Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

SIXTY

'The subject of noblewoman Lorelai Bervik's recent deal with the government has sparked controversy all across the Walls. Many have come to question the intentions of our leaders in making such a deal. Even more have questioned what exactly Lady Bervik hopes to achieve in such a bold move. What is certain, however, is that Aksel Briggs supporters will not take this blow quietly.'

-An extract from a newspaper article detailing current political events.

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SIXTY

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras

"Sorry about that," Lorelai said, scratching her cross marking. "Kind of awkward, huh?"

Levi blinked at her, willing the redness from his cheeks. "What? Oh... yeah."

"Don't worry yourself. I know courtship stuff makes you uncomfortable; he didn't know what he was talking about," she reassured him, taking Levi's arm as they began to walk back towards the main shopping street.

Exactly, Levi told himself, the old man didn't know what he was talking about. There was no reason to get worked up about it. All he wanted Lorelai to be was a friend... right?

His eyes lingered on her as they walked, and he noticed she was juggling all of the grocery bags. "Hey, let me carry those," Levi insisted.

"You need to rest your arm."

He frowned. "I can carry a damn bag of vegetables, Lorelai."

"Fine, suit yourself." It was heavier than he thought, and his weakly healed bones began to cry out. Lorelai snatched it back quickly. "See? Now, take it easy, or I'll put you back in a sling," Lorelai threatened. Levi smiled at her back as she began to walk ahead. Her words were harsh and her tone prickly, but it just showed how she worried for him.

—almost like how a lover would worry.

Levi's cheeks went red again, and he turned his gaze to the ground as he followed her down the street. What were these thoughts? Why was he suddenly seeing Lorelai in a different light? When had this started?

"Are... are you almost done shopping?" Levi asked meekly. Why was he stuttering? He internally screamed.

If she noticed, she spared his dignity. "Almost. I need to visit a seasoning merchant. Gotta have that Havasian spice," she turned around and winked.

Levi chuckled a little too loudly. Goddamnit. It was as if every semi-socially-competent cell in his body had just up and died. What was wrong with him? Calm down, he told himself sternly; it's just Lorelai. She raised an eyebrow at him before continuing down the street.

Levi tried to pull himself together as Lorelai finished up the last of her shopping. He really did. But, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't banish the idea that old man had put in his head.

He stood at her side as she dealt with the seasoning merchant, bartering as if it was second nature. Could it be possible that he felt something more than friendship? Levi had no way of knowing. Yes, he cared for her deeply. She was probably the person he trusted most in this world and the one that knew him best. Of course, she was... lovely, really lovely— but everyone thought so. And yes, the idea of living without her seemed like hell on earth. And, of course, he'd gladly kill for her, die for her, take on any pain, and-