symbiosis » levi ackerman

chapter four; passion.

Fallan
I looked up in shock. Benjin had his hand firmly placed on my shoulder and was glaring at Levi vehemently. Levi raised an eyebrow and sipped his tea once more.
"My apologies," he tilted his head at Benjin. "Another time, Lieutenant."
Benjin forcefully hoisted me up by looping his hand underneath my armpit, then grabbed me by the crook of the arm and dragged me out of the hall. I felt my cheeks redden with embarrassment. I looked over to Levi as I was pulled towards the exit, was he amused?
I was furious with Benjin for embarrassing me in such a way, in front of comrades too. I saw him like family, but I was still his superior. It was completely out of line for him to act like this. As soon as we were out of the hall I ripped my arm from his grasp and stared him down.
"What the fuck was that?" I spat, pushing his shoulder. It wasn't often I lost my temper, but his act of disrespect ignited a spark of rage within me.
"I saw you. At the stables." he muttered. He looked sheepish, embarrassed that he had sparked my anger. He knew it took a lot to illicit that particular reaction from me.
"So? What I do with my time is absolutely none of your concern!" I tried to control my tone, not wanting to shout and cause a scene in the middle of the hallway.
"But you lied to me." Benjin replied quietly, a look on his face that resembled one of a kicked puppy. I scowled and pressed a finger to his chest. Benjin was a soldier, a mighty fine one at that, but deep down he was still a little boy at heart. The years of horrors hadn't hardened him, they'd turned him into a sensitive little flower.
"I am your superior, Sallow, and don't you forget it." I muttered lowly, staring up at him with a hard glare.
His eyes widened in disbelief for a second, then he chuckled darkly, narrowing his eyes.
"My superior?" he scoffed. "You know damn well I'm stronger, quicker and more skilled than you. I haven't forgotten our time in the Training Corps." he took a step towards me, almost threateningly. Ah, there it is. A furious temper to match his now damaged ego.
I stood my ground, knowing full well he wouldn't dare hurt me.
"I remember those hours spent helping you on the 3DMG course, teaching you hand to hand combat techniques. But you always thought you were so much better than me because you were smarter. Here's a little reminder for you," he spat, glaring down at me. "Last time I checked, it was strength that kills titans. Not fucking brains."
I felt uneasy, it's like my comment had flicked a switch in Benjin. I'd never seen him so angry. I knew he wouldn't hurt me, but I backed away.
"Is there a problem here Lieutenant Reid?" the Commander's deep, authoritative voice rumbled from behind Benjin, who turned around and saluted. I brushed myself off and sent a grateful smile towards Erwin. Levi was stood behind him, arms crossed.
"Nothing I couldn't handle myself Commander." I replied, saluting.
"Certainly didn't seem that way." Levi tutted. I felt embarrassment creep onto my cheeks. As a woman in the Corps, especially one of my stature, I felt I was often viewed as weak. It's true, my skills on the front weren't exceptional, with only a few assists and even less kills to my name, but I knew my brains were valuable. I worked closely with Hanji, studying the titans anatomy and theorising various possible speculations. We'd made huge steps in discovering more about the wretched things, but of course, in the Scouts, all anyone really cared about was your kill count. Mine was mediocre at best.
"How about that walk then?" Levi asked. "Leave the Commander to take care of this one."
I straightened my back and nodded, brushing myself down once more. He tilted his head in a way that meant 'this way'. I took one final glance at Benjin, who was staring at Levi with a stone cold glare.

I laced my hands behind my back and stared up at the inky sky. Stars illuminated the pitch black in specks of bright white. Levi was right, the sky was beautiful tonight.
We walked in silence - I couldn't quite work out if it was comfortable or awkward. Levi stopped walking as we reached a large oak tree, instead he stopped and looked at me.
"Why didn't you defend yourself?" he asked.
I let out a light-hearted sigh, a small smile painting my lips. I continued to look up at the stars. "It was Benjin, I don't need to defend myself."
Levi tutted and turned his gaze up towards the sky. "Bullshit."
I looked at him with wide eyes, surprise evident on my expression.
"If you'd have to stood up to him he would've recognised you as a superior." He locked his eyes onto mine. "If you back away like that, he won't respect you."
He looked away again. "You should've punched the guy in the face."
I chuckled and shook my head.
"Who is he anyway?" Levi asked. "To you, I mean."
"Benjin Sallow. He's in my squad, we trained together." I replied, shuffling my feet.
"Sounds like a dick."
I smiled again, shaking my head. "He has his moments."
"You still speak fondly despite his actions, sounds like you love him." his tone was almost teasing.
"I do." I shrugged. Levi quickly turned his head to me and raised an eyebrow inquisitively. I realised my mistake and laughed.
"Not like that. I love him like a brother."
It was true, Benjin's friendship partly filled the void Edward's death had left.
"And are you sure that the feeling is mutual?"
"Oh please," I laughed again, amused by the idea that Benjin would ever view me romantically.
"Take it from a guy who had a sister - I never looked at her the way he looks at you." he replied, an almost distant look on his face. I caught on to the past tense - 'had' , but didn't bother to pry. I knew the feeling of losing a sibling. I shrugged his words off, I knew Benjin had no romantic interest in me. I hoped the idea of it was as repulsive to him as it was to me.
"We should head back, it's getting late." I began, but saw Levi begin to shake his head.
"Stay a while. It would be a waste of a beautiful evening if we left now," he looked over to me. "I told you I wanted to know more about you. Tell me a bit about yourself."
He spoke these words in such a nonchalant, uncaring tone, yet I sensed he meant them gently.
"There isn't much to tell." I replied. I knew damn well that wasn't true, but the idea of revealing myself to someone I barely knew didn't really appeal to me. I got the sense I could trust Levi, but that didn't mean I would allow myself to.
"I don't think that's true."
"It's not." I said, my smile faltering slightly, "Another time."
Levi nodded in understanding. "Come, I'll walk you back."
He began walking back in the direction of the main building. I quickly followed suit.
"Quite a performance earlier I must say. I didn't know you had it in you." Levi mused. I assumed he was referring to my anger at Benjin.
"I thought you said I hadn't defended myself? I didn't realise you'd seen anything."
"You didn't defend yourself, not appropriately. Should've torn him a new arsehole. I didn't like the way he grabbed you, looked like he was about to hit you. I followed you to check if everything was okay." He looked slightly uncomfortable as he said that. I nodded slowly.
"I don't like shouting at him, or anyone really. Sometimes it's just necessary." I replied, fiddling with my fingers.
"Still should've hit him."

We walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence, it was peaceful. There was a pleasant summer breeze that ruffled it's way through my hair - I was thankful I'd decided to wear a hoodie rather than a t-shirt. I looked over to Levi, he was wearing his usual attire, minus the cravat and jacket. His grey shirt was unbuttoned slightly and his hair looked more dishevelled than usual. Under the setting sun, anyone could've thought he looked almost attractive - but I knew better. Love during war could only end tragically.
Under his eyes were heavy black bags. I recognised the signs immediately, as I'd seen them in my own reflection in the mirror many a time - he wasn't sleeping. I didn't think it was appropriate to bring it up, seeing as our friendship (if I could even call it that) was so newly formed.
We reached my door, which he opened for me. I smiled at the gesture, ducking under his arm and walking into my office. He stood at the doorway, propping himself up against the frame and keeping the door open with his foot.
"Thank you," I paused, "for tonight I mean."
He nodded, keeping his face expressionless. "I'll see you tomorrow."
I sent him one last smile as he turned on his heel and left, shutting the door behind him. I leant against my desk, running a hand through my hair.
"Fuck," I sighed under my breath. It seemed I'd formed a friendship, or an acquaintanceship at the very least - the absolute last thing I wanted to do.
I decided the best thing to do would be to distance myself from him, to avoid the eventual hurt that would come from either one of us dying. It was morbid, I knew that, but it was the lesser evil. I groaned once more and dragged myself towards my bedroom. I was exhausted, and figured a nap would do me some good.