Canorous

Twenty One

The candlelight washed over their light skinned countenances. It made it look like they were washed over the sunset but alas, it was midnight.

"Let's talk about something else other than, you know." Levi offered to his Knight, Erwin.

Erwin let loose of a light chuckle that made Levi feel better. "Of course, any subject of conversation will do." He put down the astrolabe on his cheap, wooden desk. "Anything for you." He added.

Really? Anything? Levi asked himself. Even if what I'd ask from you is a sin?

He was lost in his thoughts, the heels of his feet pressed against the rung of wooden chair. He felt like his thoughts were not valid for after all, he was not right. He never was, according to society. According to the Church. According to man.

If Severino, no, Sasha did that, then I can as well. His voice of reason sang in his mind as he looked down to the ground, seeing trails of ants form flat looking mountains. No, I can't. I'm asking for something immoral. If what Sasha did was a sin, what I want would send me straight to hell.

His own thoughts hurt him more than his enemies did. Maybe his uncle was right. He is his worst enemy.

"Levi?"

He looked up as he heard Erwin's soft voice calling to him. "Yes?"

Erwin reached out to him and touched his cheek with his hand. He ran a finger to Levi's cheek, allowing it to cascade like water down to Levi's chin. It was as if Erwin mimicked a tear.

Levi's heart skipped a beat, his eyes wide. He felt unusually giddy. He loved the feeling but he hated it as well for Erwin is a man and so is he. The Church said that "No man shall lie with another man as he does with a woman". He does not remember the exact words but all he can deduce is that his love for Erwin is a sin punishable by eternal hell.

"You seem to be in deep thought, Levi." Erwin whispered, his hand cupping Levi's right cheek. "What is it that is bothering you? Is it your wound? Was it Severino's secret?" He continued to ask questions to Levi.

The blonde haired man was awfully close and it was pushing Levi to the brink of tears, happiness, and, or hysteria.

Levi bit his inner lip, a final attempt to hold back the words he really yearns to say.

"Yes, it's the wound." He managed to say. He placed his hand over Erwin's and slowly put it away. "I am just worried about the chances of it getting infected."

It was a lie but the price of a lie is lesser than to lie beside a man.

"Alright," Erwin smiled faintly.

Levi nodded and rose from his chair. He took it by the legs and placed it to its original placement. "I shall take my leave now. I need to get ready for tomorrow."

Erwin nodded. "Please regain your energy and enjoy your slumber."

His choice of words changed from familiar to poetic which made an invisible barrier between them. When Levi hears Erwin talk to him casually, it feels like they are close, even intimate but hearing Erwin talk like an orator feels like he's sitting at the back of the house and Erwin's on the proscenium.

He left the tent.

•••

Fucking hell. Annie thought as she stealthily removed the tightly wrapped bandage around her chest. She was careful not to make any sound for she was in a tent full of boys. She exhaled in relief as the bandages came undone and her breasts dangled freely, feeling the fresh air around them.