The Elite: Wings of Freedom (Levi x OC)

Chapter 7: We're okay

Present - Elena 

Bustling noises and overlapping conversations filled my ears as I approached the door to the mess hall. I had taken a moment to collect myself in my room, steadying my breathing and getting my heart under control. I shook my head; damn, he did that on purpose just to mess with me. Granted, I had sprayed my perfume in his room to mess with him, I knew he loved the smell of it and although he would never admit it, he probably missed it.

I took on a calm neutral expression as I swung the door to the mess hall open, taking in the sight of the scouts sitting at various tables, eating, laughing, talking. Scanning the room, waving figures caught my attention, and I smiled softly at my squad. They were definitely happy to be back as well, judging the wide smiles on their faces. I walked over and took an empty seat next to Severin, and across from Levi.

"Hey Captain! You made it!" Severin exclaimed, nudging me slightly with his elbow.

I rolled my eyes playfully at him and allowed myself to sway at the contact.

"Captain!" Irina's soft voice sounded behind me, and I turned my head slightly just in time to see her place a plate of food in front of me. She then took her own seat at the end of the line of squad members.

I let out a small appreciative laugh, "Thank you Irina, but you really didn't have to." I adjusted the plate to be more centered in front of me and picked up the bread that sat on the side.

"Actually, she did. The kitchen was about to close so we sent her to grab you some food," Veit interjected, leaning against the table to look at me.

I nodded knowingly and took a bite of bread, allowing my eyes to close and welcoming the flavor. A series of laughs erupted next to me, which I ignored, and focused on enjoying my food.

"Wow I didn't know someone could enjoy plain bread that much," I heard a vaguely familiar female voice sound on the other side of me.

I raised an eyebrow and turned to the voice, my eyes falling on the black-haired cadet that challenged me earlier, Levi told me her name was Mikasa. "Well, after eating nothing but field rations for the last month, bread is a huge step up." I fixed her with a stern and serious look, not sure if she said it as a joke or not.

Her expression changed slightly, and she shifted uncomfortably under my gaze. I waited for her to respond, but she didn't, she just looked around nervously.

"Do you need something, cadet?" I asked after a moment of silence, a bit confused on why she was just standing there.

I shot a questioning glance at Levi, who shrugged.

"Oh, sorry. I just uh, I wanted to apologize for my... actions earlier, m- ah, Captain," she explained, struggling to hide her nerves any longer and fidgeting with her hands.

I ran my tongue over my bottom lip and looked at her, testing to see if she was sincere or not. After another moment I sighed, deciding to let her off the hook. I let out a breathy laugh, "It's alright cadet. I don't know your group very well yet, but I can already tell that you care for the boy."

She quickly looked at me with wide eyes, obviously taken off guard by my sudden change of demeanor. Once she had processed what I said, her cheeks flushed pink, and she glanced around nervously for who could have heard.

I chuckled, "Relax cadet, I wouldn't have said it if he was in range of hearing." I raised an eyebrow at her and gave her a knowing look.

She blushed more, "It's not what you think Captain." I watched as she shifted uncomfortably again, but for a different reason this time.