Will of the Broken (Levi x OC)

Chapter 57: Strange

When we departed from my home, I made sure to hang the ring around my neck and hide it under my shirt so that the prying curious eyes of the squad couldn't tell what we were here for.

Most new couples would be sappy and cuddly messes the moment courting started, but we were a strange pair to say the least.

Levi didn't require my touch as we left, and I didn't punch a hole in that boundary. If he wanted affection, I'd let him initiate it. If I wanted affection, I'd tell him in private.

Simple communication. It's not hard to understand.

It was like we weren't even in a courtship, and felt as if we were back to being friends of five years.

If it weren't for the almost satisfied and nervous glances Levi shot my way, on our trip back to the castle, I never would have guessed Levi felt just as I did.

This was the most I had possibly seen out of him today, and I was willing to bet he'd be snappy come nightfall.

Honestly, I was expecting him to put some distance between us for a day or two starting after we walked out of my home. That never happened.

He was already acting peculiar. Just yesterday he didn't want to believe I loved someone like him. Even an hour ago he was doubting himself.

Now, it was as if he was relieved I was his, and he was mine. Just satisfied I was still around.

Not that I minded much, I just found it odd how his behavior had changed.

"So, what happened in there? The Captain has been glancing at you like you're going to disappear." Petra leaned over to whisper in my ear, a soft hint of strawberry teased my nose.

Has she always smelt like strawberries or did someone in town give her some strawberries during the wait? Did they all get some? Should I tell her?

Deciding not to keep it secret from my new friend, I sighed and gave her a shy smile. I made a mental note to ask Levi about who to tell when we found time. For now, Petra got a pass.

He's going to be upset with you.

Fear grabbed me before I forcefully shoved it down and cleared my throat to speak.

"We've been promised to one another. I think that he's still trying to process it." I whispered back to her, keeping my eyes fixated on the group in front of us.

Eld and Gunther were talking with Oluo about something from the very front, Levi was next to Eren on the right in the middle, and Petra took the rear with me to keep everything in order. I also think it's because she wanted to chat without interruption.

"What about you?" She quipped, shooting me a concerned and uncertain glance.

"I feel strange. This development is welcome, just sudden in a way. Romance isn't something we are knowledgeable about. Nor is proper care, so I feel like we will both be touch and go for a while. There are things we need to discuss but don't have time for yet." I leaned back and let go of the reins, allowing them to hang and loop down Galileo's sturdy white neck.

"How can I help?" She asked gently, watching as Galileo kept walking at the same pace as his four legged comrades.

"Keep this matter to yourself for now. As for our relationship being a bit... Shifty... That's our matter to handle." I smiled kindly at Petra and then looked up at the bright blue sky.

"I'll buy time for you two somehow. If things need to be discussed I'll be happy to help get that time for you. In return you have to promise me something." Petra's mischievous and excited tone brought my heterochromic eyes back to her figure.