Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/12201300.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      No_Archive_Warnings_Apply, Underage
  Category:
      F/M
  Fandom:
      Shingeki_no_Kyojin_|_Attack_on_Titan
  Relationship:
      Mikasa_Ackerman/Levi, (past)_Mikasa_Ackerman/Jean_Kirstein, (past)_Levi/
      Petra_Ral, (minor_or_background_relationships)
  Character:
      Levi_(Shingeki_no_Kyojin), Eren_Yeager, Armin_Arlert, Petra_Ral, Krista
      Lenz_|_Historia_Reiss, Jean_Kirstein, Mikasa_Ackerman, Connie_Springer,
      Annie_Leonhart, (Basically_the_whole_of_Attack_on_Titan's_cast)
  Additional Tags:
      Levi/Mikasa_Ackerman_-_Freeform, Mikasa_Ackerman_&_Eren_Yeager_Are
      Siblings, Mikasa_Ackerman_&_Levi_Are_Not_Related, Love_Confessions,
      Rejections, Secrets_Unfold, Mikasa_used_to_hate_Levi, First_Dates,
      Kissing, Rough_Kissing, Lust, Sexual_Tension, Neck_Kissing, Love_Bites,
      Levi_is_afraid_of_love, Eventual_Happy_Ending, Dorms, Everybody_lives_in
      dorms, But_boys_and_girls_are_seperated, (other_additional_tags_to_be
      added), Making_Love, Sex, First_Time, they_don't_realize_they're_in_love,
      Alternate_Universe_-_High_School, Attempt_at_writing_angst, Attempt_at
      writing_sexual_tension, Playboy!Levi, Sex-God!Levi, Oral_Sex, I'm_Bad_At
      Titles, I'm_Bad_At_Tagging, I'm_Bad_At_Summaries, I'm_basically_bad_at
      writing_too, attempt_at_slow_build, Enemies_to_Friends_to_Lovers,
      Jealous!Levi, jealous!Mikasa, Jealousy_is_fucking_everywhere,
      Overprotective!Armin, Seriously_Armin_is_like_the_mother_bird, Don't_mess
      with_his_babies_(Mikasa_and_Eren), Underage_Drinking, because_why_not,
      But_they_don't_get_drunk_as_hell
  Stats:
      Published: 2017-09-27 Updated: 2017-10-20 Chapters: 7/? Words: 11437
****** All Along ******
by fudgecakez
Summary
     She pulled up a seat opposite him. "Let's play a game."
     His ears physically perked up; she now had his full attention. He
     chuckled, putting his phone away and leaning back in his chair. His
     hand rest on his chin as he motioned for her to continue, a glint of
     fascination sparkled across those slate-grey eyes. "Go on."
     She tugged at her scarf. "We'll sweet talk; we'll bicker; we'll hold
     hands, kiss and hug; we'll talk all night long and share secrets;
     we'll give each other nicknames and take walks; we'll introduce each
     other to our friends and go on dates and everything."
     The smirk didn't leave his face even when he raised a brow, "You want
     us play ... lovers?" She could hear the inaudible 'Is that it?' in
     his voice.
     He may not have admitted it but her piercing gaze on him was starting
     to make him uncomfortable, "Yes, but whoever falls in love first ..."
     He understood where she was getting at. That feral smile made her
     heart race like she was a prey waiting to be devoured. And in sync
     they both said the last word,
     "Loses."
Notes
     So, hey guys! I'm new here and this is my first fanfiction so ... I
     hope ya'll enjoy! If I made any mistakes, please feel free to correct
     them in the comments. And constructive criticism is always
     appreciated.
     XD
See the end of the work for more notes
***** A Formidable Challenger *****
Mikasa tried to convince herself it was a normal day at school. She really did.
And if it wasn't for the fact that Eren, Armin, Petra and herself were cooped
up in the bathroom trying to comfort Hitch, she may have succeeded.
"How could he do this to me?! I loved him so much!" Hitch would wail.
"Calm down, Hicth. It really is alright," Petra would coo.
"You were too good for him," Armin would console.
"I swear I am going to fucking murder him the moment I see him!" And Eren would
threaten the bastard.
All while Mikasa would silently stand in the corner, observing the scene. She
and her friends weren't very close to Hitch Dreyse in the first place but they
couldn't ignore the sniffles they heard when they entered the bathroom. What
was the big deal? Mikasa tightened the red scarf wrapped around her, trying not
to huff at the poor girl. What did he do this time?
"L-Levi ch-ch-cheated on me." She was choking on her own words.
Right, that's what happened. Just for an introduction, Levi Ackerman is that
rich kid whose uncle's the head of some big corporate agency. And he, himself,
is your stereotypical school heartthrob - though, a bit on the short side. His
body compensates for his lack of height - he could probably put Hercules to
sham. One would expect him o not play with feelings but what can we say? Be had
a new girl with him every week, if not every day. 'Fuck and forget' was a rule
he followed very strictly but that didn't hold him from leading the women on.
Not to mention his strong penchant for shit-jokes and his horrible attitude.
How did people like him anyways? Sure, he was smokin' hot but why would one
date a guy who doesn't even know how to treat a girl right? Sadly, that didn't
stop girls from jumping him every second and everywhere. Unfortunately for
Mikasa, she even shared the same last name as him. Gosh, makes you rethink whom
to feel bad for.
What a womanizer he was. Was he always like this? Maybe. But no one could
ignore the serious rumours around him about him and Petra. No one knows the
eact story but everyone has their own theories. Some say he once dated Petra in
middle school and the start of high school and that they went strong for a good
two to three years. Why'd they break up? No one knows. Others say they were
nothing more than fuck-buddies. But Petra denies everything and anything
involving her and Levi.
Mikasa sighed, pushing herself off the bathroom wall; that man had real
commitment issues. She had gotten pretty good at hiding her emotions ever since
her and Eren's parents passed away in a car crash just last year. To any
outsider, she may seem indifferent to her current surroundings but inside, the
anger bubbled in her veins. 'How many more girls was Levi going to go through
before he was satisfied?! How many more hearts was he going to break before his
hunger died?! Does he have any idea how many tears are shed because of him?!'
were just some of the thoughts running through her head. This needed to end.
Now.
"I'll be back." Hitch's over-the-top sobbing drowned Mikasa out. She pushed
past Armin, earning a strange look for him before she walked out. Oh, she was
mad alright; more than mad, actually. And it made no sense. Why did she care
what Levi does? Why did she care what he doesn't do?
Her feet carried her unconsciously, walking past the students occupying the
hallway - mainly eating each others faces. She knew where he was. It was so
obvious. It was free-period so of course he'd be flirting with girls in the
back of the library. Entering the brightly lit room, she walked between the
tall shelves filled with books upon books upon books. Godammit. This was a
place to study - not fuck - for fuck's sake. Turning the corner, she was
greeted with the familiar Adonis; pale skin, jet-black hair in an undercut,
black jeans, a fitted black full-sleeved shirt and that symbolic silver cross
necklace. Just his pose - leaning forward on the desk, legs under his chair,
ankles hooked around one another as he scrolled through his phone - was enough
to make girls swoon. He was the exact definition of a sex god.
And to no surprise, he was surrounded by ... Books? Surprise, surprise; he
actually cared about passing his exams. Well, that's new. He barely noticed her
appear as he scribbled something down in a notebook.
"Hitch's crying you know?" Mikasa spoke softly.
He merely grunted in response, twriling a pen on his fingers.
She tried sounding sterner, "How many is that this month, you shrimp?"
He didn't bother even glancing at her direction to let her know he acknowledged
her presence.
She pulled up a seat opposite him. "Let's play a game."
His ears physically perked up; she now had his full attention. He chuckled,
putting his phone away and leaning back in his chair. His hands rested coolly
on his thighs as he motioned for her to continue, a glint of fascination
sparkled across those slate-grey eyes. "Go on," voice deep yet smooth enough to
make a woman melt.
She tugged at her scarf. "The rules are simple: to sweet talk and bicker; to
hold hands, kiss and hug; to talk all night long and share secrets; to give
each other nicknames and take walks; to introduce each other to our friends and
go on dates and all that."
The smirk didn't leave his face even when he raised a brow, "You want us play
... lovers?" She could hear the inaudible 'Is that it?' in his voice.
He may not have admitted it but her piercing gaze on him was starting to make
him uncomfortable, "Yes, but whoever falls in love first ..."
He now understood what she was getting at. That feral smile made her heart race
like she was a prey waiting to be devoured. And in sync they both said the last
word, "Loses."
There was a small silence while both of them assessed the situation before Levi
cleared his throat "You need to stop eye-raping me and give me your number if
you want this," pointing between themselves, "to happen."
She snorted, "'This'," mimicking his gesture, "will never be."
Being, well ... Levi, he couldn't let someone dissing him, pass. So while they
exchanged numbers, he decided it'd be the right time to say: "From what I've
heard, Mikasa, you're usually not this reactive. Is this part of you reserved
all for me? Isn't that just so cute." He put a hand on his chest in pseudo-awe.
Apparently it worked because the next thing you know, she stood up so quickly,
the chair behind her fell. Her hands were balled up in fists by her sides as
she gritted out, "Nice to meet you, Levi-fucking-Ackerman," she snatched her
phone out of his hand, "I'm Mikasa, you're fucking coach." She'd show him how
it's done; give him a taste of his own fucking medicine.
As she stalked off, Levi help but be impressed by this girl. Obviously, she
wasn't like the others he knew - that wasn't why he was so affected by her
actuality, there must be a couple more girls in school who could stand up to
him - but ... just how this girl thought she could make the great Levi fall for
her was enough to put her on his good-side.
'This will definitely be interesting.'
[09:54] From Shorty: i hope youre ready for our date after school then
She could tell how well he his the demand in that text; it only made Mikasa
question herself again. 'Was this a good idea? What if he has me wrapped around
his pretty little finger without me even realizing it?' But she was not backing
down now. She needed to have confidence to beat him at his own game soon
enough.
But there was one teensy problem ... how would she explain this to Eren and
Armin?
***** My Date, Your Thoughts *****
Chapter Summary
     Mikasa tries to tell Eren and Armin about her new 'boyfriend'!
Chapter Notes
     Something about this chapter just doesn't settle right with me. I
     keep re-reading it and end up changing bits and pieces of information
     during every round. I don't know how well it's written but it is
     something (hopefully something good).
     [Edit]:
     Soooo, someone in the comments gave me useful advice on how to write
     a certain part of this chapter, better. And well ... I tried. (Thank
     you, again - you know who you are XD)
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Mikasa was quietly sitting outside the school campus, feeling the fall winds
brush through her hair. Wrapping her scarf tighter, she decided winter was
approaching fast. A particularly hard gush of wind had the remaining leaves of
the tree she was sitting under, fall off. It danced in the air, gliding this
way and that before a certain eight-tipped leaf gently landed before her. Hues
of red, brown and orange shown gleefully when the sun-rays sparkled on it,
making something even this mundane look like the most beautiful thing to have
ever existed.
"Your beauty shines like a thousand suns, your eyes like a thousand diamonds
and your skin is like purest silk." Came a voice behind her and soon enough two
goof-balls had taken their seats in the bench across her, laughing their asses
off.
"Wow, that was good, Armin!" Eren high-fived the blond, wiping away at the
tears with his other hand. "Hoo~oh ma god ... I laughed too much, my stomach
hurts." She seriously didn't get their sense of humour. Taking a few deep
breaths, Eren finally calmed down enough to let others talk and actually be
heard by the other person.
Nudging him with his shoulder, Armin gestured at Mikasa with his head. "Oh, uh
... right! So ..." Eren still failed to suppress that giggle, "Sorry, sorry.
Anyways," he cleard his throat. "Wassup, 'Ka—?"
"Wait for a second!" It was very rare for Armin of all people to interrupt.
Eren, sure. But Armin? "Sorry but ... Mikasa what's that in your hand." She'd
almost forgotten about that eight-tipped leaf peaking out from the left hand it
was clutched in. "C-can I see?" He gingerly pried the leaf out of her hand,
before examining it and handing it back. There was an excited rush in his voice
when he spoke, "I read this in the book sometime last week!" Two equally
confused people looked back at him. "No, you guys!" Huddling closer to his two
best friends, he told them: "There's this japanese legend that whoever finds an
eight pointed maple leaf, his or her love will be fulfilled!"
Eren eyes glittered with enthusiasm but he still whined like a little shit,
"You're so lucky 'Kas! I wish I found lov—"
"Yeah, how did you find one, anyways?" Armin questioned, resting his elbows on
the wooden table.
"That's just it; I didn't," she raised her hands up in defence.
Eren sighed, "Well, I guess the japanese gods of match-making must be in your
favour then."
This was becoming increasingly difficult. She wanted to get this over with but
all these other useless topics kept coming up. She built her resolve up and
finally decided to speak before something else came up, "Guys, I have something
to t—"
"Your beauty shines like a thousands suns, your eyes like a thousand diamonds
and your skin is like the purest silk." Came a voice behind her and soon enough
the two goof-balls who had taken their seats in the bench across her, were
laughing their asses off, once again.
What was this immense feeling of deja-vu? Except it would've actually been
deja-vu if it wasn't for a certain bastard with two-toned hair kneeling to the
left of Mikasa, holding her small hand in both of his.
That's what made her crack. Standing up, you could practically see the vein
popped in her temple as she barked. "Can you please leave, Jean?! Obviously,
you didn't come up with that on your own because just seconds ago Armin used
the same line! Can you not comprehend the fact that I am done with you?! We
will not be getting back together any time soon! And you can stop trying to
make moves on me now because I. Have. A. Boyfriend!" Just when she was done
with her rant, did she pause to gain back her self-control and usually calm-
temperament.
She really was an idiot; not even pausing to take in her surroundings before
screaming her head off: Levi happened to be passing by, Jean did not deserve
her taking out her frustration on him and she had just revealed, plus, breached
a very delicate topic in front of her two friends. Mikasa tried sending Levi a
signal through her eyes; a plead to leave and take Jean with him. Nodding, Levi
surprisingly complied. With his hand around the other man's shoulder, he lead
Jean - who seemed to be on the verge of actual tears - back in the building.
Mikasa let out an exasperated sigh before sitting back down. When had Eren and
Armin fallen this quiet? Finally, Armin spoke up, "Umm ... Mikasa? You have a
boyfriend?" Sure, her friends may have been surprised by her sudden outburst
but of course this piece of information aroused the best of their interest.
"That's what I was trying to tell you."
Armin's narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "And who is he?"
That was the hard part. And unfortunately, those few precious seconds of her
silence explained everything to him. "W-wait, Mikasa ... don't tell me it's
..." His eyes were widened in horror ... or was it disgust or maybe even
disappointment? Mikasa couldnt tell the difference.
All the while, Eren was still clueless as a chicken at KFC. "Wh-what is it
guys? Tell me, too!" He tried to look to Mikasa for answer but the way she
continues to guility avoid his gaze, told him everything he needs to know, "Oh.
Oh!"
"Please deny it Mikasa." Armin begged but wasn't surprised by her lack of
answer.
Something seemed to click in Eren's head and suddenly Eren doubled himself up
and burst into a loud harsh cackle of laughter, "That shorty!" Writhing in the
intense laughter, he went and fell on the ground. He barely manage to wheeze
out, "Holy fuck, holy fuck ..." Deeply exhaling through his nose, "You're
dating him?! Gosh Mikasa, I thought you had higher expectations than that!" And
he fell into the fit again which earned him a dirty look from Armin.
Taking his seat back next to him, he recieved a hard smack on the head. Armin
brought the topic to what Mikasa didn't want discussed: "This is more serious
than that, Eren! Levi's reputation isn't one of the best and I dont want what
happened to Hitch this morning and Mina last week, happen to you!" His voice
was frantic and his blue eyes were wide with pure concern, "You're going to
regret this Mikasa! He's not the one for y—"
"Oh, calm down, Armin!" He shrugged nonchalantly, "Mikasa's gonna be fine!
She's the most badass person I know, I'm pretty sure she can handle Levi if he
does break her heart." Winking at his sister, he joked, "A few bones can
balance out a heart, right?"
Scrunching his nose up at him, he regarded Eren with scorn, "How can you even
say such a thing?! She needs to avoid such situations, Eren!" Looking back at
Mikasa, he put his foot down, "I do not approve of your relationsh— Actually,
tell me ... how long this has been going on?!"
"I asked him out just this morning, actually." She mumbled.
"Th-this morning?" He blinked in disbelief. "This morning?! Mikasa that's when
Levi dumped Hitch!" Holy crap, he was overreacting. "An—Oh my god," some sort-
of of realization hit him. "You asked him out?! That's a suicidal move,
Mikasa!! What has gotten into y—"
Patting his back, Eren tried to calm the blond down. "Stop hyperventilating,
Armin. I told you, it's gonna be fine!"
She contemplated telling her two closest friends about the 'game' part of the
whole ordeal. She really needed to tell them - not necessarily because she
wanted to but because it felt wrong to keep something from them. But it also
felt wrong to spill the beans about something so personal that had taken place
between the two of them; what if Levi was against anyone else finding out?
Tugging the scarf closer to her, her internal war waged on until the more
thoughtful side of her decided to get Levi's thumb of approval before telling
the two to them anything. It still physically hurt her to keep secrets. She
sighed, stretching her arms out; she'd been sitting in the same position for
far too long. Her phone vibrated as she was picking it up to check the time.
[15:17] New Message From Shorty: hows it goin down there?
[15:17] New Message From Shorty: I have a feeling youre dying
[15:17] New Message From Shorty: anyways about tonights date
[15:17] New Message From Shorty: how does a movie, dinner and walk sound?
[15:18] New Message From Shorty: then if youre into it, we could drop by my
room if you catch my drift ;)
"Is that him?" A bitter sound escaped the blond's mouth as he crossed his arms
over his chest.
"Yes, Armin, it is him." She blew a stray strand of hair dangling on her face.
"But please Armin, please believe me when I say it'll be fine." If she wasn't
saying anything about it then the least she could do was have their full faith
in her - she would handle it.
He groaned in response, throwing his head into both of his hands. "Don't do
this Mikasa."
Was this really that big of a deal? Was this really such a big thing that Armin
would throw a fit over it? Observing her friend's reactions, Mikasa was
beginning to regret her own decision, too; how was she going to make Levi fall
for her when they weren't even truly dating - when they didn't harbour any sort
of feelings towards each other? They weren't even acquaintances for goodness
sake! Why had she gone up to him in the first place? How the hell was she going
to do this?! Everything was all jumbled up in her head. Where had that
confidence from this morning gone? It was all ebbing out. 'Maybe, that was too
much of a rash decision on my part.'
Taking one his hands in hers', she tried conveying her thoughts to him. "Look,
I'll see how tonight goes and well ... I'll talk to him, ok?" She gave him a
reaffirming squeeze, "You don't need to worry this much."
Armin sighed, carefully pulling his hand away. "I know. I know because it's you
but ... As your best friend, I only want what's best for you."
Mikasa couldn't blame him for acting the way he did; it was her fault for being
unsatisfied by this morning and then not telling them the full story. Shooting
them both a small reassuring smile, the topic was brought to an end.
"Weeeeell," Eren rubbed the back of his neck, sporting a sheepish smile. "Now
that that's over. I have news, too." Earning two confused looks, he continued:
"I ... sort-of scored myself a date for next week, too ... Hope that's fine
with you, 'Kas ..." He glanced nervously over at his sister, knowing just how
overprotective she could be.
"Eren," and her voice was dangerously low. "It better not be that Krista girl."
Thankfully - you couldn't say that discussion ended on a high note but - they
were all brought down to some sort of agreement.
Chapter End Notes
     Feed the writer with kudos and comments, please!
***** Repetitive *****
Chapter Summary
     An insight at Mikasa's feelings.
Chapter Notes
     I should probably clear something out: Mikasa, Eren, Armin, Levi,
     Hitch, Mina, etc etc ... They're all third years in high school.
     Sorry if there was any confusion
See the end of the chapter for more notes
[17:43] From Shorty: could you repeat all that?
[17:44] To Shorty: can we cancel tonight date?
[17:44] To Shorty: and possibly forget all I said this morning
[17:44] From Shorty: why the fuck would i do that?
[17:44] To Shorty: because I say so
[17:44] From Shorty: nice try
[17:44] From Shorty:: but no
[17:45] From Shorty: tonights date is happening whether you want it to or not
[17:45] From Shorty: you can explain your shit to me later
[17:45] From Shorty: be ready by 7
[17:46] To Shorty: can we skip the movie at least?
[17:46] To Shorty: and the dinner?
[17:46] From Shorty: 8 then
Shorty has gone offline
Mikasa sighed throwing her phone somewhere on the bed. She moved around, trying
to find a comfortable position to think. She settled with laying on her back,
her legs leaned up against the wall and head dangling over the edge of the bed.
What the fuck was she doing? She didn't want anything to do with that shorty
but somehow her actions caused her to lose her precious study-time to go on a
'date' with him! Even her friends didn't trust her judgement! If only she
hadn't been so affected by her emotions! Why did she care if he played with
girls? That was his problem - not hers! She groaned, rolling over onto her
stomach. 'Why am I so conflicted?!'
Reaching over to grab her dorm-schedule from the side table, she skimmed over
it, mumbling to herself: "Breakfast at six in the morning, school from eight to
two, optional lunch at two-thirty, optional study-time till six in the library,
optional dinner at seven-thirty and lights-out at ten." He would have her for
two hours after dinner in the cafeteria. Groaning after realizing that they'd
be leaving right after dinner, she pushed herself off the bed and rummaged
through her dresser to find something suitable to wear; nor something too
formal, neither something too casual. Make-up? Maybe some light lipgloss but
nothing too extravagant. Picking her phone back up, she decided to ask Annie
for help.
[18:03] To Annie: help
The reply was almost instantaneous - as expected from the blonde.
[18:05] From Annie: This better be important
[18:05] To Annie: ive got a date tonight but dont know what to wear
[18:05] From Annie: Depends on where they're taking you
She didn't ask anything irrelevant and didn't press for information - which was
one thing Mikasa liked about this woman.
[18:05] To Annie: walk
[18:07] From Annie: Jeans + full sleeve tee + a scarf
[18:07] From Annie: It could get chilly out
[18:08] To Annie: thanks
[18:08] To Annie: I owe you one
[18:08] From Annie: No problem. That's what friends are for
That last line made even Mikasa crack a smile; Annie wasn't the most social
person but when she made friends, she made friends for life - you could count
on her, always. Taking her friend's advice, she pulled out her black skinny
jeans along with a white shirt and a beige cardigan. Her signature red scarf
was a necessity. She still had an hour and a half before dinner, so she decided
to head over to the girls' shower room to relax her tense muscles. It was
around six-thirty so the shower room mustn't be too occupied. Grabbing her
towel, toiletries and change of clothes, she headed to the shower room just
down the corner.
Walking in the brightly lit hallways, Mikasa realized how much she actually
hated the peach-coloured wallpaper they'd put up. She often found herself
wondering how it was in the west wing - the boys' side. One thing this place
really lacked was proper dividers between the east and west wings. Turning the
corner, the walls changed from the subtle peach to a pristine white. The girls
and boys bathrooms were separated with a flight of stairs - or the only flight
of stairs leading anywhere, in or out of the building - and a guard who made
sure no one entered the wrong wing or attempted a midnight rendezvous. Mikasa
didn't understand why the guard didn't tell the group of guys hanging outside
their own bathroom to fuck off because they were so obviously trying to get a
peak into girls' shower rooms. This was why dividers and more staircases were
needed.
"Connie," Mikasa called out. "You wouldn't want me to tell this to Sasha, would
you?" An angry, jealous girlfirend was definitely something Connie did not want
to witness. And he was soon enough apologizing and making excuses to the rest
of the group so he could leave.
As soon as Mikasa opened the shower-room's door, she was hit with a fresh wave
of steam. The rush-time must've passed a while ago, then; there'd be hardly any
people there. Stepping inside and closing the door behind her, she entered a
cubicle and started stripping herself of her clothes - not caring about the
woman in the cubicle over. Turning the shower on, she let the water drip down
her skin. Letting out an audible sigh, she rolled her shoulders and lathered
herself with soap. Her worries were being washed off and flowing into the drain
along with the water.
Even if there was someone else in here, its not like she minded - they were all
girls, right? Naked, so what? It's not like Mikasa was here to compare cup
sizes or stare at their lean bodies. If others did that, that was their
problem.
"Mikasa," someone interrupted her alone-time and her thoughts. It was the
ginger who'd been there to comfort Hitch this morning. What was her name again?
"It's Petra." Oh right. "Hey, I know it's none of my business but ..." Mikasa
knew that tone of voice; she knew that tone of voice very fucking well and she
did not like it one. Bit. Why couldn't she just care about how her hair was
dripping onto her shirt? Why couldn't she just leave Mikasa alone?
"I already know what you're going to ask." She had to bite her tongue to
refrain herself from adding, 'So I advise you to abstain yourself from saying
anything'.
"Yes, but ..." Even without looking, Mikasa could tell she was fidgeting in her
spot. "Is it really true? You're dating Levi?"
Mikasa sighed - she seemed to be doing a lot of it today. "We're not dating."
"Then?" Petra pursued.
She took a deep breath to calm her nerves - to avoid doing to her what she did
to Jean. "We're just going on a walk after dinner. That's all."
Petra wasn't stupid; she knew that extra emphasis added to the end of the
sentence was deliberate. Before she even opened her mouth to speak further,
Mikasa informed, "And please don't try to 'warn' me about getting involved with
him - I've had enough of that today."
Petra only chuckled, "No, no. I was about to tell you to not judge him by what
you've heard. He's really not who you think he is so ... Just give him a
chance."
'I'll be the judge of his character, thank you very fucking much.' Petra was a
nice girl but there was just something about her that Mikasa couldn't properly
stomach down. It may have been her overwhelming kindness towards everybody
which felt foreign ... Who knows. Mikasa was a good judge of character - but
not the best - and she could tell Petra didn't have any ill intentions ... Then
what was it?
Managing a small smile in her direction, she forced out a small 'Thank you'
before turning the water off, quickly drying herself, swiftly changing and
hastily leaving.
There was still about half an hour left till dinner but somehow being in the
confines of her room was suffocating so she found herself being carried to the
cafeteria earlier than the rest. She sat in a corner - in silence and alone -
resting her head on the table. What was she even feeling? Remorseful? Upset?
Elated? Guilty? Who the fuck knows. She was agitated, to say the least. She
wanted to get this whole Levi drama over with so she could everything to Armin
and Eren - she was betraying them so bad by hiding such important details from
them.
[19:11] To Shorty: im not hungry
[19:11] To Shorty: can we escape now?
Did she really think he would miss dinner to go on a fucking walk with her? Of
course not. But a girl could dream, right?
[19:15] From Shorty: i thought youd never ask
Apparently yes.
[19:16] From Shorty: be out in 5, k? Ill be waiting
'Yesssssssssss!' Typing a quick text to her friends, she stuffed her phone into
her pocket, grabbed her cardigan and ran.
[19:19] To Coconut and Eren: wait for me you guys, ill probably have news
Chapter End Notes
     Don't worry, the next chapter will have more Levi x Mikasa
     interaction ;P
     Feed the writer with kudos and comments, please!
***** Not Now, Not Ever (Part 1) *****
Chapter Summary
     Mikasa finds out ... Levi's not really a bad person - or the person
     she originally thought he was.
Chapter Notes
     I formerly wrote this chapter with Mikasa coming to hate Levi's
     friggin guts but ehhhh. I ended up changing everything because this
     story has to progress somewhere!
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Facing away from each other, the two sat - uncomfortably far away - in an eerie
silence on the bench underneath the stars. Her hand was burning from how long
and hard he had held it when they were running. Her heart may have been racing
due to all the physical exercise but that was almost fifteen minutes ago; it
shouldn't be thumping this loud now. They couldn't keep this stillness up. She
had questions and he had answers; if only she'd speak up. Was she afraid? No.
Then? Didn't she suggest for an early start to their 'date'? Why wasn't she
saying anything? Better question, yet: why wasn't he?
"I wanted to apologize," her voice was small.
Turning towards her he asked, "For what?"
"This morning."
Why was this so awkward? Where had their spirit and determination from that
very morning gone? They were both not acting like themselves.
"OK, can you tell me just what the fuck this is?" Levi finally snapped, going
to stand in front of her. "We're not some newlywed retards, for fuck's sake.
Speak up!"
She huffed - she didn't like being bossed around by a shrimp but something
about the aura surrounding him, let her know who exactly was in charge. "Let's
act like this morning never happened, ok? I think that'll work best for both of
us." Her eyes roamed all over his face, looking for any expressions, any
reactions but she found none.
Her hands rest limply on her lap; she couldnt find the courage to look him the
eye. "Why? Did the fire finally snuff out, Mi-ka-sa?" His voice must've dropped
an octave lower when he enunciated the three-syllables in her name, sending
chills down her very spine.
She knew what he was trying to provoke in her. She knew he was trying to make
her lose her cool. She would not give in. Instead, she calmly answered. "Think
of it rationally, you shrimp; it would never work." He arched a brow at her. "I
don't know you, you don't know me. I really don't like you and it's probably
the same for you, too." Whose attention did she want to get by waving her hands
around? His or her own? "I was carried by my reckless thoughts and my behavior
was imprudent. So let's think of this morning as a mistake on my part, ok?"
"You came to me with such a that fucked up proposal and now you want me to just
clean the fucking slate?" He pinched the bridge of his nose, clicking his
tongue at her. "Look brat, I don't think you understand the situation. People
talk shit about you behind your back; the rumour's already spread that we're
going out. It'll work out for both of us and I could honestly used a new play-
thing."
She tried to not lose it when she heard him say that; she really did. And she
would've succeeded, too, if the cogs in her brain hadn't suddenly pop back into
place. Standing up, she towered over the short man by at least a head. Jabbing
a finger into his chest, venom dripped from her every word, "This is why we
cannot get along. This is why I think so lowly of you. I fucking hate guys like
you. Girls are not mere toys. Feeling are not something to be played with. You
make me sick." If she could've, she would've already spat on his face - but
nothing would make her do something of that level.
It was only when she felt his breath on her face and smelt the mint, did she
realize the close proximity between their bodies - it made her unconsciously
take a step back. Just a slight push had her stumbling back onto the bench.
"H—!"
"Just shut the fuck up for once," he barked. "You keep talking and nagging and
accusing me of shit but like you said: you don't even know me."
"I know you w—"
"Shut. Up. I am not done talking." Who the fuck did he think he was? Was she
really going to let this shorty boss her around? Judging from the way she sat
dumbfounded, the answer was yes. "First of all," he raised a finger, "I don't
think of girls as toys. Second of all," another finger was added, "I don't play
with their feelings. And finally," there were three fingers in the air, "You
forgot to mention this but I'll tell you anyway: I've never - not once -
cheated on a girl my entire life."
She opened her mouth to say something but it snapped close when she couldn't
think of anything. Her tone had incredibly softened, when she decided to ask a
relatively ... safe question: "Then why was Hitch crying this morning?" There
were still a hint of assertiveness in her voice, though. "She said you cheated
on her."
Levi sighed, resting his hands on his hips. "She lied to you."
Question mark.
"She wanted an open relationship. But when I brought a girl to my room, she
flipped the fuck out."
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion at him. "Then what about Hannah? She said you
dumped her for Nanab—"
"I told her to say that."
A big fucking question mark.
Heaving a sigh, he took a seat next to Mikasa. He rest his head on the bench's
back plank before continuing. "She cheated on me with Franz. Apologized like
shit. It was a mutual breakup. She was worried what people would think after
finding out she doublecrossed me. So I told her to say I cheated on her with
Nanaba. Because of that, I had to hook up with the tomboy, too."
Mikasa didn't have anymore doubts about the man's honesty. She was stunned,
stumped by his confession. The next question flew out of her mouth before her
brain-to-mouth filter could refine it, "And Petra?" Her question was greeted
with silence. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have as—"
"We dated."
She found it best to shut her trap and let him speak for once.
"We dated for a long-ass time."
'Then why'd you separate?'
"Because I was scared." Did she accidentally say that out loud? "I fell in love
with her." He reached a hand up to the sky, trying to grab onto something that
wasn't really there anymore. "But I was scared of the feeling - that four-
letter word. So I let her go."
'Do you still feel the same way?'
"This was two years ago; I've moved on." Abruptly, as if sensing the sympathy
emitting from Mikasa, he stood up, stretching his limbs out. "Enough of this
fucking sob story. I'll take you up on that offer, brat; from tomorrow onwards,
we'll be strangers again." He had just started walking towards the park exit.
"...Friends?"
He froze in his tracks, body going rigid. "What ... did you just say?"
"Friends." She stood up and spoke a bit louder and clearer; this time it wasn't
a question, but a direct statement. "Not lovers, but could we start off as
friends?"
A hand came up to cover his mouth - he still wasn't turning around. "Knock
yourself out." He didn't wait for her and continued walking forward.
She got up and ran to catch up with him. "And could I tell all this to Eren and
Armin?"
The hand didn't leave his mouth. "Do what you want." The hand didn't leave his
mouth because he couldn't help how his lips curved slightly upwards after
hearing her proposition about their friendship - he wouldn't let Mikasa see it
though. He wouldn't let Mikasa see it because then he'd be admitting to himself
that she was the reason for the small smile on his face. And that was something
he couldn't do - not just yet.
Chapter End Notes
     Don't worry! The little 'game' aspect of the story wasn't put up in
     the summary for no reason!
     Feed the writer with kudos and comments, please!
***** Not Now, Not Ever (Part 2) *****
Chapter Summary
     Mikasa finds out ... Levi's not really a bad person - or the person
     she originally thought he was.
     Oops, I meant *Armin.
     Correction: Armin finds out ... Levi's not really a bad person - or
     the person she originally thought he was.
     Wait, wait. I forgot Armin's not a girl *he
     Corrction 2.0: Armin_finds_out_..._Levi's_not_really_a_bad_person_-
     or_the_person_he_originally_thought_he_was.
Chapter Notes
     I swear ... Armin is a bit too much sometimes but still, I love him
     anyway XD. And Eren laughs at his own jokes XD
     By the way, I think I have some disease; I was smiling the entire
     time while writing this chapter. That isn't abnormal or weird or
     creepy, is it?
See the end of the chapter for more notes
She'd turned her phone off to avoid constantly checking it and evade the
avalanche of Armin and Eren's messages. Turning it back on, she knew she'd done
the right thing.
[19:25] New Message from Coconut: Wait what?
[19:25] New Message from Coconut: What news?
[19:26] New Message from Eren: news about her new boytoy
[19:26] New Message from Eren: duuuuuhhhhh :P
[19:39] New Message from Coconut: Where the hell are you?!
[19:39] New Message from Coconut: I don't see you down here for dinner
[19:41] New Message from Coconut: OH MY GOD
[19:41] New Message from Coconut: DID YOU GET KIDNAPPED?
[20:04] New Message from Coconut: Why aren't you answering?!
[20:22] New Message from Eren: stop bothering NASA on her date armin
[20:22] New Message from Eren: HOLY FUCK AM DYING
[20:22] New Message from Eren: kasa****** :'D
[20:37] New Message from Coconut: Message me when you get back, OK?
She took her shoes off, setting them back in her closet before plopping down on
her bed. Her fingers expertly clicked away at the keyboard, hovering slightly
over the 'send' button before pressing down.
[20:45] To Coconut and Eren: back
[20:45] From Coconut: GEEZ
[20:45] From Coconut: YOU'RE OK, RIGHT?
[20:46] From Eren: -______________________-
[20:46] From Eren: shes fine
[20:46] From Eren: dont overwhelm her
[20:46] From Coconut: I want to hear it from her
[20:47] From Coconut: Mikasa
[20:47] From Eren: see u scared her of u monster
[20:47] To Coconut and Eren: still here and fine
[20:47] From Coconut: I'll be the judge of that
[20:48] From Eren: r u sugesting wat I think ur sugesting O______o
[20:48] To Coconut and Eren: right now?
[20:48] From Coconut: Yes.
[20:48] From Eren: wooooohoooooooo XD
[20:48] From Eren: ver on it kasa
Clicking her phone shut, she changed into a much more comfortable outfit for
the night: a simple white tanktop and some blue cargo shorts. Wrapping her red
scarf around her neck and throwing on her grey wooly slipper boots, she slipped
out of her room. She was greeted with the same pastel peach walls then the pure
whites. But this time instead of there being a group of guys creepily standing
around the guard, there was Eren and Armin creepily hanging around the guard.
"Mister, there's a giant spider in the bathroom! Come kill it please!" Armin
was desperately bouncing on foot then the other. To outsiders, Armin was all
'Oh ma god! I'm so cute, like look at these blue-ass eyes tho!' but those who
knew him personally knew he was the exact opposite 'You step one bit out of
line and I will whoop your sorry ass!' Effectively ushering the guard inside,
Eren was frantically gesturing for Mikasa to run over before the guard came
back out.
Tiptoeing past the boys' bathroom, she ran fast enough to turn the corner just
a split second before the guard emerged from the bathroom.
"I'm sorry for taking your time mister." She could hear Armin apologizing then
the shuffling of feet before Armin and Eren appeared before her. Quietly high-
fiving each other for the success, they all made their way to Eren's room.
                                      ***
Closing his door with a soft click! both boys turned to face Mikasa. And both
had vastly different expressions; Eren couldn't contain his excitement and his
eyes sparkled with curiosity - he shall hereby be dubbed 'Curiosity killed the
Ereneko' - while on the other hand, Armin had his hands resting on his hips -
the perfect embodiment of a strict mother about to ban their child from a month
of dessert.
"This better be good," Armin warned.
'Oh, it will be'
So after settling down comfortably, she told them everything - ranging from the
morning to the evening. Not one bit of information was left out. "So ... That's
basically it." She concluded, tightening her hold on the pillow. It really did
feel like a huge load was lifted from her shoulders; it really did feel nice to
finally have everything off her chest ... But what would be the concequences?
Would they even believe her?
"And?" Armin urged. "You believed him?"
What. The. Fuck.
"Isn't that what I've been implying for the past fifteen minutes or so?"
"I don't care just what the fuck you say," Eren poked Mikasa's side and said,
with a cheeky smile. "I still can't get over the fact that you approaced him
about a game of love! Mikasa, you don't do that!" He chuckled, ruffling her
hair.
"I'll get to that part later but first!" Armin's voice grew louder. "Why would
you believe a complete stranger over what you saw with your own eyes?! Mikasa,
I get you're not a child anymore but please! I need you to make better
decisions than these!"
She tried arguing back, "But I could tell he wasn't lyin—!"
"Doesn't matter!" He shouted back. "Not everybody is a good person, Mikasa!
Learn to accept that fact! Not everybody can be trusted!"
She really did try, "Will you just liste—?!"
"And I can't believe you initiated the contact with him!" He threw his arms up
in desperation.
And she would've succeeded, too. "Armin, please! You're not being co-operative,
at all!" Even she had to raise her voice slightly for Armin to pay any heed to
her. And even Eren was siding with her at this point, "She's right, bro; you
need to take it down a few notches." The creases on their forehead were
increasing as their general concern for their friend was.
"He is not yo—" Knock! Knock!
"Shit!" Eren hissed, "Hide!" He whisper-shouted. "Armin, under the bed! Mikasa
in the closet!"
His hands were sweating as he reached to turn the doorknob. "Oh ...Umm ... Hey
Levi!" He purposely spoke a bit louder so the bodies in the closet and under
the bed could hear. "What, brings, you, to, my, room, at, this, time, of, the,
night?" He really was bad at this - unneccesary pauses anda choppy voice ... He
was a dead giveaway.
"Look, Yeager. I don't care if you bring girls to your room. I don't care if
you like screwing with your blond friend. But just ..." He patted the the teal-
eyed boy's shoulder, "Shut the fuck up, will you? Don't forget I'm in the room
over and trying to study."
Gulping a lump that was forming in his throat, he nodded hesitantly. And just
when Levi was about to leave did another voice emerge, "Wait!" from under the
bed. Moments later the blond friend whom Eren liked 'screwing' - according to
Levi - appeared. "Could you spare a few moments for us?"
And so he did.
                                      ***
"I have a bone to pick with you, mister." Armin pointed at Levi. "Could you
please do us a favour and stay the hell away from Mikasa?"
Mikasa was back on the bed, in her former position - cross-legged, hugging a
pillow close and leaning against the wall. Levi had also joined her on the bed
but was on the opposite side - almost the edge. Eren was on the ground. And
Armin was all up in Levi's personal space.
"We all know the way you treat girls! I will beg to you if I have to, to choose
a fifferent victim for your play. And I don't know just what you told her
before but I swea—," Armin kept talking but was Levi even paying attention? He
seemed to be tapping away on his phone. "You have some nerve to ignore m—" Levi
shoved his phone up.
"Read it." Not a friendly instruction but an aloof demand.
Just because of his sheer desire to snoop, Eren joined Armin to read whatever
he was; it was a ... conversation?
[14:10] From Ex-#26: i rlly fckin hte u
[14:10] From Ex-#26: i hpe u go rot in hell u mtherfck
[14:10] From Ex-#26: the "open relationship" part was fr m ONLY
[14:10] From Ex-#26: the only girl ur suposd 2 fck is m
[14:10] From Ex-#26: btw im tlling ppl u cheted on m
[14:10] From Ex-#26: thtll do wondrs fr ur alredy shitty reptaton
[14:11] From Ex-#26: FUCK. U.
[14:11] From Ex-#26: lets c hw u hndl dis
[16:25] From Ex-#26: ull nvr find a gf in ur whole entire LIFE
[16:25] From Ex-#26: ull prbbly die alone u grinch
You have blocked Ex-#26
"Uh ..." For once, even Armin felt awkward. "Can I assume this is ..."
"Yeah: Hitch."
"Hmph," Eren scoffed. "More like 'Hitch the bitch'. Damn, her spelling is worse
than mine."
Armin handed the phone back to Levi. "Sure, this could be one exception but
that doesn't unquestionably lead to me believing that others were the same. And
that Mikasa won't end being treated the same way."
Levi shot him a look, rolling his eyes. "I'm not asking for your blessing on
the idea of our marriage. And don't see her in that way, either." before
correcting his tone - these were Mikasa's friends. "Do you think I'd lie to you
at this point?"
There was something about this man that just flared honesty, even Armin
couldn't disagree with that. So maybe ... he had been wrong? Pffft, no way.
Armin? Wrong? Not a chance. He bashfully looked away from Levi's piercing gaze.
Moping to himself, he sulkingly acknowledged the fact that that he had no more
doubts about the man's sincerity. "I'm sorry. I was wrong about you," he
admitted, feeling a bit sullen.
"See?" Eren beamed, draping an arm around his best mate's shoulders. "I told
you he'd come around."
"Hm." Levi stood up to leave but not before he heard Armin's, "This still
doesn't mean I approve of you."
Chuckling to himself, he muttered an equally quiet: "Challenge accepted."
Chapter End Notes
     If it wasn't clear before, I'll make it clear now: Mikasa, Eren and
     Armin talk on a group chat (instead of private chatting)
***** À Peine *****
Chapter Summary
     A filler chapter for some RivaMika development.
Chapter Notes
     I've already written chapter 7 and 8 (they were both originally going
     to be chapter 6) but I decided there still needs to be more
     development between Levi and Mikasa before things go that far. So I
     wracked my brain for ideas and well, this was the best I could do. I
     know this chapter's a bit rushed but one needs to take into regard
     that this chapter was forced (so bad) by me.
     *sigh*
     Enjoy, anyways!
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Not much time had progressed; to be honest nothing had progressed. Mikasa and
Levi would share some random texts but things were still very forced between
the two. And would've continued on if it weren't for Oluo's stupidity. Here's
what happened:
Mikasa and Levi both had taken a different route in highschool; Levi had taken
more business subjects whereas Mikasa had chosen the more science-based ones.
They almost had no shared class together because of the vastly different time-
tables.
"Mikasa," Ms. Lynne called her name out, breaking her from her trance. "Could
you go grab the dilute sulfuric acid, the iron fillings and the silver wire
from the science lab?" Instead of doing having their actual classes in the lab,
Ms. Lynne had made the chemistry class significantly more boring than it needed
to be by insisting that they have classes in a proper classroom, arguing that
the students would be surrounded by so many corrosive solutions so it was
almost inevitable that they would hurt themselves while fooling around. So now,
she was enduring the pain of having to send a student - because the times she
left, the class would be in utter disorder when she returned - to go get the
materials for experiments that she would conduct - not the students. So the
students were keen on taking as much time as possible to return, even if they
got scolded when they eventually did.
"Yes, ma'am." She slid out of her seat and just as she left the classroom, from
the corner of her eye, caught Gunther shooting her a wink. Rolling her eyes at
how direspectful her class could be, she left the room. Even though she hadn't
planned on taken more time than necessary, it would still take her some time,
considering how the science lab was on the end of the third floor hallway. And
would most probably be locked. The key would be with the principle's secretary
- who would most probably not be in her office. Where then? You can never pin-
pount her exact location. Ever.
Knocking on the secretary's door, she heard hushed whispers coming from inside.
She managed to catch some of what they were saying: "It's probably just a
student" and "Oi, get the fuck off the desk, somebody's at the door." These
voices didn't sound professional enough to be of one of the teachers'; were
these students causing trouble? She immediately flung the door open.
"Oh."
It was just Levi and some guy wearing almost the exact same clothes, with the
exact same - yet on him it looked totally disgusting - hairstyle; well, it was
just Levi and his stalker-friend inside. It would've been normal. It really
would've. But only if it weren't for the fact that the stalker-friend was
hastily rummaging through the remnants of the drawers in the secretary's desk.
"What ... are you guys doing?" She asked, suspicious, slowly closing the door
behind her.
"Tch," Levi clicked his tongue, taking a seat. "You can never find Brzenska and
we needed to get to the science lab. So think of this as being self-
sufficient."
"You're invading her personal spa—"
"And why are you here?" He rebuked.
Shit, right. "Science lab ..."
Levi crossed his arms, as well as his legs. "Exactly. Be our fucking guest."
"But why do you need to go to the science lab?" Mikasa questioned, still
suspicious. "You don't even have science."
Levi pointed at his stalker-friend, who answered. "Pixis," rummaged. "Has weird
ways," closed current drawer and opened the next. "Of teaching us," slammed the
drawer shut. "Accounting," stood up. Wiping his hands on his jeans, he
proceeded to open the file-rack drawers. "We need the abacus."
If you can't beat 'em, you might as well join 'em. "Have you checked cabinets?"
"No," the stalker-friend practically had stuffed his whole face inside the
file-rack. "You do it."
Opening the cabinets, Mikasa called out. "There's a whole range of keys hanging
here." And indeed, they were; hanging - slighty rocking back and forth due to
the force applied when the cabinet door was opened - on the central panel.
Face-palming, Levi concluded one thing: "Oluo, you really are useless."
                                      ***
Carefully turning the key in the hole, 'Oluo' - the stalker-friend - opened the
science lab up.
"Viola!" He exclaimed.
Oluo was lucky Levi hadn't sacked him the balls yet for his overwhleming
stupidity. "Viola's a fucking instrument and purple in Italian. If you want to
say something then say it right, at least." He also added, under in breath:
"Can't believe poor Shadis has to put up with these fools in French."
Mikasa and Levi only entered the lab when there was a soft but
audible click! behind them. 
"Fucking—!" Levi rushed to the door. He vigorously turned the doorknob, "That
little ..." He harshly banged his hand on the door. "Son of a bitch!" Levi
finally shouted. Letting out an exasperated sigh, he walked past Mikasa to go
sit on a stool.
"What are you doing?" Her tone was full of disbelief, "You can't just give u—"
"Shut up," he took his phone out. "I'm gonna text Petra. She'll be here after
class." 
Realizing there wsn't much they could do - they couldn't break down the fucking
door and the windows were meaningless, too, with them being on the third-
fuckinb-floor - she went and sat in the opposite corner from Levi. Sure, she
knew he wouldn't physically harm her, she knew he was a largely misunderstood
person but just because he'd opened up a bit to her, didn't mean she felt
anything remotely close to comfortable around him. She wouldn't deny the fact
that she would like the two to maybe ... get along but that would only be if
Levi was more of a ... welcoming person.
And so they sat like that; in silence, the whole fucking time.
At least, until Mikasa realized that Levi was walking towards her; she
instantly started feeling nervous. What happened? Did she do something?
What did she do? Levi placed a deck of cards in front of her. The nervous-
energy immediately flew away as she arched a brow at him, as if to say 'Cards,
really?' 
Levi only shrugged, "I'm bored, you're bored and I found these in the desk. Do
you want to play or not?" He expertly shuffled the deck in his hands, already
having anticipated the answer. "We'll play Spit, expect ..." He dealt Mikasa
and himself five cards, "... my rules apply."
                                      ***
Somewhere along the line - after an equal win on both sides - they'd lost the
cards and now were, surprisingly, having a casual conversation.
Mikasa was having a hard time repressing her laughter. Wiping away at the tears
forming near her eyes, she commented, "You really have a wild bunch of friends,
you know?"
"Says the one with friends drinking booze in the cafeteria after midnight."
Levi retorted.
She stuck her tongue out at him, "Says the one who keeps a stash in his room."
Nodding in defeat, he responded, "Touché."
Their conversations would be fun and full of life, with both, Mikasa and Levi,
revealing their most embarrassing stories. "And then Eren would always go hide
behind ..." Her tone died out, "Mum ..."
Levi knew exactly what was up, judging by her sudden lack of energy. He
furrowed his brows; these topics were only supposed to be
discussed willingly. "I'm fine if you want to talk about it but hey," he placed
his hand on hers. "Let's not if you feel it's not appropriate."
"No, no ..." She didn't pull her hand away from under his. "It's just that ...
Is it fine if I tell you, though? You won't mind my sob story, would you?"
Levi nodded firmly
"Then ..." She took a deep breath before starting, "You see ... my mother,
Carla, was a very spirited person. Both, Eren, our dad and I loved her very
much ... so it really came to us as a shock when right after she passed away in
a car accident, Grisha - my dad - remarried a woman called Dina - it was almost
like he
planned 
it. Around then was also when he started acting like Eren and I didn't exist
anymore, focusing all his love on our new baby step-brother, Zeke." She
chuckled darkly, "But I guess Karma really does keep reciepts because just
weeks later, he got into a car accident, himself. Serves the bastard right."
Levi gently squeezed her hand in response. "And well ... Dina is a nice woman,
too, but no one can truly replace a  mother's  love." She sighed, placing her
head on the table - so she faced him and her cheek was in contact with the cold
metal. "This's basically the main reason I suggested to her for Eren and I to
live in dorms; I really couldn't stand being around her."
And that was her story. Just when she finished, did she comprehend the fact
that she just told Levi about her private-life problems. She'd opened up such a
sensitive part of her life to a man she'd barely known for a week. Hell, she'd
dated Jean for two months and he hardly known about her likes and dislikes.
But this ... it felt so natural.
Levi suddenly startled her by pulling her into his chest; an embrace she didn't
know she needed until she received it. "My story is sort-of similar to yours."
Levi hesitated slightly before revealing - he couldn't believe he was going to
open up such a sensitive part of his life to a woman he'd barely known for a
week just to make her feel better. But it's just that it ... this felt so
natural, "I was only three when my parents went back to France for their
honeymoon. They left me with my uncle Kenny for the time-being. Days turned to
weeks, weeks turned months to years; they never came back."
The only sound in the room left was the constant rhythmic ticking of the clock:
 tick ... tock ... tick ... tock. But the sound of Levi's cadenced heartbeat
dronwned all other sounds out. He didn't release his hold on Mikasa and she
found herself melting into him.
"Did you cry?" Mikasa asked eventually.
"No, I don't do crying." His genuine concern for her, caused him to reflect the
question back: "Did you cry?"
She mirrored his words back: "No, I don't do crying."
 Tick ... tock ... tick ... tock.
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
 All of a sudden, there was frantic banging on the door before a fruity female
voice could be heard, "Levi! Mikasa! Are you guys in there?!"
 The two precipitously pulled away. Levi shouted back, "Fucking obviously,
Petra. Where could have gone?"
Click! The door was swung open and in came a distraught ginger. "I'm so glad
you're both safe," she went and hugged Levi, leaving Mikasa out. "You both need
to come with me, right now! All this needs to be explained to the principle!"
Petra grabbed hold of Levi's wrist and was about to drag him out but Levi
wrenched himself free of her grip, going over to clutch Mikasa's hand. "Let's
go." 
Even Petra could sense something had changed for the better between the two as
they walked out the door, side-by-side. The question was ... did the auburn-
haired girl like it?
Chapter End Notes
     À Peine = Barely
     Also, yes, Zeke Yeager is younger than Mikasa and Eren (in this fic).
     Feed the writer with kudos and comments, please!
***** Result Of A Failed Date *****
Chapter Notes
     Another filler chapter to contribute more to Levi and Mikasa's
     relationship. I promise there'll only be two or three more of these
     before thingshe take more of a ... sexual turn ;)
     Also, I'm really sorry for the late update. It's just that my school
     started and I have classes in the evening as wella so I just don't
     have time nowadays. Well ... So ... updates may be REALLY, REALLY
     slow; like, seriously. DX
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Their weekends were usually reserved to hang out and catch up with fam–
friends. But surprisingly, Levi actually instigated the contact during the
scared weekend.
[16:03] From Shrimp is better than prawn: look I know you may be busy but I
need a favour
[16:04] To Shrimp is better than prawn: What is it?
[16:04] From Shrimp is better than prawn: you know nifa?
[16:04] To Shrimp is better than prawn: who?
[16:04] From Shrimp is better than prawn: petra's cousin
[16:04] To Shrimp is better than prawn: so what about her?
Maybe she shouldn't have sent that last message.
[16:05] From Shrimp is better than prawn: She asked me on a date
[16:05] To Shrimp is better than prawn: get to the point already
I guess that's where she made her mistake.
[16:06] From Shrimp is better than prawn: never mind anymore
[16:06] From Shrimp is better than prawn: should've told me you werent free
[16:06] From Shrimp is better than prawn: I'll just ask Hannah instead
[16:06] From Shrimp is better than prawn: thanks anyways
Shrimp is better than prawn has gone offline
"Fuck." Mikasa groaned, falling onto her bed. Why was she so bad at this? She
didn't mean to sound so ... on edge but she just ... couldn't help it.
                                      ***
Ping! The notification bell went off on her phone, jolting her awake. When had
she fallen asleep in the first place?
New Message from Shrimp is better than prawn
She immediately sat up straight on her bed, checking her texts.
[17:23] New Message from Shrimp is better than prawn: heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
That was more 'y's than necessary or comfortable. It was way too early for his
date to have ended and it was way too early for him to be stoned over his date
rejecting him.
[17:27] To Shrimp is better than prawn: you okay?
[17:27] From Shrimp is better than prawn: never better, thanks for asking!!
She couldn't imagine Levi being like this even if he was drunk. This wasn't
Levi; it couldn't be ... right?
[17:27] To Shrimp is better prawn: is this Levi?
[17:27] From Shrimp is better than prawn: Noooooooooo!!! Its HANJI
[17:27] From Shrimp is better than prawn: didn't he tell you about me?!?!?!
She faintly remembered him telling her about an 'overly obnoxious shitty
glasses-wearing science freak'. That was Hanji, right? Or was it Erwin?
[17:28] To Shrimp is better than prawn: "shitty glasses"?
[17:28] From Shrimp is better than prawn: LOL that's me!!
Yup, that was her. Then Erwin was the 'blond sugar daddy looking thing with
really bad dad jokes and caterpillars for eyebrows'.
 [17:29] To Shrimp is better than prawn: why do you have Levi's phone?
[17:29] To Shrimp is better than prawn: he left his phone with me XD to go on a
double date with Nifa
Right; that cousin girl.
[17:29] From Shrimp is better than prawn: O M G!! I JUST GOT THE BEST IDEA EVER
She waited for further clarification.
[17:30] From Shrimp is better than prawn: let's crash Levi's date.
And how could she refuse such a wondrous offer and let this opportunity
bestowed upon her, pass? 
                                      ***
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Hanji, as Mikasa had discovered really was
a glasses-wearing science freak. And currently this glasses-wearing science
freak was dragging Mikasa by the arm to the alley next to some diner. They
peered their head out just the slightest to see when they exited. Their plan
was simple: as soon as Levi and Nifa came out, Mikasa and Hanji would follow
them wherever they went until they were in an area less congested and that
would be when Hanji would jump on Levi. She would be the 'lonely girlfriend'
whereas Mikasa would be the 'threesome partner'. It was a foolproof plan.
"Levi never lets a date go on for more than two hours," she motioned to the
door. "They'll be out any moment now." 
And right then and there, appeared Levi and Nifa. They were chatting and
laughing with the other couple, Hannah and Franz. But then they turned around,
bidding their farewells to the other pair and started walking towards Hanji and
Mikasa's direction. Hanji pushed Mikasa down, ducking behind the ginat blue
dumpster.
"I had a nice time, Levi." Ugh, just her overly pitched, girly voice made
Mikasa cringe.
"Hm." She only heard him gunt in agreement, making Mikasa chuckle
slightly. 'He'ssonot into you'
 "Let's go," Hanji whispered, standing up and untying her hair to let the waves
fall past her shoulders. She took her glasses off, showing off the perfect
flick around here eyes. She even took her coat off, her see-through white, knit
dress leaving almsot nothing to the imagination as her black lingerie could be
seen. 
'How can she wear such a look with so much confidence?' Mikasa knew she could
never pull it off. Hanji had actually insisted for the two to go back to her
room and change because Mikasa's shirt was, quote-unquote "withholding your
true beauty". After much persuasion of Hanji's part, Mikasa had changed into
high-heeled boots, leather jeans and an off-shoulder top. But fuck, it was cold
outside and the sun had just set.
Flauntering her bare legs, she sashayed over to Levi and his date. 
"Well, if you'd like then we co—" Nifa was about to say something but was cut
off by the sight of a pretty brunette warpping her arms around the raven's
waist.
"Levi," she blew into his ear. She rest her head on his shoulder, pouting, "Are
you cheating on me with this girl, Levi?" She looked over at Nifa, scrutinizing
her from head-to-toe. She scrunched her nose up, "She's ... okay." She motioned
for Mikasa to come overm which she did. "Yoy wanted a partner for a threesome
and I thought maybe this girl would do but I guess ..." She sighed. 
"E-excuse me?" Nifa blinked dumbfoundedly.
Hanji laughed at her blank face, "Oh deary, has Levi not told you about
tonight's plan?" 
"Shut up, Hanji." Levi warned, his voice dangerously low. He was trying with
all his might not to elbow the woman in the stomach, already.
Nifa hurriedly unlooped her arm from Levi's and turned to face them. That was
only when Mikasa fully saw how well-dressed and beautiful the girl actually
was; her hair was perfectly-leveled and as straight as a die. "You should've
told me you ahd a girlfriend, Levi!" Her accusing tone was so pronounced. She
took a few steps back, but her gaze was still directed at Levi. "I-I'll leave
you three to your own devices but I expect an explanation later!" For a split
second, Mikasa thought the girl glanced over her in disapproval but she
couldn't quite tell. Nifa just scurried off.
Hanji immediately unhooked herself from Levi. "That was awesome!" She held her
hand up for Mikasa to high-five but when the raven didn't show any signs of
doing so, Hanji played it off as running the hand through her hair.
Levi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Not once since they showed up had
he brought her to his cognizance. "In five seconds, Hanji, I will look up and
if you're still here, I will snap you in fucking half. Understood?" 
Hanji promptly handed over Levi's phone to Mikasa, putting her coat and glasses
back on. And before Levi looked back up, the click, clack! of her heels could
be heard faintly in the distance.
"So why are you here, Mikasa?" He took his phone back from her. "Did you make
time for Hanji to come bother me on my date?" He snarled.
No matter how cool he tried acting, how aggrrssive he tried seeming, Mikasa
could see one thing so painfully clear: "You're ... sulking."
That caught him off-guard but he huffed and looked away, crossing his arms over
his chest. "Not sulking." He resumed walking forward, leaving Mikasa to catch
up with him.
She poked his cheek, "You're so cute when you act like a little three-year
old." Sarcasm dripping from her words.
 He grabbed her fingers before she could pull away. "Your's and Hanji's little
prank ruined my date. Now you need to compensate for it."
Compensate? "What do you mean?"
"Finish the date off with me."
                                      ***
And that's exactly what they did when they found themselves sitting in a froyo-
bar. They both apologized for being such assholes to rach other this evening
and Levi proceeded to explain about the favour he wanted to ask of her. He told
her that he knew he wouldn't be able to handle Nifa all by himself so he wanted
a double-date. Mikasa still didn't understand why she acted the way she did
that evening but told him she had been feeling under the weather and that it
wasn't right of her to cast her frustration on him.
'It's not a date.' Mikasa thought when Levi demaded on paying for both of their
gelatos.
On their way back, they walked benath the street lights on the footpath void of
any people. Levi told her about how Hannah didn't meet his eye even once and he
had to pull her out to inform her that she shouldn't feel bad for what she did
before and that by agreeing for today's double-date, they were both even.
'It's not a date.' Mikasa thought when Levi took her hand in his, intertwining
their fingers. And her heart seriously did not skip a beat at the spark she
felt as soon as their fingers came into contact.
"Hanji's wardrobe is filled with such ... revealing clothing," She commented.
Levi snorted at her, "What do you think she wears to all her college and frat
parties?"
That was news to Mikasa, "Hanji's ... in college?" She found out that both,
Hanji and Erwin, were two years older than Levi.
She even decided to be candid in asking about his relationship with the
brunette because of how ... 'well' is a nice way to put it, he handled her when
she was covered in only that flimsy thin material of a dress.
He proceeded to tell her about how, being as close as they were, she used to
take him shopping with her so he'd grown insensitive to all her moves.
'This is not a date.' Mikasa thought when Levi assured her then told her not to
think of others and only keep her mind on him.
Levi was firm on escorting Mikasa to at least the bottom stairs on their
dormitory building before they both departed for the night.
"Well ... uh ..." What was she supposed to say at a time like this? Something
like,"I had a nice time"? No, no, not that; this wasn't even a date for
goodness sake. 
Seeming to sense her anxiety, he leaned forward, tucking her stray hair behind
her ear and placed a soft, gentle peck on her forhead - it shouldn't go
unnoticed that Levi had to stand on the tips of his toes to do this. After
saying their 'goodbye's, Mikasa rushed to her room, slamming her door shut.
Even without placing her hand on her chest, she could feel her heart thumping
so loudly and hear it in her ears. The feeling of Levi's lips was still fresh
in her mind as she slid down against the door; her legs felt like jelly. She
clutched her shirt tight in her hand as her breathing increased - for reasons
unknown to her.
'This was definitely a date.'
Chapter End Notes
     Feed the writer with kudos and comments, please!
End Notes
     Feed the writer with kudos and comments, please!
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!