The Heart of Humanity

Chapter 6: An Old Foe

CONTENT WARNING

This chapter alludes to past abuse/trauma. Some of the interactions in this chapter may be distressing for some readers.

Reader discretion is advised.

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Levi knew that Eva had always found it easy to get along with others. At least when she felt the need to try. The corps had been less than welcoming to them, or rather three of them, but Eva charmed who she pleased. A smile, a toss of her hair, a well-placed laugh, and they were enamoured. Levi was the opposite, which usually balanced them out but up here it felt like it was pushing them apart.

"There she is," Furlan pointed her out. Eva sat laughing with people he recognized, Hange and Moblit. Furlan and Isabel convinced Levi it was his turn to make amends. That he was being more overbearing than usual and owed her that much. So, together they went to the bar to find her. Hange looked up, a little confused but no less enthusiastic as they approached.

"Eva, can we talk?" Eva didn't turn. Furlan stopped Levi from pulling out her chair.

"Depends, are you going to insult me some more?" She asked, and Levi sighed.

"No," He promised.

"I want to apologize," He tried to keep quiet, but Eva didn't extend the courtesy.

"I couldn't quite hear that, Hange did you hear anything?" She asked, and they shook their head.

"Alright fine, I'm sorry!" He said, raising his voice a little.

"Are you sorry enough for a round of cards?" She challenged. Hange snickered, much to Levi's annoyance.

"Yes, he is" Furlan answered on his behalf, pushing Levi to sit down as he and Isabel pulled up two more seats. Eva finally looked at him, much to his relief as Hange dealt out the cards.

"I am, you know that right?" He said, lowering his voice. Eva sighed but nodded, a small smile came to her face.

"Yeah, I know," Levi lifted his arm. Eva's smile grew as she lifted hers to cross it against his. He nodded once, relieved that they could put this behind him but when he went to stand Eva stopped him.

"You said one round," She reminded. He rolled his eyes but sat back down.

"Levi is a great card player!" Isabel announced.

"Depends on the game."

"One I invented. I'll catch you up. Eva's already played a few rounds" Hange replied, launching into an explanation of how they combined multiple card games to create what they considered the ultimate card game.

"Ackerman!" Eva and Levi turned. Flagon approached, and Levi wondered if this evening could get any more annoying.

"Eva Ackerman."

"What is it?" She asked.

"Commander Shadis wants to see you," Levi exchanged a glance with Furlan and Isabel, a small panic rising in him.

"Why?" Levi asked.

"Not my business," Flagon replied dismissively. Eva rose but Levi caught her wrist, exchanging a worried glance.

"I'll go with you," He offered.

"He asked for her that's it," Flagon snapped.

"I'm sure it's nothing. He probably wants to see how you're all adjusting and she's the easiest of the four of you to talk to," Hange dismissed. Levi supposed they could be right, there was no reason to think Shadis figured out anything. They had been careful, and as he said – Eva could charm anyone.