The day was going about as well as any other day, customers dropping off and picking up clothes, the occasional fitting for new clients or special requests.
The bell above the door chimed, I looked up to greet the next patron. My eyes were met with two military men as they walked in. The first one was tall, with broad-shoulders, with blonde hair slicked to the side. He came off soft but with confidence. The one that followed in after him was shorter, with black hair hard eyes and an even sharper intensity in the way he carried himself.
I gave a quick smile before I rolled my eyes and turned around, throwing a pleading look at Mrs. Ida that screamed.
Please don't make me help them!Please, please!
She just gave me a knowing smile and a nod of encouragement.Damn it Ida I trusted you!
I turn back around none the wiser of my internal demise. I greeted them as they approached the counter, forcing a polite tone."Good afternoon, gentlemen. How may I help you today?"
I tried not to look like I'd rather throw myself off a rooftop than assist them. I had a great poker face, years of practice. The tall blonde gave me a warm smile, the shorter man just nodded.
The blonde explained they were here for a fitting for formal military uniforms. Great. That meant I'd have to take their measurements. Which meant an extended interaction. Which meant inseams. And we all know what that means.Men.
"Right this way, gentlemen. If one of you would take a seat while the other stands on the platform," I instructed. We stepped into the fitting room, two chairs, one platform. The blonde offered to go first while the other sat. He didn't exactly give off cheerful energy.
I grabbed a pen and pad."So, what's your name, sir, and when do you need this completed?"
I looked up at him, he was tall. His blue eyes met mine with a steady, unnerving calm that gave me chills.
"My name is Erwin Smith. I'm the Commander of the Scout Legion, and I'll need this finished within two weeks. Miss...?"
He was pressing for my name."Jade. My name is Jade," I said with a sweet smile, jotting down the info.
Pulling out my measuring tape, I got to work."If you would, hold your arms out like this," I said, demonstrating. He mimicked the motion.
"So, Miss Jade," he began, keeping his eyes forward as I worked. "I hear you're an excellent seamstress. I've seen your work impressive, especially for someone your age."
That made me relax just a little. At least he wasn't ogling me.
"Oh, that's very flattering. Thank you, Commander Erwin. It's nice to know my work is being talked about... in good taste. I've been sewing for as long as I can remember."
He nodded as I jotted down more measurements."It's a very useful skill. I'm jealous, I could never do anything as impressive as what I've seen here."
I smirked. If he only knew my real talent was skillfully killing men without getting caught.
"Hmm, well, I wouldn't say that. Your skills as soldiers, taking down titans and defending humanity, are far more remarkable. You're the ones fighting for our survival."
He finally looked down at me."Thank you. There are few who express their appreciation. We don't usually get the recognition our fallen men deserve."
That hit me harder than I expected.If only people knew what David and I do to protect them from the scum inside the walls... while the Scouts fight for us outside them.
"Well, just know that I'll always be grateful," I said quietly. "You might not hear us, or see our faces when you return through the gates, but we're here."
He gave me a soft smile, and I found myself smiling back.Maybe not all military men are disgusting after all.
Still, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I glanced over and caught the black-haired man staring at me. His expression was unreadable mixture of, content? Surprised?As soon as we made eye contact, he looked away like he'd been caught doing something shameful.
I finished Commander Erwin's measurements and asked him to switch with the other man.
He was shorter than most, but he held himself with iron discipline. One look and I could tell, this was a man you didn't want to cross.If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under already.
He side-glanced at me, and I swear my fight-or-flight kicked in.Wait—what am I doing? Get it together, Scarlet. You're a badass bitch. Don't let some half-pint make you feel small.
Okay, yes, we're the same height, technically, but his aura? Intimidating as hell.
I cleared my throat."Sir, what is your name? And will this be due at the same time as the commander's?" I asked, pen and pad ready.
He looked straight at me."My name is Levi Ackerman. Yes, same due date as the Commander's."
His voice was dry. Flat. No emotion.
"Is there a rank I should know to apply the patch correctly, Mr. Ackerman?"
He looked away and replied,"Yes. I'm a Captain in the Scout Regiment."
My eyes widened just slightly. Captain, huh?Yeah, I definitely wouldn't want to be under his command. He seems like he eats insubordination for breakfast.
He would hate the real me, Scarlet. But Jade? Jade is harmless. Sweet. Respectful. She's the mask.
"Well then, Captain Levi, if you would hold your arms out for me, please," I said.
He obeyed. I noticed the cravat around his neck and walked over to the fabric shelf, picking out two options. Bringing them back, I held each up to his neck, one at a time.
"Hmm... which one do you prefer? I like this one," I said, comparing both.
He looked down at me, clearly confused."What for? The uniform doesn't require white."
"Oh, it's for your cravat," I explained with a soft smile. "A nice new one to go with your new uniform."
He grabbed my wrist, pulling the fabrics toward himself. He studied them silently, then ran his fingers over one.
"This one," he said flatly.
I smirked. Couldn't help myself."Not one for conversation, but good taste in fabric," I teased, walking off to put the extra one back.
Commander Erwin chuckled softly from the chair. I looked over to see him giving me an apologetic look on the Captain's behalf.
"All right, you're all done," I announced as Levi stepped down and rejoined Erwin.
I handed them two tickets."Here are your purchase slips. Please bring them back when everything's ready. It was a pleasure speaking with you, Commander Erwin. Captain Levi."
I smiled and walked them to the front. The Commander turned and said, "The pleasure was mine. It was refreshing speaking with you, you've reminded me that our efforts are not in vain."
I waved as they stepped out."Please think sharply and move with grace," I called out.
Erwin gave a nod. Levi paused just long enough to make a "tch" sound before following him out.
Mrs. Ida stepped out from the side room, raising an eyebrow."Well, I think that's the first time a military man has walked out and you didn't look like you were on the verge of throwing up."
I turned to her, grinning."Well, there's a first time for everything. The Commander was very polite and considerate. The Captain, though... definitely not a talker."
Ida chuckled with me."Well, I'm glad it went well. Let's get back to work."
"Of course, Mrs. Ida."
I returned to my station, mind already drifting toward tonight. The drop. The mission. The part of me that was still wide awake beneath Jade's smile.