symbiosis » levi ackerman

chapter twenty-nine ; obsessive.

Fallan

Throughout my meal, I could just feel eyes on me. I knew someone was watching, and kept scanning around to find out who it was but had no luck. That was until I turned around and met the steel grey eyes of Levi, staring at me over the brim of his teacup. I sent him a weird look and a small wave, neither of which he returned, and just carried on staring.
Weirdo.
"You okay Fallan?" Benjin asked, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. I snapped my head back to him and smiled weakly as an uncomfortable feeling settled over me.
"Yeah, of course."
Benjin turned in the direction I'd previously been looking at, and I watched as his expression morphed into a scowl.
"What's your problem with Levi?" I asked, shrugging his arm from my shoulder.
"I just don't trust him." Benjin grumbled, shooting daggers towards the small raven haired male. I rolled my eyes at him and fought back a yawn. I'd slept so well last night I figured I wouldn't sleep tonight, but at least it meant I could get on with some research. I said goodnight to my team and headed over to my room, but was swiftly cornered in the hallway.
"I don't like it when he does that." Levi said quietly, snaking an arm around my waist and pulling me close to him. I groaned and swatted him away. The man was bipolar.
"Don't watch my every move then, and you won't see it." I flashed him a quick smile and began to walk off, looking over my shoulder at him.
"I like watching you." He said, rolling his eyes and leaning against the wall.
"I've noticed. I didn't realise gaining a stalker was part of this package deal." I teased, walking over to him and placing my hands on his chest. In an instant, Levi's gentle lips were on mine and I smiled against his kiss. He pulled away and brushed his thumb against my lips, and I couldn't help the butterflies that erupted in my stomach.  
"I'm full of surprises." He murmured. 
"I'm beginning to realise that." I replied, then heard a high pitched squeak. 
Shit.
"Who's there?" Levi growled, and I spotted a wisp of dark hair hidden behind the corner of the hallway. Konomi stepped out and nervously saluted. 
"Konomi Fitz, sir. I didn't mean to interrupt, I was just-"
I laughed and backed away from Levi. 
"Ko, it's fine. You can go." 
She saluted once more and scurried off.
"One of your brats, I take it?" Levi grumbled, and I rolled my eyes at him in response. "Funnily enough, I didn't just come here just to kiss you, although that was an added bonus." 
I raised my eyebrow at him quizzically. 
"Erwin wants to see you in his office, he'll be waiting for you there." 
"But why-"
"I don't know. But come find me afterwards, I'll be in my quarters." He said, pulling me close once more. He planted a swift kiss on my forehead and left. 
"Confusing man." I muttered and headed towards the Commander's office.

I knocked once and stepped inside, saluting as I stopped in front of Erwin's desk. 
"Fallan." He smiled warmly and relaxed in his seat. "How have you been?" 
"Fine, thank you Sir. And you?" I asked, returning his pleased expression. 
"Oh you know, same old." He sighed, and began inspecting his fingernails distractedly. I'd never seen the Commander so relaxed around me; he was always so formal and uptight. Then again, I had seen the man shirtless and stayed in his 'friend's home, maybe this had changed our relationship. He could've even considered me a friend himself. 
Focus, idiot. 
"Was there something you wanted to speak about Sir?" I questioned politely. 
"Ah, yes. There was." He sat up in his seat and rested his elbows on the desk, positioning his chin on his hands. "Another expedition will commence next week to capture a Titan for investigation. I'm entrusting Hanji and Levi's squads to you."
I gulped as nerves began to rise in my throat. Had he said he was entrusting them to me? Maybe it was a slip of the tongue. 
"Yes, you did hear that right. I want you to take command of this expedition, and lead the investigation afterwards." 
Damn Erwin and his damn risks. 
The man had only been Commander for a number of months, but it was already clear he was an avid fan of putting everything on the line to prove a point. 
"Sir, with all due respect, is it wise to gamble with me again? I was put on the front lines last time, and that didn't exactly go to plan-"
"Who said it didn't go to plan?" 
I looked to him with an expression of shock painted on my face. 
"It led to information that could benefit us in the future, did it not?" He quizzed, eyebrow raised as if he was almost testing me. 
"It also ended up with a number of casualties, myself included." I replied firmly.
"And yet, everyone returned alive. I consider that a success." 
"My injuries would say differently." 
Erwin smiled and exhaled slightly. 
"Yes, I suppose they would." He sighed. "If you are genuinely unhappy with your position on this expedition, perhaps I should reconsider the position of Squad Leader I put you forward for. The others will be so disappointed, they were really rooting for you-"
"Excuse me?" I exclaimed, and immediately fought to regain my composure. "I'm sorry Sir, but why... Why me?"
The other Squad Leaders were, well - they were exceptional. They were the best we had, a ridiculous number of kills and assists under their belt. I was certainly no equal to them. 
"The Scouting Legion isn't all about the physical skills you possess Fallan. The work you have done for us, and will continue to do throughout your time in the Scouts, will benefit all of Humanity, and as your Commander I will not fail to recognise that." He paused, looking to me with a fire in his eyes as he spoke. "Lead this expedition, prove to me that you can do this, and you will be rewarded."