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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The courtyard of the palace was shrouded in a somber atmosphere, raindrops drumming against the cobblestone pavement as various soldiers scurried around. The once vibrancy of the palace was muted beneath the gray overcast sky.
You stood amidst the scene, a frown etched upon your features as you assisted Hange in packing the final supplies for the Scouts' departure. Despite the heaviness of the moment, Hange's irrepressible spirit remained undimmed, which you silently appreciated.
Hange couldn't resist the urge to tease you about Levi, her playful remarks welcomed in the dim morning atmosphere.
"You know, Adeline," Hange began, a teasing lilt to her voice, "I can't help but notice how you and Levi seemed awfully cozy during the ball. From where I was, it sounded like the two of you had a pretty good night. Anything you want to share with the class?"
You rolled your eyes at Hange's insinuations, a faint blush rising to your cheeks. "Hange, now's not the time for jokes," you chided.
"You don't have to be ashamed, y'know. You got Levi to finally come out of his shell, which is pretty impressive. And besides," She huffed as she placed a box down into a cart. "I was beginning to think I was going to lose the bet I had with the cadets." She said casually.
You stared at your friend incredulously, "You guys had a bet on whether or not Levi would get together?"
"Yep." She said, matter-of-factly. "Mikasa, Eren, and Jean all bet you wouldn't. But Connie, Sasha, and I had faith in you. Erwin, too."
Your mouth dropped open. "Erwin was in on this?"
Hange nodded, "Yep." She waved her hand in dismissal at your expression, "Oh, please! It's not like you two ever hid it. Levi just has a stick up his ass at all times, so he'd never admit it and you were too scared to say anything. But I always had faith." She said, earning another astonished look from you.
You shook your head in silent amusement. "Well, if you must know, things are nice but... complicated."
Hange raised an eyebrow, "Complicated, huh? Sounds intriguing. Do tell."
You sighed, "Let's just say Levi and I have a few obstacles to overcome. Duty, for one."
Hange nodded knowingly, her expression softening. "Ah, yes. The burden of duty. A formidable opponent, indeed. But hey, where there's a will, there's a way, right?"
You smiled wistfully, "Right."
"In any case, it seems like Levi's back to his old demeanor. It was nice seeing him so relaxed this past month, but alas!" Hange sighed, placing the final box down.
Your eyes scanned the courtyard, searching for Levi amidst the flurry of activity. Finally, you spotted him, commanding with his usual stoic demeanor, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. Soldiers scurried at his orders, each of them worried that any misstep would center them in Levi's wrath.
As your gaze locked with his, a fleeting moment of connection passed between you. His stern expression softened ever so slightly. But the moment was short, interrupted by demands pulling Levi's attention away once more.
Hange caught the subtle shift in your demeanor as you watched Levi. She nudged you gently, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Hey, Adeline, don't worry too much. He'll be fine. And you, my dear, have managed to do what few could—get a smile out of the stone hearted half-pint himself. That's no small feat."
You mustered a small smile in return, "I wouldn't repeat that name in front of him if I were you." You laughed.
The time had come for Hange's departure, and you embraced each other tightly, the rain outside providing a fitting backdrop to the bittersweet moment. Hange, always one for heartfelt farewells, held you at arm's length, a warm grin spreading across her face.
"Take care, Adeline. You've got big shoes to fill, but I know you'll do brilliantly. And hey, if you ever find yourself missing the Scouts, you know where to find us. I've got a feeling you'll be itching to swing around with the ODM gear sooner or later," Hange teased.
You chuckled, "I'll miss you, Hange. Try not to get into too much trouble out there."
Hange winked, "No promises, my dear." She said, stepping away. But before she got very far, she turned around and shouted back, "Oh, and while you're writing your letters to lover boy, don't forget to write to us too! We're gonna miss you too, ya know!"
You laughed and shouted after her, "Of course, Hange. I'll even spray a little bit of my perfume on your letters as a little special something." You smiled as she cheered jokingly before turning on her heel and disappearing further into the courtyard.
As you made your way back inside the palace, you stumbled upon your friends gathered in the hallway, hanging around as they awaited their departure. Sasha was busy double-checking her gear, while Connie and Jean exchanged a few last-minute jokes to lighten the mood.
"Hey, Adeline." Armin called out, waving as he spotted you approaching. "You ready for us to hit the road?"
You offered a smile, a pang of sadness tugging at your heart. "As ready as I'll ever be, Armin. Just hate saying goodbye, you know?"
Connie chimed in, "Ah, come on, Adeline! You can't get rid of us that easily. We'll see each other again before you know it. We'll hold the fort down for you while you're gone."
The rest of them offered you supportive smiles. "Yeah, don't forget to write us love letters from the palace, Princess," Jean teased, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
You laughed softly, "I'll be sure to keep you all updated on palace gossip," you promised. It was at this moment that Erwin's voice boomed through the courtyard and into the palace's open doors that the Scouts were preparing for departure, causing your smile to falter, "You've been like family to me. Stay safe out there, okay?"
"We will." Mikasa promised, placing her hand on your arm before she turned to head towards the courtyard. The others followed after her, after giving their final well wishes and hugs. You made your way to the palace entrance to stand on the steps as you watched them walk away.
However, panic set in as you realized you hadn't yet said goodbye to Levi. Frantically, you scanned the courtyard, searching for him amongst the crowd of soldiers. Just as anxiety threatened to consume you, his voice sounded from behind.
"Adeline," he said.
Relief flooded through you as you turned to face him, meeting his gaze with a look of longing.
You approached him with a half-smile, trying to mask the anxiety that had gripped you just moments ago. "Levi, trying to slip away without saying goodbye?" you teased.
"I wouldn't dream of it." He responded, matching your tone.
Levi held you in a brief but tight embrace, a departure from his usual stoicism. His lips grazed your temple in a gentle kiss, a promise lingering in the gesture.
"Adeline," he spoke, his voice low, "Try not to worry too much. It will work out. I'll write, I'll visit."
You nodded, a mixture of emotions swirling within you. "I know, Levi. I trust you."
His thumb brushing against your cheek. "We'll be together soon. You're going to do great things."
He pulled away, leaving you with a lingering sense of warmth. As he turned to leave, you called out one last time, "Promise me, Levi."
He met your gaze, "I promise, Adeline. Take care of yourself."
And with that, he walked away, disappearing into the rainy courtyard, leaving you with the uncertainty of the future.
