Just to check

by Crazyaniknowit

Rating: everyone
Tags: Human
Length: 66392

Check my words

Check my words

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-11-23 07:02:07 UTC

Checking

Levihan 1

•

•

The sharp click of heels on a marble floor echoed hollowly through the cold castle, and one could assume the owner of said heels was quite possibly irritated. That would be an understatement, Zoë Titania wasn't just irritated, she was furious! Her veins were pulsing with adrenaline, causing her skin to quiver. She had just come from a banquet her father threw.

All the lords her father befriended were - for lack of a better word - jackasses. Being the only lady at the table did not help Zoë's case in the slightest. She shan't have minded being invited to this dinner, were it not for the fact that various disrespectful words, lecherous leers, and even a few gropes had been directed at her from his near-drunk coworkers.

  Having had enough, she excused herself and left early. Claiming to be tired. She would later reflect and decide that her discomfort was proving to be a boon, however. After all, tonight was the night her plan went into action.

  Opening the double doors to her room, she closed them gently, so as not to alert anyone of her mood. Zoë locked it before turning to face her room, and in that moment, her irritation and anger faded. There were so many fine memories in this room. Memories of a mother, of a family. Of a time when the world was sweet and kind. A world that was no more.

With a sad smile, she skimmed her fingers over the wood of her writing desk, then along the pale blue walls. She made her way to her bed, caressing the sheets and sitting down on them one last time. This would be her last day here, she wasn't even going to spend a final night in this bed. She had determined it nearly a month before, the exact time she had acquired the reason for her escape plan.

As a child, Zoë never knew her father very well, he was never home, and when he was, he hardly spoke to her. She had come to see him as a silent, intimidating figure who lurked in his office or stayed hidden behind a book at dinner. Her mother, having died when Zoë was merely five, was not there to comfort her when she was lonely. She resorted to rag-dolls when she was younger, giving them names and throwing private tea parties in the garden for them.

Maggie, her nursemaid from birth, had also recently passed on, and she was yet to be assigned a new handmaiden. However, that didn't matter anymore. Not now that she was leaving. As for why she had decided to take her leave: her father initiated contact with her for the first time she could remember almost a month ago.

•

"Enter."

  Zoë nearly jumped at the sound of his voice, even though she had been expecting it. Her father was never one to talk to her, silence was all she ever really heard from him. Nonetheless, she steeled herself and pulled the handle, slipping inside before the heavy door could close again.

  She smoothed her green, gossamer skirt down and bowed her head respectfully, despite her father's head being turned.

  "Come and sit, Zoë."

  She gulped, in honesty she was extremely nervous, her father had always been scary. But she quickly covered up her fear with a soft nod and a graceful walk to the chair beside his desk. She lowered herself onto the plush seat and lay her hands in her lap, awaiting further instructions.

  "I have something to tell you." her father turned, finally, and moved to stand beside his desk, just before her feet. She blinked in confusion when he kneeled and covered her hands with his own. "Zoë, you'll be eighteen soon."

  "I know, papa." she smiled briefly, a soft giggle accompanying her words. Of course she would know when her birthday was! A little over a month from now. Her father was just as silly as she remembered....from the few times he did talk to her, that is.

  "As such-" her father continued, "-I have arranged....Zoë, an old friend of mine..." he stood with a sigh.

  "Yes?" she prodded, her curiosity growing by the minute.

  "Well, our houses are both reaching that point where we need a union to keep the family running. And as you'll be of age..." her father continued, clearing his throat. And suddenly she knew what he was going to say,

  "Papa-"

  "I've arranged for you to marry his son."

  The chair screeched loudly as she stood, her chest heaving with all the words she wished she could scream at him. However - instead of speaking - she bit her tongue to keep all the obscenities back. She bit down so hard that the sharp tang of copper filled her senses, but she ignored it. He hadn't turned to face her, yet she didn't drop her composure even for a second. Save her shuddering breath and shaking limbs.

  "When?" her voice quivered with the force of her restraint.

  He shifted, still not looking at her, "Your birthday. That's when he'll arrive."

  She drew herself up to her full height, "I see, I understand."

  No. She didn't see, she didn't understand. But then again, her father had never been attached to her in the slightest...

  "It will be good for the family, and for you. You'll live comfortably at their manor, the houses will benefit on either side-"

  She mentally blocked him out, nodding when he turned briefly to her for her agreement. She was seething on the inside. Seething over the fact that she was being traded like cattle. And for what? More wealth? When they already had more than they would ever need?

  She could not believe what she was hearing. She didn't want to believe it. She would rather be a poor, shivering beggar in the streets than be forced into a union. Forced to be a smiling, happy little lady during the day, and forced to submit to a husband she wouldn't even know at night. No. She wouldn't live like that. All the jewels and fancy dresses in the world were not worth living in a cage. She wasn't going to stay. She would rather be a poor beggar indeed...

•

Now, facing her final day in her bedroom, Zoë gave a sigh and stood, ripping the golden dress she wore from her chest without a care for the expensive fabric. Tearing the cloth was harder than she had anticipated, and the effort strained painfully at her fingers and arms. A gasp erupted from her lips, and she tugged the rest of the dress from her arms with less conviction. "Damn..." she cursed and blushed, wincing as the word echoed off the walls of her room.

  She wasn't allowed to curse. Exposure to such vulgar words was highly prohibited, but the library didn't conceal the properties of the commonfolk's tongue. As such, the occasional word slipped out, and it was terribly embarrassing. Despite the fact that she never had company when it happened.

  Nonetheless, she bared herself of every thread and moved to her wardrobe, digging diligently to find her quarry. She pulled a burlap bag from the recesses of the closet and took her new clothing out of it, an outfit that had taken a week to accumulate. Some of the servants might miss them, but that was none of her concern right now. She couldn't afford to care about that when her freedom was on the line. She pulled on the pants, albeit a little unfamiliar with the sensation of them. She shifted around, wishing she knew whether or not there were undergarments in peasant clothing.

  Undergarments would do her a lot of good right now.

  She looked at her torn corset on the ground, and realizing she didn't know whether or not peasant women wore expensive, silken corsets, she turned to the mirror with a frown. Well, she wasn't exactly big....in fact she was small, keeping herself concealed wouldn't be too hard, she supposed.

  With a shrug, she took the leather vest she had acquired and buttoned it over the shirt, followed by a simple jacket. She had also acquired a plain, brown cloak with a hood, and affixed it around her neck. In the bottom of the bag she had a small blanket, should she need it, and some of her expensive, one-of-a-kind jewelry to trade for coin and such.

  "I suppose that's all I need." she mumbled to herself.

  Zoë pulled the hood over her head and shrugged the sack onto her shoulder, giving the room one last look before she left through the servant's entrance. She moved with practiced ease, having grown up galavanting through these very halls. It was a shame she had to leave her home to attain freedom, she mused. But then again, as she had surmised many times during planning the first stages of her escape plan: it wasn't much of a home to begin with.

Making her way out unnoticed was surprisingly easy, as her father and his companions were still at it with the dinner party, and properly smashed, most likely. Zoë made it to the stable, finding the saddlebags she had prepared earlier that very day. She had packed a bedroll to go with the blanket, and some food, along with a few small knives. And her sword - with which she had some, limited skill - was already attached to her saddle.

She couldn't take Therese, her horse since she was but a little girl. She was a prized mare after all, known far and wide with the noblemen. The mare could inadvertently get her caught early on. But at least - with her fame - Zoë knew Therese would be well looked after. So in place of the mare, she opted for a brown gelding, whose status was that of a simple riding horse. Saddling him up, she gave him an apple and handful of oats to keep him quiet.

  "Hush, boy." she murmured, affixing the bridle carefully upon his head, "I need you to be quiet for me, okay?" She stuck her hand between his cheek and the bridle to be sure it wasn't too tight, then checked the saddle girth the same way before she attached the saddlebags to the horn of his saddle. "Good boy." she whispered.

  After checking his hooves, she led him out of the stable, towards the path that led away from her father's estate. Zoë went on foot for the majority of her initial escape, wanting to save her horse's energy for the first long gallop of her life. If her plan was to work, she needed to be as far away as possible by daybreak. She didn't lead her horse on the path, but rather on the grass, to avoid telling how long she had been gone.

  The knowledge one accumulated while reading novels was astounding. If she weren't an avid reader her entire life, she might not have been clever enough for the elaborate details of this escape. She felt awfully pleased with herself to be honest.

She had been walking for twenty minutes before she turned to look back once more. The estate looked small now, sitting on a field far off in the distance, and she gave a sigh of relief at having gotten away clean. Zoë mounted the steed, whom she had named Chance in the minutes she walked. She supposed she named him that because he was her only chance of escape, and he was her only chance of hope. "Come along, boy." she whispered, clicking the heels of her boots into his flanks.

The brown steed nickered at her touch and began to canter, loping at a gentle, yet swift pace. Zoë made herself comfortable in the saddle and moved with his gait, clutching the reins nervously. She felt that she may be overrun by a stampede of horses at any time, men clambering to drag her back to her life. It was paranoid, she knew, but it didn't help her feel better. Her heart only momentarily stopped clenching out of fear when she saw that the sun was coming over the distant mountains. And when she looked over her shoulder she could see that she had put a few miles of distance between her and her old home.

'I'm free...' her mind finally registered, and a grin broke upon her lovely features. It made her want to dance with joy, and she pressed her steed into a victorious gallop. There was only the path ahead now, her destiny was her own.

•

•

Owning your destiny was hard.

  Zoë nearly fell out of the saddle, having ridden Chance since midnight, and it was taking its toll. Her legs were cramped, she could feel the bags developing under her eyes from lack of sleep, and her fingers felt like they might fall off, she'd been holding the reins so long.

  It was sunset now, and she had broken from the main path an hour before, cantering down a road to the nearest, isolated town she could find on her map. She was staying at an inn: The Bubbling Barrel. She tied Chance to the post in the stable, taking the saddlebags with her, and giving him a soft parting pat on the muzzle. "Be good." she said.

  Despite the fact that no one turned her way, she felt as though all eyes were on her when she opened the rickety wooden door to the inn. She gulped, tugging her hood closer. She didn't dare take her hood off in company just yet. She had realized on her journey that her description alone may give her away. She, embarrassingly, forgot about that major detail. And she had also forgotten about her most recognizable feature. One of her most endearing characteristics was that of her long, thick, auburn hair.

  She approached the bar, clearing her throat and pulling a few silver coins from her pocket. "I need a room?" she cringed inwardly at how the phrase came out as a question.

  The barmaid, whose dress was flattering in all the right ways, and accentuated her heavily exposed body far too well, turned to her with a practiced smile. It made Zoë more self-conscious just being around her. "Aye, one night?"

  "Uh, yeah." Zoë smiled awkwardly from under her hood, trying and failing to feel natural in this habitat.

  "Alright, that'll be two silver please." the barmaid held out her hand across the counter.

  "Alright." she exhaled as she handed over two of the three silver she had produced.

  "Here's your key, room number on the parchment, return it in the mornin'." the woman said, her words heavily accented in a way that Zoë was used to hearing from her nursemaid, back when she was alive. It was a northern accent, and unique to the peasantfolk, apparently.

  "Thank you." Zoë took the large, silver key and shrugged her heavy saddlebags over her shoulder to join her sack. She climbed the stairs, reaching the top floor and hesitantly moving down the hall. One or two of the rooms she passed obviously had occupants, and she blushed heavily, increasing her pace as she realized what was happening in those rooms.

  "Number seven." she sighed in relief, fumbling with the key until it slid into the keyhole and the door clicked open. She slammed it shut behind her, and then smacked herself with her palm. "Keep it together!" she hissed. After all, it was life, and in common livelihoods, it was not at all uncommon to shag a great many people throughout your life. If you were the type who had to stay at inns most nights, that is.

  She tossed her hood onto the bed and pulled the pins from her hair. It cascaded over her shoulders in graceful locks, ending just below her waist. Zoë paused and caressed her hair sorrowfully, the sentimental value of it coming to bite her in the butt. She loved her hair, it looked exactly like her mother's: long, thick, shiny, and wavy reddish locks. Yet, after careful consideration, she knew it would only cause her trouble in the long run. So she rummaged through the bag she had brought and pulled out one of the small knives.

She gripped her hair behind her head tightly and put the knife to it, letting out a small whimper when the first of the hairs began to part between her grasp. She hadn't had her hair cut in a very a long time, and as a result the sensation was otherworldly. After the knife had no more hair to slice through, she pulled it down and placed it on the dresser, holding her newly chopped-away locks in her hand. She contemplated selling it to a wig-maker, but in the end decided that in itself could be traced back to her. So she turned to look at the fireplace and felt another lump build in her throat. God, her mother would hate her for this.

With deep regrets and a heavy heart, Zoë tossed the hair into the fire and watched the last remaining piece of her old life burn away. The smell was a bit disturbing, but she simply wrinkled her nose and sighed. She turned to look in the mirror afterwards. Her new, raggedly cut locks barely made it to her shoulders, so she adjusted some of her hair into bangs with the knife. And then she pulled the rest into a messy bundle, barely worthy of being called a ponytail. She scrutinized herself in the mirror, and washed away any rouge or kohl she had forgotten to remove before she left.

The Zoë Titania she saw before her was a whole new person, and she was determined to keep it that way. Her face was no longer perfect and decorated, her hair looked like a rat's nest already, and her clothing looked simple, dirty, unrecognizable. And she was satisfied with it. No one should know who she was now.

  With a yawn and a stretch, she pulled her hood, jacket, boots, and vest away, getting into bed. She closed her eyes with a new sense of lightness on her shoulders, the burden of everything she was now gone forever. She could rest in peace, and she did, with a smile on her face, she slipped into the world of dreams, content with her decisions.

•

•

  Zoë awoke in the morning with a start, her muscles stiff and protesting when she moved. She sat up with a groan and rubbed at her lower back, attempting to ease the soreness. All that riding was most certainly taking its toll. She blinked when she realized her surroundings and paused, remembering her previous adventure. Another smile out of many since the night before split her face when she thought about how easy it was to slip away. She stood and walked towards the nightstand, splashing the cold water on her face to awaken fully.

  After she dried her face she redressed, shrugging all of her clothes back on with a sigh. Despite how saddlesore she was, Zoë knew she needed to get back on the road. She walked to the door with her bag and key in hand, but the loud rumbling of her angry stomach halted her. When confronted with the thought, she realized she hadn't eaten in nearly two days!

  Zoë opened the door and closed it behind her, locking it out of courtesy and heading downstairs, lugging her bag and saddlebags with her. "Good mornin' Miss!" the innkeeper exclaimed when she approached the breakfast stand.

  Slightly startled, Zoë remembered her hood too late, and her hand came to a near-audible halt in its attempt to mend that mistake. Instead she opted to ruffle her own hair and give a sheepish smile, "G-good morning, sir." she replied politely.

  "Not from around here are ye?" the jolly old man asked, polishing a wooden beer mug, "Not with that accent."

  Zoë bit her lip, making a mental note to try and adopt the common accents of the areas she passed through, "No, not really, I'm just...passing through." she waved a hand nonchalantly.

  The innkeeper nodded in understanding, "Where to, lass?"

  Zoë blinked, she honestly had no idea, where had she even been planning to go after she left? Was her plan already so half-baked? "I-I am just, going wherever, I don't really have a destination." she admitted with an inward cringe at her own incompetence. Really, simply running away with no plan as to what to do after she actually managed to escape...

  She was starting to doubt her own intelligence.

  The old man smiled warmly, "Ahh, bonnie young lass like you, off chasin' the wind of adventure, eh? I tell ya, if it weren't for my age, I'd prolly jump right over this stand, pack me bags and join ye!" he jested, giving a hearty chuckle.

  Zoë found herself hesitantly chuckling along with him, she rather liked this jolly man, perhaps she should come back someday? "I just need some breakfast before I go." she prodded, pulling the third silver coin from the night before from her pocket.

  The innkeeper waved the coin away, "No need for extra pay, miss. The night's stay comes with a breakfast, ye can tip the barmaid if ya like though." he explained.

  Zoë smiled, "Alright, thank you kindly, sir." she turned from the stand and made her way to the nearest table. She barely sat upon the chair when a plate of steaming eggs and roll of fresh bread was placed before her, along with a mug of what she assumed was water. She looked up at the barmaid - a far different woman than the girl from the night before -and thanked her with a smile. She offered her the coin, of which the silvery-haired woman took with gratitude.

  Zoë graciously dug into her food, glad for the simplicity of it. Her usual, elaborate breakfasts may not only have been bad for her physical health, but also for her ravenously hungry stomach. The simple meal went down smoothly, and her stomach soon quieted in contentment. She stayed a few more minutes, washing it down with the water.

  After a time, she stood and made her way out, hefting her sack over her shoulder and waving goodbye to the friendly innkeeper. She saddled Chance quickly, making sure her saddlebags and sword were buckled correctly. When she was certain she was ready, she mounted him and dug her heels in, sending him into a canter yet again. Today she could go a little slower. There was no need to rush now, so she didn't push her steed. Now, for whatever adventure lay in store, she knew she wasn't fully prepared, but she wasn't going to let that stop her.

  She was never going back.

Chapter 2

Levihan 2

•

•

Zoë opened her eyes hesitantly, taking in her surroundings. She was in a meadow, Chance was tied to a tree nearby, and still sleeping by the look of it. She had been riding for nearly two weeks now, stopping at various villages for rest and supplies. Now, according to her map, she was on the outskirts of her small country, and nearing the border into the next. From what her map showed, she had ridden from her home in Macedonia to the Servian countries. Not that it took very long, her country was rather small after all.

With a long, satisfying stretch, she stood and pulled her jacket on. Having grown used to sleeping in her clothes, she only took her jacket off at night, as it was late summer, and too hot to wear it to bed. She pat Chance on the shoulder and gently woke him, stroking his mane and cooing quietly. The steed nickered and nudged her, with a laugh, she nudged him back. "I know you're tired, boy, but we still have a long ways to go." she said, giving him an apple.

The horse snorted and accepted his treat, munching away while Zoë made her own breakfast. While she hadn't been a part of this life long, she felt as if it were her true calling. Every day she spent simply riding to some unknown horizon was better than the last. Riding was also getting easier, as her body was slowly becoming used to its function during the act.

  She didn't usually have much to eat if she hadn't stayed at an inn the night before. As such, her breakfast only consisted of an apple and a couple rolls of bread. She had no time for cooking meat, so she hadn't hunted any animals either.

  She pulled apart her bread, popping the torn pieces into her mouth and leaning against the tree she slept under with a contended sigh. "Few more days of travel, Chance." she said, "Then we'll be out of the country." she smiled softly, she had taken to talking to Chance whenever she was thinking. He was her only friend, after all, and he listened too. At least it seemed like he did, anyway.

  "Alright, come on boy." she stood and brushed the crumbs from her shirt. She repacked her bedroll and hoisted her sack back onto its customary place slung over her shoulder before she swung herself up into the saddle.

  She got started early, just after sunrise, and continued to walk east down the road, as she usually did. It was a gorgeous day, the sun highlighted the lingering dew from the previous night's fog. And the sky was painted in a lovely, fading, purple hue that extended towards the western horizon. Zoë could feel that this was going to be a good day, and, according to her map, she should come upon the next village by sunset.

As far as she could tell, the roads she traveled upon were mostly unused, which - in a manner of speaking - was good. A less popular road made for a lesser chance of burglary, as thieves would likely only target a road that was sure to have travelers. Yet Zoë was still cautious, and better cautionary than dead, is what she reasoned.

The sun climbed swiftly in the sky, soon beaming down unforgivingly on her and her steed. Zoë pondered over the fact that summer may be ending in less than a couple months. If that was so, she hoped to find a place to settle in Servia before winter. Traveling wasn't an option during the winter months. And, if she was far enough away, Zoë hoped such a long hiatus from her run wouldn't enable her father to catch up to her. If he was even looking. During the first few days of her ride, she doubted that he would, but realizing that she had cost him a fortune by running sent waves of fear coursing down her spine.

  She still wasn't sure whether or not she got away cleanly. She could be being tracked, or not, there was really no way to know. She was no expert, but she did her best not to leave any traces of her intentions or the direction in which she headed. There was no telling whether or not her skill was sufficient.

  Zoë continued her train of thought, and were she more aware of her surroundings, the following may not have happened. Chance suddenly jolted backwards and reared, whinnying loudly and nearly making her slip from her perch on his back. She managed to sight the source of his distress. A long, green, harmless grass snake had been slithering along the path.

  Her brief view of the snake was all she was afforded before the gelding broke into a frantic gallop. And the sudden thrust of his neck pulled the reins from her hands. "Chance!" she shrieked in terror, clutching at his neck with all her might. She buried her face in his mane and cried out every time she nearly lost her grip.

  The horse didn't slow, and when the whisking sound of trees began to fill her ears she realized he had broken from the path. "No wait!" she yelled, reaching out to grab the reins as they flew towards her. She leant back to tug on his reins as much as she could. The horse was stubborn, however, and refused to slow.

  Zoë gave a loud growl of irritation and tugged on the reins harder. The next thing she knew, her head exploded in pain, and her back hit the ground seconds later. A sharp snap registered in her brain, but at the moment she was too discombobulated to decipher what it was.

  Chance's hoofbeats sounded in her ears for a time, but slowly faded as the seconds went by. She stared up at the canopy of trees, uncertain of what she should do. She had never anticipated she might lose Chance, let alone be tossed against a tree in the middle of the forest. Her body ached terribly, especially in her head and arm, and she grimaced as she attempted to move.

  'I need to get up.' she told herself, grunting as she shifted and tensed her muscles. "Aghh!!" she cried out as she put pressure on her left arm. She hissed and gasped, barely breathing as tears pricked the corners of her eyes, willing the pain to ease even just a little. It had to be broken, somewhere next to the wrist, from what she could gather. She'd never broken anything before, and as she shakily clutched the wounded limb to her chest, she realized through the pain that she would need a doctor.

  The arm throbbed ten times more violently than her head now that she had touched and moved it so much. The pain had her eyes moist and her throat tightening. She gasped and sniffled as she gently rocked herself back and forth, holding the limb as still as she possibly could. It helped just a bit, and the pain very gradually faded until it was at a more tolerable level. Now was the time to move, she decided.

  She struggled to stand with both arms occupied, but she managed. At this point, Zoë was simply glad she had worn the straps of her bag around her shoulders and not tied it to the saddle like the saddlebags. Tracking down Chance would take hours, and she had at least a couple bread rolls in her bag, so she wouldn't starve. But she had no sleeping bag, and her only weapons were the tiny knives, not even worthy of being called daggers. Her sword was in Chance's saddle sheath.

  "Keep it together, Zoë. Keep it together..." she told herself, looking around, then another horrid thought struck her. "Oh God, which way were we running?" she spun around in circles, trying to pinpoint something familiar. The only landmark was the indent of her landing, and she wasn't certain if she fell from the left or right side of Chance's back, or even straight off over his rump....

  The leaves were also scattered everywhere, so she couldn't find any hoofprints to guide herself.

  She looked up to determine the sun's position in the sky, a useful habit she had picked up over the past week. They had been riding on a westward path, so she tried to determine the direction Chance had initially run from the path. The forest was to the north of the path, so she figured that he had gone north. "He must be to this way..." she decided, turning in what (she hoped) was the correct direction.

  Each step was painful, as there was a subtle burn in the skin just below the back of her knee. She supposed she had pulled a muscle in her right calf during the fall, and her broken arm jarred with each step, sending searing pain pulsing to her already dizzy brain. Zoë hissed through her teeth, and despite having walked a mere few meters she stopped to take a breath.

  At this rate, it would be midnight before she found Chance. But she couldn't give up, despite her pain, it wasn't worth getting lost in the woods if she stopped. So she took another step, and forced herself to take another. She wasn't giving up, one way or another, she'd find some escape from this mess.

•

•

  Zoë panted heavily, dust, leaves, and various forest debris were entangled in her hair, and dry tear streaks had crusted on her face. She hadn't cried out of despair or anything of the like, but rather from the renewed throbbing in her arm. Over time, the dull pain had increased with each step she took, until the ache was mind-numbing. By that point she didn't care anymore, and moved without a second thought to her injuries.

  She checked the sun, noting that it was nearly twilight, and she needed to make a camp before that happened. Or at least as much of a camp as she could muster. Zoë came to a stop and shrugged off her bag, gasping as it caught on her useless arm and tugged painfully. Without her sleeping bag, she had no choice but to use the forest floor. She flimsily placed her hood down and digging into her bag to pull out the clothing inside. She laid it out as a makeshift cushion and placed her bag on the end of the piled clothing as a pillow.

  She wouldn't be able to build a fire, not without both hands, so she resolved to hope that the night wouldn't get chilly...

  Zoë groaned as she lay down, carefully positioning her broken arm on the ground. Sleep came surprisingly quickly, darkness creeping into her vision and seemingly devouring her into a nightmarish slumber.

•

•

  Zoë gasped and sat up, or at least attempted to. Feeling far too weak, she flopped back down before she could even begin to move. 'Where am I?' she asked herself, clearly remembering having fallen asleep under a gnarly tree. Now, she was staring at the roof of a tent, laying on a cushy sleeping bag, arm in a wooden splint and linen sling, along with a cool cloth draped over her forehead.

  She exhaled shakily and looked around, blinking her eyes to adjust to the light of a dim lantern. It was a moderate tent, big enough for someone to stand, and wide enough for three sleeping bags. But besides herself, another sleeping bag, and her makeshift satchel, (which sat in a corner) there was not much to see. That is until the tent flap opened and a young woman walked inside. She seemed to be just a couple years older than Zoë, her dark, luscious red hair was pulled into a lovely braid that cascaded down her shoulder. Her eyes were a bright, jade-green, and she wore a form-fitting, brown leather outfit.

  The woman jumped when she saw Zoë was awake, but she quickly regained her composure, breaking into a warm, comforting smile as she approached, "Thank goodness! We were wondering if you'd ever wake up." she exclaimed, kneeling beside the injured girl's head. She changed the cool cloth for a new one, and readjusted Zoë's arm.

  "Who..." Zoë began, but promptly coughed when she attempted to speak. Her was voice rather hoarse, as her was throat dry and crackly. She cleared it a good few times before she could even begin to try again, but the young woman waited patiently with a kind smile. "Who are you?" she attempted again, the words burning against her throat.

  "My name is Isabel. My brother and my husband found your horse a few days back. And after they did a little searchin', they found you too! You had a raging fever, and let me just say, we thought you might die during the night." the woman explained, moving to examine her sprained calf.

  Zoë gulped, her first little adventure - if one could call it that - also nearly killed her. She was honestly starting to doubt her survival capabilities. If one snake almost killed her just by slithering across her path, how was she going to handle anything bigger than that?

  Isabel gently probed her sore, swollen leg muscles with undoubtedly experienced hands. It hurt, though only just, and Zoë sighed as she wrapped a surprisingly cold compress around the area. "Where am I?" she asked in a rasp, and she gratefully accepted the water that she was offered a second later. Isabel propped her head up with her hand and gave her tiny sips of the soothing liquid.

  "Oh, maybe a day's ride away from where we found you. We've been on the move since then, but it's been slow goings with the unexpected, unconscious, extra person." Isabel explained. "You still have a fever, so try and go back to sleep. No need to get up yet."

  Zoë nodded and shifted to get more comfortable, her eyes drifting shut while Isabel crushed some type of herb beneath two rocks. The woman talked some more, but Zoë barely acknowledged that she was speaking. She also heard conversation outside, and assumed it was Isabel's brother and husband, as she had said. She heard the tent flap open and a man's voice reverberated through the tent. Isabel spoke back in a whisper, having realized Zoë was already falling back asleep.

  "No, I didn't catch her name..." she vaguely heard before dreams claimed her again.

•

•

  When next Zoë awoke, flashes of her memory during her fever dreams came back to her. She briefly recalled Isabel's words, remembering that, apparently, including the woman she had met, there were a three people watching over her. Why they would bother, she didn't know, but she assumed it was because they were kind. She had seen the two men Isabel mentioned, albeit in a hazy fog when she attempted to remember their faces.

  There was a taller blonde and a slightly shorter, dark-haired man. That much she was able to make out during her illness. Zoë sat up with a groan and used her right arm to rub at her eyes. She started when she realized her clothing was missing, and she was clad in only a long, loose, man's shirt. The front apparently laced, and the "V" of the shirt rested far too low on her chest to properly preserve her modesty. At the thought of someone undressing and redressing her, she flushed. With only one woman in the camp, she sincerely hoped Isabel could have handled it alone.

  She shifted her left arm, finding that it was still wrapped tight and snug within soft linen. And the two thin wooden slabs that served as a splint were covered in the linen as well to prevent chafing against her delicate skin. The arm was tied to her chest with a sling, and had not been pulled through the sleeve of the loose shirt. Zoë grunted as she got to her knees, tossing the blanket back and standing on her weak and shaky legs.

  She found her calf was no longer sprained, or at least well on its way to the mend. And she could walk without the nerve-wrenching pinch that she remembered from her last use of it. It was still tender, however, and she moved it gingerly to keep it from a relapse.

  Zoë tugged the shirt down subconsciously with her good hand, despite the fact that the hem of the fine, woolen cloth came well down her thigh. She supposed her clothing needed to be burned if she had been running a fever as Isabel told her. It was common knowledge that - to prevent infection -clothing was customarily used until the sickness had passed, and then burned.

  She inspected her bag in the corner, only to remember how she used her extra clothing on her bed in the forest. If they were in a hurry, they wouldn't have taken the time to pack it. It must have gotten left behind.

  Obviously, Isabel hadn't considered dressing her with her own clothing, or they simply decided it'd be better to shop for clothes. She wasn't sure who had lent her the shirt, but she was certain it wasn't Isabel, the woman was far too petite. Her cheeks turned hot again at the thought of wearing a man's shirt, and she wondered whom it belonged to out of the two men in the camp. One of which she knew was married, she wasn't certain of the other, Isabel's brother, was he?

  Zoë stumbled about in search of pants, as her caretakers hadn't supplied her with even a simple pair of trousers. And she didn't care to walk about the camp in her state of undress. She froze in place when the tent flap moved and someone stepped inside. Their eyes met and both seemed too startled to move, it was the shorter man, the one with dark hair. If Zoë wasn't so shocked, she might have snickered at the fact that he was obviously a good three or four inches shorter than her, maybe even more.

  Her hand gripped the hem of her shirt tighter and tugged it down, her subconscious attempt to hide her - no doubt - partially visible womanhood beneath the thin shirt. Her cheeks burned with unbridled embarrassment. The man, however, seemed to regain his composure, (all too quickly for her liking) and stood up straighter.

  He was an interestingly handsome man, Zoë thought, despite her situation. His features, albeit emotionless, were striking, coupled with piercing, dark grey eyes that seemed to see right through her. And she didn't miss the fact that those eyes had given an appreciative sweep of her hardly-concealed form. Something she found to be surprisingly flattering.

  She could see that despite his short stature, he was very well built, albeit a little thin. And the sword at his belt told her he was no novice in the art of combat. That, coupled with a scar or two on his somewhat visible chest. Visible, as he wore a rather similar shirt to the one she was clad in. But the shirt he wore was smaller than hers, and now she honestly hoped he was Isabel's husband, as wearing the shirt of someone's husband seemed so scandalous to her flustered brain.  However, the next few seconds dashed those hopes away with ease.

  "Isabel! The girl is awake!" he called in a familiar, deep - and if she were honest with herself - swoon-worthy voice. Wait, why was his voice familiar? She was certain she'd heard it before...

  Isabel burst into the tent in a tizzy, "Thanks, Levi-bro! You can go now." she turned the disgruntled man around and shoved him out, eliciting a scoff and a sound of protest from him.

  'Bro? So that was her brother?' Zoë bit her lip and felt her blush spread to her ears, now realizing that was the first time a man had ever seen her in anything less modest than riding trousers.

  Isabel chuckled after she closed the tent flap and spun to face Zoë. "Oh! Right, sorry about your clothes. You were sick so I had to burn them, as you probably know. And my only spare set of clothes is dirty so I just washed them earlier today. They'll be dry soon, in maybe ten minutes." she explained.

  "Oh, I see." Zoë sighed in relief, at least she would soon have clothing. "And this is...?" she fingered the shirt.

  "Oh, my husband: Farlan, had to lend you a shirt, I'm afraid you are just a little too tall for Levi's shirts to cover you, at least half-modestly. Don't tell him I said that, he has a short-man complex and he just loses it when his height is mentioned." Isabel had leaned in to whisper and pulled back with a loud, obnoxious chortle.

  Zoë nodded, a slight smile tugging at her lips, it would have been more embarrassing to wear a shorter shirt, she gathered. And since Isabel didn't seem to mind that it was her husband's, she found her embarrassment over the matter fading. "He's also a clean freak, so I doubt I would've been able to convince him to lend you one anyways." Isabel chuckled. "So, what's your name, hun?" she asked, kneeling to straighten out the sleeping bag Zoë had been in.

  Zoë started to speak, but found her name caught just behind her teeth, 'I can't tell them!' she realized, it would expose her to use her real name. She had to be quick, and think of something on the spot, something no one from home would recognize. And - thank her lucky stars - a name came to her, a name she had used for an old ragdoll when she was seven. "Hanji, my name is Hanji."

  Isabel paused, "Mmm, that's a pretty name." she stood with a smile, "No last name?"

  Zoë, now Hanji, shook her head, "If I had one, I'm certain I'd have told you." she chuckled nervously.

  Isabel frowned, "Orphan?" she asked, her face twisted in both sadness and sympathy.

  Hanji thought of her mother and let her smile curve into a frown of her own. Her gaze shifted down and she nodded. Despite the fact that her father was alive, he never truly felt like a father to her. And she felt no remorse in claiming that she was without parents, in fact, it made her feel lighter.

  "Ahh, we're the same. Of course, it's not rare in the world we live in." Isabel hummed thoughtfully, "Welcome to our little squad, Hanji." she extended a hand.

  "Please to be here." Hanji smiled, hesitantly taking the older woman's hand and shaking it warmly.

•

•

  The campfire was crackling loudly in the early evening air, coupled with the soothing chirps of crickets and birds as the majority of creatures fell asleep. From Hanji's perspective, the trio weren't very talkative people. Well, at least Levi and Farlan weren't. Isabel was quite the chatterbox, and now (according to one offhand comment from Farlan), since she had another woman in the camp, she seemed to be quite ecstatic. Isabel had properly introduced her to Farlan after her clothing was dry. He was taller than both Isabel and Levi, but he was practically equal to her in height. And he had scruffy blonde hair, matched with surprisingly warm, blue eyes.

  "So tell me, Hanji-" Farlan began, stirring up the logs in the fire, "-where are you from?"

  Hanji bit her lip, "I don't really know, but I was raised in the southern Macedonia countries." she replied. Well, that wasn't entirely a lie, she did grow up there after all. But it was a lie to say she didn't know her origins. She tried to suppress any guilt at lying, these were obviously good people, and she didn't want to have to lie. However, her getaway depended upon it, she couldn't have anyone finding out her origins and taking her back home.

  She glanced at Levi, who had been studying her since she left the tent. How could he be so nonchalant like that?! He had seen her nearly naked! And that dull, emotionless expression was all he had to show for it? 'Honestly, it's as if he's a statue.' she grumbled inwardly. On the opposite end of the spectrum: outwardly, she was horribly embarrassed, and she could feel her ears burning each time she caught his eyes.

  He wasn't even trying to hide the fact that he was observing her. And she wondered why he didn't look at something else? Perhaps it was because he could see through her lies? That was highly probable. After all, she had never been good at lying, and those piercing eyes seemed to mask a supreme intelligence. His eyes narrowed just slightly every time she talked, and after the thought occurred to her, she gulped when she realized it might be true. Levi could probably see right through her flimsy mask.

  "Ah, that's interesting, I've never been to the southern countries, in Macedonia at least." Farlan smiled at the campfire. Hanji found herself able to return the smile easily. She had decided when she met him that she liked Farlan. He seemed very warm and kindly, along with that, he and Isabel made a handsome couple. She could see why the two were together. They were very bright and sunny in personality, such a strange contradiction to Isabel's impressionably cold, distant brother.

  She couldn't deny that Levi and Isabel were siblings though, despite her red hair and brighter eyes, Isabel's face resembled her brother's, albeit slightly more plump and feminine. They were also both short in stature, and Hanji smiled as she subtly observed the similarities. "Levi! Try a roll, I made them myself." Isabel had taken a bite out of the hot bread she pulled from the pan atop the fire, and now offered it to her brother.

  Levi turned his head away, but the smallest fraction of a smile appeared on his face as he ruffled Isabel's hair. "Oi!" she grumbled, reaching up to fix her wayward locks.

  "I'm not going to eat it with your germs on it." he said, holding his hand out for a new roll.

  Isabel gave a mischievous grin, reaching to grab a fresh roll. Hanji had to stifle a shocked giggle when the redhead brought the roll to her mouth and subtly licked it. Isabel winked at the girl, smiling innocently as she handed the bread to her brother. "Here you go!" Hanji covered her mouth with her good hand to hide her smile when Levi ate the roll, and Isabel smirked triumphantly, turning to wiggle her brows at her.

  Then the redhead seemed to ponder something and spoke, "Say, Hanji. With that broken arm I doubt you'll get very far in your travels on your own. Why don't you journey with us for a while? Just until your arm heals?" Isabel suggested.

  Hanji opened her mouth to respond, but she found she was a little unsure of what to say. Should she? She didn't even know who these people were. She also wasn't certain if Levi liked that idea, although he didn't object, his eyes narrowed just slightly, and his piercing gaze intensified on the hesitant girl. She just didn't know if she should agree.

  But then again, Isabel was right, traveling alone with a broken arm was not a good idea. She'd likely be committing suicide by trying to travel alone. "I suppose I could. If it's no bother. I do have money, so I can buy my own food for a while." Hanji said with a deep breath and a hesitant smile.

  Isabel's eyes twinkled in triumph and she beamed, "Wonderful! I'm so very glad. It's nice to finally have a girl to talk to, I haven't been in female company for months." the redhead came to sit beside Hanji, scooping bowls of stew out as she spoke. "And don't worry about food, I make too much anyways." she assured.

  Hanji nodded, accepting the bowl that was pushed into her hands. She also noticed that Farlan and Levi had secluded themselves a few feet from the campfire and began to speak quietly. She couldn't focus on them long, however, as Isabel was soon trying to get her attention. "So, I assume you don't have any family. I can't fathom not having at least a little family." the woman began.

  "It's lonely." Hanji nodded, and that wasn't a lie. Her home was miserable and secluded after her mother died. And in her repeated opinion, her father was never like family. He never behaved like a father, but rather like a distant relative. But she didn't want to think about her father now, though, so she changed the subject. "Where are you traveling to?" she asked in sudden curiosity, if she was going to be with them for the month or so it took to heal, she might as well know.

  Isabel smiled, "Home. It's been about three months since we left. It's in a smaller town to the west of the Servian country." she explained.

  "I was headed the same way." Hanji admitted.

  "Really? What a coincidence! Or maybe not, I never know whether to believe in fate or not." Isabel waved her hand around enthusiastically, and Hanji smiled, this woman was something else. Her personality was so carefree. "I can't wait to see our little sister again." she murmured.

  "You have another sibling?" Hanji asked in surprise.

  "Yes. We grew up in an orphanage. Our parents died when I was five, and Levi was seven. Our sister was only a year old." she explained.

  "Oh, I'm sorry about your parents." Hanji said in sympathy, placing a hand on Isabel's.

  "It's hard to remember much, but I know our mother was an Oriental, and our father was native to Servia. They met by chance when her clan was fleeing the Orient because of some war." Isabel tucked a hand under her chin, holding a bowl in the other. "Levi and Mikasa look a lot like mum. And I took after papa."

  "He had red hair?" Hanji asked.

  "No, it was my grandmum on his side. I remember he always said she had lots of pretty, red hair. But papa was blonde, like Farlan. It's his eyes I have." Isabel said with a nostalgic smile.

  Hanji looked over and observed Levi, studying his features. He did look somewhat Oriental. She had never met an Oriental in person, but she had seen many pictures in the books of her library. "How did they die?"

  Isabel frowned, "A raid." that was all she needed to say.

  Hanji bit her lip, "I'm sorry for asking. It must have been hard."

  "It was. But I wouldn't change anything. Well, except for our parents. I'd have them experience Mikasa's first step, my marriage, and how we've all grown up." Isabel said with a sigh, "People die, but some do before their time. I would change that." Hanji nodded. "But! I have accepted it as the past, and I can't do anything by dwelling on it. We have Mikasa to look after, and our lives to think about. There wasn't much time for grief." Isabel said loudly and straightened up with a deep breath.

  "I would love to meet Mikasa. How old is she?" Hanji asked.

  "She is about sixteen now. Couple years younger than you, eh?" Isabel turned to her with that question in her gaze.

  "Ahh, well my birthday is in a couple weeks, I'll be eighteen then." Hanji smiled.

  "Just as I thought. You're only two years younger than me." Isabel supplied.

  Hanji put that information together in her head, determining that would make Isabel twenty and Levi twenty-two. They were still so young weren't they? And Isabel was so open! She hadn't expected to learn so much about her so quickly. "You are surprisingly trusting to simply tell a stranger like me so much personal information. I don't know if I could have so much faith in someone I'd only just met to tell them so much about myself."

  Isabel chuckled, "Well, it's not as if you are a stranger to me. I've been doting on you for over a week now. I feel as if I know you well enough I suppose." she leaned in closer to hand Hanji a bowl of stew. "Plus I have been dying to speak to our little patient for so many days, I just got carried away. But I trust you are a good person. My intuition has never been wrong." Isabel winked.

  Hanji giggled and reached her hand up to take a sip of her stew (she had to sip it from the rim of the bowl, as she could only use one arm). The stew also happened to be surprisingly delicious. Compared to her own concoctions when she made camp. Come to think of camps, she looked around, observing the horses and tents. Curiosity welled, as she didn't see any boxes or a wagon or anything of the like. "What's your trade? I haven't noticed any wagons or anything. So what do you three do for a living?"

  "We're mercenaries." Isabel said through a mouthful of stew..

  Hanji stiffened, 'Mercenaries?!' her mind began to run all the horrible things she had heard about mercenaries through her head. They were people who sold their abilities, often to the more socially powerful who were to afraid to sully their hands. They were hired to fight battles, steal, kidnap, or even assassinate in some circumstances. Hanji didn't know what to say, in honesty. These three seemed so nice (although Levi didn't seem to be open with his emotions, he still seemed like he could be a nice person). She couldn't believe they had probably been involved in murder, and no-doubt stolen things.

  "Does it scare you?" Isabel asked, having observed the girl's response to her statement.

  Hanji jumped, she had drifted off into her thoughts and let her guard down. She was all the more uncertain about whether or not to trust these people now. "I...I...well, I can't lie. It's a frightening job." she murmured.

  Isabel sighed, "It's not as if we wanted this life. Hell, when we were kids we were gonna grow up to be farmers. Fate turned the tables on us, so we adjusted our morales and even our dignity to survive." she looked down at her hands and furrowed her thin brows, red bangs hanging around her face as she spoke, "We sure as hell aren't saintly, and we've done awful things. But in our hearts, we know that we do what we do because we have to. We need to provide for our sister, we need to make sure she has a life devoid of the sins we were forced to commit. Therefore, I have no regrets. I am glad to be who I am, if it means I can make her life better, different even."

  Hanji listened with a pang in her heart, she jumped to conclusions and judged Isabel and her companions before she could explain. Granted, she supposed anyone would be suspicious of a mercenary, but these people were showing her a great kindness by taking her in. She should have given them the benefit of the doubt, and been grateful that they had heart, despite the way they made their living. "I...don't think I've ever respected anybody so suddenly like this before." she chuckled, and Isabel turned to her with a smile.

  "I wasn't trying to be inspirational, but I'm glad you can so easily see me that way. We do tend to avoid the more unjust jobs, but sometimes you have no other options." she explained.

  Hanji nodded, "Well, I can't judge you for your life choices. As you said, you do what you have to. I understand that." and that was no lie, she genuinely understood that some people were forced into lifestyles they didn't want to live.

  "If I had my way-" Isabel continued, "-I'd live in a cottage in the mountains with Farlan, maybe have some children." she chuckled at that, "Someday we will, when we earn enough to buy some land. Then we won't have to sell our skills, we could just live peacefully. That's what Farlan and me are working towards anyway. I don't know about Levi. Sometimes it seems he doesn't enjoy this way of life, and other times he seems indifferent." she shrugged.

  Hanji glanced over at Levi and Farlan, and found that the former was speaking in hushed tones with the latter. And he occasionally glanced her way too. She felt her heart rate increase and a cold shiver run down her spine. She still felt as though he suspected her, and she was certain that intuition was correct.

  Isabel changed the subject of conversation shortly, but Hanji was preoccupied with her thoughts, and the fact that those piercing eyes kept looking her way. He made her nervous, she concluded, and she wasn't sure she liked him.

•

-

•

  "Hanji seems like a nice girl." Farlan smiled in the direction of the young lady as his enthusiastic wife chattered away. He could tell from the girl's expression that she was rather preoccupied with Isabel's rambunctious personality, but it was nice him see his wife so happy.

  "She lied." Levi muttered, glaring in the girl's direction.

  "Hmm? Lied? About what? Her name?" Farlan turned to Levi in confusion, furrowing his brow.

  Levi shook his head, "No, she responds to it far too well for it to be a fake name. I meant her origins. She lied about that. Her hesitance was practically tangible. And she had a hard time explaining it too, I could see that she was sweating and she looked nervous. She was lying." he explained.

  Farlan raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you aren't looking too far into it? That explanation makes it seem like you were just looking for the slightest reason to doubt her. Maybe you were the reason she was nervous. I know I'd be pretty nervous if I got walked in on by the opposite sex while wearing nothing but a shirt for starters." he nudged the disgruntled man with a teasing smirk.

  "I already told you I took no pleasure in that." Levi scowled.

  "Well there's that and the fact that you were glaring at her all evening, and she's with people she doesn't know. Perhaps she is just shy? Don't be so suspicious, Levi. Hanji is just a girl, and a very nice girl at that. Look at how well she gets along with Isabel!" he pointed.

  Levi glanced over and blinked in disinterest. Isabel was chattering excitedly and probing Hanji's hair with her fingers, no doubt determining that she would want the girl to grow it out or something of the like. He sighed and shifted, "No matter, I'm still going to keep an eye on her. Unlike you, I see no reason to trust her implicitly until she gives me one."

  Farlan shrugged, "Suit yourself. But I could bet she has absolutely nothing to be suspicious over."

  Levi wasn't certain of that, but he didn't say anything. To be honest, she was annoyingly familiar, from the moment they found her in the woods he could have sworn he'd seen her before. The memory eluded him, however, and he could only pass it off as coincidence. But when her voice seemed just as familiar as her face, he couldn't help the seed of doubt growing in his chest. Who was that girl?

Chapter 3

Levihan 3

•

•

  Hanji gave a sigh when Levi finally signaled for them to camp for the day. Ever since she agreed to join them nearly a week before, it had been steady, constant traveling. It was nice, however, that she had help when it came to her broken arm, as she could hardly do anything. Her most often performed task was collecting firewood, since she could just tuck the sticks under her splinted arm. But she couldn't help with pitching the tents, cooking, or tying the horses, so in that regard, she felt like a burden.

  She was glad for Isabel and Farlan as company, she didn't know if she could stay cheerful without them. They were a rather comedic pair, always joking and causing her to laugh at dinnertime. Levi, however, was still avoiding her for the most part, but she did find he had warmed up to her, if only just slightly. She assumed so, at least, as he wasn't staring at her so often, and he'd sometimes help her if she was struggling. Especially when it came down to cleanliness and organization. Isabel was correct in saying he was a clean freak, she wondered if he had a condition she had read about in her studies. Recalling the name was difficult, but she had finally remembered it to be germophobia. Hanji halted her horse, tugging lightly on Chance's reins and shifting to move out of the saddle.

  Dismounting was difficult, especially with one arm, but during the past week she had figured out how to manage it without breaking any new bones. She leaned forward and swung her left leg over the saddle, balancing in the right stirrup as she prepared to step down. Her left foot touched the dirt and she moved to pull her right foot out. At that moment, Chance decided to move forward to eat some nearby grass. Hanji yelped as she lost her balance and tipped backwards, her right foot still stuck in the stirrup.

  Her anticipated fall never happened though, and she opened her closed eyes as strong, steady arms propped her back on her feet. "Careful." Levi said, turning to tie her horse without a second glance.

  "Th-Thanks." Hanji murmured, though she doubted he heard. She supposed he did have a soft side. Well, she already knew that, but so far he seemed to primarily demonstrate it to Isabel and Farlan. It was an interesting experience, feeling him hold her like that. His grip was so solid, steady, it felt completely reliable. She was certain she needn't ever fear falling over if the Shorty was around. Her lip twitched upward at the thought of her private nickname for the raven-haired man. She knew he'd probably kill her if she ever said it aloud, but that was the thrill she supposed.

  "Hanji!" the sound of her faux name caused her to jump in fright. Isabel ran up to the startled girl and tugged on her good arm, "Come! Come here! Quick!" she said urgently, no hint of a smile on her face. Hanji blinked, wondering what could be wrong to make her so frantic, and followed along carefully.

  "What is it, Isabel?" she asked as the woman pulled her into the (very recently pitched) bigger tent, sitting her down and peeking outside as if she were trying to spy on somebody.

  "Today is wash day." Isabel murmured.

  "Wash day?" Hanji blinked, that didn't seem like anything important, "So?"

  Isabel looked at her with crazed and frantic eyes, "I've gotta warn you." she said as she sat down close to the confused girl. "Levi hates anything to do with being dirty. On wash day, we all take baths. And basically, if you don't clean yourself well enough, you'll regret it. Our previous wash days got skipped because we weren't near a river. No doubt Levi is losing his mind over how dirty we all are." the redhead snickered and peeked outside the tent again.

  "That doesn't seem so bad. Just take a bath right?" Hanji shrugged. This didn't seem like a big deal. If anything, it seemed to her like Isabel was just over-exaggerating this as a joke, it fit her personality anyway. Besides, what could Levi possibly do if they didn't clean themselves well enough?

  "I suppose that's true." Isabel sighed, moving to shuffle through her new clothes. Hanji had spent some of the money she had gotten from pawning off her jewelry to buy both herself and her fellow woman some more clothing. A well appreciated gesture, as washing both their clothing and themselves at the same time would be a rather embarrassing matter. "I just hope you can manage with that broken arm." Isabel murmured to herself.

  "What was that?"

  "Hmm? Oh nothing."

•

•

  Hanji furrowed her brow and stared at the soap bar, contemplating her next move. Getting undressed had been difficult enough with one hand in a splint. Granted it had been easier after removing the sling, but nonetheless, it was still quite a job. Now she wondered how she would manage washing herself with just one hand? She shifted her fingers around the slippery bar of soap and dipped a toe in the river, testing its temperature.

  "Shit!" she hissed, pulling her foot back in her surprise. The chilly water would certainly need some adjusting to, if only just to take a few steps. Her colorful language was something she had picked up after being in the company of Isabel and Levi for almost a week. They were rather foul-mouthed, and it easily rubbed off on her after a couple days.

  Hanji sighed and steeled herself, walking three steps in before she stopped to stiffen. She had only ever had warm baths as a Lady in the Titania household, and the inns had warm baths as well. This was her first time ever bathing in a freezing river, though she assumed, what with her running away and all, that it was bound to happen one day.

  She bent over to dip the soap in the water and then proceeded to rub it against her skin until it frothed. It slipped from her hands a good many times, and she spent most of her bath floundering about, knee-deep in the water as she retrieved the bar. By the time she got out, she was certain she might have caught a cold. Hanji shivered and pressed her jaw tightly together as her teeth chattered.

  She toweled herself off and pulled on her clothing, piece by agonizing piece, then proceeded to walk back to camp. Isabel gave her a scrutinizing look upon her return, and she wasn't alone, Farlan and Levi gave the same glare. However, Farlan and Isabel's glares soon morphed into smiles, and they continued with their daily chores. Levi wasn't so forgiving, though, and she felt his icy gaze on her for the better part of the day.

  She couldn't help but wonder if she hadn't met his standards. Not that she cared, there really wasn't anything he could do that came to mind.

•

•

  Hanji heard muffled voices and opened one eye to assess her situation. It had been a day or so since her bathing experience, and she was rather looking forward to spending her next bath at an inn. At least, she hoped they'd reach an inn tomorrow. Levi had said they would, but she couldn't help but feel nervous over it, she hated that cold river, and bathing in it was ten times worse. She honestly wondered how peasants coped in those conditions? Maybe they were used to it, but still, it was horrid, she didn't think she'd ever get used to it.

  As for today, it was another typical day of travel, they woke up, ate breakfast, rode, stopped for lunch, rode again, and made camp. Dinner was a rare treat, as Isabel had caught some fish, and Farlan had a new, fascinating tale of their previous travels to tell. Hanji had gone to bed early though, as she was exhausted from their early mornings and long days of riding. Isabel and Farlan had only just gotten into bed. Their accommodations weren't the best, as they had yet to procure a private tent for Hanji. Until then, she was sharing the bigger tent with them. The one that Isabel and Farlan originally slept in alone.

  The voices belonged to none other than the ones she was sharing with, and she quieted her breath to hear what they were saying. "-so he says we'll be going early tomorrow to see Lord Cedric. We need to collect before we go home." Farlan was saying.

  Isabel shuffled, "I see. What about Hanji? Are we just going to leave her alone while we go?"

  "No, Levi wants you to stay and guard the camp. I'm sure you can manage it, at least until we get back." Farlan replied with a sigh. "I can't wait until we don't have to do this anymore. I'm sick of travel, I want to settle down...maybe start a family."

  Isabel chuckled briefly, "We all feel the same, Farlan. That day will come, we just need to be patient."

  "I know."

  "I just hope I'll be able to handle Hanji's questions tomorrow. She's a curious thing, and I find it hard to resist her big, brown, puppy eyes." the red haired woman sighed with a light giggle.

Hanji smiled briefly, but Isabel was right, she was full of questions. Who was Lord Cedric? Why were they meeting him? Did it have something to do with her? Or was it a part of their mercenary affairs?

  "Well, we aren't going to wake easily if we stay up and talk now are we?" Farlan yawned.

  "Mmhm." Isabel hummed in agreement, and Hanji heard them shuffle around a good deal before they settled and gave tired sighs.

  Hanji stared at the tent, her heart thumping wildly from her nerves as she considered all the possibilities of their visit to this Lord Cedric. From how they spoke, it sounded like simple, mercenary work. But she had a growing seed of paranoia in her mind, and she suddenly didn't feel sleepy anymore. She waited until her company was asleep before she stood and went outside, clumsily wrapping a coat around her shoulders.

  The nights weren't too chilly, as summer was only just starting to cool for the impending coming of autumn, but a light coat was sometimes necessary. Hanji went to sit by the warm embers of the dying fire and sighed, breathing deeply to calm her racing heart. She didn't like this type of fear, the one where you never know if you are truly justified in fearing something. She was scared, but she knew there was only a slim chance that her companions knew who she was. A very slim chance, as she'd had ample opportunity to determine whether or not her disappearance was known.

  From her vague questions to curious investigating in the towns they came across (which were few and far between), she could find no evidence that anyone was looking for her. Naturally she was far more open with Isabel after she had confirmed that she wasn't on any wanted or missing posters. Though, that did cause Hanji to wonder yet again: did her father even search? And if he did, had he already given up?

  That made her angry, for some reason she couldn't discern. That fact that it seemed her father wasn't even looking. But then again why should he? He never cared enough to go looking for her even when she lived under his very roof.

  "Some father you were..." she muttered bitterly, gently tossing a log onto the fire to keep it burning. "It's as if you really want me back." she sighed sarcastically, looking up at the stars. They were especially bright tonight, or maybe she was just seeing them differently than she did before. Looking at them brought memories of her astronomy classes back to her. Her mother had known she loved stargazing, so she hired an old astronomer to teach her about the stars.

  Hanji loved learning, it was rare for a Lady to have such an extensive education. Most women of noble blood were simply meant to be a man's toy, only kept around for the purpose of heirs and "stress relief". But Hanji's mother never seemed to mind.

  And even though she didn't understand at the time, she had overheard her mother explain to the maids that her father was kind to her in that regard. She had still only been married to him for the purpose of money, but she was content, and Hanji felt somewhat guilty over the fact that she had shunned a life her mother had embraced. She often wondered if her mother would be disappointed or proud of her. But she could never know, not until she met up with her on the other side.

  If there was a heaven that is, she had been taught that there was a higher being watching over them, but she sometimes wondered if it was true. Perhaps she'd know in the future, but that was a thought for another day...

  "What are you doing?"

  Hanji gasped and pressed her good hand to her startled heart, Levi stood just outside his tent with his arms crossed, gazing nonchalantly at her with an inquisitive brow raised. "Don't sneak up on people, you nearly gave me a heart attack!" Hanji hissed, pulling her knees to her chest and resting her chin upon one.

  "I didn't sneak up on you, I've been standing here for a full minute. You were distracted." Levi stated matter-of-factly, moving to sit on a log across from the fire. "And that doesn't answer my question."

  Hanji narrowed her eyes at him, 'Irritating shorty...' she accused in her head, "I couldn't sleep."

  Levi's brow raised yet again, but he seemed to accept her answer, "I see."

  Hanji expected him to say more, but the silence dragged on indefinitely, and she found herself drifting into thought again. He wasn't exactly looking at her, and she snuck a peek at the boring young man. She only then realized that he hadn't buttoned his shirt all the way, and his chiseled chest was in plain sight. Her eyes couldn't help but sweep the entirety of his torso, appreciating the sight.

  She could feel her cheeks redden as she attempted to peer lower, and she quickly glanced away from him. Ever since they met he easily flustered her, but she assumed that was only because he had walked in on her practically naked. Of course she was easily embarrassed!

  At least that's what she told herself.

  She could definitely not deny that he was a most handsome man, and she would have loved to get to know him better, but his personality threw her off. He was too quiet, too judgmental, and too much of a clean freak. She just didn't like it. Though that might have been just because his startling, dark grey eyes always made her feel like she was an open book. "What are you staring at? Do I have something on my face?" he asked in his usual, emotionless tone.

  Hanji jumped, realizing she had been studying his face without her own permission, "Sorry, I was daydreaming...or...sorry." she blushed, realizing she already apologized.

  "Tch..." Levi scoffed, tossing a twig into the fire. "You should go to bed, we have a good five hours to ride tomorrow." he said, glancing up at her to see if she'd actually listen.

  Hanji sighed, "Right." she stood and brushed off her pants, tugging her coat tighter around her shoulders. "Goodnight, sorry I woke you." she muttered as she went back into the larger tent. Levi didn't respond, at least that she could hear. And she didn't bother scolding his bad manners in her mind. She was too tired for it.

  Hanji lay her head down and tugged her blanket up to her chin, closing her eyes and allowing herself to fall asleep. Her worries over tomorrow were temporarily put to rest, (thankfully), and her sleep was nothing if not peaceful.

*

•

*

  Levi didn't like castles, they were too big, too many rooms and too much dust. One couldn't possibly keep a castle clean, at least according to his standards. Even with the maids there always seemed to be leftover dust somewhere. But what was worse about castles was their stereotypical occupants. The Lords, Dukes, and sometimes Kings, that inhabited them were often arrogant and self-centered. However, they were responsible for filling his belly, along with those of his sisters and his brother-in-law, so he couldn't hold a grudge against them.

  He and Farlan had awoken just after sunrise and mounted their horses, leaving camp with only Isabel awake and aware. As far as he knew, the young lady they had decided to chauffeur around was probably still snoring and drooling on her pillow. "Tch..." the thought made him scoff lightly, the girl would likely deny it, but he saw how nasty her sleeping habits were as they cared for her during her fever. He honestly didn't have much of a good opinion of her. Hanji was awkward, clumsy, and uncomfortably quiet. But maybe he wouldn't mind her presence so much if she didn't smell? He rather hoped she would start bathing properly soon before he was forced to do something drastic.

  They had arrived at the castle only minutes before, and a guard was leading Levi and Farlan to see Lord Cedric. Levi had only met the man once, during which he had accepted his simple request to retrieve an item from his brother. An "old friend" as the man had put it. He didn't like Cedric either, but at least, compared to Hanji, her faults were far less than the Lord's.

  The man was typical, arrogant, and stood astride his high horse, as if the world revolved around him. It was also clear that the man was twisted and cruel, considering the surrounding farmland was less than well-cared for. Along with those discredits to the Lord's name, Levi had spotted a few harlots scurrying about the castle during both visits. As far as he knew, the Lord was a married man, so one could possibly count "dishonorable" and "disloyal" among his labels. But when it came to Lords, that was often a given.

  Levi and Farlan were led into a large room, the walls were filled with shelves and books, and the solitary desk gave the impression that it was a private study. Lord Cedric sat upon the chair behind the polished desk and scribbled on paper, not noticing, or simply just ignoring their arrival. But Levi knew to wait, angering a Lord was not on his schedule for the day, and he'd rather not have a repeat of that incident with Lord Ragúe....

  Lord Cedric finished scribbling and put his pen down with a sigh before he looked up to acknowledge the men before him. "Good morning, gentlemen. I trust you were able to retrieve it?" he stood and skirted around his desk, walking towards them.

  Levi reached into a bag he had slung around his shoulder and pulled out a tiny, ornate box, handing it to the Lord. Farlan spoke for him, as Levi preferred not to speak if he could avoid it, he wasn't a very social person after all. "We found the box you described." Farlan said quietly.

  Cedric smirked and placed the box on his desk, not opening it even if only to satisfy their curiosity as to what exactly they had stolen. "No doubt, there was some difficulty, I apologize if my brother might have caused trouble."

  Farlan shrugged, "We managed, as we always do."

  Cedric nodded, "I shall compensate you for any damages, along with the promised payment."

  Farlan shook his head, "It isn't necessary, there was nothing we couldn't handle, we only need what was promised."

  Cedric smiled at that, "Ahh, I see, if you insist. Well, in that case, I shall send you on your way." he moved to grab a small chest and handed it to the two, who opened it and checked the contents before they accepted it.

  Farlan and Levi bowed and moved to leave, "Oh, Ackerman?" Cedric stopped the shorter man, who turned with a questioning brow raised. Farlan looked back, but left the room, as their employers often wanted to have an afterword with Levi. Cedric pulled a small parchment from his desk and walked toward Levi. "I thought I should let you know, as the reward is substantial."

  Levi took the offered paper and examined it, his eyes narrowing at the contents. It was a Hunting Bounty, as he called them, but in this particular scenario the subject was wanted alive. That in itself was rare, but apparently the bounty's maker was an extremely wealthy Lord from the Mercian country. "Why would you have this?" Levi asked, curious as to why one Lord would help another for seemingly no reason.

  Cedric rubbed at the back of his neck, "Zoë Titania, the girl in the bounty, was to marry my son." he explained, "But apparently she's been kidnapped, and, as her future father-in-law, I assumed I should aid in her rescue."

  Levi raised a brow again, looking down at the paper. Titania? The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't place it. That reward was tantalizing though, more than his little trio had made in three years. The Lord obviously really wanted his daughter back. "Well, I'll keep this in mind, and if I find a Zoë Titania during my travels, rest assured I'll attempt to bring her back. I cannot promise anything." Levi folded the parchment and slipped it inside his jacket, taking his leave once more.

  "Thank you, Ackerman." Cedric said as he left.

  Levi met up with Farlan again and continued to the stables, mounting his horse and making for their camp. In honesty, he felt like he should remember something, like his mind contained pieces of a puzzle, and he had misplaced some of them. Titania. The name was so familiar, and yet, so foreign, where on earth had he heard it before?

•

•

  Hanji didn't ask any questions, not a single one, about where Levi and Farlan had gone. That alone bothered Isabel. She had figured she might be relieved, but the fact made her suspicious. It wasn't only her lack of curiosity, Hanji seemed sad, distracted, and tired. The girl looked as if she weren't even there, Isabel noted, as the brunette precariously hung some clothes to dry. Her arm gave her some trouble, but it was a job she could accomplish at least.

  Isabel observed her with pursed lips, determining that it seemed time for a heart-to-heart chat with her. "Hanji?" she called, and the girl blinked before turning to look at her. "Come. Come here, sweetheart." she pat the log she sat on, gesturing for the girl to sit.

  Hanji dropped what she was doing and walked over to sit down, twiddling the linen of her splint between her fingers, "Is something wrong?"

  Isabel shook her head, reaching out to gently rub a comforting circle on the younger woman's back, "Hanji, what's making you so morose today?" Hanji looked at her in surprise, her mouth opening without sound to express her protestation. "Don't look at me like that. I've had the same, general feeling before, multiple times. I think I can recognize it in another person." Isabel chuckled.

  Hanji closed her lips and pursed them with a sigh, "Well..." she drawled. The real her, the Zoë Titania she had locked away to make room for her new persona, was never a very open or extroverted person. She had difficulty expressing her feelings in most regards. So, opening up to Isabel, after only having known her for about a week, and growing to trust her, was hard, to say the least. "It's my birthday." she muttered.

  Isabel smiled briefly, before she thought it over and her face fell in realization, "And that makes you sad?" she prodded.

  Hanji nodded, instead of the truth, she did have to bend this one. The true reasoning for her melancholy was the fact that her mother's death had also occurred on her sixth birthday. She didn't like lying, not one bit, it wasn't in her character. But it needed to be done. "I was abandoned as a newborn, barely a day old. So, every birthday just feels like a reminder that my parents didn't want me."

  Isabel sighed, "I see. I'm sorry Hanji." Hanji flinched internally when she accepted her fib. And she shifted uncomfortably under the older woman's gaze. "But you don't need to be sad anymore. You have friends now, friends who are growing to see you as one of their own. That's how I feel at least. And I know I don't want you to feel sad." Isabel said with a soft smile, "How about, to cheer you up, you and I go and shop when we get to town? Just the two of us, doing girl stuff and having a little fun?"

  Hanji blinked, "Girl stuff?" she repeated, not necessarily sure of what Isabel meant.

  Isabel scoffed good-naturedly, "Don't you like to look at clothes and just peruse the shops every now and then?" she asked.

  Hanji thought about it for a moment. The last time she went shopping, just for fun, was with her mother, over twelve years ago. She still distinctly remembered a small, silky, powder blue dress that her mother bought her. She wore it every day she could, until she wore out the material that is. "That sounds good." she murmured, looking up at the redhead with a small smile, it was the least she could muster anyway.

  "There we go!" Isabel exclaimed, "That's what I've been waiting to see." she stood with a sigh and brushed off her pants.

  "What have you been waiting to see?" a new voice rang out and Isabel spun around in surprise when Farlan and Levi walked into the camp.

  "You're back!" Isabel jumped to her feet and practically skipped over to Farlan to give him a hug and a purposefully exaggerated kiss.

  Levi cringed away from the couple and scoffed, "Alright, save your mushy shit for later. We need to pack up." he muttered.

  Isabel chuckled along with Farlan and followed his instructions, immediately setting out to deconstruct the camp. Hanji pursed her lips and looked at the laundry she had just hung, blinking in realization, "Oi, wait just a second!" she exclaimed without thinking, and her cheeks felt like they were suddenly on fire when the three of them stopped and looked at her with raised brows. "Damnit...!" she murmured under her breath, "Sorry, I...um, just put the laundry up to dry. It needs about an hour." she looked down at her feet and twirled her good hand in her hair bashfully, still feeling their intense gazes.

  There was a long, drawn out moment of silence. And she felt like her face was going to burn off out of embarrassment. What possessed her to give them orders like that? She was their guest, or resident invalid, whichever they preferred. Not their superior. Breaking herself out of her old title was going to be difficult, of that she was certain. After all, she was used to giving orders, it was a nasty habit.

  The silence was broken by a loud, obnoxious laugh that made her jump.

  "Ahhh....a woman after your own heart, Levi!" Farlan chuckled, earning a sharp glare from said person, his head turned so sharply Hanji thought he might have given himself whiplash. "And to think you of all people were going to pack up without waiting for the laundry. Shame on you!" he was blatantly teasing now, despite the shorter man's narrowed gaze and disapproving expression.

  "Tch..." Levi scoffed and put the tent pole he was extracting back neatly. "Fine. We'll stay a few hours." he conceded.

  Hanji bit her lip and approached the man hesitantly, "Thank you." she whispered, glancing up through her eyelashes.

  "For what?" he raised that stupid, thin eyebrow yet again.

  Hanji gaped and stared for a moment. "For...for not..." she stuttered, '-for not being angry at me.' After all, she had given this man orders in his own camp, he had a right to be upset with her. She didn't finish her sentence aloud, however, and his expression morphed into one of boredom.

  At that she finally felt her ever-tightening restraint snap. He was seriously getting on her nerves! After two weeks with him (well, three if she counted her unconscious time with them), she was getting more irritated every time she spoke to him. She was trying to be nice and he acted as though she was crazy for attempting to speak.

  Hanji didn't want to blow her top, so she resolved to run a hand through her hair and sigh, "You know what? Nevermind." she huffed and walked away, sitting down rather grumpily on the nearest log. 'I don't know why I even want to be nice to him, but that's the last time I try.' she complained in her head, fixing the young man in question with a secret glare every now and again.

•

•

  They arrived at the nearest inn later that day, much later than they had planned, but it was still light out. And they sent Farlan to rent their rooms. One with separate beds for Hanji and Levi (they both had a few complaints about that in the beginning. However they had both resolved to silently resent the choice, this being the second inn they would be staying in). And one room for Isabel and Farlan himself.

  "Hanji has been rather moody today." Isabel said when she finally had Levi alone. Hanji gently brushed Chance with her good arm on the far end of the stables, having just removed the tack from his body.

  "Why should I care?" he asked, clearly uninterested.

  "Well, because I think you are the cause. That's why." Isabel explained.

  "What did I do?" Levi sighed as he turned to her with a questioning look on his face. He honestly did not care if the girl was irked by him. He was used to it, and he didn't really care what a lot of people thought of him. But when it came to Isabel, he didn't want to upset or disappoint her, so he felt the least he could do was listen to her now.

  "You haven't been very nice." Isabel scolded, he rolled his eyes at that, "And I think she likes you." she added.

  "What?" Levi exclaimed in disbelief.

  "Not like that." she blew a raspberry as if to show he was silly for thinking that. "I've never really seen anybody try to instigate a friendship with you, so I can't be sure, but I think she just wants to be approved of. Maybe even be your friend. Like I said, I don't know for sure." Isabel shrugged.

  Levi scowled, "Hmm." was all he said in reply. It wasn't as if he truly disliked the girl, but as he had told himself before, her personality just didn't sit well with him. His gaze flickered over to her just as she pressed a kiss to her gelding's nose. "Gross..." he muttered, too quietly for Isabel to hear beside him. Hanji looked his way, and as soon as she realized he was looking at her-her brows furrowed. He watched in silent, un-showing amusement as her demeanor changed from calm and gentle to tense and angry.

  He didn't understand women all that much, then again, he never really cared to try in the first place. Earlier she had thanked him, for what he had no idea. Women had rather complicated thought-processes after all. His ignorance seemed to be the cause of her mood change around him. After thinking about it, he supposed it had something to do with her blatant orders earlier that day. If she thought he cared, he really didn't. After all, it was just laundry, and he was not one to impose when it came to hygienic matters.

  Isabel suddenly pushed off from the wall with a sigh, "When Farlan gets back, tell him I went into town. Okay?" she said, walking away without waiting for Levi's answer.

  Levi rolled his eyes, watching as Isabel laid a hand on Hanji's shoulder and said something that made the girl break out in a grin. She then linked arms with her younger friend and they walked out of the stables, talking all the way. "Tch..." he scoffed.

•

~

•

  Hanji felt quite uplifted, in honesty. She hadn't felt so happy since the day she ran away little over a month ago. Isabel was a loud, obnoxious, mischievous young woman, but she also had a good eye when it came to merchandise. Though they didn't buy anything like the dresses and jewelry her mother used to procure for her. They didn't have the money or luxury to. They actually spent most of their time in a blacksmith's shop, admiring weapons. Isabel would grab a random weapon and explain its purpose, letting Hanji hold it if it wasn't too heavy.

  "When your arm gets better-" she began after holding up a bow, "-I'll teach you how to shoot one. You've got a good build for archery, and the mechanics are fairly easy on your left hand." she explained.

  Hanji examined the smooth, recurve wood and smiled, "I'd like that." she placed the weapon back and began to walk off.

  "No, no, no!" Isabel grabbed the bow back up and jogged to keep up with her. "We're buying this one. It's perfect for you."

  Hanji stopped in her tracks, "Well, you don't need to-"

  "Best have one before your arm is better. Who knows? We could be miles away from a shop when you're finally rid of the splint." Isabel interrupted. "And besides! We are supposed to be shopping, and we haven't bought anything. Might as well."

  Hanji bit her lip and hummed in agreement, "I suppose. Thank you, Isabel. We didn't have to buy anything for me to have a good time. I kind of feel like you are the sister I never had." she murmured.

  Isabel grinned widely at that, and moved to purchase the lovely bow from the blacksmith. "I may already have a sister-" she began as they left the shop, "-but I am starting to see you in the same light." she linked her arm through Hanji's again and they began to walk back to the inn.

•

•

  She was back in Levi's presence now, so all her good feelings went out the window. Sharing a room was rather risqué in her opinion. It was to save on money. It least, that's what Isabel told her, but she still preferred her own room. She didn't like the fact that this particular inn had the tub hidden behind a simple dressing screen. And the shorty was insisting she bathe first!

  "Heaven knows you need it!" Levi huffed. "Has anyone ever taught you how to clean yourself? You always smell like sweat and bodily excrement!" he accused, tossing a complimentary towel at her face.

  "Fine, I'll take a fucking bath!" Hanji snapped. She could feel the hair on her neck bristling and her teeth were grit in her efforts to restrain herself from attempting to strangle him. And besides his insults, he had gotten her to curse yet again. She had never cursed so blatantly before until she met this man.

  "Thank you." he said, sitting on his bed and laying back. He gave her this expectant look that made her roll her eyes.

  "Don't peek or I'll kill you." she warned before she went behind the screen.

  "With that arm?" he quipped.

  She stepped back into view and scowled, "I'll use my teeth." she hissed, returning to the tub behind the screen and failing to spot his following amused smirk. She mumbled curses and insults at him all the while as she stripped and stepped into the prepared water. She kept her bad arm propped on the tub wall while she scrubbed herself to the best of her ability.

  In honesty there wasn't much she could do with just one arm, and no matter how much she scrubbed there was always a spot she couldn't reach. Like on her back for example. She didn't pay it any heed though, and rinsed her frothy hair before she stood and stepped out of the tub. She toweled herself off and shimmied into the clean clothes she had draped on the dressing screen. Cringing as she placed her arm back into the sling.

  "There! I'm done, happy now?" she asked, rather childish in her demeanor as she left the screen and sat on her designated bed, pulling her knees up to her chest in a pout.

  Levi stood without a word and grabbed his own clothing to change into. He went behind the screen and she shuffled deeper into her cushions with a sigh. How infuriating could a man be? She didn't think she'd ever come to think of him as anything more than a nuisance.

  "Hanji." his voice rang out, and she started, sitting up and furrowing her brow. It was the first time she could think of that he'd ever said her name.

  "Yes?" she called back.

  "Come here." he said.

  She groaned and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, walking towards the dressing screen. "What is it?" she asked. A second later her eyes were wide and she would later be scolding herself for her reaction. He wasn't naked, thank God, but he had taken his shirt off already. She went silent as her eyes instinctively admired the hard ridges and curves of muscle on his carefully toned body.

  Hanji hadn't really seen many men without their shirts. And she couldn't deny she was very much attracted to the sight before her. Her eyes were especially drawn to his waist, where his pants hung low on his hips. She really couldn't believe that this was always hidden so well beneath his usual outfits. And the darker, less innocent portion of her mind had her curious as to what might lay below his waist...

  "Ahem?" Levi cleared his throat, attempting to get her attention.

  "Huh?" she blinked and looked up at him, trying to keep her gaze on his steely, grey eyes rather than his abdomen.

  "You left your clothes." he pointed to the floor, and her face went from pleasantly awestruck to an irritated scowl yet again.

  "Right." Hanji muttered, brushing past him to pick them up. She brushed past him again on her way out, and she was certain she had felt his arms against her own and at least a bit of his pectoral. Oh God, now she was blushing! Heaven help her! Levi didn't seem to care that she saw him like that, he was rather nonchalant about it. As if it didn't matter to him or something. The bastard!

  Hanji sat upon her bed and dropped her dirty clothing into a haphazard pile on the side. She only now registered that her heart was pounding and her head was light. She pressed a palm to her forehead and lay back, closing her tired eyes with a sigh. She wasn't going to admit it to anyone, especially Levi, but in that moment she came to realize that she was rather attracted to the infuriating shorty. A fact that irked her immensely. "Of all the people..." she muttered to herself.

  It's not as if she would ever act on such feelings. Besides, one could be attracted to someone without liking them. Couldn't they?

  "Fold the clothes..." he suddenly said from behind the screen.

  "I'll fold them in the morning!" she retorted, blush renewing when she heard the water slosh around in the tub as he got out. He was just rubbing it in now, intentionally or not. Looking at the screen dos her no favors, as it was slightly sheer, at least enough to see his silhouette, and she bit her lip with a inward groan at her own ridiculously raunchy thoughts.

  "No you won't." he said, coming out from behind the screen with just his pants on....again. She focused her gaze on the sheets beneath her to keep from peeking. "You'll just toss them into your bag again." he sighed, walking over and bending to pick up her clothing and starting to fold it.

  "It's just going to be washed anyways." she deadpanned, sitting up and frowning pointedly at him while he placed her clothing in a neat pile on her bed.

  He paused and glanced at her, raising a brow, and then he slowly finished folding the shirt, maintaining eye contact while he finished his task. "It only takes a second." he finally said as he moved back to his bed.

  "Stubborn." she muttered under her breath.

  "I could say the same for you." he said, pulling his shirt over his head.

  "Fuck you." she hissed, tugging the blankets aside and shuffling beneath them.

  "No thanks." he retorted.

  'Son of a bitch.'

Chapter 4

Levihan 4

•

•

  "You did well bandaging this, miss." the physician smiled at Isabel, all the while examining Hanji's arm. "The bone wasn't completely broken, just fractured, and it's setting well." he said as he gently pressed his fingers into the swollen skin.

  Hanji flinched at the ministrations, it hurt, but not as badly as it had when she first broke it.

  "I'd keep it on the splint, and in the sling for now, maybe two or three more weeks, and then you can have it out of the sling." he began to rewrap her arm, "If you weren't travelers I'd have you come back so I could examine it again." he said, "But just see another physician when the time comes, they'll tell you when to remove the splint."

  Isabel helped him tie off the splint, and Hanji put the arm back into the sling herself. "Thank you, sir." the redhead procured a gold coin from her pocket.

  "It's no trouble, miss." the physician took the coin with a warm smile.

  "Come along, Hanji." Isabel helped Hanji off of the examination table and linked arms with her as they walked out. "Feels good to get you properly examined." she sighed, heading for the inn and their waiting horses. She had insisted on having a real doctor check on Hanji before they left town.

  "Yeah, it is." Hanji agreed, ducking her head when she saw Levi waiting for them...with Farlan, but she was only focused on the shorty. She had decided she preferred sleeping in Isabel and Farlan's tent to the inns, as she was separated from Levi that way. As infuriating as he was, seeing him behind the changing screen morphed her view of him. Granted, now she loathed him for that. She couldn't look at him without imagining his body and wondering what the rest of him looked like.

  Hanji had to remind herself of her mother's words to her when she was younger.

  "Never judge nor trust someone according to beauty, child." her mother had said in a soft voice, "Even devils can look like angels. Only believe in those who are worthy of your trust, those who have earned it."

  Now Hanji knew Levi wasn't untrustworthy, and of course he wasn't a devil, that was silly to think. But she knew better than to admire him simply for his looks. And besides, she would much rather kiss a pig than be romantically involved with him. She snickered under her breath at that thought while she carefully mounted Chance. Levi seemed to be blissfully unaware of her detailed opinion for the most part, and she was glad he couldn't read minds. Though she didn't know whether he would either be flattered or insulted over her tumultuous inner feelings towards him.

  Hanji noticed on the day's ride that he made it a point not to talk to her, or to avoid her gaze, and she very much appreciated it. After all, it helped her keep her mind off of that scandalous mental image of him. She decided to direct her thoughts to the scenery while they traveled. After all, the region they were traveling through was vastly different from her homeland in Macedonia.

  The mountains were far more prominent for one, and she found they had traveled through many canyons on their journey. The only valleys or meadows they could find to spend the night in were becoming few and far between. And she found they had spent most nights without the tents, as the thick forests made it difficult to set them up. Instead they would just use their sleeping bags and lay positioned in a square around the campfire.

  Tonight, however, one night after leaving the inn, they had the tents, a fact Hanji was most thankful for. And they had also managed to procure her a tent of her own.

  Isabel told her that they were only about a week's travel away from their home, where Mikasa was living. And Hanji was excited to finally meet the girl. Isabel told her a lot more details about her younger sister as they traveled. She learned that Mikasa was a strong, beautiful young lady, that she was gentle, and that she was kind. From how Isabel spoke, Hanji knew she would come to think of the girl as yet another sister.

  Hanji sighed, peering over at the stew they were boiling, hoping it was ready. She was starving after a long day of travel. Well, not starving, but most definitely hungry.

  "Hey, Hanji..." Isabel said, catching her attention.

  "Yeah?" she turned to her friend with a small, expectant smile.

  "There's a stream just down the hill, and since there's no more streams for the next few days...Levi insists we bathe while we can." she rolled her eyes and twirled her finger in a circle pointed at her forehead, indicating that Levi was a bit nuts. Hanji chuckled in agreement at that, "Anyway, Farlan and Levi already got their baths done earlier, so you and I will bathe before dinner is ready. I just wanted to let you know so you can get your stuff ready." Isabel informed her with a smile, settling back against a tree as she continued to sew a fur into a shawl in preparation for the winter months.

  Hanji nodded, "Right." she stood and made her way to her pack (she had bought a proper pack to replace her cumbersome sack back in town). She prepared some clothes and pulled her soap out as well, she had some because Levi insisted they all had soap of their own. She supposed it was because he didn't want to have them all use the same soap. He was so germaphobic it was ridiculous from her point of view, but by now she was pretty much used to it.

  "I'll go get started then." she called to Isabel, ignoring Levi's glance as she walked past him.

  "Oi! Wait for me!" Isabel scrambled to her feet, collecting her own clothing and soap and chasing after her.

•

•

  Hanji had just finished her bath, and she tugged her shirt on as she walked back to the camp from the nearby river. Isabel was a quick, efficient bather, and she had finished a few minutes before Hanji. So she was left to finish up by herself. Not that she minded, she was more than capable.

  She smiled at Isabel and Farlan when she entered camp, and she honestly felt rather good that evening. She was refreshed after her bath, despite the fact that she still had some trouble washing herself. The pair returned her smile briefly, but both looked rather nervous upon seeing her.

  "What's wrong, guys?" Hanji asked, still rubbing a towel into her hair.

  Isabel's gaze moved from Hanji to someplace (or someone) behind her, and she spun around to come face-to-face with Levi. She yelped and took a few steps backwards, nearly tripping over a log. When she glanced at the man again, she could see he looked far different from how she had ever seen him. He looked like a tumultuous mix between irritated and livid. Which was strange to her, as emotion was rare when it came to that man. "W-what's wrong, Levi?" she stuttered when she realized his gaze was fixed on her.

  He said nothing for a moment, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply.

  "Well what's the deal? I told you not to sneak up on me." she scolded.

  "I can't take it anymore." was all he said before he approached the suddenly cowering Hanji.

  She didn't even realize he had picked her up until she was draped over his shoulder. "Huh?" she gasped, looking up at Isabel and Farlan's resigned faces. "Oi! Levi what the hell are you doing?! Put me down this instant! This is undignified!" she exclaimed, kicking her feet and pushing against his lower back with her good hand.

  She looked desperately towards Isabel when she realized she couldn't maneuver her way out of Levi's iron grip. He was walking out of the camp, and she was absolutely terrified. "Isabel? Oi! Someone get me down! Hello?! Help?" she cried.

  Neither of the two made a move, simply looking at one another with stifled grimaces. Isabel mouthed the word: sorry.

  "I said help me!" Hanji screeched as the camp disappeared from her sight. She grit her teeth and grunted as she tried to wiggle out of his grip yet again. "Put. Me. Down!" she emphasized her statement by repeatedly pounding her fist against his back. He didn't even flinch. She recognized the bubbling sound of the stream and paused, trying to look over her shoulder.

  Levi finally set her down and she blinked before she turned red with fury, "Levi, what are-" she stopped speaking out of shock when he pulled her arm out of the sling, tugged her shirt over her head, and then tugged her pants back down. She stayed frozen in place, and before she could register that she was completely bare he was pushing her by her shoulders towards the river.

  He pressed against her shoulders until she had plopped onto her rear in the water, then he began to wet a bar of soap. By now she was finally coherent, and she gasped as she covered herself frantically. "What the fuck, Levi?!" she yelped, pulling her knees to her chest. "What are you doing?!"

  "Shut up." Levi used a tin cup to dump water on her head, where had he gotten that?. "I'm tired of your stink. And besides, it's nothing I haven't seen before." he explained. She gasped indignantly and looked over her shoulder at him with mouth agape and cheeks flushed. Did that mean...? He didn't seem like the type, in her opinion that is, to be a man who slept around.

  Levi noticed her flabbergasted expression and rolled his eyes, "I don't mean like that." he corrected her train of thought. "Perverted brain too." he added, as if adding another trait of hers to some invisible list in his head.

  "Then what the hell do you mean?" Hanji demanded. "And I am not perverse! Who's the man washing a naked lady?" she scowled, waiting impatiently for a response.

  Levi was silent, lathering the soap in her hair. She sighed and turned back around, seeing his silence as a refusal to answer her question. To be reluctantly honest with herself, it felt nice, to have his fingers threading through her hair and roughly massaging her scalp. It was like the days she spent in her home, when maids bathed her. But she'd never admit that of course.

  "When I was younger, in the orphanage-" he began, and her form went still, not truly believing that he was actually telling her something about himself. "-baths were rare, and when we had them, they were usually cold by the time you got your turn." he explained, and she listened intently, her eyes slightly hooded over the glorious sensation of calloused fingers on her scalp. "So Isabel, Mikasa, Farlan, a few other kids and I would share. Over time, as we aged we changed, of course. As a result, I - for one - don't see it as scandalous to see one naked." he explained, "And besides, you don't have much to show anyways." he added quietly.

  Hanji nodded, taking in that new information and lowering her arms from her chest hesitantly. "Do I really stink that bad?" she asked self-consciously.

  "Tch..." Levi scoffed, "You just don't wash properly." he said.

  Hanji suddenly realized the meaning of what he had muttered before her question, "Oi...hey!" she exclaimed. He was saying she had small breasts wasn't he? "I'll bet you don't have much to show either, what with how short you are!" she muttered, crossing her arms and pursing her lips in a pout.

  Levi's hands froze in her hair, "What did you just say?"

  "Oh what?" she spun around to face him, never mind her nudity, "I'm not allowed to insult you? You've done it to me plenty of times." she scowled.

  Levi stared at her with widened eyes, as if she had stunned him, before he scoffed again, "Touché." he conceded, surprisingly, "Now turn around so I can finish." he ordered.

  Hanji obeyed, surprised that she had been so bold, mouthing off to him like that, and he didn't react beyond his usual apathetic glare. She closed her eyes and sputtered when the soapy water from her hair ran into her face multiple times. She coughed and wiped at her eyes, "Is that it?" she asked.

  "No, you need to wash your ass. I'm not going to do it for you." he said in disgust. "Also, there's still your limbs, and....for fuck's sake! Don't you ever wash in the creases?" he asked as he cleaned her neck. That sensation was rather uncomfortable, and she cleared her throat a couple times when it felt like her airway was constricted. His hands quickly moved to her armpits, and she hesitantly laughed at that. "Shut up." he murmured.

  "Well sorry! It tickles! What did you expect?" Hanji defended. He simply moved his hands and the soap to her back. Of which hadn't been washed properly since she left her home. She sighed in resignation to this humiliating washing, shifting when he spun her around. He stared at her torso for a moment, and she was about to reprimand him before he handed her the soap bar.

  "I think you can handle that." he said, standing and crossing his arms while he waited.

  Hanji agreed rather fully. She had been worried that he would actually wash her chest, at least he left her that much dignity. She also fleetingly wondered how she was already so casual with him seeing her naked. Then again, he'd only seen her chest, it wasn't as if he saw her maidenhood. 'And he never will.' she determined mentally, crossing her legs, 'I'll see to that.'

  She clumsily managed it, washing her chest and stomach, and he gave her a slight nod of approval when she handed the bar back to him. "I'm sure you can do better. But that will do for now." he said, tossing more of the cold water on her chest to rid her of the soap. Hanji flinched and glared at him, as the water was pretty damn cold.

  "Now-" he handed the bar back to her, "-wash your ass."

•

•

  Hanji sat down on the log by the fire and hugged herself, her demeanor shy. She honestly needed some personal space after her experience earlier that evening. She curled her arms tighter around her chest when she felt Isabel's concerned gaze. And she turned away in embarrassment when Levi re-entered the camp. Now she was desperate to spend some time apart from him. At least they were going to be at their home soon. She was excited to finally be back in a house, with separate rooms, hopefully.

  But, she didn't know what to think of Levi anymore, to be honest. He kept on changing and confusing her whenever she had decided she felt a certain way about him. At first she had been scared of him, and she also felt as though she needed his trust and approval. Well, he had quickly worn her resolve down to a nub and made her lose her patience. And so she decided to change her approach and simply loathe him. Then he went and pulled those ridiculous stunts like asking her to pick up her clothing when he was only half-dressed or forcefully bathing her because she smelled.

  Now she didn't know what to feel around him besides embarrassment, and tentative admiration. In a nutshell, he was driving her crazy.

  She subtly scooted further away when he sat next to her and began to scoop a bowl of stew out for himself. Hanji peeked at him through her wet, unruly locks and observed quietly. Amongst her embarrassment, she was starting to feel rather strange when she looked at him now. Like her heart was suddenly pounding faster, like her head was light, or like her stomach was buzzing with butterflies. If she thought carefully about it, he made her feel ill. Like she had a flu.

  Isabel suddenly came into her line of vision, and Hanji didn't miss the glare that the redhead sent her brother's way. "Here." she handed her a bowl of stew with a desperate, apologetic smile.

  Hanji blinked at her face and looked down at the bowl, her stomach constricted at the sight (or was it her thoughts?) and she grimaced. "I'm not very hungry." she murmured. Isabel's face fell most noticeably, and her gaze turned to her brother, who stared at Hanji in surprise. Hanji tugged her light jacket around herself and stood, "I think I'm going to sleep, I don't feel very good." she said, glancing once more at Levi, if only for a second.

  She noted that he returned her gaze, and he looked concerned, as if he was worried he was the cause of her behavior. 'Good. Let him worry about something for once.' He would be right if he thought she was upset with him, but not in the regard he was probably thinking of. She wasn't trying to avoid him because of the bath. She was a little worried herself, over what she was starting to feel every time she looked at that man.

  How long had she been traveling with them? Maybe two weeks?

  Her stomach dropped again as she sat down on her sleeping bag inside her new tent and rubbed her eyes. She had pondered if she should leave after her arm healed, but then Isabel's promise to teach her how to shoot a bow would come back to her and she'd groan in frustration.

  Hanji didn't like what she was feeling, and she feared it was something more than it seemed. Something she had only ever felt once, and that was for her mother, in a different way, on a far more novice scale. If what she had read in fictional stories was true, she felt she should talk to those authors about their portrayal of the sensation. It was overly romanticized and far less painful in stories, it would seem. Or say least it was in her case. And she didn't want to accept it. She didn't want to fall, not for him at least.

  She sighed as she slipped into her sleeping bag and closed her tired, aching eyes. Longing for sleep. She didn't want to think about it anymore tonight. But her wish wasn't granted, as Isabel walked through the tent flap only seconds later. "Hanji? What's wrong?" she asked.

  Hanji groaned in protest, she didn't want to talk, didn't want to think, she just wanted to sleep. "I'm tired...and I said I didn't feel good." she muttered.

  "Does it have anything to do with Levi? You know we would have stopped him if we could but he's not exactly one to argue with." Isabel hastily explained.

  "No, no...it's not that. I'm just not hungry, and I don't feel well. Simple as that." Hanji opened one eye to peer at Isabel.

  Isabel sat back on her haunches and hummed, placing a hand on her forehead, "You don't have a fever. Are you sure you're sick?"

  "I think I ate something bad, just let me sleep, Isabel." Hanji rolled over and shut herself off from the impending conversation.

  Isabel stayed silent for a time, and the atmosphere quickly grew tense. Hanji could almost feel her deciding whether or not to press the conversation. But she soon sighed, and she heard her shift to stand up, "Alright. Come and eat if you get hungry." she said before leaving.

  Hanji sighed when she finally left, she didn't like being rude, but she just wanted to be alone for a while. Levi was completely dominating her mind, and she wanted to be able to think of something other than him. Especially after the bath. What on earth had gotten into his head? Why not just say that she wasn't washing herself well enough and let her fix the problem herself?

  She didn't understand him, and she was certain she never would. It's not as if she didn't want to, though, she already bonded so well with Isabel and Farlan. She had wanted to bond with him too, but now she wasn't so sure it'd be good for her. He wasn't necessarily easy to get along with, and he made her feel so strange, conflicted...confused. She shook her head and rubbed at her eyes again, attempting to alleviate her sudden headache.

  Hanji sighed deeply and let her thoughts drift, falling into subconsciousness. Her sleep was not plagued by dreams, but she was restless despite that fact.

•

~

•

  "What the hell were you thinking?" Isabel hissed at Levi, who blinked in disinterest. "I think you've traumatized her, she's acting all strange and distant. She practically told me to shut up. She never behaves like this!" she gestured wildly to the tent pitched between her's and Levi's

  Levi raised a brow at her, "It's not my problem, besides, she didn't seem to care much when I was washing her. And she's been acting bitchy to me since I met her. It's nothing new." he said dismissively.

  "She hasn't-ugh! She wasn't being 'bitchy'!" Isabel sighed, exasperated, "She was legitimately upset! Now I don't want you touching her again. She doesn't need anymore of your germaphobic nonsense. You're lucky she didn't have a knife or something on her the first time, she might have hurt you, you know."

  "Oh please..." Levi scoffed in amusement, "Whatever. If she washes herself properly next time I'll be happy never to lay another finger on her in my life." Levi ran a hand through his hair and stood, "You know I wouldn't have done anything if she would just clean herself properly."

  "She's got a fucking broken arm, Levi!" Isabel sighed again, pressing her forefingers to her brow, "What did you expect?"

  Levi shrugged, "Like I said, it's not my problem." he brushed his pants off and began to make for his tent, "Get some sleep, we'll be traveling through the pass tomorrow." he said, ducking behind the canvas flaps.

  Isabel frowned, "Right." she murmured, sitting down on one of the logs they were using for seats. Her expression turned into a strained smile when Farlan sat beside her. "I really wish those two would just get along." she said, looking forlornly at the tents.

  "They're not that bad, actually." Farlan said, and she looked at him as if he's grown a second head. "Considering..." he added.

  "Not that bad?! He's always insulting her and she's always getting angry or sad when he's around. I just don't think they work well together. It makes me upset, because I like Hanji, she's a great girl, and I want her to stay with us. But if Levi keeps doing this shit she'll want to leave in the future." Isabel rubbed at her temples and leaned into her husband. "And then with the bath..." she groaned, "Good Lord. I thought she was washing well enough, I can't believe he did that to her. Poor Hanji." she lamented.

  "Mhmm." Farlan hummed with a smile, poor Hanji indeed. However, he'd experienced this struggle himself. Not in the same circumstances, of course, but he'd been through roughly the same patch as Hanji. He may have grown up with Isabel, but she was a hard fish to catch. There was no doubt in his mind that this girl had a smidgen of feelings for his brother-in-law. He could see it in how she behaved.

  She became so frustrated whenever Levi didn't pay attention to her, or angry when he said the wrong things. And just now, before she claimed to be ill, she was admiring him, he could see it in her eyes. If anything, Levi administering a bath was nothing but good for their developing relationship.

  Farlan also understood how sick she was feeling. After all, he knew that in the beginning it kind of hurts if you don't understand what it is. He remembered how he used to feel when he thought of Isabel, or when she looked at him with that energetic smile of hers. There was no doubt in his mind that he was going to marry that girl. It just took him a while to sort out his feelings though. He hoped Hanji wouldn't have to wait so long before she sorted her own feelings. And if she was lucky, Levi would come around soon too. Granted, she would likely regard her feelings as a simple attraction for now.

  He'd seen how Levi acted as well, he wasn't himself lately around her. Granted, he was still a short, quiet, (mostly) emotionless germaphobic, but he had changed, ever so slightly. When Hanji was around he tended to send subtle glances her way, he would even help her down from the horse sometimes, and just now, with dinner, he had seen the foreign concern in his brother-in-law's eyes.

  Farlan suspected that Levi was interested in her too, but he didn't really seem to want to admit it to himself. It was why he had taken to privately teasing him over her: he got such blatant reactions from the man. He had teased him about women in the past, and he barely reacted at all. Why else would Hanji be an exception?

  "They are getting along in their own way, Isy." he sighed, smiling softly to himself. He figured to himself that his clueless trio of friends would probably realize exactly where this was all going before winter was over.

•

•

Chapter 5

Levihan 5

•

•

  It was chilly, that much could be said when Hanji woke up in the morning. Summer was finally releasing its grip on the earth and going to sleep, allowing fall to awaken and descend on them with drying, crinkling leaves and cold breezes. And lifting her blanket revealed that her monthly bleed had also decided to descend upon her last night.

  She blinked, considering her rampant emotions the night before, 'Well that explains not feeling well...' she shrugged, pawning everything else she had felt off on her unstable condition as well. Not exactly a wise decision, seeing as her hormonal change was not the cause.

  She changed accordingly, pulling her linens from her pack and gingerly wrapping them snug around her waist and between her thighs before she pulled her clean pants on. A task that proved to be two times as difficult with just one hand. She bundled up her stained sleep pants afterwards and tucked them in the space her linens had occupied. She'd have to ask Isabel for an extra pair of linens before the day was out, if it was like her usual flow.

  She slipped her jacket on and began packing her tent. Starting by rolling her bed roll up, which had thankfully escaped being stained during the night. By the time she was finished, Isabel and Farlan were done with theirs, and had come over to help her with her tent.

  "Thanks." she smiled warmly at them, giving Isabel a more pointed look and smiling brighter. She'd also have to apologize for being so short with her the night before. Isabel would definitely understand that she was emotional because of her bleed.

  "Feeling better this morning?" the woman in question asked cautiously.

  "For the most part." Hanji sighed, feeling her cramps start to come on.

  "Hungry?"

  Hanji nodded, "Very much so." she had skipped out on last night's dinner after all.

  "Farlan will pack your things on Chance." Isabel said pointedly to Farlan, indicating that she wanted to speak to Hanji alone. Hanji giggled quietly at the man's expression before Isabel linked their arms and led her over to the renewed fire, scooping out a few quail eggs they had likely found before she woke. "Anything you'd like to talk about?" she prodded carefully.

  Hanji saw right through her facade, she had obviously worried her the night before. "I'm okay, Isabel, really. I was just over-emotional and feeling ill because of my monthly." she explained frankly.

  "Oh...of course." Isabel chuckled knowingly, "I myself don't get very many symptoms during mine, but Mikasa sure as hell does. She's like a viper, can't go near her for days." she quipped, laughing heartily.

  Hanji laughed along with her, quite aware of how snappish and mean their symptoms could make them. "I know how she feels." she sighed, taking the tin plate that was offered and beginning to shovel the egg into her mouth ravenously.

  "Don't be a pig."

  Hanji nearly choked on her breakfast at the statement Levi made as he walked past. She cleared her throat and washed the mouthful down with water, sending a glare over her shoulder at the man. "Short-stack." she muttered under her breath in retort.

  "Hanji!" Isabel scolded half-heartedly in a whisper before she chortled, giving her a few light raps on the back while she laughed.

  "It's true!" Hanji grinned as she whispered back.

  "I know." Isabel sighed, taking a bite of her food. "I gotta hand it to you, you're rather bold around him when you want to be." she smiled.

  Hanji shrugged, "Not really." she muttered.

  "And...I've got to clear my conscience, you really aren't mad about the bath?" Isabel prodded once more.

  Hanji made to speak, but her own thoughts gave her pause. Was she upset? No...not over the bath at least. She was uncertain. Uncertain about how this man was starting to worm his way into her every thought. It was disconcerting, to say the least. But no, no she wasn't mad, despite how furious she may have been when it happened. She quickly came to realize that she wouldn't mind if it happened again.

  "No...I'm not." she murmured.

•

•

  Travel may have been fun in the beginning, but it was starting to morph into boredom for Hanji. Plus her aching abdomen wasn't helping matters much. She discreetly doubled over a couple times and huffed against Chance's neck during a few of her more painful cramps.

  "Shit...ugh..." she sighed as her most recent cramp passed, panting as she stroked Chance's mane. "Why'd it have to be bad this month?" she sat back with a pained groan, kneading her knuckles into her abdomen.

  Levi lifted his hand up ahead and they all halted their horses, probably a break for lunch.

  Hanji swung her leg over Chance's back...and flopped gracelessly onto her ass. "Damnit..." she hissed, waving away Farlan's helping hand when he rushed over to assist her, "It's okay, I just tripped." she said in dismissal.

  "You sure you're alright?" Farlan still hoisted her up by her arms and pat her on the back.

  "I'm fine, really." she offered him a smile and turned to her saddlebags to hide her embarrassment.

"If you say so." Farlan shrugged and moved to his own horse.

  "We'll break for a few minutes." Levi said from up ahead, and Hanji glanced at him tentatively as he began to head her way. He approached her nonchalantly, clearing his throat, "Hanji."

  She gulped and turned to face him, albeit not completely, her gaze was fixed on his shoulder. "Yes?"

  "Listen carefully, Ehrmich's Pass is up ahead." Levi turned and pointed, and her eyes followed his movement, "There's no snow this time of year, but it can still be deadly if you make noise. So, we'll walk our horses through, easier to keep them from spooking should we pass a snake or such, and we'll refrain from making loud noises. Understood?" he said, turning back to her.

  "Yes." she murmured, caught unprepared by his gaze. She hadn't meant to look at him, but now that she had she was somewhat entranced. It was but a moment, and his eyes were always so devoid of emotion...but she couldn't help but admire them for even just a second. They were different. Different from when she'd last looked at them, as if they had become more beautiful since then.

  Since when had she thought his eyes were beautiful?

  "Hopefully-" Levi turned away, speaking louder so his voice would carry and allow Isabel and Farlan to hear. Upon turning he broke the spell that had settled upon her, and she shook her head to snap herself out of it. "-we'll make it through before nightfall, otherwise we'll have to camp."

  Isabel groaned, "Oh God I hope we don't have to camp here again."

  Farlan exhaled loudly through his mouth and nodded.

  "Why? What's wrong with camping in the pass?" Hanji led Chance up to them with an inquisitive glance at Isabel.

  "It's just, you gotta be quiet-"

  "Heaven knows you two have no trouble being quiet." Levi said, back turned to them. "You were extremely quiet last night."

  "Oi!" Farlan chuckled.

  "Fuck off, Levi. That's not what I meant." Isabel scoffed, but her amusement was evident on her face.

  Hanji blinked, pursing her lips in confusion, "What does he mean?"

  "Nothing, don't worry about it." Farlan chuckled, likely at her naivety.

  "Anyway-" Isabel sighed, "-I meant to say that that's not the only issue. It's cold in the pass, and there aren't any trees around so campfires are next to impossible, then the bats like to hang around on the outcroppings we camp under and shit on us or our tents all night. It's not fun."

  Hanji nodded, bringing her hand to her lips thoughtfully, "Why not just bring some firewood into the pass with us? To solve the temperature problem. And then the light from the fire would keep the bats away?" she suggested.

  Isabel and Farlan glanced at one another in surprise. "I must say, Hanji, I never even thought of that." Farlan chuckled, and then he stooped to pick up a stick, waving at her with a pointed smile.

  Hanji smiled back bashfully, "I read it in a...book..." she quickly trailed off.

  "You can read?" Isabel questioned, intrigued.

  "I...a-well, the orphanage was...given books sometimes, so I learned how to read from the headmistress." she wove her lie carefully, having realized that being able to read was typically a noble's trait.

  Isabel raised her brows and nodded as she considered it, "That's good. I've heard it's hard to learn to read." she said, "Levi and Farlan learnt, but Mikasa and me didn't."

  "Do you want me to teach the two of you?" Hanji asked, and Isabel's face twisted with excitement.

  "You'd do that?"

  Hanji shrugged, "Winter will be here soon I expect, and with my broken arm...it will give me something productive to do." she smiled warmly.

  Isabel walked closer and gave her a hug, laughing ecstatically. "You're amazing." she sighed, pulling back to return to her horse's side.

  Hanji gave her own sigh at the warmth budding within her chest. It felt good to be of some use, and to feel like part of a family again, however small it may be. She moved to mount Chance, then remembered they were meant to be walking. She groaned and pressed her forehead into the gelding's side. Her monthly hadn't let up, even with her distraction.

  "Let's go." Levi called.

  'Oh I'm gonna kill him.'

•

•

  "She lied again."

  Farlan turned to Levi incredulously, "You're still on about that?" he asked.

  Levi blinked at him, "Have I ever been wrong before, Farlan?"

  "I still think you're looking for things that aren't there, and seeing them because you want to." Farlan sighed, looking at Hanji walking behind them.

  "It was about where she learned to read..." Levi continued on.

  "Oh come on now!" Farlan groaned.

  "What's all the fuss about?" Isabel called up to them.

  "Nothing, love." Farlan called back, "Just stubbed my toe."

  "Clumsy oaf!" Isabel retorted teasingly.

  Levi closed his eyes briefly and inhaled deeply to clear his head....oh who was he kidding! To keep his cool around that annoyingly incessant flirting! And to think he had been relieved over the two of them finally sorting things out.

  His thoughts went back to Hanji. More and more of her story was starting to add up against her. More and more little white lies over time. Isabel and Farlan were to dense to see it. Too convinced by an innocent face. Granted, the girl was either a good actress, or truly innocent of his internal accusations. Because he was sometimes fooled by her ridiculously big, brown, doe eyes.

  He cleared his throat at that thought. What a stupid notion. He even gave a scoff, to think that he would find her eyes to be cute...pretty...maybe attractive. It was out of the question.

  As if to prove his own point to himself, he glanced over his shoulder, catching her eye. She blinked at having been caught watching, and her cheeks bloomed with pink. He turned away, gaze falling back to the gravelly canyon floor. He was late in turning, and the image was now stuck in a loop within his mind's eye.

  'Her eyes aren't pretty.'

  He wasn't even convinced by his own thoughts.

•

•

  "Oh God..." Hanji winced as she sat down, they were finally stopping, a few minutes after sunset, as they had been so close to the end of the pass. It wasn't worth staying in it to wait until morning when they were practically already there.

  It had been a long walk, hours long, and it was coupled with her monthly. Hanji just wanted to lay down on her stomach, prop her sore feet up on a soft, feathery pillow, and sleep for days. But of course, that was impossible. So she resolved to her less comfortable fate and stretched out on her stomach against the bedroll in her tent. Her sore, aching muscles practically cried out with relief, and she groaned as she relaxed.

  "Hanji? We'll have supper soon." Isabel peeked in to tell her.

  "Be-there....in-a-minute..." Hanji moaned against her bedroll, voice muffled near to the point of indiscernible.

  "Need a tonic?" Isabel chuckled.

  "That sounds heavenly." Hanji struggled to sit up, and she was met with a black flask thrust into her face. "What is it?" she asked as she took a swig...and promptly coughed, sputtering the drink all over her lap, throat burning.

  "And they always do that." Isabel laughed, "Sip it, it's whiskey."

  "Whiskey?!" Hanji squawked.

  "Oh hush, you're a big girl, little bit of drink won't hurt. Might get you tipsy, but it'll also take the edge off." Isabel shrugged.

  "But I thought you had a real tonic!" Hanji cried, aghast.

  "It is a real tonic!" Isabel countered.

  "No it's not!" Hanji said, starting to smile when she sensed this was turning playful.

  "Yes. Yes in fact it very much is, a real tonic that is." Isabel thrust it into her hands again.

  "Isabel..."

  Both women jumped and turned to the raven-haired man holding the tent flap open, "She doesn't need to drink that."

  Hanji pursed her lips in a triumphant smirk and turned to Isabel, who scoffed, "But it's only for her womanly issues. Besides, what would you know of it?"

  Levi stepped inside and took the flask from Hanji's hand. She focused on the soft brush of his fingers against hers. Simply marveling at how it sent a warm shiver up her arm. "I know enough. And I know you get moody when you drink on your monthly. We don't need two bitchy, whining women in the camp tonight."

  And Hanji's annoyance towards him came rushing back with a vengeance.

  "But I'm not even on my monthly!"

  "Still applies."

  "Oh and I thought you actually cared..." Hanji drawled, rolling her eyes and catching his attention.

  Levi turned to her with a raised brow, "I suppose it wouldn't make much of a difference, whether or not you did take it..."

  Isabel bit her lip and winced, and tensed when Hanji shot to her feet.

  "That's it. That's it!" she laughed mirthlessly, pressing her fingers to her forehead and gritting her teeth before she turned on Levi, "I'm sick and tired of your insults...your-your blatant disregard for the fact that I might actually have feelings!" she snapped, "Don't you fucking dare roll your eyes at me, short-stack!" she pointed a quivering finger directly between his eyes, nearly touching him.

  The motion she had reprimanded paused, and Isabel whistled loudly in a vain attempt to lighten the mood.

  Levi's eyes narrowed, "And I-"

  "-have absolutely no respect for anyone except yourself!" Hanji interrupted, eliciting a raised brow from him and an agape jaw from Isabel, "You...you call me names, you hardly consider me to be human, you invaded my privacy! Forcing a bath on me like that!" she accused, poking her finger against his chest.

  "But you said you weren't mad about-" Isabel began.

  "Not now, Isabel! I'm yelling." Hanji rounded on her briefly.

  Isabel closed her mouth audibly.

  Hanji turned to a bored, unimpressed Levi and took in a deep breath. "See! See, there you go again!" she pointed at his face, "You annoy the living hell out of me. You sit on this fucking high horse and act like you know all and everyone else is hardly worth your time! You treat me like a mangy dog sometimes."

  "That's hardly true." he responded, finally.

  "It is to me..." she murmured. "What else was I supposed to think of your opinion of me when you took me to that stream the other day?"

  His brows twisted together, "What on earth are you talking about?"

  "Just..." she bit her quivering lip to silence herself, holding a her hand up and closing her watery eyes. "Just go away, and leave me the fuck alone. Just don't talk to me." she turned away from him and sat down, burying her face in her knees and quietly sobbing. Isabel went to comfort her, but the girl held a hand up, "Both of you...please."

  "Hanji-"

  "Best respect it, Isabel." Farlan had suddenly appeared, having nudged Levi aside and reached in to grasp her arm.

  "But Farlan-"

  "Just let her be for a bit." Farlan tugged her away, along with Levi.

  "Oi!" the man in question protested.

  "You and I might need to chat." Farlan gave him a pointed look of disapproval.

  "I didn't even do anything." Levi scoffed, crossing his arms.

  "Isabel, give her her food in a moment, then just let her sort herself out for the night. She'll come to you for comfort tomorrow, most likely." he instructed his shaken wife.

  "Alright." Isabel sighed.

  "As for you, Levi-" Farlan gestured for the shorter man to follow him.

  Levi rolled his eyes and followed his brother-in-law, mumbling to himself all the way. "And what, pray tell, do you need to talk to me about?" he asked.

  Farlan leant against a large boulder, patting the rock beside him, "Why don't you sit first?" he said.

  Levi gave a sigh and copied Farlan, pulling one knee up to prop his elbow upon. "Well?" he prodded.

  "I just need to say, I think you need to tone it down around Hanji." Farlan crossed his arms and leant back, glancing up at the sky.

  Levi raised a brow, "Tone it down?"

  "I know you're as dense as you are short-"

  "Hanji is rubbing off on you."

  "-but, I honestly don't know how it could be more obvious." Farlan chuckled.

  "Stop being cryptic and get to the point." Levi's voice was as close as it would probably ever be to a snarl.

  "Oh no, I can't spoil it for you. Best if you figure it out yourself." Farlan held up his hands, "Point being, you are never this rude to people, despite their shortcomings."

  "I'm not being rude to her!" Levi threw his arms up in exasperation.

  "From your point of view, perhaps." Farlan corrected with a flat look. "What you said in that tent was rude, even for you. And she's younger than you, she doesn't know to take harsh words in stride." he explained. "And she's on her bleed. You know how emotional women get."

  Levi did know, Isabel was rather passive, but Mikasa was a living nightmare when she wanted to be. He had learned to curb his tongue during her monthly. But as for Hanji....

  He crossed his arms and nodded in consideration, "Alright, and what do you suggest I do?"

  "Apologize."

  "Fuck no." Levi scoffed.

  "Apologize." Farlan repeated, "And then give her space for a week or two. You'll see what I was talking about soon enough." he cleared his throat, "And be nice. It'll make a world of difference."

  Levi gave him a glare, his eyes alone speaking volumes as to his loathing for Farlan's suggestion.

  "Your relationship won't improve without effort, you know." Farlan said.

  "What relationship? There is literally nothing between us." Levi retorted, turning away from his friend.

  "I didn't mean like that." Farlan fibbed, smirking slyly. What an oblivious idiot Levi was sometimes. It boggled his mind how a wise person could be so stupid when it came to situations like this. "Just try it. It will coax her into being 'nicer' to you." he added.

  Levi looked over his shoulder, not exactly at him, but in his general direction, "I'll think about it." he said, "For now, I'll just give her space." he pushed off from the rock and headed towards the campfire.

  "Stubborn ass." Farlan chuckled to himself, following shortly behind him.

•

•

  When Hanji awoke the next morning she immediately pressed her face against her bedroll and muffled a frustrated yell. She could not believe she had lost her cool the night before. Not that it mattered very much to her that she blew her top at Levi, he needed to be put in his place. No, she was upset over the fact that she had been snappish to Isabel again. The woman was only trying to help. But Hanji couldn't seem to keep her temper in check around that man.

  And she was horribly embarrassed at her own actions. She didn't know how she was going to look any of them in the eye that morning. She got to her feet and grabbed a fresh linen she had swiped from Isabel before her outburst last night. She swapped them out, glancing at the tent's entrance every now and again to be sure she wasn't being watched. Having done it once already with one hand, it was a bit easier to change it today.

  Upon finishing she balled up the soiled linen and pulled her pants back on. She stuffed the used linen back into her pack and peered outside, stepping out hesitantly when she saw no one. She sat on the log by the fire, hugging herself and watching the glowing embers slowly die out, one by one. She must have fallen asleep earlier than she realized, as the sun had yet to breach the horizon, and dew still hung heavy on the greenery around camp.

  At least she was on her own for a little while. She could collect her thoughts and rehearse her apology to Isabel. Poor thing, she knew she had a temper, and she wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of it. If only Levi wasn't so damn irritating! And it didn't help that despite her apparent loathing for the man, he was also starting to make her heart ache with longing. Nothing could ever out-place this feeling, when it came to the unpleasantness of it.

  "You're up early."

  She stiffened at the sound of his monotonous voice, glancing over the campfire to see him leaning against a tree on the opposite side of camp. "I could say the same for you." she said, tone even and steady.

  "I'm on watch." he explained simply, pushing off from the tree and sitting across from her next to the dying fire.

  She hummed in acknowledgment and held her chilling fingers out to the warmth of the coals. He had a habit of doing that, didn't he? Just appearing before her out of the blue. Though, on the plus side, he didn't seem fazed by her presence at all. Obviously, her outburst had no effect on him the night before.

  'Figures.' she sighed to herself.

  Of course it didn't. Because he didn't care...he probably hasn't ever cared, since the moment she arrived in the camp. Why did that thought make her chest ache?

  "Apparently-" he suddenly began, catching her attention, "-according to Farlan, I'm an ass and I owe you an apology." his chin was propped against his fist, and his free hand was poking at the fire with a long stick.

  "What?" she mumbled.

  "While I would argue and say you were out of line as well, careful consideration also leads me to understand that it was wrong of me to insult you like that." he continued, glancing up at her to observe her reaction, most likely.

  She opened and closed her mouth like a fish, at a total loss for words, she could only stare at him in return. He raised a brow, as if expecting something in return from her. And he was right, she did speak out of turn the night before.

  'Not as badly as he did...' she assured herself in her head.

  "I...well, thank you. For apologizing. At least, as much as I could expect you to." she added with a brief chuckle, "And, I'm sorry for...you know." she blushed, retreating beneath the curtain of her loose hair, "I didn't mean it...with the bath. I actually kind of appreciated it." she tweaked the fabric of her pants with her good hand, glancing up at him through her lashes.

  Levi gave a single nod, "Good, and I suppose I'll give you a forewarning, you're getting another bath when we get home."

  She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes, before letting out a bark of a laugh and nodding, "I guess I could expect no less." she sighed, a few more giggles escaping her lips.

  He stood and looked towards the horizon, estimating the time, "I'm going to wake Farlan and Isabel. Best pack up, we head out in an hour."

  She watched him walk off, her mind slowly registering what had just happened. No insults on either of their behalves, no yelling or irritation. They actually sat down like adults and had a decent, enjoyable conversation. And...he apologized. He actually apologized. She doesn't know if that should result in a feeling of triumph or happiness on her part. But it doesn't feel like either of those emotions.

  She feels that same warmth she felt yesterday in her chest, but it's deeper, more intense. Warmth flooding her every vein and causing her cheeks to bloom with color. If she had to name it...she wouldn't, because that isn't a word she feels comfortable applying to him. So she'll cut corners and say it's relief. Despite how big of a lie that is.

•

•

  They found the tiniest trickle of a stream, two days down the line. It was nowhere near big enough for bathing, but just enough to water both them and the horses. They were close to their final destination now, and would arrive any day now. Hanji cupped some of the cold water and rubbed into the nape of her neck, sighing as it chased away the intense heat of the day. Summer had been promising to recede for the past week, but had also decided to leave them with a parting gift.

  Isabel smiled at her from her seat atop her horse, "Almost home." she sighed, slouching dreamily, "I can't wait until we get there. It's so very lovely, Hanji."

  "Why would you want to leave it, then?" Hanji asked, patting Chance on the snout.

  Isabel tilted her head curiously, "What do you mean?"

  "You keep talking about saving enough money to have your own land..." Hanji supplied.

  "Oh!" Isabel chuckled, "No, I guess you misunderstood. We don't own the land we're on, but we are going to buy it from the Lord who owns it. We made the deal about five years back. In exchange for our yearly payments he allows our sister to live there. This might be our last payment. And then we'll own the land." she explained.

  "Oh, I see." Hanji mulled that new information over in her head.

  "I've just been bemoaning it all this time because we only have the rights for Mikasa to be there. We can't build a home of our own yet, Farlan, Levi and I." Isabel pressed her forehead against her steed's neck and sighed, "But still!" she shot straight up again and startled both Hanji and Chance, "He's a rather easygoing Lord. And very generous to even consider letting us give payment over time. Most Lords would turn you away if you didn't pay upfront." she explained.

  "Is that so?" Hanji bit her lip and mounted her horse. She knew that well enough, and had been witness to many a poor peasant being turned away by her father out of lack of money.

  "Yeah, perhaps you'll meet him. He should come by a few weeks from now to collect." Isabel nudged her heels against her mare's flank and turned the steed to where Farlan and Levi were waiting.

  "That'd be nice." Hanji said, internally conflicted...would a Lord recognize her this far away from Macedonia?

  "Finally ready?" Farlan asked, urging his horse into a walk.

  "Oi! Misty was thirsty." Isabel gestured to the mare she was riding, "And we were filling up your canteens. You're welcome." Isabel chastised sarcastically, tossing his canteen at him.

  Farlan fumbled momentarily, but caught the canteen with a laugh, "Thanks, Isy." he said.

  "Won't be doing it again." she said with a snobby up-tilt of her head.

  Levi scoffed and pressed his horse a little harder, riding ahead, and Farlan took up the rear. Isabel and Hanji ride side by side in the middle, as they usually did. The ride was long, as per the norm, and they were all yawning by the time the sun was nearing the horizon. And when I say all, that excludes Levi. But the quad had yet to stop, as Levi hadn't signaled for them to. So they continued on for more than an hour after sunset.

  "Why aren't we stopping?" Hanji asked Isabel, who was brimming with excitement.

  "Because we're close, of course!" she clasped her hands together and sighed, "Almost there!" she squealed to herself.

  Hanji chuckled and looked up at the sky, marveling at how bright the stars were without a campfire to dull them. In fact, the sky was bright enough that the meadow their horses trudged through was bathed in a sheen of blue. It was truly gorgeous. She could only imagine how lovely this land was during the early morning hours, if it was so beautiful by night.

  Isabel's horse broke into a gallop, and Hanji was startled out of her stargazing as she sped away. She was followed by a laughing Farlan, and Hanji gave Chance a light kick to catch up with Levi. Whom had only spurred his horse into a light canter. The redhead's destination was soon clear. A moderately large log cabin was sitting just around the cusp of trees ahead. And a lake sat only so many meters away from it, glistening in the moonlight and reflecting the constellations.

  Hanji came to a slow stop by the now-riderless horses and watched as Isabel knocked at the door. Levi dismounted, and she followed his lead, tying Chance's reins to the post built there for that very purpose.

  "Isabel!" a soft voice exclaimed upon the opening of the door. And Hanji's lips twisted into a smile at the sight of the raven-haired girl tackling Isabel with a hug. She observed with interest how remarkably similar the girl was to Levi in terms of features. Although her eyes were slightly more slanted. In terms of height, she was rivaling Isabel, and her hair trailed down her back in a long, thick braid.

  "I've missed you so, so much!" Isabel chuckled, pulling back from her hug and holding Mikasa at arms length, "Look how tall you are! You're gonna pass me up soon." she pat her sister on the head, leaning in to place a kiss on her forehead.

  Mikasa giggled and turned to Farlan for his offered hug, "It's so good to see you, Uncle." she said as he pulled away.

  "Likewise." Farlan said with a smile.

  "And Levi!" Mikasa leapt at her older brother and nearly made him fall over with the force of her assault.

  "Damnit, Mikasa." Levi gave the lightest hum of a laugh, "You've been working on your strength, haven't you?"

  Mikasa pulled back with a nod, "Yep! I work on it every day."

  "Beat Jaeger up every time, no doubt." Levi smirked.

  "Oh Levi." Mikasa socked him in the shoulder, "As a matter of fact, I...do...who's this?" the girl had noticed Hanji, and she stepped around her brother to eye her curiously.

  "Hanji." the woman in question held out her good hand to greet the younger girl.

  Mikasa shook it, tilting her head to the side curiously, "Nice to meet you. But I must say, they've never brought someone home before." she ducked her head sheepishly, "I wasn't prepared for company." she gestured to her sleep-gown.

  Hanji laughed, kneeling to hoist her pack over her shoulder, "I don't mind." she said as she followed the girl inside, "I expect I'll get used to seeing most everybody in their sleepwear anyways."

  Mikasa smiled, "I like you." she said, leading Hanji along while the rest of their group gathered in the living room. "You've got a very inviting, positive presence."

  Hanji returned her smile, "Why thank you." Mikasa gave a nod before heading down the hall and leaving Hanji to observe the house.

  Upon entering one would be greeted by a few seats and a fireplace in the wall on the left. And on the right was a cooking oven and a pump-fed sink, along with a few cupboards and a table with wooden chairs to sit upon. Then there was a hall, down the very middle of the wall on the far side of the cabin. Down which were three rooms, and then there was a staircase that led up to a second floor. Perhaps a loft. Overall, it wasn't too big, but not too small, a very cozy, warm cabin. It made Hanji feel at home immediately.

  Granted she didn't know her way around, or where she was meant to sleep, so she simply stood there where Mikasa left her. She glanced at Isabel and Farlan, whom were lounging on the couch and didn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Then she turned to the kitchen and found no one there. But Levi was entering a room down the corridor, so she followed him.

  "Hey Levi-" she cut herself off with an inward groan of annoyance at her inability to assess a situation.

  Levi paused, his hands still in the sleeves of his shirt, and raised a brow at her in expectation, "Yes?"

  Hanji gulped, willing her eyes to stay focused on his, "I-um, was just wondering where I should sleep?" she was losing the battle to keep her gaze where it should be, so she directed it to the floor and scuffed the toe of her boot along the wooden board there.

  "I'd say one of the rooms upstairs, but I don't really care. You should ask Mikasa." he folded his shirt and moved to the door. She let forth a noise of protest when he pressed one hand to her sternum and pushed her out, surprisingly gentle. "If you'll excuse me..." he implied as he closed the door.

  "Right." she blushed and turned on her heel to find Mikasa, glancing into the room she had entered moments before. She jumped at the sight of another young teenager, about the same age as Mikasa.

  "Oh Hanji! Meet Armin. We met in the orphanage. He came to live with us after his grandpa passed on." she explained, gesturing to the most-obviously shy blonde sitting across from her on one of the two beds in the room.

  "Hello." the boy greeted, waving a hand hesitantly. He was short, not as short as Levi, but still. And his face was almost baby-ish, what with his button nose and rounded features. His figure was rather scrawny, like he had never really filled out. And his hair was long enough to be pulled back into a tiny ponytail, though some of the shorter strands framed his face. If Hanji had to describe him in one word, she would say he was adorable.

  "Hello there, Armin." she greeted warmly, taking a step into the room.

  "Mikasa's already told me your name." he smiled, shaking her offered hand.

  "Well alrighty then." Hanji chuckled. "Erm, Mikasa, Levi said I should ask you about where to sleep." she turned to the girl as she spoke.

  Mikasa stood, "Right, we have a couple rooms upstairs, and there's the loft..." she took Hanji's good hand and led her out of the room, heading up the short staircase and across the loft, which overlooked the living room. It had a bed-like couch and a fur rug on the floor, a railing lining the floor so one wouldn't fall over the edge. The two bedrooms Mikasa had spoken of were on the left wall, and she opened the door to one of them.

  "The other one is Isabel and Farlan's." Mikasa explained as she scrambled to light a match and the lamp in the room. "But this one is almost always unused...I mean, Eren uses it when he visits, but I can have him stay with Armin and me." she explained as she gestured for Hanji to enter.

  "So are you and Armin..." Hanji asked, placing her pack down and turning to her with a pointed look, "You know?"

  Mikasa paused, taking in her implication, and then barking out a laugh, "Oh no! No, he's like a brother to me." she chuckled. "What gave you that impression?"

  Hanji shrugged, "I just assumed, cause you share a room." she mumbled.

  "Well, as cute as he is, I'm afraid Armin and I are very much platonic." Mikasa sighed mirthfully.

  "I see, sorry for assuming." Hanji glanced around at the room now, observing the moderately-sized bed and the dresser beside it, along with the curtained window that viewed the lake.

  "It's no problem. I've had soup cooking since early this morning, if you'd like some after you've unpacked." Mikasa said as she headed out, "I would presume you're hungry after such a long day." she added on her way down the stairs.

  Hanji nodded despite the girl having gone. She took a turn on her heel and sighed at the warm homeliness of the room. She sat upon the bed and smoothed out the cotton of the blanket, smiling softly. She could easily get used to living here.

Chapter 6

Levihan 6

•

•

  Hanji descended the stairs, carefully, as her left arm being in a sling left no rails for her to grasp onto. Isabel and Farlan were still on the couch, asleep, by the look of it. Mikasa had scooped a couple bowls of stew out, setting them upon the table. "Want some then?" she asked when she saw Hanji, holding up another bowl.

  Hanji nodded, "Yes please." she sat at the table and smiled warmly at the younger girl when the bowl of steaming stew was placed before her. "Thank you." she said.

  Mikasa nodded, "Of course." she turned on her heel to head down the hall. Hanji heard her speak faintly, and then she returned with Armin in tow.

  "Thanks, Mikasa." Armin said as he sat down across from Hanji.

  Mikasa sat down herself, and started eating as well. "So, Hanji..." she began, stirring her food absentmindedly.

  "Hmm?" Hanji hummed through a mouthful of stew.

  "How is it that you came to join them?" she asked, eyes alight with blatant curiosity. Of course she would be curious, as the girl had said herself, her siblings had never brought someone home with them. Not that Hanji minded in the slightest.

  She placed her spoon down and finished her current bite, clearing her throat before speaking. "Well, in honesty the story paints me out to be a klutz." she chuckled. "My horse got spooked, and I hit my head, got knocked off of him and broke my arm-" she lifted her splint to demonstrate her words. "-I probably shouldn't have walked about with head trauma, but I did anyway. And when I finally fell asleep, they found me with fever. Might not have woken if they didn't." she grimaced at that.

  "Really?" Armin had leant closer, chin propped upon his fist.

  "Yeah. But long story short: Isabel is responsible for my staying, she insisted I do until my arm heals." Hanji  chuckled, "And probably a while after that too, I don't really have anywhere to go and it will be snow-season before I can travel." she explained.

  Mikasa nodded, "Well I assumed something along those lines. Isabel has a penchant for saving injured creatures - not that I mean to say you are a creature." she chuckled, and then smiled in fondness, glancing over at her sleeping sister.

  "That sounds like her, from what I've come to know about Isabel so far, that is." Hanji turned in her seat to look at the redhead, likely drooling on Farlan from how her cheek was pressed up against the dozing man's chest.

  "Once-" Mikasa began, "-when we were younger - I was barely even six years of age - she saved a songbird with a broken wing, Farlan helped her with it. I think the bird stayed with us even after we left the orphanage." she pursed her lips thoughtfully, "Or maybe that was the pigeon?"

  "He died a while back." Armin corrected, "It was a pretty bird, that much I can remember." he shrugged. "We did rescue a dog once but the Matron turned him loose cause she didn't want us having him."

  "Yeah, I was very sad about that, but Isabel was even more distraught." she sighed, "Oh! We do have a cat she rescued last year. She stays in the barn most days, keeps the mice and rats out of the grain, and the house." Mikasa said, "I'll show her to you tomorrow, she's not the friendliest but she likes Levi." she sniggered.

  Hanji hummed with a smile, "And, let me guess, he doesn't like her?" she mused.

  Mikasa mulled it over, "I think he does, actually. Caught him petting her a few times." she shrugged.

Hanji nodded, looking over her shoulder once more, "Have they eaten yet?" she asked, gesturing to Farlan and Isabel.

  Mikasa waved a hand dismissively, "Nah. They'll sleep all night and then pester me for an early breakfast in the morning. It's like a homecoming ritual or something, they do it every time they get back." she chuckled.

  Hanji raised a brow, giving her own slight chuckle and shaking her head. "Do you think it's on purpose?"

  Mikasa shrugged, "Who can tell? Personally I don't think so."

  Hanji hummed in amusement, turning back to her food. Despite the mouth-watering stew before her, she was more than eager to join her companions in sleep. And that's what she did, after devouring her food of course, and thanking Mikasa for making it. She headed up to her newly assigned room and tugged the bed covers back. Dropping her pants without much care, and any other piece of clothing she deemed unworthy to join her in sleep.

  She sighed contently after tucking the blanket under her chin, a slight smile painted onto her lips as she drifted off.

•

•

  She was awoken abruptly by a towel to the face, and she snorted in a most un-ladylike fashion as she lifted her head in confusion. She blinked, vision blurry from sleep, and she was momentarily confused until she remembered where she was. Rubbing her bleary eyes, she glanced up at her attacker and her stomach swooped momentarily. He had obviously just finished with a bath, but was it really necessary for him to walk in here all shirtless and hair dripping like that? It was as if he was trying to make her want him.

  But if that was the case, it was working. That she couldn't deny. Despite having seen him shirtless before, her eyes still decided to rake appreciatively over his body yet again. She glanced up at his face and sat up, rubbing the opposite eye as she waited for an explanation for her rude (yet not entirely unpleasant) awakening.

  "I did forewarn you about that bath." he said in response to her expectant face, gesturing to the towel.

  She paused in recollection, and then groaned and flopped back onto the pillow, "Can't it wait an hour? The sun isn't even up." she complained.

  "I'll hoist you over my shoulder again." he threatened.

  She scoffed and chuckled, shamelessly swinging her bare legs out from under the blanket and standing with an exaggerated stretch. Only wearing her night shirt and linens, which were likely soiled. "Alright, alright." she sighed, picking up the towel and holding out her good hand, "I'm too tired for the stairs though, I might trip and break my other arm, so you might as well hoist me up anyway."

  He gave a nod and scooped her up, the next thing she knew he had her draped over his shoulder. She bit her lip and tried to focus on counting the floorboards rather than his arm flexing beneath her abdomen.

  The descent down the stairs was a bit irksome, as her arm was jostled with each step. She grunted and hissed as he put her down, and she cradled her arm with soft coos of pain. "Be gentler next time." she murmured, patting her splinted arm.

  He raised a brow, gesturing for her to follow.

  She glanced at the couch, noting that Isabel and Farlan were still asleep, but beginning to stir. And she tugged her night shirt down when she remembered she hadn't thought to bring clothes. He opened the third door on the left side of the hall, across from Mikasa and Armin's and beside his. Inside there was a well-sized iron tub, definitely big enough for two people. There was a pump on one end, and a ledge on the other to sit on.

  She took her turn to raise a brow at him, obviously they had spent a pretty penny on a tub that big and that well made. It definitely wasn't as luxurious as the tub she had had back home. Not made of marble and shining tile, or anything of the like, but still luxurious nonetheless. He really was just insane about cleanliness wasn't he?

  'We've most certainly already established that...' she thought to herself.

  "Go on then." he gestured to the pre-pumped water in the tub.

  "I'm still on my bleed, you know." she murmured, glancing self-consciously to the side.

  "So?"

  She turned to him with a scowl, begrudgingly reaching under her shirt to unwrap her linen. Granted she was on her last day or so, but still...

  He shifted his weight onto one foot and waited - surprisingly patiently - while she fumbled around and finally dropped the crumpled linen in a heap on the floor. At which point he offered his services in undressing her further and tugged her shirt over her head. She gingerly tucked her splinted arm back under her breast, and used her free hand to self-consciously cover herself despite how unnecessary it may have been.

  She had to brace her arm against the side of the tub to step into the surprisingly warm water. She sank to her knees in it, clutching the rim of the tub to her chest and propping her arm up upon it as she awaited washing. As if on cue, a cup of water was dunked over her head, leaving her sputtering and wiping her eyes. "Bit of warning?" she  glanced over at him with a frown.

  He looked her in the eye as he slowly scooped up another cup of water...and then poured it over her head.

  She coughed and sputtered, groaning as she rested her chin against her good arm, "Should have seen that coming." she mumbled.

  "Turn around so I can wash your hair." he instructed.

  "Right." she exhaled, spinning in place and reaching her bad arm back tentatively to prop it back up on the tub wall.

  God, he was good!

  She leant back into his touch, a light hum rumbling in her throat at the delightful sensation of rough fingers against her itchy scalp.

  "Don't make that noise." he said.

  She opened her eyes and smirked, "What noise?"

  "Hanji."

  She gave a ridiculously obscene, exaggerated moan and leaned back more aggressively into his touch. Sloshing water over the edge and chuckling as he yanked his hands back with a scowl. She turned over in the tub and cackled at his expression. His scowl only deepened, and that in itself cause her to laugh harder, pressing her forehead against the tub so she could calm down and catch a breath.

  "Enjoying yourself?" he sighed.

  "Mhmm-mm." she giggled, sitting up again and turning around expectantly. Silence ensued, and she peered over her shoulder to meet his gaze, "Well?" she prodded.

  His frown deepened.

  She chuckled, "I promise I won't make noises, I just wanted to see your face."

  "Of course, I'm sure it was hilarious." he conceded, burying his fingers back into her frothy hair. He rolled them in soothing circles against her scalp, short fingernails scraping lightly.

  She bit her appreciative sigh back.

•

•

  While he still had his doubts about this girl, she was starting to get to him. And he didn't like that. He didn't like that at all. And he especially didn't like how his body reacted to her during that bath. It was shocking, honestly, that the soft sigh she emitted could actually be arousing. It was why he asked her to stop, but then she had to go and make it worse...

  He'd had to pull away so he could calm down.

  Watching her now, on a walk down by the lake with his sisters, he gave a sigh and dragged a hand across his face. While she was still familiar, and while she had told a few fibs during their travels, he had resolved to put it on the back burner for now. Farlan was right about her meaning no harm, he knew that, he just wanted to be sure of it before he trusted her.

  Granted, he didn't trust her even now, not completely. Not until she told the truth. But he was finally willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. For reasons he neither wanted to explore or admit.

  "You like her, don't you?"

  Levi turned from the window and raised a brow at Armin, who had taken the seat across from him and begun sketching in his notebook. "What?" he asked, voice laced with incredulity.

  Armin smiled, looking up from his paper, "You have the same look in your eye that Eren does when he looks at Mikasa." he explained.

  Levi scoffed, then blinked, "Are you saying Eren and Mikasa are-"

  "Yeah, no use denying it. But don't go beating him up like I know you want to." Armin chuckled, "Mikasa would kill you, for one, and Eren's already terrified of you. No need to cement it."

  Levi scowled, "Stupid little shit." he murmured.

  "Also, you changed the subject." Armin looked up at him with a knowing smile, "You really do like her, don't you?"

  Levi stared at him for a moment, and then turned his gaze back towards the window, watching the girl in question struggle with a basket of wildflowers. While she was clumsy and often dirty, she had a deep, simple beauty about her, both in personality and appearance. It would - unfortunately for him - be a lie to say he didn't like her.

  "She's pretty." he conceded, "But I've barely known her a month." he glanced back at the blonde for his response.

  Armin shrugged, "That's still a decent amount of time to decide whether or not you're attracted to her." he went back to his drawing, "Besides, I didn't say you love her or anything, I only said you like her. There's a big difference."

  Levi looked back outside, nodding slightly, "Perhaps you're right." he murmured.

  Mikasa was thrusting that damn cat into Hanji's face, and he could practically hear the girl's coo as she scratched under the black cat's chin. He scoffed quietly, glancing at the abandoned book in his hand, only to look back outside. There was no shame in watching her for a while, after all.

  Despite her broken arm (and the exception of early mornings), she moved about with a foreign grace that sometimes bewildered him. Considering how clumsy she could be at times, that is. Her posture was always so prim, her poise elegant, it was fascinating to observe. But it also caused one to wonder, as he and his companions had to learn decorum through trial and error. She behaved as though she were born with it in her blood.

  It really did make him wonder...

•

•

  Hanji had been at the cabin for nearly a week by now. It was such a simple, decent life, at least from what she had experienced so far, to live out in the mountains and by the lakes like this. She found she spent most afternoons sitting out in the surrounding meadows, wildflowers around her and the wind blowing the fresh scent of water up from the lake. It was most refreshing.

  She had also removed her sling, and Isabel had said she would take her into town to see the doctor there about her arm. Mikasa had taken well to her, and followed her around like a puppy, wide-eyed and curious. She had also surprised Isabel by apparently learning to read with Armin whilst they had been away. So Isabel was her only real student in that regard.

  While Hanji was patient over the matter, Isabel was easily irritated and frustrated, and their little sessions only lasted less than an hour. She was learning, granted, but it was a slow process. Not that Hanji would ever mind spending time around Isabel, nor how long she might be staying with them before the redhead finally caught on.

  She didn't spend much time around Levi, at least, that had been the pattern of the past few days she had been there. Except when he bathed her, and as of late, that would always be a strangely silent, somber affair until they started the insults towards the end the event. She'd never admit it, of course, but she often looked forward to the baths. Maybe because of his calloused hands running over her spine and shoulders, caressing her scalp. Maybe it was because she enjoyed toying with him: their tense, aggressive banter that always left her incredibly cross with him. Why she would enjoy it? She had no idea...she didn't like being cross.

  Maybe it was just talking to him that she enjoyed? Just being near him?

  She shook her head as she climbed into bed, tugging the blankets over her shoulder and nuzzling her nose against the pillow. Her attempts to bury what she was starting to feel every time she looked at him were proving to be in vain. And she was begrudgingly considering accepting the fact that she was hopelessly attracted to and possibly, maybe...just maybe, growing to like him.

  She fell asleep soon after that thought.

•

•

  Only to be awakened by someone sitting on her. She sat up with a yelp, throwing said person off of her and scaring the living daylights out of the both of them. Whoever it was...she didn't recognize their voice when they too gave a yelp and landed in a heap on the floor. It was a boy, that much she could garner from his voice. "Who are you?" she tugged the blankets up to her chest.

  It was dark, as the candle hadn't been lit, and she could only see his silhouette on the floor, highlighted by the moon streaming in through the curtains. "Huh? I could ask you the same." he replied, "I...uh, usually sleep here."

  Hanji tilted her head, remembering what Mikasa had said about this room, "You're Eren, aren't you?" she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and struck a match to light the lamp.

  The boy and her both cringed at the sudden light, and she took a moment to observe him. He was about Mikasa's age, olive skin, as if he spent a lot of time in the sun. His scraggly brown hair was rather similar to her own in length, just a bit shorter. And bright, blue-green eyes observed her similarly.

  "Yeah, that's me." he got to his feet and scratched his neck...taller than Levi, she observed that fact with a slight smirk.

  She offered up her good hand, "I'm Hanji." she introduced, "Mikasa let me have this room, said she would have you stay with her and Armin when you come visit." she explained.

  Eren shook her hand, nodding as he processed that information, "Right...um, nice to meet you. And sorry for...y'know."

  "Sitting on me?" Hanji chuckled, and the boy blushed in embarrassment, "That's alright, I've experienced far worse things than being sat on in the night." she stood, thankful that she had worn pants to bed this time.

  Mikasa suddenly appeared in the doorway, "Eren!" she exclaimed, rushing him with a hug. Hanji grinned cheekily when she also kissed him, rather passionately.

  She cleared her throat, scuffing her toe against the floorboard.

  Mikasa pushed away from the blushing boy on reflex, turning a nice, bright red shade herself and tucking her hair behind her ear. "I see you two have met..." she murmured in embarrassment.

  "Mhmm." Hanji hummed, a wicked smile on her face. "Should I, perhaps, take the room with Armin downstairs?" she teased.

  "Hanji!" Mikasa's ears and shoulders joined her face in a state of flushed red, and Eren covered his eyes.

  "I'm only teasing, Mikasa." Hanji chuckled, "But really...if you ever need, I can make myself scarce." she winked as she led them by the shoulders out of the room. A clunky, awkward task even with her splinted arm out of the sling.

  "Y-you're assuming things!" Mikasa exclaimed.

  "She's really...not..." Eren said with a shy smile.

  "Eren!" Mikasa cried, aghast.

  "Well it's true!" he defended.

  "Yeah but she doesn't need to know that!"

  Hanji cackled loudly, patting them upon their shoulders, "Come now, I won't tell a soul. Off to bed." she gave them a gentle nudge as she ducked back into her room. Granted she may not need to tell anyone, it was painfully obvious just how deep of a relationship those two likely had. Just from the look in their eyes.

  She glanced at her bed with a contemplative hum. She was wide awake now...so she shrugged and headed downstairs to the kitchen, fetching a bread roll from the counter and sitting at the table to eat it. Looking outside, she could see the sun would be up in perhaps an hour or so. Strange that the boy would travel here this early, but he probably lived close by, so she gave a mental shrug and swiped the crumbs from her snack off the table.

  Footsteps from the hall caught her attention, and she glanced up to see Levi. He looked tired, bedraggled really, his usually perfect hair sticking up her and there and his shirt rumpled.

  'He's adorable.' she thought to herself.

  He blinked at the sight of her, running a hand through his hair and sighing, "I presume you're the one who made all the racket?" he sat across from her at the table and leant heavily on his arms.

  "Sorry." Hanji smiled sheepishly, "Me and Eren that is."

  He nodded, "I assumed as much."

  "Yeah...he sat on me." she supplied.

  He chuckled. Actually, truly chuckled, and she stilled, her face and chest suddenly burning with a fierce blush. She didn't think she'd ever heard him laugh, and...well, add in his gravely, sleep-addled voice...

  She gulped when he glanced at her, and the awkward eye contact lasted far longer than she wanted. He was observing her features, at least she thought he was. "What?" he inquired.

  She jumped, tucking her hair behind her ear in embarrassment, "Huh?"

  "You're blushing." he pointed out.

  She felt her face darken farther, "I-I am?"

  His face morphed into a deadpan, "I wouldn't say so if you weren't."

  "Right." she murmured, hugging herself and looking down at her lap.

  "Why are you blushing?" he inquired.

  She hid behind her hair, glancing up at him through her lashes, "No reason."

  He raised a brow, "You were admiring me." it wasn't a question, he knew it to be a fact.

  She recoiled softly, "N-no! Of course not!" she denied him fervently, albeit not even convinced of it herself. He had caught her red-handed...or red-faced rather. "Besides, so what if I was?" she mumbled.

  "You were."

  She gave a start when he stood, chair scraping against the floorboards as he did so. She leaned back in her chair when he approached her, hands planted against the back of her chair and the table. "What are you doing?" she murmured, caught off-guard at his proximity. She could see the deep, steel-blue of his irises, flecked with light grey. And oh-so-intense was his stare.

  "Proving a point." he replied, voice a low rumble in his chest that sent a shiver down her spine. His gaze flickered down at her lips, and that motion alone had her breath hitching. Not to mention how he leaned closer, and her breath was stolen completely when his nose grazed hers. She didn't move, her grip on the arms of her chair left her knuckles white. He was holding her in a trance, everything around them seemed ethereal and dreamlike.

  He stayed where he was, eyes lidded and his breath fanning over her face. She hesitantly exhaled, through her mouth, and her voice shook as she managed to choke out a word: "Levi...?"

  He blinked, as if breaking himself out of a trance of his own, pulling back just enough for her face to be in focus...and then he smirked. "You do admire me." he said smugly as he pulled back entirely, straightening his back and placing a hand on his hip.

  She went red, both in embarrassment and in fury over his actions, "Wha-I...how dare you!" she abruptly stood, nearly smacking foreheads with him and inhaling to give him an earful. But he simply turned on his heel before she could speak and headed back to his room, waving casually over his shoulder.

  She stomped her foot and crossed her arms, hissing lightly at the twinge in her broken arm. What a...what an absolute son of a bitch!

  She was about to go rap on his door just to yell at him, but upon further thought, her fury dissipated nearly as soon as it had emerged. He had been so close...so close to her, she had been able to see ever individual eyelash, every beautiful detail of his eyes, the texture of his most-inviting lips...

  Trembling fingers graced the side of her nose, trying to imitate his touch there. She'd be lying if she said she didn't want him to linger. Didn't want him to lean just a little closer and see what his lips tasted like. Her entire body soon trembled, and she glanced towards his door, the quietest of gasps escaping her as she sat down again. Knees weak.

  "Oh my God..." she whispered. She wasn't going to give the fluttering in her stomach, the rapid beating of her heart, and the hitch in her breath the luxury of a name. At least not yet. Despite her acceptance of her attraction to him, she was starting to realize that this was on another level.

  Hanji didn't go back to bed that night...

•

•

  Even he knew it wasn't necessary for him to have gone so far. While he had only been trying to prove a point, he couldn't deny he was tempted to push his luck. Tempted to simply kiss the living daylights out of that infuriating girl like his instincts were telling him to. Levi stopped his hand on its way to trace her phantom touch on his nose. A sigh escaped him, and he thunked his head back against his door, sliding down to a sit and running his hand over his face.

  He had been so close he could see the intricate details of her irises, the soft cocoa-y and sugary color, highlighted with creamy flecks. The highlights in her auburn-brown hair, how her lips parted expectantly, her breath hitching and her lashes brushing her sun-tanned cheeks as she slowly blinked. It was surreal, an undeniably beautiful sight, and he didn't want to think that.

  But he did, he was. And he knew then and there, there was nothing he could do to stop this. What was developing between them didn't deserve a label from him yet. But it would eventually. That much he could tell. And he suddenly understood what Farlan had been talking about nearly two weeks ago.

  Levi didn't sleep for the remainder of that night.

Chapter 7

Levihan 7

•

•

  It was dark. Dark and the air muggy with heat. Not that she could ever care, not when her body was under such intense, tantalizing ministrations. She had never imagined sensations like this, and especially not from him...at least in the beginning. Her hands roamed the broad expanse of his shoulders, down the plane of his back and gripped at his skin when he provided friction against the apex of her thighs.

  A soft moan echoed in the room, and she ground back against him, desperate for more. His lips traversed the column of her neck, his touch barely even there, but enough to make her hum in encouragement. One hand gripped her hips, and she gasped as the other slipped between her legs, rubbing softly.

  She bucked up into the touch, fingers scrambling for purchase anywhere on his skin. Just a little more and she could feel herself crashing over the edge. She could barely breathe at the sudden tensing of her muscles and release that had her back arching. It almost felt like falling....or maybe she was falling?

  'Definitely falling.'

  "Ow! Shit!"

  Hanji yelped as she hit the floor with a loud thump, the fall and impact waking her from her dramatic, feverish dream. She rolled from her bruised hip onto her back and stared up at the ceiling, panting as the pleasant spasms in her loins slowly ceased. The dream hadn't been real, of course. But - upon sitting up and looking at her bed - she realized she had been straddling...or rather: grinding...against the corner of her mattress in her sleep. The slight wetness upon the sheet staring her straight in the face to prove it.

  She wasn't sure whether to be disgusted or not. She was simply too stunned to decide.

  She clamped her legs together and blushed heavily, swiping her sweat-matted hair from her forehead. She didn't know...well, okay she did know where that came from. But for her subconscious to go to such extremes...it really bothered her. It bothered her that she was starting to think of him this way.

  Thinking of him touching her like that, thinking of touching him like that.

  It was getting out hand, and it was driving her insane. The fact that she couldn't do those things with him, that is. And to think it was only two days before when he was close enough for her to kiss. She really should have taken her chance then.

  She stood and tugged the blanket over the mattress. And she jumped when the door opened and Isabel peered in, "You alright, Hanji?" she asked, "Farlan and I heard you fall or something."

  Hanji blushed again, rubbing the back of her neck, "Yeah I did. I...uh, I fell...off the bed." she gestured to said furniture with a shrug.

  "Oh, heh, well..." Isabel chuckled, "Careful." she closed the door with a smile.

  "Yeah-" Hanji murmured, gaze riveted on the bed, "-I will be."

•

•

  She wasn't exactly sure who she was rooting for, in Mikasa and Eren's little sparring match. They were fairly even in skill, build, and stamina. So she simply watched, chin propped on her hand.

  "I thought she said she sparred with him every day." Farlan leaned close to Armin to say. Both of them were standing near to her, observing the match with a moderate amount of interest. "How come Eren only arrived a couple days ago?"

  "Grisha had to go visit Lady Brzenska again. And since Eren's gonna be a physician too..." Armin shrugged, "He went with him."

  Farlan sat back up with a nod, "I see. And did he say how Brzenska was doing?"

  Armin shook his head, "Afraid not."

  Hanji shuffled in her seat, unnerved at the news of there being two noble families here. Her paranoia over being found out had died down over the past few weeks. But now it had come back to life with a vengeance. Upon hearing of a Lady, she remembered what Isabel had said about the Lord they were paying to own this land. She still wondered if news of her disappearance had gotten this far yet. Perhaps so, perhaps not. Only time would tell, she supposed.

  Nonetheless, her discomfort led her to head inside, sitting on the nearest chair and caressing her splinted arm absentmindedly. She glanced up when Levi walked by, and he paused to return that glance. It only lasted a moment, a moment before they both turned away. Her to hide her blush over his presence and the thought of her dream, and him to deal with the memory of a few nights back.

  He continued on, exiting the cabin.

  She turned to look in his direction after he left, bemoaning the fact that she was becoming so infatuated with him. She was deeply compelled to look past his shortcomings (hah!), past his emotionless wall. To somehow manage to connect with him, discover what makes him tick, what he feels for her.

  Granted, she knew he didn't feel the same about her. Not with his smug little display a few nights back. And she buried her face against the back of the chair in a sigh of defeat. What was she going to do with him?

•

•

  She pushed her food around with her fork, listening to her companions as they laughed and told stories. Levi's gaze was often cast in her direction, and she was most concentrated on ignoring him as well as she could. For the sake of her sanity.

  "Hey! Hey!" Eren caught everyone's attention, "Have you guys told Hanji here about Lord Ragúe?"

  "Ooohhh...." Isabel grinned deviously, shooting a most disgruntled Levi that very look before she turned her attention to the girl in question, "No we haven't."

"I'm going to kill you, brat." Levi hissed at Eren, who shrank back into his seat, and Mikasa's protective arm.

  "Who's Lord Ragúe?" Hanji pondered, both to herself and Isabel. It was a name she hadn't heard of before.

  "Well-" Isabel began, pausing briefly to quiet the snickers and giggles from around the table. "-we had just finished a job for this man. We picked up the bounty and achieved it in a scenario I'll elaborate upon some other time." she said, glancing at Levi again, who Hanji noticed appeared to be blushing, if only slightly. Upon noticing that she was watching him he looked away and tucked his fist beneath his chin in a resigned, uncharacteristic pout.

  "So we went up to this Lord's castle, hadn't met him before this, we only took claim on the bounty." Isabel continued, "Fat!" she exclaimed, slamming her hand down against the table and scaring Hanji half to death. "He was the fattest man we had ever seen! And gluttonous too, he was actually eating while we were trying to deliver his item."

  "And he didn't say a word. Not one word, just kept on eating and didn't even look at us." she shook her head, and Hanji noticed Levi tense as she inhaled to speak again. "So Levi...he decides it would be a good idea to instigate conversation. He steps forward all polite, sets the item down on the table, starts to speak, nice and formal."

  Eren snorted, and Mikasa covered her face while he coughed on his food.

  "And Lord Ragúe decides he doesn't like that." Isabel grins, "The giant stands up, grabs his plate, and the next thing we know, Levi is covered in roasted vegetables!" she explains.

  Hanji covered her mouth, glancing at Levi and fighting her laugh. He didn't look all too thrilled to have this story be told. She wouldn't blame him for it, but it's still funny.

  "To make matters worse, Levi slips up, curses and calls him a pig." Isabel chortled.

  "Isabel..." Levi groaned, and in an unusual display of emotion, planted his forehead against the table.

  Hanji gave a coo of sympathy for him.

  "Ragúe didn't have anything other than food to throw at him. And Levi got a few pastries to the face for his trouble." Isabel gently pat her brother on the head, chuckling all the while. "We've avoided all jobs from him ever since."

  Hanji chuckled, along with Armin, Mikasa, and Eren. "That sounds absolutely dreadful." she sighed, not missing the fact that Levi tilted his head to look up at her.

  He sat up straight and crossed his arms, "It was."

  "He was livid!" Isabel sniggered, "You only think you've seen him angry. We had to bash him over the head to calm him down, he was determined to kill Ragúe." she laughed.

  Hanji covered her mouth to hide her gasp, looking up at Levi, who punched the bridge of his nose and sighed. 'Poor thing...' she sympathized inwardly.

  "By the way, be ready tomorrow, Hanji." Farlan finally spoke up, "We're headed into town to have you see Doctor Jäger."

  Hanji tilted her head, "Oh!" she exclaimed in realization, lifting up her arm as if to remind herself of it, "Right, I'll be ready."

  "Oh, I can look at it for you. You don't need to go into town." Eren proposed.

  "You're no doctor, Eren." Isabel chided.

  "No, but I live where all the kids in town tend to play, I've set too many broken bones to count." he defended, "I'll take a look at your arm anytime tonight, Hanji."

  Hanji nodded, "Thank you, Eren."

  "Still taking her to see Grisha tomorrow." Isabel mumbled.

  Hanji watched curiously as Levi stood and left the table.

  "But he'll just say the same thing I'll say! It would be a waste of time." Eren argued.

  Hanji tuned out of the conversation and excused herself when Levi did, tentatively following him outside. The man walked down the path a few feet, stepping to the side and sitting down on the grass before the bank of the lake. She took a few steps towards him, waiting for him to acknowledge her presence. But as he only picked at grass blades and gazed out upon the glossy, dark lake, she moved to sit beside him.

  It was a bold move, she wagered, but he didn't seem to mind, he simply glanced at her and then back at the lake. She smiled in the brief moment he had looked her way, and then tugged her knees up to her chest to rest her elbow upon.

  "I'm sorry that they embarrassed you." she said.

  He blinked, and turned to her curiously, "What?"

  "The story. I could tell it bothered you to hear it...bothered you that I heard it." she said with a sheepish smile, eyes flitting between his contemplative face and the ground.

  "I see." he said, crossing his legs and leaning forward into a relaxed with a hunch. "Well, you aren't wrong." he huffed a light laugh.

  Her smile widened, and they descended into a period of silence. It was a nice silence: crickets chirped, the water sloshed gently against the shore in soft waves. There were a few owls that Hanji could hear, hooting and screeching like they do. All accompanied by a cool, light breeze and the glow of the brilliant stars in the sky, it was simply lovely.

  "Aren't you cold?"

  She looked up at him in surprise at the question. While it was chilly outside, with the cooling season, and especially at night, she wasn't cold. Well, okay, she was a little cold. And she recalled moments like this in her novels. All those overdramatic and proportionately overblown stories that gave her such unrealistic expectations of the world. This scene in particular was often played out, so she decided to play along.

  "A little bit." she murmured.

  "Hmm." he hummed.

  She shuffled, opening her mouth to speak.

  "You should go inside then." he said before she could even attempt to say anything.

  She bit her lip, shrinking back a little. Well that backfired! She had thought he might offer his jacket or something. Just like the men did in those novels. Yet another thing she needed to correct authors in. She added it to her mental list. "I'm not that cold." she cleared her throat, picking at the hem of her trousers..

  He looked at her, glancing up and down, the motion sent a chill down her spine. And her breath hitched softly, "You have gooseflesh." he pointed out, "You are that cold."

  She grasped her arm and rubbed it gently, trying to think of the right words to express what she actually wanted.

  'I don't want to go inside, I just want to stay out here...spend time with you.' her thoughts sighed mournfully, and she turned her head away shyly. "I...I guess I'll go inside then." she murmured, wincing at her cowardice. Granted he would probably reject her attempts to advance their tense relationship further.

  He nodded, and she hesitated before standing, "I'll just-" she gestured at the house.

  "Mhmm." he hummed dismissively, turning back to the lake.

  She frowned, her chest clenching with a strange ache she had never felt before. It was like a sting and a burn melded together and mixed with a sharp pang of longing. She gulped, turning away from him and clutching her hands to her chest, "Goodnight, Levi." she whispered as she left. She didn't have a chance to observe how the corner of his lip quirked upwards at her words.

•

•

  She was met inside by Eren, who coaxed her into letting him see her arm. "Come on, just sit and take that off." he chuckled at her hesitance.

  "I still think she should see Grisha about it." Isabel cocked a brow, "You're no expert by any means."

  Eren pressed his lips into a thin line and he dropped his hands into his lap in exasperation. He glared at Isabel for a solid half minute before the redhead threw her arms up in surrender, "Okay! Sorry, go ahead."

  "Thank you." Eren scoffed, taking Hanji's arm and prying the last of the bandaging and splint. It wasn't painful, per se, when he prodded at the point of breakage, it only ached a little. But Hanji still winced reflexively, flexing her hand. "Does it hurt?" he asked, observing her reaction to his careful, analytic touch.

  She shook her head, "Not really, it's just tender." she shrugged.

  "Mmm." Eren nodded, "Feels well set, and I personally don't think you will need to wear the splint anymore." he dragged his fingers back and forth over the breaking point and scrunched his brow, "Seems like I was fractured...luckily. A full break would take much longer to heal." he observed. "You might have taken the splint off a week or so ago, if you so pleased." he gently placed her arm down on her lap and tilted his head in dismissal of the examination.

  "Really?" Hanji carefully lifted and flexed her arm, wincing at the slight sting in her forearm.

  "Don't do anything too strenuous. It's not fully healed yet." Eren warned, "Though you do need to be sure to use it moderately each day. The muscles need to be rebuilt after sitting stationary for so long."

  "How long before she can shot a bow?" Isabel asked, curious.

  Eren raised one brow at the question, but he pondered it, "About two, maybe three months." he suggested. "Her arm could suffer a mild relapse even just from carrying something too heavy and putting strain on it."

  Isabel exhaled through her mouth, "Well, I'll just have to teach her to crochet first." she moved to sit beside Hanji, who was still moving her arm around experimentally.

  "Thanks, Eren." Hanji gave him a gratuitous smile and rubbed her forearm gently.

  "It was nothing. Saved you a ride into town, that's all." he stood and gathered her splint up to throw out.

  "Unless you still want to go?" Isabel corrected, looking to her for a yes or no.

  Hanji mulled it around in her head and sighed, "I honestly would rather stay here. I need a break from long rides." she stretched both arms above her head and flopped into her side against the couch.

  Isabel nodded, "I can surely understand that." she stood and brushed off her pant legs, "I'll go let Farlan know. Eren?" she called to the boy in the kitchen.

  "Yeah?"

"Are you heading back with us tomorrow?" she asked.

  Eren shook his head, "I'm staying a few more days." he decided. "Dad doesn't need me back and I used to stay for weeks at a time anyways."

  Isabel nodded, "Fair enough." she clapped her hands together and spun around to face Hanji, "I suppose I'll see you in the morning, if you're up early enough. If not, see you tomorrow evening." she bent over for a hug, of which Hanji returned eagerly.

  "Alright." she smiled upon releasing the older woman.

  Levi entered the house and managed to walk through the living room halfway before Isabel assaulted him with a leaping hug. As if he had expected it, he simply caught her and spun her once to avoid falling over from her momentum.

  "Farlan and I will be back late tomorrow." she informed him.

  He smiled as he ruffled her hair, "Still no reason to jump me." he chastised.

  "It's fun though!" Isabel chirped, skipping away and throwing a smirk over her shoulder as she ascended the stairs.

  "Childish...." Levi hummed to himself.

  Hanji observed with a soft smile on her face, and jumped when he looked in her direction. "Hi." she murmured.

  "I just saw you outside." Levi raised a brow.

  "Huh?" she blinked, the word blurted in what sounded like a mix between a hiccup and a squeak. In short, it was a rather humorous noise that she wasn't aware she was capable of making.

  Eren snorted on the water he was drinking, coughing and sputtering over the sink. Levi turned to watch the boy suffer through the water he no doubt spewed through his nose. "Clean up after yourself, Eren." he instructed.

  "Uh-huh..." Eren coughed.

  Hanji swung her legs over the edge of the couch and stood, stretching once more for good measure. "Would you tell Mikasa that I'll help her with breakfast tomorrow?" she called to Eren as she made to head upstairs.

  Eren held out an affirmative thumbs-up.

  "Goodnight, Levi." she paused in her trek to the stairs so she could murmur it to him.

  "Goodnight."

  She tucked herself in bed with both hands fisted above her heart, closing her eyes with the image of his soft expression in her mind's eye. She hardly even cared that she was falling over him, it felt too right to fight it anymore. Though she still refused to say she was in love, because she knew she wasn't that far yet. It wasn't possible to be in love with him over a single, short month. Give or take a few weeks.

  This was only the meager beginning. One that could only progress if he reciprocated her feelings. And so far, he apparently didn't. According to how he behaved and what he did a few nights back. She assumed that he could only possibly find her a little attractive, nothing more from what she could gather.

  She rolled over and tugged her blanket over her shoulder, sighing and closing her eyes.

•

•

  He was bathing her again.

  He'd woken her early that morning, Isabel and Farlan were just leaving for town as he draped her over his shoulder and took her down to the waiting bath. She had no complaints, she simply yawned and waited for him to set her on her feet. "Thanks." she groaned as she stretched her arms above her head.

  "Don't get used to it." he tugged her shirt up and over her head, and while she complied, she slapped his hands away with another yawn afterwards.

  "I can-ah-do it myself." she exhaled loudly as her yawn passed. She demonstrated by slipping her thumbs beneath the waistband of her pants and tugging it down the length of her legs. She stumbled lightly as she kicked them away, and she pulled what was left of her ponytail out, shaking her hair free.

  Levi waited patiently, his stance less casual and more tense than she was used to seeing in him, but she mentally waved it off. She stepped into the tub and sank into the warm water with a hum of delight, dunking her head to wet her hair before he had the chance to do it himself. "You know I can wash myself now..." she murmured as he began to lather soap in her hair.

  He scoffed, "You still wouldn't do it right." he said.

  She leaned back into his touch unconsciously, "I can learn..." she sighed.

  He hummed in acknowledgment, but the tone of his voice gave the impression that he didn't like that idea. She dunked her head under the water when he pulled his hands back, and after rinsing the soap out she came sputtering back to the surface. She spun in place and wiped her hair back from her face, studying him curiously.

  He looked irked, if only just slightly, and his frown was most foreign on his face. She didn't like seeing his face like that. "What's that face for?" she asked, resting her arms on the rim of the tub and propping her chin upon them.

  His lips parted and he cleared his throat. "What face?" he asked, reaching for the soap again, "You need to turn around so I can get your back."

  She tilted her head in consideration, "You...don't want me to learn to bathe right, do you?"

  He paused, looking at her with a deeper frown, "No?"

  She got to her knees, standing level with him, "You enjoy this." she said it as if she were in awe of her discovery. And it wouldn't be incorrect to say so. She found no denial in his features, in fact, he looked like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. "Why?" she asked in most genuine curiosity.

  He looked to the side, and she reached a glistening, wet hand up to his chin and turned his face back towards her. "You'll get my shirt wet." he pointed out.

  "Neither of us really care, Levi." she murmured, "Please tell me." He exhaled through his nose, looking in any direction but hers. He looked positively shy, and she would be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying this a little. "Levi?" she prodded.

  He glanced at her, and then down, and she adjusted her arms so she wasn't pressing her breasts together. "There's no reason." he finally said.

  "Don't lie to me." she deadpanned, it was more than obvious that he had some ulterior motive behind his incessant need to bathe her every other day. Insisting that she couldn't do it properly herself, and now she could tell he didn't want her to learn to do it properly.

  His frown deepened, "Hanji-" he said in warning, grasping her wrist with a sudsy hand when she tried to grab his chin again.

  "Ah...careful." she gestured to her left arm pointedly, and he loosened his grip.

  "Hanji, you don't understand, and you're seeing things that aren't there-"

  "Please don't feed me that bullshit, Levi." she interrupted, sliding her wrist out of his grip, only to entwine her fingers with his. She heard his breath hitch as she looked down at their hands. It felt so right to hold his hand, a perfect fit. Despite his stature, his hands were slighter bigger than hers, and she gently rubbed her thumb against his hand.

  "What are you doing?" he whispered.

  She looked back up at him and studied his face. He looked just as awe-struck and she felt. Her eyes drifted down to his lips, and she tugged him forward.

  "Hanji?" though he protested vocally, he didn't resist her pull, but rather followed her lead most eagerly.

  Their faces were inches apart, and she paused to look at his steely blue eyes, "This is familiar." she huffed the lightest of laughs.

  He nodded, glancing down at her lips, "Yeah."

  "Levi?" she gulped, breath quickening.

  "Yes?"

  "I think I'm going to kiss you." she breathed.

  His nose touched hers, and he tilted his head to accommodate the impending kiss, "Why?"

  "You ask too many questions." she snaked her hand around his neck, never minding the water that dripped from it, "And because I want to." she closed the distance with a gentle pull on his nape. The water sloshed as her knee slipped, and he steadied her with a hand against the small of her back. His lips were soft and warm, and the kiss all-too-brief before he pulled back only just enough for them to look at one another in focus.

  The pull was like gravity, and they came crashing back together, more impassioned and less timid than the few seconds before. Her chest pressed against his, and she raked her fingers through his hair while his free hand did the same. He gripped her hair and tilted her head back, breaking the sloppy kiss and moving his lips along her jaw. She closed her eyes and hummed in bliss, her heart pounding in her ears as she listened to his ragged breath.

  It only lasted mere moments, a fact she grieved most dearly, but he stopped himself from progressing down the column of her neck and resolved to press his forehead against her collarbone. She panted softly, dragging her fingers across the short hairs on the back of his head soothingly.

  "You got my shirt wet." he murmured.

  She chuckled breathlessly, "You would say something like that, wouldn't you?" she sighed to herself.

  "You're getting pruny too." he pointed out.

  "Mmhmm." she tugged him closer to her, eliciting a slight noise of protest, "I don't want to leave yet...I'm not clean anyway." she said.

  He pulled back and gave a sigh of his own, "I..." he began, and she had to resist the urge to tug his lips back into reach when he pulled his lower lip between his teeth, "I should let you take care of that." he stood and backed away, rubbing the back of his neck and looking away.

  She felt her heart sink, did he regret it? It sure looked like it. And the thought was almost physically painful to her. She sat down on her rear and sunk to her chin in the water, "I'm sorry." she murmured.

  "Sorry?" he turned back to her in confusion.

  "I won't kiss you again if that's what you want." she pulled her knees up to her chest and kept her eyes on the soapy water.

  "Hanji-" he began, returning to the side of the tub, "-what makes you think I didn't want that?"

  She gaped up at him and scrambled to find words, "But...I...what?" she gasped.

  "Now you're the one asking questions." he said smugly, reaching to hoist her up to her feet by her shoulders. She gripped the ends of the towel he draped around her back to her chest, self-consciously swiping her wet hair away. "Do you really think I'd just let a girl kiss me if I didn't want it too?" he asked.

  She mulled the logic of his question around in her head and shook her head sheepishly, "No, I suppose not." she bit her lip as he led her out of the tub.

  "I don't like to talk about things if I can help it." he continued, helping her into the clean clothes he had brought with them. "Isabel has probably told you: I'm not good with words." he rubbed her head vigorously with the towel, and she grunted once or twice as she nearly lost her balance. "But I will say this-" he grasped her chin and pulled her close. Despite their height difference he somehow managed to make her feel small next to him. "-I don't care that you kissed me...and I don't care if you do it again." he said assuringly, punctuating his statement with a chaste press of his lips against hers.

  "Would you care if I told you I might love you?" she asked as he pulled back.

  "You don't love me." he said.

  She nodded, "But...I might. In the future."

  He paused in retrieving her dirty laundry from the floor, "You think so?"

  "Yeah."

  He straightened and hummed in consideration, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." he declared as he moved to leave the room.

Chapter 8

•

•

"No, no...through here, turn the hook...no...oh boy." Isabel sat back, exhaling through her mouth and slumping a bit as she watched Hanji fail yet again to do her stitch right.

Hanji sheepishly ducked her head and unraveled the thread to try again, "Sorry. It's just that coordinating holding the thread and project with my left hand and moving my right like so...it's difficult." she sighed, examining what she had crocheted so far. The stitches varied in size, a trait Isabel assured her was normal for a beginner. There were about four of them, the delicate 'shells' extending from her initial chain of single stitches.

Isabel cleared her throat, "It's alright, it's only your third day after all. Perhaps we should stick with the chain stitch until you get the hang of it."

Hanji chuckled, "Or maybe just a single, like you showed me before? I've done enough chains to hang a man." she relaxed in her chair with a deep sigh. The art of crochet wasn't all that different from knitting, but she had experience with neither. She did use to watch her nursemaid Maggie knit sometimes, but she had never practiced it herself. She was more of a needle-and-thread type of girl, as she preferred embroidery to her current subject of tutorage.

"Yes, I suppose we could stick with the singles." Isabel nodded, "Alright, here, I'll undo the shells." she offered, taking the experimental project from her and promptly undoing the damage.

Hanji smiled in thanks and glanced up at Levi and Farlan on the opposite side of the living room. As if sensing her gaze, he looked up from his book to meet her eyes with his own. Despite their sudden, mutual declaration of infatuation for one another, they had been very chaste since the incident of a week past. Heck, they had only exchanged one peck on the lips since then:

~ "-I really do try to look at it from Armin's perspective." she was saying, and she noticed how he seemed to deflate with a sigh. He was tidying her room (and had been for the past thirty minutes), having complained that she was awful at keeping it dusted properly. She would inquire as to the cause of his frustration, but she was currently mid-rant, and she didn't feel like pausing to ask for his reasoning. "But even Farlan agrees that Eidenburg's works are far more compelling and-"

"Hanji." Levi interrupted, sitting on her bed and tugging the book she was no longer reading from her limp hands. She glanced up at him, waiting for him to speak, but he went for a whole ten seconds without doing so...

So, she attempted to continue her rant, "And I told Armin-" she was immediately cut off by his lips, and she gave a light squeak of surprise. Barely able to reciprocate before he pulled back.

"Sometimes you just don't know when to shut up." he said, and she smiled, giggling as she attempted to draw him in for another kiss. He stood, however, halting her efforts. But he placed a gentle hand on her cheek and stroked the skin with his thumb to assure her after she frowned, crestfallen, "I'm covered in filth, I'll be in the bath." he said in explanation, leaving her room.

She flipped back onto her mattress with a sigh and a newly contented smile on her lips. ~

There seemed to be a silent, mutual agreement between them that they could move their budding relationship along too fast if they weren't careful. Not that she would ever mind that, but as for him, she could sense that he was highly tentative. He likely preferred graduality in the progression of their relationship. Baby steps rather than the sudden jump they had taken the week before.

He still bathed her regularly, and they still had their intimate moments, but they were surely subdued. For the most part, his hands would occasionally pause in washing to simply caress her skin. Though during her last bath he had hugged her from behind, nary minding how her sopping hair wet his shirt. He said he just felt like it when she asked him why he did it. And that explanation was far more than enough for her.

The memory made her blush, and he seemed to remember it too when he noticed how her cheeks darkened. She offered him a soft smile, turning her attentions back to her crochet when Isabel handed it back to her.

•

•

"So, when did it happen?" Farlan asked, cleaning out his pipe and studying Levi with a calculating eye.

Levi turned to him, expression carefully schooled into tentative curiosity, "When did what happen?"

Farlan smiled, "Don't play dumb with me, you and I both know I'm too sharp for that." he chuckled softly, "I'm asking when you went from aloof observation to eye-fucking when it comes to our guest over there."

Armin gave a squeak of surprise at the crass phrasing from his place on the floor. He glanced up at Levi in shock, and then glanced towards Hanji. Levi raised a brow at the boy when his gaze returned to him, one that said: 'Speak of this and you'll regret it.' and Armin quickly re-immersed himself in his drawing.

"I wasn't 'eye-fucking' her." Levi murmured, glaring at Farlan to demonstrate that he was on a thin thread as it was and that further insistence might lead to injury.

Farlan only tempered his insinuations just barely, "Perhaps not, but you can't tell me something hasn't happened between you. You've got googly eyes and so does she." he gestured to the girl in question.

Levi turned away from his brother-in-law with a snort of defiance. "However true any of it may be, I don't need to explain how or why anything may have happened between us." he explained vaguely.

"So you are courting, then?" Farlan asked with a triumphant smirk.

Levi properly growled, apparently not vague enough. "I never said that."

"But you plan to."

It wasn't phrased as a question, and Levi found he could not deny it. So he resolved to slouch in his seat and prop his chin upon his hand in defeat. "Perhaps." he said in a mumble.

Farlan chuckled, "Oh come now! No need to be so off-put about your own romance. You behave as if it's a crime for you to admire her in such a way."

Levi peered at him through his peripheral vision.

"All I'm trying to say-" Farlan cut himself off with a snort, snickering behind his hand and tensing as he made to stand, "-is that...I told you so!"

Hanji, Isabel, and Mikasa all jumped in fright when Farlan cried: "I told you so!" and leaped from his place to take off running out the door, Levi following close on his heels.

"What on earth has gotten into them?" Isabel breathed, hand pressed to her chest in an attempt to calm herself.

"I don't know." Hanji and Mikasa replied simultaneously. All three women shook their heads and returning to their crochet.

All the while Armin shivered in apprehension, wondering: 'Will Farlan be coming back alive after Levi gets his hands on him?'

•

•

"Not so difficult anymore, is it?" Mikasa looked over her shoulder at Hanji, who was milking their cow. She had attempted to do so before, but her hand was still a little too handicapped with the splint on, so she postponed learning the skill until now.

Hanji smiled back at the younger girl, "It's much easier now, and fun." she added, patting the bovine on her rounded barrel when she shifted and stomped one hind leg.

"Good." Mikasa smiled, reaching under one of their six chickens to retrieve an egg. "Want to help make the bread again?" she asked.

"Of course." Hanji said, topping off the milk bucket and standing up with a stretch. She wiped her forehead, remarking in her head that it was a hard task - milking that is - if she worked up a sweat over it. Since her arm had healed she progressed from simply measuring ingredients for the daily loaf to actually kneading the bread. It was a big help for Mikasa, who complained about the daily, tedious task nearly every time she performed it.

"I'll be inside after I finish collecting the eggs and feeding the coop, why don't you go take that milk to the kitchen?" Mikasa instructed while she collected another egg.

"Alright." Hanji grasped the handle of the milk bucket with her good hand, not wanting to strain her still-delicate left arm with the weight of it. She passed by the empty stall that housed Eren's horse as she made to leave, and she paused to look back at Mikasa. He had left a few days back, complying with his father's wish that he be back home. In larger time frames as well, since Mikasa and Armin weren't all alone in the cabin anymore.

Mikasa had an air of sorrow about her since his departure. She was more morose than Hanji had initially come to know her when the boy wasn't there. "Hey..." she called to get the raven-haired girl's attention. She smiled assuringly, "He'll be back in a few days." she said when Mikasa turned to her in curiosity.

The girl's features became somber, and she nodded, a subtle flash of guilt was discernible in her obsidian eyes. But Hanji didn't dwell on it, misinterpreting it as something similar to longing.

She continued her trek to the house and began making preparations for a loaf of bread. She had learnt firsthand that it was a long, arduous task. And she had a new appreciation for her kitchen staff after cooking with Mikasa. All the kneading and proving that the loaf would need was always daunting when she rolled up her sleeves to help. It being a daily occurrence seemed to be beneficial to the recovery of her arm, though, so she never complained. Quite unlike Mikasa, who claimed she had made enough bread in her few years to feed an army.

"Baking again?" Isabel came to a halt against the island in the kitchen. She leaned against it and observed while Hanji measured out flour and milk.

"Yes." Hanji said, distracted by her task at hand.

"Are you going to be up for crochet later?" the redhead asked, drawing a pattern in a patch of spilled flour.

"I don't think so." Hanji accepted the eggs that Mikasa handed to her upon entering the kitchen. "Thanks, Mika." she said as the girl left the room as soon as she'd entered.

"I'll be right there to help in a moment." Mikasa called over her shoulder, "Getting my apron."

Hanji nodded, and Isabel hummed in acknowledgment. "Well, it's just as well. Farlan, Levi and I are going to go hunting. Hopefully we'll have venison for dinner tomorrow, if not that then maybe a pheasant."

"That sounds good." Hanji looked up with a smile and tossed her head to get her bangs out of her eyes, following up with her fingers.

"Add on the fact that we might not be back till the witching hour, if I know Farlan." Isabel held back a snicker and bounced over to said man's side as he walked by, "See you tonight, or tomorrow, whichever." she called.

"Yeah." Hanji wiped at an itch on her cheek, carefully measuring yeast into the warmed water. She blew a frustrated breath at her unruly bangs, ineffective in the long run, as the strand just flopped right back onto her nose.

"Hanji."

She glanced up in surprise at his voice, "Levi..." she smiled, nearly spilling the yeast.

"Watch yourself." he grasped her wrist to correct her, righting the little container with a barely concealed grin. "You have flour on your cheek." he pointed out before he wiped it off with his thumb.

"Thanks." she mumbled, embarrassed. He nodded and tilted his head thoughtfully. His thumb didn't leave her cheek, but rather kept stroking it softly. She leaned into the touch, watching him for any indication that he was going to kiss her. And she couldn't help the slight smile that pulled at her lips when he did just that. Tugging her closer by her nape and making her lean over the island counter to do it.

It wasn't a passionate kiss, nor was it chaste, somewhere in the middle. She hummed in approval when his tongue beggared entrance past the seam of her lips. And she lifted her hands to grasp his nape, but he pulled back, "Flour." he explained.

She grinned deviously and wiped her hands on her apron in response. "Better?" she asked as she scooted around the island to tug him back into the kiss. His protest over her still-floury hands was muffled, and he might have rolled his eyes if her fingers hadn't been raking pleasantly through his hair. The hands that rested at her hips slyly slid around and were making to cup her ass at the point where they were interrupted.

"Ahem..." Farlan cleared his throat in the doorway, raising a brow as the two sprang apart. "Isabel's waiting." he explained, face alight with mischievous glee. A rare sight, as he was usually such a calm, stoic man.

Hanji tucked her hair behind her ear and blushed from that very appendage down to her sternum, smiling sheepishly in embarrassment.

"Don't look so smug or I'll kick your ass again." Levi scoffed as he brushed past the taller man.

Farlan chuckled, winking at Hanji as he closed the door, "I'll see you later, Hanji."

"Right." the girl muttered in reply, hiding her blush behind her hair even as he left.

•

•

"I hope you don't mind if I go lay down." Mikasa said as Hanji kneaded the dough for the second time in the baking process.

Hanji paused, swiping her hair back behind her ear, "Oh? You feeling alright?" she asked. Her younger counterpart had done more than her fair share in making the bread, and she looked fairly worn out. Hanji certainly didn't hold that against her, it was hard work. But she looked more than just fatigued, she looked a tad drained -emotionally that is - it was somewhat worrisome to see.

"I just need a nap, haven't slept well." Mikasa excused, and while Hanji easily saw it as a fib, she was quite guilty of a few herself. And she understood very well that sometimes one wants things to stay private, so she didn't question it out of courtesy.

"No, of course I don't mind. You go get some rest, I can handle this." she looked back at the dough as if it were a sparring partner, drawing her sleeves up further to prove her point.

Mikasa smiled half-heartedly and headed down the hall. Leaving Hanji to ponder exactly what was troubling the girl. When she had first arrived at the quaint cabin she seemed happy enough, even without Eren present. So why did she seem so upset now?

•

•

"So...are you going to tell anyone?" Armin was laying on his stomach, reading a book, and observing how Mikasa lay on the bed across the room with her back to him. She had told him the night before about her predicament. She and Eren had not been subtle to him over the past few months about the fact that they were quite sexually active, so the news was obviously no surprise to him. But his near-adoptive sister was quite distressed over the issue.

He paused and lowered the book when she didn't provide him with an answer. "Not even Eren?" he added.

Mikasa rolled over onto her back and sniffled, "I wasn't even sure until yesterday, Armin." she wiped at her eyes, and the blonde moved to offer her a handkerchief.

"Right. But why are you so upset over it?" Armin asked, bending to thread his fingers soothingly through her disheveled hair.

"Because." she hiccuped, blowing her nose with the kerchief, "Neither Eren nor I are prepared, and we aren't married either. It's a fantastic situation! Levi is going to kill us, and Grisha too." she chuckled, devoid of mirth and bordering on hysteria in her mannerism.

"Calm down." Armin consoled, kneeling beside her bed and patting her arm, "There won't be any killing so don't get that in your head. And besides, what's done is done and they'll both understand that." he assured.

Mikasa nodded and sighed, "I know...I know it's just...you'll never be in this position, Armin. You can't understand what it feels like." she rolled to face his direction and wiped her eyes with her sleeves.

"No, I can't." he conceded with a nod, "Won't stop me keeping you from such notions, though." he tapped her nose with a forefinger and coaxed her into a sitting position, sitting beside her and letting her lean against him. Her arms latched onto him by his thin waist, and she pressed her forehead into his shirt to hide her tear-streaked face, "Don't worry about Levi and Grisha...just focus on taking care of yourself and telling Eren when he gets back. I'll help you break it to your brother if need be. And Eren will break it to his dad." he assured with a smile.

She nodded, tightening her firm hold of his waist and burying her nose into his shirt. "I'll try." she murmured.

"Good." Armin pressed a kiss to her hair. The girl was like the sister he never had, and he was honored to be her crutch during her vulnerability.

"Thank you." she whispered.

"Anytime, Mikasa." he responded with a smile, prompting a tighter hug from her. "Oh, want to tell Hanji too? She could break it to Levi better than I could, you know."

Mikasa sat up straighter and pulled out of their tight embrace, "What do you mean?"

"You don't know? They're in a relationship." he said it as if it were common knowledge, and she raised an incredulous brow at him.

"You're kidding me, right?" she asked.

"Nnnoope. Not kidding." he shook his head slowly.

"Wow." she blinked, "Uh, I-I guess we could...maybe...tell her." she murmured, pondering the matter with one slender forefinger pressed against her lip.

Armin sighed in relief, he had no doubt she would bottle this in as long as she possibly could before she told anybody. Likely until she began to show. But she trusted Hanji, hopefully, trusted her enough to tell her.

"Are you sure about that? About my brother and Hanji?"

Armin chuckled, "Very much so." he said, grimacing as he remembered Farlan's crass remark about Levi 'eye-fucking' Hanji.

•

•

"Are they back yet?"

"Hmm?" Hanji spun around in place, having just set the loaf in the oven. Mikasa stood in the hallway, fiddling with her long braid that draped elegantly over her shoulder. "Oh, no they aren't." she said with a smile, "Something wrong, Mikasa?"

The girl went to shake her head, but Hanji could see that she stopped herself with great difficulty, and then tentatively nodded, "Yes...actually." she whispered.

Hanji took note of how she hugged herself and hung her head, looking as small as she had ever seen her. "Come here, Mika." she beckoned, accepting her into her arms when she came running full force. "Easy there, sweetie." she gave a half-hearted chuckle at the girl's urgency.

Mikasa shook, sniffled, and Hanji quickly realized she was shaking because she was suddenly crying. "Hey..." she walked the girl over to the nearest seat, of which was the couch, and gently sat her down. "What's wrong, Mikasa?" she asked, smoothing a loose hair back from her face and wiping her tears away from under one eye.

Mikasa used the handkerchief she already had in her hand to wipe at her other eye, sniffling again to clear her sinuses. "I...it's difficult to say." she began, taking in a shuddering breath.

"I'm a patient person." Hanji smiled assuringly, not always true, but in delicate matters, she could be.

"I'm not usually this emotional." Mikasa's voice broke in a light son as she tried to regain her composure.

"Don't worry about it, it's natural to cry." Hanji wiped at the fresh tears in the girl's eyes again, smiling as much as she could with how worried she was becoming.

Mikasa nodded, regulating her breathing until she was calm enough to speak, "Well-" she began, "-you know that Eren and I..." she trailed off, fighting her will to cry more, "We-we are intimate...a-and..." she inhaled sharply, willing the tears to go away by blinking rapidly, "I've skipped two of my bleeds." she said in a hoarse whisper.

Hanji mulled that around in her head for a moment or so before she realized what Mikasa was trying to say, "You're expecting?" she asked in confirmation.

"Yes. I'm...pregnant." Mikasa murmured, looking down at her hands shamefully.

"Well, that's great!" Hanji exclaimed, "Right?"

"Hanji..." Mikasa sighed, shaking her head, "Think of it. It's an illegitimate baby, and Levi really doesn't like Eren..and...the people in town think of this as shameful." she covered her face with both hands, muffling her whimper, " And to top it off, I haven't even told Eren yet." her voice sounded so small, small and terrified.

Hanji gave her a coo of sympathy and moved to sit beside her, "Come come now, it's not that bad. You mustn't let yourself care what people think. It's not their life anyway, best try not to worry whether they'll try to make it their business." she said with a huff, that was one thing she knew well enough. Even the most blue-blooded knew the destructive and mentally debilitating results of gossip. But the best she could do was assure Mikasa that the opinions of others could hold no merit against her unless she allowed it. "Besides, Eren's opinion is the only one that truly matters, isn't it?"

"And Levi may be intimidating when he wants, but I doubt he'll be mad at you." she added.

"It's not me I'm worried about when it comes to Levi." Mikasa sighed, leaning heavily against her shoulder.

Hanji chuckled, "Oh Mikasa...well, how about I tell Levi for you?" she suggested.

Mikasa barked a shallow laugh, wiping at her face and nodding, "Armin said I should ask you to." she agreed.

"Insightful of him." Hanji hummed, rubbing Mikasa's arm soothingly.

"So is it true that you and my brother are...involved?" the raven-haired girl asked, sitting up to look at Hanji for a response.

Hanji blinked, "Erm..." she bit her lip and blushed.

"So you are!" Mikasa pointed at her flushed cheeks as a light smile graced her features, "Granted I wouldn't have known for sure if Armin didn't say so, but I still suspected."

"Right, right..." Hanji huffed, crossing her arms and blowing a strand of her unruly locks out of her face, "We only kissed." she mumbled.

"More than once I could wager." Mikasa peered closer, smile widening when Hanji shrank back in her seat in response.

"Three or four times." she sighed in resignation, briefly holding up the appropriate equivalent of fingers.

"Ahh, well that's not that much, enough to count on one hand. Still more than once, though." Mikasa sat back and smirked.

Hanji nodded begrudgingly, "Whatever." she turned to her companion and observed her, "You're more chipper now, aren't you?"

"I suppose so. I'm still terrified, but...I just feel better now that I've told you." Mikasa shrugged. "Do you...could you wait until I've told Eren? Before you tell Levi for me?"

Hanji turned her head and studied the girl's features more carefully, determining whether or not the girl intended to follow through with her plan of telling her unofficial spouse. "I don't suppose you plan on waiting long, do you?" she inquired pointedly.

Mikasa took her turn to flush red and shrink back into the couch. "Of course not." she muttered.

"Mikasa." Hanji said in warning, "If you don't tell him sooner, he'll still learn about it later when you start to show. And I may be no man, but I doubt he would appreciate you waiting so long to tell him. Men, as far as I know, seem to prefer us to be blunt." she advised, although not entirely sure of it herself, it was what she had read and experienced. "After all, they aren't psychic." she added in a chuckle.

"I know." Mikasa sighed, "And I will tell him."

"Good." Hanji leaned back and sighed. "So...do you know what you'd prefer?" she asked after a long silence had passed.

"Prefer?" Mikasa echoed in confusion.

"Boy or girl?" Hanji clarified.

"Oh!" Mikasa hummed, considering, "Well, I hadn't thought about it."

"Not at all? Even in passing as a child?" Hanji prodded.

Mikasa tilted her head, "Well, I suppose once or twice. Until you arrived here the only other woman has been Isabel...so perhaps a girl." she answered tentatively.

Hanji smiled, "That's nice, and logical too." she made to stand, straightening out her apron.

"But I wouldn't mind if it were a boy." Mikasa took the offered hand and stood.

"Indeed." Hanji nodded, "You might want to freshen up, I'm sure our housemates will be home within the next hour or so." she gestured sheepishly to the girl's tear-streaked face and disheveled braid. Granted she was taking a shot in the dark about that time-frame. She honestly had no idea when their companions would be back, but best be prepared in any case, she wagered.

Mikasa nodded and self-consciously brushed down her skirt, "Right. Thank you, Hanji." she hugged the older woman briefly and made her way to her room.

Hanji placed her hands on her hips as she watched her leave, shaking her head as she considered what exactly she had just gotten herself into. She could be sure she had never imagined being in that same predicament, nor did she ever think it would happen even now. Still, it wasn't as if Mikasa hadn't felt the same...

She wiped her sweat-dampened bangs aside and huffed loudly. "What a day..." she sighed.

•

•

She woke during the night, incredibly early and not at all pleasantly. When she came to with a gasp, her hair and sleep-shirt were plastered uncomfortably to her skin in a cold sweat. The dream, or nightmare rather, wasn't easy to remember, but it entailed sickly, clawing hands and bloodshed. That much she was certain of.

The fear of laying back and closing her eyes in the dark made her heart race even worse than the nightmare had. The room felt small and the shadows intimidating. She wasn't going to fall back asleep without company.

Hanji sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Exiting the room, she considered the room directly adjacent to hers first. While she hadn't been awake to receive them that night, she did know that Isabel and Farlan were home. But considering carefully, invading their room for comfort against night terrors just didn't sit quite right with her. They were a couple, after all. What was she going to do? Sleep between them?

She sighed and hugged herself, quietly descending the stairs and entering the hall below. She considered Mikasa and Armin's room, and then glanced at Levi's. A soft scoff escaped her lips, but she couldn't shake the feeling that his room was her best option. "Can't hurt to try, can it?" she murmured as she turned the doorknob.

"Levi?" she whispered, spotting her chosen 'victim' sound asleep in his bed. "Levi..." she called again, only just louder than her previous whisper. She went and knelt beside his bed, intent on waking him, but pausing to study him. After all, she had never seen him in the midst of sleep.

His usually hardened features were relaxed and soft, and she found herself wanting to stroke his face. So she did just that. Her fingers lightly traced his jawline, and then she brushed her knuckles over his cheek. The gesture provided her a sniffle and a light snort, and she had to stifle her ensuing giggle. The man shifted at the sound, face contorting and eyes slowly peeling open to stare at her.

He blinked rapidly, and she shifted in place as he did a double take. "Hanji?" he asked in confusion, obviously caught quite off-guard by her presence in his room.

She pulled her hand back and blushed, "Hi." she whispered.

He propped himself up on his elbow and raised a brow, "What are you doing in here?"

She cleared her throat, "I...uh, had a nightmare." she mumbled, looking up at him through her lashes with the unspoken question clearly displayed in her eyes. He sighed loudly, whether it was in defeat or out of amusement, she didn't know. He shaking his head knowingly and bit his lip as she took a breath to ask him aloud.

"Could I?" she made her initial move to climb into the bed with him. "Please?"

He took a deep breath and nodded, begrudgingly shuffling aside and patting the newly-emptied space. "Don't get used to this." he said as she made herself comfortable.

"Of course not." she agreed with a slight smile, scooting her body up against his and relaxing. He responded in kind by moving his hips away from hers and hesitantly laying a hand on her waist when her shirt rode up.

Hanji shivered when his thumb stroked her skin, and she looked over her shoulder to attempt to see him. To see his face and determine exactly what he might be thinking at that moment. "Is this okay?" he asked when she caught his gaze.

She nodded, laying a hand over his on her hip, "Yes, it's fine." she turned back onto her side. Closing her eyes, she started to become comfortable again. His clean, woodsy scent, combined with his warm hand on her skin started to lull her back to sleep.

"What was it about?"

She blinked her eyes open upon hearing his question, "Hmm?"

"The nightmare." he clarified, "What was it about?"

She pondered for a moment, "I don't remember much in clarity...it just...scared me is all, and I didn't want to go back to bed all alone in a dark room after I woke up." she explained.

He hummed in acknowledgment and she gave a quiet gasp when he tugged her torso closer to his, "Well now you have company in a dark room. Go to sleep, Hanji." he instructed. For some reason, she found his words to be very endearing, and a smile tugged at her lips when he added her name to his sentence.

She nodded, closing her eyes and focusing on his warm, steady breath against the nape of her neck. Eventually, she drifted off quietly. Most comfortable and quite content.

•

•

When she awoke a few hours later, the sun was nearly crowning the horizon. And she was somewhat surprised to feel that Levi was still in bed with her. He was usually up earlier than this...

Hanji yawned and stretched, carefully avoiding smacking her sleeping partner in the face as she did so. She shuffled closer to his body and hugged the arm that draped around her waist to her chest. Her fingers traced his knuckles, and she smiled as she pressed a kiss to them. It was more than nice of him to actually allow her to sleep there. She had assumed he would turn her away over the fact that her bath was due that morning.

Whatever his reasoning, she wagered it could only be good for their budding relationship.

She paused mid-thought and pursed her lips when she noticed a foreign pressure on her upper thigh. Whatever was poking her was stiff, elongated, and she shuffled around in an attempt to determine what it was. Yielding no immediate results, she determined her best course of action. An action she would often look back on in the future and groan over in embarrassment. She would someday wonder why she hadn't simply rolled over to see what it was.

But in the moment itself, her sleep-addled mind proved the logic perfectly sound. So Hanji reached back, between Levi's legs, and firmly grasped it.

Levi awoke abruptly at that, and his startled, high-pitched yelp helped her along the mental route to realize exactly what she had just grabbed. Granted, the general shape aided her fairly innocent mind quite well enough without her sleeping partner's vocal confirmation.

With a squeak of utter mortification, she tried to sit up...and then, without an ounce of grace: she promptly fell off the bed.

Chapter 9

So freaking late! My apologies, y'all.

But guess what? Your waiting is not without rewards. Along with nearly 9K words...have a thin slice of Levihan lemon! A very thin slice, paper thin. When life gives you Levihan lemons, slice accordingly and leave them wanting. XD

Spoiler: these two won't actually, truly fuck until...

Until...

You really wanna know?

You sure?

Okay...

Psych!!

Sorry, that's confidential. But basically, they won't be truly fucking until a major development has happened.

(A.N. Continued at the end of chapter)

•

•

There was a lapse of silence, and only their combined, heavy breathing filled the room. Hanji's tumble landed her laying parallel to the width of the bed on her back, one foot propped on the mattress and tangled in the sheets she had dragged down with her. But she wasn't really concerned with that. All she could think about was what she had just done, how cold the floor was compared to the soft mattress, and just how mad Levi could be about her actions.

  "Hanji?" his strained voice finally broke the silence, and she tilted her head down to look at him when he peered over the edge of the bed. The sight was almost comical: his disheveled hair and bleary eyes just barely visible over the crumpled sheets that still remained there.

  She gave another mortified squeak when she realized that - from his vantage point - he had a direct view of her unmentionables. And it was quite obvious that he had noticed by the way his gaze darted between her legs. She clamped her thighs together at that, rolling awkwardly onto her side and tugging her feet down from the mattress.

  'So much for never letting him see it...' she bemoaned in her head, only half-heartedly.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

  "I-I should be asking you that." she stuttered as she gingerly sat up, tugging her shirt down between her legs, "Uh...by the way, I'm sorry about that. I didn't know what it...was." she grimaced, trailing off and averting her gaze, hand lifted to her eyes to shield them from the sight of his body out of sheer embarrassment.

  Levi blinked a few times, and then rubbed his eyes, obviously still sleepy. In his own head, he was considering how sheltered of a life she must have lived to not know what was poking her. "It didn't cross your mind at all?" he asked, teasing, but his tone of voice didn't give that away.

  "Well, I don't know! I've never slept with someone else before!" Hanji exclaimed in her defense, fully covering her face. "Let alone a man." she added, a little whine of self-pity escaping her as she did so.

  Levi hummed, almost sounding amused, "It's fine, Hanji." he said as he made to stand. She glanced at him in surprise through her fingers.

  "Really?"

  "While it wasn't exactly pleasant being groped awake, you didn't hurt me or anything." he said as he stretched his arms above his head languidly. She indulged herself by thoroughly ravishing his bare, toned back and shoulders with her gaze. She bit her lip behind her hands and hastily averted her eyes when he looked back at her over one of said shoulders. "I'm going to start a bath." he said as he grabbed a towel.

  "Okay." she nodded, grunting as she got to her feet.

  'I just slept with Levi.'

  The sudden thought hit her without warning, and she found herself smiling at the revelation. Funny how they didn't even need to do anything other than sleep beside one another. And yet she was feeling butterflies in her stomach, daydreaming about doing it all over again. His skin, albeit calloused, scarred, and rough in some places (such as his hands) was delightfully smooth everywhere else. And she had a vague memory of gently caressing his sculpted abdomen in her sleep. The thought made her shiver in delight. Indeed, she wanted to sleep in his bed every night now.

  Though he had said not to get used to it...

  She winced as her actions played through her mind's eye yet again. "Damnit!" she hissed at herself, she had probably just made sure that it was true. Made sure that he wouldn't be after her company in that way again. She sighed and made her way into the washroom, it was empty when she entered. She closed the door behind her and waited a few moments before Levi came in through the door on the opposite side of the room.

  She hadn't noticed it before he showed her it was there a week or so before. It led outside, basically a back door.

  Levi looked up at her and paused, as if he didn't know why she was there.

  "What?" she asked, playing with the hem of her shirt.

  He looked at the tub and hummed quietly, "I suppose I can bathe you first." he said, more to himself than to her.

  "Huh?" she brought a finger up to her lip in confusion, glancing at the tub.

  "I was starting the bathe for myself." he explained simply, exercising her suggestion that he heat the water with hot stones left in the fire pit all night. He had labeled it genius after he gave it a try, and she had eagerly accepted the label with a grin and flushed cheeks. He had said not to be so smug, and that it beat boiling bucket upon bucket of water.

  "Oh." she hummed, "Well I don't mind waiting..." she looked sheepishly to the side whilst her mind bombarded her with overly-fantastical images of him bathing.

  "No, let's get you washed up." Levi gestured to the newly readied tub, "You're already here, after all."

  "But then you'll have to refill the tub." she protested.

  He stood up from bending to test the water and turned to face her, his brow raised in a show of impatience. In response she stood in place for a time, shuffling her feet. And then she bit her lip and tugged her shirt over her head, stepping up to the tub obediently. "Nevermind." she murmured, a slight smile tugging at her lips. She didn't indicate that she noticed his newly-developed difficulty in keeping his eyes off of her figure.

  He nudged her lightly against the small of her back and she stepped into the hot water, sitting down with a sigh. She closed her eyes instinctively when he dumped water over her head, a light sputter following. She wiped at her face and blinked rapidly to clear her vision, and he began to lather soap into her hair.

  She let her thoughts drift as he made circles against her scalp with his fingertips. It was always calming when he washed her hair, and she often found herself nearly falling asleep. She leaned back and sighed, "I really do need to learn to bathe myself properly someday." she said absentmindedly.

  His soapy hands tightened in her hair, and she grinned when she realized she had successfully reminded him of their first kiss. She tilted her head back to see his expression, and her smile widened when he scowled in his typical, admonishing way.

  "We could bathe together...you know." she murmured, her grin dimming down just enough to show she was serious about the insinuation.

  He raised a solitary brow, and she could see him mentally mulling it over in his head. "I don't think we should." he said after a moment's thought.

  She frowned in disappointment, sitting up straight and shuffling in place as she considered his answer. "Why not?" she asked as she swiped the impending soap trail back from her eyes.

  He was silent for a time, and she eventually began to wonder if he had decided to ignore her question.

  "Levi?"

  His hands dropped from her hair to rest against her shoulders, and she jumped when his voice sounded directly beside her ear. How had he gotten so close without her noticing? "Because I don't trust myself to hold back." he said.

  She was graced with a few moments of innocent ignorance before she suddenly realized what he meant by that. She felt her face burn at the thought, and yet, it was a tantalizing idea all the same. Her hand reached up, fingers caressing his as she turned her head. And his nose brushed against her cheek as she did so, "Well....I...I don't think I would mind that." she managed to say, glancing down at the rim of the tub.

  He pulled back at that, and she wondered if she had said the wrong thing, only to have her pondering dashed by him dumping another cup of water over her head. He did so twice more for good measure.

  When she finally stopped sputtering over the water she stilled, realizing that his hand was tentatively resting low against her collarbone, fingers draping over the uppermost swell of her meager breast. Her breath hitched, unsure of what to say or do in her current situation. Especially when that same hand slid across her skin, down her side. His fingertips tantalizingly grazing against the side of her breast and then moving to cup it.

  "And what if we did it right now?" he asked, his free hand swiping her wet hair back from her neck.

  She couldn't find her voice to answer, especially not when his lips were brushing against the column of her neck. "Um..." she murmured. Racked with mental indecision, she bit her lip, humming lightly at the soft kiss he placed on her shoulder. She wasn't saying no...but she wasn't exactly saying yes either. And he paused in notice.

  "You're not ready for that." he stated matter-of-factly.

  She hunched her shoulders together at the truth of it and hugged herself. He was right, again. And it made her terribly upset, as she wanted more than anything for their relationship to go further, right this very minute, even. But her earlier boldness had faded in the moment he began testing the waters she had so brashly presented to him.

  "I guess not, at least when it comes to...actually making love." she finally spoke, stumbling over the latter of her sentence.

  He nodded, she could feel the movement against her damp hair. "That's why I won't bathe with you, not yet. That's too big a step, for either of us." he said as he made to continue her bath, "And even if we tried not to...we both just wouldn't hold back." he chuckled softly, "You and I aren't the type to hold back."

  "But-" she spun to face him, and she could feel her face flush as she spoke, "-I did like it, when you touched me like that." she grasped his hand and swiped her thumb over the top of it, "If you did it again...well, I mean to say that: I would like for you to do it again." her voice drifted off into a whisper as she examined his face for a response. He blinked, his hand twitching in her grip, obvious in his desire to fulfill her request, and she looked down shyly.

  She glanced at his loose pants and gulped, quite new to the prospect of arousing a man like she was doing. "Or...or I could touch you, even." she suggested, looking back up at him in await of an answer. "I do want to." she added.

  He exhaled shakily, eyes screwing shut as he tried to calm himself after hearing those words.

  "Is that too big a step too?" she asked, most genuine in her curiosity. "It's not the same thing, right? I mean, it's just touching-"

  "Hanji..." he murmured, his tone underlaid with a somewhat shallow warning. She got to her knees in determination, becoming eye level with him and urging him closer with a slight tug on his hand. He opened his eyes and shook his head slightly, "Not right now." he murmured, demonstrating that there was no ire in his rejection by kissing her, chaste and quick.

  She gave a pout when he pulled back, wound up and raring to go by that point. But she nodded reluctantly and sat back down to let him finish her bath. "Later, then?" she asked.

  He huffed a laugh, "Maybe, Hanji. Sit still." he smacked lightly at her shoulder to halt her squirming.

  She couldn't really help it, though. What with the warmth pulsing between her thighs, her heart beating rapidly with anticipation, and her mind begging for his touch again. He was definitely right about her not being ready for complete intimacy. She was a bit scared, honestly. She knew next to nothing about it. But she had absolutely no qualms with exploration, finding out. Of that she was most certain.

  The next six minutes she spent fiddling with her fingers beneath the water, turning when he asked and washing what was (as of yet) still inappropriate for him to wash. And when she finally stood and began to towel off, her thoughts were solely focused upon the male in the room and just how eager she was to jump him.

  "I didn't bring my clothes." she said coyly, eyeing him up and down and lingering where she had seen him tented beneath his pants earlier. What she wouldn't give to see it again, and perhaps without the clothes to hinder her gaze...

  He heaved a sigh and handed her the shirt he initially intended for himself when he was finished bathing. "Go on, I'm bathing now." he gestured toward the door, and she nodded tentatively.

  "Alright." she tugged the shirt over her head and slipped out of the bathroom, giving a sigh when it was locked behind her.

  She ambled down the short hallway and back into his room, closing the door behind her. She flopped onto his unmade bed, one leg pulled up while the other dangled off of the mattress. Now she knew, of course, that he meant for her to return to her room. But she couldn't, not with this unyielding urge for some friction between her legs, preferably caused by calloused hands belonging to a certain Shorty.

  She shuffled in place at the thought, throwing her arm over her eyes and groaning as she waited the torturously long (not actually long) span of Levi's bath. Her thoughts dreaming up various scenarios for when he was finished. What he might do when he came back. And when the door opened less than fifteen minutes later, she sprang up most eagerly to meet his gaze.

  He paused upon seeing her, closing the door behind him and running a hand through his damp hair. "You're still here, then." he said, tone laced with amusement.

  "Should I not be?" she asked tentatively, glancing between the floor and his eyes, afraid she had possibly crossed a line.

  He inclined his head, "I didn't say that." he placed his towel down on the foot of the bed and stood before her sitting form, studying her.

  "What?" she murmured self-consciously, fiddling with the hem of his lent shirt and blinking up at him.

"It's not a matter of whether you should be here...but a matter of why you are still here." he explained, though she could see that he knew why.

  "Levi." she beckoned him with a motion of her hand, and he crossed his arms as if to say he wasn't going to move until she spelled it out for him. "Come here, please." she added on, "I need you to come here, and then I'll show you."

  He didn't answer, but merely stepped closer. She grasped at his waist as he stepped into range and tugged him close enough to rest her forehead against his abdomen. And he let her, a hand carefully threading through her hair while she immersed herself in his presence.

  She thought she heard his breath hitch when she began gliding her hands up and down his back. And a small smile spread upon her face as she pressed her lips to his skin. Her tentative exploration was effective, and it soon had him breathing heavy, be it in anticipation or arousal. She didn't care to decipher which it was.

  In a bold move, she reached down to grasp at his ass, at the same time lightly grazing her teeth against his still-damp skin. And that was his breaking point. He groaned softly as he grasped either side of her face and tilted her head up to accommodate his desperate lips. She reciprocated eagerly, one hand moving to his nape and tugging him closer while her tongue invaded his mouth. The coupling of lips was more than a little uncoordinated and clumsy. As a result his free hand moved to brace his weight, and the dip in the mattress promptly caused her to lose her balance and fall back with a breathless laugh.

  His other hand came to rest on her knee, keeping him from following her down. She giggled and panted, glad to see the new, yet enticing shadows in his eyes.

  "Hey, Levi?" she asked, peering down at him where he had frozen in place. "Is that clear enough?" she giggled.

  He nodded, his thumb rubbing a circle on her naked thigh. "Yes, quite clear." he murmured, looking up at her with those hooded eyes she was starting to love so much.

  She hooked an ankle around his hip and tugged him towards her, effectively causing his pelvis to collide with the bed, "Also...is it later yet?"

  He looked up at her and scoffed, stepping onto the bed by his knees and leaning forward on his elbows to press his lips - briefly - to her exposed collarbone. He answered the latter question without words, dragging his fingers along the outside of her thigh. She tensed briefly when that same hand pulled her shirt up with it as traversed her body, all the way to her breast. And her breath hitched when he kneaded lightly at the newly-bared, slight mound. And yet however small it may have been, he still managed to cup it.

  It wasn't all that pleasurable, really. Her shortness of breath only came from the knowledge that he was touching her like this, she would wager. And he seemed to be able to tell, when he lifted his head to look in her eyes for approval. She glanced down at him, schooling her expression into a slight smile to assure him that she was okay with this.

  He considered her for a moment, then lowered his lips to the junction of her neck, right where it met her shoulder, and sucked sharply at the skin. Meanwhile his thumb brushed lightly over her nipple, and she let out a shaky breath, almost like a sigh, threading her fingers through his hair. While it kind of hurt, it was more pleasurable than painful to have him attending to her neck like that. Still, she did rub tentatively at the sharp sting he left there when his lips moved downward.

  She was hardly paying attention because of it. So when a warm - so warm - and wet sensation covered the same bared breast he was attending, she was startled. Her immediate response was a gasp and an erratic bucking of her hips. He looked up at her while he worked, judging her responses and adjusting his actions accordingly. She showed breathy appreciation when he swirled his tongue there...but she moaned - ever so slightly - when he bit gently at the skin. And so he did just that.

  For a moment she just closed her eyes and huffed out shaky breaths, focusing on every touch and sensation he was providing her. She'd never been one to experiment with herself. Hell, she didn't think she'd even been truly aroused until she met him. Everything he was doing was an entirely new experience to her. Not that she didn't like it. Quite the opposite, she never imagined that satisfaction such as this could exist.

  She stiffened when his freed hand traced some unintelligible symbol on her inner thigh. And he stopped his delightful ministrations to decipher whether she was uncomfortable or not. "You alright?" he asked, voice thick and husky with arousal. It sent a shiver down her spine and had her blood pulsing all the more for his touch.

  She gave a quick nod, hesitating only momentarily when he spread her thighs further open. Feather light, near-indecipherable touches on the very outermost regions of her womanhood. Most certainly not enough, and a more instinctual, primal side of her had her reaching down to move his hand where she needed it.

  He looked positively chastised, if one could call it that. One might consider it a glare if they didn't know him. But the slight purse of his lower lip and the way his cheeks flushed with color spelled it out quite clearly for her.

  His hand remained still after she moved it, and she curled her fingers reflexively around his wrist before she tugged her hand back sheepishly. "Sorry." she said, bunching her shoulders up in a half-shrug.

  He shook his head and readjusted himself on his other arm, "No, it's fine." he looked down at his hand, and she clamped her thighs together in response. As if to keep him from seeing her down below. To which he responded with a raised brow and a pointed motion of his hand, as if to remind her that it rested quite snug against her nethers, and that he was going to see it anyway.

  "I uh...I mean...sorry, again." she gingerly relaxed her legs, letting them fall to the side naturally.

  "I don't mind if you guide me." he said assuringly as he shifted for a better view of her unmentionables, "After all, I've never done this before, same as you." he seemed to admit that with some degree of difficulty, as if it hurt his pride to say it. And it made her smirk. To be his first woman...(no matter how trivial this particular activity may have been in her head) well that just made her feel rather proud of herself.

  "Alright...well, you can move your hand now." she gestured with one of the hands she left resting leisurely beside her head.

  He almost looked annoyed at the instruction, but he followed it nonetheless. And she tensed again when he began to fondle her, touch firm yet gentle as he mapped out her folds with his fingers. As with her breast, it was quite enjoyable, but not exactly pleasurable, per se. He looked up at her apparent lack of response, and his thin brows knit together in a show of determination at the sight of her laying there so casually.

  She inhaled sharply, back bowing and hips thrusting instinctively up into his touch when he changed methods. Rubbing instead of feeling, and God, did it make a difference! She surprised herself with the light whine of need that escaped her, and he responded by quickening his ministrations. His mouth returned to her breast, albeit the opposite one.

  "Ah-ah...Levi that's...mmph!" she bit down on her knuckle to muffle the low moan he coaxed out of her when he managed to slip a finger inside her. Although it incited a slight sting, the way he crooked that same finger erased all acknowledgment of it.

  "Is that too much?" he asked, pausing.

  "No! No, no, it's fine. More than fine." she coaxed him anxiously, thrusting her pelvis into his touch.

  She couldn't stop wiggling, her breath coming in sharp gasps and her hands scrambling for purchase in the sheets beneath her. He huffed lightly against her breast, no doubt it was a lot of work for him. She could see it when she glanced down and observed just how hard he was working to keep her breathless. It was certainly no easy task, and she wouldn't have blamed him if he said he was tired.

  But still, he didn't stop his ministrations. He worked her diligently for a full three minutes, as a matter of fact. And when she finally reached the peak, her body arched up towards him, making a sound that - while quieted - was akin to a squeal.

  As for what she was feeling, she had never imagined anything like it. Nothing in her life had ever really amounted to just how good it felt, at least not yet. That aside, she couldn't quite believe it had actually happened. Even when she was a limp, panting, trembling mess beneath him she still had to run their near-coitus experience through her head a few times before she let herself believe it was real. That they had actually just done that.

  His hand promptly slipped away when he knew for certain she had finished, and she responded with a soft whine of sorrow at the loss of contact. His other hand swiped her sweaty bangs back from where they were plastered against her forehead. And she blinked her eyes open to peer at him. When had she closed them?

  He observed her for a moment, short of breath himself. And then he smirked, obviously prideful over what he had accomplished. "You are surprisingly quiet." he commented, kissing her once, long enough to incite a soft groan from either party, before he sat back on his haunches.

  She blinked in bewilderment and her cheeks flushed with color, "I don't know if I should be insulted or flattered." she scoffed.

  "Both." he said.

  Now that the passion wasn't clouding her senses she had the chance to feel slight, brief embarrassment over what they had just done. Granted, she knew it wasn't truly anything extreme, but still...she just wasn't used to the idea yet.

  He curled his dirtied hand in on itself to avoid touching anything with it, "Did you like that?" he asked.

  She blinked again, and then her features dissolved into a goofy, contented smile as she thought about it, "Yeah. I really did." she sighed.

  She found her eyes hungrily roaming his figure, down to the prominent bulge in his pants. Her grin widened as she lifted her knee to brush against it, getting a thrill out of the way he grunted and thrust softly against her touch.

  "Do you want me to return the favor?" she asked, voice soft and laced with a content purr.

  He paused, considering only for a single moment before he shook his head rapidly, "No."

  She tilted her head in curiosity, "Why not?"

  "It's messy." he straightened and stood up off of the bed, looking for a handkerchief to wipe his fingers on.

  "I'm messy." she pointed out, and it was true, the apex of her thighs was now slick and her body sheened in sweat, add in his saliva on her neck and breasts...

  It wasn't clean in either case, she was sure of that.

  "Too messy." he stressed, sighing as he leaned back against the wall.

  "Come on! You just had your finger knuckle-deep in my cunt and you're saying my hand on your cock is too messy?" she pressed, growing a little irritated.

  "Hanji!" he seemed strangely shocked to hear her say such crass words.

  "Besides, I'd feel bad if I didn't..." she murmured.

  "Don't, I really don't mind." he turned to her fully and shifted his legs uncomfortably, "Next time..." he paused, "Besides...everyone will wake up soon." he said in finality, and he gestured to her state of undress pointedly.

  She huffed at that, damn him for being right so often! But she tugged the borrowed shirt down all the same and tentatively stood, irritatingly aware of the now-cold dampness between her legs. "Alright. Next time, though, I'll hold you to that." she said as she made to leave, pointing a finger almost warningly at him, to which he responded with a slight smirk.

  "Okay." he said most simply, urging her along with a hand gesture. And she grinned yet again over the fact that he had willingly agreed to (and implied) there would be a next time.

  "And if I'm not going to..." she murmured to herself, turning around just before she opened the door, "Then kiss me before I go." she demanded, pointing at the floor and crossing her arms in expectation.

  His face was incredulous at her demand, but he complied willingly. He crossed the few feet between them and tugged her close with a hand on the small of her back. She grunted with a smile as their torsos bumped. And the fact that he had to lean up just so in order to reach her lips still had the audacity to make her giggle. But she silenced herself this time, enjoying his soft lips and warm tongue.

  "Mmm, that's more than a kiss." she chastised when he began to lightly grind his hips against hers. "You're sure I shouldn't take care of it?" she smirked at the visible restraint he had to exact upon himself.

  "Get out." he grumbled in annoyance as he opened the door, and he smacked her butt as she walked out. She squeaked and made a mad dash for the stairs, cackling loudly all the way and surely waking those who weren't awake just yet.

•

•

  Hanji held the raven-black braid away from the younger girl's face while she emptied the contents of her stomach behind the cabin. "Does the nausea always start so early?" she asked, patting Mikasa's back and rubbing circles soothingly.

  Mikasa cleared her throat, shaking her head as she straightened and leaned back on her haunches. "No, it's only slight during this month. But I can't eat spices anymore..." she sighed. "I think that's why I vomited this time, I always put a lot of seasoning in my stew." she added in a chuckle.

  "Oh." Hanji nodded, "So you'll make some stew separately for yourself then?" she suggested.

  Mikasa nodded, "Something like that." she said as she made to wipe her mouth, and then decided against soiling her dress sleeve. "I'm going to go rinse my mouth." she pointed to the chilly lake.

  "I'll come with you." Hanji offered, along with her hand to assist her in standing.

  "Thank you." Mikasa smiled wearily.

  The small trek to the water was silent, as well as the time the younger woman took to freshen herself up. Hanji sat upon the bank and occupied herself with tossing small stones into the lake.

  "So what were you doing in Levi's room this morning?" Mikasa suddenly asked.

  "What?!" Hanji jumped and turned to gape at her in surprise, unsure of what to say.

  Mikasa moved to sit beside her, chuckling softly, "I'm more restless nowadays, so I was awake earlier." she said, "And...you were in there for a while." she turned to look at Hanji with a knowing smile.

  Hanji bit her lip and turned away to hide her blush, "We...we didn't do anything..." she murmured.

  "That says otherwise." Mikasa pointed to the blooming red circle on her neck.

  Hanji rubbed sorely at the hickey, begrudged, "Anything significant, that is." she corrected herself.

  "So you did do something?" Mikasa prodded with an uncharacteristic smirk, nudging her shoulder.

  Hanji looked at her through her veil of bangs and scowled in embarrassment, "He uh...well I asked him to...you know." she gestured briefly to her legs before she covered her face in her hands. She peeked through her fingers to see if Mikasa had caught her drift.

  "Oooh! You asked him to." the girl grinned, sitting back and crossing her legs. "And?"

  Hanji removed her hands from her face and stared at her in confusion, "And...what? What more is there to tell?" she asked.

  Mikasa shrugged, "I guess nothing, really, I'm just curious to hear about the gritty details."

  "Even though he's your brother? Wouldn't you think it's gross?" Hanji felt herself blushing again.

  Mikasa shrugged, "Not really."

  Hanji chuckled awkwardly and shook her head, "Well, like I said, there's not really much to say. And you know damn well what goes on anyway!"

  "Heh, yeah I suppose you're right." Mikasa hummed, closing her eyes against the wind and inhaling deeply, seemingly dropping the subject. Hanji, however, took the time to think back on her experience that morning. About how hesitant Levi behaved when she offered to service him. And now she was curious herself...

  "Hey, Mikasa?" she began timidly.

  "Yes?" the girl didn't open her eyes just yet, but rather lay down on her back with a sigh.

  "I have a question...and I'm asking because I know you have...s-sexual experience." she tripped over her words at that point, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly.

  "Mhmm?" Mikasa hummed again.

  "You know that he t-touched me. But-" she bit her lip again and have a nervous chuckle, "-um, when I offered to...help him with his...ugh! Basically, he didn't seem to want me to." she said in frustration, irritated with herself over the fact that speaking about it gave her so much issue.

  Mikasa finally opened her eyes at that, pursing her lips in contemplation, "He didn't want you jerking him off, then?" she asked crassly.

  "That's the vibe I got from him." Hanji blushed again, resolving to redirect her gaze to the grass and pick out individual blades of it absentmindedly.

  "Hmm." Mikasa's lips tugged upwards in a smile, "But he had no issue with getting you off?"

  Hanji nodded, scrunching her shoulders together.

  Mikasa considered for a moment before a smile spread across her face, "You can't tell him I said this-"

  "I wouldn't even tell him I told you." Hanji deadpanned.

  "-I think he's nervous." Mikasa continued as she propped herself up on her elbows, "I don't know if you know, but it's typically common knowledge that men tend to be insecure about their cocks." she said with a laugh. "They're scared that the girls will think it's too small or something. Trust me when I say, a girl usually thinks the opposite the first time she sees one. Isabel's told me as much, and I felt the same with Eren."

  Hanji nodded in contemplation, "So, he's just worried I won't like it?" she asked to clarify.

  Mikasa shrugged, "That's the most likely reason. You know he has a short man complex as well, I'm more than sure he feels the same about his manhood." she said with a giggle and a wink.

  Hanji shared a giggle with her, though her thoughts briefly drifted to how she had (quite roughly) grabbed said manhood that morning. It was more likely he was scared of letting her touch it again. She almost snickered, but she bit her lip and nodded in acquiescence to Mikasa's insinuation, "Yeah, that's probably it."

•

•

  "There in front of the crown, lay a c-" Isabel paused, "Lay a car-" she groaned and let her forehead fall against the paper.

  "Isabel...you're really doing well." Hanji chuckled, lifting her head up so she could read the verse, "Carbuncle." Hanji corrected, returning to her crochet, of which she was developing skill in.

  Isabel nodded begrudgingly, "Lay in carbuncle-stone," she continued, "-which in the palace fair, even as a taper seemed; on her...h-head the hair, was glossy and also fine. It shone as bright even as the sun's...sheen, sun's sheen." she finished, taking in a deep breath and laying back with a sigh.

  "You only missed one word this time." Hanji said, patting her pupil's thigh assuringly. "We'll read the next verse later. Have you been reading your dictionary?"

  Isabel nodded, "Armin and Mikasa help me. But some of the words I can't make sense of!" she said, flailing her arms.

  Hanji giggled, "That's because the Abrogan Codex Armin owns still has a few Latin words in it. It's older than the one I learnt from." she explained. "You can ignore those, just read the German words."

  Isabel nodded, "Alright." she placed the bookmark back into the page they were currently on in The Lay of the Nibelungs. It was Hanji's favorite fable, she was elated to find that Armin owned it. And upon finding so insisted that Isabel improve her reading skills through it, coupled with the Codex (dictionary).

  She had Isabel read one stanza a day. Reviewing the whole page every few days. At least, that was the implied system. They hadn't been reading it long enough to go over a page yet.

  There was an exclamation from downstairs, and both women looked up from their occupations. Hanji from the stitch she was making with the yarn, and Isabel from the Codex she had just pulled out. "Damn cat!"

Mia, said cat, came walking up the stairs, casual in her demeanor as she leapt up onto Hanji's lap and interrupted her work. "Hey girl." Hanji scratched lightly at the ebony cat's head and smiled when she purred.

  Levi followed the cat shortly, "-slipped inside when I opened the door." he was saying as he ascended. He and Farlan had been out fixing a hole in the barn roof. Hanji looked up at him, and her smile widened when he sighed and pressed his fingers to his forehead.

  "Is she not allowed inside?" Hanji asked, pointedly looking at her not-quite-lover while she pet the cat tauntingly, as if daring him to say no.

  Levi removed his hand from his face and shook his head, "It's snowing anyway, I suppose."

  Isabel nodded, looking back at her Codex, "Mikasa would be letting her in any day this time of year. Might as well let her in now."

  Levi sighed, "Right." he glanced at Hanji, and she grinned when he stared at her. Eyes perusing her figure as if he were thinking of something. Something she could wager a guess as to what it might be. She placed the yarn and needle aside, lifting Mia in her arms while she approached him.

  "Is that a plank in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?" she teased in a hushed tone.

  Levi looked down anxiously to see if she was telling the truth, and scowled when he realized she was only flirting. "Don't do that." he murmured as he headed downstairs.

  She followed, chuckling heartily as she adjusted Mia in her arms. "Aww, why not? If it wasn't there before, it is now. Besides, weren't you just thinking of me?" she asked. He stiffened at that and headed down the hall to his room. She grinned at having been right and made to follow him, but yelped in surprise when the door slammed shut and locked before she could. "Oi!"

  "Give me a minute, Hanji." his voice sounded from the other side of the door.

  "Oh...need a little help?" she offered teasingly.

  "I'm not touching myself!" he hissed back, his voice breaking on the word "touching".

  "You sure about that?" she asked huskily.

  "For fuck's sake!" he exclaimed, and she heard the bed creak as he no-doubt flopped against it in frustration.

  "Oh, getting into bed? Well I guess I'll see you when you're done." she said loudly.

  "Fuck you!" he called back.

  She dashed away from the door, cackling and hugging Mia to her chest in delight. "I'd like that." she murmured to herself.

•

•

  Hanji accompanied Mikasa on her morning walk, now. And she also took a walk by herself in the afternoons, leading Chance or riding him depending on her mood. It was quiet, calm, soothing. And now that it was snowing she also enjoyed catching snowflakes on her tongue or letting Chance gallop and kick up snow.

  She took the time to think and to simply enjoy the fresh air. And on this particular ride, to reflect on Levi. He was a hard man to figure out, or maybe he just didn't like change. Because following both of their physical advances in their relationship, he went through a stage of...oh she didn't know how to label it. But she did know how to explain it: he would behave as though abstaining from her.

  Following their first kiss it took him four days to kiss her again, and between that time he seemed to avoid her, aside from bathing. Granted, he did become rather friendly, cuddly even. But he was doing it again, after their little coupling a couple days back (and not including their conversation the day before), he started avoiding her again. She had a few ideas why, but she'd have to ask him, and she was just a little too scared to.

  She stopped Chance in his tracks when she noticed the rider cresting the hill up ahead. And upon squinting she smiled knowingly, looking over her shoulder at the cabin behind her. A light kick to Chance's flanks had her trotting up to meet him.

  "Hello, Eren." she greeted, turning her steed to be instep with his own horse.

  Eren nodded to her, "Hey, Hanji." he smiled before looking ahead eagerly, "How has everyone been?"

  "Well, quite well." she said, "Mikasa's missed you." she added with a wink.

  Eren looked to the side to hide his blush, "Oh?"

  "Oh come now! No need to be secretive around me, hun." she reached over to swat at his shoulder, "I know a lot more than you think about your relationship." she murmured to herself, just barely loud enough for him to hear.

  He looked at her with a raised brow, "No offense, but that just sounds creepy."

  She chuckled, "It does, doesn't it?" she halted Chance and dismounted, brushing snowflakes from her hair and eyelashes, "Well, I'm exaggerating, of course. Don't mind my antics." she said with a secretive smile.

  Eren dismounted and led his own horse into the barn with her. "Alright, if you say so."

  They took care of their horses in silence, and she was sure to finish rubbing down Chance before he finished his own steed.

  "I'll go let them know you're here." she said as she passed him on her way out.

•

•

  "Eren's here."

  Mikasa froze when Hanji said those words, eyes wide and terrified as she tried to mentally process the fact that she needed to tell him. And tell her siblings for that matter. "He is?" she squeaked, brushing her bangs away from her forehead as she began to pace anxiously.

  "You going to tell him?"

  Mikasa turned and hunched her shoulders, and Armin pat her shoulder before he left the room, muttering about stalling Eren.

  "Mikasa?" Hanji prodded.

  "I don't think I can." she gulped audibly, and Hanji gently hugged her from behind.

  "I know you can. You know he's going to be ecstatic. And I promise I'll keep Levi passive." she assured, pulling back and spinning her friend around to face her.

  Mikasa bit her lip, inhaling deeply to calm herself, "I'm so nervous, Hanji." she sighed.

  Hanji nodded and gave her a soft smile, "I know you are. I would be too, I wager." she tapped on the underside of the younger girl's chin endearingly, "But you'll feel a lot better once you tell him, Mikasa."

  "I hope so."

  "Just do me a favor and tell me the same in the future." Hanji winked.

  Mikasa nodded with a hesitant smile of amusement, and Hanji followed her when she left the room to go see Eren. The raven-haired girl faltered when she saw Eren, speaking with Armin, and her family sitting in the living room by the fireplace. It would be difficult to get his attention without also attracting theirs.

  A gentle nudge from Hanji had her reluctantly shuffling forward on heavy feet. Armin glanced at her from over Eren's shoulder and smiled, gesturing subtly to his oblivious friend to turn around. Eren spun on his heel, grinning when he saw her, and she gasped when he was suddenly hugging her tight.

  "Hey, you." he murmured against her shoulder.

  "Hi." she said, voice small, and barely above the volume of a whisper.

  "I missed you." he said as he buried his face in the crook of her neck and sighed.

  She did likewise, smiling only just, "I missed you, too." she looked over his shoulder at her siblings, glad to see that both Hanji and Armin seemed to be distracting them from the blatant affection she and Eren were displaying. She pulled back enough to see those turquoise eyes she adored so much, and she tugged pointedly on his shirt as she took a step backwards. "Come here." she said quietly.

  He seemed a little flustered, but he followed her lead without question.

  She inhaled deeply as she sat him down on her bed, and then sat beside him after closing the door. Though she didn't lock it, they were only in here to talk, after all. Not that he seemed to know that, he looked rather confused, actually.

  She gave him a brief smile, "So...I, um..." she began, trying to formulate the right words to say. "Eren, you and I, we're kind of...sort of..."

  "Yeah?" he prodded, amusement evident in his eyes over how much she was stuttering.

  "Don't interrupt! This is hard to say, alright?" she swatted at him and rubbed at her eyes.

  "Sorry."

  "Don't say sorry."

  "Sorry. Uh-um, I mean-."

  "Damnit Eren!!" she exclaimed, pushing him hard enough - coupled with his laughter over his blunder - to make him fall back. She swiveled in place, crossing her legs and looking at him with an amused shake of her head. She took his hand in hers and brushed her thumb over the back of it, her smile softening. "I have something to tell you." she said, pulling his hand close enough to press a kiss to the soft underside of his wrist.

  "Okay." he nodded, eyes glinting expectantly.

  "Like I said, it's really hard to say." she stalled, screaming at herself in her head to: 'Just tell him damnit!'

  "Take your time." he chuckled softly.

  She just kissed his hand again, this time on the knuckles, and a sly smile spread across her face as she came up with a way to ask him, "What's your favorite name?"

  "What?" he tilted his head to the side incredulously.

  "I want to know." she shrugged.

  "Why?"

  "Well we'll need to name the baby won't we?" she countered, ducking her head as soon as she had said it. She heard him take a breath to speak, but instead of doing so he promptly choked on that very breath, coughed, and went entirely silent for at least a minute.

  She looked up when her nerves finally got the best of her and initially cringed at the sight of his eyes so wide and startled like that.

  "What?" he gaped.

  She couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her, he just looked so dumbstruck it was silly. "You heard me right." she bit her lip and tightened her grip on his hand, as if she feared he might pull it away because he suddenly hated her or something paranoid like that.

  "You're pregnant?" he moved to prop himself up on his elbows.

  She nodded hesitantly.

  "When did you find out?" he asked, gaze fixed on her still-flat stomach.

  "The day after you left, last week." she shuffled in place.

  "Oh." he said, blinking as he let that sink in.

  "So..." she drawled, starting to tremble in apprehension as she looked down at the quilt on the bed. He wasn't giving her any clues as to his opinion just yet. He didn't seem upset, but he wasn't acting happy either.

  "So I'm going to be a dad." he finished for her, and she looked up at his abrupt chuckle.

  "What's so funny?"

  "Nothing's funny!" he placated, sitting up fully and taking her hands in his, "I'm happy, really! It's not as if I didn't expect something like this. We were kind of reckless, and...yeah. I'm just a bit caught off guard at actually hearing it." he lifted her chin, "You can stop worrying now, you know."

  She smiled and turned her head away in embarrassment, "I'm not worrying."

  "Bullshit, Mika." he said with a grin, turning her head back to face him so he could kiss her. "Who else knows?" he asked.

  "Just Armin and Hanji." she shrugged.

  "Outstanding." he said sarcastically, but it was lost on her when he smiled like he did. She blushed when he stood and locked the door, "Still a while till dinner, right?" he asked as he coaxed her onto her back.

  "What are you doing?" she asked with a grin, despite being fully aware of his intentions.

  "Well, with news like that, and knowing how stressed you must have been this past week-" he shrugged, "-I think you deserve some time, love, and care." he accentuated his statement with a soft kiss.

  "Mm-fine by me." she responded with a giggle.

•

•

  "Think it went well?" Armin whispered to Hanji.

They both stood in the hall and stared at the closed door, grinning like idiots. "What do you think?" she snickered and turned away from the hall.

  "I think it went really well." Armin chuckled as he followed her.

•

•

A.N.

Oh look I didn't do no cliché sob party for a pregnancy reveal to the dad! Yay! They cool, they cool.

The poem Isabel was reading is a real, old German poem/fable called Nibelungenlied. And the Abrogans Codex is also real, ancient Latin-to-German dictionary, basically, pretty cool. The characters live in old Germany, and while I write them in English, I like to imagine they are speaking German.

Mia is named after my brother-in-law's fat, lazy black cat.

Writing this chapter I was a little hesitant. Thought maybe I should postpone any such content until our main pairing was more emotionally comfortable with one another. But, it just doesn't fit anywhere else in the future chapters. And I wouldn't really have anywhere to get a physical relationship started anyway, with what I've got planned and coming up. When it comes to Levi and Hanji's relationship. They have very physical personalities, these two. That's my basis for why they physically progress so quickly. They both prefer action over words. (In most cases for Hanji)

Also: Levi is both self-conscious about his dick and a bit apprehensive after the Illustrious Dick-Grabbing of Chapter 8.

Next time, hopefully sooner update cause writers block fucking sucks and I hope I'm over it now. More lemon slices most likely, and some development in the whole "Hanji's got a secret identity" department. Also the rest of the crew finds out about the impending baby-bomb. And Isabel wants Hanji to start using that damn bow!

*Has successfully dwarfed all previous author notes*

Chapter 11

Levihan 11

•

•

She couldn't do it.

She had told herself she'd march right down there and into his room, tell him everything before someone else did. But when it came down to it she balked, shutting her door and fisting her hands in her hair as she sunk to the floor and choked on her breath. "It's okay. It's okay." she panted, voice cracking and breath only quickening further.

"Can't go back." she gasped, "Can't go back."

She stood abruptly and paced, one hand loosely pressed against her forehead and the other propped on her hip. "Calm down." she told herself, repeating it even as her heart rate increased. The rational part of her brain suggested that Lord Smith might not even recognize her, after all, it had been at least six years since she'd seen him last.

'But what if he does?'

"UUGHH!" she groaned, smacking her palm into her forehead, "Shut up. Shut up!!" she hissed at herself. "Calm the fuck down, Hanji..." she said as she knelt beside her bed and propped her head on her hands. "Can't lose it like this." she told herself.

She wouldn't. She wouldn't allow herself to keep this intense panic up. If she couldn't tell Levi, if she didn't have the guts, then the best thing to do would be to simply avoid Erwin Smith at this festival. In a town so small...it would be difficult, she was sure, but she would do it nonetheless.

She took a long, deep breath and exhaled slowly. 'That's better.' she thought to herself, closing her eyes in relief as her heart stopped it's anxious fluttering.

Hanji reopened her eyes and hummed as she stood, brushing her disheveled hair out of her face and reaching her hair band to tie it into it's customary ponytail. She was by no means truly ready for this, a confrontation with someone who knew her. But either way, it was unavoidable at best. All she could possibly do was prepare.

•

•

"Better, much better." Isabel said, checking Hanji's stance from every angle, "You have issues keeping your arm up proper with the string taut. Elbow high, move of the strain goes in your back, not your arm." she instructed, and Hanji moved her arm accordingly.

"Like this?" Hanji asked, tossing her head to get the hair out of her face.

"Yes." Isabel smiled, "You'll be able to shoot an arrow soon. Just remember the stance well, you'll strain yourself or kill someone otherwise." the redhead nodded to signal for Hanji to lower the bow.

"Heh." Hanji scoffed, "I'll sure remember that." she put the bow down against the barn wall and leaned against it as she drank the offered cup of water from Isabel. "It wasn't all that tiring, you know." she said in reference to the water in her hand.

"Of course not, it wasn't for my training." Isabel gestured to Levi across the way and sitting on the small porch of the cabin. "He said he was gonna be training you in swordsmanship." she explained, "Don't gulp the water, you'll be moving around quite a bit if I know Levi."

Hanji nodded, "Alright." she bit her lip and glanced to the side, her internal conversation from the morning coming back to her.

"He trained me, you know." Isabel said, gazing at her older brother in admiration, "And Lord Smith trained him." she added on.

Hanji shuffled in place and gulped, "You know this...Lord Smith...well, then?" she asked, looking down at her feet.

"Aye, he's a good man, particularly so for a Lord. He took a liking to Levi when he first stumbled upon us. A few dirty young teens and two little kids run away from our orphanage." Isabel said with a chuckle, "Insightful, is how I would describe the man. Intelligent too. He saw potential in Levi, and offered us safe hold here while he trained him."

"So...why did you have to pay him off for the deed?" Hanji asked in confusion.

Isabel tilted her head and hummed, "Levi didn't see it as right to have this land for nothing, and Erwin was appreciative of that, spoke about how honorable he was and shit like that, only made him like Levi that much more." she said, "Levi went off on little odd jobs for him and other Lords, it's how we got into the mercenary work. He would come back and teach us, give his earnings to Smith and soon enough he brought us with him on his trips, after two or three years."

Hanji nodded, glancing at Levi in contemplation. She did think she had recognized his voice when she first met him, only a little...perhaps that was why? Perhaps she had heard a few years ago him in her home, back in Macedonia, while he possibly dealt with her father?

'That makes a lot of sense, actually.' she thought to herself with a hum of surprise.

"Are you done gossiping about me?" Levi asked, and Hanji jolted out of her reverie with a gasp.

"We weren't gossiping." Isabel scoffed, "It was just a bit of history."

"Right. Whatever." Levi said, handing Hanji a wooden sword.

Hanji chuckled, "Where'd you get this?" she asked, looking it over. It looked worn with age and was chipped in some places.

"Oi, that was mine wasn't it?" Isabel stepped up and grasped it by it's blunt blade.

"Yes, it was." Levi said, holding up a wooden sword of his own, "Now get out of my hair so I can get on with it." he used his sword to smack his sister on her rear as she fled, making her squeal and cackle.

Hanji giggled to herself and brushed her bangs behind her ear, blushing as she studied Levi's profile. Her eyes glazed over his nose, small and slightly pointed, and incredibly adorable. At least she thought so. And his eyes, intimidating and cold steel when she first met him, but beautiful and delightfully warm grey to her now.

She was admiring his delectably kissable lips when he turned to face her, and she jumped at having been caught ogling.

"Were you staring at me?" he asked, his lip quirking at one end only just slightly.

Hanji recovered from her embarrassment quickly, "Oh shut up, I'm not going to dignify that with an answer and inflate your ego any further." she said with a smirk.

Levi pursed his lips and shook his head, fighting a smile most diligently. "Don't look at me like that, we're meant to be sparring not snogging." he said as he walked away, "Come on then."

"I'd much prefer snogging." Hanji said as she followed him, a smug grin spread across her face.

"Hanji..." Levi said in warning, turning to her with his lower lip tugged between his teeth and his gaze in any direction but hers, "You're pushing it." he said.

"I like pushing it." she shot back.

Levi sighed and looked at her, obviously weary of her teasing.

"What?"

"Stop it." he said, weighing the wooden sword in his hand, "What do you know of swordsmanship?" he asked.

"Only what I've observed." Hanji shrugged, most pointedly eyeing him up and down and smirking as she spoke.

"Show me, then." Levi held his sword up, grip firm and pose elegant as he pointed it at her expertly.

She nodded and adjusted her own grip on her sword, putting one foot forward and turning her body sideways, mirroring his pose and holding her wooden blade up with a slightly shaky hand.

Levi examined her, raising a brow, "You're just mimicking me."

"No I'm not!" she said, dropping the sword's end to the snow and rolling her eyes, "It's what I saw other men do in training. I'm mimicking them, not you."  she said as she raised her blade again.

"What other men?" Levi stepped forward testily, sword raised, scaring her enough to make her step back once.

"Are you jealous?" she giggled, gasping and nearly tripping over her feet when he tapped her sword with his.

"Stance steady!" he instructed, "And no, I am not." he said, demonstrating his stance once again for her.

Hanji corrected herself and readjusted her grip on the sword, blocking his next hit only just barely. The sword was knocked out of her hand seconds later and a wooden blade pressed softly against her throat. She gasped at the motion, and Levi's proximity. "That's not fair," she said, breathless, "You're supposed to be teaching me."

He narrowed his gaze, "I am teaching you." he said, "You need to learn how to dance on your feet, block me, even strike me." he stepped closer and removed the sword from her neck and tugged her down by her collar, "You won't learn if I treat you like glass." he murmured.

She nodded, eyes fixed on his lips.

"So..." he turned away and picked up her sword, handing it to her and walking a few feet away before he spun on his heel and resumed his stance, "Ready to learn?" he asked.

"Yes." she breathed, biting her lip and glancing down hungrily.

"Don't look at my cock." he reprimanded.

"I'm not looking at your cock!" she defended.

"Well there's nothing else down there for you to look at, so what else am I to make of it?" he said with a scoff.

"I'm focused! I'm focused!" she exclaimed, "Just have at me!" she said, raising her sword.

Only to have it knocked out of her hand again.

"You need to build strength in your arms. No matter what Grisha said about your muscles or whatever." he sighed, "Pick it up."

They sparred for nearly a full hour, and by the time she finally dropped her sword for good she was lathered in sweat under her cloth and furs, hair plastered to her forehead and breath heavy as she dropped to her knees. She was well battered and bruised, having not landed a single blow on Levi, but sustained many herself.

"Not bad, Hanji." he said as he approached her, tossing his sword down beside hers.

"I didn't hit you at all." she panted.

"It's not about hitting me. Not right now." he said, kneeling down on one leg and lifting her chin, "Right now you just need to focus on your stance, your footwork, and not letting me hit you." he said.

She nodded and exhaled sharply, "Right."

He smiled a little, "Tired?"

"Yes." she sighed.

"Sore?"

She hummed in an affirmative.

"Good." he said, kissing her on her forehead.

"So can we snog now?" she asked with a grin, chuckling when he groaned and hung his head. "Can we?" she prodded, shuffling to her knees to be at eye level with him. She was teasing...partially. But regardless she still tugged him in closer and nudged her nose against his. "Hmm?"

He didn't resist her, thank goodness, and she kissed him with fervor, tugging him down hard enough to make him fall on both knees. In retaliation he pressed forward, in every sense of the phrase. Though his vigor was a little too much at that particular moment, and she lost her balance, unprepared. She yelped as she tumbled backward into the snow.

"Ahh! That's cold..." she hissed as the snow began to seep into her thinner layers of clothing. Coupled with her sweat, it was in no way pleasant. "I'm gonna get all wet now." she scolded as he straddled her and pinned her hands by her side.

"Are you now?" he murmured, and her breath hitched.

"Oh..." she breathed when she realized her own implication. He smiled, steely eyes hooded and dark with desire. "Erm-" she interrupted when he began to reach for her pants, "-my cycle...it's...um..." she shrugged.

He scoffed and kissed her, "Thanks for getting me riled up then." he scolded and moved his lips to her jaw.

"Sorry." she said with a blush of embarrassment, "I forgot about it till now."

"Don't worry, I'm only teasing." he said.

"You never sound like you're teasing." she pursed her bottom lip in a pout.

"Well I am."

"You know, it's really cold." her body shivered as if to prove her point.

He stood up and off of her at that, hoisting her up and nudging her towards the house. "Go change and sit at the fire." he said.

"Alright." she nodded, turning around last minute for one more kiss, soft and simple, before she headed inside with a contented smile upon her face.

•

•

"He kick your ass, then?"

Hanji looked up in surprise when she registered that the voice belonged to Mikasa. "Uh...well, yeah." she admitted with a ting of hurt pride seeping into her voice.

Mikasa sat down and chuckled softly, "Don't be embarrassed," she said, "He kicked mine too, Isabel's, Farlan's, and Eren's, when he taught us."

Hanji smiled, "He taught Eren?" she asked.

Mikasa shrugged, "He liked him well enough until he got old enough and started taking a liking to me...and I to him. You know how brothers are." she said, grunting as she lifted her feet up onto the couch beside her and rubbed the sole of one of them.

Hanji nodded, "I wouldn't know." she said with a slight smile.

"Right, sorry." Mikasa grimaced.

"Don't be, I don't mind it." Hanji tugged her blanket together over her chest and shuffled closer to the fire, "I'm kind of glad of it. I'd worry, I reckon, if I had siblings."

"Well of course you would." Mikasa giggled, "All siblings worry."

"I suppose that's true." Hanji hummed, leaning back in her chair with a sigh. She glanced up at Mikasa and tilted her head, "So, are you and Eren going to marry?" she asked.

Mikasa blinked, "Well...yes. Soon, if all goes right." she said, looking down at her stomach, "Probably sometime during the festival."

Hanji squirmed slightly at the mention, reminded of her inner turmoil. "How long is it?"

"Hmm?"

"The festival." Hanji clarified, "Is it a night or does it span many?"

"Oh." Mikasa nodded, thinking it over, "About two days, give or take depending on various circumstances." she said.

"And what does it celebrate?" Hanji asked, tugging her hair out of the band and running her fingers through it to untangle the knots.

"Well, it won't be long before everyone down there is all shut up in the house over blizzards and such. It's really just the people getting together and having fun, warmth and food before it's gone for the next few months." Mikasa explained.

Hanji nodded, "I see."

"Everyone down in the village is really nice." Mikasa continued, "I've grown to know them well over the past few years. You'd like the innkeeper, Abigail."

"Pardon me."

Both paused in their chat and Mikasa allowed Eren to sit beside her, lifting her legs and draping them over his lap while her back rested against the arm of the couch. "As I was saying, you'd like her." Mikasa said, turning her head to look at Hanji. "She's very jovial, more so than Isabel. You can't grow bored listening to her."

"You talking about Abigail?" Eren asked, chewing on some smoked venison.

"Don't talk with your mouth full!" Mikasa thwacked him upside the head, "How do you expect to raise a child with no manners?" she scolded.

Eren swallowed his mouthful and snickered, "Sorry Mika." he said.

Hanji smiled, "She sounds nice." she said, "Abigail."

Mikasa gave a smile of her own, "I'll introduce you to her when we go down there." she said, "She's also a wonderful cook, taught me most of what I know."

Hanji nodded, biting her lip and looking back to the fire as she tuned out the rest of Mikasa's words. If she couldn't even go one day without cringing inside every time the damned festival was mentioned, how was she going to last two whole weeks?

•

•

"Ahh! Levi..."

Well, that was a way. Not that she was complaining. In fact, she hadn't thought of her anxiety at all today, despite having done so constantly for the past four days. After all, it's hard to be anxious when your not-quite-lover has their hand down your non-existent pants.

Levi had jumped her early that morning, after an extremely subtle greeting and those obviously desiring eyes that she was growing used to seeing from him. Perhaps he had one of those dreams that she was having increasingly often recently. She wasn't too concerned with why, though, her only thought being that he had better not stop.

He hoisted her up further against the wall and she bit her lip to keep quiet, failing miserably to do so. "Oh God...mmm!"

"Shh!" he scolded, pressing his forehead to hers and adjusting her leg around his waist, "I may like hearing this, but I doubt Isabel and Farlan will." he said, crooking his finger inside her and smirking when she slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle herself.

"It can't be that good." he said incredulously, "It's nothing special." he repeated the motion, and she jerked in place, whining softly.

"Ah...you...wouldn't know." she huffed, "Stop talking and just keep doing that." she demanded.

"Doing this?" he said, crooking his finger repeatedly, and she seized up in seconds.

"Shit...oh shit..." she panted, slumping back against the wall and dropping one leg from his hip to keep herself propped up.

"Feeling better, Hanji?" he asked, using his clean hand to brush her sweaty bangs from her face.

"What?" she murmured, "Better?"

He shrugged, "You've been..." he paused to look for the right word, "...depressed. Anxious? I don't know."

She opened her eyes and looked at him, "You could tell?" she asked, a slight smile upon her lips.

"I told you, I like to think I know you." he said.

She hummed appreciatively and kissed him, toying with the longer hair at the back of his head, "I think you do." she sighed, kissing him again, "And I appreciate it, very much so." she said with a smile. "Thank you."

He stepped back, and she followed, planting herself on his lap when he sat at the end of her bed. "So is that a yes?"

"Yes." she kissed him once more before she hugged him tightly.

A knock on the door had them jolting, though it stayed closed as the intruder spoke, "You might as well move into his room, right Hanji?"

"For fuck's sake, Isabel!" Levi exclaimed, "Leave us be for once."

"Just saying, you'll benefit from it." Isabel called as she walked away, her footsteps receding down the stairs.

Hanji kissed his shoulder, "Don't mind her, she gets a kick out of your reaction, you know." she said, Isabel had told her as much after all.

"Of course she does." Levi sighed, "Less so now that you're here, I suppose." he stroked her clothed arm, glancing up at her.

"It's cause I entertain her, lucky for you. I suppose you ought to thank me now. Don't you?" she grinned cheekily, tracing a finger down his chest and lightly tugging at the ties of his shirt.

"You're not tired?" he asked.

"Of course not!" she scoffed, "I'll have you know I could have a go at you all day if you allowed it." she leaned forward to nip at his neck, suckling lightly like he had to her the first time.

"Could you?" he gave a scoff of his own, a light hum of pleasure escaping him when she laved her tongue over his pulse.

"I could." she confirmed, sitting back and grinding against him purposefully.

He stiffened and grunted, hands moving to her hips to hold her in place. "And what about your practice today?"

"Fuck practice, I have all the time in the world for that." she chuckled.

"You won't get better if you skip lessons." he chided.

"Only one lesson lost, it won't stunt my growth." she shrugged.

"Yes it will." he said, "Not that I care." he rolled them over and she yelped, dissolving into giggles when his fingers found her sides.

"Hanji, Mikasa said to-oh God! Shit!"

Levi looked over his shoulder and glared at Armin, who was covering his eyes and turning his head away.

Hanji tugged her shirt down over her privates and chuckled in embarrassment, "Tell Mikasa I'll be right down, Armin." she instructed.

"Right, sorry." Armin nodded behind his hand, "I didn't see anything, by the way." the poor boy added as he made his escape before he was accosted (brutally murdered) by Levi.

"Which translates to: 'I saw your cunt cause your lover didn't lock the damn door'." Hanji smirked up at Levi, who turned his scowl on her in turn. "Like I told you to, by the way." she added.

"Shut up and put some pants on."

•

•

The rest of the wait passed swiftly, with the occasional coupling between her and Levi every now and again. She improved in both sword skills and archery, though Isabel often told her that she "-couldn't hit the broad side of a barn at ten feet." She didn't mean it, of course, but Hanji was better at swordplay than the bow. A fact that made her exceedingly jealous of her brother for all the extra time he spent with Hanji.

To which Levi often responded with a scoff and a firm kiss when Hanji told him of it. And so she did often, if only for the chance of a snogging. He was distracting enough that she had forgotten about the festival about four or five days before it actually came back to bite her in the ass. So when she woke up to the dress Isabel had hemmed tossed in her face, she had to reconcile with her anxiety all over again.

"Wake up, sleeping beauty!" Isabel said, opening her curtains and letting the sunrise beam in. "Today's the festival. Everyone will want a bath, so I suggest you take yours while Levi still has claim on the washroom." she said with a smile as she headed out the door, "Don't dally!"

Hanji rubbed at her eye as she sat up, a little bewildered and entirely flustered. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood, pulling some pants on loosely to preserve her modesty before she followed Isabel's advice and headed downstairs. The bathroom door would be locked, she knew, so she slipped into some boots - her own this time - and went around the back.

  "Hey Levi." she said as she burst in, and he was taken aback, giving a most satisfactory yelp and spinning in place in the tub. "Oooh." she said, followed with a low whistle, "I wonder what you've been hiding in your pants." she approached the tub and planted her hands on the rim, peering in only to have her scandalous view blocked by his hands in his lap.

"Hanji!" he hissed, giving her his customary scowl and gesturing loosely with his shoulders as if to say 'What the fuck are you thinking?!'

"Awww!" she cooed, pursing her lip in a pout, "And here I thought I might see it after you've seen my womanhood so many times." she said.

"Three times." he said in correction.

"That's still three more times than I've seen your cock, Shorty." she held up three fingers and then let her hands fall in the water, swishing it around.

"Don't call me Shorty."

"But you're mine, aren't you? I can call you whatever I want." she said with a smile, reaching her hand forward to toy with his bottom lip.

"Whoever said I was yours?" Levi kissed her thumb.

"Nobody." she slid her opposite hand around his neck and pulled him in for a chaste kiss, "I simply assumed as much."

He sighed, exasperated, "Fair enough. I'll be done in a minute. Can you just give me that minute, please?" he asked, "We're in a hurry and we don't have time to cater to your desires right now. Even if I may share them."

"Right." she said with a nod, standing to pull her shirt over her head and her pants around her ankles. "I'll just hop in then. To save time." she stepped into the water.

Levi jolted and stood, "Hanji!"

"Oh...wow." she grinned, chewing on her lower lip as she took him in. He realized only a second too late that he had removed his hands. And so he turned around and covered his face in his palm. "Ohh that's just as good." she hummed to herself, reaching forward to pinch his ass, and she cackled when he kicked water up at her.

"For fuck's sake." he sighed, running his fingers through his sudsy hair and looking at her over his shoulder.

"By all means, continue." she gestured toward him, and she raised a brow when he furrowed his, " Please, I'm only bathing, Levi." she said with a smug grin, already lathering the soap bar against her arms and chest. "I can't promise I won't ogle you, but I'm not going to jump your pretty bones, I swear." she said.

"If I know you, you'll jump em anyway." Levi grumbled, sitting down and dunking himself under to rinse his hair.

Hanji laughed, shaking her head and closing her eyes as she lathered the soap into her hair. 'God, I love him.'

•

•

Her dress was simple, folksy...pretty. Not golden in color, shimmery and laced with gems or silver like the last dress she wore, but soft grey and blue with a wide skirt built for vigorous dancing. Isabel had fine taste in her dresses, Hanji would say that much. She apparently liked the shoulders bare, just as Hanji did, and the neckline swooped low enough for Hanji to feel a little self-conscious, but not enough to let the cold in.

She admired herself in Isabel's mirror, the only one in the house, and hummed as she turned around and looked at her rear, a slight pout when she realized the material didn't hug it as tightly as she hoped. Now she couldn't tease and rile Levi.

"Oh well." she sighed.

"Oh well?" Mikasa stepped out from Isabel's closet and smoothed down her dress, heather grey and rimmed with black on the sleeves and skirt.

"Nothing." Hanji spun in place and tilted her head, mouth quirked in a smile, "Aww, Mikasa!" she cooed, stepping forward and feeling the fabric of the girl's dress. "You look lovely."

Mikasa blushed, fingering the sash on her stomach, "I had to adjust it for my belly." she said.

"Oh come now, I can barely tell the difference. And besides, even if I could, there's no need to feel bashful over it." she smoothed Mikasa's hair back and began gathering the raven colored, thick locks into her hands.

"What are you doing?" Mikasa asked.

"Putting your hair up." Hanji answered, brushing the younger girl's (curled) hair with Isabel's brush and pulling it into an elaborate updo. She learned how to do it when she was younger, both to herself and others. It left the bangs out and framing the face while the rest of the hair twisted up into a bun, the leftover draping down and over one shoulder in a loose curl.

Hanji pinned in in place and then maneuvered Mikasa over to the mirror. "What do you think?"

Mikasa smiled, "Where'd you learn to do that?" she asked.

"My hair used to be longer, I had to deal with it somehow." Hanji said with a wave of her hand.

"Oh?" Mikasa turned around, "How long was it?"

Hanji hesitated, but she tapped her hip to show how long it had been before, "Pretty long."

"Wow!" Mikasa exclaimed, "That's longer than mine. Why did you cut it?"

Hanji spun on her heel and winced, "Eh-um, I was tired of it." she said.

"I see, I can imagine that." Mikasa said with a shrug, "Isabel is waiting downstairs. What do you say we go dazzle our men?" she bumped hips with Hanji as she headed towards the door.

"Did you steal that line from Isabel?"

"Yes."

Both girls chuckled as they descended the stairs, and Hanji locked away Levi's expression upon seeing her with the most tender, loving care. Adoration was too light a word to describe it. She went with awestruck, and she kissed him when he took her hand, despite their company.

"Ooh!" Isabel whistled, and Hanji broke away in embarrassment. Isabel herself wore a dress styled similarity to hers, but in a dark, forest green rather than the blue and grey of Hanji's dress. Shorter as well, to accommodate the petite woman's figure.

The men, including Armin and Eren, were dressed well, likely more so than the villagers might be, due to their circumstances. They all had black jackets to accentuate white or grey shirts, and Levi wore a cravat, one that Hanji started toying with the moment she saw it.

"Are we all ready, then?" Farlan asked, holding his elbow out for Isabel, "The wagon is outside."

"Wagon?" Hanji questioned, having never seen one around the cabin, or in the barn for that matter.

"I went down and borrowed it from Doctor Jäger yesterday. He always lends it to us before the festival." Farlan explained.

"Riding in dresses in a nightmare." Mikasa said in a hushed voice.

"You can say that again." Isabel looked over her shoulder to say.

Hanji nodded, she knew that quite well, growing up as a Lady. She smiled at Levi when he hoisted her up into the back of the wagon, and he went around the front to sit with Farlan and help guide the horses. She sat down just behind the front seat with Isabel on one side and Mikasa on another. Armin and Eren sat on the sides, chatting away just as much as the women.

The ride down was a little tiring, given that it took so long. But they made it to the festival before Hanji decided she might go mad with boredom. She had never been so happy to step off of a wagon, or carriage rather, but who cares of the difference? The village was bright with stringed, colored lanterns and torch poles.  A wooden platform was in the middle of town, large and full of dancing, jovial people already. Near the inn there were many tables and chairs and all were lined with food and drink.

Hanji took it in, used to balls and sophisticated, slow, calculated dances, and wine and behaving prim and proper. This was freeing, to see people drink ale and women kick up their frilly skirts while dancing. To see a band with guitars and percussion rather than a pianoforte and various stringed instruments. Some of those same instruments were present, but far more jovial.

Overall, the festival easily painted a genuine smile upon her lips, and she followed her company's lead without hesitation, leaping into the fray and forgetting her fears all too easily. "This is beautiful!" she murmured, awed and captivated by the entirety of her surroundings.

"Are you hungry?" Levi asked.

She turned, slightly startled at the reminder of his presence, "Yes, famished." she said with a soft smile.

Levi led her around the dancing and the people who conversed on the outskirts of the dance floor. And she was greeted with the tables she had seen from afar. "Eat what you will, Abigail has the whole village more than covered." he gestured to the tables littered with food and drink, along with plates and utensils at each of the tables.

There were around seven tables, each comprised of many small tables and pressed together to equal the length of the inn, which was easily larger than the cabin they lived in. Hanji hardly noticed Levi leaving her side, and she hastily made herself a plate of vittles. Some venison and many cooked, root vegetables, along with a roll of bread and a cup of wine. She sat down and ate, watching the dancing and realizing that in her distraction, she had lost sight of her companions.

Not that she couldn't find them easily. Looking around, Mikasa and Eren were talking with Grisha, Armin was speaking to a blonde girl she hadn't ever heard of, Isabel and Farlan had wasted no time in joining the dance. As for Levi...

She glanced around a few times, frowning as she finished her last bite and standing up to better spot him. She sipped at her wine and hummed, turning from the festival to look at the stars. She observed them for a moment, and then jolted when someone tapped her shoulder.

"Yes?" she spun on her heel, expecting a stranger, and gasping when she recognized the man before her.

He wasn't as tall as she remembered, but she was younger the last time she spoke with him. He seemed to have barely aged a day, then again, he was a rather young Lord when she first met him. His blonde hair and blue eyes were not easily mistaken, along with his casual smile. He seemed amused at her reaction, and she pressed a hand to her chest in her fright. Especially fearful when he stepped close enough to speak in a hushed tone.

"Lady Titania, it's surprising to see you here." he gave a courteous nod of his head, and she gulped.

"Lord Smith..." she breathed, her body dissolving into a trembling mess as she fought to stay composed. He took her hand and kissed it, as was customary between lords and ladies.

"Zoë Titania, heiress to the Titania estate and supposedly 'kidnapped' three months ago..." he said, turning to face the crowd in a show of normalcy. "And here I find you, nearly a month's ride away from home, celebrating the local festival."

Her body quivered, and her wine sloshed from how violently she was shaking. "I-Lord Erwin...I don't-" she stuttered.

"Calm yourself, Zoë." Erwin turned to her with an assuring smile, "I won't be informing your father if you do not wish it."

Hanji blinked at him as she absorbed those words, and then she sagged, sitting down with a soft gasp, "You recognized me." she murmured.

Erwin chuckled, sitting beside her and crossing one leg over the other, "Your nose gives you away, and so does your height...but most of all it's your demeanor. You really haven't changed all that much, Titania."

"Don't call me that. Please." she whispered sharply, "Not here. Here I am no one, I can't have that change. These people cannot know who I am." she pleaded.

"What else shall I call you but your name?" Erwin shrugged.

"It's Hanji. Hanji or nothing at all." she said.

"Is that so?" he sipped at the cup of wine he had been holding, "Tell me then, Hanji...why are you here?"

She turned her head and bit her lip, "I wasn't kidnapped, as if I could be so lucky. I ran away." she said, her tone implying that she would offer no further explanation. "I would like it to stay that way."

"You ran away." Erwin nodded, "Because of your engagement to Lord Berner's son?"

"Lord Berner?!" she exclaimed, and then leaned close to whisper, "Cedric Berner's son?"

"You did not know your intended?" Erwin asked in surprise.

Hanji crossed her arms, "Of course not, I don't know if you knew my father as well as I, but he only ever told me the bare minimum. He simply informed me in the least insulting of ways that he was selling me like cattle for more wealth and power." she grit her teeth, begrudged.

"I see." Erwin sat back and considered her. "And would knowing who you were marrying have changed your decision?" he asked.

She scoffed, "No. I'd have left either way." she said.

"Hmm. And how did you get all the way out here, in Servia?"

"I ran into some people who live here." she said, looking down at her hands, "After I fell off my horse and broke my arm like an idiot." she chuckled mirthlessly.

"The Ackermans." Erwin said.

Hanji glanced at him, "How did you know?"

"They're the only people who would be so far out of town, my dear Zoë."

"Hanji!" she corrected in a hiss.

"Force of habit, child." he waved away her correction with a dismissive hand. She only glowered at him, and he sighed, "I suppose I'll leave you to the party, I fear I'll insult you further if I stay." he stood and bowed. "Rest assured your father will learn nothing of your whereabouts unless you wish it." he said.

"Please don't tell anyone." Hanji pleaded before he turned away, though he did not answer, and her heart dropped down to her stomach.

•

•

Levi observed their interaction with interest. He'd never seen Hanji behave like she had, she seemed terrified. Perhaps it was meeting a lord that had her so pale, but he couldn't be certain. He watched as Lord Smith left her and made directly for him.

"Lovely girl." the older man said as he stepped beside him.

Levi glanced at him in curiosity, "What did you speak of?" he asked.

"Just introductions, Levi. Don't worry yourself." Erwin said.

Levi hummed, not quite believing the man, but it wasn't his place to question a lord. That's not to say he wouldn't question him later.

"You should offer her a dance, she seems lonely." Erwin observed, turning and making for the quieter side of the festival.

Levi shrugged, "Okay?" he said all too late, as the man was already gone. "Cryptic as always." he sighed as he made his way to Hanji. She jolted under his touch when he hugged her from behind, and he shushed her with a kiss to her shoulder, "Jittery tonight, aren't you?" he murmured.

"Levi." she said, voice recovering quickly from the slight quiver he had heard.

"Want to dance?" he asked, spinning her in his grasp and giving her a small smile as he bumped noses with her. She blushed and nodded, accepting his kiss with a giggle.

"Yes. I'd like that." she said, taking his offered hand and following him onto the platform.

"Do you know this dance?" he asked, positioning his arms accordingly as she did with him.

"No." she admitted, biting her lip.

"Me neither." he said.

She barked a laugh, glancing over each shoulder to see if anyone had noticed her outburst. "I suppose we'll improvise, then."

"I suppose so." he leaned in close again and she presses her forehead to his as they swayed. Not in tune with the music, it was too jovial for either of them, in any case. A strange thought, her not being jovial. She seemed distressed, less happy than she was that morning, despite her smiles. If she were her usual self she would be forcing him to dance along with the music. Not that he would have minded. He would have preferred it to the solemn girl he had in his arms.

"Are you alright, Hanji?" he brought a hand up to stroke a curled strand of hair from her face.

She looked at him and nodded, though her movements were hesitant. "Yes."

"Remember what we said about lying?" he pressed her closer and stopped moving.

She nodded, "No bullshit." she said.

"That's right." he kissed her again, firmly and only just languid enough to have her searching for another when he pulled back. "So what's wrong?"

"Can I tell you when we get home?" she asked in a small voice, "I don't want to speak of it here."

He nodded, "As long as you tell me." he let her hug him, grunting when she squeezed him a little too tightly. "And don't crush me." he added, laughing as she loosened her hold and pulled back, flustered.

"I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed quietly.

"You should be more careful. I'm delicate." he said, smirking when she paused and stared at him, and then she burst into raucous laughter that had him dragging her away from the dancing before she collapsed.

He could listen to that laughter for hours, it was so pretty and wholesome. He loved it.

"Delicate?" she wheezed, accepting the wine he offered to her with another fit of giggling.

"Calm down, you." he huffed, standing and looking around casually.

"Thanks for dancing with me." she sighed, leaning back against the table.

"We barely danced at all."

"It was still nice." she said.

Levi nodded and glanced around once more, his gaze landing on Lord Smith, who beckoned him over as soon as their eyes met. He tilted his head in consideration, and then looked down at Hanji, "Stay here, I'll be back." he said as he left.

"Alright." she said.

Levi approached Erwin with a respectful nod, "Did you need something, Lord-"

"You're a bloody idiot."

Levi furrowed his brow, startled at the way he had been addressed. "What?" he scoffed.

"And here I always thought you were a smart person." Erwin said, "And her of all people." he added quietly, as if speaking to himself.

"My Lord, I'm not certain I understand what you mean." Levi said in growing irritation.

"Did you not recognize her in the slightest?"

"Recognize...Hanji? Yes I thought I recognized her when we met. How could you know her?" he asked suspiciously, though at this point he was starting to feel intrigued.

"You stopped by Cedric's estate on the way." Erwin said it as fact, it wasn't a question, but Levi answered it anyway.

"Yes I did."

"Did he tell you nothing of her?" Erwin muttered to himself, "Levi, take a look at her. Take a good look at that young woman and tell me what you see." Erwin pointed at Hanji, who stood with hands clasped before her and her face downcast as she seemed to contemplate something dire. Levi's features softened as he wondered what she was thinking of to look so sullen after he had made her smile and laugh like she did. He didn't realize he was openly admiring her until Erwin sighed. "She's different from the rest of them. Do you not see it?"

"Different?" Levi repeated, considering Hanji again.

"She's elegant, look at her stance, her poise. Look at the way she addresses others and how she holds her wine, even the way she's pinned her hair up." Erwin pointed out.

Levi grew defensive, "What of it, Smith? Why are you so interested in Hanji?"

Erwin scoffed, "Levi, for one, I am not interested in the girl. And secondly, that is not her name."

Levi frowned, his heart rate increasing as he recalled how he had told Farlan the same thing three months ago.

"That woman's name is Lady Zoë Titania, daughter of Lord Gregor Titania. Do you remember the first bounty I sent you on, four years ago?" Erwin explained.

Levi blinked, his gaze entirely fixed on the woman he had allowed himself to become so enthralled with. "Four years ago?" he breathed.

It was all coming back to him now...

~

He had been traveling for weeks, and upon arriving at the castle he nearly fell off of his horse. Regardless, the eighteen-year-old willed the wobble of his legs away as he entered the hall of Lord Titania. A rather feminine name, in his own, humble opinion. But he wasn't there to give his opinion.

He was received well, and he accepted his first bounty with grace and big words, as Lord Smith had taught him. He was offered a room to stay for the night, as per Smith's suggestion to Titania. And Levi was grateful. He was escorted there, and then left to his own devices. In the morning he was on his way to leave the castle, though he had (embarrassingly) become quite lost.

Upon turning a corner he ran into someone, a girl from the sound she made, and he righted her with steady hands against her slim shoulders. He looked at her then, observing her childish features and the lanky body of a girl who was slowly maturing into her slight curves. She couldn't have been older than fourteen, and she wasn't.

Her eyes were as dark brown as her hair, and yet highlighted with gold flecks and dark, thick eyelashes. They were truly pretty. Her nose was long and sloped, and yet fit well with her features in a way one wouldn't expect such a nose to. The girl tossed her long, luxurious, brown hair away from her shoulders and gave him a scowl.

"Watch where you're going, boy." she reprimanded, straightening her skirt.

"Boy?" he scoffed, allowing himself a rare smile. "I'm certainly older than you, girl." he said in challenge.

She flushed, be it with rage or embarrassment, he didn't care, she fisted her hands and glared at him. "I'll have you know that I am Lady Titania!"

"And I'm supposed to care?" he crossed his arms in boredom.

"How dare you!" she gaped at him, shocked at having been sassed. She'd likely never experienced a harsh word in her life, privileged and rich as her family was.

"It's only the truth." he said, "Do you want me to lie and grovel at your feet in fear of a title like every other man you meet?" he asked.

She made to respond, but stopped herself, considering his words. He watched in amusement as she tried in vain to come up with a retort, and then she turned away from him in a huff.

"Before you leave," he said before she could walk away, and she paused to look at him over her shoulder. "I'm - admittedly - lost, and in need of some directions."

She tilted her head as she turned completely, hands on her slight hips, "It's not that big of a castle."

"That may be true, but it's only the second I've ever been in, my Lady." he said cheekily, and she turned her face with a blush. "I do need to collect my horse before I leave."

She nodded, "The stables are this way." she strode past him in the opposite direction he had been moving in. He followed her closely, hands clasped behind his back as he watched her walk. She was an elegant girl, though she seemed a little rough around the edges. He considered the fact that he might grow to enjoy her company if he would be around long enough to.

That wasn't going to happen.

He thanked her when he reached the stables, and he held up her hand to kiss the back of it, a motion that seemed to surprise her. "You're a strange boy." she murmured, glancing up at his hair and taking in his features. He assumed she was memorizing his face.

"And you're a strange girl." he said as he turned and mounted his mare, patting the black horse on the neck as he directed her toward the road.

"Goodbye." she said with a wave.

He looked back once, watching the girl grow smaller as he rode off.

He saw her again. When he returned from his bounty to collect his reward. They simply greeted one another, and then he was on his way. He only thought of her once or twice in that same year. Afterward forgetting about her.

~

When he first met Hanji, he thought briefly back to a faint memory of that same nose and those same eyes, but he couldn't quite place it. Now, with the help of Erwin's words and the clarity they brought, everything fell into place.

He stared at Hanji...no...Zoë, her name was Zoë.

"You remember." Erwin said.

Levi nodded, gulping down the lump in his throat as he stared at her. "Why is she here?" he asked.

"Because you brought her here." Erwin supplied.

"Why did she leave?" Levi said, gritting his teeth as he turned to Erwin.

"That's a question you'll have to ask her." the man replied.

Levi scoffed and rubbed his temples.

"You love her, don't you?" Erwin said.

Levi dropped his hand and sighed, hanging his head briefly before he looked up at the man beside him.

"It's easy to see. And I do believe she loves you too." Erwin added, placing his hand on Levi's shoulder, "I might not have told you if it weren't the case." he said as he turned away to mingle with the partygoers.

Levi walked over to the nearest building and thumped his forehead against the wall. Why, when everything was going so perfectly, did this have to come up? Was this what she had been so worried about when she heard of the festival? He had known she was anxious, he just couldn't decipher why.

And now she turned out to be a Lady. Her picture was in his drawer all this time, and yet he never connected the dots. "Damnit!" he hissed to himself, glancing over his shoulder to see her speaking with his sister. She was good at putting on a poker face, though now he saw straight through it. Just how much of her was a lie?

•

•

Chapter 10

Levihan 10

•

•

"So, how are we going to break this to your siblings?" Eren asked.

They should have been asleep, especially this late at night. But her restlessness - coupled with his contemplation - had them both up at the witching hour. Armin slumbering soundly in his bed across the room.

Mikasa kept shuffling in place, used to sleeping on her stomach, and quite irritated with her newfound lack of ability to do so. It just felt like there was something bulbous under her skin when she lay on her stomach...like she was squishing the baby or something. Yes, it was now more uncomfortable to sleep on her stomach, but she was still quite frustrated with her need to sleep on her back or side as of late. And as such, she often took a couple hours to fall asleep. More so when she could practically feel Eren thinking while he lay beside her.

She had been about to scold him for thinking so loudly when he voiced his question.

"I only thought as far ahead as Levi." she murmured back, her eyes remaining lazily closed as her body tried and failed to find sleep. A smile of amusement managed to find its way onto her lips when he stiffened at the thought of it.

"And?" he prodded, tone underlaid with anxiety over the matter.

"Hanji is going to tell him." she shrugged.

"Hanji?" he seemed almost incredulous, "I know it's a big prospect, but pawning it off on her seems a little-"

"I didn't pawn it off on her." Mikasa turned to face him and stifled a giggle. "Silly boy." she leaned up to kiss him, soft and chaste, on his pouty lips. "She offered, and she'd do a much better job than you and I would in any case," she explained.

"How so?" Eren asked, thumb gliding gently over her bottom lip as he listened.

While it hindered her words slightly, she allowed it just out of sheer endearment for the gesture. "I don't know if you've noticed, but they're a little more than friends if you know what I mean."

Eren raised a brow, "Levi...and Hanji?" he said, most undoubtedly unconvinced.

"Oh come on, Eren," Mikasa chuckled, "It doesn't take a genius to notice the sexual tension between them. Also, Hanji told me herself that they've-"

"I don't want to think of Levi doing those things if you can find a way to steer around speaking of it." Eren cringed, gritting his teeth as he made a show of forcing the image from his head. "If you say they're in a relationship I'll believe you." he placated with a soft laugh.

"Well, good." she sighed, "Like I said, it doesn't take a genius to see it," she repeated to cement her point. Snuggling closer to him and tracing his pronounced collarbone with her fingertips.

"Is that a polite way of saying I'm an idiot?" he swiped her loose hair back from her shoulder and then proceeded to caress her shoulder.

"Mhmm." she hummed, smiling when he kissed her forehead. "Not that I mind. I like this idiot."

Eren only chuckled in response, fingers moving down her shoulder, across her collarbone, and starting down her torso when it inevitably happened:

"Can you guys not do anything while I'm in here?"

As if on cue the blonde across the room spoke up. It was quite the norm, they'd tried being quiet while intimate with him present. But it was as if he had an internal clock that let him know every time Eren so much as touched her hip. Or maybe he was just a light sleeper and the talking is what always woke him? Neither truly knew, nonetheless, it was a more than a little annoying. (That's not to say they didn't love him regardless).

"Or at least tell me beforehand, so I can move to the living room." Armin rolled over to give them an apologetic smile.

"But that would kill the mood!" Eren whined, and Armin scoffed as he tossed his pillow at the other boy.

"Eren!" Mikasa chided mirthfully, "Sorry, Armin. We weren't doing anything unseemly, and we won't be-" she turned to give Eren a secret grin, "-tonight, that is." she finished in a whisper.

"Heard that." Armin sing-songed, and was rewarded with a pillow to the head.

"Go to sleep, Armin!"

•

•

"Hey," a hand was shaking her out of her content, dreamless slumber. And when she opened her eyes Mikasa stepped back and held her hands out to placate her, "Woah, sorry." she said nervously.

Hanji realized she was glaring, and - she wagered - likely looked like she was about to murder someone. She rubbed her face as she rolled onto her back, "No, no...I just didn't know it was you." she yawned. "What is it?"

Mikasa sat at the edge of her bed, voice a low whisper, "So, I told Eren last night."

"I could tell. I had to keep Levi out of the hallway, you know." Hanji teased with a sly grin.

Mikasa turned red and covered her mouth, scandalized, "Really?" she squeaked.

Hanji laughed, shaking her head as she sat up, "No, not really, I'm just kidding you." she said.

Mikasa sighed in relief...and then whacked her solidly on the shoulder.

"Ow!"

"Don't do that."

"Gee...don't worry, I won't...ow..." Hanji rubbed her shoulder and hissed at the sting, whilst Mikasa showed no remorse for her actions and continued on in her speech.

"Anyway, I wanted to tell you that you can tell Levi any time now. I'll take care of Isabel and Farlan." she said.

Hanji nodded, "Alright." she stretched her arms above her head with a groan of satisfaction. "I'll have to corner him somewhere..." she said to herself, pondering how she could go about this dangerous business.

"Thanks, by the way." Mikasa looked a little ashamed, "You really didn't have to offer, and I am more than a little afraid as to what he might do or say when he hears it."

At that Hanji grinned, "I think I have the solution for that." she murmured to herself.

"What was that?" Mikasa looked up curiously.

"Oh nothing, just talking to myself." Hanji swung her legs over the edge of the bed and smiled assuringly at the younger girl before she stood to head downstairs.

"Ah...your pants." Mikasa pointed out.

Hanji turned with a gasp and ran to her nightstand with a giggle, "Whoops!" she laughed, pulling her pants on and then proceeding downstairs. She made her way into Levi's room and halted herself when she found his bed to be empty. With a contemplative "Huh." she turned on her heel and checked the bathroom, also disappointingly empty. "Hmm." she hummed louder this time, determined and curious as to where the man might be.

She passed Mikasa, of whom was starting porridge for breakfast, and made her way outside, remembering last-minute to steal someone's boots for her mission. The air was crisp and laced with the scent of pine and snow. She took a moment upon stepping outside to admire the white mountains and slowly-freezing lake. Her breath came out in a frosty cloud, and it made her smile before she remembered her purpose for coming outside.

Luckily for her, the night's fresh snow allowed her to see exactly where her missing Shorty had gone. With a grin, she rubbed her gloveless hands together to warm them before she began her journey. She stepped in each individual footprint and hummed a little nursery ditty to herself, adding in the words at randomized intervals as she hopped from footprint to footprint.

"I didn't know you could sing."

Hanji fell backward onto her butt after losing her balance as a result of his sudden vocal appearance. He was leaning against the door of the barn, having obviously been watching her while she was occupied with following his tracks. "Shit! Cold! Cold!" she exclaimed as the ice seeped into her thin pants, immediately chilling her to the bone.

He scoffed and stepped out from the shelter of the barn to lend her a hand. "Thanks." she murmured as he hoisted her to her feet.

"Are you alright?" he asked as she stumbled into his hold.

She reached back to grope her soaked pants, rubbing her chilled rump and begrudgingly accepting his lead as he walked into the barn. "I was looking for you," she said as she squirmed, most uncomfortable with her predicament.

Levi gestured to the black mare he was currently attending to, and Hanji smiled softly at the rare endearment he tended to show to horses. He stroked her muzzle fondly and even let her lick affectionately at his hand. "The water freezes sometimes, I came out to break it up for them," he explained.

"That's very sweet of you." she cooed, leaning on her arms against the stall and watching him with an appreciative smirk.

He looked up at her and frowned, "Why were you looking for me?"

She rocked back on her heels and exhaled, "Well, I have a question for you. Two actually." she said, waltzing around the gate and closing it behind her, leaving them both secluded inside the stall. The mare snorted and stomped a hoof in protest at the following swift movement. Hanji cornered the slightly shorter man with her hands loudly planted against the wood on either side of his shoulders.

"Is that supposed to be intimidating?" he asked with a raised brow.

"Somewhat," she grinned, leaning down to be at eye-level, "Question one: Why are you avoiding me?" she asked, accentuating her question with soft, yet heaving breath and a pointed glance to his inviting lips. Of which parted as he took in a sharp breath, and it was all she could do not to forget her questions and ravage him on the spot.

He looked slightly panicked, glancing from side to side and avoiding her piercing gaze best he could. She grinned when his resolve began to diminish, "It's no use trying to divert you, is it?" he asked, sighing and bringing a hand up to massage his temple.

"Nope!" she leaned in to kiss him on the nose, to which he wrinkled said appendage and gave her an irritated glare.

He crossed his arms and looked down...down her shirt, that is. He gave a subtle bite of his lip as he briefly appreciated her, and she smiled when he took the initiative to caress her collarbone. A slight shiver overtook her as he glanced up at her, "Because...I feel like every time we take a step, we're moving too fast." he began, returning his gaze to her torso and investigating a prominent freckle on her sternum, "Normal people don't get this far in less than three months of knowing one another, you know."

She mulled that information over in her head with a tentative nod, "I suppose you have a point." she conceded, grabbing at his open collar and tugging him close, "But," she added with a grin, "I don't think we are what classifies as normal, are we?" she kissed him once before moving her lips to his ear and reveling in the shudder he gave. If this thrill was what he experienced when he serviced her those few days back...well, long story short: she could get used to it.

"Hanji," he murmured, grasping at her shirt. But he didn't push her away, not even when she took the soft skin of his earlobe between her teeth and nipped gently at it.

"Don't avoid me, Levi." she said, lips brushing against his jawline with the words. His pulse was rapid under the hand she had moved to cup his face. She inhaled deeply, lips barely touching his own as she met his gaze, his dark, shadowy gaze that begged her not to stop. "Please don't avoid me." she breathed, and he was tugging her into the kiss before she had the chance to lean forward.

The pure, raw need that radiated between them was intoxicating, all the more so coming from her Levi. Seeing the supposedly emotionless, grumpy, monotonous man behave so desperately nearly had her knees buckling at the force of her arousal. He was trying to spin them, to take control of the rapidly impending coupling, but she took it upon herself to switch it up. She grasped both of his hands and held them against the wood behind him, biting his lip in retaliation.

He pulled back enough to give her his customary raised eyebrow, and she simply grinned. "You had your fun last time...my turn, remember?" she kissed at his jawline, down his neck, and elicited a grunt from him when she rolled her hips into his.

"Hanji..." he huffed in annoyance, and she grazed her teeth over the base of his neck while her hands led his to her shoulders.

"Just...let me." she placated, kissing him once and waiting for him to hesitantly nod before she took a moment to admire his form, deciding what to do first. It was too cold out in the barn to undress, so she determined to slide her hands under his jacket and shirt. He didn't react much, but she enjoyed fondling his sculpted muscles most thoroughly, chuckling when his skin flinched and rippled under her touch. "Ticklish?" she asked.

He merely exhaled, breath slow and deliberately steady, given away by the slightest tremble of it.

"Mmkay," she murmured, mostly to herself, and slid her hands around his waist and down into his pants, "How's this?" she asked in time with the sudden movement. He jumped at the contact, having not expected it, and she hummed to herself as she indulged herself and squeezed the flesh softly.

"I thought you had two questions." he breathed, voice positively quivering as she lightly rocked her hips into his.

She sighed and lolled her head back in a childish, almost tantrum-like motion, "That question-" she said, "-isn't quite appropriate for these activities. Let me finish first." she used her scandalous grip on his ass to tug him closer, punctuating her words with a fiery kiss.

He scowled as she pulled back to flash him that mischievous grin of hers, "What does that mean?"

"It basically means your little friend won't want attention anymore after I ask that question, and I want to have a chance with him!" she said in exasperation, pulling one hand free and bringing it around to cup him through his trousers.

He jumped at the contact yet again and grabbed her wrist. She frowned at his hesitance, wiggling her fingers against him just enough to make him shuffle back from her touch.

"What?" she prodded.

He gave a slight smile and shook his head as he thumped it against the beam behind him. "I'm just...getting flashbacks." he started to chuckle at his own words, and she stilled as it grew into full-out laughter.

He had the strangest laugh. It was so low in tone, husky, and almost intimidating. In fact, if she thought about it, it was akin to sinister in its tone. But it was also infectious, it made her want to laugh as well. And she did, especially once she realized what he meant by flashbacks.

They both dissolved into raucous laughter, a noise that was heavily unappreciated by their company in the stall. The mare nudged Hanji's back and made her stumble forward, ending their giggle-fit as they scrambled for stability.

"Oh Levi..." she sighed mirthfully, pressing her lips to his nose and smiling softly, "I think that's the first time I've ever heard you laugh." she added in an awed whisper, bringing her other hand up to caress his cheek with her fingers. His skin flushed under her touch, and she kissed him chastely at the sight of it. "And you know I'm not gonna grab it like last time." she said, wriggling her wrist to encourage him to let go.

He looked to the side and puffed out his cheeks as he exhaled, "Well..."

"Oh no...I think I scarred you for life." she murmured to herself with a chuckle.

"Hanji..." he groaned, covering his eyes with his free hand.

"If you're nervous-"

"I'm not nervous." he corrected immediately, and she smirked to show that he wasn't fooling her.

"If you were," she continued, "I'd remind you that I said I'll be gentle." she assured, lightly fingering his waistband and waiting for his approval.

He sighed, shaking his head as he gingerly released her wrist, fingers lingering only just barely before he pulled his hand back and rested it on her shoulder instead. And she took that as her cue to finally begin. Though she was quite hesitant in her own right, her heart racing and her hand shaking as she began to take the same step he had taken with her days before.

She flinched back at the first of him that she felt, but his expression didn't change (yet). He stared right back into her eyes while she explored, and she bit her lip once more before she finally took him in her hand. So different from before, the brief feel she had gotten wasn't quite enough to acquaint herself with this part of him.

She carefully, lightly mapped him out, feeling both highly awkward and highly aroused as she did so. She also took a brief moment to wonder how that was supposed to fit anywhere, and she bit her lip at the thought. He stifled a grunt, and her attention was back on his features as she resumed her groping.

A light stroke of her hand, and she paused when his face contorted, lips parting with his now heaving breath. She smirked as she realized she had found what he liked. And so, grip still gentle - yet firm - she continued the motion that had him slowly panting harder, along with an occasional gasp or groan. She pumped slowly, still growing used to the rhythm he was unwittingly teaching her.

It was intoxicating in an entirely new way, watching how her efforts affected him. Every noise that managed to escape him and every shuddering huff of breath he took had her on the edge of her figurative seat, waiting to see what he might do next. A stuttering gasp preceded his forehead pressing insistently against her shoulder, and she frowned at not being able to see his alluring face anymore. Though she did enjoy his warm breath against her skin...

She jumped when he spoke, so enthralled with her work she was.

"Faster." he huffed, his grip on her shoulders tightening when she paused to shuffle into a more comfortable posture. But she swiftly, and tentatively, heeded his request. His head thumped against the wood behind them, and she watched with eyes wide in curiosity as he finally moaned for her. It was a sight to behold, really. Her Levi, standing there all flustered, alternating between panting and biting back his pleasured noises, lashes fluttering against his flushed cheeks and mouth agape as he gasped for air.

Another moan, oh God...she could listen to that every day for the rest of her life. It was positively beautiful. In fact, in her own humble opinion, hearing that sound from him was nearly as euphoric as being the recipient of such treatment.

He began to erratically thrust his hips into her touch when she increased her pace yet again. She observed in fascination as he screwed his eyes tightly shut, choking on his breath and body spasming. She swallowed his final moan in a fierce, sloppy kiss when he seized up in her grip. And she gradually slowed her ministrations as he climaxed, drawing out his peak for as long as she dared before she removed her hand from his trousers. She brushed her fingers along his hip, caressing his back soothingly as she pulled back to admire her handiwork.

His eyes blinked open, shoulders heaving with his breath as he recovered, and drifting into the contented high of his aftermath. She kissed him again, briefly, sweeping back the strands of hair that had plastered themselves onto his sweaty forehead. She pulled back once more, and then she grinned in pride, "I wonder if I enjoyed that even more than you did." she said.

He scoffed, shook his head, and smiled, "Possibly." he shrugged and pulled her closer so he could take a moment to kiss her neck, softly and lazily. "I might regret not letting you do this sooner." he admitted, sighing when she threaded her fingers through his hair.

"Good." she punctuated that word by tapping his nose with a finger.

He hummed contently and leaned back against the wood of the barn, hands laced together behind her neck, "So...what was the second question?" he prodded after a moment of thought.

She bit her lip and chuckled, "Well," she drawled, and then procrastinated by kissing him on the forehead, and he frowned as she move to kiss his cheek, nose, nibbled on his upper lip...

"What are you doing?" he murmured before she was muffling him with a firm, dizzying kiss to the lips.

She didn't give him long to recover before she dropped the question upon him, "I wanted to know: what's it like being an uncle?"

He was still a little out of it, reeling from both his climax and the kiss and he stared at her blankly while he processed what she had just said. She smothered a laugh behind her hand as she watched confusion flash across his features. "What?"

"I'll let you figure it out, Short-stack. I'm off to change these pants and get breakfast." she waved as she stepped away. And a brief glance to the stain on the crotch of his pants had her smirking (yet again) with pride, "You might want to do the same." she grinned.

He was still busy realizing what she meant by her question, and with a sharp gasp, he looked up at her, mouth agape (and not quite in the enticing way it was only moments before). "What?!" he exclaimed, wild-eyed and absolutely flabbergasted as she cackled and moved to run out of the barn.

"Bye!"

"HANJI! Get your ass back here!"

•

•

"Of all the irresponsible, stupid...gah!"

Isabel was pacing back and forth, hands on her hips and glare directed at the two shamed teens on the couch. Farlan didn't seem all too surprised by the confession, and he simply sat with his arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed with worry over his wife as she continued to pace.

Isabel covered her eyes and stopped, sighing deeply before she turned to her younger sibling and approached her. "Mikasa, I hope you know that I myself don't really care that you're pregnant." she said, kneeling before her and grasping her pale, cold hand, squeezing it as she rested her forehead against her knees. "I'm just surprised, and I worry about what others might think of you. I don't want you two to go through ridicule for your actions."

"It's not as if every other teen isn't fucking someone as well, Isabel." Farlan interjected.

Isabel rounded on him with a glare, "That may be true, but illegitimacy is another matter entirely, Farlan." she said.

Farlan shrugged, "Just saying, hun."

"We didn't mean for it...to happen that is." Mikasa interjected before Isabel could begin her impending lecture towards her husband.

Isabel thumped her forehead against her younger sister's legs and sighed, "I know, dearie. I know." she said, looking up at her, "And I didn't mean to imply that you had done this on purpose." she pat Mikasa on the knee as she spoke. "I just wish you had been more responsible, kept track of yourself or something."

Mikasa ducked her head and blushed, "I know."

Isabel turned to Eren, who shrank back in his seat under her intimidating gaze, "And you, boy," she stood, hands fisted at her hips, "I do hope you intend to take her as your wife. Most preferably before she shows."

Eren gulped and nodded, "Y-yes...I do intend to." he said, "If she wants me to..." he glanced sideways at Mikasa and calmed considerably at the sight of her loving smile and nod.

Isabel gave a curt nod of her own, "Good, now, as for-"

*BANG!*

All persons present jolted and turned to the door as Hanji stumbled in, cackling and tripping over boots too big for her as she made for the stairs. Levi was heard hollering after her, and then seen trudging through the snow past the window and around the back of the house shortly after.

"What was that about?" Isabel asked, shrugging at her own question seconds later, "Anyway, as I was saying," she continued, "I'd like to go into town and explain this development to your father, Eren."

"I can do it myself." Eren said, though he wouldn't mind terribly having someone else tell his father for him.

"Nonsense, I want to hear his opinion on the matter and be there to mediate." Isabel said with finality.

"Alright." Eren conceded easily, honestly relieved that he wouldn't be revealing this alone.

"We just went into town a week ago." Farlan pointed out.

"Yes, we did, and we are running out of flour again. I also want Hanji to come with us, she needs to get out of the house." Isabel said, "Speaking of Hanji, I'm going to go see just what shenanigans she has pulled on Levi." she turned on her heel and headed up the staircase, calling back as she left: "Go eat your breakfast, and wake Armin! He's sleeping in too late."

•

•

Hanji had just pulled on some new pants and was preparing to head downstairs when Isabel knocked at her door. "Hanji? May I come in?"

"Of course." Hanji opened the door with a smile and gestured for her redheaded friend to enter, sitting down unceremoniously on the bed with her. Isabel looked around the room and hummed, and Hanji studied her for a moment before she spoke, "You have something to ask me. Yes?" she prodded.

Isabel nodded, "Yes, I do." she shifted in place, "I was curious...how are you and my brother getting along?"

Hanji thought briefly back to the morning's activities and the same genre of activity the near-week prior. She blushed heavily and cleared her throat, rubbing the back of her neck as she formulated an appropriate answer. "He...I...we...we're doing well, actually." she hid a small grin as the memory of Levi's face whilst in the throes of passion invaded her mind's eye.

Isabel raised her brow, "You are?" she asked, suspicious of Hanji's flushed skin and shy demeanor. "Really?"

"Very." Hanji turned her head further so that Isabel couldn't see her expression.

"Hanji," Isabel said, voice laced with an accusation, "What's going on between you two?"

Hanji grimaced, "Well...should I start from the beginning?" she asked, finally turning to face her.

Isabel took in the younger woman's features. She was blushing red as a tomato, and her demeanor suggested guilt. "If you feel you should, then yes." she prompted her to begin and propped her chin upon her hand.

Hanji ran a hand across her face, "Well I don't feel I should." she chuckled, "When it comes to Levi and me, we are...kind of, just a little...intimate?" she said, her anxious cringe notable in her voice as she awaited Isabel's reaction.

The woman in question blinked, a plethora of emotions were evident in her jade eyes as she contemplated the information she had just received. Isabel pursed her lips, glancing down, and then back up, "Is this your idea of a joke? Because if it is...then it's...actually pretty funny." she said.

Hanji quirked a brow, "No. I'm dead serious, Isabel." she held her hands up with a nervous chuckle, "It's most definitely not a joke."

Isabel nodded, "So, you're fucking my brother." she bit her lip, a slight smile breaking across her features.

"NO!" Hanji exclaimed, "I mean, I said we were intimate. I never said we were...were fucking." she clarified.

Isabel stilled, "Intimate...but not fucking." she said to herself, blinking again, "Why ever not?"

Hanji broke into a hesitant laugh, "You're not upset?"

Isabel laughed harder, "Why would I be? This is the best news I've heard since you joined our little family, Hanji." she said, pausing in her laughter to furrow her brow, "So why aren't you fucking yet?" she prodded.

"Isabel!" Hanji exclaimed in exasperation.

"What?! I want to know!"

"We aren't because we aren't. If we move too fast we might regret it...Levi agrees with me on that point." Hanji explained.

Isabel shook her head and exhaled, "Let me give you a piece of advice-" she placed her hand upon the younger woman's, "-the longer you wait, when you both want it, the more likely you'll regret that in itself." she said, "Heaven knows I wish I had given in sooner than I had with Farlan." she rocked back in her seat with a sigh.

Hanji blushed and crossed her arms, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." she said with a huff of embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to embarrass you, dearie." Isabel soothed, "I'm just excited for you, and my brother." she continued on, "You have no idea how long we've been trying to get him together with a woman. He's turned away Farlan's offer of a whore more than once...I started to believe he might be into men for a time." she added with a raucous guffaw.

Hanji laughed along, rubbing her neck with a grimace at the thought. Not that she had anything against it, but the image in her head made her irrationally jealous of the imaginary male her mind had conjured up with Levi. Her Levi...

'That sounds a little possessive.' she scolded herself inwardly, 'It is possessive.' she admitted with a slight shrug at her own thoughts.

"Regardless, I'm glad you told me." Isabel sighed to herself. "Now...I wanted to ask, will you come to town with us tomorrow?"

•

•

At first saying yes seemed like a good idea, but waiting outside Grisha Jäger's house while Isabel, Farlan, Mikasa, and Eren all spoke with the man in question, wasn't quite what she had in mind. Hanji sighed and tugged grass from the dirt, tossing the blades in her boredom. It was her decision though, to wait outside. She honestly would rather not be involved in such personal family matters anymore than she had. While her role was small and...wonderfully pleasant, it was still a little stressful.

Despite Mikasa's belief, the man took the news well, his only qualm was that she had sprung it on him the way she had. A way of which he refused to admit to Farlan's inquiry. He simply glared at Eren while the situation was explained in it's entirety to him, and then he gave a hum, turning on his heel and heading off to his room. In the morning he had told Mikasa the same as Isabel, that he didn't really care, and that as long as she and Eren kept whatever messes were made clean he would support them.

"Typical Levi." Hanji chuckled to herself, brushing her windswept hair back from her forehead and looking about the village. Children and people in general weren't out today, apparently - according to Isabel - it was a church day, and most were home enjoying Sunday dinners. The village itself wasn't all that far from their cabin, perhaps a couple hours. It was nestled down the mountain in a wide, farm-laden valley. It was nice, less windy than up in the mountains and the snow hadn't quite reached it yet. The day was overcast and calm, a soft breeze rather than the cold winds she was growing used to.

Hanji turned in place to consider the house, and after a moment hauled herself to her feet and decided she would take a stroll down the street and give the town a thorough once-over. The only thing that made it large was the spacing of the buildings, beside that, it was a rather small place, deserving of the title of Village. She walked south from the Jäger's and past the schoolhouse, down the dirt path from the higher elevation of land to the lower, and past the smithy.

She clasped her hands behind her back and hummed as she strolled, not quite aware of any destination just yet. She simply perused, windowshopping at the general store, and stopping to watch the farrier shoe a horse at the stable. He took the time to tell his stranger of an observer the process, and she listened in interest. She left when he had finished, making her way past the storehouses and the inn at the far end of the town, and then turning back to walk up the opposite side of the street.

She passed a bar, or a brothel, not that she could tell, as it was not at all busy, in any sense. She took the time to shrug her shoulders and assume the men who usually gambled, drank, or whored in that building took a day off for God just as any other man. And then she continued on without a second thought, making her way back up the hill and passing the few cabins that were built there, and back to the Jäger's, all just in time to find Farlan and Isabel on the porch, sitting and talking casually to one another.

"Where did you go?" Isabel asked as Hanji sat herself down on the grass again.

"I had a walk." Hanji said with a sigh of contentment.

"Was it a nice one?" Isabel offered her the mug of ale she was nursing.

Hanji waved it away and nodded, "It was. It's a nice day in general...and I don't need a horse in order to walk ten feet in the damned snow down here." she added with a chuckle.

Farlan held up his mug with a nod of begrudged agreement. "Aye, the snow gets rather deep up by our cabin." he said, "This time of year is nothing, though. Wait for the latter of the season, gets even worse."

"Lovely." Hanji groaned, with no shortage of sarcasm in her tone as she rubbed her forehead in a show of exasperation. She sat up straight and took a deep breath of the clear air, glancing at Isabel, "Did it go well?"

Isabel shrugged, "Could have been worse, could have been better. Grisha is upset with Eren. Not quite upset enough to yell, mind you...but then again he's never yelled has he?" she asked to Farlan, who gave a shrug of his own. "He was a begrudged, of that have no doubt, but those two have his blessing." she said.

Hanji nodded, "And what of Eren's mother?"

Farlan frowned, and Isabel shook her head, "I'd like to hear her opinion. But the woman has been dead for some time." she explained, "Damn shame too, I hear she was a wonderful woman."

Hanji nodded, cringing at the reminder of her own mother's early death. "I see." she murmured.

"In any case, Grisha has offered to have us stay for dinner. We'll eat and be headed back to the cabin before sunset if we can." Isabel said as she stood, heading inside without another word.

"You alright there, Hanji?" Farlan inquired as he stood.

Hanji gave a slight start and nodded, "Yes, I'm just a little tired." she said with a sheepish smile.

"Come on then." Farlan gestured for her to follow as he went inside, and she did.

•

•

Hanji sat down on her bed and exhaled long and low. She had...a fairly good time at the Jäger's, but she had a strange sense of depression as the night had wore on. Likely caused when she had been reminded of her mother. She curled her hands into fists, partially out of anger, and partially out of sorrow. Anger for her father, for never being one. Sorrow over the death she never truly got over. She couldn't bring herself to get over it, no matter the fact that she had gone so long without thinking of either of them.

She must have been poor company, fiddling with her utensil and staring at the wall. Whatever conversations were had were faded, as she wasn't paying attention. Grisha didn't seem to mind her quietness. He came across as a quite gentle man, soft-spoken and eyes kind. She had smiled as warmly as she might, thanking him when he confirmed her arm to be fully healed and muscles well recovered.

Isabel was raving the whole trip back to the cabin about how she would be teaching her archery, and Hanji agreed with soft chuckles and a nod. Upon arriving home she had headed upstairs claiming tiredness, and she was tired. She fell back against the bed and hummed, rubbing her forehead.

"Everybody has bad days." she mumbled to herself, lifting her hand to inspect her fingers. There was a light rap at the door, and she groaned as she propped herself up on her elbows. "Who is it?" she called to the door, feeling far too lazy to go open it herself. The door opened and she raised a brow at Levi's incredulous expression. "What?"

He stepped in and shrugged, "No hello?" he asked with a calculating tilt of his head.

She gave a slight smirk, closing her eyes and falling back with a grunt, "Miss me that much?"

She jolted in place when he straddled her, knees on either side of her torso. She looked up at him and raised her brow yet again, shrinking back when he leaned in. "A little." he said, and she grinned. He was about to kiss her, and she was highly anticipating it, but he paused and studied her instead. "What's wrong, Hanji?"

She frowned and turned her head away, wondering if she were truly so opaque that he could see through her so easily. "It's nothing, I'm just tired."

He sat up, and she grunted at his full weight on her abdomen, "I thought you were the one telling me not to 'feed you that bullshit'." he said,

She looked at him and furrowed her brow in frustration, "Damn you." she sighed.

"Damn you." he leaned in and kissed her briefly, "Now tell me."

"And if I said no?" Hanji asked.

"Then I'd persuade you." he said.

"How?"

"Hanji..." he groaned, grasping either of her hands and leaning in again, "Please tell me."

She let her smile fall, and she looked to the side again, blinking as her eyes began to sting. "I'm just...I just need to..." she rasped.

"Hanji?" Levi climbed off of her and pulled her by her arms to a sit. "What are you doing?" he seemed quite unaware of how to handle her sudden change in emotion, evident in the way he kneeled in front of her, hands held uncertainly in the air while he watched her face.

  "I'm fine, it just my cycle, it's due soon." she sniffled and wiped at her eyes, and he grabbed her wrists again...gently.

"This isn't like your cycle, Hanji." Levi scolded, "You're genuinely upset."

"What makes you think you can tell?" she asked, almost snapping at him, but not quite. He took his turn to frown, and she bit her lip as she mentally reprimanded herself for that response.

He sighed and looked down at her hands, held in his own, "Because I like to think I know you." he said.

She shook her head and scoffed, the action sounding like a strangled sob, "That's not fair." she said with a mirthless smile.

"And what is?" he asked.

She couldn't answer, so she simply hung her head, "Levi..."

"If you don't want to tell me now," he said, "Then at least tell me later. Please."

She gulped and nodded, "Okay." she murmured.

"I'm not good at comfort." he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the palm, looking up at her with those steely eyes she loved so much, especially so when they were uncharacteristically warm like they were now. "But I don't like seeing you upset."

She nodded again, wiping at her eye with her free hand, and accepting his handkerchief with a scoff and a slight, hiccuping laugh. "I'm not upset anymore." she assured.

"Then stop crying." he pulled her into a hug and she choked on her breath in an attempt to follow his request.

"I am." she breathed, nuzzling her nose into his neck.

"You aren't." he pressed a kiss to her neck.

"Am." she smiled.

"Aren't." he kissed her jaw.

"Am." she giggled.

"Are not." he pulled back to look her in the eye.

"A-mmm..." she smiled into the kiss, her words giving way to a soft hum of approval. Her compulsion to tell him the truth was abated, and she was glad of it, for now at least. She knew she would tell him eventually...or not, depending on how fate decided to play its cards.

"Holy shit!"

The exclamation had them jumping apart, more out of fright then anything else. Isabel clapped in the doorway, a smug smirk on her face for having caught them snogging like they were. "I'd tell you to get a room, but since you're already in the room, just close the damn door next time." she said with a teasing lilt to her voice.

"Fuck off, Isabel." Levi stood and scowled, "You don't see me telling you and Farlan off."

"Actually you do, bro." Isabel inspected her fingers and pursed her lips, "And besides, I wasn't telling you off. I'm actually quite enjoying this new development." she said as she grabbed the door handle, "Don't let me interrupt." she grinned as she left.

Levi groaned and covered his face, "Damned woman." he sighed.

Hanji giggled softly, standing and walking over to her nightstand to sift through the drawer. She wiped the crusting remnants of her tears away and tugged her shirt over her head, tossing it to the floor.

"What are you doing now?" Levi asked.

"Dressing for bed." she replied, pulling out a looser bedshirt, though strong arms were wrapped around her waist before she could put it on. "What are you doing?" she smiled softly.

He kissed the skin between her shoulderblades and she shivered, "I felt like it." he said in answer.

"Oh." she hummed, pulling her new shirt on when he pulled away, and making to slip under her blanket for the night. "No goodnight?" she asked as she tugged her snow-wetted pants down, along with her boots.

In response he simply nudged her by the small of her back and slipped beneath the covers with her. "I think you could use the company tonight." he said in explanation when she raised a brow.

She nodded, shuffling closer to him and pressing her forehead to his collarbone, "Yeah." she sighed, "I think I could use some too."