Equanimity » Levi Ackerman

10 | ℭ𝔩𝔬𝔲𝔡𝔰 𝔬𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔥𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔷𝔬𝔫

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Maybe it was a weird thing for Maria to think about, but talking to Erwin always seemed to help her. Yes, she had equally good conversations with Hanji, but Erwin always had a clear view of things. Even if it was just to clear her thoughts, the man would always accept any kind of talk. That's why she respected him so much.

Dawn had come, and the members of the Survey Corps were getting ready to leave for the expedition. Maria tightened the straps on her uniform and threw on her green Survey Corps cape, before leaving her room. She was determined to see Jean before they would leave.

· · ─── · ·

"Ah Jean, here you are." The teen looked up from readying his horse and greeted her with a small smile. "I just wanted to talk to you before we'd leave."

"Oh yeah, of course..." He muttered as the eyes of his friends were now on him.

"I know we never said anything about it..." Armin started. "But what is Lieutenant Maria to you Jean? If you don't mind me asking..." Maria smiled at the blond boy. "We aren't related if that's what you were thinking." He awkwardly put out, while he laid a hand on the back of his neck.

"I knew Jean since we were young. I used to take care of him." Maria told the teen, trying not to embarrass Jean in front of his friends. It wasn't a lie though.

"I suppose it all makes sense now, seeing how casual you act around the Lieutenant." Reiner butted in. "Although we thought you were family of some sort," Connie added. "We're not family in blood, but I see Jean as family." Jean's face turned red as he looked away.

"Alright let's head out, so they can have some privacy." Maria silently thanked Reiner as they took their horses and made their way out of the stables. They might have had a rough start, but she could appreciate his words at this moment.

"So... How are you feeling?" Maria stepped into the stables fully while crossing her arms. "A bit nervous I guess." The teen replied. "That's normal. It's also normal to be scared." Jean huffed. "I can't afford to be scared out there. It will get me killed."

"Just be careful okay..." Jean rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine." "I believe you." She laughed softly as she pulled on his arm, nudging him to come closer and hug her. Jean complied by awkwardly throwing his arms around her small figure. "You were quite the hugger back then too... At least that didn't change." He whispered his cheeks dusted pink again.

"Well, you would stop crying when I did." She laughed. "Alright, that's enough." He pried himself from her grip as he took a step backward, looking away again. "I'm not even crying..." He muttered, feeling embarrassed. "But do you feel less nervous?"

"Maybe..."

"Well, are you done mothering now?" Levi had been standing there, watching the two like a hawk. "So we can finally leave." She didn't understand why he would act so mean all of a sudden. Jean, however, made a face as he didn't strike the Captain as a jealous person. Speaking of the Captain, this was the first time he'd seen the man up close.

His breath hitched in his throat when Levi turned to look at him.

"What's your name cadet?" "Jean Kirschtein sir..." He spoke, suddenly feeling nervous again. "Get your horse and join your assigned squad." "Yes sir."

Jean didn't dare to look at the Captain's face when he walked by, but he could definitely feel his glare burning a hole through the side of his head.

"I get it, you're mad at me because of the whole avoiding thing, but the kid did nothing wrong. You didn't have to send him away. I'm sorry alright, I had a lot on my mind. You don't have to return the favor by coming here and act like a dick." Maria huffed, getting irritated by his presence. Foul language wasn't really her thing though.