symbiosis » levi ackerman

chapter fourty-one ; ukiyo

Fallan

I awoke with a loud groan as the sunlight filtered through my window and bathed my room in a light glow. I didn't want to move from the comforts of my bed, but I knew I had to. I also knew I'd have to face everyone eventually, which made me even more reluctant to get up.

After finally dragging myself out of bed, showering and changing, I headed down to the mess hall. I made sure to hold my head high, but still avoided eye contact with anyone. I grabbed my bread roll and collapsed into my usual chair, interrupting Konomi and Tobias who were squabbling as per usual.
"Where's Benjin?" I asked, taking a large bite and a swig of water.
"Behind you." Benjin whispered into my ear as I felt his chin rest on my shoulder.
"Bastard." I grumbled with my mouth full of bread, swatting him away and scowling.
He chuckled loudly and sat down next to me.
"What's new, Captain?" Benjin asked, placing his head in his hands and staring at me intently.
"Nothing much." I shrugged and took another bite.
"I heard rumours the Commander is planning another expedition beyond the walls in a few weeks." Tobias spoke up, and I sighed loudly.
"Oh, your first expedition as our Captain! How exciting!" Konomi beamed, and I felt bile rise in my throat as I looked down at the table. Benjin slapped me on the back, causing me to shoot him another glare.
"Oh cheer up Captain, it'll be fun!" He laughed loudly again.
"Stop being annoying," I muttered.
"You love it." He teased, "You sound more and more like Captain Levi every day."
"Speak of the devil." Tobias mumbled, and I gulped as I felt a hand on my shoulder. I didn't want to turn and face him, but I could feel Levi's presence looming behind me.
"Fallan, a word?"
I muttered a quick 'excuse me' and stood up, following Levi out of the hall, the mischievous sniggers of my squad ringing in my ears as I left.
Levi stopped and turned to look at me, his granite stare piercing through my bones.
"What is it Levi?" I asked, leaning against the wall.
If it isn't an apology, I'm leaving.
"I'm sorry." He spoke stoically, and my eyebrows shot up in shock.
Well that was a surprise.
"Are you feeling alright?" I teased, walking over to him and pressing the back of my hand against his forehead, fighting to keep the smirk from my face. He caught my wrist and tightened his grip around it, his blank expression not changing as he continued to stare down at me. The seriousness of his expression began to put me on edge, and I suddenly felt rather foolish for teasing him after yesterday's events.
"This isn't the time for playing around Reid. You either explain to me what's going on, or this - it's done."
I froze, and felt my eyes narrow at him. I took a step back and attempted to pull my hand from his grasp, but it only tightened.
"That's rather manipulative of you Levi." I spoke lowly. "What happened to not mixing business and pleasure?"
"I'm afraid you mixed business and pleasure when you told me you loved me."
His words cut deep into my heart as hurt began to seep in.
"I didn't realise you were the type to exploit a woman's feelings for information." I said, and watched as his eyes widened for a second. He dropped his grip and racked a hand through his hair, sighing and leaning against the wall.
"You're putting me in a really shitty position Fallan." He whispered, staring at the ceiling.
"And you're putting me in a shittier one." I shot back quickly.
"Why are you doing this? You know damn well that hiding information from Zackly is wrong-"
"This isn't a matter of right or wrong." I interrupted sharply, my gaze growing in intensity as I stared at him harshly.
"Then what is it a matter of?" He asked, his tone beginning to sound almost pleading.
"I think I've made it clear that isn't any of your concern-"
"Fallan, please!" He exclaimed, looking back to me with a face of desperation. "Stop being so damn cryptic and just give me a straight answer! What is going on?"
His expression had taken me aback. His eyes were filled with so much emotion; I didn't even know the guy had it in him. I was beginning to sound like a bitter old woman, but to be fair - that was his fault.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment, thinking of the best way to deal with this situation.
"I can't explain here." I sighed, and grabbed his arm to lead him out into the courtyard. I had only one destination in mind - the stables.