The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

The Torch of Hope

The pouring rain continues in the skies while the Scouts enjoy their day off as the gray clouds cover the land in darkness as a blanket to shelter you from the cold, with droplets of water tapping lightly against the glass windows and the thunder booming following. Whenever the thunder hits, Tessa feels her heart beating against her chest as she flips the wing and stone on her necklace while her other hand holds Levi's for reassurance as they walk through the halls. The lightning flashing outside the windows helps her realize they've already left the mess hall since being in her overwhelming thoughts. After they stop outside Tessa's office door, a crack of lightning flashes brightly across the many windows surrounding them, lighting up the hallway before the echoing thunder of Headquarters causes the entire building to shake. The rattling of the chandeliers makes Tessa's body freeze, and her heart stops until Levi pushes her against the wall with both hands beside her head to shield her in every way possible and to use his strength to hold onto the walls of the tremoring building.

After experiencing a terrible thunderstorm while visiting the Underground when she was younger, Tessa hated them because she could feel the ground shaking above her, fearing it would fall on them. Luckily, Levi was there to help calm her fear, just like now, "I got you, Tess." He whispers, and Tessa nods, afraid to say anything. Even with Levi's reassurance to calm her fear, she still felt like the scared little eight-year-old girl, causing her to close her eyes as they waited for the terrifying moment to pass. Kip must've noticed her fear while he hid behind her legs and whined, making Tessa move one of her shaking hands to pet him, which calmed him. After the vibrations are over, Levi watches Tessa slowly open her beautiful sky-blue eyes, relieved she is alright, "You okay, Tess?" He softly asks while resting his head against Tessa's before she slowly nods while letting out a shaky breath, "I am now," She answers before weakly smiling at Levi, "Thank you, Levi." She whispers, only for Levi to kiss her forehead, "You're welcome, beautiful. I have to take care of something, so will you be alright until then?" He asks while brushing her hair behind her ear, and Tessa nods, "Yeah, I'll be fine. I have to take care of the paperwork for Erwin, so it'll keep me busy until then." She explains while petting the top of Kip's head before taking her keys out, and Levi sighs, "Okay, I'll see you later, Tess," He smiles before kissing her temple, then looks at Kip, "Make sure she doesn't work too hard." He orders, and Kip barks, making him laugh and shake his head.

After Tessa unlocks her office door, she turns around to face Levi, narrowing her eyes while putting her hands on her hips, "For your information, Levi. I have to work hard since I'm the Head Doctor," She explains before pointing at him, "And I might be able to get my work done since I won't have any distractions." She teases while flipping her hair out, making Levi raise a brow and lean forward, causing Tessa to step back against the door, "So I'm a distraction, huh?" He asks while placing his hand beside her head, making Tessa bite her lip, "I'll remember that for later since you made that deal," He whispers in her ear, and Tessa gulps as Levi kisses her cheek while opening her office door for her, "I'll see you later, beautiful." He whispers before biting her ear again, which makes her let out a shaky breath before walking into the office, only to stop and turn around, hoping not to hide her trembling knees, "Thank you for escorting me to my office." She smiles while resting her head against the door, only for Levi to take her hand and kiss the top of it, "It was my pleasure, beautiful. Don't be late for dinner." He orders before letting go of her hand, but Tessa shakes her head and laughs, "I won't be unless you keep distracting me," She teases, but before Levi can say anything, she brings a finger to his lips, "I'm kidding. I'll be there. Now, go, or you'll be late for wherever you need to be." She insists while moving her finger slowly off Levi's lips, making him roll his eyes, "Tch, fine," He grunts, "You're so bossy." He teases, and Tessa laughs, "And yet, you don't complain about it," She teases back with a wink, "Now, go." She insists, and Levi grins, "Bye, Tess." He whispers before walking away from Tessa's door.