Rivals (OC X Levi Ackerman)

Chapter 24

I squint, aim, and shoot.

I was a natural with these new pistols, and felt completely unstoppable using them.

"Woohoo!" I squeal, though I don't know who to, since I was alone. Or at least, I'd thought so.

The past few weeks had been weird. We had allies, for the first time ever, new stuff, new technology. I still didn't trust that crazy looking bitch as far as I could throw her, though there had been an admittedly high increase in morale among the military.

It's possible, for once, my instincts are wrong and I'm just being crazy.

But my memory was improving. Less episodes of disorientation, and I was slowly regaining the trust of the people who had silently started to think I'd gone crazy. But that's the problem, everything was going way too well.

No problem. When the shit hits the fan I'll be ready for it.

I reload my gun, and as I get ready to aim, I'm interrupted.

"I'd been told there was a crazy woman using all our ammo in the training grounds, but I told them I didn't believe them."

I turn to look at Levi, and lower my gun. I give him a faint smile.

"I don't like how quick those Marleyans had me. I need to be quicker."

"I think you're plenty quick enough. Just need a different technique."

"Which is?"

"Worry about yourself instead of me. I can handle myself." He says. I don't respond, and go back to aiming. I fire a few rounds into the target, and he watches me carefully.

"You're a natural. But..." he stands behind me, and I feel his breath on the back of my neck. Shivers spread through my whole body.

He holds both of my elbows and adjusts my stance slowly.
"These guns recoil differently. You'll ache less if you hold the gun there instead." He mutters, still standing behind me.

I try firing a few rounds, and he's right.

"Good." He says softly, against my ear.

Damnit, go away. I need my knees to work, asshole.

I flick the safety on and turn to smile at him.
"Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

"You came to find me." I say, while packing away my ammunition. "Did you need something?"

"No. Well, actually. I was just going to say you haven't been in the mess hall for the past few days. And I know you're excited about your new weapons. So I'm just concerned you're not eating."

"Of course I am. Don't be ridiculous. Take your own advice Levi, worry about yourself."

"Mm. If you say so. Do you have plans for tonight?"

"Just sleep," I say, with a sigh.

"Come and talk with me then."

I look at him, confused.

"...if you want." He continues.

I shrug, and nod for him to lead the way.

Quietly, I sit down in his room and lean back in my chair. I watch him as he pours two mugs of tea and places one in front of me.

"I was hoping we would be drinking wine." I protest, and he chuckles under his breath.

"I think the Marleyans brought some over. If you want me to find it."

"Nah, I don't trust it. Full of poison, I bet."

"Doubt it. You're being a little paranoid, aren't you? They betrayed their country to help us. Don't forget that."

"I watched as they gunned down their men in cold blood. If they can do that to comrades, they can do it to us. You're not being paranoid enough." I hiss at him, and he defensively raises his hands.

"I didn't want an argument. Easy."

"Don't tell me to go easy."

"I'm just saying, Freyja. You don't trust them but you're happy to use the guns they gave you."

I get to my feet to walk out.

"Sit." He says. I don't know what it is about his tone, but there's no room for argument. I hesitate, for a moment, but sit back down.

"My, my. We really need to do something about that temper."

"If you didn't want to argue, what do you want?" I ask him.

"Must I want something?"

"It's you. So yeah. It's not like you called me here for a catch up, is it?"

He exhales slightly, though it's not quite a sigh.
"Maybe I did. So what?"

I grit my teeth for a moment to keep calm, and quietly sip my tea.

"How're you getting on with your new squad?" He asks me, cocking his head slightly. Looks as if he's actually concerned.

"Pretty good. They've all improved so much. You?"

"Same shit. Though Eren is more miserable than usual. No fun to be around anymore."

I wave my hand dismissively.
"Eh, I never liked him that much, anyway."

"He's just a kid." Levi shoots back, and I roll my eyes.

"In my experience, kids usually turn into adults. You'll see. He'll be a nightmare."

"I'll keep him in line. He's not for you to worry about."

"The fate of my people is not my concern? Interesting."

He leans forward, resting his arms on his knees.
"I thought you told me you could let your guard down around me. Stop being so damn aggressive. Learn when to relax a little."

My blood boils, but a calm washes over me suddenly. Damn. He's right. I drink my tea and stay quiet.

"Who do you think should inherit Eren's titan once his term is up?" Levi asks me, changing the subject.

I shrug.
"He won't let any of squad Levi take it. I could, I guess."

"Don't be stupid." He snaps at me, but regains his composure.

"What, I'm not good enough?"

"You're too good. We need you fighting as a human. And you'd die in 13 years."

"I thought I'd die long before that anyway."

"You're cheerful." He groans. "I shouldn't have invited you."

I huff.
"Allow me to fix that."

"Just sit still, you idiot."

I groan, and bury my face in my hands.
"I should never have told you, should I?"

"I don't have an opinion on that. Things only change if you let them."

"You're inviting me to your room, and I'm letting things change?"

He thinks for a moment, and shrugs.
"Good point." He says, and gets to his feet. "If tea is too boring, why don't we get back to training? You seem healthy enough now."

"We?" I question, an eyebrow raised.

Huh?