symbiosis » levi ackerman

chapter nineteen ; renewal.

Fallan

Levi let out a sound similar to a snort when I stepped foot into the carriage, earning a frown from me.
"What the fuck do you look like?" He teased. Mother would've have a fit if I'd turned up in my Scout uniform, so I'd put on one of the few dresses I'd owned. It was nothing special, but clearly the notion of me in a dress had amused Levi.
"Shut up." I hissed, "You don't look much better."
His eyebrows shot up, offended by my comment.
"I liked this suit." He grumbled, crossing his arms. I laughed and gazed out of the window.
"Where's the Commander?" I asked. It certainly wasn't like him to be late.
"He's riding separately, set off this morning. I'm to meet him there, apparently."
I nodded, slightly relieved that he wouldn't be joining us. Me and Levi had formed a sort of friendship during our time in the Corps, the same could not be said for Erwin. We got along, but I still felt I had to treat him with the upmost respect. A carriage ride to Mitras with him would've been rather tense, and the journey to Mitras was long and boring. At least I had Levi as a source of entertainment.
"How's the leg? And the ribs?" He asked, looking me up and down.
"They're healing." I replied, distractedly still gazing out of the window.
"Good," He paused for a moment, "That little minion of yours was snooping around the carriage this morning."
My eyes snapped to Levi immediately. Did he mean Benjin?
"Was it Sallow? Benjin Sallow? Tall, black hair-"
"Face like a horse? Yes. I seem to remember it was."
I chuckled at Levi's comment. Come to think of it - he did almost resemble a horse.
"You ought to keep him in line. He scurried off as soon as I asked what he was doing."
"He's been acting so strange lately," I frowned, "He keeps questioning my authority, and my skills, and he kicked up quite a fuss when I said I was planning on travelling to Mitras. He practically begged to accompany me."
"Very strange," He hummed, "Keep an eye on that one."
I nodded and returned my gaze to the window.
"Are you looking forward to seeing your parents?" He asked, and I shot him a strange look.
"Odd question." I commented, smiling slightly.
"Not at all. What can I say," He paused, the beginnings of a smirk beginning to play at the corner of his lips, "I'm curious."
For some strange reason, the action and his words awoke the butterflies in my stomach, and I felt my cheeks flush. If anything, my reaction made his smirk widen.
"Yes, Captain. I am looking forward to seeing my parents." I rolled my eyes, but a small smile managed to work its way on to my face. As I spoke, I peered out of the window and took in the scene before me. Trost sure was a beautiful village. Markets lined the streets, which were heaving full of people. Just normal ordinary people, fulfilling their normal ordinary tasks, watching the world through rose tinted glasses. They had no idea of the horrors which lay beyond the walls. I doubted any of them had ever even seen a Titan.
"I get the sense you're lying." Levi said, interrupting my train of thought.
"What ever led you to assume that?" I replied mockingly.
"Call it sixth sense."

We rode the rest of the way majoritively in silence, a few meaningless exchanges here and there. That was one of the many things I appreciated about Levi - he didn't ramble on.
We'd taken the Southern route, leading us straight through Trost, into Ehrmich and then into the Capital. It was a strange shift to see - the levels of poverty decreasing the further into the walls you went. Almost heartbreaking.
"Where's your house? If you don't mind me asking." Levi asked, making me jump as I was snapped out of my daydream. He'd made it a habit to interrupt me when I was clearly deep in thought. Knowing Levi, he probably found it funny.
"I can walk from wherever you're being dropped off."
Truth be told, I didn't want Levi seeing my home. Plus I didn't want to answer the torrent of questions I'd be bombarded with by my parents if they saw me getting out of a carriage with a man inside. They'd probably want me to introduce him - God forbid.
"Is this because you don't want me seeing your parents?" He mused.
Damnit.
"Or perhaps," He paused, "You don't want your parents seeing me?"
"Don't be ridiculous. I just don't want to cause any trouble." I said, waving my hand at him in a dismissive manner.
"You'd hardly be causing any trouble, it's a-" Levi started, but I narrowed my eyes at him quickly.
"Fine." He huffed, looking out of the window. I couldn't help the smug expression on my face.
1 - nil Captain Levi.

The courthouse I assumed Levi would be meeting Erwin and Zackley came into view. It was a gorgeous piece of architecture - huge white pillars and windows the size of small houses. Of course, I expected nothing less of Mitras. I'd spent my childhood running around the cobbled streets, but never appreciated the beauty of the gorgeous buildings until I'd grown up. As the carriage came to a holt, I noticed Erwin and Zackley stood in front of the huge double doors, and I suddenly felt awfully self conscious. I'd never met Zackley, but I'd heard of him, and knew of his importance. General Darius Zackley; Chief-in-Command of the three military branches. I hoped I'd be able to scurry away and avoid an awkward introduction, but they began making their way towards us.
"Oh excellent," Levi breathed. I assumed this was his first time meeting Zackley too. The carriage doors opened, and Levi signalled me to exit first. My first instinct was to salute, but felt that was almost improper in the day's attire. Instead, I bowed my head and smiled warmly.
"Lieutenant Fallan Reid, Sir. A pleasure to meet you." I paused and looked to Erwin, smiling brighter, "Commander."
Darius took my hand in his and clasped it lightly.
"Please, the pleasure is all mine. I've been waiting to meet the famous Fallan Reid, Hanji speaks very highly of you!" He commended, allowing pride to swell in my chest, "Will you be joining us today?"
"Unfortunately not, Lieutenant Reid is visiting family in Mitras." Erwin answered, stepping forward slightly.
"Ah, how unfortunate. Another time, Miss Reid." Zackley said, pulling his hand gently from mine. I looked behind to see Levi stepped out of the carriage, looking slightly disgruntled.
"If you don't mind, I'll be on my way. Lovely meeting you Sir." I sent a quick smile to Zackley and Erwin, before turning on my heel and heading towards the town centre. As I passed Levi, I gave a small wave, to which he just grunted at. Typical.

A/N
girl bye i can't stop writing filler chapters pahahaha anyways
this has turned into SUCH a slow burn maybe i'm just shitty at writing romance , imagine being on chapter eighteen and there's no romantic development RIP </3
ANYWAYS prepare for a plot twist and then the romance will come just be patient my children