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cutiemochiii · 10 months

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Tea and Truth

RIVETRA! (Okay ppl might not like this one, but I really love this ship and I think they’re a really cute pair). In which Petra invites her captain over for dinner before an expedition.

This one’s a bittttt longer.

I like to think that Levi also shared feelings for her in the anime/manga, but was too awkward and afraid to do anything about it. In order to keep it from feeling sudden, read with the assumption that there has been TENSION building between the two since they started fighting together. Besides that, enjoy!

credit to the artist (wish I knew who it was) for the beautiful fanart

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Levi liked Petra, he could say that much for certain. She was well-trained, a leader, and an excellent titan-killer, with the highest kill count amongst the other soldiers in his squad. She was kind, liked by all and devoted to her mission as a soldier. She was clean. It’s why he had picked her for his team.

He hadn’t realized any sort of similar sentiment would be returned. Sure, they were all fighting together in the same battle, and would lay down their lives for one another. But life as a scout, there wasn’t much in the way of friendships for Levi. Not much beyond simple camaraderie.

But here he was, following Petra on horseback to her home in the Karanes District. Petra had asked to be relieved from duty for the evening, to visit her father before the trial expedition in the morning. He had allowed her to go, only to be taken aback when she politely invited him along for dinner with her family. She had shyly mentioned how excited her father had been to meet him.

Levi hesitated, finally acquiescing when Gunther suggested that he should go, it would do him good and Eld would have everything under control until they met with him and Petra at Karanes in the morning. Yet as he rode with her, he began to have second thoughts. When was the last time he sat down with someone’s family? Had an actual meal? As a scout he was fed, more than he’s ever been. But even compared to an average citizen of the walls, it was barely any better. Levi spent most of his time quietly splitting his rations for his team anyways.

“Captain?” Petra’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Are you alright?” Levi nodded.

“Sorry, I usually don’t have dinner with anyone outside of the team.” He stated. Petra laughed. It was pretty.

“I promise you, my father won’t bite. Besides, we’re experts in things that bite aren’t we?” She winked playfully. Levi smiled softly. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

They finally arrived, Petra and Levi dismounting their horses. She led him around the back of their house, where she showed him a post to tie their horses to. Walking back to the front door, she knocked loudly.

There was a sound that was similar to a crash, and then fast steps. The door was thrown open. “Petra!” Her father pulled her into a tight embrace, laughing loudly.

“Dad!” She hugged him back. Her father let her go, noticing the figure standing behind her. “Oh? You didn’t tell me you were bringing guests-” his eyes widened as he realized who it was. “Goodness! Captain Levi! I didn’t realize- why are you here? Is something wrong?” Petra gave her father a light smack on the chest.

“Dad. He’s just here till the morning. We have an expedition tomorrow, I invited him to have dinner with us tonight.” Her father nodded slowly in understanding.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Petra is an essential part of my team.” Levi commented. He didn’t fail to notice the slight tint of her cheeks. Her father beamed with pride, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“That’s my Petra!” Petra giggled embarrassedly. “Dad~” she smiled wide. Levi noticed how easy going she was here, with her father. Safe, far from all the dangers of scouting. Why on earth was she there? A girl like her --smart, skilled, with amazing social graces-- she could easily find herself a job that would do a lot more for her.

“Well, let’s not let you two freeze right outside the house, come on in!” Petra’s father motioned with his hand to the home. It was quaint, a fire lit in the hearth, a small table with small plates of food. A large bird, what Levi assumed was goose, was cooked in the middle.

Her father made them sit, both him and Petra insisting that Levi help himself to however much food he wants. As desperately as he wanted to stuff himself till he couldn’t breathe, he limited himself to one plate with a little bit of everything. He quietly complimented her father’s cooking skills --the goose was truly remarkable-- to which he was corrected, her father saying it was Petra who perfected the recipe. He lovingly ruffled her daughter’s hair, to which she shyly stated that she wasn’t a kid anymore.

As dinner was coming to a close, Levi stood, automatically picking up any emptied plate along with his own and looking for a place to wash them. Petra realized what he was doing, quickly pulling the plates out of his hands. “No sir, please do not bother yourself with this. I can do it.”

“Are you sure? I can-” “No, it’s alright Captain. Please, make yourself comfortable.” She jut her chin toward the lounging sofa not far from the table.

Levi reluctantly sat down, stretching his arms across the pillows and crossing his legs. Her father excused himself, stating he was ready for bed and would see them in the morning. He gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead, and a small bow of respect to Levi, which he reciprocated with a nod. He disappeared up the stairs to where Levi assumed were their sleeping quarters.

~~~~

There was a comfortable silence as water ran from the tap and Petra wiped down the plates with a cloth, her back to Levi. Levi laid his head against the pillows, closing his eyes and letting the peacefulness of the moment envelope him. Was this how it would’ve been? If he hadn’t joined Erwin? Grown up without the threat of giant maneating monsters? Grown up with a family? No, probably not. There was no point in pondering things that would’ve never been. Petra, however…

He lifted his head and looked over at where the small young woman with the soft auburn hair continued her chore. “Why are you here?” He asked. Her motions stopped.

“Here, sir?” She laughed. “You probably think it’s silly, none of the other soldiers left. It’s just, I had to come by and see him, I haven’t seen him in at least a year and-” “No,” Levi interrupted.

“That's not what I mean. Why are you here, on my team, with the Scouts. You could have this every day. You could see him every day. Wake up in your warm bed to your delicious food every day.” She turned slightly, the side of her face now visible as she smiled.

Again, there was a short silence. “I want a better future. For my father. For myself. For all of us.” She looked at him. “Sitting around on the side won’t do anything. So yes, maybe I am giving up the safety and comfort of my home to fight monsters. But it’s nothing compared to the sacrifices of all the people dying to give us a chance. It would not be fair for me to remain here, happy and oblivious, when every single one of us should be fighting for a chance to be free forever.” She looked back at the plate in her hand, wiping at it mindlessly as tears welled up in her eyes. “I guess, I’m trying to prove that people did not die in vain. That even though I can’t speak for everyone, I can at least say that even if I die too, I died fighting. And-” her eyes widened and she glanced up at him, blushing hard and stopping herself as she looked away.

Levi cocked his head. “And?” Petra shook her head as she took a shaky breath in. Then she laughed awkwardly.

“And I want a better future for you, sir.” She looked at him. “From what I’ve heard, life has not been gracious to you. Since the day you were born, you have been fighting. Never a moment’s rest.” She put the final plate away. She was facing him with her whole body now. “I want to give you peace, rest; freedom. And if I cannot give you that, I want to at least help ease the burdens you carry by fighting alongside you. So you do not have to carry the battle, the guilt, alone.” She walked over, and sat down beside him on the edge of the sofa. “I will continue to work hard to live up to my promises to you. I will continue to be your strongest soldier. I will give my life and limb to you, and your future.” She took his hand and slid it off the pillows, holding it between both of hers. Her skin was glowing, tears streaking her blushed face. “I swear it.”

Levi did not know how to respond. How long had she carried these thoughts? How long had he been underestimating her faith in him and their team? In humanity? All he could do was squeeze her hand softly. “You’re crying Petra.” He couldn’t bring himself to say anything else. She pulled away immediately, as she realized what she’d done.

“I’m so sorry Captain, I didn't mean to cross any boundaries.” She mumbled her apologies as she rushed to wipe her face with her sleeve. Levi untied the handkerchief around his neck and handed it to her. “Here. It’s alright.”

She took it between both hands, smiling gratefully. Taking a deep breath, she wiped her eyes and stood, walking back over to the small kitchen. She turned on her stove and placed a kettle on it. There was more silence as Levi mulled over Petra’s words. Peace, for him. That was what she wanted. Levi always thought he would die in combat, constantly wondering whether he would live to see the next day. But Petra wanted him to feel peace. And wanted to fight for it.

The sudden heaviness in his head began to dissipate at the sound of the screaming kettle. A minute later, Petra brought over a teapot, placing it on the edge of the dinner table as she sat in the chair beside it. She laid his handkerchief over the back of a chair. She poured out the deliciously deep red liquid, handing him a cup of it as she poured herself one too. Levi gingerly held the rim of the cup as he took a sip.

He recognized the flavor instantly. It was his favorite tea. “Where did you get this?” He asked, staring at the cup. Petra looked at her hands.

“Section commander Hanji once made a joke that the only thing you ever bought for yourself was your favorite tea. So I paid attention to what you drank in the evening with us.” She smiled. “You always have a separate tea bag in your cup, while we just drank from the pot. Since my father is a merchant, I decided to describe to him the tea bag you used. And he told me what tea it was. I bought some and tried it.” She brought her cup near her nose, indulging in the fragrance. “You truly have amazing taste sir.” She sighed.

“And you make keen observations.”

Here she was. Small, kindhearted, fiery Petra. Petra, who thought about Levi and invited him to have dinner. Who spoke to him about his freedom. Who always tried to understand his struggles, even if it was not something she had experienced. Who was curious about his life. Who had paid attention to the things he enjoyed and tried to give them to him, just to make him smile.

Petra heard a quick rustle of clothes, and by the time she glanced over to where Levi had been sitting, he was standing right in front of her. He placed his cup on the table, and before she could speak, lowered his face to hers.

Her cheeks were soft, and she smelled faintly of cinnamon. It made him wonder if she liked to bake in her free time. She was the one who had taught him to make his favorite dessert after all. She tasted like the bitter, rich tea that he so enjoyed. That she knew he enjoyed. And as Levi allowed his senses to wander, he could taste the raspberry tart she had for dessert on her lips.

What are you doing? What are you doing?

Levi jerked back. He placed a hand in his hair and curled it into a fist, as if maybe tugging at the strands would clear the haze of his stupid mind. As he racked his brain for a way to explain what happened, he caught a glimpse of Petra’s face. She was completely flushed, panting. Her bright hazel eyes were blown wide. He’d terrified her. He would never forgive himself.

He took a staggering step back from her, and began rushing toward the door. He would have to face her at some point, but he doubted any word out of his mouth would be comforting at the moment. He decided he would just sleep outside, wait till morning to speak to her. To let her leave his squad if she so wished. To beat him bloody if she wanted.

She stood from the chair and grabbed his arm. “Sir, don’t you dare.” She commanded. Well, it would happen now then. Whatever it was she wanted-

She tugged his arm hard, forcing Levi to face her again. Letting go of his arm and grabbing him by the lapels of his shirt, she pulled him back down to her. The bursts of flavor from earlier returned, sparkling on his tongue like fireworks. She was sweet, oh so sweet. He squeezed her shoulders hard, unsure of where else to put his hands.

His mind raced, and he ignored it. Just for one moment, screw this. Screw all of it. Let him be lost in the scent of cinnamon and the savors of herbs and raspberry tart. Let the softness of her lips pull him into a trance. Let her gentle hands remind him of what it feels like to have human touch, warm and alive and thrumming.

For the moment he didn’t have to worry about the outside world. Not of monsters, not of Eren and his strange power. Not of Erwin, or the MPs, or the mission. Just the comfort of the crackling fire, the silkiness of Petra’s hair as he dared to run his fingers through it. The warmth of her hands as she snaked them up his neck. The steady beating of her heart as she pressed closer to him. The racing of his own.

She pulled away for a moment. Levi realized he was panting and attempted to take deep breaths to calm himself. He noticed Petra’s shaking hands as they fiddled with the buttons of her white blouse. They were going too far, too fast. Maybe this is what he needed, what they both needed, but not like this. He wouldn’t let it happen like this.

He reached out a hand, touching hers gently. “Petra.” He spoke softly. They were both breathing hard. Her hands dropped a second later. She sighed. “What am I doing?” She whispered. He watched as tears slipped out of her eyes again. “We’re both exhausted.” Levi stated, as if just making a random observation. But he knew Petra understood what he meant. Understood the exhaustion he spoke of.

The kind that settled deep in their bones and withered them down until they were centuries old. The kind of exhaustion that makes you mourn your losses but dries your tears, as if the ducts themselves were too tired to spill any more. The kind that had long forgotten what safety felt like. What friendship, or love felt like. The kind of exhaustion that was desperate for a breath of something new, but was just too tired to care about the consequences. But also the kind of exhaustion that led to wisdom, to making smart decisions when everything begged for the opposite.

Petra opened her mouth to say something, but her voice betrayed her. She opted to just lean forward and lay her head against Levi’s shoulder, tears flowing uncontrollably.

His hands lingered inches from her small body, when he finally let himself embrace her. He could feel her trembling, the gasps in her breath as she tried to steady herself. He held her tightly, running his hand up and down her back. All the words they couldn’t say were spoken in between their bodies. They stayed like that until the hiccups in her crying faded. Her breathing slowed.

“So, is it true?” Levi barely caught her quiet words.

“Hmm?” She looked up at him, eyes gleaming like glass marbles. “Is it true that you’ve never… been with a woman before?” Levi’s eyes widened. He couldn’t stop the laugh that erupted at her question. Petra hid behind her hands, stepping away from him.

“It’s just- the squad, they told me that!” She sputtered. He gently pulled her hands away from her face. “No,” he responded with a soft smile. “I have been with women before. How about you? Have you been with men before?” Her eyes widened. “Yes I have!” She exclaimed, folding her arms defensively. Levi had never laughed that way in his life. And shortly after, Petra joined in.

After a few moments, they were both catching their breaths. Petra wrung her hands, looking shyly at the floor. “So, I guess that just means you’re not really interested in me.” She stated, voice laced with disappointment. Levi crossed his arms, head tilted to the side. He hadn’t taken Petra for a pessimist.

“No, that does not mean anything. It’s not smart to make a rash decision when emotions are so high-strung. Especially right before an expedition.” Petra tucked her hair behind her ear, and nodded.

“You’re right.” She agreed. Levi smiled softly. “Besides,” he nodded his head in the direction of the stairs that led to the upper floor.

“I doubt your father would be happy to find us in such a compromising situation.” Petra’s eyes widened and she turned redder than she had been a few minutes ago. She put a hand against her mouth.

“Oh my god, my father. I totally forgot he was here.” She whined, flustered.

Levi scoffed. “Let’s get some sleep.” He spoke softly. Petra nodded with a smile. Levi walked to the sofa and laid down, hands resting behind his head as he got comfortable. Petra stood awkwardly beside him.

“Captain, maybe after this expedition…” Levi turned his gaze to her, but she avoided his eyes. “Maybe, you can visit my home more often.” Petra stated, but it came out as more of a question.

Levi nodded, closing his eyes as he took in a deep breath. “Maybe.” Petra smiled, glancing at Levi once more. She wasn’t exactly sure what had happened, but she realized she didn’t mind it one bit, heading towards the stairs to go to her own bed too.

~~~~

That morning, it was as if nothing had happened. Levi and Petra were up and ready to leave before her father could even finish breakfast (although he had fervently pleaded with them to eat anything, to which Levi and Petra took two slices of bread). Levi squad was ready to go by the wall, bowing their heads in respect to their captain.

In Levi’s eyes, Hanji was the nosiest person he’d ever met. They were rather surprised to hear about Petra’s dinner invitation, considering Levi wasn’t the best at socializing.

The squad pestered Petra about dinner, all wanting to know how their captain acted outside of being humanity’s greatest soldier. Levi had become her quiet and calculating Captain once more, reprimanding his squad for being so distracted the day of an expedition. But there was something different now. Something more relaxed in his posture that only a sharp eye could notice. A softness in the way he looked at her that would seem like nothing to an outsider.

But it was reminiscent of the way he had looked at her last night, as if they were the only two people to exist in that moment. A flutter of something stirred her heart. Her captain may never be as open and inviting as others. He may never wear his heart on his sleeve.

But he came up next to her on his horse, and handed her his piece of bread. “Eat. One piece isn’t going to do anything for you.” He explained, eyes forward. And in that bread was all the warmth and comfort Petra could ever ask for. And maybe, once this mission was over, Petra thought with a soft smile.

Maybe it would be something even more.

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Author’s Note: AHHHH IM SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS ONE!!! IVE BEEN WORKING ON IT FOR A WHILE AND IM SO HAPPY WITH HOW IT TURNED OUT. Of course the ending is a bit sad, maybe I’ll write a more detailed version of Levi’s reaction to her death if this one is well liked. But anyways, I hope you enjoy, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to share with you all what I enjoy with all my heart. <3 (still waiting on requests btw! Please feel free to send them!)

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