LIfe's Too Short

Chapter 13

Two days later

It was the evening when Petra heard a knock on the door. She was alone eating since her father had left to gather more food, which would be scarce in the next few days. Yesterday she had spent the whole day at home, not wanting to see Daniel.

The girl cautiously walked over to the door and peeped out the window before opening it.

Especially given the situation, she had to be careful.

However, she sighed in relief and excitement when she saw who it was before opening the door.

"Good evening, Heichou," she said happily. "What brings you here?"

Levi was dressed in a black suit with his signature cravat, looking somewhat tired.

"I just wanted to drop by to say hello," he replied.

Petra opened the door wider and invited him in.

He stepped inside and took off his shoes while Petra ran to the kitchen to make coffee for him.

Levi sat down at the table as Petra placed the steaming hot mug in front of him.

He took a sip, and immediately he felt like he was in the Survey Corps HQ again. The coffee he had attempted to make himself had ended up boiling over and creating a mess in the kitchen, which of course he had to clean. Each morning he had to make due with a hot cup of water, which wasn't satisfying in the least.

The corporal savored each sip of the drink.

Petra sat down in front of him with a cup of tea that smelled like honey.

"How are the appointments going?" he asked.

"Good," Petra replied in between a sip. "I think I'll be able to make it back."

"That's good to hear," Levi put his cup down.

"What are you doing here in Trost?" Petra inquired.

"I'm still not able to fight because of my ankle," he explained.

"Oh," Petra said. She'd forgotten about it.

Levi looked at her, puzzled.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Her eyes met his. She knew she couldn't lie.

"Daniel wants to marry me."

That son of a bitch.

"What did your father say?" Levi asked her nonchalantly.

Petra's fingers clenched into a fist.

"He said... He said it was up to me, but he'd rather not have me marry."

"Didn't he say before that you were too young to marry?"

"Yes," she replied.

She looked down. "Besides, I don't even feel that way about Daniel. He's nice and all, but too childish."

No shit.

"Then don't marry him. Simple as that. Only an idiot would want to marry a girl when they haven't even started a relationship."

"I know, but," Petra shifted uncomfortably. "Daniel would bother me until I say yes, I'm sure."

Levi stared her in the eyes. "It's your decision, not his."

"Heichou..."

"Hey, I told you to call me Levi when we're alone, didn't I?"

She laughed.