S'il Vous Plait Rappelez Moi ( Please, Remember Me )

VII. Motivation and Challenge

Nothing much happened during the course of their dinner aside from the good food prepared by Kuchel and Petra and the light - hearted conversation. Erwin and Hange were both disappointed to see that their male victim remained unconcerned throughout the entire meal despite the fact that they were trying their best to make Petra talk more often by asking her some slightly personal questions, like are you really sure you never had a boyfriend? We thought back then at Stohess that you had a lot of creepy stalkers and what would be your ideal man, then? kind of questions. Petra answered all of them safely, which slightly annoyed Hange. But, what irritates her the most was the fact that they couldn't get Levi to engage in the conversation. The bespectacled woman almost grated her teeth and sought for Erwin's rescue. The blonde man thought for a moment, then smiled, thinking that it's about time to change strategies.

Levi was silently eating his lamb chop when Erwin cleared his throat, which gained the attention of the people, including him. "Ms. Ral, you know, I honestly think you're very beautiful."

A bombshell instantly dropped in front of them, and it was in the guise of Levi's slightly bent knife and fork. Both Kenny and Mike noticed the very clear and sudden change in Levi's mood and pretended they didn't see it. Kuchel, oblivious to her son's reaction to what Erwin said, almost hyperventilated, thinking that he and Petra would make a good couple. Hange's smile extended from ear to ear, mischief dancing in all of her four eyes. Erwin smiled with satisfaction. Petra's cheeks and ears turned into the most crimson of all shades of crimson.

Levi thought he wanted to inflict bodily harm on the tall blonde man.

"I-i,... uh,..." Petra muttered, unable to say anything that would make sense.

Erwin smiled at her, his gaze purposefully lingering on hers. "And the way you play the violin, and the piano, is simply enchanting, I don't have the exact words to describe it."

"Oh,... uh,... thank you, Erwin." Petra said.

Since when were you in first name basis huh, brat?!

"If what Hange said about your stalkers is true, then I have no reason to doubt it. If I were the same age as you and we're both students at that time, I'd do it, too."

Kenny, Kuchel and Hange all laughed. Mike simply grinned. Petra couldn't help but smile at Erwin's joke.

If I were the same age as you and we're both students at that time, I'd kill you before you could even begin to look at her.

"But, of course, I wouldn't do it to you, Petra." Erwin continued.

Thank God,...

"I would properly introduce myself to you and your parents and I'll ask their permission to court you. Besides, it's way better than just thinking about you and hesitating, not to mention stalking you."

Bullshit,...

"You got a point there." Kenny agreed, fully aware of what's going on and decided to go along with Erwin. "Heh! If I fancy some dame, I'd sweep her off her feet and marry her right away!"

"You'll propose to her first, Mr. Ackerman." added Mike humbly, with much emphasis on the surname.

"Oh, yes, let's not forget about that, hahaha!"

"So, Erwin," said Hange excitedly. "Do you like Petra? I mean, if you were given the chance, would you really court her?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I will. And, yes, I like Petra a lot."