Maria gave it a thought and her mind went to Levi. She remembers that night they sleep together. They were talking about themselves and although Levi wasn't letting out too much information, she did remember a detail.

"I'll probably help Captain Levi open up his teashop, he most likely won't want me there but ..." the house attendant smiles at Hange and she could feel her sincerity in her voice.

"It would be nice to see him happy, wouldn't it?"

Hange didn't know if Levi knew that he was extremely lucky. Maria wasn't thinking about her future but Levi's. With a few words, Maria had told Hange everything she needed to know. That Levi's future and his happiness were Maria's as well. The house attendant would be happy as long as Levi was happy.

The purest kind of love there is.

And tavern dancer probably didn't realize it fully either. Maybe because she had never felt such strong feelings before.

It infuriated Hange too because while Maria had the purest of feelings for Levi, he was out there fucking another woman. They were probably at a hotel or something, still sucking the life out of each other, and the thought made Hange cringe a little in disgust. It wasn't fair to Maria, but she was in no position to tell her about what was happening with the Captain ... She just hopes that Levi opens up his eyes soon and doesn't let Maria go.

Nonetheless, Hange had made up her mind. She could almost picture them together already. Levi coming back home from working at his teashop saying 'I am back' while Maria responds 'Welcome back, honey.' Tiny little children with brown hair and black eyes running to hug their dad after not seeing him for the day.

It was the peaceful life that someone like Levi deserved even if he thought otherwise.

"Yes ... It would be nice indeed."

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It wasn't like he wasn't enjoying it, it was more like he was enjoying it too much and felt guilty about it.

How long has it been since he slept with a woman? A month? More? It certainly felt like longer and the fact that he had built up tension with Maria for the longest time also affected him greatly.They were at a hotel they knew too well, even the owner gave him a look. The one that said, "You are here again?"

It didn't embarrass him, in all honesty, he couldn't care less. What bothered him was when people got in his business. But now inside the hotel room, where there were no restrictions, he couldn't think of anything but release the anger he felt.

Exasperated moans, heavy breaths, sweat, and the screeching sound of the old bed moving underneath them. Clothes on the floor, long forgotten.

"Levi," Elise whispers his name on his ear and the man had to admit that it felt pleasant to hear her.

He was being selfish at the moment, especially because he wasn't thinking about her satisfaction but his. But seemly, she was enjoying herself as well.

"Would you take off my dress?"

He cursed mentally, and even a part of him wanted to scream at how vulnerable he was with her. Levi couldn't stop thinking about Maria, even when he was having sex with another.

That night came to his mind like a shooting star. How he remembers ... His cold lips pressed against her soft neck, the way her skin was warm, how he made her shiver as he ran his fingers across her body. He remembers how much he craved kissing her lips that night, a temptation that didn't become true until tonight.

Now that he thinks about it, that most be the only time he had Maria laying on his chest. Although nothing happened that night, he had felt more relieved and relaxed than he has ever felt before.

Kissing her was truly a blessing and he even wonders why he didn't dare to do it before. Maybe if he had done it earlier, it would be Maria the one taking Elise's place right now. But he wouldn't allow that, this was too much of a dirty place for someone like her. He couldn't bring himself to even imagine bringing Maria to a nasty hotel like this. If he ever makes love to her, he wanted it to be in a nice place worth of her. Maybe his room, hers, and if they were out probably a nice hotel.

"Levi, go slower," for Elise this time was different. When they used to have sex before, Levi would focus on the enjoyment of both. Although she was having a nice time, she could tell that he was acting indifferently. Being together tonight wasn't an act of pleasure, its more so Levi could let out his frustrations. She wanted to enjoy the night as long as she could but it seems like humanity's strongest soldier had other plans.

Tragically her request wasn't heard as Levi was already lost in his thoughts.

It has only being a couple of hours but how he misses her. And he hated how much power Maria had over him. She made him hers on the month that they were together. What would happen after more months pass? After they spend more time together? After they share the same bed multiple times? A part of him was scared, terrified even that his heart might start to feel unwanted things towards his house attendant. Luxurious feelings like love weren't allowed, he couldn't get attached to anyone because he just knew that they will leave him. Replace him. Forget him.

Just like tonight.

This wasn't the moment to think about Nicholas Flaherty but God, how much he despises him. And the bad thing was that he didn't even do anything wrong. If there was anyone who had to be angry, it would be Nicholas at him. After all, Levi had stopped him from finding the love of his life when they first met.

"What would she do when she finds out? Will she hate me? Will she stop talking to me? Would she-"

But it didn't matter now, nothing did. He was a selfish bastard. Levi knew he was. He wanted Maria all to himself, he didn't want love. So what is it then? Why is it that he wants Maria to love him and only him? Why does he desire so much for her to love him completely, unconditionally? He wanted her to be devoted to him ... but what about him? He can't give her the same thing he wants from her. He had proven that tonight ... he had left Maria alone with that bastard while he was here, fucking a woman because it's the only way he can release his anger.

"I left her alone with him ... What if the left together .... to a place like this?"

His mind began to imagine the worst. Maria and Nicholas .... just like this. Hugging, kissing, fingers touching each other's skin. Maria's lavender smell mixing with his, her soft moans, her blushing face. And more things he had only dream of.

"Levi, I am almost there,"

Elise's voice resonated within him but in reality, he couldn't process the moment at hand. His thoughts were only filled with her and how much he wished .... how much he craved to be with her. And it didn't have to be sexual, he just wanted to be with Maria. Laying in bed, talking about each other's days. He wanted to see her. Her face, hold her hand, caress her hair.

And it pained him, it hurts him even to breath at the thought of her being like this with someone else.

"Why does it have to be me the only one who feels like this?"

Seeing that Elise had finished, he was about to release himself as well. But he wasn't stupid either, he knew his limits. He takes himself out of her as his breaths become heavier. Placing his member in between her thighs, he moves front and back. Once again, he curses because he had forgotten that Elise was a skinny individual, her thigh gap was evident and although it's pretty to look at, it didn't work well when it comes to things like this. If he was with Maria, well this could be a different story.

"Do you enjoy it? Seeing me like this?"

But he didn't care, tonight wasn't really about pleasure anymore. It was about trying to forget her, even if it was just for a small moment.

"Can't you understand, how much I need you?"

But how was that possible? How can he forget Maria when she was always on his mind? He would see her face whenever he drinks tea, her smile whenever he sees a flower, her hair whenever the wind blows on her face.

"Why him? Why can't it be me?"

He wants her, her mind, body, and soul ... And Levi can't believe that these feelings were true. That he could want someone so much to the point that he hates it.

"Why did you have to dance with him? Why didn't you see me?"

But maybe it wasn't just that, maybe it was him. His mind that was telling him that everything was futile, that there was no point in having these feelings for someone who does not feel the same.

"Don't do that face. Not when you are with him, don't look so happy. Be with me instead ... Can't you be happy with me?"

And the jealousy that he didn't want to admit. He had felt it before when he was younger and saw people on the underground having a better life than him. But never for a woman, never for a person. And it was different because this had to do with his insecure and vulnerable side. He knew he couldn't compete with the all too perfect Nicholas Flaherty. That damn bastard who took away the person he desires the most.

"Why can't you love me?"

And in an instant, he was done. Heavy breathes were released as he looks down with disgust the abdomen of the woman underneath him. Normally, he would help her clean up but he had too many things on his head to think properly.

He thought this would help calm down his feelings and it did momentarily. But now that he was done, the feelings he tried to reprimand began to rise again.

"If we hurry up we can still catch a carriage at the ballroom," Levi stood up from the bed, looking at the floor as he searched for his pants.

"It's a bit late, don't you think it will be better to spend the night here? You paid for the room after all," Elise had the hope that they could sleep together as in actually just sleeping. She had accomplished the first step of her plan. The first step into making Levi fall in love with her. She was feeling confident and the night could be better if he decides to stay with her to have some bonding time.

"No, I think it's better if we go,"

That was a lie, Levi knew that it was late. Probably there were no more carriages left. Nonetheless, Levi had the hope that maybe he could still catch a glimpse of Maria. Just anything about her that would make his night better. He just wanted to see her ... Just really see her.

"Just spend a little bit more time with me, please-"

"No, I am leaving. If you want you can stay here for all I care,"

What was wrong with him? She expected something else. Levi was never a romantic, but he wasn't cold either after they have sex. Usually, he would lay in bed next to her for a couple of hours, not saying anything while she speaks through the night. But he was different now, he was cold, distant. Elise knew that after a while it would be different ... But nothing like this.

"Are you like this with that girl too?"

"What?"

"That fucking whore you were with earlier,"

Levi wanted to tell her to not call Maria like that but he stopped himself from screaming at her. He began to think about her situation and it was understanding to a point. She most of noticed that he was thinking of someone else while they were having sex.

"That's none of your business, you knew what you were getting yourself into, we don't have to do this-"

"It's not about that! It's just that I don't understand you!" Elise covers her body with the blankets, she was in a vulnerable position at the moment but she didn't care. "She seemed to be happy with the other guy, she is not thinking about you at all ... But I can't say the same thing about you."

"I am not thinking about her at all, and if you want us to continue this then I would suggest you to stop talking about Maria,"

"You are a selfish bastard and a liar now too? How many things are you going to keep adding to the list?" Levi thought and he cursed mentally for losing his cool and mentioning Maria's name in front of Elise.

"Alright, I won't ... But you have to stay with me ... Just for tonight," Elise pats softly on the mattress, inviting the short man to come and join her.

Levi couldn't say no. Although he wanted to leave, his mind and body were already tired. So tired of thinking about her and even though he was exhausted, he didn't want to stop. Maybe he could make this night better by just thinking about Maria. Just like he does every night before going to sleep.

He walks slowly towards the bed and was fast to lay next to the blond woman. She places her head on his chest and the only thing he could do was to close his eyes and think of things that made him feel better.

Well, more like a person who makes him feel better.

Levi began to think about her again and for a moment he imagined that it was Maria the one being with him. He expected this night to end up with her in his arms. Her head on his chest, her sweaty body against his. Their heartbeats slowing down after the heated night, syncing into the same rhythm. His fingers playing with her long brown hair while her hands softly touch his chest, pleasantly giving him small tickles. They could talk for hours about anything, he didn't care and somewhere between that, they just fall asleep in each other's arms.

That's all he wanted for tonight and he although he didn't get it, imagining it was the best thing he could do at the moment.

"See, isn't it nice being together just like this?"

Elise's voice resonated within him and although he heard it clearly, he would like to think it was Maria's. What a fucking pain she can be, always in his head, on his mind ... How dangerous this was. Just how much is he going to keep growing in this endless poison? But it was nice, he didn't want to escape. If it meant he could be with her forever ... Then he wouldn't mind suffering for all of eternity.

"Yes, it is."

For a short moment, his anger was no longer there, his jealousy was gone. Happier memories filled his mind, and he couldn't wait to see her tomorrow, enjoying a cup of tea with the new teacup she gave him.

And Levi thought of her one las time before falling asleep, knowing he will see her again in his dreams.

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A/n: I said this chapter was going to be a bit steamy, but I didn't say with who lol. I need to build up the drama just a bit more. I think this is the first chapter in which Maria and Levi don't interact as much. I liked writing about Hange's point of view in the story, she is a bystander for now but as we progress she will have an important role. Levi could also be considered to be a bystander since he didn't do anything when he saw Maria and Nicholas together. We explored more of Levi's feelings, he is such a fun character to write. Our boy doesn't know what love is and even if he did, he wouldn't act upon it ... At least not now. Maria on the other hand is more aware of her feelings.

Anyways ... for the next chapter ... Things will get really good for Levi and Maria in you know what I mean.

In the next chapter, we will see ...

-A little bit more of Elise's past with Levi

-Maria and Nicholas's past relationship.

-Levi exploring his feelings, we need to develop him a bit more.

-An INTERESTING night with Levi and Maria

-Rivalry between Levi and Nicholas (This is one is going to be fun!)

Thank you so much for reading so far, I know it's a bit slow but believe me, it will be worth it! I appreciate every like and comment! I'll see you next week!