#snk reader insert

It hadn’t even taken him one full ale before he lost control of the situation. 

“I’m doing a ‘cheers’ after our speech; you’ll want this.”

“After what—?”

“C’mon, Erwin, it’s a celebration!” you bellowed, slamming a pint down in front of him and giving him no time to speak. You held your own in a wobbly grip, grabbing his shoulder for support as you stepped up onto the bench next to him. 

“Scouts, attention!” Your new squads snapped toward you out of habit as the noise in the room simmered. You raised your tankard to catch the warm light from the chandeliers above. “Thank you all for coming out tonight! It’s an honor to serve as the new section commanders for your squads.” 

You nudged Erwin, and he scrambled to stand with the handle of his ale in hand. He opted to stay on the ground.

“Yes, we look forward to working with all of you,” he announced with a curt nod. Erwin squared his shoulders back, just slightly reeling from the impromptu attention.

“You’ll hear enough of our voices during drills, so we won’t talk long. But—” You offered the pub of soldiers a salute. —“Thank you for your service. Let’s kick some titan ass together! Drinks on us!” 

The roar of cheering that filled the hall drowned out Erwin’s “what?” 

His brows rose on his forehead as his eyes widened in shock. He looked up at where you stood on the bench. You took a sip of your ale as the members of your squads celebrated amongst each other. The crowd had erupted in cheers again before Erwin could question you.

“Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink!” 

You laughed, turning to catch his eye. Erwin’s shoulders slumped, playfully raising his brow at you as he glanced from you to his full ale. You shrugged, letting out another light laugh as you offered your hand, and Erwin stepped up onto the bench with a sigh and a shake of his head. The room erupted as you both took a swig of your ales.

Just as Erwin was about to take his lips from the rim, he glanced at you, watching as the bottom of your cup gradually rose. He tried his best to keep up with you, but he was soon forced to tap out. The slightest dribble of ale ran down the corner of his lips, and you were already holding up your empty cup in triumph. 

Your new squads, imbibing in their free ale, chanted your name and weren’t ashamed to inform Erwin’s squads whose section commander was best. 

That’s what Erwin believed started the whole thing.

Barely an hour into the night, all the other soldiers had cleared out a circle in the middle of the pub, hollering and cheering while Hanji held Erwin’s legs by the tops of his boots as he wobbled. Erwin disliked large gatherings as much as he disliked making a fool of himself, yet you managed to drag him into both.

“You can do it, Section Commander!” a subordinate from one of Erwin’s squads cried, pushing through the crowd and spilling a bit of ale on the wooden floor below. Erwin’s button-down began to tug out from his waistband, bunching around the two straps just above his hips. The soldier elbowed a member of one of your squads. “I’m willing to put some coin down that Section Commander Smith will win this one!”

“You’re on!” 

You glanced over at Erwin, hairs falling over your face as you remained perfectly still. His palms shifted on the floor as his forearms shook with the slightest tension. 

“Hanji’s going to have to let you go eventually,” you teased. Erwin was too deep in concentration to even look at you. Hanji released his knees tentatively, but it was only a matter of seconds before Erwin began to tilt and clatter to the ground.

A volley of cheers and exclamations of disappointment resounded from the surrounding troops as money was exchanged and drinks continued to pour. You elegantly placed your feet back onto the floor, dismounting from your handstand with far more grace than Erwin had. Although, he hardly performed a one to begin with. 

“Sorry.” Hanji bowed their head sheepishly as Erwin picked himself off the floor, dusting off his pants as he did so. The corners of his lips threatened to tug upwards. 

“I don’t think it was happening, anyway,” he resigned with a shrug. He offered Hanji a curt nod. “Thank you for your assistance.” 

“How do you like that, Smith?” you bellowed, arms raised in the air to garner affirmation from your squads. You polished off your umpteenth ale of the night before you were hoisted onto the shoulders of your subordinates. Erwin tongued the inside of his lower lip, the corners of his mouth pinched in a playfully bitter smirk. “Have you had enough? Because if you have, you can just admit right here that I’m the better section commander.”

“I’m going to get you back on this next one.” He gestured curtly in the air in front of him before crossing his arms. Erwin cast his gaze toward the ceiling, unable to help the continued feeling of awkwardness that coated his chest. 

He had never been one for parties—quiet social gatherings, yes, or the odd schmoozing of political figures, but this. Time seemed to stop as Erwin took in the laughing, cheering faces of his squad members around him. 

They were laughing at him, getting increasingly more drunk in the presence of their new section commander. And he couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t consider that fact more outrageous, for certainly nothing in the Survey Corps was a laughing matter.

Erwin felt a nudge to his side. He glanced down toward Hanji, whose eyes followed your celebration with a certain warmness. They didn’t even peak out from behind their bangs as they spoke just loudly enough to be heard over the crowd.

“You’re smiling.” They rocked on their heels. “It’s a good look for you.”

Erwin wavered, blinking to himself as his subtle unconscious smile faltered. Hanji continued to observe the celebration, a soft expression on their face. Erwin’s head bowed, bobbing with a few nods. He chuckled to himself, the light shell of his smile etching dimples into his cheeks. 

***

“Why?” he had asked you when you proposed the very idea of a party. Erwin had stalled, practically sputtering the word as his eyebrows knitted in perplexment. He had looked at you as if you were absolutely daft, even as your shining eyes stared into his with giddiness.

“The squads deserve to be celebrated,” you stated matter-of-factly. Erwin held his stern expression, unconvinced. He frowned, turning his attention back to his task.

“The squads haven’t changed anything but their leadership.” His words caused you to drop your cordial smile. You looped your thumbs on the straps of your uniform as you shifted your weight on your back leg. Your bottom leaned on the armrest of the couch behind you.

“And as new leaders, don’t you think we should, you know, boost morale? Build some interpersonal relationships?” You watched as Erwin rose from where he knelt, leaving a box of books that still needed to be organized on the shelf beside his desk. Various boxes of papers and personal effects littered the wooden surface.

“I don’t know about you, Section Commander, but I’ve already committed the information from my subordinate’s files to memory,” he said, a hand hovering over a cardboard box. “Our new squads will build relationships with us as their leaders.” You sat up with a pout, maneuvering your feet back to the ground, sitting up straight. 

“Memorizing a picture is hardly a morale booster.”

“Perhaps a rousing peroration, then.” 

“Erwin.”

“You’re not a part of the herd anymore,” he stated sternly with a single nod. Erwin rested his palms behind him on the surface of his desk, letting his head tilt to the side with a sigh. You watched as he blinked. Erwin exhaled your name as his bright blue eyes fluttered open again. “Your new squads will trust your leadership, your skill, as well as your word as you lead them outside.”

You let out a slow and steady stream of air as you leaned to the side to lounge on the back cushion of the couch. Your elbow dug into the stiff fabric. Your palm propped up your head. Erwin stretched, something loud cracking from his neck.

“I know the point you’re trying to make, but—” You gazed off toward the bookshelf Erwin had stopped filling. —“I can be the best at anything in a professional sense, but would they be able to trust us on the ground?” You met Erwin’s eye. Your knuckles grazed against your cheek. “You can memorize their files, but can they count on your humanity?”

Erwin puffed to himself. The single word lit up his face in morbid curiosity. He brushed a hand over his chin. His finger jutted out to trace his bottom lip as he thought to himself. One of his pads absentmindedly fixated on a patch he missed while shaving. 

“I think this less had to do with humanity and more to do with you wanting a night out,” he jested, but the ponderance on Erwin’s face remained. You stood.

“Whether you think it belongs in this line of work or not, I don’t think spending some time with them would be such a bad idea.” 

Erwin stared as you stood in front of him. He knew that determined glint in your eye anywhere. You hadn’t lost your glimmer since your cadet years. Erwin heaved himself back into an upright position, not forgetting the unpacking he still had to do.

“I’ll think about it,” he resigned, and you smiled. You knew what that meant because you knew him just as well as he knew you.

***

The back doors burst open, causing a break in the boisterous noise. 

Erwin pulled up two low stools, dragging them to the center of the manmade circle just in time for Miche to arrive with a rolling cart. He rolled it straight to Erwin, who tossed a seat to the other side. Erwin took his place on the white side of the chess board, arms crossed and a smug look about him. 

And the pub absolutely lost it. 

“Oh, fuck, it just got real!” The gathering of soldiers resounded in gasps and astonished cries, jumping up and down amongst each other as Erwin’s squads scrambled to make bets. Miche togged the cart’s breaks down with his boot. The carved and polished stone pieces hardly budged. They looked heavy.

“You’re kidding…” You gawked from the game board to the mischievous glint in Erwin’s eye. He hitched the heel of his boot on the bottom rung of his stool, resting his head on his folded knuckles. You blinked at the sight as he waited patiently for you to join. “Are you serious?” 

“I thought I got to pick the next round,” Erwin said, unable to help the cockiness that laced his words. He shrugged, shifting in his seat with anticipation. “Or are you shy because you know you’ll lose?” 

You only stared a moment more before you downed the rest of the ale in your cup, shoving the empty tankard to one of your new subordinates. You immediately took your place in front of the black pieces, fueled by a fury of determination. 

“Best two out of three?” You took the initiative of making the first move. Erwin’s shoulders bobbed in amusement, not fighting you on the decision as he moved his piece. You didn’t hesitate to respond as the turn bounced back and forth between you.

“I don’t think that’s up to you, considering it’s my challenge.” 

Erwin took your bishop. You were already losing. 

“I thought you’d pick a drinking game or arm wrestling, not sending Miche to get your chess set.” You blinked at the board, shaking your head as you made your next move. Erwin immediately took that piece, replacing it with his knight. “I don’t know how you can even focus.”

“I didn’t realize there were rules,” he snarked, clearing out another volley of your pieces. You were suffering heavy losses, especially compared to the three pieces of Erwin’s that sat on your side of the board. “It doesn’t hurt that I haven’t had as much to drink as you have.” He shrugged, not even hiding the snicker that hissed through his teeth. 

“Playing dirty, huh?” You took one of his pawns. 

“Just playing to my surroundings.”

“Sure.”

Erwin beat you three-for-three, concluding the last of your slew of competitions for the night. It was late when the excitement began to die down. Several members of your squads cleaned up what they could, gathering trash and leftover drinks neatly together for the employees whom you tipped a gracious amount of money. 

A few soldiers from Erwin’s squad offered him a few salutes on their way out. Soldiers from yours gave you some pats on the back, thanking you for a fun night out. Erwin swept the floors until an employee took the broom from him after a few meek attempts. 

“That’s… not necessary,” the poor girl said. You laughed, ushering him out of the pub with one last thanks to the workers. 

You stood out on the street together, almost reeling from what happened. You let out a deep sigh, hands on your hips as you stared at the sky. Erwin had his chess set tucked under his arm, the board itself a thin box containing the neatly organized pieces. His forehead was slick with sweat. The first three buttons of his shirt had become undone somewhere over the course of the night. 

You caught each other in an inadvertent glance. Erwin’s hair was messy.

“I guess you’re the better section commander after all.” You held out your hand, much to Erwin’s surprise. You cocked your head at his moment of hesitancy, a warm smile on your lips. He grasped your hand firmly, his palms clammy. He had a professional shake, even tipsy. You wouldn’t expect any less.

“It was all just fun,” Erwin deflected, diplomatic as usual. The word sounded so foreign coming out of his mouth. 

“You’re just saying that because you won,” you scoffed, stepping out into the street. Erwin followed you down the cobblestone. 

“It was all just fun,” he repeated, taking a few long strides to catch up with you. Erwin stopped you, a ghost of a touch barely grazing your wrist. You stood alone, just the two of you on the silent road. “You made it possible.”

“It took a lot of convincing,” you muttered with a bob of your eyebrows.

“It was smart. You made a strategic call at a time that mattered.” The moon shone high overhead amongst a clear sky, casting beams that lit up Erwin’s eyes and the street below. His nose cast a distinct shadow across his cheek as he stood in front of you, one of few times you had ever witnessed him unkempt. “You’ll make a fine section commander. Your squads are lucky to have you.”

You cast your gaze to the ground.

“Thank you, Erwin.”

Tall shadows morphed over the faces of buildings for the entire stretch you walked across Trost. You made the trek in relative silence until you made it back. Lit lanterns cast a warm glow onto the street in front of the barracks in a complimentary contrast to the silvery shimmer of the night. 

Erwin immediately began to depart, peeling away as he headed toward his quarters. Something inside you sank with disappointment as you watched him leave your peripheral. You turned in the opposite direction.

But you didn’t hesitate to turn as you heard your name. Erwin stood on a set of steps, the top of his head almost disappearing onto the above level. 

“I’ll see you for drills tomorrow,” he called, “But be aware, I am certain my squads will out-perform yours.” You could still see the deep dimples on his cheeks, even from a distance away. You gave an exaggerated roll of your eyes.

“Yeah, right.” You shook your head, pointing in his direction. “You’re on.”

You both departed, retiring to bed to start your first day as commanding officers together.

Taking a deep breath, you grabbed onto the confidence you still had with you. "I know we have a very respectful relationship between a cadet and a captain." You began, "However these past expeditions that you allowed me to be part of made me open my eyes, even more than I thought they already were."

He crossed his arms in front of his chest as he stood there quietly listening to what you had to say.

"Some mistakes happen and you helped me realize that some things are out of control while there are others that have a solution. I've come to admire everything you have done for the scouts and me. You took me under your wing, never treated me like a clueless scout like Kitz did." You chuckled lightly, "With time... those moments started to be important to me in ways I never thought."

Swallowing down the ball of nerves you had, you decided to rip it off like a bandaid. "I like you, Captain Levi."

He held is breath.

"I fell for you these months and the more time we spend together the harder is became to ignore it. Believe me the last thing I ever thought of happening was falling for someone..." You sighed. "Yet if I kept quiet... it would only hurt me more in the process than being rejected by you. I don't want to die knowing I did not tell you how important you are to me."

Levi looked down at the floor, he has gotten countless of confessions when he joined the scouts. Every time he rejected them due to the fact that he never thought about anyone that way. He knew being a scout meant coming back dead, he already lost his friends, there was no telling what would happen to him if he lost the person he loved the most.

You did not rush him. Ever since you became part of the survey corps you heard the stories from upper comrades about the tragedies that Levi had gone through. Levi may be cold at times but when it comes to his teammates and fellow comrades, he cared. He may be one of the few people with the biggest heart.

After some time he finally looked at you. "Why did you decide to tell me even though you knew I might not accept your feelings?"

A small smile formed on your lips. "Like I said one day you can close your eyes for a moment then the next be dead on the floor. I didn't want to go with the feeling of regret and even if it does not go the way I wished it did, at least I said it."

"I admire how far you've come, y/l/n." He began, "I have come to respect you for being on alert not only on your surroundings but also keeping an eye on your fellow cadets. I can't return those feelings and I hope one day you find someone that will."

You nodded slowly feeling your heart break apart.

"I may not see you as a partner but I see you as an equal on my team and out on the battle ground. I hope I can keep counting on you."

"Of course." You smile weakly, "Thank you for the trust." blinking rapidly you tried to stop the tears from falling.

He noticed your red eyes, a feeling of guilt ran through his heart. "A-are you okay?..."

"I-I'll be fine, sir. I need a minute is all." You replied.

Something inside of him wanted to stay and comfort you. There was nothing more horrible than being alone when you were hurt. Countless of times he wished someone was there for him, it was a bitter life after all.

However he didn't say anything all, only nodded, knowing he had to respect your space. "Alright, let me know if... um you need something."

All you could do was nod, it was painful that he still cared despite not returning your feelings.

Once he was gone your tears rolled down your puffy cheeks. A sob escaped from your throat as you started to feel the pain in your chest. You could accept that this job came with risks but it felt on the same level with getting your heart broken.

People fall for others all the time, you wondered how did they ever piece themselves back when they got rejected. It looked easy to be okay the next day, you weren't sure if you'd be able to pretend like nothing happened when you had to face him again.

But this was what you wanted, you knew the low percentage of him feeling the same way. Now you had to move on with it or else you would swallow yourself in a dark place.

"Y/n?" a voice spoke, you weren't able to make out their face due to blurry vision, all you were able to make out was their deep voice. "What happened?" they crouched down looking at you.

You launched yourself at them, wrapping your arms tightly around their neck.

"I got you." they whispered and you buried your face into their neck wishing for this painful heartbreak to disappear.

After recovering both physically and mentally, you were able to act normal around him, despite the little flips your heart would make whenever he was close.

Levi was impressed with your professionalism which made his respect for you to sky rocket. The last mission not only impressed him but also Erwin, due to that, he decided that you were capable of leading your very own section for the next expedition. Resulting in one captain to oppose Erwin's decision.

"I'm not understanding why you can't let me do this!" You exclaimed. "I've proved myself before you know I can lead my own squad!"

"When it comes to training you can, but it's very different once you are outside those walls."

You tried keeping calm yet each passing second became troublesome. "Help me understand why you aren't letting me do this."

"I'm not letting you lead your own squad and that's final. I don't care about Erwin's orders you're under my squad." He raised his voice. "You follow my rules."

"You do not get to decide that for me!" You yelled feeling all frustrations rising up to the surface. "I've been training for hours on end for the same reason! I know if I go out there on my own to lead I'll be able to do it!"

"I'm done talking about this, y/l/n." He sat down and looked at the papers on his desk ignoring your cold stare.

"You said it yourself that you saw me as an equal, Levi." his movements stopped as he heard you call him by his name without the formalities. "That you admired how I kept my eyes on the surroundings and looked out for my comrades safety."

"I did." He mumbled.

"Then? What's stopping you from giving me the chance of a lifetime?!"

"I'm not going to let you go out there and get yourself killed or worse your comrades. There's no need to explain that to you again, now unless you have anything else to talk to me about then go." He stated looking at you coldly.

"Fine, but know I'm not going to stand by at the first chance I get." you walked out slamming the door on your way out not caring if it annoyed him.

Levi ran his fingers through his hair filled with frustration. A beating in his chest told him to deny your request. Never did he deny someone the chance to move up the ranks but now that it came to you, it was different. He slammed his hands onto his desk.

"Damn it!" He muttered, "What the hell am I doing?..."

Thoughts of you getting injured or worse killed, ran through his mind. Since when did he start feeling this way? He knew deep down this was going to kill him.

"Is he letting you?" Jean questioned.

You sucked in your lips, shaking your head.

"You should listen to him." He said. "He is captain for a reason."

"His title doesn't matter to me, he could be the king and I'd still go against it." You looked at Jean, "I understand you are worried but I know I'm ready and I am not going to play by his rules this time."

"Alright, what should we do then?"

"I think I know who, come on." You grabbed his hand and ran down the narrow corridor.

"So you want me to back you up? Even though he was strongly against it?" Section commander Zacharius questioned, looking at you both.

"I know it's a long shot and defying Captain Levi will be trouble-"

He shook his head, "I have my own squad I run. I can talk to Levi about the making you part of the next expedition."

"I appreciate the offer but I want to have the chance to run my own squad. Erwin trusts that I can handle this, all I am asking is if you can help me convince him." You explained.

Zacharius looked at you uncertain, Levi would never deny anyone the chance to get experience nor defy Erwin's order.

"She won't be alone in the expedition." Jean spoke up, "I will be there along with Reiner and a few other of our friends. Commander Erwin set up this squad especially to make sure everything runs smoothly, sir." placing a hand on your shoulder.

With crossed arms in front of his chest, Zacharius nodded. "I will talk to Levi."

You let out a breath of happiness. "Thank you so much! I promise the expedition will be a success."

"I know it will." He said, "I've seen you out on the battlefield and you have helped me more than once. My squad is set to go out as back up that day as well, I will be counting on you to lead."

"Yes, sir!"

The expedition was officially tomorrow. You were helping Connie gather some supplies along with Reiner and Eren. Loading up the wagon was a bit hard but having someone as strong as them definitely helped.

"So what do we call you tomorrow then? Section Commander Y/n?" Connie teased.

A blush crept up your cheeks, you shook your head. "There's no need for that. All of us are friends... plus adding the first part feels too formal and weird."

"I think it's kinda cool getting to be called Section Commander." Eren spoke, "It's so cool how captain Zacharius helped you out."

"I agree with Eren." Reiner said loading the crates filled with weapons. "It has a nice ring to it, don't you think? You've earned the right to be called that."

You bit your bottom lip trying to contain your smile as you put the extra gas and swords down. "Y-you really think people will think it's cool?"

Reiner nodded smiling at you. "It does, Section Commander Y/n."

"Reiner you really know how to-"

"Y/l/n."

Your body froze, Reiner turned around to see the captain standing there in front of the doors to the stable. No one made a movement, the three of them stood there looking at him, while your back was turned.

Eren stepped forward, "Captain Levi, we are almost done loading up the-"

Levi looked at every one of them, his stare said everything. "I need to talk with, Y/l/n."

Reiner spoke up. "Captain Levi, go easy on her. She didn't do anything-"

"I said to leave."

Slowly you turned around to face him. Eren looked over your way, you gave him a nod in reassurance. The three of your friends left, leaving you and Levi alone.

You knew what was going to go down, it was obvious that the big elephant in the room was never going to go away. This situation was getting more annoying as it dragged on. Never did you understood why he was so against you leading your own team. Since you joined the scouts all you ever did was train and become the best even if you didn't end up in the top ten.

Anger was slowly bubbling inside your veins. All he ever did was stand there looking at you with what seemed to be anger and disappointment.

"I'm not going to stand here and argue Captain." You took a deep breath, trying to really control yourself. "I know... I just know if I go out there everything is going to be fine."

"You're really that confident?" He scoffed.

"I am." You stated. "You know why? Because I have a team full of great fighters who I know I can trust and depend on. I can lead that team, I know I can do this. I have the best in the scouts with me, sir. Tomorrow that mission is going to be successful and I will not come back without each and every one of them."

"Are you willing to die to rescue them?" He raised his voice. "Are you willing to sacrifice everything for territory that we do not know will be good of use or not?! You do realize going out there means death."

"I do!" You walked towards him, "I don't care about me dying. I can care less if I'm the last one fighting off the group of titans so my family can get away." stopping five feet away.

Levi looked away, his hand formed into a fist. "It's easy for you to talk when you haven't seen your own friends die in front of you."

"They may have not been my friends but they were part of the regiment. Losing a single cadet in the scouts is always heartbreaking and you know that well enough, sir."

He turned to look at you, "Then you understand why your squad isn't qualified to go out there alone."

"We are." You said, "Tomorrow we won't be alone. Commander Zacharius is going as back up as well, Erwin made sure to add people who were capable of getting it done."

No matter how hard you tried to explain it to him it's like he wasn't going to budge. The person you fell for and still cared about, did not trust you. It hurt when it came to Levi, it was always different and you hated yourself at times when it affected you.

Clenching your jaw you spoke again, "I don't understand why you won't trust my skills."

"This has got nothing to do with your skills." Levi said.

"Then? What does it actually have to do with?" You questioned looking at him." "Because it hurts knowing that my- I-I mean you Captain Levi doubt what I'm capable of doing."

"You're not ready to go out there..." He softly spoke, "You are part of my squad you are under my watch... I already lost too many cadets. I don't want you... and them to be part of that list."

Your gaze soften at him for a moment, he cared. It was written on his face even if he did try to hide it. However your mind was made up. As much as you appreciate him, relying on him for everything will only hinder your progress.

"I'm going to come back alright? I need this to improve my skills and be seen as reliable. Tomorrow everything is going to be fine. I just need you to trust me, Captain Levi." He looked at your back as you walked away from him. As much as he wanted to protect you, he knew you were right.

Colored flares kept going off, one after another.

Your mind was racing with possible scenarios of your friends being injured or even dead.

"Please be okay, Sasha." You mumbled to yourself as you made your horse go faster. "Please be okay."

When you arrived to her aide you saw she was surrounded with three titans all staring her down, trying to reach and grab her.

"Y/n!" She exclaimed, "I was trying to set up the cannon b-but they kept coming."

"Don't worry, focus on the cannon! I'll deal with them." Getting off of your horse you used your gear to fly into the sky as the grapples needled themselves into the titan's nape. They were abnormal midsize titans, meaning not difficult to take care of. One after the other they were taken down with ease.

"Done." Sasha spoke as she landed down next to you. "I was terrified for a second... I'm sorry I wasn't able to handle them."

"That doesn't matter right now, all that matters is that you're okay." You placed your hand on her shoulder giving her a gentle squeeze. "I need you to go and help Connie with the wagon. He'll let you know what to do."

She nodded, bidding you goodbye as you both head in opposite directions. Since the mission began things have been going south but you tried your best to keep your head clear and focused. Your hands trembled despite acting calm on the outside. You let go of the reins and quickly shook your hands before holding them again.

"Y/n!" Eren yelled as his horse got closer to yours. "We secured the west side of the territory all titans were killed."

"Good then that means we can go forward to meet up with the Commander." You said, as you got closer to small hill you saw Armin kneeling down with Bertholdt beside him. A sudden flash then showed up in between you and them, thunder roared in the skies as the yellow overpowered your eyesight.

"Armin! Bertholdt!" You and Eren yelled, quickening your pace. The titan showed up, it was one you had never seen before. It roared and in a mere second you could hear the rumbling of footsteps.

"Eren can you transform?!" You exclaimed.

He gritted his teeth, "I still have some energy in me left but I don't know how long I'll be able to hold them off."

"Do it as much as you can. I'll help Bertholdt." You ordered, "As soon as there's an opening take Armin with you and run."

"What about you-"

"Just go! I don't want you to comeback you hear me?" Without any words left to say you got off your horse and flew in the air to slice off their napes. One after another kept showing up. It was never ending.

You looked over at Bertholdt, you could see fear in his eyes. "I need you to stay calm okay?!" You yelled out him. "We will get back home together I promise."

He nodded, "R-right!" as he flew beside you getting the Titans from the right.

You looked out into the field seeing your squad leaving in the opposite direction with no titan running after them. You made sure to count the wagons that transported some of your friends.

"Y/n!" Armin screamed from down below, "We have to go. There's not enough gas left in your gear, if we don't retreat now we'll get taken alive!"

"Where's Eren?!"

"He fell unconscious after transforming but we managed to get him out." He replied. "You need to get Bertholdt and follow us back!"

You looked over at him, you saw the last of his gas spurting out in the air. Your mind was racing with thoughts, there was no clear answer. Dying was the last thing you had planned, but yet there were many discoveries and materials that could help out the scout regiment.

"Bertholdt!" You sliced the nape from the titan as you made your way over to him.

"Did the others get away?" He asked.

"They did! I need you to do the same." You flew up into the air before spinning and using both your swords to cut the titan's eyes then nape.

"I-I just can't leave you alone here! There's too many of them for you to fight off by yourself!"

"I won't accept no for an answer!" You retorted, "Go while you still can! They are going to need you if titans come across your path again."

"Y/n-" Bertholdt was hesitant, guilt build inside of him knowing he could help out.

"Go!" You yelled again, clenching his jaw he followed your order. He landed back on the ground running towards the wagon where Mikasa and Armin were.

"Bertholdt!" Reiner yelled, as he extended his hand out to help him get on. "Where's Y/n?"

He looked away from him, "S-she told me to leave... I told her we could come back together but it was impossible. More titans kept coming and I couldn't even-"

"Damn it." Reiner cursed, "I should go help her." before he was able to leave Bertholdt pulled him back.

"You can't go... it will look suspicious that the armored titan is rescuing her."

"We can't just leave her there!"

"I know, Reiner. But we have no other choice." He said.

A heavy feeling was inside your chest. 'This is the end... maybe I should have listened to Levi after all.' You chuckled to yourself, as your eyes turned glossy. "I really need to listen to him next time."

'If there was a next time.' you thought as you landed from one titan over to another. Your blades were getting shorter by the minute and the last gas tank you had ran empty. Landing on the ground you decided to make a run for it.

Beads of sweat ran down the sides of your head, your legs were tired. You tried your best to conserve your energy but as you looked back you saw how close they were.

"Shit!" Your foot went in front of the other causing you to trip. You placed your palms wide open to stop the impact from hitting your head but it was too slow. Your head connected with the ground too fast, your vision became blurry.

The titan got closer to you, closing your eyes you prepared yourself to be devoured. "Please... make it a fast death."

Within a second the titan fell down onto the ground with a loud thud. You tried your best to make out the figure that stood in front of it but your vision started to give out on you.

They quickly went towards you, holding you in their arms. "Hey, I need you to stay awake alright?"

"I-I can't..." A weak smile covered your lips. "If I do the captain is going to kill me when he sees me..."

"I'm not going to kill you, brat." He said as he held the back of your head but stopped, feeling his hand get covered in red dark liquid.

"Captain?" A tear slipped from your eyes. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to make the mission a success. I was an idiot huh?"

"You were too cocky." He answered, "But you did fine."

"At least I was praised one last time by you, Levi." You cupped his cheek weakly, a shiver ran down his spine as he felt your cold skin against his bloodied face.

"It won't be the last time, stop talking as if you were dying."

"No one knows what might happen..."

He shook his head standing up, carrying you while he flew through the open fields. His grip on you tighten as he tried to quickly get you back to the walls. "You're not dying and that's that."

Your head rested against his chest as you felt the wind hitting your face.

"Levi!" Hange yelled from down below. "When did you get here?!"

"Hange!" He yelled back ignoring her question as he made his way back onto the ground carefully. "I need your help."

She looked at him confused until she saw you in his arms unconscious. "Y/n... where is she injured?..."

"She has a wound on the back of her head, apart from losing a lot of blood. I'm not sure where else she could be hurt." Levi answered as he placed you down on top of a wagon.

"I'm going to need to get her stitched up, she's already lost too much blood."

"Is she going to need a blood transfusion?" Levi asked.

Hange felt hesitant about answering, she saw the worried his eyes carried. "I don't think so."

The rest of your friends looked over to them both seeing what was going on until they saw your body.

"Y/n!" Sasha yelled running over to you followed by Connie, Eren, Reiner, and Bertholdt.

"Is she okay?!"

"I need you to stand back and let us work. You can see her after I patch her up alright?" Hange said.

"But-"

"Didn't you brats listen?!" Levi yelled, "Go back to what you were assigned to do you are only holding us off from saving Y/l/n."

Hange gave them a reassuring nod, each of them left with worry in their minds. Silently praying that you'd make it out alive.

By the time they were able to treat you, the others were already in a deep sleep after tonight's events. Your squad had taken turns guarding the camp site while Levi stayed up watching over you.

Your eyes were still close since operating on you hours ago. There had been no fever which was a relief, indicating everything was going well.

He couldn't stop looking at you, even if you were injured you still took his breath away. His mind kept going back to that day where you had confessed to him. Since then he never thought he would develop feelings for you.

You were right, spending time together made things change. Now he was on the verge of crying realizing how important you were to him. His thoughts were interrupted with the sound of you coughing.

Your body ached, you immediately sat up seeing you were in some part of the forest.

"Hey be careful or you'll tear those stitches apart."

You recognized the voice immediately, "C-captain... Levi? W-what are ow ow... you doing here?" holding your stomach.

"I got here just in time or else you would have been dead."

"Did everyone get back safely?!" Biting your lip you groaned feeling the pain as you stood up from the ground.

Levi did the same."Hey hey calm down. Where are you going?"

"I'm going to check on them-"

He walked over to you and held your shoulders making you stop. "They're fine, alright? Everyone made it back alive."

You looked at him, "R-really?..."

"Yeah."

A sigh of relief escaped from your lips, "Oh thank goodness... I was so worried that they had..."

"You scared the hell out of everyone you know."

"What?"

He let you go, his hands falling at his sides. "You passed out when I went to rescue you. There was blood coming out from the back of your head and you had a-..." Closing his eyes he tried to keep his composure, "A large wound on your stomach..."

"I guess this is the part where you scold me right?..."

A sigh escaped his lips, opening his eyes he looked away from you. "You could have died out there..."

You nodded looking down at your bandaged stomach. "Yeah.. I guess I could of had. How come you came?... I thought you made it clear you weren't going to 'come save my ass even if I was dying' "

He clicked his tongue against the back of his teeth. "I had a feeling something happened. You may be given a different title but that doesn't stop you from being my cadet."

"Your cadet... Huh?" A sad smile formed on your lips. "I know you're serious but it sounds nice..."

A silence roamed between you two. Levi was a complete mess, he did not know if it was the right time or place to say everything he wanted. You on the other hand were afraid of what happened, if it hadn't been for Levi right now your body would have been covered with a blanket on the wagon.

"You should lay back down, you need to rest." He said, "Come on." standing behind you and placing his hand on your arm, leading you back to your sleeping bag.

Your cheeks flushed, his hand was warm against your skin despite the cold weather.

"I don't want to sleep right now." You said, sitting down on the ground and resting your back against the tree.

"You're not going to be able to heal unless you sleep." He said.

"I'll be fine." You reassured him, "You should sleep Captain, you look tired and have done more than enough. You should rest."

Levi sat down next to you, leaving a bit of space between you. His gaze focused on the ground. "I'm not going to sleep... it's my turn to keep an eye on the camp."

"Then I'll keep watch with you then."

He shook his head, "I told you, you need to rest-"

"And I told you I'm fine and I don't feel like sleeping yet... plus I know I owe you an apology."

"What are you talking about?" He turned to look at you.

"You were right..." You mumbled, "I-I shouldn't have gone out on my own... leading a squad is a whole different thing. You need to know how to strategize. How to keep calm in difficult situations, how to go to them if a problem does occur." your eyes started to become glossy.

A sigh escaped his lips. "You did everything you could at the time..."

You wiped away the tears that slipped from your eyes. "I-I didn't do enough... I almost got myself killed. A-a good Captain knows what to do, while I was just thinking about holding them off without knowing the consequences. This was supposed to be a chance to prove I was capable of leading my own squad... to show I would be able to handle my ground." A shaky sigh escaped your lips. "A-and... y-yet I was lousy... I'm never going to be able to become like Captain Erwin... o-or you."

Levi sat quietly, didn't know quite what to say. He was angry at himself for holding you off and treating you as if you were helpless. He couldn't help but wonder if the words he said to you could have made you lose focus.

"There will be a time where none of us will be alive anymore to help you through difficult missions. Everyone is different when it comes to leading a group of soldiers." He looked into the flames as he spoke. "No one will be perfect enough to lead a big mission the first time."

"That was my mistake in all of it." You mumbled.

"But that doesn't mean you did such a bad job." Levi turned his head slowly to look at you. "Seeing you risk your life to save them even when you're retreating away, is much braver than what I ever have been able to do. I've been on millions of missions no one has ever gone back for a soldier even when they were told to retreat and leave them behind."

"I thought that it was my job to save each one of them." You admitted. "I've seen the damage it's caused every time, including you. I wanted it to be different this time. I did not want my soldiers, friends, to feel afraid. I wanted them to see that I had their back, no matter what."

"That's more than what any other person has done in years, Y/n."

Your heart skipped a beat, seeing from the corner of your eyes that he was looking at you. Your head tilted down, looking at your lap. "I still have so much more left to improve... this was probably my last chance I would ever get to do this."

"If you really want to become a captain to your own future squad... then I can help you out."

Immediately your head turned to look at him, making him look away from you with a flushed face. "Really?..."

"Y-yeah..." He cleared his throat. "I'll talk to Erwin about training you if you really do want to lead your own squad one day."

"It would mean the word if you were able to help me, Captain Levi."

His stomach did a flip, it felt like a long time since he had feelings for someone. "That doesn't mean I'll be going easy on you."

With a wide smile, you chuckled. "I wouldn't be learning otherwise, Captain."

"Levi."

"Huh?" You asked.

He turned to look at you. "Call me, Levi. It's seems easier instead of having to say the world thing."

Your eyes widened, in surprise. "A-are you sure? Usually it's only with people you trust-"

"Now you're one of them, L/N."

"Then you can call me just, Y/n." You said. "It's gotta be fair for both, don't you think, Levi?"

A low chuckle escaped from his lips. "Right, Y/n."

There was a moment of silence, the sound of the fire could be heard crackling. It wasn't the moment you had predicted would happen with him, but it was more than you dreamed of. Being next to him, was more than enough even though, it hurt it was comforting in a way.

Levi on the other hand wanted to say everything he felt. Seeing you unconscious on the ground, battered and and bruised, made him realize those feelings he had, went far more beyond than just missing the captain and cadet relationship you had. Slowly but surely he started to miss you as the days went by, today's events only made it clearer to him.

He tilted his head back against the tree's trunk, closing his eyes as his adam's apple was exposed to you.

You looked over at him, admiring how beautiful he looked. Often at times you would wonder how life would be beside him. Would your relationship be kept a secret or out in the open for everyone to know?

"Look... I know this isn't the best time..." He began. "...but I didn't want you to go on this mission outside of the walls alone."

Your body tilted back in surprise, you wanted to ask him why but it was best to let him continue.

Levi opened his eyes moving his head back down, noticing your quietness he continued. "I know I acted like an asshole towards you, I apologize if it made it seem as if I didn't have confidence in your abilities. That was never my intention."

"Then why did you?..." You whispered, feeling hurt by his lack of trust. "I thought you trusted me to be out on my own..."

"I do." He breathed out, focusing his attention onto you. "As biased as it sounds... I always thought you were the best out of everyone on the scouts."

A small smile formed on your lips. "How come you didn't trust me enough to do this?..."

"I-I... did it for you..." There was hesitation in his voice, it was hard for him to admit it. "I wanted you to be safe... seeing you in such a bad shape, made me realize how much in denial I was." His moved on it's own, stopping mid way in case you would pull away, noticing you didn't he gently rested his hand on top of yours. "Because... I care about you, Y/n... more than I thought I would."

A feeling of relief spread through your chest, along with uneasiness. Levi became too far important to you, that if you were to lose him you didn't know what you would do. Your friends were like family to you but he was different.

"You have no idea how long, since the day I confessed to you, I've been waiting to hear those words, but..." A tear escaped from your eye, making him worry. "...now that you did... it makes me feel afraid..."

Gently he cupped the side of your face with his free hand, "Afraid to lose one another?..." using his thumb he wiped away the tear.

"H-how did you know?"

"I feel the same way... I've lost to too many people in my life."

You reached out holding his wrist, "I care about you too much to disappear one day and cause you pain. You've already been through enough, Levi-"

"I know I have." He looked deep into your eyes. "In this world filled with Titans, nothing is ever certain. But I decided to be honest with you because I don't want to regret not telling you."

Tears fell one by one. "I want you to be happy..."

"And I will... as afraid as I am to fall for someone, I want that someone to be you, Y/n." Using both hands he cupped your cheeks, "I promise to do everything to make sure you're safe." he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on your forehead.

"I will do everything I can as well to protect you, Levi." You assured him, "I won't make you worry again like today."

"God, please don't." He said, making you chuckle. "I don't think I'll be able to handle another one."

Your arms wrapped themselves around his waist. "I promise."

"Thank you." Pulling you into his chest, he held you tightly, feeling secure in his arms.

The worries melted away for the time being, but even now it gave you both a bigger reason to end the threat that was to humans.

Hanji couldn't stop smiling eagerly at you two, as you started to load up the wagon to head back home.

"I knew it!" She exclaimed, "I freaking knew it! Didn't I tell you Moblit?" she smirked.

"Come on section commander, I think it's too early for the teasing." He said trying hard to hide his smirk as well.

"Who knew that Captain Levi, would end up liking Y/n, huh?" Eren said.

Jean rolled his eyes, putting the wooden box onto the wagon. "You were far too dense to pick up anything, Jaeger."

"T-that's not true!" He retorted. "I knew they liked each other."

"You were the only one who kept on asking questions about them, Eren." Armin said, making Jean burst out laughing.

"S-shut up!" Eren exclaimed.

You were folding the blanket when Hanji walked up to you. "So? Who confessed first huh?" She teased. "Levi screwed up the first time didn't he?"

"I-I uh... no not entirely-"

Levi stood behind you both, staring daggers into her. "If you keep bothering her four eyes, I'll make sure to tell Erwin your little research project is off."

"I wasn't even bother her!" Hanji exclaimed. "Right, Y/n?"

"Section Commander, Hanji, Miche needs to talk to you." A cadet spoke.

"Ugh." She grumbled, "Out of all the times he could have called me..."

"I swear if I knew that she was going to turn into such a-"

"She's just happy that her friends finally found someone." You said.

"Still she's going to become even more annoying than I can usually tolerate." He mumbled. "But yet it had to be her to be the one who finds us."

Smiling you wrapped your arms around his waist, resting your head on his shoulder. "At least we're both now together... don't you think babe?"

-> Armin would focus on the theory.

• He is not a big fighter himself, so he wouldn't really know how to help in a practical, perhaps more useful way.

• He would firstly ask what type of combat you'd like to learn and then lecture you about how different cultures have different types of fight, eventually ending up suggesting the more suitable for you and your needs.

• He himself would not be your teacher, but he would make sure you get the help you need; and because of that, he would look for the best place to train at and sing up with you.

-> Jean would laugh your request off, at first.

• He sometimes has this bad habit of letting his ego get in the way but when you firmly explain that you really want to learn how to do it and tease him with "I'll ask someone else if you're not willing to help", success is 100% assured.

•He would take his time teaching you the right positions, telling you to mimic the way he stands or the way he hits the punchbag.

• He would never engage in a fight with you, he would always use things like punchbags or wood-carved puppets for you to exercise with.

-> Connie would be really surprised.

• He would start by testing your reflexes by randomly throwing random objects at you, saying it was part of the training.

• He would not actually take you to a gym or an appropriate place to train at - rather, he would engage in 'surprise attacks' whilst you're on the sofa.

• If you complained about his teaching methods, he would roll his eyes saying "enemies don't warn you, why should I?".

• When you finally manage to knock him off the sofa, he laughs it off and argues that you were now ready for the real training.

-> Levi would raise an eyebrow at you, looking confused.

• He would question himself about why you wanted to learn how to fight, was he not enough of a threat for anyone who'd wanted to get close to you?

• ANYWAY he would focus on teaching you how to use a sword.

• Starting with the basics and teaching you how to properly hold one, he would buy some wooden swords and make the two of you train with them.

• He would always ask you to hit him as hard as you could, reassuring you that he would always manage to protect himself from your attacks (which is true).

-> Mikasa would take your request very seriously.

• She would fully organise your training, making sure you'd stretch before and after each training session and destroying your muscles by making you engage in all sorts of exercises; prepare to early morning runs.

• She would, of course, exercise with you - but she would make it seem so effortless, so natural.

• She would always push you to your limits and be a great motivator, screaming "just one more, you can do it!" whilst you do the nth push up of the day.

-> Sasha would teach you how to be an archer.

• She would be she excited about your request because, finally, she can share her talent with you.

• Sasha would be a patient teacher, laughing at how you hold the arrow between your fingers.

• She would be the type of teacher that places her hands on yours, fixing your posture, adjusting your chin to allow you to have a better visual of your aim.

• Of course, rewards are always granted and she would always bring snacks to enjoy at the end of the session - healthy snacks though, mostly protein based to make sure your muscles are well nourished.

-> Hange would be so excited.

• They would too lecture you about all the different styles of combat, but it would feel more like a fangirl rant.

• However, when it comes to actual training sessions, they would be harsh: they'd use their best disarming techniques on you, eventually making you ridiculously fall on the ground. No worries though!

• Hange is big on after care and WILL make sure you won't sustain any serious injuries - and if you ever end up being injured, they'd apologise a million times and adequately take care of you.

• When you finally learn their techniques and they're the one being smashed on the ground, they are proud, and happy and genuinely laughing at themselves. "so the students really surpass the masters, huh?"

-> Annie would accept your request without questioning it too much.

• However, don't expect any special treatment from her. Her training will consist in a brief introduction to the basic movements and techniques - but after that, training sessions are absolute battle grounds.

• She believes that if you actually end up getting hurt is because you didn't pay enough attention to her lessons - BUT although Annie is pretty strong regardless, she would do her best to not hit you powerfully.

• However, once her fist is against your cheek, expect a disappointed expression on her face and a cold "not good" in response. She takes it seriously.

Bonus:

-> Porco would be so excited to teach you.

•He'd run to take his boxe gloves and tells you he's ready whenever you're ready.

• He would show off a bit at first, but then he'll patiently explain you the very basics: to always hit with the knuckles of your index and middle finger, to always protect your face.

• He would always cheer you up, the biggest smile on his face even after accidentally kicking him.

Another cry bursted from outside : « MOMY !! »

A long heartbreaking cry followed seconds after.

You sighed defeated and slightly angry, you let down the piece of cloth you were using to dry the plates and headed towards the garden.

They’re back at it you thought, your heart stinging a little at the disappointing reality. You tried everything you could but clearly they didn’t change much, your boys were back at bullying your their little sister, and this broke both your heart and hers, you let the plate with the cloth on it and headed to where the children were, only to find Levi already on the scene.

It was clear on his face that he didn’t know how to act about the situation too, he looked at you with a defeated look, a look that said « they’re doing it again ». He was holding your daughter’s hand,and was standing tall looking menacingly at his six and eight years old boys : Kenny and Farlan, you and Levi named your children after the persons that had been the closest to him, as for your girl, you insisted on naming her Kuchel before Levi even suggested it.

He looked exhausted, not tired, not angry, just damn right exhausted, and when he spoke, his tone was tired but still icy :

« Why dont you let your sister play with you ? »

« She’s a girl ! She has nothing to do with us, she’s just lame ! »

Each word your older son pronounced hit you like well sharpened arrow, spilling painful memories inside your head, you used to suffer the same situation when you were younger, your own older siblings used to bully the heal out of you, the experience cut you deeper than you thought, even though you grew passed it, finding Levi during your military service turned out to be a blessing, he helped you reconciling with your past and helped erase he bitterness you held towards your siblings.

You grew up in a nice home, your parents weren’t particularly wealthy but you weren’t particularly poor either, your family life was great, but the vicious and repetitive bullying from a particularly instant older brother had broken you more times than you can mend, you grew up extremely insecure and incredibly anxious, two traits that kept resurfacing everywhere you set foot : at work, with comrades, even with Levi, but he had loved you and stayed by your side until the very end.

You had grown up in that toxic environment, with only male siblings and no sisters to confine to, being surrounded by down right mean and verbally brutal males made you grow a thick skin, despite the anxiety and the insecurity, you had to put up a front to protect those delicate layers that constituted your frail self, you had to paint yourself as something you were not, you had to assimilate male codes if you wished to survive in that environment stripped of any delicacy or courtesy, maybe that’s why you chose such a masculine career path, maybe why you chose the military field.

Then Levi came into your life, when you met him you didn’t think you’d ever get along with him. The raven haired young man with a sharp tongue used to scare you to be honest, but as time went by, he became very fond of you, of your blunt mind and your ability to take his harshness and non embroidered vocabulary, after the war ended, you two decided you would not chose someone else to spend the rest of your life with, and chose to marry.

If there was one thing you and Levi agreed to, was to put all your focus on the education of your children, you were both strict but loving parents. Levi proved to be an extremely caring father, you two put all your efforts into making a united family and you made sure to treat your children with equal respect and love and to teach them those same virtues, hoping they will display them in return. When your youngest one, the only girl, grew up a little, you were surprised to discover your oldest treating her exactly the way you were treated in your youth.

Where did you go wrong ? Or is it just the way of the world ?

« Come inside » Levi said in a monotone voice to Kuchel, holding her hand and bringing her inside while the three of you made your way to the kitchen. You recognized this voice, when Levi uses this tone, it usually meant he had no idea how to handle the situation, he sighed closing the door to the garden, leaving the boys to their private activities.

You took your child who was still trembling from all the crying, and held her close to your heart, her small arms hugging you, her little quiverings shook your chest, you felt like you could cry, but you held it in and stared at Levi instead. He was passing his hand on his hair in frustration, focused on your kitchen’s floor, and when he locked his eyes on you, you didn’t need words, he saw in you and you saw in him.

« Come here sweetheart, let’s go play together in your bedroom shall we ? »

The little arms tightened their grope on your neck for a response, you headed to her small bedroom and by the sound of the wooden floor cracking behind you, Levi was following your steps. You liked having Levi as a husband, he never let you handle something alone, wether it was small or big.

In Kuchel’s bedroom, you three sat on her bed, you let her play while you and levi spoke quietly about the situation.

« What can we do ? » asked Levi handing you a small wooden comb to pass to Kuchel who was looking for the very same comb to brush her doll’s hair.

« Don’t get me wrong, i love the kids but when they act like little shits like that, i just want to pull them by the collar and hang them on a branch »

You laughed quietly at his words because you knew Levi was incapable of hurting his kids. You two felt silent for a moment, listening to the soothing sound of your daughter gliding a fake comb on fake blond hair before clapping your hands

« Who wants to make a good cake with me ? » you asked with joy.

« Me ! » jumped your girl with an even bigger excitement.

If there was something you loved about kids, it was this ability to jump from one state to another, and the ability to quickly forget any sorrow, even if you knew those hurtful moments were always deeper than what they seemed.

You took your small one’s hand as she guided you to where the kitchen was and you slipped a small comforting smile to Levi as you went. A promise that you were going to think about a something, somehow.

It was now the beginning of afternoon, the boys were now focused and busy with something they found in your basement, you got close to the kitchen window to get a better look at what they were so concentrated on : they had found your old equipments and used gears from when you were in the military, along with Levi’s.

Kenny was analyzing the differents components of Levi’s gear while Farlan was trying to make yours work, and despite all his efforts he didn’t succeed, you don’t know how your boys knew your old military things were stocked in the basement but there was something they couldn’t know : that yours was broken and you never restored it, and you knew exactly where the problem was located.

Levi’s gear was fine and had been restored since the end of the Marley war, the reason why Kenny was having a blast playing with the different features, but yours haven’t been repaired which made Farlan angry, you could see anger molding his features, he was starting to be frustrated with the engine not working and not being able to have as much enjoyment as his brother, jealously clearing starting to bubble inside him.

You couldn’t wish for a better opportunity, now you can work your magic !

You passed the small corridor and went directly to the little living room where your Kuchel was sitting on Levi’s lap, rocking softly on a rocking chair.

« Hey little one come here »

You daughter jumped to the floor and got closer as you lowered yourself to her height, Levi not getting what was going on.

« Do you wanna do something cool ? »

Your small girl was just as curious and confused as her father, but you had an idea that could work.

« Come with me »

You walked quickly towards a back door that led to the basement, a small shortcut the could be taken without being seen by the boys.

You opened the wooden door, and worked your way through the dust and the spider webs to a small box hidden underneath a heavy piece of furniture, you took the box and dusted it off, when you opened it, you were happy to see it was still there.

A tiny piece of metal that broke during an exceptionally hard battle near the end of the war, that almost cost you your life, you shivered slightly at the memory, you comforted yourself by reminding yourself that this was a long time ago, grounding yourself in the moment, feeling the wood under your bare feet, the wooden floor of the home you built with Levi, filing your lungs with the dust of this basement, a basement inside a sweet home where you lived with a family you created with your Levi. This thought brought colors in your heart again and you felt determination and confidence filling you up.

The small item in the box was a stud bolt : the key that was going to bring piece in this momentary chaos that crippled into your perfect lives.

You grabbed your daughter’s hand with a soft gesture and brought her closer to you, until your locks where falling on her small shoulders, you opened her palm and put the stud bolt inside of it and curled her fingers on it so she doesn’t drop it.

« You see this little thingy ? Go give it to Farlan, he’ll know what to do with it he has already used something like this before, and tell him this »

You whispered a line to her ear and you repeated it so she doesn’t forget it as if you were giving her her line for her next appearance on a play, you then turned her around so she faced the main door of the basement and opened the door for her, the soft evening light shined through and illuminated the entire basement, Kuchel holding tight onto the item you gave her, turned slightly around and looked at you, clearly scared, you knew she was afraid that this wouldn’t work, you understood she was afraid that she’ll get rejected again, afraid she will still be crying tonight.

She didn’t move, so you walked up to her.

« If they don’t let you play with them, you can always come back to momy and dady and we’ll play together okey ? »

Kuchel’s eyes brightened up with peace and serenity, and even a tint of hope and by the way she put one foot after another towards the door, you understood she found the courage and confidence to try.

You rushed to the kitchen’s window to see how things were going, Levi looking at you running in the halls sat up from his chair and came to stand next to you, facing the window but throwing you a questioning look that said « What are you up to ? »

You were too focused on the scenery unraveling behind the glass, it really was like watching a play, a play you were eager to know how it will end. Kuchel walked up to Kenny and Farlan, Kenny was entertaining himself with his gear while Farlan sat on the floor, his hands curled in fists where he rested his face, clearly feeling down for not having as much fun as his brother, they probably even fought too by the look of it, Kenny refusing to let his brother try because you too have the same equipment ! Protested Kenny.

Kuchel approached Farlan and extended her tiny arm, revealing the inside of her palm, Farlan kept looking between Kuchel’s hand and her face until Kuchel decided to speak.

« Use this, there’s a hole under the grip’s chamber, plug it in »

As expected, Farlan did know how to use a bolt like this and found the right place where to put it in, following Kuchel’s instruction. He kept looking suspiciously at Kuchel while placing the small iron piece, he then wore the equipment to test it, and joy filled his eyes as the gear suddenly started working.

Before Farlan could say anything, Kenny came running into their direction.

« Wow how did you fix it ? » The smaller one asked, clearly impressed.

« Kuchl got me the piece that fixed it ! »

« Wow ! Kuchel you’re so cool !» said Kenny

« Yup ! That’s my sister ! » said proudly Farlan, surprising both Kuchel and both of you and Levi behind the window.

You didn’t expect it to go this well. You looked towards Levi, he was standing, his eyes almost watering at the sight, he then looked at you with thankful eyes, silver irises glistering with emotions.

Four days later

Since Kuchel’s incredible intervention, the boys grew some respect towards her and realized Kuchel was actually a good and fun kid to play with, she brought the fun and innocence their playing needed and both Kenny and Farlan enjoyed teaching her tricks and little things they were proud of. Your plan worked so well they never rejected her again, which made Kuchel regain her joyful and bubbly spirit, Kenny and Farlan even started taking their « big brother s » role to the next level. Another person was incredibly bubbly since then : Levi.

He was truly impressed by the way you managed to turn the situation around, the night the boys accepted Kuchel in their little circle, when going to sleep, Levi held you so tightly and showered you with sweet kisses, each one punctuated by an even sweeter « thank you ».

Can be strict when he wants to be, though. Doesn't mess around with the safety of his kids and their friends. Tries his absolute hardest not to get angry at his children despite his temper and he really only does when it comes to their safety. But he was wayyyy more reckless when he was their age (and lacked parental supervision) so he tries his best to just keep them out of trouble instead of having to scold them when they do. I touched on him being a good apologizer in a different post and that's still true in the case of his kids. Always apologizes if he raises his voice at them, no matter what happens.

Also he is one of those dads that loves embarrassing their kids with PDA. He will wrap his arms around you from the back and pepper you with kisses while you're making dinner in front of your angsty 13 year old just to hear a "UGH DAD YOU'RE SO GROSS"

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

"(Name)," Mikasa calls, lightly jogging over to your seat the coffee shop Eren works part time in. You knew he didn't work that day, but you've gotten kind of used to studying in the seat closest to the barista counter, even if Eren isn't throwing cheesy pickup lines at you or ranting about a professor. "Have you seen Eren today?"

You shake your head no, raising an eyebrow at her distressed expression. She was one of the most caring people you've ever met, but her cool façade rarely broke, making your own concern skyrocket.

"Is he okay?" You ask, pulling out your phone to check for any messages left by your boyfriend.

The dark haired girl sigh, pushing her bangs out of her face as her short hair moves along to match the shaking of her head. "He does this every year, on the exact same day. Just... disappears and comes back like nothing happened. I hoped at least this year he'd stay with you... but..."

You bite your lip in concern, letting Mikasa know you'll call her if anything turns up.

to: eren 💌

from: My Sunshine ☀️

can you call or text me asap? just let me know you're alive please a simple "hello" will suffice

you don't have to shut everyone out like this

i love you through it all. the good, the bad, and the ugly, you dummy. nothing could change that.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Mmm, mildly. He doesn't wear makeup, but he takes good care of his skin (which is just naturally flawless anyways...), makes sure his clothes fit him well, keeps his combed and moisturized, and generally doesn't leave the house feeling very dissatisfied with his appearance.

On that makeup note, once he used an eyelash curler, either yours or Historia's and he was just. blown away. He already has naturally long, dark, curly lashes, he just thinks he looks really nice with the extra help of the curler. Too lazy to invest in doing it daily, though.

Keeps up with his physique because he's an athlete, but also because he just likes how he looks in tight tops and shirtless. Eren is one of those hot guys that knows that he's hot, he just doesn't really care that he's hot. Unlike Reiner, who just is insecure in how he looks, and Jean, who knows that he's sexy and flaunts it, he just... knows. He only really cares for your opinion.

No set clothing aesthetic that he makes himself stick to, just wears well fitting and neatly pressed clothes. Mainly black or dark basics. Keeps some jewelry if he wants to elevate an outfit. But his usual top, pants, shoes, maybe some earrings and a necklace if it's fancy. Doesn't get complicated with layering like Armin does.

Helping him escape from the toxicity Zeke lived in was the start of many things she’d help Levi with. Not that she ever complained— he’s the only person in all of the people she calls friends who knew. Almost everything. But when he started cleaning her apartment with such a bored look on his face she wished that letting him be her roommate until he found a place had come with a warning. Especially when he cleaned in the morning, relaxing like a divorced mother when he took his place on the single sofa by the windows to drink his tea and judge her when she started the day at two pm.

Or the fact that she felt guilt for a week straight when he offered to cook only to tell him that the reason why she meticulously asked for ingredients he used was because of her allergies.

“Why do you insist on learning? I’m allergic to—” it was sweet seeing him so stressed in her kitchen. Sleeves rolled up, cloth tied around his forehead.

“You eat like a toddler.”

“I have taste, Levi!”

He turned the cookbook to her, showing that it was catered for her allergies. “And it’s limited to frozen chicken strips.”

“Oh shut up, asshole.”

As much as he put up such a front like that. Monotone and aloof. Never seemed to care except for himself. Spiteful. Letting everyone assume that he was one miserable asshole. She would never tell him that she heard all of his cries that he drowned out in the shower. Whispers of calling himself dirty for letting Zeke ever love him. She pretended she was asleep when the reason she woke up late was that all those nights when he cried to himself, her legs were pressed to her chest. Head rested on her knees and listened.

Listened and waited for the moment when he couldn’t stand crying alone anymore.

“(Y/n)?” She felt so much of Levi’s pain and only realised it when he stood in front of her. His gentle eyes cast towards her as if inspecting every single inch of her. Having his touch— even if it was his hand on her shoulder to stop her in the corridor of the office building, on her closed her mind of the distress. “It’s me.”

“I know,” it wasn’t a tearful reunion. Rather a mischievous one. Like cadets running to hide from Nile and Erwin, she grabbed his wrist, pulled him to the confines of an empty conference room. “Miche, Miche, Miche.” Finally, he was right in front of her like he promised when he left for wall rose with unarmed cadets.

“Woah,” was the only reaction Miche could offer. Then reached his hand out to gather her dangling legs, putting to rest in his lap as she aggressive stirred her milktea.

“Exactly.”

“And what did you do when you saw him?”

“Wanted to slice him up in pieces.”

“Because he killed me, yeah?”

“Told you we should’ve fucked before you left.” He made an exaggeration of looking around the obviously empty room and then at her. Eyebrows raised. “No. Also, only Erwin can tell us what’s in that basement, huh?”

“Except he only remembers swinging the other way and is convinced that his life flashes are

weird dreams.”

That one pulled an exasperated sigh from her. “They definitely did it.”

“I smelt it on them.”

“Woah,” she pointed the milktea his way. “I don’t want this anymore.”

“I have an idea.” He spoke into the straw, “You up for it?”

“Which is?”

Her nails anxiously drummed along the table all of the staff was gathered at earlier, waiting for Miche’s eyes to look up at her from the beanpole that was Erwin. When the last senior of the staff had left the room, Miche’s attention briefly averted to her, The go-signal. From an anxious look on her face, she mentally yelled herself to appear coy. Coquettish even and approached Erwin’s side with all the summoned confidence in the world in time to hear him say, “I should ask a local about this.”

“That I am.” From his hesitant reaction itself, she knew that she wasn’t a familiar face at all. And how he inched back the more she leaned in closer. Comedic to Miche whose height gave him the advantage to see the awkwardness in poor Erwin’s face. “If you’re interested . . .” She trailed off, angling her head to meet the shoulder she raised.

‘Cute.’

She put her hand out at Erwin, who was starting to think that she was . . . a spoiled brat. Used to the word ‘Yes’. Rejection would make you an enemy of her. “I’m (Y/n),”

“Yes, they introduced us to each other.” So, he figured he’d be stern. Giving stoic answers only. “My friend’s single he may—”

“Not me.” Miche prevented an almost failure. Lightly elbowing Erwin’s side to wish him good luck before walking off to the elevators.

“I’d be delighted to, but—”

She cringed at herself for making him visibly comfortable. And hoped that Levi would have the decency to thank her when they ever get married as she shit him a wink. Placing the menu for a cafe she planned to go. “Then I can guarantee you such a wonderful time, Erwin.”

“We should get married on Christmas.” In his head Miche believed that it was a the perfect idea. He moved to this country because of a company transfer with Erwin and not even a month, he got married. It’d be the most spontaneous thing he’s ever done— the first was deciding he’d buy time for the cadets to spread out and ended up being devoured. Her attention was on Erwin. “You’re beautiful—”

“Na!” She caught his hand in a strong grip when he reached out to hold her. “Not now—” eyebrows furrowed as she scanned the area, (Y/n) only sat down when she deemed their place hidden away enough. “It’s Levi’s actual birthday. Don’t wanna share our anniversary with him.”

“What do we do now?”

“Watch.”

“Sure is boring, huh.”

Going out for the sake of his social life had a pencil mark going through it ever since he moved in with (Y/n), being public with his relationship and automatically be getting back on his feet as if he wasn’t affected by it all was too much. Putting up a front with her already drained him too much energy. In all honesty though, in those four months, he never felt anything.

Nothing.

All that his body knew was when the sun was up he would be a human-robot. At night, the pain came in. One that called for him to wash away while sitting on the floor of her spare bathroom, staring at the wall as if it would form the face of the Commander he loved.

He knew he loved the person because he didn’t cry for Zeke having his way with his body. Levi cried because he felt as though being with Zeke was an illicit affair.

A flower-shaped pillow landed at his feet. “Please!”

“You can go alone.” He spat, content with just lounging by the window to read in peace. “Are you trying to get me out on a date?”

“Maybe.”

“No.”

“Fine.” She huffed, stomping hard that her slippers made the noises he hated. Came back from the kitchen with the chinese paper calendar with the fly swatter doubling as her back scratcher pointed at his birth month. “It’s the first week of December. Let’s do something together?”

“Sure.”

“Really”

“I already said yes—” “I’m glad you said ‘yes’ I booked a table at this cafe. Said they were high-tech and . . . And, they don’t talk to you. At all. Yes, I made a reservation before I asked you.”

“You bitch.”

“Always.”

For the first time in a while, he put the effort into what to wear. Sleeves rolled to his forearms, hair combed back and wearing a perfume that wouldn’t remind him anything of Zeke. Even if it meant throwing those precious bottles away. He was ready to—“You can’t drink your feelings away in a cafe, right?”

“Heart palpitations. That’s all you get there.” She turned her engine off, coming back up with a look of confusion. “Why would you ask me that?”

“Doesn’t matter,” he stepped out of the car, immediately hit with the cool breeze on his nape.

Together they walked in silence on the sidewalk. Until she stopped to read the message on her phone. “Listen, Lev-lev. You go in.” And thrust the crumpled reservation details in his shirt’s pocket. ”Reservation’s on the paper.”

“What’re you doing?”

“Co-worker’s in the area, needs to give me something important.” Well, he could go in and ask the ingredients, Order something for her.

Table 14.

That table was theirs. “Excuse me.” He leaned face level to him to the blonde crouched on his phone. Bored. Not that Levi hated blondes because of Zeke. However, he was the sole reason why he viewed them as walking red flags.

From using his phone without ever looking up to kill the time, Erwin snapped his head up quick enough to see stars afloat in his view. Levi somehow being in the centre of it all, the aloof stare he had somehow being more captivating than (Y/n)’s coyish feigned look. “I’m sorry,” he stood up, looking round for (Y/n). It was his only option, he would’ve called her had she given her contact details. Uncertainty growing in his tone as the receipt was shown. “I have a date.”

He began patting his pants, wanting nothing else but to leave quickly. “I’m sorry, must’ve been the wrong cafe. But I met this woman and said she’d take me around the area—” Levi immediately knew. Pulled his phone out and opened to the only decent picture he has of her. All the other ones were selfies he’ll use to blackmail her. One day. “That’s her. Do you know her?”

It was perfectly in time when (Y/n) sent, “It’s a blind date, love you lots lev-lev. He thought that it was me showing up, but hi erwin. Have fun” from where she hid with Miche, happily eating her salad, knowing full well that it was Erwin who read it before Levi did.

“You should read what your friend sent you.” One, Erwin was impressed with (Y/n). Knowing what tactic to use on him. Guessed his type. Two, and he wished she came forward with the idea of a blind date. He would’ve dressed nicer.

Used his leather shoes, still sitting in a box somewhere. Following Levi, Erwin found himself sitting down again. This time with his full attention. “Levi Ackerman.”

“Your name has a familiar sound to it.”

“Sort of a celebrity.”

“Erwin Smith.” He didn’t need to look at the menu and placed an order for iced coffee.

“He drinks that much?” Asked (Y/n) concerned. “You don’t stop him, do you?”

“Suffers from withdrawal. Let’s go.” Miche stood up discreetly, pointing at the other exit.

“Where to?”

“On our own date.”

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