Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

SIXTY-ONE

'I still remember the moment I knew you and I were forever. It's vivid— the first ball we attended together; we were... twenty-one? Twenty-two? I saw you standing there, wearing that retro red dress, and the way you smiled... I had to look away, or you would see what had just... blossomed inside me, you know?'

-An extract from a digital love letter addressed to Lorelai Bervik from Warren Krüger.

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SIXTY-ONE

Wall Sina, Interior, Mitras, Royal Palace

Levi followed Lorelai through the servants' passages and down into the kitchens. He had found her cooking for the staff there a few weeks ago.

That night seemed so long ago, though it was barely a few weeks. So much had happened. They'd gone underground, seen Warren's office, and almost died blowing up his weapons; Lorelai had finalised her deal. It was almost hard to believe what the two of them had accomplished in just under a month.

Erwin had once called her a force of nature. He supposed there was an element of truth to that statement— at least outwardly. Levi couldn't help but notice her distraction as they meandered through the dark passages; he couldn't see Lorelai's eyes but knew her well enough to know when something was wearing on her mind. Briggs, perhaps? The MPs were about to make his arrest in the North.

"Lorelai, are you-"

"I'm fine-" She seemed to anticipate the question and spun too quick on her heel to protest, making Levi bump right into her. She staggered backwards, but he placed a steadying hand on her waist just in time. Their breath mingled in the near-darkness.

"Easy," Levi breathed huskily. He couldn't help but smirk at her embarrassed face. "You don't do well with people asking how you are, do you?"

She huffed, pulling herself from his arms. "You surprised me, is all."

His smirk stayed. Ever the fibber. "I'm serious."

"So am I." Lorelai continued down the steps.

She returned to her thoughts as they continued on. Though it wasn't Briggs Lorelai was occupied with, it was the man behind her and this strange, heavy air between them. She didn't know what to do; if this feeling meant what she thought it did... only grief lay ahead. And yet, this lightness in her chest was the very opposite.

Perhaps she could let it be so.

They reached the servants' kitchens. "Good evening," Lorelai greeted the staff— kids, most of them.

Their little faces looked up in glee. "Lady Bervik!" they exclaimed.

"Please," she smiled, stepping into the room and placing the bag of ingredients down on the counter. "Just Lorelai is fine."

"Are you making dinner for us again, Miss Lorelai?" A little boy tugged on her skirt.

She ruffled his hair. "Not tonight, deary; I only bought enough for two," she glanced backwards at Levi, who was watching the scene fondly.

"No fair," the boy pouted.

Lorelai chuckled, turning to an older girl. "Is it alright if we use the kitchens tonight?"

"Of course, ma'am, we'll leave you to it," the girl hurried the servantry out of the kitchens.

Levi realised, based on the girl's accent, that the servantry mainly consisted of Undergrounders... and they were fond of Lorelai. "How come that lot are fawning over you?" he piped up, leaning on the counter, his arms crossed.