Rivals (OC X Levi Ackerman)

Chapter 22

I go to the mess hall ridiculously early in the morning, hoping to get my breakfast and avoid the noise of all the people. I grab bread, fruit, and a cup of tea and sit alone at the table. Quietly, I eat, but as I look up at the empty table I realise this isn't peace - it's lonely.

I don't even hear the footsteps since I'm lost in thought. Sasha sits down beside me, and grins at me.

"You're up early." I say, and she nods, chewing bread.

"As always. You get the best fruit that way." She says, her mouth full.

"Of course." I reply.

I finish my food, and as she realises I'm about to stand up and leave, she speaks.

"What's your deal?" She asks.

I turn to look at her, not just confused by the question, but also offended by it.
"What are you talking about, Sasha?" I ask.

"I know the Beast titan charge changed you. Physically, mentally. But even since then you haven't always been like this. What's got you so miserable?" She questions, and uses my thinking time to keep eating.

I wanted to be angry, but suddenly I felt vulnerable - in a good way.

"I've never had a good handle on my emotions. Always been turbulent. Mainly with anger. But recently some things are just hitting me harder."

"Like what?" She expertly stuffs her mouth full of food while maintaining full interest.

"Not something I want to trouble you with."

"Oh, go on. I don't feel like you have a bestie to offload everything to. You can only tell so many of your problems to your horse..."

Heavily, I sigh, and tip my head back.

"Fine, I'll keep it vague. I never imagined myself in this situation. I thought I'd live and die solely a soldier. I've never felt this way before, so I can't be sure. But I'm pretty confident I'm in love."

Sasha chuckles slightly.
"That can't be a bad thing."

"I try and be selfless about it. But as it gets worse I just want him to acknowledge that we have chemistry."

"Oh, yeah. You and Levi have crazy chemistry."

I go bright red.
"Wait. No. I never said a name."

She bursts out laughing.
"Everyone knows you're in love with Levi. I'm just glad you said it out loud. Gotta be a weight off."

"Everyone?!"

"Well, duh."

"Even Levi?!"

"Oh, I don't know. Guy's an emotional idiot. Maybe he's known all along, maybe he has no clue. He's an enigma. But you should tell him."

"You're crazy." I respond, and I bury my face in my hands.

"Mm. What we're dealing with, soon, we can't hide from behind these walls. Better be honest with him sooner or later. I don't want to freak you out or anything, but even with the titans gone, tomorrow isn't promised."

"And yet some things are still better left unsaid." I reply, a little sad.

"Yeah, like telling someone their hair looks stupid or there's a hole in the ass of their uniform. But not love." She says with a grin.

"Do you tell food you love it?" I ask her, trying to lighten and change the subject a little.

"Every day!" She beams.

"Sasha." I say, quietly. "Don't you dare repeat any of this."

"I won't tell a soul. In your own time, right?"