What More Could I Need (Book #2) AOT Fanfiction

High School Memories

Saichi Yamazaki

I take Levi to one of the nearby parks. It doesn't have many kids around since there is no playground area. I find a single bench under the biggest tree and take a seat. Ever since I discovered this tree ten years ago, I use it as a place to relax. Aki and Maki love coming here once the cherry blossom season comes around. Levi sits beside, as far on the other side as possible. I take out a cigarette and put it between my teeth. "You smoke?"

"Yes, but I try not to do it too much around Aki and Maki. It messes with their health a little."

As I'm lighting my cigarette, he points out, "That looks like a custom lighter."

He must be a smoker himself to notice that. "It was a gift from Dimitrius, someone you'll meet later. It was after I had begun smoking and I would usually use matches. He got tired of me leaving the used matches all over the place so he gave me a specially customized lighter that has my name engraved." I run my fingers over it before tucking it away in my pocket. "So, Levi, have you always lived in Kobe?"

"Yes, actually. I'm surprised you don't remember me."

"I'm sorry?"

I lift my eyes to look over at him. He's rubbing the back of his neck, looking away. "We went to high school together." I didn't have any real friends in high school. My father told me not to get close to anyone because they would be put in danger because of me. It was also because people would usually only care about me because I was beautiful and had a rich family. "We...did?"

"Yes. I guess because I finally changed my last name, you have forgotten. My last named used to be Rivialle."

I gasp and the cigarette falls in my lap. I quickly stomp it out under my foot. Rivialle-senpai. He was in his second year when I went into my first year. Everyone was talking about him, especially the girls. He was that sort of attractive and semi-cute guy that never went out of his way to socialize and sat alone in the library when he wasn't in class or playing a sport. He was an honor student plus the best soccer and baseball player. I was the only one that had even the slightest courage to sit with him in the library. 

We didn't speak at first. I'm sure he thought I was some outcast but we began having a few words exchanged to full conversations by his third year. Girls would use me to give him love letters. I would follow through but didn't care too much about it. At his graduation, he told me he loved me. It was sudden and it was the first love confession that I actually felt something about. I saw him as a great friend but it was only when he suddenly moved away from our town that I felt the same. I never found him, no matter how much I tried. I can't say I forgot about my senpai. I took my feelings for him and locked them away, just so I wouldn't think about it and not hurt anymore.

He looks much different now. In high school, he kept his hair long with a swoop over his eye. I don't know what to say anymore. Should I unlock that door and let my feelings free again or keep them locked away for the sake of being hurt in the future? I don't know. "So, is that why you're here even though you have other worries?" I ask.

"I begged your father to allow me to come back into your life. Agreeing to be your guard was the best he would agree to." That sounds about right. Levi sighs. "I know I left. I had many reasons for doing so." He left me behind without a single word right after confessing love for me. It hurt. Why should I forgive him? "My uncle found out I had feelings for you and decided to send me to America for college. He said I should think of the clan instead of a stupid thing like love. I guess I should say I'm sorry."

I bring my knees to my chin and hug them to my chest. "Don't. It doesn't matter anymore. That was years ago."

He grabs me by the shoulder and pulls me over. He holds me close and tight. I want to push away until he whispers, "I love you."

"Levi..."

"Please, forgive me. I know this is uncomfortable for you but I want you to give me a chance. I want the opportunity to love you."

Levi Ackerman

Unlike most, I regained my memories as a Survey Corps soldiers at a very early age. I was in high school when the nightmares started. I couldn't put the pieces together until I graduated and met Erwin at the University. He recognized me during class and decided to approach me. It was at that moment that everything rushed back to me. It was hell after that. I had nothing but nightmares and sleepless nights. My pain as a soldier is making my life now complete shit. All I can see is the blood of my fallen comrades and subordinates.

Now, the everlasting memory that I've held onto is those with Saichi and Eren. It comes down to the day I ended their lives. I've been looking for them since I began to remember her. Now that I have her again, I will do my best to love her openly and protect her even if there are no more Titans.

I leave the bathroom after my bath and see the downstairs lights are still on. It's one in the morning so I don't expect anyone to be awake. I continue to dry my hair as I walk down the stairs. I find Saichi sprawled out on the couch with a bunch of papers everywhere. Takahiro comes from the kitchen and responds to the obviously confused look on my face. "She always does this. She stays up for days at a time, spending her nights trying to find a way to cure a patient that is deemed unsavable. Eventually, her body crashes." He removes her glasses from her face and gathers her carefully into his arms. "I don't agree with how she lacks care for her own health but she is too stubborn."