Importance || AOT || Levi x OC

|8| Talents

It hurt. So many painful memories, so many joyous moments, lost to time. Tomoko's heart wrenched as she had just awoken from a nightmare. She had relived the moment she lost the love of her life, and her wonderful son. She quietly sobbed into her pillow. She realized the reason she was experiencing recent nightmares was the stress and sleep deprivation, but this one was different. This time instead of her husband, it was someone else. She hadn't seen his face but she knew him. He was familiar, and apparently important enough that he could replace her husbands death.

No, no one can replace him.

She sighed, getting out of her bed. She only wore tight sleep pants and a tight tank top, but she knew no one would be awake at this hour so she walked outside her office to get something to drink. As she walked down the hallway, she noticed a faint light leaking from Levi's office.
"What the hell is he doing up this late?" She muttered, walking towards the door. She considered knocking but she convinced herself not to. She was thirsty, and Levi paid her no mind anyways. It's not like he could help her, nor would he want to.

Once she reached the kitchen, she grabbed herself a cup of water, only to sit at the dining room table. The new castle they had reclaimed as the new scouts HQ was nice. It had been fixed up well after Levi had put his squad to work, not to mention Tomoko's. She silently sipped on her water, finally calming down from her fit.

"So, I don't suppose you had paperwork to complete as well?" Tomoko jumped, the sudden deep and stoic voice had startled her, however she calmed as she realized who it was.

"Ah, Captain Levi, that's what you were doing up hm." She chuckled.
"And what about you?" He asked monotonously.
"Oh, I just couldn't sleep." She said, trying to hide her uncertainty.
"If you don't want to tell me, that's fine, however you're not going to get over your past and feel better unless you tell someone." He sighed, walking into the kitchen. Tomoko glanced to see what he was doing but had no sight of him. Soon enough he came out with some tea.
"Here, this will help you calm down and get some sleep." He muttered, placing the cups down.
"Thank you Captain." Tomoko nodded.
"No problem." He said, lifting his cup to sip on the drink. He held his cup in a rather peculiar manner, Tomoko noticed that the first time she sat down to eat with the other squad leaders, but she never really thought about it until now.
"Captain Levi?" She started. He simply hummed as an answer.
"Why do you-.." she hesitated.
"Nevermind." She muttered, sipping on her own cup. They sat in a comfortable silence for a while until Tomoko finally spoke up.
"I had a nightmare." She sighed. Levi glanced up at her.
"I was watching my husband and son die again, but I couldn't do anything." She directed her gaze to look him in the eyes.
"I came here so I could calm down." She said. She didn't mention the fact she saw someone else die in her husbands place. It wasn't necessary to explain anyways.
"I see." He muttered, his expression rather soft. "I'm on the same page Tomoko." He whispered.
"What was that?" She asked.
"Nothing, finish your tea and head to bed. It's best to be well rested for the harsh training before an expedition." His same cold and calloused tone was back as they sat in silence, finishing there tea.

Tomoko stood from the table, put her tea cup away and began walking to her room.
"If you have another nightmare let me know, I might be able to help." He called out to her.
"Thank you Captain Levi." She smiled at him, "And goodnight."
"Goodnight."

The next morning Tomoko had awoken early. She ate, and was already on the training grounds by the time everyone else was finishing their meals. As soon as her squad was gathered she started training.
"Anyone ever properly handled a rifle before?" She grinned, taking the gorgeous wooden, bolt action .22 rifle off her back.
"This, is the gun I used in the military police. We'll use them here too, just not as much." She explained.
"Now, basic gun safety. I'm sure you're all smart enough to not aim a weapon at a comrade, loaded or not." Her squad nodded, keeping their eyes on the gun she held in her arms.

"Finn, would you like to be the first to shoot the target?" Tomoko asked, carefully handing the rifle over to the boy.
"Yes ma'am!"

Leonie was the last shot, and she had gotten the closest to a bullseye.
"You all did pretty well, however, would you like to see how an MP shoots?" She smirked, allowing herself to finally have some fun.
They all cheered in response. Tomoko took her rifle, the wood grain and metal accents glistening in the sun. Her focus stayed steady on the target, lining up the open sights for the most accurate shot. She steadied her breath and after an exhale, she took her shot.
"Bullseye!" Jonas cheered.
"You've got a nice shot Section Commander!" Sadie chimed.
"Thanks, it helps to have been apart of the MPs for firearms training." She smiled. She had noticed Levi was watching her squad for a while. Perhaps he didn't have training with the special ops squad today. "Captain Levi, would you like a go?" Tomoko asked, gesturing towards the target. He began walking over. Tomoko smiled as he took the rifle from her and started to aim. Tomoko stayed standing right next to him. She tried to focus on his technique but something else clouded her mind. She couldn't help but admire the man as she stood so close to him. Not only was he strong and intelligent, but he was very attractive. His chiseled jawline, his stern and narrow eyes, the way his bangs hung over his face. He was a very handsome man. She didn't even realize he had already shot.

"Wow, he hit right on top of Section Commander Tomoko's shot." Leonie whispered, admiring his skill.
"You've got some good technique, Captain." Tomoko warmly smiled, taking the rifle from him.

"You're not too bad yourself." He responded. He remembered talking to her last night. The genuine fear and sadness had struck him. He could relate in a way no one else could. The two people he cared about the most had died so easily, and Tomoko was just the same, however she had grown in a way he hadn't. She learned to open up to others. To befriend them in case they need someone. If he told her, she'd be the one person to understand him the most, and that made him eager to keep her close. She was very talented. Her strength and strategy seemed to come naturally, and it was an enchanting thing.