The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. You could feel Levi's steely gaze burning into the back of your head as you scrubbed the floor of the HQ's common room. The argument from this morning still hung in the air. You had both said things you didn't mean, but neither of you was ready to apologize just yet.
You and Levi worked in silence, each movement exaggerated in an effort to ignore the other's presence. You scrubbed a particularly stubborn stain on the floor, your frustration obvious in the way you attacked it. Levi, on the other hand, was carefully dusting the shelves, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"So, uh, how's everyone doing?" Connie attempted to break the silence.
No one answered, their eyes darting between you and Levi. Even Sasha tried to lighten the mood. "You know, I once read that cleaning is a great way to relieve stress. Maybe if we all work together, we'll be done faster and feel better!"
Levi's eyes flicked up at you for a moment before returning to his task. "Cleaning is fine. It's the company that's stressful."
You couldn't help but shoot back, "Well, no one's forcing you to stay."
Eren exchanged awkward glances with Armin and Mikasa, who were both trying their best to stay out of the line of fire while Connie and Jean were doing their best to stifle their laughter.
Sasha tried to break the ice again, "Hey, did you guys hear the one about the Titan who walked into a bar?" she started. Everyone groaned, “Uhh, at least let me finish…” She said nervously as You and Levi both turned to stare at her.
Eren finally couldn't take it anymore. "Hey, uh, maybe we should take a break?" he suggested, trying to ease the tension.
Levi shot him a look that could have frozen fire. "No breaks. Keep working."
"Right, working," Eren mumbled, quickly turning back to his task.
Hange decided to intervene. "Come on, you two," she said, approaching both of you. "How long are you going to keep this up? It's like watching a pair of angry cats trying to claim the same litter box."
You couldn't help but snort at the analogy. Just then, as you reached for a cleaning cloth, you missed the edge of the shelf, and the bucket of soapy water you were holding slipped from your grasp. The water splashed all over the floor—and your shoes.
Levi walked over, his expression still stern as he grabbed a mop from the corner and handed it to you. "Here."
You took the mop from him, your fingers brushing against his. The contact sent a small jolt through you, and you both paused, looking at each other.
"Thanks," you mumbled, your cheeks warming.
Levi nodded briefly. "Just don't make a habit of it."
Eren, unable to help himself, whispered to Armin, "Did we just witness a truce?"
Armin smiled, relieved. "Looks like it."
As the cleaning continued, the atmosphere gradually lightened. Levi and you still exchanged the occasional glare, but there were also moments of shared glances and brief smiles. By the time the HQ was spotless, the tension had mostly disappeared. Levi pulled you aside.
"We're not done talking," he said quietly.
You nodded. "I know. But maybe we can talk without yelling this time."
He gave a small smile. "Maybe."
The others breathed a collective sigh of relief, and Sasha couldn't help but blurt out, "Finally! Now, can we please find some food?"