symbiosis » levi ackerman

chapter thirty-five ; promotions.

Fallan

I stood in the oak panelled room of Erwin's office and shuffled my weight between my feet, anxious at his feedback from the report.
"So," He began slowly, and I snapped my gaze to him. "Seemingly no biological developments in the Titan's anatomy, but it showed no reaction to you, hmm?"
"Yes Sir." I nodded. "And this isn't an isolated case. I was ignored by the Titans out on the field during the ambush whilst I was knocked unconscious."
"Is this a recent development?" Erwin asked, resting his chin on his hands and peering at me curiously. I thought back to my previous expeditions and experiments with Hanji. Nothing had seemed out of the ordinary until the day of the ambush, but maybe I just hadn't noticed.
"I'm not sure." I frowned. "But it's only recently come to my attention."
"This will need to be investigated in far more depth. If what you're saying is true, this could be a huge step forward. I will need to notify Commandant Zackly immediately, and I have no doubt that he will be eager to meet you again."
He paused for a moment.
"No casualties, new information and a potential secret weapon. It seems your expedition was quite the success." He began slowly.
"Thank you Sir." I bit back the smile that was threatening to form on my lips as pride swelled in my chest.
"Well then, Captain Fallan Reid of Fourth Squad, I shall inform the others of your recent promotion. Congratulations, Fallan."
Fourth Squad?
I felt my face fall. What was happening to Hanji? 
"Don't worry," He smiled gently, clearly noticing my reaction. "Hanji has been promoted to Section Leader, and will be taking over Third Squad."
I breathed a sigh of relief and saluted promptly.
"It's an honour Sir, I won't let you down!" I stated loudly, fighting the grin that was working its way on to my lips.
"I have my full confidence in you." Erwin said warmly, "Go and share the good news, I'm sure Levi will be very proud."
I felt my smile falter slightly.
Levi? Oh dear.
The idea of Erwin being aware of our... Relationship? Seemed to put me on edge. However he noticed my reaction and chuckled, holding a hand up to calm me.
"Please, what kind of a Commander would I be if I didn't notice budding romances between my soldiers?" He let his smile fall slightly and looked to me with a more serious expression, his voice dropping a few octaves. "Don't let it become a nuisance and I won't have to intervene."
I nodded again, feeling a lump begin to form in my throat. He was right - more often than not, relationships within the Corps caused more trouble than they were worth. Love made you powerful, but it also made you reckless.
"Thank you again, Sir."
He waved me off and I turned on my heel and left, breathing a sigh of relief and letting my small grin break into a full gleam.

"Damn, Captain Fallan Reid! That's got a ring to it." Tobias chuckled, slapping me on the back. I had found my squad sitting under the oak tree of the training grounds, and broke the news to them. We chatted and exchanged congratulations for a while, until suddenly they quietened and their expressions fell as I felt a presence behind me.
"Captain Levi." Konomi acknowledged, mumbling her words slightly.
Ah, that would explain it.
"Fallan, a word when you're free?" came Levi's familiar drawl from behind me, and I twisted around to be met with him awkwardly standing with a disdainful expression on his face.
"Jeez, Captain Levi. Your girlfriend just got a promotion, you could at least look a little bit happier!" Tobias laughed, and looked to the group for approval. Benjin and Konomi were staring at Tobias with a look of panic, and I watched as Levi's expression remained unwavered. His laughter slowly trailed off as the awkwardness of the situation began to seep in. Levi stared at Tobias with a look a person would give to a piece of shit on their shoe as we all fell silent.
"Tobias was it?" Levi asked, and Tobias nodded slowly. "Next time, don't worry about my expression, worry about yours after I kick my foot so far up your ass, you'll be tasting leather for a whole month."
I watched as Tobias went a shade of furious red, and Benjin, Konomi and I all fought to stifle our giggles.
"I'll be taking this as my cue to leave." I muttered between bursts of laughter and stood up, brushing myself down slightly. There was a chorus of 'Bye Captain's and I headed off down the hill, Levi in tail.
"If you threaten my squad again, Captain, I may have to-" I began jokingly and turned to face him, but was interrupted by his arm latching around my waist as he pulled me in to him and planted a soft kiss on my lips. He pulled away and smiled down at me gently, brushing a stray wisp of hair from my face and stroking my cheek lightly with his knuckles.
"Congratulations, Captain Fallan Reid of Fourth Squad."
I grinned and pressed my forehead against his, looping my arms around the back of his neck.
"This is awfully risky of you Levi. What if someone sees us?" I teased.
"Let them." He whispered huskily and kissed me once more. I smiled against his lips and tangled my fingers in his raven locks.
"I love you." I sighed happily as he pulled away once more.
"I love you too," Levi hummed and began walking away, placing my hand on the inside of his arm, guiding me down the hill and towards the main building.
"And now," He looked to me as his eyes sparkled in the twilight, "We celebrate."

A/N
Sorry for the slow updates, I kinda lost passion for this book :'( I'm still gonna continue writing but just ughhhhh hopefully I'll start enjoying it a bit more!