Loyalty | Levi x OC

2. Tea

The halls were quiet throughout the castle. The dead of night blanketed the fortress. I could never sleep very well. It's better to always be prepared should something happen. Sauntering down the corridors, I shoved my hands into my pockets. Perhaps I'll find a book or something to read. It's incredibly boring here.

I circled the entryway of the fortress, taking in the old architecture. The moonlight cast a calming hue through the stained windows. The thuds of my footsteps quietly followed me as I walked down the main hallway towards the dining room. Faint humming suddenly caught my attention.

I could hear a faint crackle of a fire coming from the kitchen area. Letting out a hum, I walked to the doorway of the kitchen, leaning up against the frame as I noticed someone working with their back towards the door.

Emily?

She hummed a pleasant tune as she continued her work. Looks to be baking something, judging by the oven that was roaring to life.

"May I ask what you're doing awake at this hour?" I asked.

She jolted in place, snapping her head towards me with a start.

"Oh. C-Captain Levi?" She stammered. Must have scared her. I've never really heard her stutter before.

"I asked you a question," I pressed.

She turned to fully face me, dusting herself off quickly and raising a salute. "Sorry, sir. I couldn't sleep, I figured I'd get a head start for tomorrow."

"At ease," I waved my hand.

"Sorry, I'll clean up here," She turned to gather the tools she had neatly laid out along the stone counter. Even when baking, she's organized.

"I said 'at ease'. You can keep working, just clean up after you're done," I replied, kicking myself up from the door frame to resume patrolling the fortress.

Suddenly, her soft voice called out to me before I could fully exit. "Oh. Did you need something? I can make you some tea?"

I pondered for a brief moment. Tea? Does she want company or is she just being polite? I guess I wouldn't mind the company, myself.

"I couldn't say no to that," I replied, turning to walk further into the kitchen with my arms crossed over my chest. She flashed me a brief smile before grabbing a kettle and preparing some tea over the old stove. Leaning against the counter nearby, I watched as she returned to making her dough. The same soft melody hummed from her lips as she worked.

I couldn't help but watch her quietly. She never seemed to pry me like others would. Anyone else would try and talk my ear off about useless, annoying shit. It's like she knows I don't really care for small talk. She kept to herself just like me. Perhaps that's why I don't mind her company.

After several minutes, the kettle began to whistle to announce it was ready. She quickly wiped her hands off, turning her attention to the tea. Quietly pouring some into a cup, she placed it near me onto the counter.

"Thank you," I said.

"Sure," She smiled again with a nod. I felt a slight lurch in my chest at the sight. Her smile was a sight for sore eyes. She managed to smile freely and effortlessly, even in the most dire of times. I've never heard her talk about her family or her past. She seemed pretty closed off for the most part, while simultaneously being an open book somehow.

"So, what's your story?" I asked, taking a sip of the tea. Huh... she brewed it nearly perfectly.

She turned to face me, leaning against the counter as she began to wipe her hands off once more. "Uh, well -- I'm from Trost District. I joined the Scouts not too long ago. I had an interest in medicine so I became the field medic by accident. Commander Erwin thought it would be good to have someone on the field who would tend to wounds immediately. I guess he saw me helping injured soldiers before so he appointed me to that position."