#snk 115

I have been reading the asks sent to @ihaveaterribleheadache about the Levihan scene in chapter 126 and its context and I wanted to share my thoughts but not flood Gypsy’s comment box lmao so here it goes: 

I think people have a fixation with how ‘romantic’ the scene was or whether Hange’s words were a ‘confession’ or not. Which is understandable, since this is one of the most iconic scenes for Levihan shippers as Hange literally confesses their desire to live together with Levi. A common argument is ‘Hange was tired so the words spilled out’ or ‘it can be taken platonically, I would also want to be roommates with my best friend’. As a person who enjoys LH’s relationship as it is, without any labels, I have a few things to say about that. 

1. In context of the story

During the course of chapter 126, Hange is taking care of an injured Levi while hiding in the woods after killing their pursuers. It is interesting to note that Hange, a person who cooperated with the Jaegerists’ demands in hopes of reaching some sort of peaceful compromise (even if they could easily take down grown men armed with guns- for example, the MP in the uprising arc) absolutely snapped out of it after seeing Levi near-dead in the river bank. 

Seeing Levi hurt gave them the determination to protect him in any way possible, even if it meant risking their own life by jumping into a flooding river with him or killing their own men. The moment when the Jaegerists displayed the intent of killing Levi, Hange was done with all their patience. They instantly switched into fight mode. 

Understandably, Hange is tired, physically and mentally after the whole ordeal. And it probably just occurred to them that they were very, very close to losing Levi, the only person they had left, the one person they thought could handle any situation. It came as an utter shock, to see their best friend in that state after a month since he was deployed into the forest. They try their best to patch him up with whatever limited resources they have. The shock has now mellowed down into a deep ache, an incredible sadness at how things turned out to be. And this is when they start their monologue. 

Usually, we never see Hange talk about their feelings in front of others unless they are particularly disturbed, and their words show the true depths of their emotions. There are three times we have seen this happen- a) When Hange discovered the wall titans in season two and admits to Moblit and their entire squad along with Pastor Nick that they are terrified. b) (in the manga) When Hange requested everyone to lay low during the beginning of the uprising arc because they felt guilty about Pastor Nick’s death. c) During the serumbowl on the rooftop to help Mikasa accept the inevitable. 

These three scenes had incredible weight on them, Scene a- while confronted with ground-breaking knowledge that could change everything, Scene b- The guilt of a person’s life that was entrusted to them being snuffed out from right under their nose, Scene c- The shock of losing Moblit, losing an eye, letting Reiner go, and seeing Erwin die in front of them- which might have not happened if they had Reiner to pass on to him along with Bert. 

Hange expresses their true feelings only when something major happens. Otherwise, they keep themself strong, optimistic and fixated on the present and future, rather than the past. But the events that occurred before 126 was bigger than all of them, at least from Hange’s perspective. So, when they said they’d rather run away and live with Levi, it was coming straight from the bottom of their heart- a suppressed desire spilling through. Those words are not something that can be brushed off as a passing statement, especially since Hange calls back to it in 127 to Jean as well. Hange really does want to live a peaceful life with Levi, and Levi alone. 

2. In context of Japan’s culture 

There are literally so many metas about this, but in short, Japanese confessions are roundabout. This actually applies to many eastern cultures, where we rather give hints than make an outright bold statement of love. Bold statements are usually only made after you’ve established and labeled your relationship properly. Till then, there are statements like “Well, looks like they don’t love you back.” (cough Levi in chapter 132 cough). 

Not to mention that the practice of running away from the eyes of the society and living somewhere alone together with your beloved is the EPITOME of romance in many eastern cultures, including mine. So, it’s really, really not a stretch to assume that statement from Hange was intended to be romantic. 

3. In the visual context of the setting and mood

This is purely from a writer’s perspective and my frank observation of the scene from a media student’s point of view. If I wanted to hint something between my characters but not make it too explicit, I’d write them into a setting that would be powerful and soft at the same time. Sort of like a bubble, with just the two of them being vulnerable towards each other as the world crumbles apart around them. While this can be applied to any two characters, I’d separate it by enhancing the visuals, the mood, the weight, and the drama of the scene. 

When one character’s fierce protectiveness over the other overrides their usual tolerant nature, I’d hope to showcase that for them, the importance of their partner’s life is greater than anything else. One character jumping into a river while clutching the half-dead body of the other is just peak angst drama that rivals fanfictions. Hurt/comfort is one of the biggest fanfic tropes out there, and considering only the visuals of that scene in chapter 126, it is actually cozy and quite intimate, two people sharing alone time in silence in the heart of the woods, crackling campfire casting a glow on their faces and just one tent pitched up. In such a situation, if I wanted to add a subtle touch of romance into it, I’d make them sit in close proximity to each other, have one of them confess their feelings while thinking that their partner is asleep/unconscious, and let them be freer with physical contact. 

And for the dummies who still don’t get it, I’d add a blush for safety’s sake. 

I’m not saying my interpretation is strictly the same thing that Isayama has intended to portray. All I’m saying is that if he intended to show a smidgen of romance colouring the moment, he did a great job of it. Like, look at the setting and the mood of these panels and then look at me in the eye and tell me that they aren’t extremely intimate, especially for SNK’s standards. 

4. In context of their feelings and sexualities

 Levi and Hange’s sexualities are not explicitly revealed, but considering their interests and their ways of expression in the manga, I personally find the two of them to be somewhere in the demi/ace spectrum. While there are tons of headcanons, we haven’t seen them actively seek out romantic or sexual relationships or display such feelings towards others. ‘Oh, but Hange had a crush on Shadis/Pieck-’ not really. Hange admired Shadis and his leadership abilities earlier, for being a person who led an extraordinary team with his bravery and ambition, and was disappointed in him later. As for Pieck, Hange barely knew her. They were pretty much just interested in her titan form, being the naturally curious scientist they are. (No offense to Pikuhan shippers, Pikuhan is still one of my favorite crackships along with Zekehan and Zevi lmao, I really enjoy them together but it is what it is) 

Personally, as a person romantically attracted to all genders and sexually attracted to none, I don’t see why platonic relationships should, by default, be placed below romantic relationships. In fact, I think platonic relationships are actually stronger, for they are not bound by physical attraction or particular labels. They are families we choose based on their personalities and how much we- how to put this- vibe with them, really. And I think that’s pure af. Strong platonic relationships are equal to or even greater than romantic relationships in my opinion. 

Sure, Levi and Hange’s relationship is still open to interpretation, but what they do have- as the last remaining members of the SC, after being comrades and having each other’s backs for around ten years in the face of countless struggles and deaths and sorrows- is nothing short of agape, the purest form of love towards each other. This sort of love transcends the discussion of romantic or platonic, it’s just utter, selfless love, expecting nothing in return. And they have displayed it time and time again, with Hange saving Levi twice, and Levi letting go the only person he had left, by respecting Hange’s wishes in 132 instead of being selfish and holding on. 

By @atrm_belanda on Instagram!

Levi is just one bullet away from death. The only safe place for him at the moment is right in Hange's arms. I just love the way she holds him and hey, she deserves an Oscar for acting so calm and collected while trying to convince the enemies that Levi's already dead. Thanks to her brilliant brain.

And this. I can't wait for this scene to get animated. The moment she takes the risky chance without a second thought. Cuz it's now or never to save her dearest friend.