note: im so excited for this chapter omg. i kinda went overboard with it because i've been so excited to write it so i'm splitting it into two longer chapters. i'm uploading both today so you can read both at the same time or break it up into more digestible parts but HEHE i was quite literally giggling to myself and kicking my feet as i wrote this. so ENJOY! also, fwiw, the waltz i have in my head is called la valse de l'amour from the Cinderella movie soundtrack. and just a reminder than levi and adeline are roughly the same height. maybe levi is a little taller than canon too hehe sorry.
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As you stand before the ornate mirror in your room, the events of the day replay in your mind like scenes from a vivid dream. The buzz of excitement from the day's events still humming in your veins mingling with the anticipation that swirls within you. It was finally time for the main event of the day – the ball. And you were Historia's honored guest.
You gaze at your reflection, taking in the elegant attire that adorns your figure. The violet gown, chosen with care thanks to Hange, drapes gracefully over your form, its rich hues complementing your complexion. Each delicate stitch and intricate detail speaks of luxury and refinement, a testament to the craftsmanship of the tailor.
You reach for the pair of elbow-length white gloves laid out before you. As you slip them on, the smooth fabric glides over your skin, imbuing you with a sense of regal poise. The weight of the exquisite jewelry borrowed from Historia's royal collection hangs from your neck and adorns your wrists, adding a touch of opulence to your ensemble.
Your gaze drifts to your reflection once more, lingering on the intricate hairstyle that frames your face. The half-up, half-down style, expertly crafted by the palace hairdresser, accentuates your features with effortless elegance.
As you take a deep breath, the nerves that have been fluttering in your stomach all day intensify, mixing with a sense of excitement. The ball had already begun – you could hear the distant music and chatter, signaling the guests had already arrived.
With a final adjustment to your attire, you turn away from the mirror, steeling yourself for the festivities that lie ahead, swallowing down your anxiety. The ballroom awaits, its grandeur and splendor beckoning you to step forward. You make your way downstairs, the excitement building within you, fueling your determination to embrace the night's festivities.
However, as you stand before the grand doors leading into the ballroom, a torrent of nerves threatens to overwhelm you once again, freezing you in place. The weight of the evening's expectations bears down on your shoulders, filling you with a sense of apprehension.
Just when it feels like the weight of your fears may crush you, a familiar figure materializes beside you. Erwin's presence is a beacon of stability in the midst of your turmoil, his calm demeanor a soothing remedy to your frayed nerves.
"Adeline," he says, his voice gentle yet firm, reminding you of your father's. "Are you alright?"
You meet his gaze, finding solace in the concern etched upon his features. With a shaky breath, you nod, unable to find the words to articulate the tumult of emotions swirling within you.
Erwin offers you a reassuring smile, his only hand extending towards you in a silent gesture of support. Without hesitation, you intertwine your arm with his remaining one, drawing strength from his unwavering presence.
"There's no need to be nervous. You have every right to be here, just as much as anyone else. Just follow my lead," he murmurs, his voice a steady anchor amidst the storm of your anxieties.
With Erwin at your side, you find the courage to move forward. As you cross the threshold, the butler stationed at the door clears his throat, signaling your arrival to the awaiting guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announces, his voice resonating with a sense of ceremony as the ballroom halts their activities to turn your way. "May I present Miss Adeline Abertine, esteemed guest of honor for this evening's festivities."
As you and Erwin descend the grand staircase, all eyes in the room seem to turn towards you, their gazes lingering on your elegant form. It's a surreal moment, feeling the weight of so many eyes upon you, but you hold your head high, drawing strength from Erwin's fatherly presence beside you.
Making your way across the room, you finally come to stand before Historia, who is flanked by her guards, an image of regal poise and grace. With a practiced formality, you and Erwin execute a polite curtsey and bow, paying your respects to the queen as she smiles back.
The music swells once more, signaling the resumption of the festivities, and the attention of the crowd shifts away from you. It's a moment of relief, the pressure of scrutiny lifting from your shoulders as you blend into the background of the bustling ballroom.
Taking a deep breath, you allow yourself to relax, grateful for the chance to simply enjoy the company of your friends and revel in the magic of the evening.
"See? That wasn't so bad." Erwin applauded you as he released your arm.
"Thank you. Seriously. I don't know how you do it" You said. Erwin offered you a small laugh before he excused himself, making his way over to some government officials who looked like they wanted to talk business. With a smile, you turn your attention back to the dance floor, eager to lose yourself in the music and laughter of the night.
The ballroom is a vision of grandeur, adorned with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow. The music, a melodic blend of strings and woodwinds, weaves through the air, guiding dancers in perfect harmony. Couples twirl gracefully on the polished floor, moving effortlessly along to the waltzes of the orchestra.
Groups of guests gather off to the side, chatting and laughing as they sip champagne. The room hums with lively conversation, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the clinking of glasses. You navigate through the crowd, offering swift greetings to those who acknowledge your presence, your eyes sparkling with excitement as you grab a glass of champagne from a waiter.
As you bask in the enchanting atmosphere of the ballroom, a familiar voice calls out your name, drawing your attention. You turn to find Hange and the rest of your friends approaching, their faces alight with excitement and admiration.
"Adeline, you look absolutely stunning!" Hange exclaims, her eyes sparkling with genuine delight. The others echo her sentiment, offering compliments as they gather around you.
Sasha nudges you playfully. "I knew you would turn heads. You're practically stealing the show!"
Mikasa, usually reserved, smiles softly. "You look beautiful," she says simply, her words carrying a warmth that speaks volumes.
Connie chimes in with a laugh. "Yeah, but can you blame them? Who wouldn't be dazzled by our queen's right-hand woman?" You could hear the drunkenness in his words already, and you raised a brow.
"I see someone has already gotten into the champagne, huh, Connie?" You teased.
Connie grins, his laughter infectious. "Well, it is a celebration, isn't it?" he replies, raising his glass as if to toast to the revelry of the night.
"Just save some for the rest of us, will you?" Sasha chided, slightly chastising her friend for his antics
As you engage in conversation with your friends, laughter and chatter filling the air, you notice Levi standing off to the side, his gaze fixed on you with an intensity that sends a shiver down your spine. There's an unmistakable awe in his eyes, a silent admiration for your beauty and grace that leaves you feeling both flustered and oddly exhilarated. It's as if he's seeing you in a new light, appreciating every detail of your presence with a depth that takes your breath away.
Sasha, ever perceptive, catches the shared moment between you and Levi. With a knowing smile, she nudges Connie, who in turn nudges Jean, setting off a chain reaction among your friends.
"Looks like the captain's finally realized what he's been missing," Sasha whispers to Connie, her voice barely audible above the music.
Connie chuckles softly, casting a quick glance in your direction before turning back to the group. "About time," he quips, earning a smirk from Jean and a playful swat from Mikasa.
Sensing the unspoken significance of the moment, they exchange knowing glances before excusing themselves.
As the last of your friends drift away, leaving you and Levi in a pocket of relative solitude, you can't help but feel a sense of anticipation tinged with nervousness. Yet, as you meet Levi's gaze, you're met with a warmth that belies the usual stoicism of his demeanor.
"You clean up nicely, Captain," you remark with a playful smile, taking a step closer to him. He was dressed in a suit and tie that fitted his body perfectly. His usual hair was combed through, although it remained slightly messy, as per usual.
Levi's eyes soften ever so slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he regains his composure. "I could say the same for you," he responds, his voice laced with a hint of admiration.
You chuckle, the tension between you dissipating with each exchange. "Careful, Levi. I might start thinking you're impressed."
A ghost of a smile tugs at the corners of Levi's lips. "And what if I am?" he retorts, though there's a glint of amusement in his eyes as a blush spreads across your face. "But truly, Adeline. You look...breathtaking."
"Thank you, Levi." You said softly.
His normal demeanor of stoicism is melting away as the conversation between you continues. Maybe it's due to the exciting energy of the ball room, or maybe he's drunk off of one too many glasses of wine. But you didn't mind – you could spend the whole night by Levi's side if you were able to, and it seems he would do the same.
The lively notes of the previous song gradually fade into a slow, melodic waltz, signaling a change in the atmosphere of the ballroom. Levi, his gaze never leaving yours, extends his hand towards you.
"Care to join me for a dance?" he asks, his tone soft yet inviting.
A nervous flutter whirls in your stomach as you glance at the dancefloor as it begins to fill with couples. "I... I'm not much of a dancer," you admit, a hint of uncertainty in your voice. The formal dance lessons you took in preparation for this evening suddenly feel insufficient.
Levi's expression remains composed, his piercing eyes holding a gentle reassurance. "You'll be fine. Just follow my lead," he replies, his voice steady.
With a hesitant but appreciative smile, you place your hand in his, allowing him to guide you toward the center of the dancefloor. The sensation of his firm hand in yours sends a reassuring warmth through you.
As the music envelops the room, Levi's arm encircles your waist, and you find yourself nestled into a dance hold. His other hand clasps yours, creating a connection that transcends the physical touch. The subtle scent of his cologne adds an extra layer to the intimate atmosphere.
"Relax," Levi murmurs, his breath brushing against your ear as he waits for the queue to begin.
You take a deep breath, allowing his calming presence to ease your nerves. The gentle strains of the waltz start, and with a subtle nod from Levi, you begin to move. As you follow his lead, the worries about your dancing ability gradually melt away.
Levi's movements were a testament to his skill, each step deliberate and graceful. You, following his lead, felt an unexpected ease in the rhythm of the dance. The gentle rise and fall, the twirls and turns, all unfolded seamlessly as if you and Levi were in perfect synchronization.
The ballroom lights cast a soft glow on the scene, enhancing the ambiance of the dance. The swaying couples, the ornate decorations, and the subtle aroma of flowers blended into a captivating spectacle. Yet, despite the enchantment around you, it was Levi's unwavering gaze that held your attention.
As the music swirled around, Levi led you through a series of intricate steps as you shared moments of laughter. The subtle pressure of Levi's hand on your back guided you effortlessly, and the proximity of your bodies created a sense of intimacy that transcended the dance itself.
The tempo of the waltz shifted, and the dance took on a livelier quality. Levi, ever composed, injected a playful element into the routine. A twirl here, a dip there, each movement carried a touch of spontaneity that added a layer of joy to the dance.
The subtle chemistry between you and Levi became more pronounced with every turn. There was an unspoken understanding in the way he anticipated your movements, a silent dialogue conveyed through the shared dance.
As the waltz reached its crescendo, the final notes lingered in the air. Levi, with a gentle and controlled dip, brought the dance to an elegant conclusion. The room erupted in applause, the sounds merging with the fading echoes of the waltz.
With a small yet genuine smile, Levi led you back to the edge of the dancefloor. The experience left you breathless, not just from the physical exertion, but from the emotional depth the dance had unexpectedly uncovered. As you caught your breath, you couldn't help but feel a newfound connection with Levi, a shared moment woven into the fabric of the royal ball.