Yours Truly, Levi

Secret?

This isn't so bad, you think as you set the third pot of water to boil, crouching over the little fire. You lean back on your heels and collect the filled canteens, carrying them to the water. You wade into the surf until you're knee-deep in water and submerged the hot, sealed bottles in the icy water.

"What are you doing? You know ocean water isn't drinkable. Are you stupid?" someone calls from onshore.

You turn and see Corporal Levi at the shore.

Man, this guy again? I've had quite enough of his crap. "They're filled and sealed already," you protest. "I'm putting them in this water to make them cold."

Levi's expression melts, and his cheeks flare. "Oh. That's actually... quite... smart."

You feel your own cheeks flush at the compliment. "Thank you," you say, wading back to your fire near the stream. Your wet feet are coated in sand by the time you reach it. To your surprise, Levi follows.

"In any case, I think I overestimated the ability of one person to boil some water, and am here to help you. We need to have as much water as possible for these men."

The two of you work in silence for the next few moments, the only sound being the crackling fire, bubbling water, and sizzling metal canteens. "But something tells me the blanket term "men" doesn't cut it anymore," Levi says finally, placing the pot down and turning to face you, an accusing look in his eyes.

Out of shock, you drop the pot you're holding and look back. "You- saw?"

"Saw? No, I saw nothing," he says. "I figured it out by the way you bathe and change and even relieve yourself away from everyone else, and get up early to, I assume, bind your chest. You also don't have a very convincing "man voice," kid. Plus- bozu? I mean. Really?"

You feel the color drain from your face. "Do you... think anyone else figured it out?"

Levi shook his head. "I doubt it. I'm the only one who is smart enough on this dumb-as-shit mission, except for maybe the Captain. Plus, you don't talk a lot. I just happened to hear you a few times. Believe me, the perverts on this rotting island would've taken full advantage if any of them suspected anything."

You shiver at the word advantage, and continue to scrub the pot, unsure of how to react. "You're not going to tell anyone, are you?"

Levi snickers. "Idiot, as if I'd do that." He ruffles your hair as he stands. "Not worth my time. Besides, I'd hate to see a girl- even if she does kind of look like a boy- get gobbled by the pervs here."

And with that, he sauntered back to the shelter, leaving you absolutely speechless.