"You look weird," Levi pointed out as our carriage approached the palace for Prince Erwin's ball.

well-

"You're so blunt," I chuckled, turning to look at him, "it's nothing- just something Historia and Ymir said the other day."

they're probably right

it would be best to talk about things before we have a misunderstanding

but still-

"Do you- want to talk about it?"

(:

"The Levi Ackerman is asking me about my feelings?" I teased him to ease the tension, "ok- let's talk."

"You don't have to if you don't want to," he rolled his eyes, relaxing a bit.

"I do."

"Then I'll listen."

"Since when did you get this sweet?"

"I've always been nice, you've just been oblivious to it."

"You weren't nice to me."

"Neither were you."

"Ok- whatever- you're distracting me."

"You keep distracting yourself."

"We're so dysfunctional," I muttered, glancing out the window as the carriage slowed to a stop in front of the palace.

maybe this can wait

"What were you going to say?"

"I think we need to talk about what we-" the door swung open, revealing Farlan.

ah

"Should I give you two a moment?" He asked, awkwardly shifting on his feet.

"Ye-"

"No need," I looked over at Levi, "let's talk about it later."

"Are you sure?"

"Certain," I grabbed his hand, "are you ready?"

"Fuck no."

"Good," I grumbled, "I thought I was the only one."

honestly it would make me feel even more anxious if he was totally confident

"Shall we?" Levi helped me out of the carriage.

"Do I look fine?" I let him guide me towards the entrance.

if i look too good people will criticize me but-

"Yeah," he looked away from me, "you do."

then there's no reason to worry

"I don't know what I'm less prepared for, the reactions to you escorting me or all of the half hearted condolences I'm about to receive," I played with the black fabric of my dress. "I mean- all those people did was give him more unnecessary stress-"

if they really cared about my father's health and wellbeing they would have left him alone

"You should just tell them to fuck off."

"For so many reasons I can't."

"I know."

"You'll tell them to fuck off for me won't you?"

"I don't know," he teased, his voice lowering as we approached the ballroom, "what do I get out of it?"

"My undying love and affection?"

"You don't need to give me shit I already have."

you-

"Awfully presumptuous of you, isn't it?"

"Am I wrong?"

"You-" the large ballroom doors swung open, cutting me off.

"Now introducing, Marchioness L/N and Lord Ackerman!"

now look at that-

"I believe I have surpassed you in rank," I couldn't help but laugh at the sound of it.

that's a first

"Oh shut up."

"Sounds like someone's upset," I plastered on my best smile, looking out over the stunned crowd. "I'd say our entrance had its desired effect."

they look shock but-

i don't see anyone who looks scared or upset

maybe the culprit isn't here

or more likely

they're a decent actor

"Don't look too threatening," Levi whispered in my ear, pulling me away from the center of the crowd.

oh right-

"I might have to," I glanced over the room once again, "I think your fan club is angry."

honestly i would be to

someone who historically has a bad relationship with the object of your affection suddenly swoops in and steals the spot next to him

they should have been more proactive- i wouldn't have had the chance

"I don't have a fan club," Levi flatly denied.

either you're oblivious or stupid

"Yeah right," I glanced over at a group of noble ladies- glowering at me, "you definitely do."

"You have a fan club."

"I do not have a fan club- I used to have a fan club until you scared them all away," I grumbled. "The only people who ever approach me at these events are idiots looking for a way into the forest."

im talking about you

"You-" Levi was cut off by the sudden arrival of someone above both of us, the host of this party, Crown Prince Erwin Smith.

ah-

"Levi," he greeted before turning to look me over, "and Marchioness L/N, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, your highness," I bowed slightly, glancing over at Levi.

does he want to tell erwin about everything?

at the very least their families are supposed to be close

and they've always spent a lot of time together when levi was in the capital

i know this because i had to be careful not to get into it with levi when erwin was around

i wasn't interested in making an enemy of the crown! only his bff

"It's good to see you both in good health," Erwin continued to smile, his intentions unreadable, "although there have been rumors as to what may have happened to suddenly change your relationship."

well yeah i fucking died!

"We can talk about that later," Levi nodded at the crowd hovering around us.

"Gladly."

wait levi-

"How much are you going to tell him?" I whispered, frowning slightly.

he doesn't need to know about hanji- or me dying

we don't know if we can trust him

do you trust him levi?

"Erwin, may I speak with you?" Levi ignored my question, focusing entirely on the prince.

oh i see how it is-

"Levi-"

"Certainly," Erwin beamed, "Lady L/N, I hope you don't mind me stealing your partner for a moment."

what am i supposed to say

'yeah actually i do future leader of this kingdom'

this is awful

"Of course not," I let go of Levi's arm, "be quick."

"Of course," with that Levi and Erwin departed to one of the many balconies and I was left alone in the middle of the ballroom.

come back soon

__________________

it was soo nice out and now its super rainy ): hope all of u are doing well<3

- ami