UNDER HEAVY CONSTRUCTION [BOOK 1] the daughter of a dying bloodline and humanity's strongest soldier find themselves entangled in a web of emotions they never expected to feel. but as the relentless fight towards freedom continues, they wonder if th...
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You gritted your teeth as you secured the final box of supplies to the back of the wagon. The rope bit into your palms, but you barely noticed. Your mind was still replaying that infuriating conversation with Levi.
"Let me help with that," came a cheery voice from behind.
You turned to see Hange already reaching for the rope in your hand.
"Oh... thanks," you muttered, stepping aside to lean against the side of the wagon, watching her ponytail bob as she worked on fixing your knots. "Can I ask you something?" She hummed in response. "Why've you been so... nice to me?"
She raised an eyebrow at that. "Why wouldn't I be?"
You shrugged. "I don't know. Everyone else treats me like I'm walking on their territory. And Levi treats me like I'm one bad move from getting benched for life. But you've actually treated me like a person."
That made her smile, something softer this time. "You remind me of someone I used to know," she said. "And maybe I just have a good feeling about you. Besides, being the odd one out sucks. Someone should make it suck a little less."
You didn't say anything at first, but a small part of your guard eased down. Just a little. Hange continued securing the wagon while glancing your way. "Something else on your mind?"
You blinked, dragging yourself out of your thoughts. "Hmm? Oh. No. Well... yes and no," you admitted, exhaling hard through your nose. "I'm just frustrated that shortie over there doesn't think I'm cut out to help. I mean, yeah, I'm new, but I'm not a rookie." You crossed your arms, moping a little.
That earned a laugh from the Section Commander. Heat bloomed across your cheeks.
"I'm being serious," you pouted.
Still smiling, Hange gave the knot one last tug before stepping back. "I've never seen someone so eager to fight Titans. Well, except maybe that Eren kid." She chuckled. "It's refreshing, honestly."
You didn't respond right away, staring down at the dirt and kicking at a small stone. But then- whap- Hange slapped you on the back hard enough to make you stumble forward.
"C'mon, cheer up!" she said brightly. "From what I heard, you're heading to Trost tomorrow with the rest of the squad. Erwin's probably planning to send reinforcements back our way. You'll get your shot soon enough." She adjusted her ODM gear as she talked. "Besides, I'm sure Levi doesn't mind the one on one company."
You whipped your head toward her. Now your face was burning hotter. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
Hange raised both hands in faux innocence. "Oh please. You think I haven't noticed the tension between you two? Or how he so casually offers you a hand out of wagons and carriages? I've been friends with him for- god, I don't even know how long- and he barely talks to me unless it's about a mission. That's just Levi. Closed off, cold, emotionally constipated."
