December 17th. That was the date right now. Between classes and assignments, Petra was always busy. She didn't even realize how close it was to Christmas until her parents called asking if she was coming back home for the holidays. She reluctantly said she wasn't able to since finals were coming up, but said she will definitely come in January during her break. Her parents were upset to say the least, always expecting their little girl to open presents in the morning under the colorful lights of the Christmas tree. After talking for a bit, mainly on how Petra was fairing in New York and how things were back in Florida, they said their goodbyes.

Petra really loved nursing more than she thought she would. She realized she was the type of person that wanted to help people as much as possible. Armin helped her out on a lot of topics and even answered some of her questions if she didn't understand something. He was always willing to lend her a hand. She definitely became very close with Eren, Mikasa, and Armin within the time she has been in New York. They always made her feel at home, inviting her to go places or just next door for dinner.

They were all hanging out in Eren and Mikasa's apartment, watching movies while eating some Chinese food. They always wanted to pay for her and she always felt guilty. So she decided to go out tomorrow to find some presents for them. She was thinking of making something instead of buying so it held more meaning. She wanted to give them something that truly showed how grateful she was for all of their support and kindness.

In the end she decided to make some woven bracelets. It was something simple that they can wear all year round. Plus she can customize different colors to suit all three of them. When she went back to her apartment she looked up a craft store that sold some colored nylon thread and how to get there. She smiled and hoped her friends would like them when she gave it to them.

Her small fingers pulled the collar of her beige trench coat up higher. She cursed lightly for not checking the weather earlier so she would've dressed warmer. Her hands covered her mouth, trying to warm them with her breath.

Petra still needed to get presents for her parents back home, so she decided to go to the mall before the craft store. She wasn't sure what she was looking for, but hopefully something would inspire her or catch her eye.

But something did catch her eye. It was a person, a man to be specific. He was tall and had his ash blonde hair pulled back from his face.

"Erd?" He turned around just as she expected. Erd was her childhood friend, but one day he left without a word. She tried calling his cellphone numerous times, but he would never answer. It was totally unlike him and it hurt her that he didn't even say goodbye. He was always looking out for her in a older brother way. They were extremely close, but despite that she never knew why he seemed just as surprised as she is, wide eyed with his eyebrows raised.

"Petra, what are you doing here?" He walked closer to her, towering over her as he always did.

"I'm here to get presents for my parents, you?" He laughed suddenly, surprising her.

"I meant what are you doing here in New York because I'm quite sure you didn't fly here to get presents for your parents."

"Oh! I got a scholarship to Cornell, I'm studying nursing." She was happy she got to see him. But that vanished and she soon became angry.

"Erd."

"Yes?" His voice cracked, nervous at her tone of voice. She hasn't changed in all these years. Her strawberry blonde hair still kept short, just brushing the tops of her shoulders. Petra has always been quite petite, but it should never be underestimated since she can be quite intimidating. She reminded him of someone he knew.

"Why are you here?" It surprised him. He expected her to ask why he left or why he didn't answer her calls, which was very hard to do for him. He always wanted to But he knew that she was never the one to pry on someone's personal affairs.

"Ah, I am just getting presents for my friends but I came here for a change of scenery." Her eyes were smoldering into his. She sighed and then crossed her arms.

"Are you well?"

"I am." She smiled and came closer to him to wrap her arms around him. He was shocked at first but then put his arms around her.

"Then that's all that matters." As soon as they were done hugging, she glared at him again.

"W-wha-"

"But you are coming with me to shop as punishment!" She grabbed his hand and started dragging the poor man who was begging for her to spare him.

After they were done shopping, Petra was now extremely happy she got everything she needed while Erd is exhausted and hungry.

"Hey let's go get something to eat, I'm starving." She agreed and he ended up taking her to the same pizza shop that Eren and Mikasa took her to.

"I've been here before with some friends."

"Really? I always come here but I never seen you around."

"It was only once."

"Erd!" Petra looked over to see two guys waving him over.

"Hey guys, I would like you to meet Petra." Petra waved and gave him a small smile.

"Your girlfriend?"

"Nah, she's like a sister to me."

"Oh, well my name is Gunther, nice to meet you." Gunther has short, spiked black hair and was fairly tan. He was around Erd's height, so he towered over her as well.

"My name is Auruo." Auruo has short blond hair with some brown underneath. He was shorter than the other two, but still taller than her.

"It's very nice to meet you all, I hope Erd doesn't give you any trouble." She smirked and looked to see Erd yelling at her saying how he isn't a child.

All four of them don't seem to notice the sound of the chime as someone comes into the pizza shop. Soon enough, Auruo takes notice and smiles.

"Hey Levi." The two other men say their hellos as Petra takes a look at the person they were referring to as Levi.

He has short black hair and piercing blue eyes. He was actually a short man, probably just a little taller than herself. But she felt that he gave an air of power over the significantly three larger men. She saw that the three looked at him in respect and admiration. She was confused as to why, but didn't question it. She will probably just ask Erd later since they switched their new phone numbers earlier.

Levi nodded at them and then looked at her. She felt a bit intimidated and nervous from his penetrating glare.

"Ah this is Petra, my childhood friend." Levi looked back at Erd and Petra.

"I see." His voice was deep and smooth, surprising Petra since he was so short and didn't expect him to have such a low voice.

"Nice to meet you." He nodded at her then looked at the three guys.

"Let's go." He didn't wait for a reply as he walked out the door. Auruo and Gunther started putting on their jackets, but Erd came to her since he didn't take his off since he came in. Petra looked at him confused.

"Where are you going?"

"I'll tell you later, okay?" He smiled at her trying to reassure her, but it made her feel uneasy if anything.

"Okay..." He gave her a quick hug while the two waved their byes and left her in the pizza shop.

She looked at the time and decided to buy a pizza pie so she could eat it with Mikasa and Eren.

After she came back from Mikasa and Eren's she laid on her bed.

His eyes. His eyes were almost analyzing, trying to read her like an open book. It confused her, but interested her. She was curious, but decided that her fatigue was more important and slept.