Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

EIGHTY-FIVE

'Identity is a powerful and temperamental force. The world is often in how we perceive it; just the slightest change can alter our entire lives.'

-An extract from the book 'Evolutions' written by philosopher Adette Briggs.

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EIGHTY-FIVE

Wall Maria, South Region, Port Noaks, Noaks Survey Corps Base of Operations

Lorelai and Levi continued to idle the afternoon away. They shared kisses, conversation and ate their picnic. It was peaceful sitting under the tree; their troubles seemed almost far away.

Lorelai spoke a lot about her squad and their current challenges. All of them were different, and none seemed particularly able to work with each other. There was no bond as a team; it was all arguments and differences. Differences they currently seemed unable to work past.

"Say, love, what was your squad like when it was first formed?" Lorelai asked, fiddling with Levi's hands absentmindedly.

"My squad?" he considered it a moment. "Well, I picked my squad members based on one key factor."

"What's that?"

"A suspicious nature."

She chuckled. "Now that's a recipe for disaster."

Levi nodded. "Way back when, none of them trusted each other. Despite all of their acclaim in titan combat, our first few missions were a disaster. That, and none of them were all too keen to be taking orders from a thug from the Underground."

"What did you do, then?"

"Well it was a slow process, but, I think, the moment they realised they had to put their lives in each other's hands, that's when they really started working as a team."

Lorelai considered it. "So, you think I should take my squad outside the walls?"

He tensed a little. "In theory."

"What's the matter?" she teased, turning her head to get a look at him.

Levi looked down. "I just don't like the idea of you being alone out there."

"I have my squad."

He sighed. "I guess I only trust myself with you. And even that barely."

She softened. "My love, you and I will be riding separately during the mission."

"I know. And that fact continues to keep me up at night."

"Do you ever stop worrying?" Lorelai teased, repeating what he'd said earlier.

Levi chuckled, squeezing her hand. "About you? Never."

"I can look after myself."

"I know," he ruffled her hair, "but you don't have to."

Lorelai smiled, holding his jaw softly as she leaned in to kiss him. Levi gladly obliged, pulling her closer. This would never get old; he was sure of it.

Every kiss was a taste of heaven. Levi was sure there would be nothing wrong in the world if she would just keep kissing him. He'd keep that to himself, however.

She pulled away, smiling a little as their eyes met. Lorelai went red; the way Levi looked at her made her stomach all fluttery.

"What is it?" he teased.