Since her hands looked freshly spotless, Levi had no logical issue with the abrupt splitting — nor much of an emotional one. Fruit was simply food, and it all served the same basic function: it was consumed, used for necessary nutrients, then the rest was shat out. Yes, it was a juicy, scrumptious gift, but it would ultimately end up in the same place as the grainy, tasteless hardtack.

Levi kept his empty hand raised. He glanced at the half she held out to him, then up toward her eyes. There was nothing to it — her look. No indication that she expected him to do anything other than take the half she offered, ignoring how she'd snatched the apple right from his grasp without a word.

He extended his hand slightly further, keeping his fingers open and his gaze level. Nothing in his expression hinted at any irritation or impatience.

"I'll take the other half."