Because Of You

Chapter 53

The advice from Hange was dull, she wasn't too interested in half of the things they brought up. However, Carmen had enough experience to know what she was supposed to do on a date, most of it would just be talking, which she supposed she was good at. There were plenty thing's that the two didn't know about one another.

Wrapping her damp hair within a towel, Carmen looked at the outfit she planned to wear. It was her blue dress, the one Petra had gifted her. Along the sides, was mustard yellow stitching, giving the illusion of gold. It was a pretty dress, paired with a white blouse below it would make it perfect - plus she'd be matching Levi if her wore the suit she suggested.

She slid it onto her figure, it fit like a glove despite never being worn before. However, it did reveal a few of the scars on her collar. Though she decided to pay them no mind, Levi knew about nearly all of them by now, apart from the few she decided to keep secret.

The blonde rarely wore makeup, but it was a special occasion so she put a on a little - it was barely noticeable yet made her feel more formal all at once. She tied her hair back, placing it into it's usual ponytail, the way she liked it.

Within no time, it was approaching 4pm and Carmen walked through the corridors towards hers and Levi's shared room. She'd went out of her way to stay away for him most the day, otherwise what would be the point in having tea with him? It was already a regular occurrence for them, she needed to make this special.

She knocked casually before entering the office and looked at Levi. He was stood there, dressed in the suit she'd suggested and holding a small bouchée of flowers. The woman smiled slightly at his flustered state, he wasn't lying when he said he was inexperienced, but she simply found it cute. Carmen took the flowers from him, observing the efforts he went to just to make her happy.

"Thank you." She said to him as she placed them in their a vase beside their shared window. She'd read up on flowers and their meanings once or twice, it was something she had found interesting when Oruo had told her the meaning behind red roses. "They're lilies." The woman elaborated. "Symbolising purity and rebirth. Quite fitting." She commented, her dress flowed as she spun around and stood by Levi's side.

The man was at awe. He knew Carmen was beautiful, but he felt as though he was seeing her much differently now. She looked elegant and formal, it was unexpected but not unwelcome. If he was being honest, she could have shown up wearing her scouts uniform and he'd still find her amazing.

"Quite." He nodded his head, agreeing with her in minimal words. His eyes trailed across her figure one last time before she quirked a brow, noticing he was practically checking her out. "You're stunning.' He revealed to her, feeling as though if he'd regret it if he didn't.

In response, Carmen smiled in his direction. "You're not too bad yourself." She replied.

In silent agreement, the two made their way out of Levi's office and walked idly down the hallways of the scouts base. They'd managed to avoid everyone, given that most were enjoying their meals in the dining hall. However, despite their solitude, Carmen couldn't help but feel slightly awkward. She assumed that on dates, she was supposed to endure an endless amount of talking, but Levi wasn't a thing like what she was used to.

Eventually, they reached the stables and stopped outside the stall where both their horses stayed. "We can take my horse. It'll be easier." He suggested as Carmen nodded. The two got onto their horse with ease, having done it time and time again.

The woman wrapped her arms around his torso before they set off, galloping away from their base and finally to somewhere more peaceful. She hadn't ever spent much time away from the scouts, there was one occasion when Petra allowed her to stay with her parents, but even then, it felt foreign.