Rivals (OC X Levi Ackerman)

Chapter 7

I expected to keep it together tonight, but even I could see myself unravelling. I'd drunk my own body weight in wine by now. Feeling like I'm going to be sick, I run outside and kneel on the grass, pulling my hair back. Nothing happens, and I sigh. Phew.

To my horror, Levi was leaning against a nearby wall - I just hadn't spotted him in the dark.

"Didn't I say you'd had enough?" He asks, but I ignore him, and struggle to get to my feet. I fail, and remain kneeled.

He helps me up, and I stagger over to the wall so I can hold myself up.
"Suppose I did get carried away."

"Mm." He mumbles, and watches me closely.

"Levi. Why'd you tell Erwin you didn't want to fight with me?"

He thinks for a second and leans against the wall.
"It wasn't your fight, Freyja. You'd never seen a titan before. Putting you against that thing as your first encounter, when I took you into the squad against your will. If you died, it would be my fault. Got plenty blood on my hands already."

"I overreacted." I reply.

"An understatement."

"Maybe I'm at your throat more than you deserve."

"Well, whatever. I don't care. Doesn't make much difference to me."

"You're being such an ass." I hiss at him, and he glances at me for a moment.

"Because if you were sober you'd be trying to punch me by now. If you have an apology for me, you can try again tomorrow."

"That's optimistic."

"It'll never happen." He replies, and I knit my eyebrows together. "'Cause you're way too self assured, and angry. Bad combination. And for that reason, you won't ever be a captain."

"I already am a captain, idiot." I hoss back at him.

"Of the MPs. You have to made of much stronger stuff to lead a squad in this regiment. There's much more to lose."

"I swear to god, I'll-"

"Before you hit me, am I wrong? Is being an MP harder than a scout?" He asks.

"You're right. But that doesn't mean I'm not capable."

"Of course it doesn't. It's your personality that means you're not capable."

I charge at him, and he moves slightly to the left. Combined with the alcohol, I trip and land face first in the dirt.

He watches me for a moment, but with a sigh, pulls me up to my feet.
"Come on." He says, allowing my arm around his shoulder for support. He helps me to an emtpy captain's room, and sits me on the bed.

He fills the water jug, pours a mug and places it beside my bed.
"If you still remember this tomorrow, don't dare mention it." He snaps slightly, and turns around to leave.

"Wait." I say, weakly.

He stops walking but doesnt turn to face me.

"Thank you. You're too kind to me."

"I wasn't being kind."

"And yet it was kinder than I deserve."

"Being stripped of all your titles and arresting you for treason would still be kinder than you deserve."

"Then why don't you?"

"Numbers." He replies, and leaves.

Ouch.