~A little later~
Erwin, the relentless taskmaster, commanded Nina with an air of superiority, reveling in his own sadistic pleasure. Unbeknownst to them, the passage of time slipped away like sand through an hourglass, two hours vanishing in the blink of an eye, as Erwin ceaselessly tormented his hapless protégé. Despite the exhaustion that now enveloped her, a sense of accomplishment and pride swelled within Nina's weary frame. Erwin's repeated praises, like sweet nectar to her ears, elevated this experience to the epitome of her desires - a compassionate mentor unafraid to bestow words of encouragement when needed. As she delicately wiped the perspiration from her brow and neck, she sought solace upon a luxurious bench, yearning for a moment of respite.
Throughout the grueling training session, Nina found herself irresistibly drawn to Levi's captivating presence, her gaze involuntarily fixated upon him. The sight of his sinewy muscles flexing and rippling beneath his flawless skin held her captive, a spectacle for which she felt an overwhelming gratitude that he had chosen to train shirtless. In a remarkable turn of events, Levi had managed to shatter her preconceived notions, leaving Nina with an insatiable desire to delve deeper into his enigmatic persona. Despite the foreknowledge of her body's inevitable response to his proximity, she resolved to embark upon this perilous journey, her heart yearning to conquer the debilitating panic attacks that plagued her existence. She refused to resign herself to a solitary existence, forever condemned to the desolate abyss of loneliness.
Her fervent desire to acquaint herself with Levi on a deeper level instilled within her a sense of sanguinity. The notion that she could conquer her anxiety became a beacon of hope. At a certain juncture, Erwin meandered away to engage in a private conversation with Levi, and it was precisely at that moment when Nina found herself ensnared in his penetrating gaze. As their eyes locked, a surge of anticipation coursed through her veins, causing her to momentarily freeze in her tracks. His sinewy muscles, pulsating with vitality, and the prominent veins that traced their path across his physique, evoked an inexplicable shudder that reverberated down her spine. His unwavering stare, fixated directly upon Nina, elicited a slight startle, causing her to recoil in trepidation. The intensity of their eye contact was finally severed as Nina, overwhelmed by a sense of shame, averted her gaze. Alas, it was already too late. Nina detected a lascivious smirk playing upon his lips, a clandestine gesture that he thought went unnoticed, but was captured by her peripheral vision.
Erwin, soon following in Levi's footsteps, regarded his protege with an inscrutable countenance that exuded an air of profound suspicion. A suspicion that was undeniably palpable, leaving no room for doubt.
Her fervent desire to acquaint herself with Levi on a deeper level instilled within her a sense of sanguinity. The notion that she could conquer her anxiety became a beacon of hope. At a certain juncture, Erwin meandered away to engage in a private conversation with Levi, and it was precisely at that moment when Nina found herself ensnared in his penetrating gaze. As their eyes locked, a surge of anticipation coursed through her veins, causing her to momentarily freeze in her tracks. His sinewy muscles, pulsating with vitality, and the prominent veins that traced their path across his physique, evoked an inexplicable shudder that reverberated down her spine. His unwavering stare, fixated directly upon Nina, elicited a slight startle, causing her to recoil in trepidation. The intensity of their eye contact was finally severed as Nina, overwhelmed by a sense of shame, averted her gaze. Alas, it was already too late. Nina detected a lascivious smirk playing upon his lips, a clandestine gesture that he thought went unnoticed, but was captured by her peripheral vision.
Erwin, soon following in Levi's footsteps, regarded his protege with an inscrutable countenance that exuded an air of profound suspicion. A suspicion that was undeniably palpable, leaving no room for doubt.
"Hey Nina. We were wondering if you might want join us tonight for a little night out. We thought you could need some fun and besides, we want you to meet our other friends. Mikasa told us you have just one friend in this town so we thought you could get to know our pals too."
Good heavens! Is it possible that they are already so intimately acquainted that they desire to introduce Nina into their esteemed circle of companions? It would be disingenuous to claim that Nina is enthusiastic about this prospect. As the newcomer, she is already well-acquainted with such situations. It is highly probable that she will find herself isolated, ignored by the others, and left to her own devices, for she is considered an eccentric nerd who finds solace solely in the realms of gaming and anime. These are not the subjects that the "ordinary" folk find appealing or engaging. However, Nina is unwilling to jeopardize this opportunity, as it would also serve her desire to become better acquainted with Levi and Erwin. It is merely one evening out, after all. What could possibly go wrong?
Despite the unexpected nature of the invitation, and even though Nina cherishes her solitude during weekends, she can certainly set aside her own inclinations and give it a chance. Erwin, ever the astute observer, discerns her prolonged contemplation and adds another point: "Oh, and Mikasa will be joining us as well. What do you say?" At the very least, Nina will have one person to rely upon should circumstances take a turn for the worse.
"Hm...in that case: Sure, why not? I would like to come." Once more, Erwin forcefully pulled her closer to him, enveloping her shoulder with his substantial arm, firmly pressing her petite figure against his side. "Then it's settled! Tonight we're going to make you officially one of us! Despite only knowing you for only a day, it feels like ages for me. It's almost like you were a part of our lives for quite some time now. Consider yourself adoped, haha!" Erwin appeared to possess a profound understanding of the precise choice of words required to evoke a joyful expression upon her countenance. Consequently, a breath of solace escaped her nasal passages.
"Thank you. I'm so glad that you think this way and, without hesitation, I can easily say the same about you. It's like I'm talking to a long time friend."
"Good to hear. Then let's leave this stinky place for today. We have to get ready for tonight. I don't want to reek like an old man," Levi insisted, his commanding presence emanating as he gracefully approached from behind, causing Nina to startle once again at his unexpected arrival. Astonishingly, his muscular physique moved with such elegance and finesse, leaving her in awe of his silent footsteps.
As they stood in perfect formation, Levi positioned himself to her left, while Erwin seamlessly positioned himself on her right, leading them away from the bustling barbels and raucous fighting ring. The trio made their way towards the opulent dressing room, where Mikasa already awaited their arrival.
Nina, overcome with excitement, attempted to skip towards her dear friend, only to be abruptly halted as Erwin firmly grasped her arm, pulling her back towards him. Her body staggered, finding solace against the broad expanse of Erwin's chest. In that moment, her cheeks flushed with a visible blush, rendering her speechless and her heart pounding relentlessly within her chest. The proximity between them felt incredibly intimate, leaving her breathless.
With a gentle yet commanding tone, Nina managed to find her voice, her words trembling slightly as she addressed Erwin, "I...Is something wrong, Erwin?"
As he cast his gaze upon you with a charming grin, he replied with an air of opulence. "No. I just wanted to ask you if you want us to pick you up at home since you don't know where we are meeting."
Ah, how utterly remiss of her! The thought had simply slipped her mind, for she had failed to inquire about such a crucial matter. Now, she finds herself at a crossroads, pondering whether to embark upon the daring path of divulging her esteemed abode to them. Shall she dare to take the risk, and reveal the sacred sanctuary where she resides?
"Yes, please. Let me just jot down where I live, okay?" Erwin graciously acquiesced, releasing the bashful damsel from his grasp. Mikasa, ever the connoisseur of human interactions, delighted in observing her two male companions as they handled Nina, who appeared to them as a timid lamb. With a subtle grumble under her breath, Nina gently nudged her friend's shoulder before making her way into the dressing room. From within its confines, she sent Erwin a brief message, ensuring he possessed her esteemed address.
Upon returning to her apartment, Nina found herself with a mere hour remaining to ponder over her attire for the evening's festivities. A meticulous examination of her extensive wardrobe left her perplexed, as the abundance of garments failed to inspire her. So many choices, yet so few ideas on what to wear. A gown would be excessive, while donning a simple sweater and jeans might be too casual, failing to convey her true potential as a woman. Leaving a lasting impression on the multitude of potential new acquaintances was of utmost importance, necessitating Nina to appear more than just presentable. With a flourish, she spread every article of clothing across her bed, ultimately settling on her beloved bright blue jeans, which possessed an ethereal quality, shimmering like ivory under certain lighting.
Thanks to the transformative effects of her training with Mikasa, Nina's slimmer figure granted her access to a plethora of forgotten treasures within her wardrobe. Garments that had long been neglected now embraced her once again, filling her with boundless optimism and enthusiasm. The jeans hugged her form flawlessly, akin to a second skin, elegantly cascading down to cover her ankles. As for her top, she selected a resplendent dark blue tunic, gracefully draping itself just below her posterior. Delicate embroidery adorned its 3/4 sleeves, while a captivating arrangement of encrusted faux gemstones adorned the area surrounding her décolletage. A pair of understated black ballet pumps would serve as the perfect complement, ensuring that the tunic's femininity remained unobscured by any ostentatious accessories.
In the realm of elegance and opulence, Nina harbored a distaste for adorning her visage with cosmetic embellishments. However, with the imminent arrival of Erwin, time was of the essence, leaving her with a mere half hour to prepare herself. With a touch of finesse, she applied a modest coat of black mascara to her lashes, accompanied by a delicate layer of light-golden eyeshadow. A light rose lipstick completed her ensemble, adding a touch of allure to her countenance.
Having completed her preparations and luxuriating in the aftermath of a refreshing shower, Nina stood resplendent, dressed to captivate in a casual yet chic ensemble.
As Nina concluded the meticulous process of blow-drying her lustrous mane, the resounding chime of the doorbell reverberated through her abode. Without a doubt, Erwin had arrived to pick her up. Hastening to the entrance of her apartment, she pressed the button on the intercom, granting him access. The sound of weighty footsteps echoed through the stairwell, ascending to the uppermost floor where Nina's flat resided. Yet, amidst the audible commotion, she discerned the presence of another set of footsteps. Could it be that Erwin was accompanied by someone else?
Upon their arrival at her lofty apartment, Nina's eyes widened in astonishment. To her surprise, Levi stood alongside Erwin, both gentlemen impeccably attired. Standing in the doorway, she gazed in awe at the two dashing figures as they approached her apartment. Erwin wasted no time in enveloping Nina in a tender embrace, even bestowing a gentle peck upon her cheek. Still entranced by their presence, she couldn't help but admire their undeniable allure. Erwin, clad in dark-blue denim and a crisp white button-up shirt, left the top two buttons undone, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his sculpted pectorals, while the contours of his physique remained tantalizingly concealed, leaving much to her imagination.
Levi, on the other hand, presented a striking contrast. Adorned entirely in ebony from head to toe, he exuded an air of enigmatic allure. Black jeans, black shoes, and a black jacket were accentuated by the sole contrast of a vibrant red collared shirt. Nina had always been enamored by the harmonious fusion of black and red, but on Levi, it transcended mere admiration, leaving her utterly spellbound. Lost in a reverie of admiration, only the dulcet tones of Erwin's voice could rouse her from her insatiable gaze.
"Man, Nina! You look magnificent! It's great to see you in clothes other than your training outfit. Don't you agree Levi?" Levi, with an air of sophistication, emitted his customary clicking sound with his tongue, accompanied by a subtle roll of his eyes. This auditory gesture had become so frequent that she had grown accustomed to its presence, barely noticing its occurrence.
"What a cozy place you have here. Mind if I take a look around? A guilty-pleasure of mine, I hope it's okay," Erwin uttered, his countenance betraying a delightful blend of bashfulness and anticipation.
"Sure. Be my guest." Nina had no secrets to conceal, thus a swift perambulation through her abode was of no consequence. Although not grand in size, her apartment met her exacting standards. It boasted a well-appointed kitchen, a sumptuous bathroom complete with a luxurious tub, and two commodious chambers for both living and slumbering.
Levis P.O.V.
When his gaze fell upon her, he found himself utterly speechless, and it appeared that she too was captivated by his presence. That enchanting creature exuded an undeniable allure. Her appearance was flawlessly composed, with just the right amount of tasteful embellishment. And her choice of attire was nothing short of impeccable, accentuating the figure she had undoubtedly worked diligently to sculpt. It was evident to Levi that blue held a special place in her heart, for it complemented her ethereal eyes with unparalleled grace.
Exercising immense self-restraint, Levi reluctantly tore his gaze away from her as Nina graciously guided them through her home. The first thing that caught his discerning eye was the meticulous orderliness that pervaded every corner. Though it may not have met his own exacting standards, it far surpassed any other dwelling he had encountered thus far. As he traversed the compact kitchen, Levi delicately ran his hand across the pristine surfaces and beneath the meticulously arranged cupboards, marveling at their immaculate state. Every utensil found its designated place, a testament to Nina's fastidiousness. The bathroom, too, was a testament to her meticulousness, though his impassive countenance betrayed no hint of his astonishment. He had witnessed far filthier abodes inhabited by a greater number of individuals.
Upon entering the living room, Levi was momentarily taken aback by her choice of furnishings. They were not of the style he would have personally selected, yet they harmonized seamlessly with the impression he had formed of her. The dark grey, almost ebony, wood contrasted elegantly against the pristine white walls, mirroring the fabric of the couch. Only one wall, adorned with a dark turquoise wallpaper embellished with a baroque pattern, deviated from the monochromatic scheme, lending a modern yet inviting ambiance to the space. Unable to resist, he lightly brushed his hand against the shelves, but the absence of dust was so remarkable that Levi chose to overlook it. This perfection seemed almost too good to be true. Internally, he cursed the sheer flawlessness of this captivating individual.
As the sweet sound of Erwin's whistling filled the air, Levi turned to see what had captured his attention so completely. Standing in the doorway to her bedroom, he was struck by the opulence of the interior. Damn! This was precisely the room he had hoped to avoid, but it was too late now. As he stepped forward to investigate, he inhaled deeply, repressing a low, guttural groan as the scent of her lingered in the air, tantalizing his senses.
Oh, how divine was her intoxicating scent! His mind was consumed by a whirlwind of fantasies, envisioning her reclining beneath him on a sumptuous bed, his lips lavishing every inch of her exquisite form. Her delicate figure would tremble and writhe beneath his every touch, as he skillfully elicited her insatiable desire for more.
Alas, Levi's lascivious reverie was abruptly shattered by the imbecile Erwin, who jolted him back to reality with a forceful shove. Erwin directed his attention towards the wall behind her bed, and Levi finally comprehended the source of his companion's admiration. The entire expanse was adorned with a wallpaper that portrayed a mesmerizing illusion of the African desert basking in the resplendent hues of a breathtaking sunset.
As Levi surveyed the rest of her opulent chamber, his discerning eye quickly discerned the presence of a solitary pillow on the bed. Ah, it became evident that she slumbered alone in this sanctuary of indulgence. With this realization, Levi made a solemn vow to himself: one day, he would recline beside her in this very bed, their bodies entwined in a passionate embrace. However, he also understood the importance of patience, allowing their connection to blossom organically in due time.
Thankfully, Erwin broke the silence, rescuing them from the weight of their unspoken desires. He wisely suggested that they depart before arousing concern among their companions.
Nina P.O.V.
After Levi and Erwin concluded their splendid tour, the trio gracefully departed from the apartment. A resplendent yellow cab awaited their arrival. Nestling herself into the plush backseat, Levi deliberately chose the seat beside her, emanating an intoxicating aura of his exquisite aftershave. Nina, overcome with desire, inhaled the alluring fragrance with fervor, only to realize that Levi had adorned himself with her beloved masculine perfume, Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier. With closed eyes, she surrendered to the captivating scent, allowing it to permeate every fiber of her being, filling her lungs with its intoxicating essence. Nina was tempted to lean into Levi's embrace, yearning to nuzzle his neck like a devotee to the allure of cocaine. However, the impropriety of such an act, coupled with their limited acquaintance, dissuaded her from indulging in this fantasy. Yet, the mere thought brought her solace, for dreams are a sanctuary, are they not?
As Erwin settled into the front passenger seat and closed the door with a gentle click, Nina was startled by the sudden noise, abruptly returning to the present moment.
Nina surmised that the bar they were destined for must be in close proximity to her home, as the journey lasted no longer than a mere ten minutes. The establishment held a familiar allure, having been featured in the local newspaper on occasion, accompanied by captivating advertisements. Nina had ventured to this enchanting venue once or twice before, finding it to be a captivating haven. Erwin gallantly settled the cab fare, and the trio prepared to enter the establishment. Nina's heart raced with trepidation, her nerves escalating to new heights. Would their companions approve of her? What if she were to commit a blunder and utter something foolish? Once again, she felt as though Erwin possessed the ability to decipher her thoughts, as his arm tenderly encircled her shoulders, drawing her closer. "Fear not, my dear. They will adore you, I assure you," he whispered soothingly.
Nina could have sworn that Levi emitted a subtle grunt in unison with Erwin's utterance, but alas, it must have been a figment of her imagination. This establishment was teeming with a multitude of individuals, all engaged in animated conversations that melded into a cacophony of voices. In such a bustling milieu, it could have been anyone, right? Navigating through the throng of revelers with an air of authority, Erwin guided them towards a discreet wooden door nestled inconspicuously at the rear of the bar, adorned with the regal insignia "VIP." The very notion of a VIP enclave! However, even within this exclusive enclave, every seat had already been claimed, save for three.
Astonishing! A plethora of individuals occupied those seats, and were they all acquaintances of Erwin and Levi? Nina meticulously counted at least eleven individuals, each seemingly intertwined in the camaraderie of the occasion. Among them, Mikasa stood, her gaze fixated in the direction from which her dear friend had emerged, ensuring she would be the first to lay eyes upon her. As the trio traversed the crowd, Mikasa's excitement reached a crescendo, prompting her to exclaim jubilantly while fervently waving her hand, thereby capturing the attention of the entire assembly. A disconcerting realization washed over Nina...
One felt akin to a lamb being led to the slaughter. Erwin, with his charismatic smile and demeanor, wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to greet each and every individual present, his arm still draped around Nina's delicate shoulder. Conversely, Levi, with an air of nonchalance, promptly claimed one of the three vacant spots on the grandiose wooden bench. Once comfortably seated, his piercing gaze fixated upon Nina, scrutinizing her every movement. It was at this precise moment that Erwin proceeded to introduce her to the rest of the assemblage.
"Listen, guys. I want to introduce you to this special girl here beside me. This is Nina. Even though we haven't known her for long, we have already made her part of the family. Mikasa knows and likes her as well. I hope you will become good friends with her too!"Concluding his introduction, a bespectacled woman with lustrous brown locks beamed with delight, her excitement reaching such heights that she emitted fangirl-like squeals before promptly abandoning her seat and making a beeline towards Nina, unabashedly wrenching
"Naaaaawwwww aren't you the cutest thing I've ever seen! Just look at her! All shy and nervous. I think we will get along very well!" She enveloped her in a resplendent, affectionate embrace, elevating Nina momentarily from the ground as she was ensconced in a fervent squeeze. Once her feet gracefully descended upon the earthly realm, the lustrous brunette redirected her gaze towards Erwin, playfully oscillating her eyebrows in a tantalizing manner.
"I always knew that you had good taste in women," With a playful glint in her eye, she gently prodded him with her elbow, teasing him with her coy demeanor. In one swift motion, she seized Nina's hand and led her to the opulent table, where a strikingly handsome man with luscious blond locks and piercing green eyes suddenly appeared before her. His towering presence was nothing short of intimidating, as he effortlessly stole the spotlight from the radiant floodlights that illuminated the room. Standing even taller than Erwin, his stern expression exuded an air of authority that made Nina feel as small as a mouse, frozen like a deer in the headlights.
"Maaaaannn come on Mike. Don't be like that. You're just going to scare her!" The chestnut-tressed lady lamented, her delicate features contorted in displeasure. So, his name was Mike. He was casting a disdainful gaze upon her, his eyes descending upon her with an air of superiority. Erwin, the epitome of refinement, merely affirmed Mike's sentiments with a subtle nod. Good heavens, what in the world is transpiring in this opulent setting? Nina's sensitive stomach churned with unease, as she found herself subjected to such an unwelcome scrutiny. Summoning every ounce of her fortitude, Nina yearned to inquire about the cause of this disconcerting spectacle. Alas, before she could utter a word, Erwin gently placed his hand upon her shoulder, beseeching her undivided attention.
"I'm sorry, Nina. I should have told you earlier. It's some kind of ritual we have when someone new enters our group. Mike here, has a very delicate sense of smell, so everyone who wants to join our group has to go through an smell test of sorts by Mike. He will tell then if the person is good for us or not."
This appears to be a form of initiation akin to the customary rites of passage reserved for fresh recruits.
"You're kidding, right?" Nina, in a state of profound bewilderment, posed her question, only to be met with a resolute shake of Erwin's head. Good heavens... he truly spoke with conviction! Her eyes darted back and forth between Erwin and Mike, oscillating in uncertainty, until she eventually succumbed to defeat, releasing a weary sigh and gently cradling her face in the palm of her delicate hand.
"Fine. Let's just get this over with." Mike took a deliberate stride forward, his movements exuding an air of confidence and authority. As he closed the distance between them, Nina's body froze, her delicate form resembling that of a pristine sculpture. The mere proximity of their beings caused a surge of anticipation to course through her veins.
With a graceful inclination, Mike leaned down, his nostrils greedily inhaling her scent that enveloped her. Sensing her trepidation, Nina tightly shut her eyes, unwilling to bear witness to the unfolding events. Alas, she soon discovered that this encounter was a grievous misstep, a grave error in judgment.
In an instant, she felt her weightlessness, her feet no longer grounded. A scorching breath grazed her delicate neck, causing her to gasp sharply in astonishment. It became evident that Mike now held her in a firm embrace, his right arm encircling her slender waist, molding her form against his own. Meanwhile, his left hand seized a handful of her lustrous tresses, compelling her head to tilt to the side. Nina's heart somersaulted uncomfortably within her chest, her legs instinctively kicking and her arms desperately attempting to extricate herself from his grasp. The immediate stress caused her heart rate to escalate, beads of perspiration forming a glistening sheen upon her flawless skin. A profound, cavernous void opened up within her core, as anxiety began to simmer and boil. Panic, like a tempest, surged forth, threatening to consume her very being.
Mike inhaled deeply and repeatedly, savoring the intoxicating scent of her delicate neck and lustrous hair. Each breath he took was a testament to his refined senses, a display of his discerning taste. Despite Nina's valiant struggle against his grasp, and the oblivious laughter of the onlookers, they failed to perceive the sheer panic that consumed her. Nina longed to cry out for help, to summon someone to liberate her from this distressing situation, but her voice betrayed her, caught between gasps and desperate sobs. Tears welled up in her eyes, a manifestation of her overwhelming fear, yet her futile resistance proved futile. Just as she teetered on the precipice of despair, his grip finally loosened, and solid ground was restored beneath her feet, and the reason for his sudden release became apparent. Levi, with his commanding presence, had seized Mike's arm in an unyielding grip, exerting enough force to unsettle even a man of Mike's stature and strength. The deathly glare that Levi directed at Mike spoke volumes, revealing the profound respect, and perhaps even fear, that Mike harbored for him, despite their glaring disparity in size. Nina couldn't help but marvel at the extraordinary influence Levi wielded over those around him. As the two men engaged in their silent battle of wills, Nina hastily attempted to restore her disheveled appearance, discreetly wiping away the traces of moisture from her eyes and cheeks, lest anyone should notice her vulnerability. Once the silent confrontation concluded and Levi ensured her well-being, he gracefully returned to his seat, resuming his unwavering vigilance over her. Mike, overcome with embarrassment, cleared his throat before finally finding his voice.
"I'm terribly sorry. I think I got a little carried away. I just...couldn't contain myself when I smelled you. You smell so damn good...." he admitted in a flustered manner while scratching the back of his head.
"So...I guess this means I'm in?" Taken aback by her most unforeseen response, Mike erupted into a symphony of refined laughter, causing all the onlookers to join in a harmonious applause. With an air of elegance, Mike bestowed a resounding palm upon her delicate shoulder, bestowing upon her a tender shake.
"You definitely are! Come on! Take a seat!" He gallantly escorted Nina to the table, offering her the seat on a magnificent wooden bench, while Erwin followed suit. Seated between the dashing Levi on her right and the debonair Erwin on her left, Mikasa stood close by, ready to support and encourage her friend, if needed. As contentment slowly began to settle in, it was evident that Erwin felt the same, for he tenderly took Nina's delicate hand into his big, warm palm underneath the table, giving it a gentle squeeze while caressing her soft skin with his thumb. With a look of pure bliss in her eyes, Nina gazed up at him, exchanging friendly smiles. After he released her hand, she repeated the same gesture with Levi, half-expecting him to rebuff her advances, but he did not. She whispered a grateful "Thank you" to him, but he remained silent, though he did interlace his fingers with hers, holding her hand tightly as if he never wanted to let her go.
And so, the enchanting evening began...