Warmth (A RivaMika/ Levi x Mikasa Fanfiction)

Chapter 2: The Mask

Seasons change in the blink of an eye in the wall. Expeditions one after another pays no attention the flow of time. Despite the hard grieve times, there were still some good reasons to live. It was Levi's third spring in the Scout Regiment and he was promoted to a Corporal. Many of the squad members had mixed feelings of jealousy, relief, happiness and anger towards this appointment. However, it was a decision made by the top management, including Corporals, Commanding Officers, Section Commanders, Squad Leaders, Squad Captain and of course, the Commander.

The night of Levi's promotion, the Scout Regiment threw a party for him, like for any other soldier who got promoted. It was the very least ease of tension in the affiliation that Erwin could do for his fellow comrades.

"Let's toast to Corporal Levi Ackerman for his remarkable performance in the Scout Regiment!" proclaimed Erwin as he raised his glass of wine to the air towards Levi and the floor.

"Congratulations, Corporal Levi!" shouted the crowd excitedly as Levi quickly being swamped with girls, but he was soon protected by his team members, especially Petra who started shooting murderous glares at the girls.

"I wonder where she learnt that glaring skill from," questioned Oruo in a slightly sad tone, "she used to be so innocent and angelic."

"Might be from Corporal Mikasa or Corporal Levi himself. Both of them had that skill built into their eyes and it was widely used in public. Otherwise, they would be usually swamped by opposite genders all the time," hooted Gunther as he gulped down a big glass of beer. "I'm glad that Levi manage to own that title in such short period of time."

Eld who was almost drunk beside Oruo nodded furiously in agreement. "Our boss own it! He deserves that honour!" he giggled loudly before slamming his head onto the table.

"Ah, this guy is out of the game. Oruo, give me a hand to carry Eld back to his chamber! Corporal Levi, we shall retire for the night then. Congratulations once again!" pronounced Gunther as he motioned Oruo to carry the passed out Eld out from the mess hall. Levi plastered a thin smile and nodded slightly at his members.

It was near midnight and almost all the soldiers had passed out in the hall itself, leaving only a handful sober ones who decided to drag themselves back to their chambers for a good night sleep.

"Erm, Corporal Levi. It's getting late. Shall we head back?" entreated Petra, her blush seared through her cheeks while she peeks a glance at Corporal Levi. He had been quiet the whole night, even though he was supposed to be the main character of the party. He is physically in the hall but mentally, he definitely is somewhere else.

Petra frowned at the man disappointingly. "Corporal Levi?" she called again and this time, Levi's deep train of thought was finally interrupted.

He snapped and looked at the blonde haired woman, who was shyly staring and waiting for his response. "Oh, Petra. You should head back to your chamber now. I will be going back to my room shortly later," he droned slowly while continued to sip his wine.

"If you want company, I can-"

"No. I'll be fine alone," he cut her off and narrowed his eyes, while motion her to leave.

Petra's eyes flattened with her beloved corporal's statement and flee from the scene before her tears roll down her cheeks.

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It was one of the rare nights Levi brought himself out of the castle to feel the wintry blow his hair into a tousled mane. Stars light the sky like snow-flakes in the night, yet appear still, like an old painting. Despite the magnificent Milky Way in the night sky, the surroundings are wrapped in darkness. The night is as ferocious as a dip in the frozen lakes would be, taking his body heat until his lips blued and teeth chattered. It was an erratic frosty cold spring night. Levi ambled along the castle until he discerned a dark, tall figure, who was making its way towards the right side of the castle.