warhead

by dawn1520

Summary:

“It must've been where the Scouts kept their spare cloaks, because it was littered in seas of green linen. A bit eerie- having to stare at all these wings of freedom while the very monster they swore to kill devoured me.”

 

One fateful night… Captain Levi is sent back into the perilous Underground to retrieve a new recruit: an infamous criminal known throughout the shadows. Little does he know, this meeting will change everything behind and beyond the Walls forever.

Notes:

just two hot baddies who hate eachother

Chapter 1: the lift

Why is it that I'm always about to get my shit wrecked? Maybe I'm not as clever as I think.

…Like I'd ever admit it, though.

These were the last thoughts clinging to my stupid brain as I crashed into a stack of boxes, tumbling into the dirt with a loud groan. Footsteps were close behind. I rolled behind one of boxes just as a dagger buried itself in the soil a second later.

"Maybe next time!" I yell in ragged breaths, a smile involuntarily tugging on my lips.

Another knife slammed into the top of the box I was behind. There was a sharp pain in my side, maybe a bruised rib. Grimacing, I quickly grabbed my ODM gun and began to fiddle with it. 

"Come here you thieving little bitch!" growled a large man as he rounded the box with more hired goons.

I gave them a grin and held up the gun. "Sorry, but I have plans. Your money won't spend itself!” As they lunged, I pulled the trigger and shot up into the air. I veered sharply left, disappearing behind a taller building, their line of sight broken as daggers and throwing stars sliced through the air, whistling past.

Though I could hear the furious shouts of men who’d just been screwed, I held back my giddiness until I knew I was in the clear. Racing past buildings and rooftops, I vaulted through windows, leaping out the other side, latching lines at the last moment and sharply shifting direction.

When you’re stealing 500 times the yearly salary in the Underground from a group of powerful, gang-connected merchants, stealth and caution are necessity if you want to make it out alive. As dim as they are, mess with their money, and there will be nowhere in the Underground where your face is safe.

I finally reached the tunnels on the edge of town, dimly-lit by scattered lamps guiding the way into the maze. After a quick glance over my shoulder, I dashed into the nearest tunnel, hood up. The urge to check the bag of money tied to my belt gnawed at me, but I resisted. Silent and swift, I moved through the tunnels, never slowing or giving myself a moment to think.

As I reached the darker tunnels, I felt along the wall for a string buried in the dirt. I had placed it at belly button height so only I could find the tiny lifeline down here.

I occasionally kept feeling the wall as I sprinted, not daring to light a lamp. From coming down this way for so many years, I placed boxes and barrels in certain positions that I could maneuver around in the dark from muscle memory.

It was hard to be stealthy with clanky metal ODM gear attached to your body.  I had modified mine to never make a sound with padding and extra straps. Control what you can, I always silently told myself. Because everything you can't will not hesitate to shit on your face.

Just as I thought my chest was going to explode from the pain, I broke through an archway into a huge open cavern. I smiled up to the blue sky in the large hole meters above me and let out a loud WHOOP- I had fucking made it.

The biggest, riskiest lift of my life pulled off with little to no complications.

I started to unstrap the ODM gear as I made my way across the clearing to an outcropping of rocks along the wall. I had a tent set up to where you couldn't see it looking down from the hole or from any of the entrances in the tunnels. I had blocked off every tunnel leading to the clearing besides the one I memorized. Even though people rarely made it this deep into the system, I didn't want to risk the exposure.

I slowly undressed, taking off my black hooded cloak and laying it on my cot. Since I was finally safe, a grin spreading across my whole face stayed plastered on as I took my hair out of my bun. I set my black boots on the ground and undid my corset. I didn't take my eyes off of the bag the entire time.

Nothing was more sensual than a big ass bag of cash just laying on your bed waiting to be counted.

I unstrapped the row of daggers and stars on my thighs and set them on a rock with a layout of all my weapons. Arm and wrist knives came next, along with the ones twisted in my hair. You never know where your hands will be in a fight, so having something sharp at every angle was the easiest defense in life or death. I had to be careful as I set some of them down, since I had laced a few with homemade paralyzers.

In just my underwear, I finally sat down on the bed and dumped the bag all over it. I hummed happily as I began to make stacks. This job had been months of planning, training and hours and hours of watching these dumb blokes.

I had overheard one of the goons gabbing about a huge deal they had with the Scouts above ground over some supplies for the military. I’d been on a rooftop watching one of the biggest merchant crime bosses in the Underground named Slaker, waiting for the type of bait the loud mouth was serving up to me on a platter. After that, I increased my recons, sometimes doing it for days on end to get the exact details of their plan down. Then I went to work on mine, trying to make the most risk-free layout I could.

Of course, there were a few fuckups along the way. But honestly, with something as crazy as this, not as many as I had expected. The plan was simple. From hours of countless eavesdropping, I got the exact course the carriage of the boss would be going after the transaction.

I wanted no interaction until after the deal had been made, because not only would I have Slaker's men after me, but the military as well. And as skilled as I was with ODM gear, I also knew they were trained and had some people with them I didn't quite have the energy to mess with.

So, as the probably ecstatic Mr. Slaker bumps his way back to his lair, he would be passing the sex work part of town. I knew the men with him would be on high alert, so I couldn't take the carriage by force. Too many men, and I had a very short window of time because if his gang thinks something is wrong, half of them would swarm me before I could get my money.

Instead, I went to the streets with my face out and hood down.

I had only a corset and a skirt on underneath, and I wrapped my cloak around my shoulders as I waited on the street. The sex workers along the road waiting for travelers looked torn, scarred, and had haunted lines in their eyes. As sad and gut wrenching as that was, I knew a fresh, young body on these streets were in high demand. I just needed to look good enough for them to stop.

My plan in the beginning had worked a little too good. The carriage did stop, and the sneering grins of grubby men could be seen from the drivers and the guards outside. A curtain moved at the window and I heard a loud bellow come from it.

"Send that little minx to me.”

Men swarmed me and weren't shy to put their hands all over as they pushed me towards the steps. "What's a pretty thing like you doing out here baby?" one of them sickeningly growled in my ear.

I kept a cheeky smile on my face, looking up at all of them with sultry eyes. I licked my rouge-painted lips and gave them a wink.

"Easy gentlemen, you'll get your turn." Leers and whistles came back as a response while one kept his hand on my ass until the door swung open.

A red-faced, huge man with black slicked-back hair and a mustache stood at the entrance. How this troll of a man was one of the most feared bosses in the Under City, I'd never know.

He had a bottle in one hand and a wad of cash in the other as his bloodshot eyes looked me up in down. His many gold, jeweled rings shone out at me, my eyes flickering at the reflection. Slaker let out a loud burp and gave me a crooked grin.

"Well get your fine ass in here, woman! You're a lucky one, you're looking at the richest man in the Under City."

For now, I thought as I gave him a sly smile and grabbed his meaty hand.

As soon as the door was shut, Slaker's wet lips were all over me. I just let out a lilting laugh, loud enough for the boys to think we were having a good time. As the carriage lurched off to a start, he grabbed me by the waist and threw me on his lap roughly.

"Mmmm," he grunted as his paws raked all over my body. I just straddled him and internally reminded myself of how great the reward would be. This brute would learn soon enough, I wasn't just a pretty face.

"If you're a good slut and listen, I may buy you for the whole night."

I started kissing his neck and running my fingers through his greasy hair. "Oh, I'll be good." I whisper into his ear as one of my hands slides up to my bun. Slaker is too preoccupied groping my breasts to realize what I'm doing, and before he knows it, there's a nick on his neck. His lips pop open in surprise as I give him a wicked smile.

"You b-" before he could finish, his eyes rolled up into the back of his head and he slumped onto the seat.

"Oh baby," I clucked as I got up off of him. "You wouldn't be able to afford one night, trust me."

I didn't waste any time. The longer I took, the more risk I had of someone checking on their boss.

I bent down on the ground and felt along the floor for a certain crooked nail. When I found it, I ripped it out of the board and lifted a section of the floor out of the carriage. I gave a soft smile to my lovelies laid below me.

The night before, I broke into this carriage at his base. It was difficult, but I managed to set all my weapons and ODM gear safely under the floor.

The carriage rumbled along, and when it hit a huge bump, I let out a loud squeal as I loaded all my gear onto me. That way they still thought we were fooling around. After I was completely loaded, I grabbed the set of keys attached to poor Mr. Slaker and used them to unlock a box sitting on the other seat.

"Hello gorgeous," I gasped at the big bag of cash in the trunk. Once it was on me, I faced the door and took a deep breath.

As I was about to kick the door open, I paused. I looked back at the feared crime boss sleeping like a baby and an evil grin spread. Moments later, I was packing the man’s clothes under the floorboard and put the nail back in. I turned and chuckled at my handiwork. The burly gangster was in just his knickers, head lolled to the side as snores erupted from his nose.

Resuming after my little detour, I squared myself at the door and kicked it open. I didn't give the men time to react as I attached a line to the nearest building, leaned back and let it shoot me straight up to the roof.

Even though I had practiced this move many times for this exact day, I still screwed the landing. A weird whirring came out of the gear that sounded off- maybe it’d been jostled in the carriage?? Either way, the hook didn't bed in all the way, so I was slammed against the wall of the building instead of the roof.

I let out a groan as I got all the air knocked out of me and fell about ten feet to the ground. The carriage screeched to a stop fifteen yards in front of me as men grabbed their weapons and pointed at me shouting.

"God fucking damnit," I muttered as I picked myself up, cursing my mistake. When the men barreled towards me, I took off down one of the alleys at a dead sprint. I threw boxes and barrels behind me as I ran, and narrowly dodging sharp objects thrown at my head.

"You stole from the wrong people, you filthy rat!" one of them yelled down the alley to me. Without looking, I turned and threw a dagger at the voice. I kept running as I heard a groan and a thump.

I heard multiple bodies running at me from different alleys, and I chose one at random as I tried to grapple to another rooftop. That's when I flew through the air and fell into the stack of boxes, just as I realized I had jammed the fucking gear even worse from my fall off the carriage.

If I hadn't had fixed it just in time earlier, I would've been a goner. Tonight had been too close to comfort for me, but at least it was the last lift I would ever have to do again.

I relived the night in my head as I sat counting the bills under the nights’ watchful stars. I finally finished and took a scoot back to gaze at my stacks. I recounted it. And again. Then my hands began to shake. 

"Holy shit- I fucking did it. I'm leaving here for good," I whispered to myself alone in that cave, not believing what my own eyes were seeing.

I was fucking rich.

Chapter 2: caught

After hiding my bank-load of cash behind a rock, I stepped into the waterfall at the edge of the pit to wash off the day. Tilting my head back, I let the water cascade over me, bathed in the glow of the moon. Dark streaks ran down my face and body the more I rinsed my hair.

With months of having black hair for this job, I felt a small twang of sadness as I watched the soot I had mixed with water come out. The black had been kind of a badass look, and I liked it with my deep brown eyes. Made me feel more dangerous, mysterious.

My blonde started peeking through, and I didn't stop scrubbing until it finally shone its old golden color.  I stared at the moon, my only friend, while I did this. Tomorrow I'd be gone from this dirt-ridden hell, finally free.

Originally, I planned to escape the city as soon as I found my cave, the only known opening to the surface. It had been over a year since I’d stolen the ODM gear, so I was confident I could scale to the top whenever I needed. So, I started conducting small recon missions above, so I'd be prepared when the time came to finally leave.

It was nothing like I had ever imagined.

Being born without ever seeing the sky and only hearing stories about it, nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. Unlike the grimy dirt roof of the expansive cavern the city sat under, the sky moved and bended on its own like a living creature. Not a single day or time looked the exact same.

I remember just spending hours in the sunlight staring up at the clouds as they drifted lazily above. How birds flew so freely in the sky blew me away. They can go anywhere. Their possibilities are endless. The opening led to one issue though- I started to notice my skin would get darker as I sat in the sun.

At first, it hurt to touch and looked pink and raw. I made a salve from some mud and leaves to put over it, and in time the red had set into a deep tannish look. In the Underground, everyone was a sickly pale. Growing up without sun led to a number of health issues, depression, and lethargy.

It was like I had suddenly found a battery for my entire being. I knew this was something I had missed out on that was important to grow, and I began to feel more alive as the days grew on. I woke up with the sun, another new experience, after only seeing the same lights of the city all my life. I smiled brighter, laughed louder, and my skin and health started to improve over time.

The added pigment to my skin and shine to my hair did not go without notice, however, and I started to get called out to when I was on a street the same way the topsiders did. Merchants began to think I had money to spend, and the feeling of so many eyes on me freaked me out.

I began wearing my cloak no matter what with my hood up and dying my hair random colors after jobs. As one of the most annoying thieves of the Under City, yours truly couldn't afford to be a memorable face.

A few years later, after I had managed to score some good lifts, I planned a day that I would run. I spent hours gathering supplies and trying to stealthily sneak it back to my cavern. On one of my last runs, I was rummaging through some boxes in a warehouse when I started to hear the cries.

"TITANS!" someone screamed through the nearest window. "Titans broke through Wall Maria! They're storming the streets!"

Terror flashed through me and I ducked down behind a box to collect my thoughts. Titans? Inside the fucking Walls?  

This was bad, this was really, really fucking bad. For over a hundred years, the Walls have stood as a testament against the Titans constantly trying to swarm the cities and eat innocent people. Not one, in the history of ever, has forced through one of our three main walls. 

I took in the chaos– the frantic screams as people stampeded through the streets. For once, the Underground was the place to be. Titans can’t move well down here, making them easier to kill. It’s the only reason the Under City even stands. My whole life, there’ve been whispers that this city was built as a refuge for the wealthy above, a haven for when disaster like this struck. Since it never happened, the space became a city for outcasts, criminals, and the unwanted of humanity. 

My hands shook as I put supplies in my bag and prepared myself to get to the rooftop. There was no way in all this clamor would I be able to walk safely back to my cave.

So, I had to fly.

As I climbed to the roof, images of Titans filled my mind. The only glimpses I’d ever had of them were the crude sketches in the old books from the orphanage library.

Even as a child, the look on their monstrous faces as they devoured people shook me for years. Their faces stretched tight with wide smiles. The only other predator I knew of that killed with a grin. And now those monsters were here, right above my head, wreaking havoc.

I swung through the rooftops over the crowds of people. I am usually more careful about who sees me, but I knew in this mess the last thing these people were worried about was me zipping overhead. Still, I strayed from the markets as I looked down and saw what looked all of the city in a panicked uproar. Once I got back to my cave, I just sat and shook in the darkness. 

How was I supposed to leave now? Into this insane nightmare? I knew Scouts took these monsters down with the same ODM gear I donned, but the thought of having to use it on a ten-meter-tall pound of flesh trying to kill me sounded a lot worse than running from some thugs.

 

That was a year ago.

 

I had to scrap my entire plan of escaping into the woods to live out my days. Instead, I came up with a new idea: to gather as much money as possible and flee to the safety of the Interior, far from the now very real threat.

Thousands had died that day and not a single person remained the same after. People clamored to the Underground in troves, holing themselves up in bars and whorehouses to distract themselves from their impending mortality.

There wasn't all bad luck, though. Since the number of people wanting to leave the Under City started to decline, the Stairway Tax finally decreased its insane price for the first time in twenty years. Kids ran around the streets with smiling pink cheeks and flowers clutched in their tiny hands. Merchants laughed more as they suddenly had a huge boom in business, since the metal used in the blades of ODM gear could only be mined in the Underground.

This good fortune proved to be beneficial to me, as I found the huge lift by chance and decided that would be my final ticket out of here.

I finished cleaning up and glanced at my reflection in the pool. My tanned face stared back, and I made a face at it. As much as I wanted to grab the money and run tonight, there was one last thing I had to take care of. I slipped into a dark green corset and skirt, lacing up my heavy black boots.

I knew Slaker’s gang- and likely others he’d hired- would be swarming the streets, hunting for me. Not only had I stolen from them, but I humiliated their leader, leaving him pantsless and drooling in his fancy carriage. And I’d done it all while dressed as a hooker. They’d want blood for that. I chuckled at the memory and smeared white dirt across my face, rubbing it in.

Even though my hair would be different, my skin isn't normal for someone from here. I'd be noticeable. I restrapped all my weapons and ODM gear then grabbed one last thing. Shoving the wad of cash into my corset, I threw my hood up and started back down the tunnels. 

When I reached the tunnel entrance, I paused at the ridge, scanning the city below. Vigilance was key tonight. Fortunately, my target lay in one of the city’s darker corners, making it harder to spot me as I moved. I aimed for the nearest rooftop, fired the gun, and took a deep breath.

The moon is expecting you. I told myself. Can't leave her waiting for too long. With that, I took a step off the ridge and shot off into the night.

It didn't take me long to reach the orphanage. Since I had taken this path many times to visit some of the girls, it was like second nature to me as I swung, released over and over until I was standing on a rooftop directly next to the building. I ducked below the ledge and looked into the windows.

Anya was reading by candlelight, her little lips moving as her finger ran over the words. I squinted and saw that it was my old copy of the Love Amongst the Flames. I smile tugged at my lips as I thought, aren't you a little young for the steamy romance, kid?

Anya was just a toddler when I ran from the orphanage over five years ago, but we had an instant bond. As soon as I saw her holding Mr. Thomas's hand, face wet from crying, asking me where her parents had gone, I just wanted to scoop her up in my arms and promise everything would be okay.

I’d stolen and returned every book from Mr. Thomas’s library, one by one, until reading by candlelight became a nightly ritual for the two of us. It was how we survived the hell of that place, especially after Mr. Thomas passed away quietly one night and was replaced by a cruel, sadistic woman. Our evenings of reading turned into nights of trembling under the covers, holding each other close, as the sounds of screams and the crack of her whip echoed through the halls.

I'll protect you, I always whispered to her as she gripped my hand in the darkness.

Then one day, Anya entered our shared room with a new welt covering half of her face. Her little brown ringlets had been messed up as well, looking like she had gotten beaten down pretty terribly.

I took a washrag to her split lip and listened to her shaky cries while she explained to me how the woman had beaten her for spilling juice. I shook for a different reason, and I gave her a soft kiss on the forehead.

"Don't worry, little bean." I looked at her with rage on my face. "This ends tonight."

I tried to leave, but Anya gripped my skirt and tried dragging me back. "No no no, she'll hurt you too! It's not worth it, please!”

I gently pried her fingers off the cloth and bent down to her face while I gripped her shoulders. "The price of freedom is worth the pain. I love you so much, okay? Do not leave your room under any circumstances. Stay here until I come." Tears rolled down her face as she gave me a slow nod.

On the way out, I gripped the knife I had usually hidden in my dress. My knuckles were white around the hilt and I caught a glimpse of my reflection as I left. It was the dark eyes of someone about risk everything for those she loves.

I was suddenly thrown back into the present as my head snapped to her bedroom candle being snuffed out.

It was time.

I propelled myself to the windows ledge and caught my balance on the sill without making a sound. I looked at the alley stories below me and saw no one. I was grateful for my agility training in moments like this, a drop from this height would kill me almost instantly. The wooden ledge slid open slowly, as I tried to not wake Anya or her roommate. Pale streetlight filtered into the room, casting a soft glow across the walls. Anya’s gentle breathing reached my ears from the bed on my right.

I crouched beside her, brushing stray strands of hair from her face before placing a light kiss on her forehead. The book in her hand, its cover worn and familiar, slipped free with ease. Holding it for a moment, guilt tugged at me– I whispered silent apologies, knowing she’d miss it by morning. She’d get it back someday. In its place, I tucked a small, dark green bag beneath her pillow, as softly as I could.

As I stood to leave, my eyes lingered on her peaceful face, her brown hair scattered in wild tangles. A flood of memories swelled in my chest– endless battles with her knotted hair, trying to tame it just enough to avoid the caretakers’ wrath. I always gave up, twisting it into a tight bun, and now, leaving her was so much harder than I thought.

Can I just wear a bloody hat?  she’d protest, pulling against my hands as I would cackle.

Like me, she was a fighter. Her flame was harder to burn out. She'd grown into my sister over the years, and my one regret is that I wouldn't be around anymore to protect her. The world was too dangerous up there now for a child like her.

She'd be better off protected with this money, and the new caretaker here was a soft soul who liked children. I'd be back once I could secure a good place in the Interior. All of this was said in the letter I set in the bag as well. My last words to her for now.

"Bye, little bean." I whispered in the dark.

 

Back on the rooftops, I wiped my face off as I flew down to a nearby alleyway. I crept along the shadows until I reached a small home with no lights on. Most people, especially in the outskirts, weren't too keen on visitors since it usually meant trouble. Houses were rarely lit up in the night, unless all the curtains were drawn.

A young girl lived here I had met a year back who had a horrible sickness. After running off the bullies who had pushed her into the dirt, I helped her up and was shocked by how sickly she looked. Without loads of money, medicine was next to scare down here. Treatments were even more expensive because that required a trip aboveground.

I slunk to the window right above her bed and stayed in the shadows. A minute later, I was running off into the night and stuffing the remainder of the money in my corset. It felt like just enough for a few pints to end the night.

Part of me knew it was reckless to take this risk on the night of the lift. Even on the outskirts, Slaker's gang had reach, and their influence ran deep. If anyone spotted me in ODM gear, my cover would be blown in an instant.

I thought about this as I whizzed on the rooftops, alternating between running along them and flying off the edges. The money was itching a hole in my chest, so I decided to risk it and head towards the safer part of the outer edges. Less chance of gang-related assholes in there to spot me. 

I stashed my gear in a nearby crate and made my way down the street, cloaked as I approached a pub across the way. Lively music wafted through the windows, sparking a little extra bounce in my step. I was damn giddy. Everything was done, all of my promises kept.

I'd feel the wind and be able to constantly stare at the clouds in no time. I stretched my fingers out as I walked, almost feeling the wind tickle them.

I kept my hood up as I approached the bar. Two older men belted out drunken karaoke, laughter spilling from their lips. About fifteen patrons filled the space, mostly men, while a few barmaids weaved through the crowd. One barmaid, swatting away stray hands, made her way toward me with a warm smile.

"Hi honey, the bartender's on a smoke break." For living in the Under City, she looked great. Her mahogany hair shone in waves, and there was an actual spark in her eyes.

Most here looked dead, so it was nice see to someone with life to them. Well-manicured hands rested on her hips as she gave me another beam. "I'll grab ya something though, cutie."

"Just a pint, please." I flashed her a smile and leaned back on the barstool. Well, hey, nothing mattered tonight. I wouldn't be back here for a long time. Might as well have a good last go at it.

The evening moved like fluid after that, and I realized my cheeks ached from grinning so much. I flirted with the lovely barmaid as we shared pints, and eventually joined the older men onstage for karaoke. I swayed and belted along with their raucous shanties, spilling half of my pints down my boobs. My caution had went outside to take a drunken shit. Never did I notice a man slink through the doorway, and sit at one of the far booths. 

Never did I feel his grey eyes searing me the entire time- daggers in the dark.

Chapter 3: the boy

At some point, in a haze of kisses and joviality, all of my white mud had rubbed off of my face.

Not that I really noticed. My drunken ass was relishing in the hopefulness that finally pumped through me. In a cruel world like this one, you ride out any slice of joy you can find.

We spilled onto the street, leaning on each other, laughter and compliments bubbling between us. I seized her ruffled white shirt, pulling her into a nearby alleyway. We crashed against the cool, rough bricks, our mouths colliding in a frenzy of heavy breathing and roaming hands.

I made sure to gently guide her hands away from the few daggers and stars I had hidden around my body without notice. Didn't feel like explaining that one at the moment.

Moans escaped my mouth as she kissed down my neck. I gripped her soft hair while I fell into her warmth. Maybe I won’t go back to the cave tonight. 

But of course, it seems I cannot get everything I want. 

Shuffled footsteps broke my daze and my eyes flicked over her shoulder. A group of men smiled at us in the dark like ghoulish creatures, here to piss on my parade. The flash of metal caught my eye, and I saw the outline of a knife. The type of men who relished in the pain of others.

Great, what lovely timing, I internally groaned. I knew I was a bit too giddy, and now the universe is here to remind me of that.

I gave the gorgeous woman one last kiss and then winked. "Sorry love, but it looks like we will have to cut this short. Run inside alright? Go the long way, behind me. I'll be along soon."

She opened her mouth to protest until she saw the men behind us. Giving me one last hesitant look, she picked her skirt up and started running. One of the three men moved to follow her, but the middle, larger man grabbed him by the back of his collar. "Leave it," he growled. "I have a feeling this one's our prize."

Whether that meant prize for the gang leaders, or if I just looked like a girl they really wanted to fuck with at the moment, I didn't want to find out. I brushed myself off and wobbled a bit.

Damnit, I'm a little more drunk than I thought.

Looking up at the incoming men, I put my hands up and started to tremble.

"P-p-please," I stammered. "I'll give you my money, just please don't hurt me." In the dim light, I could make out one of them sneer at me like a wolf to a cornered rabbit.

"Don't worry baby, we aren't gonna hurt you. Not if you listen." the biggest one said. Dark chuckles were heard from the others. They circled me and I acted like I was shrinking into the brick, giving them wide, scared eyes. Just a few more steps.

My flushed face and busted-open corset helped me lure them in even quicker, and I fought off a smirk tugging at my lips. I was too drunk for this shit right now.

This is the most tossed I'd been in years, and I cursed myself once again for being so recklessly dumb. I had to time this perfect, or it would draw attention. Killing wasn't my favorite thing to do, even in the worst of predicaments. Tonight, however, wasn't a merciful night.

I was too close to fuck it up now.

Dirt stirred in the air as the knife-wielding one took a step towards me, trying to grab my arm. My eyes went from dazed and panicked to narrowed directly onto him. I flicked my wrist and a dagger flashed into it.

"Is this the only way you can get laid? Seriously? I almost pity you," I clucked.

Amid his look of surprise, I grabbed his wrist that was outstretched towards me and ripped it down, bringing his face directly onto my knife. He fell with a loud gasp and clawed at his jaw. I ducked a knife thrown at my head and threw two daggers at once, one in each hand. Blades struck both of the man's throats, blood spilling onto their shoes.

They both fell without even a shout. Some of their blood had gotten on my face and I wiped it off with a growl.

"Almost."

Nothing like a good little alley knife fight to sober you up. I gathered my knives from the bodies, wiping the dark blood off onto my sleeves. Being dirty down here reminded me that I wasn't so far from being urchin scum like them.

Looking at the bodies surrounding me, I sighed. All I wanted to do was go back to the warm arms of that pretty girl. Once again, I ask too much of the universe. I tightened my corset top and straightened my dishelved blonde bun. Not like I was doing myself much help.

Scarlet streaks ran across my clothes and arms and part of my corset string was broken for good, so the girls were trying to spill out. I wrapped my cloak around myself then headed down the alleyway into the darkest part. Thank god I’d stashed my ODM gear- I needed to get out of here as soon as possible.

The night was quiet other than the bustling bar. I still double-checked every angle to make sure no one saw me as I strapped everything back on.

I let out one last feat of laughter into the night, still defying my bad luck. This was about to be a rough journey back to the cave. I could already feel my dinner wanting to climb up my throat. I repelled myself straight up and the world seemed to go upside down for a second.

I tumbled onto a nearby roof as I tried to steady myself. There wasn't time to fuck this up, all I had to do was make it back to my cave and I was good.

I smacked myself once, then twice. "Get yourshit together.” Even my words were muddy, and I let out a snort. Let's make this one last good ride through the city.

I did flips and turns in the air as I finally got my bearings. All the years of training on these dumb little packs had really changed my life. I rarely got caught after I figured out how to maneuver well in them, and a lot of the merchants down here hadn't stood a chance.

Not that I don't still manage to fuck up, that's for sure. As I zipped back in the dark, I tried out some moves I'd been practicing. It was probably the alcohol that had me feeling too cocky after that skirmish in the alley.

I anchored the line at the farthest point down the long, empty street. With no one around at this hour, I leaned back against a rooftop and launched myself down feet first. Just before I reached the street's end, I shot straight up, bursting through the clock tower. I flipped off the ledge and connected the line further down, swinging out into the night. Involuntary giggles spilled from my lips as the thrill carried me away.

Maybe I forgot to check behind me more. Or that I just wanted one more reckless night in the Under City before living around military in the Interior. Whichever the case, I was being followed.

And for once, I didn't notice.

I reached the tunnels entrance with a roll. Turning, I took one last look at the city I grew up in. Even though this place was a shit hole, a pang of sadness hit my heart. The lack of supervision down here hadn't led to all chaos and tragedy. It allowed others like me to have a fighting chance when the playing field was off since the moment you were born.

The city bred strength out of necessity. I just prayed it would kept its silver claws away from Anya, and all the girls who just wanted a better life down there. I took one last look at the dark rooftops and brick houses then headed into the tunnels.

I wanted to hum as I crept down in the darkness, feeling along my lucky string. Risking it wasn't worth it, and now in the tunnels, I was done with my shit until I saw the moon. Everything I felt like doing with the alcohol could wait. As I was lost in thought, I could have swore I heard a brief clink in the darkness. My feet slowed for a second, and I waited.

It was probably my drunk ass bumping into something, I scolded myself. A few minutes later, I made it to my clearing.

"Hellooo gorgeous!" I howled to the moon. I threw my gloved hands up and basked in her glow. A grin split my face as one by one I took off my gloves. As I did, I swayed to music only I could hear.

I did it, I pulled it all off. "Let's drink more ale, shall we?"

I undid the laces on my sleeves next, finally humming as I glided. I made my way over to the weapons shelf and laid all of mine out. I then got on one knee and undid my shoes and all my leg straps. The air coming from the opening was cool on my skin, leaving small goosebumps down my arms.

That's when I heard it.

The slightest scuff of a footstep, almost unnoticeable. My swaying didn't stop, but I steeled myself. How the bloody hell did someone get down here- how did they follow me unnoticed?

I kept up my drunken dancing as if nothing was wrong. I also continued to strip. I got my corset off in slow, messy moves. All the while turning my head ever so slightly towards the tunnels entrance. If someone had followed me all the way here, they had to be very skilled. I knew this place like the back of my hand, and drunk or not, I was pretty damn hard to follow.

I wasn't dealing with your typical goon. I didn't stop the drunken stripping until I was down in my knickers. Only my hums and the rush of water could be heard in the expansive cave. My heartbeat stayed the same.

Then, I let out of low laugh. "Lingering in the dark for a show? Or do you just want me defenseless, hmm?" the last thing I had left was my hair. "Sorry to disappoint."

In a flash, I reached up into my bun, snatched a dagger, and flung it in the direction of the sound.

One second of pure silence fell after I threw it, and I let out a deep breath. The quiet was interrupted by shots firing in the dark as lines from ODM gear attached to the cave above my head. Shooting out of the dark like a rocket, a man emerged feet first- aimed right at me.

I moved out of the way just before his feet reached my stunned face. He was fast. I tumbled on the rocks and sprang up, reaching for my gear on the table. The man recovered fast and threw a lightning-quick kick to my abdomen.

Air rushed out of me as I took a step back and gasped for breath. I snarled and began throwing punches and swings as I held a dagger on the end of my fist. I never got a good look at his face, I was too busy trying to kill it, but I was surprised at how short he was. Just an inch or two taller than me, this little dude is really trying me right now?

He ducked and deflected many of my blows, but I managed to land a few slices as he neglected his defense. Despite that, his speed was extraordinary. No one in the Underground fought like this; his style mirrored mine– an acrobat wielding their entire body as a weapon.

Is this what it's like to fight me? I cheekily thought. I feel sorry for the buggers. But I grew to learn something very quick. As he threw massive power behind a kick aimed at my head, I blocked it with my forearm and grunted.

He was better.

I flipped behind me and threw the dagger at him with a yell. It pierced his leg in a squirt of blood. All I heard from him was a low growl. Then he rushed towards me, faster than I could outmaneuver. He kicked my legs and I fell back, then he threw himself on top of me, holding up my fists above my head.

A cold, snarled gaze towered over me. The eyes of a killer who rarely got angry. I was annoying him. I jumped with more surprise when I realized he wasn't much older than me. A pale, sculpted face shone in the moonlight as black locks fell and traced his deep jawline.

He had an undercut that was styled and was dressed in all black, even his ODM gear. Who the hell was this dude? Anger flashed in his grey eyes along with something else. Questions.

I gave him a narrowed, equally annoyed glare. "Look, pretty boy. I'd love to play with you, but I have places to be right now."

He grabbed my head and slammed it back down on the rock with a grunt. "Where did you learn to fight like this?" he spat.

I spit blood at his face. "Monk in the tunnels. Real wise." I winked at him. "Might tell you your fortune if you're a good boy."

"You insolent fucking brat!" He wiped away the blood from his face and I took my opening. I brought my leg up and threw him off of me.

Unfortunately for me, the dagger lay closest to him. He glanced at me again, his pale eyes gleaming in the moonlight, before kicking it toward my face. I blocked the attack with my forearm, but he seized the distraction to grab another knife off the weapons table and throw that as well. Both blades sliced into my arms, and I inhaled sharply from the pain. The sting felt wrong, then I realized my mistake too late.

I dropped to the ground. Bloody hell. He had grabbed a paralyzing dagger. All I heard were footsteps as he stood over me and bent down. I saw his face in my line of sight as my chest heaved, the only thing able to move. Was he going to kill me? Rob me? Worse? I realized how shit my odds were right now. Practically naked and very drunk, weaponless in my own home. Great, so great.

I stared into those gray orbs as he leaned down and whispered, "I'll find it all out soon enough. First time someone's gave me a good fight in ages. It'll be the last time too. Scum."

He stood back up and went to the center of the cave. I watched as a green light shot up into the darkness, illuminating my entire cave. The last thing I saw before a bag got placed over my head was a group of people appearing on the edge of the clearing, looking down at us as silhouettes. I was so fucked.

"Knock her out, Levi!" I heard a man with a booming voice yell from above.

The voice of the man I had just fought came from beside me. "Yes sir." and then there was nothing.

Chapter 4: scouts

The sharp sting of a smelling salt pierced through my consciousness, and I awoke from a black, dreamless sleep. 

I had never been under one of my paralyzers before, and by how my head felt along with a bruise on the side of my cheek, I probably had a mild concussion. Throw in being tied up in what looked like a dungeon with a whole hangover on top of it, and I would have rather taken my chances outside of the Wall. 

Metal creaked loudly as the cell door swung shut by whoever woke me. I slowly raised my head and looked at three pairs of eyes staring intensely at me. 

I blew some of my gold hair out of the way and began searching for a way out. Rope dug into my wrists as I realized I was tied to a chair. I pulled at it with a groan. 

Oh my god fuuuuuck, I panicked as I struggled more. Where am I? My money! 

All of my reserve flew out of the window. I was defenseless, still barely dressed, and pretty banged up. It's not like I haven't been in bad situations like this before. But this one seemed different, more strategic. Like they knew who they were dealing with, and most people didn't. It was how I got the drop on a lot of cocky idiots.

 Now I'm the cocky idiot, caught in a trap. 

"These cells were built to keep Titans. It can withstand you." one of the three said. His face was in the dark, but I could tell he was muscular and held himself the utmost erect like he was giving a speech with every word. 

How was I gonna play this? I just needed that money and I need to get out of here. And then I am never drinking again. 

I winked up at them. "Give me some credit, I'm at least smarter than a bloody Titan."

I guess I'll stall until I get this rope undone. While I stall, I can try and find out where the money is. Then I'll just get one of them close to me, and blam. Get my shit back. 

Wasn't really the most reliable of plans. I had no idea where I was, and these three seemed to be important figures in whatever group they're in. This wouldn't be easy. 

One on the left sighed. "Barely." Their tone was bored, and flat. Like he had anywhere else to be than here. 

My eyes narrowed over at the direction. I recognized that voice. This asshole is the one who ruined my great night, kidnapped me, and kicked me in the bloody head. Oh, I'd very much like a chat with him. How the hell did he follow me with ODM gear on? And what type of psycho tornado-style of fighting was that? 

"Levi, is it?" I gave him a dark smile. "Sneaking up on a drunk, naked and defenseless woman? You have some bad manners. Next time you should only hope you're that lucky."

It didn't get a big enough reaction like I’d hoped, but I smiled a little at his fists clenching, as he obviously restrained himself from stepping forward. The third persons’ face jumped to the front of the bars in a grin that only could be described as slightly deranged. 

Her eyes inspected me like she wanted me dissected behind a big pair of glasses. "Ooh Erwin, I like this one!" 

The entire time, I never stopped sawing at my rope with my finger. Just needed to buy time, and some good luck that I felt was a little owed. 

"From what I heard, you're not defenseless. So you can go ahead and cut the act. We aren't here to play games, we're here to get some answers. Your responses will decide your future, both inside and outside the Walls." Erwin.

The threat was very apparent. Either cooperate, or get thrown to the Titans who were currently rampaging South of the outer walls. The thought almost stopped my sawing. Almost. 

Because it was a bluff. 

"That's not very honorable, coming from a leader of the Scouts. Do you torture all your prisoners with the very monsters your sworn to kill?" I just had to get one of them close to me. The Scout thing had just been a guess, but based off of their green cloaks, it wasn't too much of a long-shot. 

The glasses one let out a cackling laugh and gripped the bars. Her wide smile never wavered.

"I told you; you're making a terrible mistake on her. This one's not worth the trouble." Levi.

Erwin's stare, however, never broke. His look was not unlike the woman's. I knew I was worth something to them, maybe something I could barter for my freedom. Or if all else fails, try to fight my way out. I tried to ignore how upset I felt at not being free of this violent life like I thought so ignorantly last night.

As if something as big as what I did wouldn't cause waves in the structure of things. Attention from multiple sides was a terrible enemy I didn't want to face. I should've done smaller lifts and just saved up. 

I snapped back to the present and shot my eyes up to the three. I can scold myself later. 

"Well, I guess that means you can say sorry for mussing up my place, and give me back my things. He's sadly very right, I will not be a great help to you all, whatever it is you may need. I'm quite incompetent, a foolish drunk. I just get a few good nicks in time to time."  

I didn't want to know what the Scouts wanted with me. Titans were not something I was ever going to encounter on my short little life here. No amount of crazy military dogs was going to change that. 

"Your things? You mean your stolen ODM gear? Or illegally made weapons?" Erwin baited. "Or stolen cash tucked away in your hideout?"

My finger stopped moving. "Where.. is my money?" 

My face got so hot I thought I was going to set the chair on fire. 

The money I spent all year planning to steal.

The money I left Anya and the girl to protect them. 

The whole reason for all of this shit. 

"In exchange for your life, we gave it all back to the party you stole it from. Well, not all of it." Erwin stated. He crossed his huge arms. "That's what you're going to tell us. There's a large amount of money unaccounted for. This is where your dice will be rolled. Either you tell us where the rest of the money is, and you get a second chance..."

My eyes flicked to Levi who was still perched on the wall. Hold on. So, he wasn't following me the entire night? If he was, he certainly would've seen me drop off a large sum of cash to two different locations. Any smart soldier would have realized that and reported it. 

Or what if he was following me the entire night and chose not to say where I put the money? But why? How would that make sense, he would gain nothing from this.

Unless he wanted to blackmail me. I have the feeling that if he saw me drop off the money, he knows I won't cave on the location. I bet he'd be counting on it. 

"And if you don't tell us where the rest of the money is, then we have other ways you can pay it back. You're legally in the custody of the military scouts now for multiple counts of robbery, murder, the list goes on.”

“Or that means we can make you serve five years in the Survey Corps to pay back the money. It's your choice to make." So, they all were betting on me refusing his offer, and forcing me to enlist. 

Devastation shot my heart and I felt tears slightly prick my eyes. Over the years of fighting, a lesson I've had to learn is know when you've been bested. It wasn't a feeling I felt often, but right now it hung over my head like a cloud. 

There was nothing I could do, it seems. There's no way I'll ever give up where the money went to, because at least if I can't have my dream, I'll survive a little easier knowing they get a chance at theirs. These losers can torture me all they want; on that I'd never budge. 

Every fiber in me was screaming to fight and run. My fingers itched to keep cutting away, I was so close to breaking the rope.

But what if he had followed me all that time? As soon as I run, he'll just divulge where the money went to. There was no way he didn't mention that bit of information for a reason, and from fighting this short demon, I had to admit he was clever. 

It looks like, for once, I didn't have a play. 

I hung my head and sighed. I'm tired, I just wanted to rest for once. I wanted to be completely done. I'll kill all of them, at some point or another, then go to sleep for years in the comfiest of beds. Apocalypse or not, by the damn gods I would rest soon. 

"Wow,” I spat with barely-contained hatred. "Is this really how desperate your military has become? Kidnapping people and forcing them to join you?" 

Five years. Five years of your life or the girls suffer while you rot in a cell for the rest of theirs. "Why bother me with this? What if I refuse all of it, give you nothing?"

I squinted against the shine of her glasses as she giggled, "You're a special case, we don't usually go through all this trouble for a human. You are, aren't you? Would I be able to take a small blood sample-"

"Hange," Erwin boomed, and stepped forward to the bars. "Enough." He bent forward and looked me straight in the eyes. He was a chiseled, handsome older man, who had all sorts of badges and important-looking cloth on his pressed uniform. Blond waves of hair were stylishly cut and slicked back. This man embodied confident leadership. 

"You want us to think you're a useless drunk. Well, if that is the path you choose to take, then we have no use for a weak addition to our regiment and our next course of action will be throwing you in a permanent cell. You're still a criminal after all." he smirked, knowing he beat me. 

"Five years of your life for freedom. I suggest you think hard about this, I won't wait long for an answer. Take the night to think it over." He started to push himself off of the bars. 

"Wait!" I lurched my head forward. "You didn't answer my question. Why a thief from the Underground to help you kill Titans? Isn't that why you have recruits, and Scouts? I know jack shit about the topside world, and even less about fighting those monsters."

Erwin smirked as he turned to me one last time on his way out, Hange and Levi waiting at the door.  "Anyone who can land a blow like that on one of the most skilled Scouts of the century is worth having on our side. I think you're the first in years. I've been very interested in your skill set since I heard of another thief from the Under City in stolen gear. Your little fight last night with the Captain just so happened to confirm my interest."

"I don't care about your Titan expertise, that you can learn. It’s whether you have the guts to commit to the decision you'll make tomorrow. Those Titans won't give you a second's hesitation out there, so neither will I." With that, he stalked out of the room with purpose.

I sat in the darkness, still tied to this ruddy chair, and stared at the wall. No matter what I chose, I wouldn't be free. Who knew if I'd even make it five years out there, fighting what we know so little about. I'm dead either way, for the sake of the girls' safety. 

I'm sorry, looks like we won't be living in the Interior as soon as I thought, bug. I silently thought. There are a few officers I have to kill first.  

As their footsteps faded, one thing circled my head in the dark. Another thief with ODM gear? I'd only heard of one, but he couldn't mean him.

  Still...

Chapter 5: walls

"Sir, I don't see this working out well." Levi scowled as he walked besides Commander Erwin. Hange scribbled in a notebook behind them and muttered to herself. 

"She's just some reckless criminal who got caught. Not a soldier we can actually use." He hated that this random woman had gotten him more riled up than he cared to admit. 

Erwin could tell, however, and gave him a knowing smile. "She wouldn't be the first Underground criminal I took a chance on. She will choose to join us come dawn. Her cause, whatever it may be, is more important to her than her own life. "

"Whether it be a noble gesture, we will find out in the coming months. If she does just turn out to be a useless thief, you have full permission to dispose of her. I don't need dirt muddying up my ranks. Keep a close eye on her, and if she tries to escape, you come to me immediately."

His scowl only deepened at Erwin's intense words. All of this faith in one street urchin who could use ODM gear? The Commander had hit a nerve, though. He was right, she wasn't the only one to steal and perfect the art of thievery with ODM gear. 

Who was this brat? 

She was his nuisance away from his life. She seemed noisy, overconfident, and unpredictable. It was bad enough he had already lied to his superior officer over her. How was he going to know this supposed ruthless killer that stole from the biggest gang in the city, was actually a girl who would set money under the pillow of a sick child while her face is wanted across the city. 

Levi was never easily surprised. That surprised him. And stealing money back from a sick kid and an eight-year-old? Not really his style. 

He figured this way, the less people who got hurt in the situation, the better.

"I'm sick of being responsible for hardheaded brats that I don't have time for. Since you're so faithful in the strength of the Underground, don't forget. People from there will stop at nothing to achieve what they want. Because they've been forced to fight since their first breath. This won't be a regular recruit." 

He wished she would just successfully run away, so he wouldn't have to deal with any more of this nonsense. It was bad enough having to run the squads he did now, he didn't want an extra whining brat in his ear. No matter how good they were at making weapons unlike he's ever seen, or shooting down streets like a weightless missile-

Stop. He told himself. 

It was rare people landed an actual shot on him and drew blood, let alone impressed him with practically anything. It was annoying. 

"You're already instructing the first years as one of the teachers, what's one more student? This one I just need you to keep a bit more of an eye on. Maybe she'll learn quick enough and become a teacher soon herself." Erwin's blue eyes shone as they did when he thought he had a great plan, one worthy of saving humanity. 

Levi stopped in the Headquarter’s hallways and crossed his arms. His ODM gear was off today, and he wore a simple white linen shirt and black pants with his Scouts cloak on. Hange continued down the way, oblivious to the argument, and probably on her way to the lab to conduct experiments. 

"You sure are putting a lot of faith in a girl who left three dead bodies in an alleyway not even half a day ago." 

Erwin just stared at Levi for a second before placing his hand on his comrade's shoulder. "You really think I don't have a plan?"

Levi raised his eyebrow, waiting to hear what crazy thing Erwin would propose next. It always seemed to shorten his lifespan every time he saw that shine in his blue eyes. I hate everything.

"You'll see tomorrow, friend. I don't think she's going to want to go anywhere after she hears what measures I will place on her freedom, for the sake of others and our fellow cadets. Risking lives isn't currency we can afford in this climate."

Erwin stormed down the hallway with a wave, and Levi just sighed at his shrinking figure. Rubbing his forehead, all he could think about was getting a cup of tea. 

What Erwin didn't seem to get, Levi angrily thought as he made his way to his office, is that if he keeps making blind gambles on all of these very dangerous additions to the field, one of them will bite back with the same strength we utilize them for. Eren Jaeger was a prime example of a reckless bet Erwin made, with something he knows too little about. 

Levi could tell as he watched this girl down three men in under five seconds, she was a killer just like him.

And that wasn't a good thing. 

He got the feeling the more we threatened and caged her, the worse the lash will be once it becomes too much. 

I'll kill this woman with my bare hands if I have to. He had to fulfill his promise to keep Erwin safe, even though he keeps making a number of decisions that make it a little harder.

As he sipped his tea, his mind flashed to other things he didn't want to see. You, dancing in that cave like something from a different planet. The ease in which you threw blades that seemed to appear out of thin air. Your heated moans rising up unapologetically into the night. 

He never thought that taking this job would turn out as interesting as it did. His cheeks involuntarily heated as he clutched the top of his mug. As ruddy thieves go, you were annoyingly, disgustingly exquisite. That was all part of your game and reminded himself of that as he stared out into the courtyard. 

He'd just get her to fail. 

That way, when Erwin realizes she's no use to them and lets her go, or throws her in jail, he'll be clean of her. And he didn't care which way it happened. As long as it was soon. Never seeing this vile woman again sounded like a blessing. 

He let out a sigh, tension unraveling after lingering since early yesterday morning. Gazing into the courtyard, as he did every night, Levi recalled Erwin’s words.

 

"I have found a valuable asset to the Scout Regime. I have a feeling you'll want to fight me in this decision, which is why I have called you here."

Levi had stood, looking uninterested and slightly annoyed at his superior. When it came to Erwin's wild gambles, Levi always ended up being the only voice of reason against the leader of the Scouts. 

"Go on."

Erwin leaned back in his chair and pulled a file out of one of the desk drawers. Laying it down in front of them, he spoke. 

"I have received word from the Under City about our deal last night. It seems there has been some complications."

Levi clenched his fist slightly. I knew I should've gone with the group overseeing the deal. All that cash, in the Underground of all places, was too risky to leave to chance. The people down there burned with a different type of hunger, a dangerous one. 

The Commander’s voice had an air of interest to it. There was something else there, as Levi caught his eyebrow twitching. Amusement. 

"As of right now, all of the money we have given Slaker's men for those shiny new toys, is gone. Stolen." 

Levi gritted his teeth and stalked forward to the edge of the desk. "All of it? How?'"

"Well, this is where it gets actually interesting." There it was, that mad smile. Levi had nightmares about that smile. 

"From this letter, it seems that it’s a thief I have been paying attention for some time now. She works with ODM gear, and seems to only harm the crooked of the city. Her motivations are unclear, but one thing is certain." Erwin’s azure eyes flash with conviction. "She is someone I want in the Scouts."

Levi's face hurt from how hard he was scowling. "Please say you're joking, Commander. Just because one thief gets decent with some gear doesn't mean they'll kill Titans for you at a beck and call. Some weapons are already carved, and hard to redirect."

"She won't have a choice. We're going to find her."

"You mean, you're going to make me find her." he pressed a hard stare into Erwin's. "Right, Commander?"

Erwin gave him a nod. "Yes. Too many Scouts will draw attention if we send them out into the city. But just one, who’s concealed and already skilled at sneaking around those streets, will have a greater chance. You're also the only one I can insure she won't kill, the girl is good but not that good."

Levi just rolled his eyes at the compliment and crossed his arms. "This is drawing a line. It's bad enough you have me watching the brat Jaeger. It's not that I don't trust myself to deal with them, I'd just like a damn break. It isn't worth the lives of my comrades."

If Erwin wasn't the best chance humanity had, Levi would have given up on his bullshit a long time ago. But this was ridiculous.  

The brute of a man stood up and challenged Levi in an expression of will. "You pledged me your sword and your loyalty, did you not? "

"Tch, I did. But not to let you risk yourself like this." Levi ran a gloved hand through his black hair. "You can't always rely on your gut, damned fool."

Erwin chuckled. They both were the only two in the Walls who would dare to speak to each other this brashly. Granted, Pyxis and Hange liked to remind the two of their places from time to time as well. 

"I'm not relying on my gut; I'm relying on you. This will be a one-person mission, and we will only come after the job is done. Make sure you're not noticed as well. This one seems to be a bit flashy for an anonymous thief, so try to not engage until you're close to the surface. We're not going to be the only people out looking for her tonight."

It pissed Levi off how it was always assumed he would comply with Erwin's order, no matter the question. If it comes between saving my squad mates, I won't hesitate. 

"Tell me what makes this one so special, Erwin." he said in a cold voice. "I haven't done a stealth mission for you in over a year."

"I think you'll find that one out soon enough. The quicker you leave, the sooner we have a head start on the other players on the field." Erwin sat back down and straightened his tan buttoned shirt, making it clear he was ending the conversation with Levi.

"I'll leave you with this. From the intel I've been collecting, your best bet is seeing her leave her hideout would be somewhere near the tunnel system." 

Levi gave him a frown-filled salute and turned to leave. 

"One more thing. From the description gathered from the men of Slaker. They had found their leader practically naked and passed out, right after calling a young girl from the red district into his carriage, " that flash of amusement sparked Erwins voice once again. 

"She had unusually tan skin for an Undergrounder and somehow managed to get all of her gear and weapons on the carriage unnoticed during the interaction."

Levi's jaw clenched as he opened the door. "Well, I see what you mean by flashy. I get the feeling this will be annoying."

Chapter 6: the recruit

Following this girl really was uniquely vexing. It seemed; he wasn't the only sneaky one. 

What a pain in the ass. It's bad enough I'm back in this dirt trap.

Levi scowled as he slunk along a rooftop behind the cloaked thief. Grime coated his gloves, and he growled as he threw them off. I should just take her out. Tell Erwin it was an angry gang, and we would have our hands clean of this nuisance. 

Sadly, that also wasn't Levi's style. 

It was even more annoying that she seemed to move unlike anybody he'd ever seen with ODM gear. She seemed to master the skill of releasing and catching in the suit without any sound whatsoever. That made it all the more irritating, because if she got out of Levi's view, she'd be a lot more difficult to catch.

He still hadn't seen her face, but he was positive she was the thief Erwin was after. 

So, this is the girl who left the Under City’s biggest crime boss naked in front of his own men? he smirked.

Even he had to admit, that took a lot of balls. That didn't make her an asset, though. Whatever Erwin wants to convince himself with is his business, but Levi knew better.  Someone that risky made a great thief, but a damn shitty soldier. 

He almost changed his mind when he realized where they were stopped at. An orphanage? Levi stayed a few rooftops back, cloaked in the shadows. When the girl jumped onto the windowsill, he slunk a bit closer to get a good view. Nimble was an understatement as he watched her tiptoe along a tiny windowsill and silently slink into the room.

He didn't quite understand what she was doing until they reached the second place. After the cloaked stranger ran off into the night after visiting another little girl, Levi decided to take a peek. Climbing up on a box, he peered inside the window and saw a wad of cash sticking out of the oblivious sleeping child's pillow. 

Are you making this intentionally annoying, you little brat? He cursed at her figure as he kept following after that. 

It wasn't until he snuck into the bar unnoticed that he got a good look at their target. If you were trying to stay hidden, you did a pretty shoddy job of it, Levi immediately thought. 

One of the brightest, most cheeky grins he'd ever seen beamed from this girl. You didn't see smiles like that in the Underground. She had a blend of tanned and pale skin, probably a concoction of makeup rubbing off her from the day. Golden hair was pulled up into a messy bun that sent wisps of curly hair down across her bare shoulders. Odd, the description said black hair. 

Golden brown eyes shone across the room as you roared with laughter and flirted unabashedly at the barmaid.  A thought entered Levi's mind before he could push it away. 

She was quite a sight to look at.

He tightened his grip on the blades in his cloak. A pretty dagger doesn't mean it doesn't cut any less deep. Levi was here for a job, and that was it. 

It was clear that as the night drug on, she was getting less and less careful and just more drunk. Honestly, she seemed too stupid to be a Scout. The night of a huge lift like this, and she's drinking pint after pint? What if a gang member shows up? 

He hid his scowl with his hood, but still glared angrily at the foolish girl. She better not make this harder than it needs to be tonight. The quicker he got a cup of tea, and out of this filthy dump, the better. 

When she stumbled out into the streets in a drunken haze with her companion, Levi ran down an alley and put his ODM gear back on. Just as he was crawling along the roof, trying to find her, he spotted a group of men walking down an alley. 

He sped up his steps until he was practically right on top the girl, whose moans could be heard clearly in the night. Levi's cheeks slightly heated and he cursed her once again. 

If you don't realize it soon, you idiot, you're going to have some trouble. If she wasn't able to subdue the threat, then Levi'd have to jump in and give his away his cover before it’s time. After seeing how quick she was with the gear, one slip up and she could disappear down those tunnels. 

Not many things scared Levi but coming to Erwin empty-handed was definitely not something he felt like doing tonight. 

He watched as she sent away the barmaid, tears streaking her face while she sprinted down the opposite way. 

"p-please don't hurt me!" he heard the thief cry to the group of thugs. He raised an eyebrow. This was her tactic? Or was she actually this frightened? He got his answer soon enough. 

If he had blinked, he would've missed a perfectly executed maneuver. His eyebrows lowered, not knowing he had raised them. 

The fuck did I just witness? He gritted his teeth as he watched her make her escape, leaving three grown men dead in the dust. Fighting her was going to be more annoying that he thought. This is all Erwin's fault. 

Thoughts danced through Levi's head as he silently flew behind her in the night. Her moves were more reckless, but no less formed and fluid like she has grown up using ODM gear. Once again, Erwin proved Levi wrong.  Imagining this kind of skill and speed on a Titan, he could see the appeal for this girl. 

She was obviously very clever, that much was clear with her skilled plans. She had been trained to be a full weapon of mind and body. Not your regular recruit. It irked him how much she reminded him of another cadet, confident in their skills. That still wasn't enough to stop tragedy. 

Sure, she was good. 

But that means nothing if it can't be used as an equally devasting weapon against the Titans. A slip up out here is a little different than one out there. Out there, it meant certain death. Titans are a little harder to sweet talk. They kill without reservation; anybody is their prey. 

Once they got to the dark tunnels, Levi for once thought he was screwed. As darkness engulfed him and he lost sight of the target, he quickly realized he couldn't hear her either. She was completely silent with full ODM gear on. Throwing up his hands, he cursed the darkness. 

There has to be some way she has a method of maneuvering down here in the dark. It would have to be something noticeable only to her, but easy to find when you can't see. Levi thought quickly and bumped into the nearby wall. Feeling along the dark with his fingertips, he let out a small breath once he found a string. 

There it is. What a clever trick. At least he still had the element of surprise on her. 

The darkness seemed to go on forever as he gently danced his way through the tunnels, weaving around boxes and crates. If his ODM gear hadn't been specially made for missions like this, he'd likely be caught. He wondered if hers was made that way too, this nameless criminal. Still, after what the Captain had seen tonight, underestimating her would be a deadly decision. 

Let's just get this over with quickly. 

A dim silver glow broke through the dark. His footsteps slowed as he heard echoes bounce off the tunnels. A low, melodic hum drifted over to him as the girl came into view. She stood at the center of a large circular cavern with an opening to the top. Perfect. The Scouts weren't far from here. I give two minutes, tops. 

His footsteps halted altogether when he actually got a look at her, bathed in moonlight with an ethereal glow alit on her skin. An expression of pure joy spread over her face as she threw her head back and let out a yell.

She must be elated, probably thinking this is her last night in the Under City. With the amount of cash that was stolen, anyone could buy a new life with that. Levi couldn't help wondering what kind of life she would buy. 

The sudden distraction had caused Levi to misstep, causing his ODM gear to just barely clink on a box. Fuck. The sound was slight, but it was impossible to know if she'd heard. 

I needed to make sure all of her weapons were off before I attacked! The less chance of shit going stupid, the better. So how the fuck did he misstep? 

Levi held his breath and grabbed his handles. She didn't look like she noticed, however, and seemed to sway in a rhythmic and drunken dance.

Before Levi knew it, she was slowly stripping in the moonlight. You've got to be kidding me. I couldn't have just gotten to take down a gang hideout, or fight a crime boss?  This was a new type of torture. Just long enough to make sure all of her weapons are off. He reminded himself.

Over in two minutes. As easy as it always is. He could do this. 

Just as he was about to let out a small sigh of relief because she finally looked unarmed, a loud laugh echoed over to him. And she spoke. 

"Lurking in the darkness for a show? Or do you just want me defenseless, hmm?" Shit, she had heard it. He saw her body start to move in the form of a throw and he jumped behind the box just as a dagger flew to his exact spot. 

Time was important right now; she definitely wasn't the type of fighter to give an opening to. He shot out of the tunnel straight at her, and she somehow managed to dodge him. Reacting wasn't something he could afford, however, and he landed a hard kick to bring her down.

The thief managed to stay standing, with a look of indignant fury on her attractive features. Her hair no longer looked like a soft glowing hearth, but embers in a swath of flames. Another dagger just appeared out of nowhere as she started trying to land blows and cuts with everything she had. 

Levi was quick to dodge most, but electric shocks of surprise stung him when he felt the slice of her cutting him. She managed to land a few blows, and suddenly this fight became something very real. This was a serious threat. 

And of course, damned Erwin wants her as a Scout. He'd deal with that maniac in just a second.

He rushed at her and brought her down in cold anger. "Where did you learn to fight like this?" Erwin was the only living thing on this planet that had managed to land a decent blow on Levi. 

Even though she was outmatched, an annoying nonchalant remark came as a response. I'll guess I'll just find out at Headquarters, he thought with pricks of annoyance as he slammed her head into the ground. 

In the minutes after, as the mysterious woman was subdued and his comrades surrounded in, Levi's head couldn't focus on a single thing. Usually so clear-headed and calm, he found none of this to his liking. Leave it to fucking Erwin to drop another bombshell on him. Just like Eren becoming the first documented human able to transform into Titan, this girl was one hell of an anomaly. 

"Do you see the Captain? He's bleeding."

"Who is this girl? Why does she have ODM gear?"

"She lives in a cave? The hell?"

"There's no way someone got a hit on him, it's Levi for Sina's sake!"

Barely-concealed whispers rose around Levi as he rolled his eyes and brushed off his shirt. Erwin flew down to meet Levi with a small smile. 

"What did I tell you? She's worth the trouble."

It took everything in Levi to not take his Commander’s collar and throw him across the cavern.

Chapter 7: names

"Great Erwin, you killed her." Levi groaned the next morning. The three of them stared at the figure tied to the chair. The girl looked like she had suffered through night, and he tried to remember what injuries he had given her during the skirmish. 

Blonde hair covered alot of her face in matted tufts. Her lips were a pale shade of blue and there was a waxy sheen to her skin. Her accusation of torture last night swarmed Levi's head at that moment as an angry thought pierced him. If she was so damn valuable, why didn't a single person check on her health?  

The girl was a sorry sight, still in her undergarments, most of her clothes were ripped and covered in blood and dirt. Scratches and bruises lay across her body in a web of patterns. 

"Aw shucks, I liked that one." Hange frowned. Her fingers twitched in a most unnerving way. "At least let me grab a blood sample while the body's still warm."

Levi crossed the arms of his uniform. "Tch. I'm failing to see how we're any different right now from the thugs who would have killed her last night."

Erwin sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I see your logic on that, Captain. I regret to say I thought she was in better condition." 

The Section Commander grabbed a candle and moved towards the door. She straightened her glasses and pulled out a syringe from her cloak.

"Well, can't let it go to complete waste," Hange breathily said as she opened the cell door. Levi couldn’t tear his gaze from the girl who resembled the ghost of the one who danced through the starlit cavern. That's what this is. A waste.  

He wanted to look away as Hange extracted blood from the girl's body. Someome so vibrant not even a fully day ago, it wasn't right how she looked now. 

Hange's voice broke the regret-filled silence. "Hey guys, I think-" a fist slammed into Hange's face with a powerful blow. Erwin and Levi both jumped and watched as the girl, who very much was alive, brought another powerful blow to the Commander’s face, wiped the hair out of her face, and pushed the women away. 

Levi reacted quicker than Erwin, and pushed the larger man aside as he jumped to stop the tricky fucking brat. She was rushing to Levi across the cell, her brown eyes inking into blackened pools of hatred. She wants to kill me, he thought. 

Part of the sickness wasn't a ruse, because even though this woman was incredibly fast, he could see her face scrunch up with every move. One kick to the head ought to put her down. He took a small breath.

Levi was never one to square himself before an attack, his blows relied on speed and surprise. So right before the angry demon pounced, he started to jump to the side and kick from behind. The moment he tried, a sharp pain shot through his head, and he brought a hand up to his forehead in surprise.

That split second was all she needed- and she used the momentum from her run to slam Levi into the brick wall with startling force. A gasp escaped Levi's lips, which quickly turned into a growl.

He brought a knee up with great force into her sternum and before she could gasp for air, slammed her down onto the dungeon floor with a hand on her throat. Levi breathed hot pants above, winded from her knocking him unexpectedly on the wall. Ragged chokes came from her cracked lips as she clawed at his unmoving hand. 

A tattered and angrier version of the blonde, nimble-footed woman from the other night struggled below him. Honestly, it'd been so long since a person had actually wanted to really kill him in a fight. When you have an annoying title like he did, most people never dared. It really irked him how off guard that had left him. 

"What are you gonna do? Kill me with your bare hands?" the Captain growled into her face as his hands dripped ruby with her struggle. 

Locked in a cell and in worse condition than a quarantine victim, this girl somehow was still trying to brazenly escape. A wild animal like this cannot be caught, you're going to give me just as much trouble as Jeager. I already feel it. At least he's manageable in his human form.

Eyes of oak that brimmed with rage glared at him. "I-I'll...try my...damned best." she spat out in between gasps.

With a rogue Titan, I can just put it down. Titans don't make snarky remarks and bother me for this long. I'm already so damn sick of you. 

Levi just gave her a cold stare. "Well, good luck with that." 

He slammed her head down onto the brick with a grunt. This time, just stay knocked out.

 

 

"Now will you listen to me, Commander?" Levi scowled across the oak table to the dumbest oaf in the Walls. I should tell Pyxis on you. 

The large man just sat with his arms crossed, bushy eyebrows furrowed in thought. The three were in a large sage-colored meeting room with the windows open, a small breeze stirring the papers in front of Hange. 

After the mess with the prisoner, Erwin hadn't said a word when Levi had brought her down. He just stared at the sickly-looking girl on the ground, then soundlessly checked on Hange who was dazed on the floor. The thief was now in the infirmary, heavily restrained, with Military Police stationed outside.

Levi was usually completely still, even around a swarm of Titans. It wasn't until they'd been there for a few minutes, however, that he realized his leg was bouncing up and down.  

"At least Eren joined the Scouts voluntarily. This was her sick and tied down. Now you want to give her a weapon? Around the Scouts? No. I'm not having them endangered like this."

Hange fixed her glasses. "We need more measures on how to control her. It’s not often we recruit people who want to kill us." Levi hoped no one asked questions about her face, because it was definitely a sight.  It was bruised, a deep purple ebbing through her jaw and cheek. One of her eyes were swollen too, along with her bottom lip. 

The Commander rested his joined hands on the table. "I call you both to advise me, not because you have control in the decision. The girl will stay with us, and in a few days, you’ll understand why. For now, Hange has clearance only for this week before training begins to conduct humane tests on her. Levi, you’ll have regular check-ins to ensure her security until she complies.”

Hange squealed and clapped her hands ferociously while Levi rolled his eyes with all the distaste he could muster. 

"Yes sir," they both said in unison. What a complete waste of my time.   

 

 

 

Throughout the week, whenever Levi visited the infirmary, the girl had barely been conscious, still recovering from her injuries. A significant presence of Military Police stood guard outside the door, an unexpected sight for a young girl, alone and restrained to a hospital bed. The windows had been sealed and boarded shut, given her proclivity for scaling buildings and heights. 

During the week as well, Levi researched the girl to better understand how to handle her. Most of the time, he left the strategizing to Erwin unless absolutely necessary. But on this, he just couldn’t agree. The fact that Erwin considered her such an asset to the fight, despite her attempts to kill or harm commanding officers on two occasions, enraged him.

It evoked memories of Eren transformed into a bloodlust-filled giant, tearing other Titans apart limb by limb. While the sight was shocking, all Levi could think about was how swiftly he could slice through Eren’s nape. Such uncontrollable power was more dangerous than the Titans outside those Walls.

One thing had really struck out to him. It was a death report from the Military Police about the same orphanage the girl had visited. 

The caregiver of these children, Mathilda Haynes, was deceased when officers arrived at 11:17 am. Only witnesses seem to be children below the age of fifteen. Reliability of their testimonies is still under scrutiny. Children claim Ms. Haynes got into an argument with a stranger and was brutally attacked in her own room. All seem to give various descriptions of murderer, so further investigation required. The body shows signs of a struggle and suffered ten stab wounds throughout their midsection and chest. 

Children also deny a child is missing from the orphanage, but upon arrival we blocked exits and matched names to the registry. One named was missing, sixteen-year-old Dahlia, last name cannot be found. No lead on the girls location either. Will give this case to the higher ups and have them send someone from HQ. 

Officers Shantz & Cols

 

Dahlia. That was that mysterious girl’s name. And she had a trail of blood seeming to follow her. 

Since Erwin was hell bent on recruiting the biggest gamble he's taken, it was up to Levi to come up with some solution to control this girl. It came to him upon his fifth check up, in that dank and musty infirmary. 

Levi nodded at the soldiers stationed out front and walked inside. In the middle of the brick room lined with lanterns lay a cot. Blonde hair spilled over the sides and a body covered in white rose and fell with soft breaths. He made his way around her, as he checked all the straps and restraints covering her. 

Slightly tugging on the strap around her head, his fingers paused over the fabric when he noticed a pair of brown eyes staring at him. 

"No masters with you this time, dog?" Gone was the lilting tone of someone who was playing a game. 

Levi's eyes narrowed as he tugged the strap hard. "Careful, you're not particularly in the position to be antagonizing, are you?"

Even as she grimaced, her eyes danced with amusement. "This position seems quite fun for antagonizing actually. I doubt your superiors would approve of you damaging a future cadet."

He gave her a cold stare. "Not sure how much of a future you now have after fighting two superior officers."

"I doubt they would waste much time on healing me if they weren’t still going to recruit me. Seems counterproductive." she smirked. How this insufferable creature could be cocky still, even after everything, astounded the annoyed man. "Not like it isn't a waste of time for them anyhow. I won’t be staying here long. I just have a few things to do first."

Levi leaned onto his knees and got eye level with her. "Listen to me, Dahlia."

The bruises along her face were slowly fading in a light purple hue. He could see her jaw clench slightly.

"I don't care if you try to run after the Commander recruits you. You'll be ridding me of a headache. But if you so much as lay one finger on any cadet, any Scout in that time, your little orphanage friend will go back to being piss broke by the end of the day."

Her face hardened and he saw the first spark of panic in her eyes since he met her. 

He stood up and crossed his arms. "Am I clear?"

It seemed keeping the information about the money's location was more useful than he expected. She gave him a stiff nod, one filled with barely-bridled anger. 

"Good." he smirked slightly. At least now she'd be manageable until she's out of his hair. With that, he turned and left the Undergrounder to simmer in her resentment.

Chapter 8: Day

I lay in that stupid infirmary for days as the man with grey eyes' words circled my head. Dahlia. It's been so long since I've heard my name on another’s lips. 

After I had killed my caretaker I’d thought it best to change my name. But most days, I was nameless. Only a handful of people even knew me directly, an entire life lived as a ghost in the shadows. 

So, the dangerous man knows the location of my sister, and the money.

I'd just kill him soon, like I had planned, but now my heart thumped quickly with the possibility he had told his commander about that. It seemed to be the perfect leverage to get me to behave. 

I clenched my eyes shut and let a sharp breath out. I couldn’t stand being controlled like this, but with my only weakness exposed, the game had already been played. The asshole had dealt his hand. 

Escape, however, was thankfully still an option. The brooding man, or Levi was his name, seemed bent on having me leave as much as I did. He would get his wish very soon. 

During my own brooding, visitors came and went. First were the doctors, who spoke in hushed tones as they healed me with a score of officers surrounding them as they did. I was almost flattered by the amount of care that went into making sure I didn't pull another one of my pranks. 

Second was Hange, the mad woman from the dungeon. She extracted blood and hair, along with measuring me with muttered tones. It was unnerving how she stared at me behind those glasses with the look as if she just caught a prize specimen. 

Most of the time she was there, I acted asleep. I did not wish to converse with these maniacs any more than I needed. 

A Scout. Is that what I was to be now? I couldn't even picture it, in one of those ridiculous uniforms, marching to fight creatures of legend. Well, since the Wall break everything, including the prospect of a Titan encounter, seemed much more real. What a pointless job. 

Throughout my week tied up like an animal, i finally began to feel better as my head cleared. Doctors came in and out daily and gave me various medicines and treatment. I would hear the muffled footsteps of Levi coming once a day, as I acted asleep each time. I had no words for the man who continued to fuck my life up. 

Still, it would've been satisfying laying a dagger into his neck. With Anya's survival on the line though, my hands were tied in every sense. I felt so stupid, a cocky damned fool. If I had just stayed low after a score like that, none of this would have happened. 

I longed for my cave, the shimmering sea of stars alighting my nights like my own personal show. I missed the security of all my blades, nestled against my skin. Flying through the rooftops without a care. Anya's tinkling laugh. The hope of a future. 

Every time it would flash through my dreams, I'd wake up with fists clenched so tight blood would run down my hands. It was all stolen from me. I'd kill them if I could.

 

Finally, my tormented thoughts were given reprieve when I heard the door shove open one day and a group of footsteps headed towards me. I didn't need to turn my neck to know who was showing up. 

"Well," I drawled. "If it isn't my kidnapper, my tormentor, and the master of the puppets."

"I see your time in solitude hasn't filed your attitude down any." I could almost hear the smirk in Erwin's voice. "That'll change."

I felt a sharp tug on the bed I was on, and it folded up. I was suddenly face to face with the three Commanders, Captains- whatever the fuck they called themselves. Levi walked away from the bed and stood behind Erwin. His face was emotionless, and I noticed he was in full ODM gear. They seemed a bit more prepared this go around. 

"I'll admit, your stunt the other day gave me surprise. It also made me think about how to deal with you. See, we can threaten you with jail if you step out of line all we want. You could just fight and run away."

My heart started to beat a bit faster. The look on the Commander's face was too satisfied. 

"So, I decided to take measures to ensure you pay back what is owed and cannot run from it."

Hange and Levi looked at him expectedly, and I realized they both didn't know his plan either. He must have been waiting to deliver his news in front of everyone. Oh hell, how wonderful. 

The next thing genuinely surprised me. The muscular man strode towards me and began unclasping all of my straps. Levi took a small step forward and grabbed one of his handles.

"Erwin," he started in a cautious tone. 

"Stand down, Captain.” was all the man said. 

I just stared at the man's hands as one by one, I was freer. Of course, the thought popped into my head. I should run while I can from these crazies. I didn't want to find out what they had in store. 

Once I was free, I slowly sat up on my own and suspiciously looked around. No guards, no doctors anywhere. 

Levi's eyes bore into me, and I could almost sense what he was trying to say. Try something, I dare you. 

I made a mental note that Erwin seemed to like the dramatics, because holy fuck did he drag this on. His hand reached into his chest pocket and out came a small button-like remote. 

"I do not make deals with criminals. The Scout Regiment has stood as a proud group that relies on loyalty and bravery to preserve the humanity behind these Walls. As one of us, there will be no more stealing, lying, or hiding. You will be become a worthy soldier, I can sense it. But I must put insurances in place for all parties involved. And once you can be trusted, those will be taken away."

I breathed deeply and waited. 

"Feel the back of your neck."

Chapter 9: adjustment

Her hand slowly rose to her neck, and Levi found himself holding his breath. Horror overtook her face as a tanned hand shot up to cover her mouth.

""W-What did you do." she said in a low shaky voice. 

Erwin’s expression never changed. "While you were out, I had a doctor place something right above your spinal cord. If I press this button, that object will release a poison into your bloodstream. You would be dead in under five minutes."

Hange gasped, anger flashing on her face, catching Levi by surprise. "Erwin, you what??"

Dahlia’s hands dropped to the bed in shock, her mouth hanging open. In that moment, draped in a white gown with disheveled blonde locks framing her pale face, she looked like a ghost. All the color had drained from her as she sat there, silent.

Levi noticed her hands start to shake and he let out the breath he'd been holding. This was Erwin's bright plan to keep her in line? It seemed a bit much, even for the Commander. 

"You guys are fucking monsters," she whispered. Tears began to well up in those big brown eyes. "You've sentenced me to death. No matter what I choose. I just wanted to leave the Underground, to live a life."

He clenched his jaw at her words. This wasn't right. The Scouts were better than this. How had Erwin become so desperate, to resort to this? 

Sure, she was a bloody annoying thief who punched Hange in the face, but poison in her neck? Pyxis couldn't have allowed this.  

Commander Erwin was a fierce but honorable man, and this seemed unlike the soldier he had known for years. Still, the look on the girl’s face haunted him. Utter defeat had crumpled her features, and all he could remember was someone who looked free in that cave. Strong. 

"That is all, recruit. You will come to my office tomorrow morning for a debriefing and then training will begin on Monday. You will also be expected to introduce yourself. I do not have nameless soldiers in my regiment. You will be under the command of Captian Levi and Captian Hange, answering to them both twice a week.

"Captain Levi, show her to her room."

A glare was pointed at the back of his head as he clipped replied. "Yes sir."

As Dahlia slowly glided down the room with a look of numb anger settling on her face, Levi followed behind. A weight seemed to push further down onto his shoulders, the expectations of Erwin always aging him as time passed. 

One surprise after another, one insane game. Crazy bastard. How long can he play this stupid game until someone is killed?

"And Levi, meet me in my office after you're done."

 

 

 

 

 

 

They walked in distraught silence down the brick corridors. She had a hand raised above her brow as they went, since all the windows were open in the halls with the summer sun beating through. 

The breeze caught her curled locks and he glanced at her neck. A small red scar stood against the fair hairline, and it made his fingers twitch. 

Surely, we're better than this.

It's not like it mattered anymore. His wish to get rid of her was gone now, even with the helpful blackmail. More issues, more distractions and idiots to deal with. All this annoyance had left a constant headache between his brows. How he'd give fighting a horde of Titans over Erwin’s little games. 

And also, now because of him, a quite unpredictable and dangerous woman was his enemy. 

Words need not be spoken on the way to the barracks. Her anger was a pulsating energy, and a justifiable one at that. He could see Erwin’s logic, that she'd be fighting for life at one point or another. Fully trained, it didn't seem such a death sentence as she seemed to think. 

Still rather be rid of the brat and find a better way of defeating Titans. Over the years, Erwin had become more strategic in his recruitment, seeking out those best suited for the job. The recruits chosen this year seemed particularly promising; they were a different breed, having lived through the Titan invasion of Shiganshina during their boot camp days.

It wasn't just duty driving them, it was revenge and a fight for their security back. She understood nothing of this, the Under City being the farthest thing removed from the threat. Even the best soldiers get eaten in seconds out on the field. This one would be no different, Erwin just couldn't see that.

The thief's room was at end of the hall next to a curtained window. She paused outside the door so Levi walked past and pushed it open. Two beds lay in a brick room with a small window at the end. A desk and two dressers were the only piece of furniture, and everything else was bare.  

Both beds had folded uniforms on them and a set of night clothes. He wondered how this must have looked to her, after living in the security of the maze and sleeping under a blanket of stars. It felt as if they were caging a bird. Something unnatural. 

He pushed the thought out of his head. It was too late now. She was right when she said she was dead.  

Her voice broke through. "Where's my stuff, my knives?"

Levi stood at the entrance and crossed his arms. "How stupid are you? Those were illegal, why would we give them back to you?"

"If you expect me to die for your cause, I might as well have something I know works. No use for them just sitting in some dusty room."

How funny that the thing to bring her back to the planet was her missing weapons. With the spread he saw in her cave, he wasn't surprised. Real care had gone into the craft of them, and it had almost felt criminal to lock them up. 

"Back to whining so soon? You'll get new toys soon enough." he turned to leave. 

"At least you won't be a pain in my ass now. Save the whining for your new roommate. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm getting very sick of seeing your face."

He left the outsider sitting on the bed, a flower picked from its sidewalk. Thrown into the sun to dry along with the worms. 

Oddly enough, he took a half-step shorter as he left, the red mark still in the back of his head. Then, the door slammed, echoing through the hallway.

 

 

 

He charged down the halls towards his bastard of a Commander. Implicitly trusting his superior was never a challenge, but sometimes he swore Erwin just enjoyed watching him squirm.

Hange sat across from him as Levi entered the large office. She turned and opened her mouth to speak but Erwin raised a hand.

"Do you think the Titans sit idly by as your struggle with your morals? Do you think such things as dignity and honor will matter as our towns are trampled? You seem to have forgotten our objective. Survival of all humanity." his words were iron, his eyes a bright blue in annoyance. 

"So, this is the answer then? Mutilation and forcing someone to die at your order." If this what the Scouts were to become, them fuck all of it to hell. 

“Sit down, Captain.”

Levi hesitated and stood there coldly. There was never any point to struggling, Erwin’s will was stronger than the Walls. He swung a leg over as he sat and crossed his arms to the man.

"This will not leave this room. I had a doctor place a small incision onto her neck secretly this week, that is true. Sometimes the strongest chains are the ones we cannot see. Now we can focus on training and subduing the threat outside the Walls in the coming months. And now I will not have to hear your foolish tongue, Levi." 

Hange reached an arm out to Levi, knowing what was coming, and he stood up in a fury. "I am sick of your games, Erwin! I will follow you into battle until I die but leave me out of this shit."

"You will do as I say, soldier. You will report to me weekly with updates of Eren Jeager and this new recruit. You will see to their progression in the Scouts Corp. And you will do so without question. Now, leave me." The large man tilted his head up and gave him a narrowed, hard look. That was no more to be said of this.

"Yes sir." Levi said with gritted teeth. He took one look at Hange, who looked apologetic with her big eyes softened at him. It pissed him off even more. The lunatic partner of his couldn't even be trusted. All their loyalties too deeply embedded into the man in front of them. 

On his walk back to the peace of his quarters, one thought trickled through his head for the first time. An ember to a dangerous fire. How long until those loyalties become the death of us?

Chapter 10: meeting

Summary:

I wrote an alternative version of the end to the last chapter, itsa bit more canonnnn (iykyk 😜) but I like them so much I kept both shut up and deal with it

"Have you been spiking your coffee with something else, Erwin? I'm used to your wild gambles, but I'm beyond at the end of my rope with this." Gone was the respectful tone of a subordinate to his superior.

Putting bloody poison in someone's neck just to recruit them is past strategic. It’s madness. 

Despite the tension in the room, the man smirked at Levi. Hange had other duties to attend to since class would be starting in two days, and the silence of her absence seem almost physical in that moment. 

"Sit. Don't make me say it again." His voice was low, serious. 

The fuming Captain stalked over to the desk and put his hands on the edge. Here he was, always thinking he could do anything without consequences if it was in name of humanity. Levi leaned in closer across the wood with a hard glare. 

"What will you do, hm? Stick bombs in me, Titan blood?" his hands tightened his firm grip on the wooden desk. "Because that's what we do now, isn't it?"

Erwin broke his resolve in a rare moment of unchecked emotions, grabbed Levi's collar and brought his face close to his. All that could be heard for a few heartbeats were raised breaths. 

Just inches from Levi's shocked face, Erwin spoke slowly and darkly to the shorter man. "Keep questioning me, soldier. You really think I'd mutilate a new cadet like that?"

At that, Erwin pushed Levi back and crossed his arms. "Sometimes all you need to defeat your enemy is to convince them they already lost. You seem to have lost faith in me, Levi. When will you learn?"

Levi just stood agape at him for the moment, equally pissed and confused. Always tricks with him. No matter what Levi thought was true about this enigmatic man, it always changed. While he thought of what string of curse words he wanted to throw at the shining commander, Erwin began to round the corner of the desk towards him. 

"Say it, Levi. All the things you want to scream at me." his blue eyes had become a dark navy as they narrowed onto him. 

Anger pierced Levi as he heard that taunting tone beneath his words. He started towards the man and pushed him across the room. 

"I'm so damn sick of your bullshit, Erwin! How many years have I served you, yet I'm always in the dark!" he growled.

Levi went to push him again when a pair of steel hands gripped his forearms. Erwin’s face was serious, almost angry. But what really annoyed Levi was that wisp of a smirk that lingered the bastard’s lips. 

Erwin pushed Levi, gripping his arms, until they crashed into the other wall. Erwin’s face hovered above, and Levi could feel hot breath on his cheek.

"Oh, how I did miss this," Erwin said quietly. Levi forgot to struggle as his brain tried to process what was happening. Erwin and him had ended years ago in a passionate burst, both agreeing they weren't for each other. 

So, this was definitely new. 

He felt a hand grip the bottom of his jaw as Erwin made him look at him. They were just inches apart, the closest they'd been in so long. I should stop this. This is a really terrible idea, holy fuck. 

But the mixture of anger and surprise led Levi to lean in closer, to grip Erwin's throat. "You really piss me off, you know that right?" he spat at the bulky man.

Their lips crashed in a rush of fury and breathlessness. Erwin pushed Levi deeper into the wall and Levi's hands squeezed a bit harder as he bit his Commander’s bottom lip. A deep groan escaped Erwin’s throat that made heat sear into Levis chest. He really had missed Erwin’s touch, his musky smell, the sureness of his movements. 

Even as he was getting lost in the rough passionate embrace, anothers' face tapped at the back of his skull. The fact that it did made him even angrier, and he snarled as he slammed Erwin down onto the desk. 

Nothing would matter until the next day, he told himself. Right now he just needed to get completely lost, at least for a while.

The night then fell into a heap of clothes being thrown and both men submerging their problems in each other. 

 

 

A while later, amongst the candle lit quarters of Commander Erwin, Captain Levi stood and began to dress in a simple linen outfit. He pulled his shirt on and turned to the blonde man lying in bed. Erwin was sitting on the headboard, reading a book shirtless.

For as many days Levi had wished for this exact night to happen, he couldn't help but feel at a loss. This wasn't what he wanted, no matter how much he had years before. Maybe it took that for him to realize, it never would again. 

"Erwin," Levi started. He put his gaze onto the blue eyes that were downcast at the pages. "I think-"

"I know, Captain. I agree." Levi shut his mouth in slight surprise. So, this had just been a release of stress for the both of them? 

He gave the stoic commander a nod. As he took one last look at his chiseled face, a memory floated through his head. It was around ten years ago, a while after meeting Erwin for the first time. Levi’s eyes took years to properly adjust to the brightness aboveground, the way everything shined like it was brand new. 

One thing had shone against it all, like its own small sun, alit with the fire of their own willpower. It seems even now; his eyes still haven't quite adjusted to the view.

Chapter 11: prisoner

After the pale-eyed asshole left me to my quarters, reality began to sink in. I looked down at my unshackled hands and noticed they were trembling. It was the first time they had ever done that. I slowly reached back and grazed the incision.  

"Fuck what the fuck," I whispered. One wrong move, one fuck-up, and I'm dead. It was like my body had gone into shock, I wasn't angry or scared. I was nothing. 

In under two weeks, my life had been royally shat all over. Kidnapped by the damned Scouts to be Titan food. Stripped of my weapons, my cave. Anya, my life threatened. And the worst part? I have a fucking roommate. 

I had slid onto the cold, wood floor without notice. My new cell was a dark brick bedroom with two beds, one right next to a window. Peeking above the windowsill, I spotted clouds drifting lazily by. 

I could kill myself, a frantic thought hit me. Go out on my own terms, say fuck them and the Titans. Anya’s face immediately came into view. Our promise rang in my ears. 

I wasn't allowed to die. Not until Anya had the life she deserved. Focusing on that, my breathing started to regulate itself. Stop being so dramatic, I scolded myself. You're clever, and you didn't train for years to shut down over something like this. Think of solutions, instead of whining about the problem. 

Maybe if I just killed them all, no one would be left to release the poison. An unhinged little chuckle escaped my mouth. Right, my fucking luck I’d kill everyone but the bastard with the button. 

Despite my frenzied thoughts, my limbs started to sag along with my eyelids. Maybe in the morning, a better solution will reveal itself. I slowly unpeeled myself from the ground and collapsed into the bed next to the window. As my vision faded, one thought slithered into my ear and whispered,

Are you sure there's a way out of this?

 

 

 

 

 

I was awoken by something striking my nostrils. Inhaling, I was in disbelief. It couldn't be. No fucking way.

I slowly turned around and was met with wide, surprised eyes across the room from me. A girl was crouched on her bed in the darkness like some cave rat hiding its kill. 

"Please don't tell," she said in a low frantic tone. "I stole it from the kitchens when they were on break. I couldn't help myself; it was just asking to be eaten!"

Everything she said was muted as I stared at the prize in her hands. The ham shimmered with an almost magical glow and I felt drool begin to pool in my mouth. The last time I had any meat was a year ago, before the shortages from the Titans. It was impossible to find, even steal. 

"You must be my new roommate," I said and I sat up to face her. I narrowed my eyes and smiled a little. "My silence can be bought, you know."

She stopped chewing ferociously and looked down at the meat. "…Okay, fine." Chunks of it fell out as she spoke and a hunk of it extended towards me. Her greasy fingers dropped some into my hand and I scarved it up in seconds.

A moan escaped my lips as I swallowed the buttery meat. The strange girl continued to tear apart the animal with excited grunts. I was surprised I could manage a smile, but she ate like an Undergrounder, as if every last bite could be taken from her. 

She swallowed the last of it, choked a bit, then beamed a smile at me. "I'm Sasha. You don't look familiar...were you at the recruitment ceremony?"

The meat and her goofiness had distracted me for a few precious moments. Her question brought reality back unto me and I crossed my arms. "No, they gave me a special quaint little ceremony, real personal. Captain Levi danced, Erwin sang."

She gasped and sat up straighter, her ponytail swinging wildly in the candlelit room, "Noo way, really? That's crazy, what type of food did they serve?"

I blinked at her and another smile started creeping onto my face. "I like you, Sasha."

Rolling back over, I managed to breathe normally for the first time since I arrived. At least not everyone here sucked. I would need all the strength I could get to get through this shitshow.

My dreams that night were filled with the silhouettes of giants shaking the very earth as they lumbered towards me. My body couldn't move, and no sound came escaped my mouth as I screamed in terror. Right before I was devoured, a loud knock slammed through my slumber. 

Untangling myself from the bed and my hair blocking my vision, I looked over and saw Sasha's wide green eyes creep above the blanket. "They know," she whispered. "They know what I did."

I ignored her and stalked towards the door. I remembered Erwin's words yesterday, to meet him in the morning to get caught up. This must be my escort. I swung the door open and scowled.

"Why does it have to be you?" 

"Believe me, I said the same thing." Levi said in clipped words. He was dressed like a true officer of the government today. All signs of the mysterious, caped devil in the Underground gone. In the light of the morning, he looked immaculately clean and straightened. Polished like the good little toy soldier he is. 

"I will wait no longer than five minutes. Get dressed, you look like a nightmare."

"That's funny, I was just having one about you."

A choking sound came behind me from Sasha. Levi's grey eyes flashed with annoyance, and he took two slow, contained steps until we were inches apart.

"You sure you're in the position to play games, cockroach?" 

I matched his gaze and gritted my teeth. "See you in ten minutes." I took a step back and slammed the door shut. My palms almost bled from how hard I was clenching my fists. 

I hear Sasha scream-whisper how insane I was for talking to a Captain like that, but all I could think about was Levi hovering over me as he knocked me out. Dead eyes staring at me as he single-handedly fucked my life up. No remorse, just the eyes of a man who had a job to do. I hate him, I growled as I went to get ready. 

I still ignored Sasha as I dug through the drawers to find pretty much the same outfit over and over again. God, I can't even dress cute here. This truly was my personal hell. I threw on some tan pants and a white button up, then left the rats nest of blonde hair and choppy bangs just to piss off the drama queen outside. 

As I spun around to leave, Sasha jumped up and grabbed me by the shoulders. I finally looked at her face and was almost surprised by the level of fear on it. The poor girl looked like she was on the verge of passing out. 

Getting a good look at her in the light of day proved to me she wasn't an Undergrounder. She had deep tan skin from years of being in the sun's presence. Her emerald eyes harbored looks of confusion and terror. There was a scrap of last night's snack on her upper cheek and I almost grab it off but change my mind. It’d be funnier to just leave it. She had an accent like I did, but it sounded much different. There was more of a drawl to hers, it was rich like taffy. 

“Okay, really now who the fuck are you?? And why did the Captain not destroy you for talking to him like that?? Hoh I'm gonna throw up." Sasha frantically tried to straighten my curls down as she made little hummed worries. 

I grabbed her wrists to stop her and let out a small laugh. "Chill out. Also I would love to see that angry ass gnome try. Don’t worry, I'll be out of everyone's hair soon enough. Go back to sleep and dream of turkey legs, ‘kay cowgirl?"

I slinked past her with a cheeky smile. As the door shut, I heard her yell in confusion.

“What the hell is a cowgirl?!"

 

 

 

After Levi gave me a deeply disgusted frown at my appearance, we walked together to Erwin in stiff silence. With each step, I imagined how I'd take down each of the people I'd met in this aboveground prison. Goofy roommates aside. 

I never thought I'd miss the Under City as much as I did. It was an almost physical feeling that left me feeling constricted, as if someone had put me in a glass box. I looked free but as soon as I tried to move, my lungs were compressed.

Scouts of all ages and stature walked by us in the wide, lighted hallways. I tried to not shield my face as we passed each window. Through my squints, I noticed how everyone averted their gaze as they passed the dark-hair man next to me. Levi seemed oblivious to it, stalking down the hall with an uninterested, slightly annoyed look. 

Sure, the guy had felt important from the day we’d met. When I was introduced to the most devastating fighting style I'd ever seen. But the reaction to his sheer presence- they all looked at him as if he were a god.

I rolled my eyes. I'd seen his type before, the ones who thought they were invincible. I put them all in the dust eventually. Anyone who threatened Anya, and my precious money, was doomed to die. My fingers twitched with almost excitement at the thought. 

Next time, I raged internally, you won't get a chance to take me by surprise.

When we reached the large office, Levi followed behind as we entered to Erwin sitting at his desk, stirring a cup of tea. The pot sat near me, and the fumes wafted in a teasing manor, with hints of chamomile and ginger. Levi grabbed a cup for himself, seeming to avoid eye contact with the Commander. Hange sat on my right, her glasses pulled up like a headband. It fully exposed her shadow of a bruise from yours truly.

I eyed my own cup. Maybe the tea is a peace offering for more than just me. 

"Welcome, new cadet. I trust after last night, that you are ready to cooperate." My neck itched as my hands tightened around the steaming cup. 

"Not like there's any bloody choice now, is there? I'm getting the death sentence for stealing from those vermin." 

"It's only a death sentence if you see it as that. Think of this as your second chance. I brought you here because I saw your potential. In the new world we create without the fear of Titans, you won't need to steal to survive as you have. We are changing the future of everyone's lives behind, and beneath, these Walls." 

I had to give it to the man. Monster or not, he had a way with words. 

"It is not my wish to threaten cadets’ lives for cooperation. So, prove to me you are not a threat to us and we will see to your circumstances. But fighting for this world is nonnegotiable. As of today, your sword is that of the Republics. You will obey every command of your superior officers and report to these two once a week.”

“There will be no talk of how you came to be in the Scouts. If some of Slakers’ men hear you're recruited, they will try to kill you. I hear the whole Under City is thrown into an uproar over your scandalous heist." he smirked at me, and I could almost hear a tone of respect.

I leaned forward and Levi moved an inch behind me. The little guard dog. 

"Let me be of use to you some other way," I smiled softly. "I have other talents you can dispose of. Reconnaissance, weapon making, spy work, you name it..."

Hange chuckled in response. "Sorry babes, your combat skills are just too high to not utilize on the field. In addition," she said in a wistful tone. "I want to see them firsthand for my research!"

Erwin matched my sly smile. "Don't worry, we will utilize your other skills as well. Bringing you into our ranks benefits me far too much to ignore. I have no doubt that in short time, Levi and the other Captains will train you to be very competent against Titans. Levi is, after all, Humanity's Greatest Soldier."

The hero of the Walls released a loud groan behind me.

Chapter 12: introductions

I whistled with as much sarcasm as I could muster. "Wow. What a title."

Hange let out a guffaw of laughter and I could almost hear Levi's eye roll behind me.

"I'm interested in what you've done to earn your title." Erwin clasped his hands together. "You're going to be put in with our first-year recruits, who have just come out of boot camp. Though you are all close in age, their field experience is minimal, as they were only present for the attack last year as fresh cadets. Even so, I think your differences will be a little obvious. So, tell me. Who trained you on ODM gear? And as much as I love a mystery, do tell us your name." 

I pressed my lips together. "No one trained me. I stole my gear when I was young and snuck into the caves to practice until I was good enough to never get caught in the city. I tried to watch the military police to learn.." I shrugged. "But I could outrun them on foot at twelve soo, not much learning from that lot."

"Impressive. ODM gear is hard enough to learn in training. Doing it solo, that's something indeed. But you didn't answer everything." His blue eyes held all the emotion behind his face. They shone with a fervor that made you drink up each word he let out.

I chewed my lip. My name is the one thing I have now, the one thing to myself. Let's just hope Levi keeps his damn mouth shut. 

"Day. It's just Day."

"Day." Erwin said slowly. "Well, Day as of right now you are officially a member of the Scouts. I know this is not a momentous occasion for you, but I hope you come to see the necessity of the Scouts for the benefit of all humanity."

I grimaced at everyone in the office and just wished to leave. Shield it in however many pretty phrases you wish. This was still just a kidnapping of someone who had wanted more than anything to find a peaceful, free life. 

As I left the office with my head basically hanging, someone tugged my sleeve. I turned and saw the crazed eyes of Hange Zoë. I looked around the hallway and noticed Levi had disappeared. 

"Now that you're not all tied up, do you want a tour of the grounds?" her smile seemed genuine, regardless of the fact I had knocked the shit out of her. 

I figured playing nice with someone who could possibly take out the pocket of poison inside me wouldn't hurt. As she led me around the Scouts headquarters, she talked nonstop. Hange reminded me of another enthusiastic, pony-tailed wild animal. Are all the Scouts like this?

I had to slap her hand away a few times as she tried to randomly prod or inspect me. "What's your last name, Day?" questions the Section Commander as we enter the mess hall.

A few salutes are aimed towards Hange, that she obliviously misses at least half of. "I..uh, don't remember it. I was adopted."

"Mmmm everyone has a last name. Maybe we can give you one! Oh well..makes you sound all mysterious, just the one name." she drifts off, as if finishing and starting multiple thoughts at once. "The mess hall!"

She presented a large lantern-lit room, lined with bricks and arches. A few Scouts were eating stew together at a table, but other than that it was pretty dead.

"We serve food three times a day here, ask your roommate for the times because honestly I'm not super sure what they are."

Throughout the very jumbled tour, I learned training started tomorrow and I'd have various instructors, one of them being Levi. The main goal of the Scouts right now was to find out what the Titans were that broke through the Wall. As the scientist described the Colossal and Armored Titans, I felt my heart race go up. I had never read about anything like that. 

What made them think, with their little swords and ropes, that they could take down creatures like this? Hange didn't even look scared as she spoke about them, just purely interested. My brain, however, started to ache with all the new information thrown at me in one day.

My body reminded me that I had been concussed multiple times, and locked up for over a week as each step I took made me wince. Hange went on and on about Titans sleep cycles as I started to fight off a yawn.

"We will find more out as time goes on for sure, especially with our newly procured Ace." I almost thought she meant me, but I followed her gaze to a group of people around my age, laughing and pushing each other. Hange and I were peering out onto the courtyard, which was a large grassy area that meshed into the forest next to the headquarters. 

I saw my roommate Sasha with them, her loose ponytail swinging with her laughter. All of them seemed so tightly knit for just being first years. She swung her arm around the shoulders of a guy with shaved hair as they cackled, heads thrown back with wide smiles.

It watched them all for a few more beats, picturing myself being that happy and carefree with death lurking around the corner.  I noticed how silent Hange was being and turned towards her to find the woman was already almost out of sight down the hallway. 

I jogged up to her as she was finishing a thought aloud. "..and then we can start cotraining! God the data will be insane..needs more tests though..."

I cleared my throat. "Hey, Hange. Any chance this tour has a bath at the end of it? And some new clothes? Maybe even my old weapons..." Like I said, worth a shot. 

The Commander snapped her fingers. "Yes! Let me show you to our amazing bath house! As for the other supplies.... let's see what I can do. You said you made those weapons yourself, correct?" her light hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity. "If I give them back, would you be a good girl?" 

I mimicked one of those phony salutes I'd seen since I came here and said with a dramatic straight face, "Of course, Commander!"

She clapped her hands together and spun back around with squeal. "You do learn fast!" 

I tried to not roll my eyes as she took me to the supply room. I made another mental note: distract Hange with something that interests her more than following the rules.  Manic moth to a flame.

“Why do the Scouts call you a Captain and a Commander?” I ask to her bouncing ponytail as we walk down the halls. 

She doesn’t look back but chuckles lightly. “Oh don’t ask Levi that question. He turned down a Section Commander position, so I stepped in and took it. I’m only a Captain because I lead my own squad, the Research & Development Squad. Levi’s is the Special Operations. So in turn, when we leave the Walls, I command my squad and my own section. And Erwin commands us all. Make sense?”

I huffed with a shrug. “Sure, more meaningless titles I’ll have to remember.”

Once we arrive to the storage wing, Hange loaded my arms up with various clothes that were, thankfully, more than one color. I made sure to remember the way we took to get here, so I can come back and get some good stealth gear too. I'll play little soldier just long enough to figure out how to get this poison out of my neck. 

After leaving the supply room with more clothes and various goods than I could carry, we made our way outside to the bathhouse. The sun was setting on the crimson and brown brick, leaving a dusty glow across the large hill the headquarters stood upon. The wind danced through my tangles as we trudged through the grass, to a small little brick building with steam coming out of the top.

I'd never seen a bath house before. In the Underground, even clean water had been a fought for commodity. I had bathed in pails of collected cave water until I discovered my beautiful sanctuary. God I missed my waterfall. 

People walked in dressed in white robes, smelling of various fragrances. It had been so long since I'd smelled someone and not wanted to gag. I started to smile without knowing it and Hange gave me one back.

"You're going to love this place! I won't come in with you, since I have to go back to my lab. But enjoy yourself, take a nice, long deep soak! Afterwards, come to my lab at some point tonight. I'll explain how we'll get back your weapons." as she talked, she walked away, so I barely made out her last words before she was out of sight. I gave a small wave to her retreating figure.

"You've been mighty helpful, Ms. Zoe." I mumbled to myself as I entered the steam.

 

 

After one of the top ten best experiences of my life, I exited the bath house feeling like a new woman. My skin glistened for the first time in years, and I couldn't stop inhaling myself. I smelled like a wet flower, as if all the grime from years of living in a cave had been scrubbed off my body. It was the first time I’d felt like myself since I was captured. 

My clothes weren't rigid soldier attire either, Hange found some nice black pants and a white tank top for me. Not my outfit of choice, but a much better look than what I had. In the Underground, all of my clothes were stolen from the best (and crooked) tailors in the shopping district. I was a sucker for a good corset/dress and boots mix, but anything with killer taste and style caught my eye. I chose to take my stuff back to my room before I met back up with Hange. 

I dragged my fingers along the wall, reminiscing my string, as I tried to remember the way back to my room. Snippets of cadets' conversations flew past me. Most of them spoke of training that begins tomorrow, what'd it be like training as a real Scout for the first time. I shook my head slightly with sadness. God, all these young lives wasted on brazen false hopes.

I won't be one of you.

I mentally patted myself on the back as I retraced Hange's very jumbled route and landed back at the end of the dorm hallway. Various doors were swung open as cadets rushed in and out with their belongings. I started to remember how long it was since I'd been around this many people and not hidden my face. My steps quickened as I just wanted to be back behind my door, and pretend like I wasn't actually here. 

I dodged a stack of boxes held by someone entering the room next to mine and slipped into my own. I held the cold doorknob for a moment, taking a deep breath. I was never going get used to this. I need to get the fuck-

"Hey guys, it’s my psycho roommate I was telling you about!"

Chapter 13: headache

I turned to face four sets of wide eyes staring back at me. 

I wish Levi had finished the job. 

Three of the boys I recognized from the courtyard earlier, the ones hanging around Sasha with wide grins. 

My fingers itched to throw a cloak on, but I managed my signature smile and crept towards my dresser slowly. 

"Oh don't mind me.. just dropping a few things off." 

As I crouched down to shove everything in there, the tall, long-faced boy slid onto my bed and lowered his face to mine. 

"Sooo you're the one we've been debating with Sasha about all morning. Tell me, did you really slam the door in Captain Levi's face? I just don't see how it's possible- you don’t have any crutches on." his tone was playful, but I couldn’t quite manage to care. 

I bit my cheek and fought back replying, Oh I did more than slam a door in the gremlin’s face.

I stood back up and looked down on the brunette with my arms crossed. "Why don't you go ask Captain Levi? I'm sure he'd be happy to tell you."

He gave me a sly grin as he looked me up and down. "A girl who can do that can sure as hell punch me in the face if she wants."

The comment took me by surprise, and I stifled a laugh. Gasps of laughter erupted behind me, then Sasha flew past me to grab the man's collar and pull him.

"Jesus Jean! Don't hit on my roommate as soon as she moves in!" she threw him back onto her bed with a grunt. "Time out over there, you dog."

Sasha swung back towards me with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, please don't kill him. Jean's just an ass."

"Hey!" Jean argued, and buzzcut guy she was with earlier pushed his face. 

"Shut up you idiot!"

The only one not talking was the smaller blonde, who had shimmering blue eyes that stared at me curiously. Jean and the other guy started fighting each other on the bed with enthusiastic yells and Sasha turned around to slap them both into order. 

Everyone's energy was a little too much for the cave girl, and I started to push past Sasha to leave. Right before I reached the door, I hesitated and swore quietly. I don't know where the buggers damn office is. I could just wander around and try to find it, but not worth it. 

I turned back towards the chaos. "Actually... could someone show me where Hange's office is?"

Jean threw the guy off of him and jumped up, raising his hand. "Besides you," I gestured. 

"Awww," he frowned, and the bald guy threw a pillow at him and laughed.

"I will." the quiet blonde spoke up. He stood and I noticed we were the same height. The cadet had a round face with sharp eyes that seemed to really look at me. I almost regretted not accepting the giraffe. 

"Hurry back, Armin! Dinner'sin an hour!" Sasha called as we left, and I heard Jean whine in the background, "Why didn't you mention she was stupid hot; you jerk!" That was met with the sound of another slap.

"Excuse my friends," Armin smiled politely. "I'm Armin Artlet." The silence that followed after reminded me he was expecting an introduction back. 

I shifted my gaze and continued walking. "Day. Thanks for escorting me, Armin. Your friends have a lot of energy. That's a good thing to have as a fresh soldier."

"You make it sound as if you're not one. Were you in bootcamp? I don't recognize you." 

I kicked myself internally. The little shit picked up quick. I need to be more careful about what I say.

I sniffed. "No, I was there. Just had shorter hair, that's probably why. Can we please just walk in silence? It's been a long day."

He titled his head and smiled softly. "You remind me of someone, now that I realize it." He didn't elaborate, of course, and we continued to our way. 

I'd lived double lives before for a score, or to spy on a mark, but at least I had a fucking choice. My fingers twitched. I missed my blades. I missed meticulously placing each one on memorized spots snug onto my body. Each one had been like a little chink of armor. Right now, I felt more naked than I had been in the cell when I was actually naked. 

I tried to unclench my jaw as to not alarm my watchful new acquaintance. Then a sudden thought struck me and I almost halted a step. What if getting mad, or moving around could trigger the poison bag or whatever in my skin? 

I started feeling sick and focused on breathing. My god get it together. 

Having a panic attack on my first day was not on the top of my to do. My breathing slowed as I began to get a grip. I just need to play a part for a while, I told myself. Pretend it's a score. But the prize is your life. 

It took me a few seconds to realize we had arrived at Hange's lab, and that Armin was watching me have this silent internal argument. I tried to breathe through my nose and relax my muscles unnoticeably before I gave him a wide smile. 

"As lovely as the chat was, I must be off. Time for Hange to torture me." I winked, one that I hoped looked easygoing and not at all like I was on the verge of a break.  

He looked like he wanted to say something, but before he could get the chance, I slid behind the door. Let's hope that one doesn't make it a habit to hangout in my room. I only had so many knives.

I saw Hange over a table doing something probably diabolical among a sea of notes, journals, beakers- God, and what I hoped wasn't a human hand. The mad woman was hunched over with her glasses on, torching a metal rod attached to what looked like an alternative ODM extension. 

"Is that a long-distance grenade?" I asked as I approached the Section Commander. Hange looked up and stopped torching. She lifted her glasses, revealing a red ring around her eyes from the indentions.

"Yes, Day! That's exactly what they are!" she looked like she wanted to hug me, so I took a step back hoping she'd contain it. "They're in rough first development stages, but that's the general idea. I named them Thunder Spears, because hopefully they'll make one hell of a blast once they work!"

"Maybe instead of our weekly little meetings, you can come here and help out in the lab! You have to swear to secrecy if you do, as all of the things the Military Police and I work on are confidential." As put off as I was a few moments ago with Armin, seeing this eccentric woman somehow made me feel better. Even though I was still pissed at her for trying to experiment on me like some sort of lab rat. 

"Sure, I could do that. Now.. about those weapons by chance?" 

"Riiiight!" she set down her tools and took her gloves off. "So, here's the deal. I asked around and..well, they have a new owner it seems. Captain Levi has taken your collection and kept it. I don't blame him, from what I saw they're beautiful weapons." she gave me a smile like everything was peachy. 

My nails dug into the wood of the table. Of course it was him. 

I can't wait to feel the curve of my blade dig into his skin. That almost brought a smile. This man seemed hell bent on giving me more reasons to kill him. 

I titled my head and stuck my lip out slightly. "No possible way you could ask him nicely? Are you close with the...man?" Don't say rodent. 

Hange let out a small laugh. "Close with the Captain? I don't think anyone particularly is... maybe Erwin. Definitely not me, we're more colleagues of sorts. Give me cute looks all you want Day, if Levi has your weapons, they're his now." The commander gave me a shrug. "Maybe you can make more in my lab?"

Like hell they were his! That vile man. I've lost too much in such a short span. I wasn't going to give him this too. I exhaled and released my grip on table. 

No matter. He stole from the best thief in the Under City. The Captain would soon learn what that meant.

Chapter 14: rats

Levi tried to shake off the itchy feeling he got from the meeting earlier. He wasn't sure what it was, exactly. Maybe it was having to see Erwin after last night, maybe it was the look in Dahlia-or Day's- eyes when they had met his. Icy steel, wanting to slice him in half. 

Killing her would save me so much trouble, he grumbled. We were playing with fire here, and he wondered just how long it'd take for us to feel the flames. 

Erwin thought he could get through to her with glimmering rhetoric and the ferocity of a Commander. There was no possible way he could understand getting thrown into the carnage of the Scouts with no prior knowledge. Even threatening her life wouldn't bring cooperation, not from someone like her.

Levi wrestled with the decision: should he let her fail, ensuring Erwin would send her back to jail, or help shape her into a new level of deadly force? His thoughts drifted to the cave, remembering the fierce fight Day managed in her condition.

How many people will die if I let her rot in a cell? 

Worrying about that insufferable girl only fueled his frustration. He almost wished to be back on the field, where everything made sense. Levi hadn't faced Titans since the battle at Shiganshina. Aside from sealing the Wall months ago and clearing out the vermin behind it, he'd been stagnant– or at least, it felt that way to him.

The only time since that he'd really put his back into something were the fights he had Day. Maybe I just needed another reprieve from people.

That made his decision for him on how to decompress as he headed back to his office. The Captain began to pack some weapons to take to his spot and he paused along his collection, eyeing Day's crafted blades. He thought of them as his compensation for having to go through all that annoying shit to get her. 

He picked up a small dagger and brushed the end with his finger. It was obvious how much care had gone into the maintenance of them. The end was sharp enough to cut through brick, and it gleamed like a diamond in the light of sun. 

She definitely liked beautiful things, he thought to himself. 

 

 

 

 

Levi proceeded to sneak out of the confines of the headquarters on ODM gear, silently excited to hide his day away throwing knives at stuff. It wasn't often he was able to get away without Erwin's notice, but today he got the feeling they both wanted to avoid each other. 

Hours later, after many imaginary faces had blades stuck into them, he made his way back for dinner. Erwin, the dramatic one as always, wanted to give the new recruits a speech. 

Levi wasn't the motivational leader as he sometimes wished he could be. Erwin had told him that his presence was enough to move even biggest of cowards, so his words weren't a priority. 

Maybe it was the fact that looking into the eyes of his comrades got harder as the years past. He would wake up in a cold sweat of those same eyes, struck with icy terror as they're devoured alive. 

The world he lived in was cruel and unforgiving, and he almost felt pity for every sorry shit born caged behind these Walls. 

 

 

Running across the shingled roof, Levi gripped the bag of weapons in one hand, weaving his way back to Headquarters. At last, his thoughts had cleared.

Erwin was once again the thorn-in-his-side leader he couldn't help but follow, and Dahlia– or Day, whatever her name was– was just another clueless recruit he hoped to mold into a Titan-slaying weapon. Training resumed tomorrow, and for once, he felt ready to drill those brats.  

As Levi swung through his window, bag in tow, he never noticed the pair of eyes watching him from the rooftop above.

 

 

Dinner was obnoxious, as usual. Meat was served, which was rare no matter where you lived in the Walls. Scouts and new recruits ate with relish, greasy faces grinning as the thought of a gruesome death was far away. Levi sat with Hange and a few other smaller Captains at a large table in the front of the room. Erwin hadn't arrived yet, and Levi tried to hold his scowl as Hange talked his ear off about some new Titan weapon.

"Why don't you blab about this when you can actually show it to me? I'd rather eat in peace." he grumbled.

Her wacky grin didn't waver. "Huhh? I thought you'd be excited to use some new gear! Added mobility, firepower, with this we can-"

Levi held up a hand and let the scowl come through. "When have you seen me excited for anything, four eyes?"

She took it as a real question and put a finger to her chin. "That is true..maybe you'll perk up after tomorrow- I know you like to kick at least one of the recruits by day's end."

At that, Levi gave the smallest appearance of a smile. "Now that is something I'm looking forward to."

They were interrupted by loud shouts coming from across the room. A boy was thrown onto the ground, and another landed atop of him with a flurry of fists.

"You dumbass! Say it again!" he recognized his Level One little shit, Eren Jaeger getting pummeled by his friend, Jean Kirstein. Anytime something annoying happened, it always centered on Jaeger and his idiot friends. 

"It looks like Christmas came early." Levi said to Hange as he stood up.

Moments later, both boys laid flat on the ground with groans. One firm clap came from behind Levi.

"Efficient as always, Captain."

He turned and saluted his Commander, who was standing amongst the group with a proud look on his gleaming face. No doubt the maniac had spent all day coming up with more contingents and blessed words to inspire our poor troops. 

Bet you won't tell them about the unpredictable murderer you've recently "employed."  He fought off a glare as he took his seat back at the table. Okay, maybe Levi was still a little bitter about last night. 

Erwin stayed in place and put his hands behind his back to address the cadets. The man had the power to quiet even the rowdiest of troops with just a look. Within seconds, the room was his. As he began to speak of how no matter how overwhelming our challenge may seem, just one soldier can turn the tide of a battle with the right mindset.

That led Levi to scan around the room for someone particular, suddenly remembering the other idiot he had to keep under wraps now. His fist clenched when he didn't see a bird's nest of blonde curls anywhere. 

The last thing he needed was a thief of all things to be wandering around unsupervised right now. What if she ran off? he thought, then quickly changed his mind. The look on her face said she had completely believed there was poison inside her neck- and even an idiot like her wouldn't risk sudden death. 

The Captain feigned interest in the rousing speech, but his mind wandered, plotting where she might be and how to reach her before Erwin caught on. He recalled the only thing that had broken through her shock the night before.

That little rat. Of course, he knew where she was. 

Thankfully, Erwin’s speech only lasted about a minute more. Before his leader could turn around and see him, Levi slipped out of the dining hall and stalked angrily down the hallway. Maybe he should let Erwin know, drag the thief right out to him and show the Commander he was right from the start. If only Levi didn't know Erwin so well, it would take a lot more than that for him to let go his new toy. 

As he approached his office, Levi quieted his steps to hopefully surprise the damned brat. He swung the door open and was met with an empty room. Only the window curtain moved lightly with the breeze. 

Levi sighed and stepped towards his desk. He already knew the weapons were gone. That worm must've jumped out at the last second. Looking out the window, he scowled into the night. It's like this aggravating woman thought he wouldn't slice her head off at a moments' notice. 

See you in class tomorrow, you thieving rat.

Chapter 15: class

"Day! Dayyyyy! You're going to be late! Shadess will have our head so wake uppp!"

I awoke to someone pushing me over and over, and I saw Sasha's wide eyes above my face. I turned and saw she was dressed in full Scout gear, down to the harness all over her body. 

I groaned and sat up. I was exhausted, since I had stayed up all night reuniting with my beautiful babies. Glancing at my pillow, I saw the bag of them all peeking out from under it. I was never going to go without them again. 

I made Sasha look away as I got dressed solely so I could place all my babies back in their rightful homes all over my body. Once I braided half my head, I placed a knife uptop and clapped my hands.

"Okay cowgirl, I'm gonna need help with those straps." she turned with a small flush and agreed to. 

After we were done, I admired myself in the mirror as she danced nervously by the door. "Damn," I whistled. "I thought tan wouldn't be my color, but I look good." I'd never worn anything close to what I was in, but honestly the new straps were kinda hot. 

She rolled her big green eyes and pushed me out the door. 

Once we arrived, the reality of what I had been forced to become began to sink in once again. Rows of cadets lay in front of me with their hands at their sides, a crowd of little soldiers and I was to be one of them. 

Sasha and I fell in line near the back next to her friends from yesterday. The buzz-cut boy gave her a small shove and a chuckle when she got there. I felt a pair of eyes watching me and I turned to see Armin staring as he stood between two dark-haired people. 

A hand floated to my thigh, where one of my blades were placed. It was an involuntary movement, and once I realized what I was doing, I stopped and tried to face my eyes forward. 

"I hope you all had a nice break, cadets! I’ve taken my own little break from the babies in bootcamp to come wish the first-years a special first day. Who knows, maybe I’ll stay for a while.”

”Because as of right now, your hell begins. You'll be begging for the Titans to scoop you up by the time I'm done with you." A man with an unusually shiny bald head smiled at all of us menacingly. 

"For those of you who don't know, I am Commandant Shadess and I'm here to whip you poor souls into shining examples of what a Scout should be.”

I snigger came out of me before I could stop it, and Sasha wacked my arm. God this was all so serious it seemed ridiculous. I forced myself to listen to the rest of his aggressive speech with what I hoped was a straight and focused face. That only lasted for a short time, and my gaze began to wonder. My eyes widened slightly when I noticed the small group of Captains off to the side, observing the training. 

Levi stood there, carrying himself like a bored witness, clearly wishing to be elsewhere. His annoyed gaze briefly flicked to my face, catching me watching him. He shot me a look that could only be described as murderous. Remembering our near-encounter in his office, I smirked at the pompous little man. Too far away to see his reaction, I could only hope he was simmering.

Next to him was Hange, who was giving the old Commandant probably the least amount of attention than anyone else as she scribbled in a notebook ferociously. 

I was brought back to the bald man by the sound of him screaming to a cadet. "You there, state your name!"

A girl a year or two younger than me saluted the man frantically and replied loudly, "Mina Carolina, sir!"

He got in her face and yelled, "Wrong! You are a pig who lived in mud, you got that?"

She nodded sharply. "Yes sir!"

"You over there, who are you?" he asked a terrified-looking blonde man about four rows ahead of me. 

"Miles Grant from Trost, sir!"

I let out a gasp as the Commandant delivered a swift kick to the guy’s abdomen. The man fell into the dirt and held his stomach with loud moans. 

"If you can't handle that, we might as well feed you to the Titans right now!" Shadess spat in his face. 

"Don't worry," Sasha whispered under her breath to me. "He only goes for the newest recruits who look scared. Just stay calm, he'll leave you be." 

My fists clenched and unclenched as I stood among the cadets. So, it seems abusing the people you're entrusting with the lives of the people is common here in the Scouts. This must be some sort of twisted way of getting the new recruits to “shed” their former selves and become clean soldiers. My mind flashed back to the moon waiting for me, to swooping over rooftops, the feeling I would get after a lift. 

You won't erase me that easy. 

I guess my thoughts had betrayed the look on my face, because the next person the Commandant's target set on seemed to be me.

He gave me a hard glare and stomped up until he was inches from my face. I could see every gross wrinkle on his tanned skin. 

"You got something to say, cadet?" Spit hit my chin and I didn't break eye contact as I rubbed it off. 

I slowly gave him a salute. "Not at all, sir!" 

He got even closer to where I felt his hot breath.

"Oh, I think you do cadet." he said in a low tone. I was ready to block one of his bloody kicks until someone else yelled through the taut silence. 

"Alright Commandant, let's wrap this up and get them to the actual training." Levi. He stood a bit aways with a hand on his hip, looking bored as always. His eyes said otherwise, and he gave me a very pointed look. 

Behave yourself, it said. 

I gritted my teeth as the Commandant gave me one last angry glare before he nodded and stepped away. I didn't need that bastard to step in. If he was so worried I'd act out, maybe don't have your fellow officers give beatdowns to newbies. 

The Commandant took his place back at the front and I felt a few glances in my direction. "As much fun as it is giving you pigs a pep talk, it's time for the real beating to commence." I sighed at the thought of more of this solider bullshit, while my hand grazed the cut on my neck. 

I just need to figure out my escape, then none of you sorry assholes will ever see my face again.

Chapter 16: games

My mind ran as we walked to our next fun group activity, and I ignored all the eyes on me.

Levi, watchful and cold. Sasha with confusion and slight worry. Armin's piercing blue filled with questions. That bloody horse-faced man’s for some reason. I wanted to run, feeling like a cornered animal. 

Round and round the circles went. I need to get out of here.  I need to get out of here. I need to get out of here. I need to get out of here. 

I fiddled my straps with anxious energy and refused to look anywhere, to accept this bullshit. I kept my eyes on the dirt as we walked, honestly grateful from a break at looking near the sun.

I was already developing a headache from straining in this light for this long, which was not going to help my shitty situation. The morning sun beat down on our backs with a dry, dusty heat that left me licking my crusted lips. 

Being forced to do this nonsense was going to break me. Having wrinkly old men yell in your face was enough, but the fact it's my first damned day, and everyone is noticing me already has to be really bad.

My inner panic had caused me to bump into Sasha as we stopped. I finally looked up and let out a small sigh. 

The universe was a funny bitch.

Around us was what only could be described as an ODM playground. And it was huge. 

There was a section of forest off to the side which had silhouettes of what I guessed were fake Titans hiding beneath the foliage. Rows of bars and towers were on my right that lacked Titans but had interesting angles and heights, probably to teach quicker mobility, agility and balance. 

"Alright, losers gather in. There's no way I'm going to yell." Captain Levi said in a firm tone, arms crossed.  

The crowd broke formation to stand around the short man. Hange was next to him, along with a few other Captains who were in gear.

Even among people bigger than he was, I hated to admit the man's presence was intimidating. Not to me. But it was a noticeable difference in dynamics between him and Shadess. 

Levi didn't need to earn their respect and awe- Shadess demanded it. 

"You brats better have remembered your training over break. If not, I'll give you one reminder. This ODM training is for two reasons. One: becoming efficient Titan killers, two: doing it fast as hell. Hesitation out there is different than in here. You can be smart all you want, try to think your way out of it. But if you're slow? You're dead for sure."

I remembered reading in my books I had found about Titans long ago, that their weak spot had been discovered by the Scouts. It lay in their nape, which could be twenty damn meters in the air. 

"Half of you will start with Hange and the Captains on the course, the other half are with me in the forest. Then you'll switch. Now go gear up and hurry. I haven't gotten to kick someone yet, and I'm just itching to." 

Everyone seemed to know exactly where to go, so I tried to follow suit. I stayed near Sasha as we put on our ODM gear. I missed my rigged gear I had tinkered with in the cave, how I’d made it completely silent with pads that were strategically placed.

I threw my gear on in seconds, a petulant face hardening my features. Now here I am. Playing Scout. 

About thirty or so cadets went with Levi into woods and thank the gods Sasha walked in the direction of Hange. However, all the stupid people's faces I had seen so far, I was stuck with in my group. 

I purposefully didn't make eye contact with any of them, just wanting to get this over with. Hange thankfully did the courtesy of not glancing at me, unlike Levi. 

The Section Commander began to explain in a frenzied tone that this was a sort of sparring session-ODM style. The madwoman pointed to a tower near us that was over twenty meters tall. It stood a ways from the course and would act as the audience tower. 

"That way," she giggled frighteningly. "We can all see how each other fights and learn off another! The goal is simple: get your opponent to fall." There were a few murmured reactions in the crowd. "This'll help you get better at not getting knocked down."

"I bet you've noticed the lack of netting. This is so you really understand the risk you'll take falling from the height of a Titan's neck. One wrong move means death out there. I hope you'll channel that energy here, too!" 

She wasn't doing a good job at hiding her excitement as she gave us all an unhinged smile. 

"Cmon, let’s head up top and start right away! And since I want to see improved bladework, we will be using our ODM swords. Try not to kill each other, focus on nonlethal maneuvers and cutting wire, not skin! My fellow Commanders will be around the course to ensure safety, but they are not referees and there are no rules to this. Do anything necessary to get your opponent on the ground." 

She was given a quick worried glance from a Commander at her choice of words at the end, but she was already practically running to the top. 

We all followed her, and I overheard Sasha and her friends discussing who they thought could beat each other in a fight. Since Hange was the overseeing Commander, the Scouts began to let their excitement out at this little game too. I, on the other hand, wanted to take my blade out and slice my head off. 

All this training, and I bet half of you will still die. I thought bitterly. I shouldn't even bother learning your names. 

Still, the old Dahlia squeaked her little head in and kept whispering, Why does this sound so damn fun though? 

My warring thoughts were interrupted by Sasha giving me a nudge and I looked over at her. 

"Are you chewing? When the hell did you get food?"

She raised both eyebrows and wiped her mouth off. "Shhh I don't have enough for everyone!"

A still warm potato came out of somewhere in her shirt. I was a great thief, but Sasha would've made an excellent one if potatoes were cash, it seems. I was with the pony-tailed lunatic all morning and never once noticed. 

I gave her a smirk that was actually holding in a laugh. "You remember our deal from the other night. "

She gave me a huff and hid her eyes in her bangs as she broke the potato, like it was her favorite toy she was having to part with. The smaller half, which was a third of the potato, extended towards me. I shoved it in my mouth and gave her my first real smile of the day.

"I could tell that was hard. It makes it taste ten times better."

Emerald, puppy dog eyes narrowed. "I was going to eat that during the Commandant's speech, but you had to go on and piss him off without even talking!"

My head pictured her trying to sneakily eat a potato during the bald baby’s speech, giving him a heart attack from sheer boldness. I let out a real laugh at the thought and realized how good it felt to laugh again. I felt more like myself, a bit freer. 

"That old fart woke up pissed, I just didn't give him the satisfaction he wanted." 

She choked on her food when I called him that but couldn’t respond. We reached the top of the tower, where the chaotic jungle gym–no doubt Hange’s handiwork– stretched before us. Now level with the metal towers and bars, I could see the design aimed to challenge you. Some planks had twenty-foot gaps, and rappelling options were few and far between.

Hange stood at the front and whipped the journal out I had saw her scribbling in earlier.

"Okay, cadets! The match will be timed for five minutes! And to spice things up a bit, we will have the winners go against each other too! I tried to pick matches based off skill level, and who will learn the most from another."

I felt a small flutter in my stomach, the first itch of excitement I'd felt in weeks. This may not be where I pictured myself to be right now, back then when I had all that money. But at least for now, I could take my frustrations out on a bright-eyed Scout. 

For a bunch of people who had already fought Titans during the attack as brand-new recruits, not even out of bootcamp yet, they all had an odd amount of hope. 

It annoyed me to the point my skin itched. If they're so sure of victory, what the hells the game plan? Talk of victory all you want Erwin; you didn't give me one real reason there wasn't a need to fear death outside the Walls. Empty words like faith and hope did nothing to save actual lives. 

I hadn't even noticed the first pair had been called until two cadets zipped off the tower, towards pedestals on opposite ends of the course. The course itself was about three-hundred meters long and one hundred wide, giving enough space of a city block. 

The two figures, nearly identical in stature, stood facing each other. We were close enough for me to see that one was a girl with dark hair and a serious expression, while the other–so similar they could be related– wore a face of hesitation and anxiety.

I shouldn't have given a shit, really. These were all just a bunch of ridiculous idiots, distracting themselves to spite their pending deaths. 

The sooner I got this poison bomb or whatever diabolical thing they shoved in my fucking neck out, the sooner I’d forget about it. But, of course, that dumb little voice of mine kept grinning at the idea of watching the Scouts use their ODM gear– I’d only ever seen MPs with it.

"YMIRRRRRRRRR!"

 I whipped my head to the sound of someone wailing one of the opponents' names. It was a girl shorter than I was with shining blonde hair, a shade or two more yellow than mine. 

I tried not to grimace at how shrill the sound was. I guessed she was cheering on the slender woman on my right, who looked entirely sure of herself. After overhearing the other chants, I learned the other skinny brunette was a man named Broccoli. Bagpipe. No- something even dumber like “Bertolt.”

Instinct immediately told me the tiny blonde's girlfriend would be the champion in this match. His hesitation would be his downfall, and I started to realize Hange's idea. Learn something from another. As much as I hated the fact, I was already interested in the events in front of me. At least I'd pick up something useful for later. 

Hange had somehow produced an airhorn in the meantime and she stood on the edge of the tower as if falling wasn't a possibility. 

"Okay guys, first match will start in THIRTY...TWENTY-NINE....TWENTY-EIGHT..."

As the countdown went on, I heard Sasha, baldie, and horse-man make bets on who would win. An extremely buff guy with a clipped blonde haircut turned around towards the trio with a stern face, muscly arms crossed. 

He didn't even say a word, just stared.

"Stop glaring at me Reiner unless you wanna place some cash on freckle-face." Baldie scowled at him as he handed Sasha a wad of money. 

"Connie, the fact that you even think gambling is honorable, on your own comrades-" I stopped listening to the hunk as Hange reached three.

Chapter 17: down down down

Ymir went low as Bertholdt went high, and I could notice immediately who was the trained one and who was not. Ymir had talent but Bertoldt had the executed moves of a soldier. As I watched him make maneuvers around the course, avoiding confrontation, Ymir swung quickly underneath with her swords already out. 

She trailed him, and he barely managed to evade her. Bertholdt kept looking back– he’d slip up if he didn’t stop. While the MPs used direct maneuvers, the Scouts mastered evasion and weaving. Bertholdt changed direction at the last second, leaving Ymir struggling to adjust due to her speed.

Both were fast, but Beanpole looked far too nervous for a confrontation. Ymir zipped past his head as he ducked just in time, though her blade had already sliced his wire. He crashed into the dirt with a gasp, and the blonde brute beside me clenched his fists in disapproval. Officers helped Bertholdt up, and he staggered back toward the tower, dazed.

Ymir sheathed her swords and returned to the side of the perky girl. I watched as they embraced at her victory, Ymir's face showing emotion for the first time. 

My mind randomly drifted to the girl at the bar in the Underground, with lively bright eyes and a warm smile. I'd never know her name, and never seen her again. I tried to shrug off the thought of my tightening shackles, and listened to Hange call out the winner with a gleeful cheer. 

Nervous energy took over again. I began to think about how I too would be made to face off against a Scout in front of this crowd. All those eyes watching me. Sights set right on my skull. Maybe I should tell Hange this isn't a good idea. 

Sasha pushed me back to reality with a friendly nudge. 

"Hey, what'd you think?" she asked with wide eyes next to mine. I tried to give her a nonchalant look, but all the while the cut at the back of my neck itched fiercely. 

"How do you feel about going up?" I asked lightly. 

She tried to give me a brave smile and laughed a little. "Ahh I can't wait to swing around that jungle gym, but I hope I don't get someone hard to beat, yanno? I don't wanna tire myself out too much before lunch."

The baldie pushed his way in-between us as we spoke and stuck a hand out towards me. "Sorry for yesterday, we didn't get properly introduced. I'm Connie Springer."

I stared at his hand and didn't take it. I don't care, I wanted to say to the scrawny man. But instead, I inhaled and nodded my chin to him.

"Day."

He was already back to joking and messing around with Sasha and horse-face to notice, so I slowly walked away from the group. 

My mind kept whirring with ways to escape and my hand constantly fiddled with my ODM handle. It's like being handed the key to your freedom but knowing there's a triggered bomb on the other side. 

I hadn't even noticed bumping into someone until a strong hand gripped my shoulder. My eyes met light blue ones as I stared up at the hunk from a moment ago who had cheered his friend on. 

"Are you okay?" he asked in a genuine tone, and I threw his hand off me. "You look like you're going to vomit."

"I'm fine," I snarled with as much malice as I could muster. He threw his hands up as a friendly defense move and tried to give me a smile, but on his rough, stern face it looked more like a grimace.

"My bad, just trying to help. Don't be worried, the Captains won't let us get hurt too badly."

I almost laughed at his words. You think I'm worried about someone hurting me in the match, you oaf? 

I knew thugs in the Under City that would eat these Scouts for breakfast, and if I could make them cry, I sure as hell wasn't worried about some fresh-meat soldier knocking me down. 

I rolled my eyes and turned away from him, back towards Sasha, who at least wouldn't make me want to slam a blade into her throat. The man tried to apologize as I left, reaching a hand out. I heard him say his name was Reiner, but I had already forgotten by the time I reached my ponytailed companion. 

The next match had already begun, though the duo’s faces were hard to make out. It didn’t matter– the match ended almost instantly when one cadet’s rope missed a bar, sending him plummeting twenty feet with a yelp. On terrain like this, you had to remember: you don’t leap when the rope connects, but when it starts to wrap.

With an irritating jolt, I realized Hange wasn’t the reckless fool I thought– this wasn’t a bad way to teach mobility. To avoid capture on these tiny bars, you need to disconnect and redirect yourself fast. Amid the chaos, the one clear plan had to be your own. Find a path, an opening. Hesitation was your biggest obstacle here.

A few more matches passed, and I caught myself picking up new maneuvers. Their tactics were..interesting to say the least. 

When my roommate’s name got called, it was against one of her annoying little friends– Jean Kirstein, the horse-faced guy. The crowd roared as they took their places, and I barely held back from shouting Sasha’s name, urging her to kick that dude’s ass into the dirt.

She thankfully didn't look as nervous as I thought she would, and she jumped off the tower with ease. Jean yelled taunts and jeers at her as he briskly swung to his pedestal. I took one look at Connie and thought that boy would pass out from how hard he was screaming Sasha's name. 

"Stomp that horse-face’s ass, Sashaaaa!" he wailed, and a giggle escaped me at the sound of someone else referring him to my mean nickname out loud. I'm glad I'm not the only one who saw the resemblance. 

After the countdown, the two flew towards each other with grins on their faces. They both were great on ODM gear, Sasha flowing with what seemed like instinct alone, and Jean calculated and direct. They immediately went with slashing each other with their blades in midair, trying to take the other out with glee. 

I couldn't lie, it was extremely entertaining to watch. They seemed like a popular duo, because everyone was in an uproar over their fight. I heard a swarm of bets and insults thrown around me of who would win, and I slowly started to cheer as they kept going at it. 

It got even more exciting as my girl suddenly shot back to the end of the course and pulled a bow off her shoulder that I just realized had been on her back, blending in with her tan gear. 

She took quick, narrowed shots towards Jean hurtling towards her that he missed by the end of his clothes.

"You tryin to kill me idiot??" he screamed and threw his swords into a defense X. 

She had changed her aim, however, and before he could reach her, an arrow pierced his wire and he started to drop.

Jean had quicker reflexes than most and he caught himself at the last second. Sasha was faster, though, and before he could gain any traction, two arrows shot through his last wire and he dropped with an indignant yell. 

I had forgotten to even give a fuck about laying low at that point, and I hopped up and down as I yelled her name. Now that was a fight. 

When they returned, everyone swarmed them with buzzing words of excitement and Jean whined loudly about how the bow was cheating.

"Hange did say by any means, Jean-boy," Connie grinned cheekily and punched him roughly in the arm. 

The two started wrestling like twelve-year-olds and I watched on with my arms crossed and a light smile. Getting involved in their fight rekindled a spark in me, the familiar tingle in my hands reassuring. For almost two weeks I had felt like a caged animal, constantly looking for a way out. It was nice to feel my old energy back, my smile. 

Feeling like my old self was a way of saying I could do it, no matter what my issue was, no matter how many stormy-eyed demons disrupted my life. I was Dahlia, and I would overcome this shit. 

All was possible with a cheeky attitude and drive to be left alone like mine. Maybe I had just forgotten that enjoying myself was the best part of what I did, because it said no matter what was happening, I had some level of control. 

I gave Sasha genuine smile as I told her good job when she got back, and smiled even harder as I ignored Jean's complaints of how he would've won if she didn't cheat. 

The next few matches flew by in under twenty minutes, the most interesting one between the burly man Riener and the loud blonde attached to Ymir, called Historia. 

It was obvious from the start he was holding back for her.  It could’ve been because of their drastic size difference or the fact I could almost make out a slight flush on his cheeks, when she got in close to grab him. 

Historia did have a dainty way of flipping through the air, but didn’t stop trying to swing at Reiner halfheartedly with her swords. One seemed too nice to do much damage and the other too fancied. It was their downfall as Hange called time, neither ever hitting the ground and automatically being disqualified. 

Ymir wrapped a lanky arm around the girl with a frown as she returned, and Historia gave her an oblivious wide grin. Both of them were quite beautiful in very contrasting ways, I had come to notice, and they complemented each other well. 

The only one I had wasted time on paying attention to afterwards was the fight between Armin and his brunette friend- an emerald-eyed man with long hair pulled back into a bun and a brave grin on face. He was over a foot taller than Armin, with toned muscles and the confidence of someone who seemed invincible.

He was what you’d call in the Underground- a six-foot-everything. 

His insanely bright green eyes met mine for a split second as he made way to the front with his friend. The first thought that came to my mind was something had seemed different about his demeanor than the other Scouts.

I realized what it was after I watched his match.

It was self-assured motivation unlike anything I had ever seen. 

Armin was undoubtedly the smarter attacker, but Eren charged at him with the passion of ten men, letting out a fierce below. In the end, it was Eren’s ferocity that won the match. Armin managed to stay out of his reach for a while, seemingly predicting Eren’s attacks before they landed. However, Eren overpowered him as he closed the distance, relying on barely-restrained aggression.

His eyes almost seemed to glow as he landed back onto the tower. Strong arms throw his swords back into his gear with a hard push. Very different indeed. Armin wore a meek smile when he arrived, and still congratulated his friend on the victory. 

The matches were so captivating that I had almost forgotten I too was one of the players. That changed when Hange’s cheerful voice cut through the noise on the intercom.

"Annnnd now for our next pair, it's Mikasa Ackerman and Day!!!!" she threw her hands towards us with zeal. Gods. I saw the gleam of absolute joy in her eyes.

I scanned the crowd to see who that even was, and when my eyes met the intense girl beside Eren- the utter silence in the crowd hit me.

Chapter 18: duel

I had noticed two things as I made my way to the front. One: that girl had the same last name as Levi. Two: Hange's crazy ass had definitely picked a candidate for me like it was her personal experiment.

Whispers made their way to me as I passed.

"That poor girl, who would want to fight Mikasa?"

"I heard she killed five Titans in the Battle of Shiganshina."

"She won't last ten seconds."

"What the hell is that hairstyle? I've never seen anything like it."

"What type of solider doesn't have a last name?"

The chittering sounds of idiots did little to sway me, but a few of their words had piqued my interest. I glimpsed at the girl, Mikasa, once again and saw the glint of killer instinct. 

She did look related to Levi, with sharp features and a cold glare. I knew the look of a threat when I saw one, and she seemed no different.

I managed to not throw Hange off the tower once I approached her, even as I watched the giddy woman bounce on the heels of her feet. Her hazel eyes looked at mine for the first time that day, and I tried to telepathically spew all the curses I knew back at her. 

I hesitated on flying off the tower. Not out of nervousness, but to judge Mikasa's skill as she flew to her place. She wasn't as fast or light-footed as Levi, though it was obvious that I was dealing with one of their top students. 

Unsheathing my swords, I stared off at the course a second longer while I tried to ignore that bubbling excitement creeping its way into my chest. 

Should I use my knives? Like how Sasha brought in her bow? I decided against it in that moment. I wanted this to be over quickly, but not that quickly.

I took a small step off the bars without disengaging my gear and heard startled gasps from the crowd. The familiar drop in my stomach seemed to throw cold water on my soul. At the last second, I shot a wire to the pedestal and used the momentum to throw me high into the air with a flip. 

I also ignored the pesky voice in my head, that started to sound oddly like someone I knew, reprimanding me for showing off.  If you're gonna cage me, I want to at least have some fun in the meantime.

My heartbeat was steady and strong as Hange screeched her thirty-second countdown. Unlike the other matches, no names were cheered from the tower. The energy seemed the same as a group witnessing an execution, just waiting for the chopping block to fall. 

I rolled my neck while she reached three and held my grip on my handle. Mikasa on the opposite end stood absolutely still, giving me nothing to read. 

 

ONE!

 

The woman propelled towards me like a force of nature, impossibly fast just like her namesake and almost as deadly. I made a mental note as I watched her come my way. She relied heavily on short, fast bursts of her ODM tank and less on momentum. 

Nonetheless, if this had been years ago, the sight of this lethal woman would've made me shit my pants. One thing stayed in the back of my head though. She was good, but not as good as him. Rat bastard.

Just as she was close enough for me to see that fearsome snarl, I shot a rope out into the distance. The last thing she'd expect was for me to go right to her, so that's exactly what I did. I flew forward, ducking at the last second from her blade. 

As we flew in opposite directions, we were close enough to where I could make out how her eyes widened as she realized I was going past her. 

It happened in under two seconds. She reached my pedestal with a grunt from the force of her speed.  I landed about thirty yards away on one of the bars, balancing on it with the top of my feet. 

Mikasa wasted no time in heading my way. As she went to pull herself with her rope, she didn't seem to notice the slack in her gear. She reached me rapidly and I spun away at the last second. Then, I shot off my bar to a few more yards in the distance, willing her to chase. 

Chase she did, and I could hear her furious grunts as she shot a rope onto a plank right above my head. Her motivation seemed to be to shoot at me Levi-style, with all the speed and power she could muster. Just as she propelled off her bar to fly towards me, I heard a lovely snap. 

It isn’t until the woman lands in the dirt with a hard thud, ODM gear flying off her, that I realize a smile is plastered on my face. I also hadn't noticed the roar of the crowd, that had been going on since I evaded her first attack. 

Hange's voice shot through the chaos. "DAY- DAY’S THE WINNER WITH TWO MINUTES!" she sounded like she’d made a huge discovery, tripping over each word with elatedness. 

I was happy I still could move the way I did weeks ago, despite being beaten and tied up.

I returned to the tower amid surprised yells and cheers. Mikasa arrived shortly after, covered in dirt and wearing a dangerous scowl. The whap! of someone hitting me on the back jolted me, and I turned to see Hange with a proud smile on her diabolical face. 

"I didn't even notice you cutting her gear this entire time, Day!" she babbled, not noticing the pissed off look I wore. 

My blades were itching underneath my clothes to be used, and I almost regretted not going with my first plan. Ah well, I'll just have to use that move for next time. Death camp or not, I did miss putting on a show. 

I tried to ignore the unflinching stare from Armin and his friend Eren as I walked past. Fuck me. Last thing I need is that inquisitive mother fuckers' gears turning. I pictured myself flicking a knife his way the next time he chose to stare. It gave me a little ease, and I smiled at the idea. 

"That was so fucking cool I don't even have words," Sasha squealed and gripped both of my shoulders. I let her give me a few good shakes before I pushed her off. "You're moves are insane, you're as fast as Levi!"

It was like she had spoken the devil into existence, because in that very moment, a heat grew on my neck. I glanced over the towers rail, near the base of it, and made out a small figure on the ground.

Even from that distance- Captain Levi's eyes seemed to scald me with their intensity.

Chapter 19: problem

Ever since Levi saw her golden head bob into view this morning, along with that blaringly obvious Undergrounder hairstyle, he'd been annoyed. 

It seems his old plan, of showing Erwin how unproductive of an asset she'd be to the Scouts, wasn't even necessary. She seemed to be doing a fine job of that on her own. 

Levi thought this as he heard frenzied cheers come from Hange's training group. His own group had ended early and was walking with him out of the woods when he noticed it. As he looked up to see the cause of the commotion, that flash of blonde was all he needed to know. 

Dahlia was fighting the top student in the class, Mikasa Ackerman. And she was clearly winning, which seemed to be impossible.

Mikasa moved with deadly intent on her gear, but Day was in a different class of her own. The way she flew on ODM gear made his mind flash back when he first saw her in the Under City, zipping through rooftops and streets. She moved with chaotic grace, her erratic nature impossible to predict in combat. 

It was like she had been born doing this, each move was loose, precise, and calculated. Levi hadn’t seen her fight with ODM swords yet- and she seemed to hold them like toys. Like they were a third of the size, something she could throw and flip at a moment’s notice.

He hadn't even realized he’d stopped walking in his tracks to stare up at the two.

Levi hated that she was such a sight to witness in a fight. He ignored the tingling feeling he got at watching her move in midair the way she did, and he stalked towards the tower with a scowl. 

Before he reached it, his neck turned to the sound of someone hitting the ground hard. It was Mikasa, who looked utterly surprised to the fact her gear had been cut off at the pressure points. The group he had just trained murmured behind him excitedly that someone actually beat Mikasa. 

Her first fucking day, and she's already put so much attention on herself that Levi had developed a headache between his brows from furrowing them. Levi zipped up to the top swiftly and stood on the railing with his arms crossed. 

"Lunch time, brats." he said in a clipped tone, his eyes not leaving the big brown ones across the way. 

The idiot had the audacity to try and leave with the rest, so he jumped off the bar and gripped her arm with an unwavering clamp.

"Not you," he muttered in a cold tone. Day didn't even give him the courtesy of looking scared, and his grip tightened just a fraction. 

Hange made her way over to Levi with a clueless grin and waved, "Hey Levi did you see that last match? Just incredible Day, this is the start of-"

Levi raised his hand to cut her off. "For someone who claims to be a scientist, you sure are stupid Four-Eyes." His hand was still gripping her toned arm, he realized, and he threw it off with disgust.

Hange seemed completely unfazed by Levi's insults. "Mikasa was the obvious choice of opponent, of course. I underestimated you, Day! I hadn't seen your skills yet, and I thought this was the best way to put them to the test! Tell me, where'd you learn how to-"

"Shut up. This isn't a game and you're not thinking anything through. What if one of those imbeciles are paid for by Slaker? All he'd need to hear is a new Scout with who acts like a dirty Undergrounder, and who took down the toughest new recruit. We'd have his gang on our asses in no time."

She finally started to see why Levi was so angry. Her face turned a little sheepish and as she went to respond, Day interrupted behind her.

"So what, I was just supposed to let her win? That would kill my street cred."

He spun around and jabbed an angry finger at the thief. There was that infuriating smile. "You are on my last nerve. Not only did your ballsy ass break into my office," Hange let out a small eep. "But you've also caused way too much chaos in such little time.”

At his mention of her break in, her fingers went towards her hip as if to protect the blades from Levi. "I just stole my own property back." she said defensively. 

Hange looked pensive and she put a gentle hand on Day's shoulder. "Alright, I see your point now Levi. You can blame me for this when you tell Erwin, but Day was just doing what was asked of her. That's why my idea of co-training in private, with you and Eren, would be the most beneficial, like I've stated before."

Dahlia's brows quirked at Jaeger’s name. "You mean that loud guy? What's so special about him?"

The lunatics eyes gleamed and she no doubt was about to go into full detail of Jaeger’s disposition, but Levi clamped a hand over her mouth. "I won't tell you to shut your trap again. We can't completely separate her from all the other trainees, that's too noticeable. However," he lifted his hand once he was sure Hange was going to stay silent. 

"I agree with the fact that she needs to be trained with us. Starting tomorrow night, you will meet Eren and I in this same location. Now, go to lunch and get out of my sight."

Dahlia's eyes hardened and she stayed in place. "No matter what you do, I will keep being your problem. If you don't like it- let me go."

Captain Levi strode towards her and in seconds had her shirt pulled towards him. He felt an angry snarl warp his features. "Threaten me again, scum. I won't wait for Erwin's command; I'll take you out myself. Believe me when I say, I have no issue cleansing the Survey Corps of its trash."

The woman moved her face closer to Levi's, to where he could feel her breath on his face. Her brown eyes were hard with anger. "Do it." she said in a low tone. 

Levi just shrugged noncommittally and said, "If you wish."

Before she could react, he pushed her backwards toward the railing and without a sound, threw her off the tower.

"Levi!!!!" Hange screamed and rushed towards the railing. 

He didn't even need to watch her descent as he heard the zip of her ODM gear. Finally, he peeked over and saw her standing twenty meters below with her arms crossed, not a scrape on her. God, she was obnoxious. 

"Nice try, Captain!" she called up with a cheeky grin he would've been able to see from miles away. Day then turned and walked back to HQ with a spring in her step. 

Hange let out a maniacal laugh as she bent over the railing. She wiped a tear away and looked at Levi, who had steam basically coming out of his ears. "Did I ever mention I liked her? I think you met your match!"

Her laughing quickly stopped when she saw Levi's reaction to what she had said. "Oh, come on Levi, even you have to admit she brings a certain energy to the Scouts I haven't seen before. It's like you never know what she'll do!"

"She's a problem. I want her gone." was all he responded with before leaping off the tower in one skillful move.

Chapter 20: ready set

Even though I had left the two Commanders with my signature annoying attitude, my fingers still twitched as I walked back to go eat. I had figured the angry toadstool would have an issue with how I fought Mikasa, but every interaction I was forced to have with that man only reminded me of who put me here in the first place. 

My mind flashed back to his grey eyes inches from mine as he pinned me to the cold cave floor. How he taken me down the fastest anyone ever has. The sinking pit of despair I felt in my stomach as I knew I had been paralyzed by my own blade.

That's when I realized what the twitching was. I wanted a rematch. I wanted to put that smug asshole in his place. 

My fingers touched the incision on my neck once again and I gritted my teeth. With all this swinging around, how did I know I was safe from the poison? 

All my swarming thoughts were interrupted by someone yelling my name down the path. "Dayyyy!! Hey, I waited for you! Pick up the pace, I'm starving!!"

Sasha bounded her way towards me with her ponytail flailing behind her. I almost gave her a smile for how sweet it was this hunger-crazed animal actually waited for me, until I noticed the two buffoons next to her. 

"What did Captain Levi want with you?" she quipped immediately as we caught up to each other. 

Oh, you know, to tell me I'm gutter trash and throw me off a twenty-foot tower. 

Instead, I gave her a dismissive wave of my hand. "Nothing, he's just pissed I broke Mikasa's gear."

She didn't look like she completely believed me, but Connie sprung into the conversation as we walked before she could call me out. 

"I still can't believe you beat Mikasa! I thought Hange was crazy for putting you against her, or anyone for that matter. On the brightside, this dumbass lost a chunk of change with Sasha for betting against you." He stuck a thumb towards Jean, who rolled his eyes and shoved him.

Jean gave me a nervous smile, which I ignored. "I'll never doubt you again, I promise. As deadly as you are beautiful, what's a guy to do?"

Connie and Sasha guffawed at his corny flirting, and I just scowled and picked up my pace. 

 

 

 

After a very loud lunch, filled with thrown food and multiple eyes staring me down, it was time to go back to training.

I noticed as we all walked back as a group, that one of those pair of eyes belonged to Mikasa, who seemed like she was trying to ignite me telepathically. The woman seemed absolutely glued to the one named Eren Jaeger, almost as if she was his protector, or lover. 

Sore loser, was all I thought with a smirk. 

The entire crowd of us joined Hange and Levi beneath the midair jungle gym. The talking of cadets was silenced with one clap from the grumpy looking Captain. Hange straightened her glasses and addressed the crowd.

"We have run out of time to have the winners go against each other as I had wanted… so we will now be switching! Everyone get your gear back on and meet your Captain at their spots."

I had a suspicion she changed that because of the last match- mine. My thoughts were confirmed by Connie loudmouthing how it was only because if I could beat Mikasa, there wasn't anyone else I could really lose to. God, these Scouts were easily impressed. 

Their chittering added a bit to my old cockiness as I thought about the next course and how it was overseen by Levi. I almost wanted to annoy him further this time, taking a small amount of glee out of torturing this pissy man. 

As much as I itched for some payback, all the commotion really had been too much for one day. I decided to chill and be a little more lowkey this time. We all gathered around Levi at more of a distance than we gave Hange as he explained the next course.

"It's pretty simple. This is a race to test your overall speed, agility, and accuracy. Groups of five at a time will begin at the start of the forest and whoever hits the most napes and reaches the end the fastest wins. You don't win anything for beating the other four, this isn't summer camp." He crosses his arms and glares at all of them, like they were annoying kids he had to watch.

"Out there, being too slow means death. So run this course like your life depends on it. I will be at the end of the course watching. Don't mess up and remember your damn training."

He waved a bored hand around. "I don't feel like picking your groups. Find groups of five and begin the first race in five minutes. And hurry up." 

Levi then zipped up into the trees and disappeared in seconds. Everyone immediately began running around and picking their groups. Next to me, Sasha gave me a smile and began to back up, hands raised

"Sorry Day, nothin’ personal." She grabbed Connie and Jean then basically fled off.

I was left standing alone and I fidgeted with my handles as I watched people give me a nervous glance and walk the other way. 

I had begun to decide that I'd be stuck with no group, kicking myself for my performance earlier. That was until I heard someone's throat clear, and I turned to see Armin standing near me, a curious look on his face. 

I gave him a slight scowl that deepened when I noticed Eren and Mikasa standing slightly behind him. Eren almost resembled an excited puppy dog, and Mikasa his exact opposite. I was surprised to see how much she did resemble Levi up close. She was exquisitely beautiful in a severe type of way as the dark-haired girl glared at me with suspicious gray eyes. 

"Let's all be on a team together Day." Armin said. His sharp blue eyes seemed to really stand out against the waving trees. They almost made me shiver by how invasive they seemed. The small blonde definitely had some sort of a plan, and I contemplated telling him to fuck off. 

But I really didn’t seem to have any other option, and the runt knew it. I shrugged a shoulder. "Fine, but we need one more person."

Eren's smile widened at my participation, and he pushed Armin. "See! I told you it wouldn't be hard to convince her!" I raised my eyebrows, surprised that choosing me hadn't been Armin's idea.

As the groups became more and more organized, Eren looked around wildly for a fifth person. He didn't need to look long as a few moments later a small, gloomy looking woman strode up to us.

"Annie?" Armin gasped. 

She set her cold icy eyes onto mine and crossed her arms. I tried to ignore the muscles I saw bulging through her shirt when she did that. She seemed tiny and frightening, which seemed to be my type recently. 

“I want to see this girl fight again." Annie said in an expressionless tone. 

Sina, you and fucking everyone right now. Now there was no bloody possibility of getting this over with quickly and how I wanted.                                   

I just sigh dramatically and put one hand on my side strap. "Who's to say that wasn't a stroke of luck? All this fussing will go to waste." 

"Right," she replied in a dry tone. "A stroke of luck took Mikasa down."

I could almost hear Mikasa bristle behind me and I almost started to feel bad for the girl, having her loss tossed in her face over and over today. 

I shrugged once again. "Maybe she had bad gear."

Armin went to say something but was interrupted by a Commander yelling the start of the first race.

The first group to go was Ymir, Historia, Reiner, the freckle-faced beanpole, and a shorter brunette girl. We all moved to get a view of the first leg of the course, and I saw the silhouettes of fake Titans. Some of them swayed back and forth at different speeds and ranged from six meters to fifteen meters. 

If it wasn't for all the stupid stuff involved, it'd be almost excited to try this out. This is the closest I'll ever get to seeing if I can kill a Titan. I'll be long gone before I have to see a real one.

Eren and Armin babbled on together about who they thought would win as Annie and Mikasa stood by silently. As the match began and Ymir took off in the lead, my attention went elsewhere as I let a knife slide down into my fingers when no one was looking. It was a coping mechanism I'd had for years every time I got stressed. I twirled it in my fingers and my heart started to slow as I tried to decide what I'd do next.

Lost in thought and the motion of the blade, I didn't notice Armin had sauntered up to me. I took one look at his face and could tell he was nervous. He definitely had something he wanted to say, but for some reason seemed to hold his tongue. 

He looked down with hesitation and that's when he noticed my hand playing with the dagger. I quickly stopped and zipped the blade back into my sleeve. 

"God just let it out already." I rolled my eyes and gave him a semi-harsh nudge with my elbow.

"I like your hair." was all he said. Oookay.. not what I was expecting. 

I titled my head, my bangs shifting into my eyes. "Huh?"

I had forgotten I'd done an Undergrounder style and it's not like I ever thought someone would recognize where it was from. Armin was definitely a topsider, so how would he even know?

Maybe he was just actually being kind, which made me even more suspicious of him. I squinted at the short boy. 

He just gave me a sheepish smile and turned towards the Commander who was speaking once again. He announced Ymir as the winner as the group made their return. Reiner, the big hunk, looked irritated as he basically growled at the slender woman, who ignored him entirely. 

We all watched on as the matches continued and in no time, ours had come. The five of us took our places underneath the tall trees, staring down a path of titans waving in the brush. People began to cheer during the countdown and even though my breath never faltered, I felt a rush same as before. 

Behave, I reminded myself. Don't forget what's waiting for you at the end of this. 

I cursed that awful little man once again as they reached one.

Chapter 21: break me

Instead of going for the Titans, I shot off to one of the top branches of a nearby tree and watched the fellow cadets zoom past.

Eren let out a determined battle cry as he slashed the first nape. Mikasa and Annie were already almost out of sight by the time I connected my rope and leapt off. 

I spun and hit the first nape which was around ten meters as it waved past me. Bobbing along, I watched everyone pass me and give me sideyes as they did. I leisurely slashed my way down the path with fluid strokes.

I took atop one of the Titans heads as it moved and balanced on it until it leaned a certain way, using its motion to launch me.  I zipped past Armin, who was missing half of his swings, and felt a smile tug my lips. Even holding back, this was fun. 

What place should I go for? I thought as I shot past three in a row and sliced through them with one blow. The other cadets were off in the distance, all flying with very different styles. 

Eren threw himself at every Titan with little thought behind the effort and Annie flipped around like a martial artist. Each strike was cold and precise, and her skill almost seemed to rival Mikasa's. But Mikasa was seemingly fired up from today and she was giving it all she had. 

She gained the lead as she hurtled along with quick spins and fast bursts. It was interesting to watch everyone, at least, though I felt a pang in my gut from not being able to also give it everything I had.

The end came into view as I gave another tall Titan a halfhearted slash of my sword. Mikasa made it to the clearing Levi stood in, followed by Annie and Eren. I flipped off the last Titan and landed soundlessly on the grass next to the Captain. 

"Tch, I said don't cause a commotion, not do absolute shit." the others didn't hear him as Eren screamed on about something.

I tsked at him and shook my head with a sarcastic air. "I just can't make you happy, can I?"

His silver eyes slid towards mine with icy frost. "You're right, I'll be happy once you're gone brat."

I smiled back. "You could always let me go, pretty boy."

Air huffed through his nose. "Keep talking and I'll find the tallest tree to throw you off. No gear to save you this time."

It was indeed fun, messing with this grumpy man. I gave him a wink. "I'll take that as a maybe."

Levi no doubt would've killed me right there had Armin not stumbled down to the rest of us with a grunt. His wary blue eyes went immediately to mine as he brushed twigs out of his hair. 

"Mikasa wins, now leave." the Captain dismissed and turned away from us with his arms crossed. 

Everyone began to walk back and as I passed Annie; she gave me a blank face. "Disappointing."

I ignored the standoffish girl and strode ahead. "Day! Hey wait!" Armin called and I looked behind me to see him basically running to catch up with me. 

Nope, not doing this. I attached my gear and lifted into the air, leaving him in the dust.

Flipping through the trees, I changed course last second and headed towards the large headquarters in the distance. 

I just wanted to go somewhere I could be completely left alone. Seeing as how my cave wasn't an option anymore, I settled for the tallest spire atop the building. I found a good ledge and stared off into the distance as I let out a huge sigh. 

My neck, the incision, itched once again but I shrugged it off. Instead, I just stared up at the Walls and thought. As much as I had seen the Underground as its own kind of cage, I forgot the topsiders have theirs as well. My dream was just basically trading a smaller prison for a bigger one. 

I wonder what's beyond the Walls. I was shocked by that thought, it was one I had never cared about before. Maybe I was becoming sick of being held back in every sense of the word. The warm brick soothed my skin as I took my tan buttoned top off, leaving only my white tank top. I leaned against the stone and closed my eyes. 

Maybe I'll run far away from here, from the Walls, the delusional Scouts, until I reached a place so unlike this one, I'll forget everything. Anya's face flashed in my mind though, along with a twist of sadness. I could always pay for a nice place in the Interior for her, then leave. She'd be better off without my chaos around anyways. That girl needed a normal, safe life in the sunlight. 

All my worried thoughts softened and melted into the bricks as I drifted off to sleep in the warmth of the same sun she was deprived of. 

 

 

 

My dreams were filled unfamiliar whispers in the dark. I was stuck in a tunnel with no way out and every time I turned towards a voice; another would appear on the opposite side of me. It wasn't until they started to cut me with invisible blades did I snap awake. 

Sitting up in a rush, I almost forgot I was on a roof ledge over a hundred feet in the air. The wind whipped my hair around me making me grateful for the braids holding in half of it. 

The sun was setting, turning the sky and surrounding red brick into one amber glow. I'd only been on the roof one other time, when I was stealing from Levi's office, and I never had a chance to appreciate the view. The headquarters was one of the biggest buildings I'd ever seen, and I was able to scope out everything up to the Wall. 

I stood up and stretched with a yawn, careful of my footing as I did.

“Shit." I forgot about my ODM gear and the fact that I had to return it. Hopefully they didn't notice.

I ran along the roof until I had a clear view of the training course. Thankfully, it didn't seem like anyone was there, so I leapt off the edge with ease and made my way over. I made sure to be unnoticeable as I grappled to a tree and crouched along its leaves. 

After making sure the coast was clear, I hopped off the branch quietly and started taking my gear off. Just as I removed the final strap and considered how easy it would be to sneak off with ODM gear more often, a cold voice cut through the dusk.

"You damned fool. Where the hell have you been?"

Levi took slow, angry steps towards me. His badges on his shirt flashed in the setting sun along with his molten gray eyes. His face hardened even more when I gave him a cheeky grin.

"Wow, fancy meeting you here." I tried to play off. 

"And your uniform isn't on the correct way. I'll ask you once again, Dahlia." He took a step closer until I could see the details in his face. He gaze drifted to my tank top as he said it but quickly narrowed back onto my face. 

I poked his chest to piss him off. "Calm down, no need to pull the trigger or anything. I just wanted to.. be alone for a minute. That's all."

I loved playing with fire even on a bad day, but he seemed to want to remind me of which fire I was touching.

Levi grabbed my finger and bent it with a twist, making me gasp like the air had been taken out of me. I tried to pull it from his grasp to no avail as beads of sweats sprung on my forehead. 

"You broke my finger you fucking prick!" I yelled as he brought his face an inch above mine. His expression never changed, not once. All I saw were the emotionless eyes of a killer, one who especially wanted me dead.

I took a breath and stopped squirming. Coldness seeped into my body. I forgot about the pain as anger replaced it. A dagger appeared into my good hand while I waited for him to strike again. 

"If you keep your shit up, that's not the only thing I'll break. You think the fact that Erwin wants you keeps you safe. It doesn't. I'll slice you up with no hesitation." He sounded indifferent as the chill of evening air. 

Without looking down, he snatched my blade from my hand with the skill of a trained thief. I didn't react, knowing I had many more at my disposal but still shocked nonetheless.

Humanity's greatest solider took the knife and held it against my cheek. He then dragged it down my skin with light pressure. I kept my eyes locked on him the entire time as fire crept up my throat.

He pressed the blade just a bit harder and said, "And don't smile at me again. I'm getting extremely sick of your face, it's even more intolerable when you're grinning like a maniac the entire time. Got it?"

I held his gaze a second longer until I gave him a small nod, barely bridled anger searing where he touched me. Captain Levi took the steel off and gave me a tiny smile. He resembled the devil, beautiful and deadly. 

"Good girl," he said and flipped the knife in his fingers before putting it up his own sleeve. With that, he turned around and walked off. 

I touched my cheek as I watched him go and felt a drop of blood coating one of my fingers. My broken one pulsed with pain in the purple glow of the last few seconds of sunset. I didn't move for a few minutes but when I did, one thought was all I had.

I'm going to kill you someday, Levi.

Chapter 22: shards

Afterwards, Levi tried to ignore the flash of shock and pain that had filled those bottomless brown eyes.

The image wouldn't leave as he stalked down the hallway with no particular destination. For someone so strong, her finger had snapped like a twig. He didn't know why this disturbed him. There had been plenty of cadet's bones he'd broken over his years being Captain. 

Along with these irritating and conflicting thoughts, his head throbbed slightly, making Levi grit his teeth. He shifted his focus to warm a cup of tea to soothe all the tension. Chamomile drifted into his nose a while later as he sat in his chair, sipping a hot cup with one hand and playing with her knife in the other. 

The tea had helped his headache but had done nothing for the other issue on hand. The unfamiliar sense of guilt had seemed to arrive, throwing the great Captain Levi into a bit of a disarray. 

It was necessary, he scolded himself. I can't afford to be too weak dealing with someone like her. I'm forgetting who she is, and what she is. 

Even still, maybe he had gone slightly overboard. He couldn't help it; in that moment she had just bothered him so much.

That glowing smile, her unabashed teasing, the fact that he noticed every emotion on her face like he was reading a book. The tug on her lips right before she's about to do something exceptionally annoying. How her fingers, so small, but deftly touched a blade like it was a part of her.

Levi didn't notice the teacup had left his hands until hot liquid splashed his cheeks. 

He stared at the shards covering his wall with contempt. Stabbing the knife into his desk, he stood up to clean the mess at the same time a rapid knock came from the door. 

"God I must be cursed," he muttered under his breath as he wiped his face with his handkerchief. It seems, he was indeed right, as Hange's face came into view along with her crazed grin.

Her eyes flicked to the cup, his damp black hair, and the murderous expression on his face. Section Commander Hange, in a rare moment of self-restraint, seemed to halt whatever she had come to say.

"Let's go get some air, eh? It's a nice night after all." 

Since Levi himself was having a rare day, he accepted with a sigh. Hange's grin came back at his compliance, and he rolled his eyes as they walked in silence to the grounds. 

 

 

 

Captain Levi was granted almost five minutes of blissful quiet until Hange couldn't seem to take it anymore. He felt her pointed eyes on him as they strolled along the edge of the grounds, just barely touching the forest.  Hange or not, the air was doing him some good and he felt his tensed muscles finally start to ease. 

"Speak." He crossed his arms and stopped. "You look like you're about to pop."

Even still, the woman looked hesitant. She scratched her neck under the glowering face Levi was giving her until she blurted, "I saw the new recruit earlier and I suspect you broke her finger."

He tried to keep his face neutral. "Does it really matter? I'm tired of repeating myself. She's a problem, and one I don't have time to fix.”

Levi continued walking so Hange would stop watching his face.

"She's a bit hard to manage, yes. Given her current situation it makes sense as to why. Antagonizing a trained killer like her will end in someone getting hurt even worse. Especially if she finds out we have lied about the poison, ..you're the first person I believe she will go for."

"You really think I need a damn lecture from you right now?" Levi turned back to face her with a growl. In the dark, he saw her hazel eyes widen but she stood in place.

"Look, I think once you begin to train with Eren and her, she may calm down. She just feels trapped, and no doubt very alone." Hange looked away for a moment nervously.

"..That's not all. Erwin has gotten word of MPs being killed by a group of rogue paid assassins with ODM gear. The case interested me because some of the murders remind me of this one killing spree years back."

Her eyes had glossed over as she went into classic Hange-mode. Thankfully, she wasn't noticing Levi's reaction. He knew exactly what killer she was talking about, and his fingers started to twitch. 

"Kenny the Ripper, I think his name was. Yeah, he had a real grudge against the MPs and went around slashing their throats. Killed hundreds of them, becoming of the biggest murders in our history of the Walls. He was one of the most feared men in the Underground, until one day he just disappeared. He’s stayed gone, all these years, and suddenly comes back and goes right back to killing MPs? It seems a little off, honestly."

She took an inhale through her nose and came back to reality, looking right at Levi. "Erwin agreed and ordered for you and Day to go on a mission in one month to find out what they're really up to."

His mouth dropped open slightly. "Oh you're fucking joking. There's no way in hell I'm doing that. What part of this has shown you both that we can work well together?"

Hange threw her hands up with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Captain. I told him you'd strongly oppose but you know how Erwin is."

"She's wanted in the Under City, you four-eyed buffoon! One gang member recognizes her, it’s over."

She ignored the insult as always and continued their walk. "I've heard she's a master of disguise, it shouldn't be hard for her to not stand out."

Images of her messy bun and half-painted face as she belted out drunken lyrics flashed in his mind. She’d been the loudest one in the bar. Levi snorted. "Right, a master of disguise.”

"Just try not to kill her before the mission, you bully." she winked when she said that and Levi turned away with a frown. 

"Her surviving depends on whether or not she learns how to behave."

Hange waved her hand around with a familiar sense of ease. "You said the same thing about Eren, and that punks still here! I think you're softer than you think, Levi."

At that horrifying piece of information, Levi went to take his leave with an indifferent tch. As he was walking away, Hange called out.

"Why did you steal Day's knives?"

The grass crunched as he froze to a stop. "Excuse me?"

"You never fight with blades, and when you do, you have a special collection you always use. The wooden handled ones."

"You had no real reason to take them. Unless, that is, you knew she'd steal them no matter what. You knew we were going to store them somewhere with security, so instead you took them so she wouldn't risk herself as much." Her face was narrowed, as if the mad scientist knew she was right on the money.

"That's why you didn't even react when she had stolen them, you wanted-"

Levi took a few steps forward and grabbed Hange's shirt before she could finish her nonsense. "Enough of the annoying theories, you insufferable lab rat! Why don't you put some of that energy into your fucking job and mind your damn business."

She tried to give him a reassuring smile but was being gripped by a pissed Captain Levi. "All I'm saying is-"

He threw her off with a growl, giving her one last piercing glare before he stalked off briskly into the night. Hange knew better than to follow. The wind stirred his black hair into his eyes and curses aimed at multiple people swarmed his thoughts. 

Once he was a good distance from the nuisance behind him, angry stomps slowed until he was at a standstill amid the darkness of the grounds. Lifting his chin, Levi stared at the moon above him and for the first time tonight, his thoughts slowed. 

Clenched fists opened as he let the breeze drift through his fingers. What does Hange know? That awful girl means nothing to me. 

He inhaled the rich scent of night air and kept his eyes on the radiant beauty basking grass in a silver glow. Levi tried to forget the way this same light had made her look so ethereal that night. 

The counterpart of her name seemed to touch her with a loving embrace, because he had never seen anything that beautiful in the moonlight before.

Maybe he’d never even seen the moon, until then. 

The moon in question seemed to hang overhead as he walked back in solemn silence. It was a stark reminder that he would never be able to look at it the same way. 

She means absolutely nothing..

Chapter 23: bright eyes

Levi didn't sleep that night. He rarely slept a full night anyways and refused to ask Hange for something to help the insomnia. The Captain stared up at his ceiling and dreaded the events of today as he ran through them in his mind. 

There was an all-day lecture over Titans after breakfast, put on by Hange, Shaddess, and other veterans. Then before dinner, the runts were going to meet their horses for the first time to get acclimated. An hour or so after dinner was training with Eren and her, the thing he dreaded the most. 

Finally dragging himself out of bed, Levi started his day with a heavy, grumpy cloud following him as he did. Hange had tried to spark up conversation at the breakfast table but Levi had continued eating his bagel without sparing her a glance. 

He refused to scan the crowd for the blonde gremlin, even though a part of him worried if she had ran off after last night. Worried? No, I'd rejoice if I was alleviated of my issue so swiftly. 

His eyes seemed to betray him though, and they finally found their target. Day sat on the edge of a table a few rows down next to her roommate Sasha Braus. Her wild golden hair had been thrown into a disheveled low bun and he watched as her fingers, always fidgeting, were completely still on the table. 

She definitely seemed off.

Levi's eyebrows shot up as he realized what it was. Day hadn't smiled once since he noticed her, even though her attention was trained on Sasha. Her face remained passive like all the light had been sucked out, leaving ice in its absence. 

He'd seen this girl beat, chained to a chair, and jumped in her own home. The entire time, a smile plastered that radiant face no matter what. It was odd seeing her like this, and the captain wondered if it was his fault. 

Of course it is, you told her not to smile. It's just not my fault she's taking it this far. Half of him hadn't even expected her to listen. Levi crushed his bagel in his hand with annoyance. I don't care if she listened or not, she'll at least be more manageable if she's sulking like this, he tried to tell himself.

He kept telling himself that as the day drug on. There wasn't a peep, a misstep, not one thing flashy from her the whole day. Levi had refused to look at her but ended up drifting his attention back onto what she was doing each time. 

It was maddening. He kept waiting for her to drop the act and crack a smile or threaten to kill someone. 

Sasha and her troupe of morons had given up later in the day on trying to talk to Day who looked like she could care less. Hange had noticed as well but for the sake of class today hadn't addressed it with him. Even though Day was the one obviously upset, Levi started to feel like he was being punished. 

Lunch had arrived with a torturous crawl. He tried to sit away from Hange this time, knowing that she wouldn't shut up so easily this time. Levi had just started to eat his stew as a, "Hellooo," caused him to jump. 

Hange shoved her face into his personal space with vigor. "I know you saw what I saw. Good job Levi, you went and broke her."

He tried to not dump his bowl onto her head. "I doubt she breaks that easily. This is just some act; you forget she's a good manipulator."

"Is it bad I wanna give her a fat hug then?" 

He gave her a disgusted side-glance and her grin spread. "Well, apparently I'm not the only one." 

Levi went to argue with her until he followed her gaze to where Day sat. One of the biggest morons in the group, Jean Kirstein, had started to hover over the murderer as she ate. He remembered the last time he had saw a man flirt with her, and how the three bodies sprawled across the dirt. 

He didn't particularly care so he went back to his meal. That was until a laugh broke through the clamor a few moments later. It was one he was starting to know well. Looking up, he noticed that Jean had been the cause of her laughter as he wore a proud smile and chuckled along with her. 

It was only for a brief second, her laughter, but it was enough to jump start Levi's heart for a beat. The realization of that made him want to puke his stew all over the table, along with the fact that a horse-faced idiot managed to make her laugh. He pushed his bowl away with disdain as his appetite left him. 

"Hmmm," he heard Hange murmur, and he flicked his eyes to her. The madwoman was intently staring at Levi like some sort of specimen. 

The Captain was out of his chair in a breath, moments later stalking down the hallway back to the lecture room. He clenched and unclenched his fists as he tried to keep his cool like always. Maddening was an understatement. This was something else. The uncontrollable feeling of whatever this was made his blood boil. 

Levi always kept his cool, no matter the situation. So why, of all god damned things, did one person affect him this much? I'm going crazy, he tried to convince himself. That's all this is. Years of stress crushing my psyche. 

He almost gave himself a brain aneurysm trying to ignore her as lectures continued. Was she smiling now that Jean had gotten her to laugh? He refused to check. He was Captain Levi of the fucking Scouts, he needed to get a grip. 

Excuses for his insanity swarmed his head, causing him to lose focus. I'm just tired. On edge. 

I want to look at her finger. I wonder if it's okay.

I'm fine. Totally fine. 

In the midst of his mental meltdown, his neck got hot with the eyes of someone on him. When he met her gaze across the room his heart skipped for a second. That was until he noticed the blatant threat in Day's eyes. It was telling him that she didn't forget what he had done. It was telling him she was pictured what his head would look like off his body. 

He was almost grateful for the amount of hate she was giving off, it seemed to sober him up. Levi scolded himself over and over as the lecture began to wrap up.  You're forgetting you hate her too. God did someone drug me?

Hange accompanied Levi as he stayed far back from the rest on the way to the stables, their strides in sync and in silence. They hadn't spoken since Levi had stormed off (per usual) to Hange being the nosiest person alive. Hopefully she had taken the hint to drop it altogether. 

Miche and Nifa, two Scouts in elite squads and notorious skilled equestrians, brought the giddy recruits into the stables. The two Captains stayed near the back to mainly observe and Hange let out her string of babble about the horses as she did. That didn't bother him, he was great at tuning out her ramblings. 

The Scouts were told to find their horse of their choice and lead them out to the pasture next to the stables. He tried his best to not watch Day, but it was impossible. She looked around the stables with wide eyes, as if she had never seen a horse before. A small shock jolted him. She probably hadn't seen one before. They didn't do well in the Underground, so they were never present along with most animals. 

Sasha nudged her into approaching one and as her feet scuffled closer and closer, the mask she had worn all day started to drop. By the time she had reached the door where the horses bored head lay out of, eyes filled of awe and excitement shone on her face as a tentative hand reached out towards it. 

The horses' eyes moved to where she stood as it leaned forward and met its muzzle to her outstretched palm. Her mouth gaped open as she stroked it softly with reverence. Blond strands of her bangs fell into her face as she moved closer until she could give it a small peck on its forehead. Day stood on her tiptoes and gave it a tiny kiss, which it allowed. When she stood back down the horse threw its head up and shook with a loud neigh. 

The sound of it startled Day for a second, but then just as fast a giggle escaped her mouth. She kept giggling like it was uncontrollable and a smile finally broke through her face, a genuine one that was so radiant Levi had to turn away. 

Dahlia had looked so breathtaking in that moment that it had caused his body to malfunction. All he wanted to do was to continue watching her discover what a horse was for the first time, but his legs made him turn around and book it out of there without even a word towards Hange. 

I was punished all day, he concluded. Because fuck me, I missed that smile.

Chapter 24: dusk

The sickening feeling in his stomach didn't leave the entire time he headed to his office. Levi truly could not remember a time he had been this shaken by one person, not once in his whole life. 

What does this mean? 

We want to kill each other. Her smile shouldn't matter. 

What fucking tactic is she trying to pull on me?

God, I think I am going insane. 

For a crazier second, he contemplated cancelling training tonight but immediately stopped himself. Whatever this was, he needed to get over it fast. There were much more important things to focus on, like how the fuck he was going to complete a successful mission alongside her. Not to mention revisiting the Underground, having to train her, Eren, and a grocery list of other shit he had to worry about. Not this. Not her. 

In an attempt to organize his damned thoughts, Levi began constructing a training regimen for Eren and Day. It was simple enough but every time he tried to remove himself from Day, just be her instructor, some other annoying thought would come in his head. Like how she looked after he had left, he wondered. Was the horse enough to bring her happiness back, even a little? What if she needed something more, more familiar. And a way to help her train, too. 

Head feeling a bit clearer, he found the rest of the Scouts in the dining hall having dinner. Sitting in his usual spot beside Hange, she tried to not look up but made it ten times more obvious as she did. A few minutes into his meal the Section Commander finally spoke. 

"Soo have you told Eren about Day? Or Day about Eren? Or are they just going to find everything out at once..?"

Levi gave her a bored shrug. "I figured I'd have them become introduced tonight, maybe have her fight his Titan a little after doing drills."

Hange's eyes widened and she leaned forward with a not-so-quiet whisper. "But she's never seen a Titan! We also haven't told her that some humans can become Titans? Hey Day, welcome to aboveground. We have a Titan behind the Walls that fights for us? You can't be serious. What if she loses her mind and panics? What if she just immediately kills him?" Hange barely took a breath as she herself started to panic. 

He rolled his eyes at her with a sigh. "You don't think I've thought of this? At least if she kills him on the spot, I'll be rid of both problems at once."

"WHAT?! Levi-"

A hand clamped over her mouth before she could finish. Of course, she still spoke in a muffled frantic tone. "Shut up, Four-Eyes. It was a joke. I have very little faith in the brain capacity of those two brats, but I at least trust they will keep their cool." He removed his hand before people started to stare, though it was a very normal thing for the two. 

"Maybe I should be there, just for tonight to help uh, ease it along? I just worry your methods are a bit too...blunt for something like this." 

God, this woman never quits. "Your energy isn't exactly calming yourself."

Hange chuckled, "That may be true, but both of us explaining it could help. It was my idea after all."

He threw his head back slightly and gave a heavier sigh than before. "Fine just stop interrupting my meal for the millionth time."

"If I'm always interrupting it, why do you always sit next to me?" Her tone was inquisitive.

He had never called Hange his friend, not once. To be honest, he hadn’t said many nice things to her during the years they’d known each other.

Levi couldn't help it, one day she just appeared, and he couldn't shake her. Her constant droning on about Titans and inventions became a white noise in the back of his life. After learning Hange was here to stay in the chain of command, he had begrudgingly tried to tolerate her. Had it evolved into an endearing bond, maybe even a friendship? 

"Perhaps I've gotten used to the chatter, who knows." 

Her goggled eyes sparkled ridiculously even though it was barely a compliment. He just shook his head and went back to his meal. His discomfort with all these feelings lately was increasing by the minute. 

In truth, Levi was thankful for the distraction. His eyes hadn't scanned the room for her yet and he stared at his plate of chicken with determination. Don't let yourself get preoccupied, he told himself. Don't be weak. 

With all the willpower of a god, that man did not look up from his plate the remainder of the meal.

 

 

 

 

"EEEEeee I can't wait! Titan Eren meets infamous Under City thief … Day! Maybe we could have our own little tournament, all the Commanders, Eren, Day-"

The wild woman was practically hopping along the path to the training grounds as dusk set onto their surroundings. She was cut off by Levi sending her into the dirt with a swift trip of his foot. Looming over her, he sighed with no emotion.

"No, no crazy tournaments that you love to fucking do, or any other Hange games. Keep it down, you psycho. Don't forget their training is supposed to be secret, okay? Along with like ten other things you're shouting about like a maniac."

"Someone's dramatic lately." Hange groaned and brushed the dirt off as she got back up. 

Levi pretended he didn't hear her as he walked away. 

Sounds of panting were heard in the dimness behind them as they reached the ODM gear storage. Eren's sweaty face broke through his vision as he skid to a stop in front of them. His chest heaved as he gave the two a hearty salute.

"S-sorry I'm late, Captains!" He didn't look surprised to see Hange there, since she popped into sessions from time to time for her research. 

Levi just scowled at him and began putting his gear on. Since Hange was so worried about Day's reaction, they both were adorning their blades tonight in case they had to step in. 

"Tch, go get ready brat. You're not the only one who's late."

Eren's eyes quickly resembled Hange's as curiosity hit them. The idiot somehow held it in as he knew Levi would no doubt hurt him in some way if he kept talking. 

Captain Levi took his time putting his gear on. The harness rubbed against his thumb while he thought. 

Hopefully, she won't show. 

His eyes strayed to the horizon where the path met the setting sun. Still no sight of her. As he was about to look away, a small silhouette began to appear against the golden rays. 

"Noo way, it's her!?" Eren exclaimed with a gasp. Part of his ODM gear slid off as he stopped putting it on. Levi's jaw clenched as her face, those eyes, came into view. 

As dusk reached its end, Day had finally arrived. 

 

 

 

She approached with slow even steps, no sense of hurry whatsoever. Tendrils of hair that matched the view behind her hid part of her eyes, but Levi could feel them scanning the situation with sharpness.  Her Scout's hood was up, giving her a more menacing look than usual. It reminded him of her truer form, one that slunk along rooftops and scaled walls and windows soundlessly. 

He expected the same iciness she had shown all day, but a stupid comment came out of her mouth with a smirk. 

"Are you another poor fool they kidnapped? Blink twice for yes."

Levi pressed the bridge of his nose at the same time Hange let out a gargled laugh/cough. The idiot standing next to them looked twice as confused. 

"I'm afraid to blink now." Eren said in an uncertain tone. Clunk! His ODM gear fell off completely.

"This is off to such a fun start. You. Get your gear on as fast as you can and follow us. If you lose sight of us, I'll tell Erwin you deserted training. Maybe next time you'll be here on time."

Hange looked like she wanted to say something, but with one look from Levi she stopped. He expected venom from the other one, but Day just shrugged nonchalantly.

"Better leave now then. You'll at least have a good head start, with my injury and all." Her smirk never leaving. 

Eren's eyes looked like they were about to come out of his head from her boldness. All Levi felt was the confusion and weirdness from today exit his brain more and more as she spoke. 

As badly as he wanted to retaliate, as she obviously was trying to incite, he just turned with stiffness towards the woods. Without warning, he shot off into the trees with a flash. The darkness of the forest consumed him as he quickly maneuvered around trees in the blue hue of the coming night. 

Hange and Eren no doubt were scrambling to keep up behind him but he didn't slow. They knew where they were going anyways, so he could finally let off some steam and teach that stupid brat a lesson at the same time. How quickly she could anger him was becoming a problem. He couldn't believe he had felt so bad for her all day, she was obviously fine. Stupid and annoying as always. 

He got deeper and deeper into the forest, rocketing through the leaves like a comet.  Cutting a branch away, Levi leapt onto a trunk of a tree and stopped for just a second. He hung onto the bark, a trick that he was in the process of trying to teach Eren. Among the rustling sounds of the night air, something struck out. He listened for a second and jolted.

It was the gas of someone's gear. Someone who was moving very fast. 

Which was impossible- no one caught up to Levi unless he wanted them to. But sure enough, seconds later a hooded figure emerged from the shrubbery almost right above him. Anger surged through him making his blood boil. Looking up, all he saw was that shit-eating grin she wore whenever she was feeling especially annoying. 

Before Day could shout something snide and cocky, he shot off with a snarl. Okay, sewer rat. Try to keep up. He sliced branches away like a devasting force of nature as he hurtled along. It pissed him off he even had to try to beat this stubborn girl. Hopefully now she was long gone.

He looked ahead as flew around trees backwards and his eyes widened as he noticed someone cutting away the branches still falling. Still, he couldn't help but notice the gracefulness in how she moved. While Levi mowed down everything in his path, Day almost seemed to dance around on the wire, saving her energy. It was indeed a sight to witness, as he had never seen someone move quite like it. All those thoughts ceased as she gained on him.

Luckily, Levi was right where he needed to be, and he released his wires and hurtled to the ground. He landed on the dirt of the training grounds with a roll. Moments later he heard the flutter of a Scout cape, and Day landed next to him in a crouch. Her hood had somehow stayed on the entire time. She tilted her head to him, put her elbows on her knees, and gave a fake pouty-face.

"I thought I lost you all for a second, I got sooo worried. I just can't be getting into more trouble." Day's lilting tone was mixed with the daggers she had been concealing before in front of the others. Her oaken eyes seemed to sink into the surrounding darkness as they looked over him. Levi stood up with a growl, shoving her to the side. 

"Was yesterday not a clear enough message for you, you insufferable girl?" He spat and sheathed his swords with force. Standing out of her crouch, she crossed her arms and strode towards him.

"Oh, you mean the fact that if I breathe, move, laugh the wrong way I'll get beat up by you or some other government dog?" 

"Right, you're trying very hard to fall in line." he said in a flat voice.

"You have no idea how hard I'm trying not to do things." Day growled. "Just because you idiots wanted to make a deal with a gangster- I'm the one having to pay for it!"

Her left hand curled into a fist as her other one stayed open, the purple of her pointer finger poking out from a makeshift splint. It stood out to him as a reminder, one he was trying to ignore. 

Keeping emotion out of his voice, Levi turned away from her with an irritated sigh. "God I'm so sick of your whining. Poor you, sad sad little criminal. We're all stuck doing shit we don't want to do. I thought someone like you would at least be able to suck it up."

Footsteps stomped until they were right behind him as he could feel her anger pulse the air. "Maybe if you pulled your head out of your ass and saw how much of a dick you-"

The harsh words died on her lips as the sun fell completely, casting them into complete darkness. Levi began to be hyper aware of her presence in the consuming silence. Bugs let out lazy trills that buzzed all around them.  He couldn't hear her breathe; not a sound came from behind. 

"Oh shiit!"

A gasp from Day broke through the slight peacefulness and Levi opened his eyes, not knowing he had shut them. They were encased in a bright turquoise light that seemed otherworldly and he turned around to see the huge clearing he usually trained in. The engulfing glow consumed everything that lined the trees, draping it all in radiance.

They had only ever used lamps for training at night, so the mystical lights were new. 

Levi turned to Dahlia's direction and felt all the air leave his body. Her hood was thrown back as she gaped at her surroundings, the vibrant colors bathed her face and body in an ethereal radiance. A dazed thought came to mind, The way her hair always reflects the colors around her reminds me of the surface of a pond. The light danced off of Day as she spun around slowly with an awestruck look. Beautiful couldn't quite describe what he was looking at, it seemed to small of a word. The ghostly stars behind her encapsulated their moon well. 

His heart triple-beat at a time as he didn't even attempt to look away from her. 

"It reminds me of the crystals from the Underground..." she breathed softly, the venom out of her voice. 

"THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE!"

A booming yell shattered his trance. Hange jumped into the clearing with a crooked grin. Her arms waved in the air excitedly as she landed. "I had the idea for this the other day, it's still secluded, hard to notice but gods those lamps just weren't..."

Hange launched into another fevered spiel as Levi put on a bored face and rested both of his hands onto right side of his gear. Fingers slid to his wrist as he silently counted.

Chapter 25: shine

As Hange managed to talk for minutes without a single breath, my eyes were glued to the crystals all around me.

My chest ached with how much I missed my cursed home. A memory came to mind suddenly as I tuned the Captain out.

 

 

 

It was years ago, when I had just been thrust into the gang-ridden underbelly of the Under City. I had narrowly escaped a group of men I'd lifted from, who were trying to sniff me out like a pack of dogs. This was before I had discovered the sweet technology that is ODM, so I had been running from them on foot.

They had followed my bloody tracks to one of the maintenance tunnels near town where I was attempting to use the shadows as cover. The idiots had lanterns, however, and I was limping in the dark, feeling my way around. Shouts bounced off the walls as I heard them get closer. I tried to pick up my pace but stumbled over a rock with force that sent me flying sideways. I should have landed into the wall, but instead I fell through open air. Another tunnel?

I'd hidden down here countless times and never noticed another tunnel before. I hesitated before I went down, remembering all the times I had gotten myself desperately lost amongst the dirt maze. The tunnel began to light up as they were almost in my view. Swearing silently, I made my decision and booked it down the path. 

It felt like hours I had been running, listening to only the sound of my own heartbeat in my ears. The darkness had seemed to swallow me whole along with all noise. Panic sprung into my brain as I tried to ignore the fact I was just getting myself more lost. I started to feel delirious and sluggish along the way as I lost a lot of blood. 

Just as I had started to picture my body being ripped apart by rats, something broke through my view. A warm, eerie light beckoned to me in the distant. It broke the sheer consuming blackness I’d been in for a while. I was at the point of crawling now as my body started to give up, but I dragged myself to that light. 

My pure determination to not die amung the dust of tunnels got me to the end, to the light. I rolled onto my back as I stared at the crystals embedded in the top of a tunnel next to me. They were lined in a wavy path, and I sat up with a jolt then groaned at the sudden movement. Was this a secret path to get out?

I followed the radiating path with grunts and groans as I crawled agonizingly. The path had seemed like a gift from above, and if I was close to giving up then, I was nowhere near close now. The universe wanted me out of these damn tunnels- so god damnit I'd make it out alive.  

An eternity later, I had made it. Lights, real human-made lights, pricked my eyes as I drug myself to the entrance of the tunnel. I cried out in triumph. It looks like I won't be dying today, I told myself with a smile and left the clutches of the maze.

That day forward, I begin to hold the ancient tunnels in slight reverence as I mapped them out. I'd vowed to never again to be a trapped mouse, clawing at the walls of its cage. 

And how funny fate grew to be. 

 

 

"-and that's why you don't ever, ever put them in your mouth! Even if it's for science!" 

I was brought back to earth by Hange's..disturbing lecture. Looking around the glowing clearing, I saw Levi off to the side with his arms crossed, looking just as annoyed as ever. The moment I remembered there was fourth person missing, a rumbling crash came from the trees above. 

"AHHHHHH!!"

Eren fell out of a tree with a loud yell and thudded to the ground. He let out a FUH! as he landed belly-first in the grass. I covered my mouth, stifling a surprised laugh. The man had branches sticking up out of his long hair and his face was covered in scratches.

He had landed not too far from me, and when he looked around saw me covering my mouth, he stood up in a rush. The tall man brushed himself off with an embarrassed expression.

"There were a lot of trees and it's so dark..." he mumbled and looked down as he picked a leaf off his strap. 

Levi strode towards him and gave him one sarcastic clap. "What an entrance. The exact type I'd want my pupil to display."

Eren scrambled into a hasty salute, giving a look of open fear to the smaller man. I tried not to smirk at his ignorant reverence.

"Now that all the idiots are here...let's get down to it. I don't have all night, and this has been exhausting enough."

Hange straightened her glasses and cleared her throat. "Before we begin, I ask you two that what you hear does not leave this clearing, okay?"

Eren gave me a nervous glance, obviously as confused as I was. I thought this was just regular training? Why all the secrecy? We both gave her a nod in response. 

Levi went to stand next to Hange while I noticed he never once looked in my direction. "Hurry it up Hange, you're the one who wanted to come."

She smiled. "Right. Well, Erwin and I have decided to pair you two together for training sessions with Levi." Eren gasped. 

"What? How will that work?" Eren asked cautiously. "I don't want to kill her!"

I gave him a nasty look and sniffed. "You, kill me? Boy I just saw your moves, you'll last seconds."

Hange let out a cackle. "Oh Day! I am glad you'll be doing this, these two need that extra kick!"

Levi only glared at Hange and said nothing. I was confused by how persistent Eren seemed to not train with me, like there was an actual danger I could be exposed to.

"And I have full faith that Day won't allow that. I picked her for a reason." Hange winked. "But now for your real introductions!"

The crazy lady spread her arms wide with excitement. "Eren, as you probably have noticed, Day is our newest recruit. She is very new to the world of Titans, since we scouted her from the Underground. We have made a deal with her: in exchange for her service to the Survey Corps, she doesn't go to jail for all the crimes she committed!" she said much too enthusiastically. 

Levi hit his head with his palm and groaned. "What a dumb idea to bring you."

Eren turned to me with an open mouth. "So that's what you meant by kidnapped! How are you so good at fighting, and on ODM gear, if you're a new recruit?"

I rubbed my arm at the question, nervous about how they were telling him my story so openly.

"I trained myself, for years. On both ODM and skills in general." I said in a clipped tone.

"Wooow! So cool!" he exclaimed. 

"I'd put her skill level close to Levi's, that's why I have no worries about fatal injuries during this." Hange let out a sadistic giggle. "Well, maybe for Eren."

Levi just sighed. "Don't insult me like that, Four-Eyes." I looked at his face and noticed how his eyes glinted in the light of the crystals like knives. 

"Now as for Eren," she turned to me and looked a bit more serious. "He's an even more special case. It's a bit hard to explain, but he can transform his body." I raised an eyebrow and looked over at the buff, long-haired man she spoke of. Transform? Like what, get taller? 

"I can turn into a Titan." he spoke in a serious tone, looking right into my eyes. They way his green eyes seemed to glow were intensified by the light around us. 

I blinked slowly for a second than let out a loud, long laugh. Once I finally caught my breath, I wiped a tear and said, "Ohh that's good. So you drag me into the middle of nowhere to tell me you're secretly a Titan. As a training partner. Please. I knew the Scouts were off their rockers, but this takes the boot-stomped cake."

Everyone else was silent, as they stared at me with solemn eyes. 

"You all are nuts," I chuckled and turned to leave. "What a waste of my time."

A hand grabbed my arm and I turned to see Eren close to me. His eyes were definitely glowing now. "It's true." he said in a low tone. "I don't know how, I don't know why, but it is."

"Sure, and I'm actually a bloody fairy. Wanna see my wings?" I snorted and rolled my eyes. 

Levi groaned and walked towards us with boredom written all over him. "You impudent brat. Eren, why don't you just show her?"

He grew very nervous, and he took his hand off my arm. "I don't know, Captain. Are you sure?"

My eyes went back and forth between the three of them. Denial stayed in my brain even as my instincts, which never did me wrong, were causing the hair on my neck to prick.

Eren, the boy I saw so confident and determined in his matches, looked downright worried. He buckled under Levi's unwavering glare, even as Hange began to mutter restlessly behind the Captain.

"Okay sir, if you think it's our best option." God, they were all such loyal little dogs around here weren't they? No back to bite back with. 

Eren began taking his ODM gear off, which wasn't hard since it was already almost off from his tumble. I still tried to keep a cocky look on my face even after I noticed that both Captains had their handles in firm grips. Once his gear was off, Eren sat it down and gave me a pointed look, one that had a warning in it. 

"Please just don't freak out, okay?" the emerald-eyed boy said and then he took off running to the middle of the clearing. 

"Uhh. If you're joking this is a pretty lame excuse for one." My voice didn't sound confident as my eyes were completely transfixed on the boy running. Something in me told me to run and without meaning to, I had taken a step back. When I did, I had bumped into Levi behind me. The two Captains had appeared on either side of me from behind.

"Levi...." Hange said in an apprehensive tone. 

"Shut it," he growled back. Eren had finally stopped running.

I felt myself hold my breath as I watched him bring his hand up to his face and...bite it?! "What the he-OH MY GOD!"

My breath choked in my throat as I watched lightning surround him. Meat started to appear in a kind of sickening way as it began to form what looked like a giant human skeleton.

At this point, I had backed up even more, my hands extended outward. Suddenly, I felt hands grip my shoulders from both sides, and I tried to pull away. The insanity of what I was witnessing only intensified as everything came into focus, revealing a gigantic monster that resembled a fucked-up human. Its jaw looked like someone had been tied to a horse and dragged, its tongue lolling disturbingly out of its head. Jet-black hair, just like Eren’s, hung around a pair of scorching green eyes that I could see clearly from yards away.

It was a Titan. A real life, taller than the treetops Titan. 

Terror gripped my body like an ice bath as a scream escaped my lips. I pulled against the two Captains grip with shakes and grunts. Every molecule in my body was telling me to run. I kicked Levi as hard as I could in the shin at the same time, I grabbed Hange's hand and twisted it off me. Levi loosened his grip just enough for me to break for it, and I hurtled away from them all in panic.

I heard Levi swear behind me, and before he could give chase, I propelled myself into the trees in an instant. The ground trembled beneath the lumbering steps of the beast as it moved closer.

Fortunately, my training in the Underground had prepared me for moments like this; I navigated through the darkness with instinct, narrowly avoiding most branches. An icy-hot fear coursed through me as I dove between the limbs. I wasn’t focused on dodging obstacles or being stealthy– I was running for my life with every ounce of strength I had.

For the first time in a long time, my panicked heartbeat flooded my ears. I felt a wetness on my face as no doubt a branch had sliced it, but so much adrenaline was coursing through me, I couldn't feel a thing. 

A human that can turn into a Titan?! How is this even possible? I never read anything like that or saw any pictures of Titans that resembled what that one had looked like. How many others are like him? Titans inside the Walls? Maybe I shouldn't have stepped one foot out of the damn Under City.

My flurry of thoughts were interrupted by another alarm ringing in the back of my head. A coldness had appeared behind me. I grit my teeth and I knew my best option would be to stop completely, since the other monster was here. He wouldn't be able to find me if he couldn't hear me, but my limbs wouldn't allow it. 

All I could do was mentally freak out and push on, even as the sounds of his gear got closer. Then suddenly, it stopped. 

Before I knew what was happening, I was being restrained and thrown against a tree. The air was knocked from my chest, forcing a loud gasp from me. Adrenaline made my body shake, and I pushed against whatever was holding me with all my might. An almost guttural sound of frustration and panic escaped my lips. I couldn’t get free.

That's when I realized it was a pair of arms holding me with an iron grip against a body. I couldn't feel a heartbeat, oddly enough. We were smushed into the bark of a large branch, only the sound of my ragged breaths and scratches against it to be heard. 

A low growl of aggravation was in my ear as the grip tightened, cutting off my air. 

"And where the hell do you think you're going, brat?"

Chapter 26: the titan

I wrestled against the insanely strong man as he held his grip. Bark dug into my face like sandpaper. '"Let me go, asshole!" I shout. 

"Not until you calm down. Did you miss the part where we said that ugly oaf is Eren?" My ear tickled with his voice.

I could barely hear him. With my heart still pounding, my chest heaving in panicked breaths, I reached for the dagger in my sleeve. Almost like a sixth sense, he loosens an arm and grips my wrist, stopping the blade. In the complete darkness, it puzzled me how he knew. 

My bun had come undone, and hair was wrapped all around my face like a web. Blood still seeped wounds on my face, but the adrenaline continued to pump its fire through my veins.

"Slow your breaths," Levi said in a quiet voice. He released my wrist and used the other arm to grip me, a little less tight this time. "In through your nose, out your mouth."

"But..but-the Titan! I need to get away!" I still fought against his strong arms.

They tightened once more. "Enough, brat! The Titan is under my command. He will not hurt you. Get a damn grip."

Reality started to sink back in slowly, adrenaline washing away, leaving me trembling and breathless. Slow your breathing. I took a jerky breath in, out through my nose. Levi noticed, then loosened himself a bit.

"That's good," came his voice again in the dark. The steel in it was lighter, gravelly annoyance lessening. "Slower."

For once, I listened, and my breathing slowed as all we could hear were my shaky inhales. He was being eerily not as much as a dick as he usually was. It strangely helped me break through my panic.

"Just focus on your breathing, that's it." he whispered, almost a word of encouragement.

Finally, the panic started to fade as my heartbeat gained its usual steady rhythm. I kept focusing on my breathing until my chest didn't tremor with each exhale. His grip lessened more and more as he felt me relax. 

If not for the insanity that was Eren being a fucking Titan, I would've been embarrassed in this moment. My head began to clear, and I really registered that.. Levi was gripping me against a tree in the moonless forest. 

The man I wanted to kill, basically holding me, helping me calm down. 

I must've hit my head while running off. 

He must've also realized it, because in a start I felt him push me away. I sat up on the huge branch and swiped away the blood and hair from my face. I felt too awkward at this point to say anything, let alone thank him.

"Are you better now, you pain in my ass?" Back was his hard tone, slicing through the dark a foot or so away. 

"Uh yeah, yeah I think so." I couldn't shake the weird feeling. I didn't even have energy now to say something cutting back.

I hear the scuff of his boots as he stands. "Let's get back. Four-Eyes is no doubt having a meltdown right now."

We fly back in the trees in absolute silence, my head still spinning with the thought of Levi being sort of nice to me. It was strange, somehow more so than gigantic man-eating men. 

He just wanted me under control. I tell myself. It wasn't genuine kindness. He isn't capable of anything like that. 

When we reach the clearing, Hange has tears in her eyes as she yells and wraps me in a suffocating hug. "OH Day, I am so so sorry. What a bad idea that was I-"

I place a hand on her chest, gently pushing her away, then turn my gaze toward the distant Titan. It sits there, towering over the trees, its gaze fixed upon the ground with an almost regretful demeanor. Leave it to Levi to shock the fear out of me, I sighed internally. The sight was awful, yes, but my mind was clear. 

Taking a deep breath, my eyes remaining fixed on him, I exhale with a sigh. "I think I'm okay now... You should've warned me about how ugly he is," I say, attempting a light snigger.

Levi lets out a "tch," and I notice he hasn’t looked at me since we've arrived. Hange just hangs on my neck, still apologizing profusely.

“Let's start over, okay? Eren won't move until you approach. I already talked to him." she says and my legs start to tremble a bit as I think about going near it.

"Um. And you're sure the big monster isn't going to squash me like a bug?" I gulp, taking a tiny step forward.

Hange winks. "Nahhh, he's a softie! The only Titan you'll meet who doesn't want to gnaw your bones and feast your insides!"

I widened my eyes, trying to suppress a shudder. "Great..."

Hange stayed close as I continued walking, but as we approached and the sheer size difference between me and the beast became apparent, I halted again. He could just roll over, and crush us all. 

Sweat lined my forehead in apprehension. My fingers fiddled with my ODM handle. My breath hitched. 

Suddenly, a hand pressed on the small of my back, urging me forward. I turned in surprise to see Levi's face next to mine.

"Go on," he murmured for only me to hear. Almost as if he was saying I'm right here.

No clue what freaked me out more: the Titan before me or the monster behind me, not choosing to devour. Despite it, his slight support calmed me. 

I walked forward again until I stood right next to it. Muscles lined every inch of its massive body, and grunts emanated from above. Oh god, if this thing opens its mouth and speaks I'm gonna lose it. 

Instead, it began to move with an almost carefulness to it. 

His arm came off the ground and slowly made its way towards me. Striving not to flinch, I focused on my breathing. Not that I'd ever admit this out loud, but knowing Levi was near kept my feet in place.

A hand triple the size of a full-grown man extended to the ground. Fingers spread into an open palm and I saw the blazing green eyes directly on me. This is Eren. I kept telling myself. The goofy boy from like ten minutes ago.

I grit my teeth, grabbed his massive finger and stepped onto the palm. In an unnatural delicacy, the hand closed around me. I didn't take my eyes off his the entire time, looking for any change in emotion to indicate aggression. 

None came, and air stirred my hair just a bit as he lifted me up to his face. The fucked-up looking sight got closer and closer to me, but I took a little peek back and saw Levi down below, arms crossed but eyes right on me.  Hange was beside him, bouncing on her toes, squealing.

Reaching the huge wide-eyed face, I gave it a long look. Eren's breath moved my hair back and I reached a hand out without thinking. He moved me closer until my palm gingerly touched his forehead. 

He was super warm to the touch, and I saw his big green eyes shut briefly. We stayed like that for a moment, the words stolen from my throat. I was in front of a real-life Titan, and it wasn't trying to eat me. His eyes seemed to hold so much in them for just a mindless animal and I wondered where Eren was in all that Titan.

He started to set me back down just as gently and he tilted his head as if to say, see not so scary eh?

I stepped off his palm and let out a loud chuckle. "Okay okay, but I still think you're ugly."

Hange clapped next to me. "Great job Eren! Thank you, Day, for not freaking out..again..or killing him. Great job all around!"

Levi gave a very dramatic roll of his eyes and looked at Eren. "Alright, I'm sick of seeing your ugly mug. It's time to transform back, we're done for today."

"Whaaaat?" Hange gasped. "But I didn't even get to see them spar!"

"Well, since Goldilocks over here already had one meltdown today, let's not make it two. My head can't take it." He pressed his upper nose like we were all giving him a migraine. 

Then I snapped my neck at the sound of what sounded like wet meat being shredded. My face began to contort into sheer horror as I watched a body wrench itself from the nape of the Titan, that now had his neck bent down at a grotesque angle.

"I'm gonna puke," I groaned and clutched my stomach. It was definitely the grossest thing I've ever witnessed.

Hange just let out a shrill laugh and clapped me on the back, "Ohh you'll get to used it! It's actually very interesting, it seems Eren’s body molds with the Titan, almost growing around him a squishy little meat cocoon-"

"Enough, Hange- god." Levi looked at her disgustedly. 

My attention was still on the man above me pulling himself out of a Titan carcass. I've seen men holding their guts together, the streets filled with death from famine, hell I took a mans hand off because he grabbed me at a pub once. Never have I been so...disturbed. 

Eren's face appeared, surrounded by strings of meat. "Hey Day!" he waved down to me.

I couldn't manage one back to him, I just stared with a gaped mouth as he ripped the remaining Titan chunks off him and began to slide down towards me. Once he reached the ground, he walked up to me and gave such a sheepish grin for someone who was just a man-eating monster.

"So, uh.." was all he started with. 

He scratched his neck and looked at my wide-eyed expression. Eren's eyes were a brilliant shade of green as they stared into mine. His face was covered in strange markings, red lines going down from his eyes. Despite emerging from a carcass, the man looked kind of hot in a striking way. 

Ogling him seemed to bring my consciousness back as I let out a signature chuckle. "Well, I don't know if you were there or not but- I most definitely did not freak out."

Eren let out a booming laugh and he bent over. His nervousness seemed to break with the humor, and I felt myself laughing along, his being quite infectious.

Suddenly the vibe darkened and we turned to see a pissy Captain, who had his hand on one hip with all the bored sassiness in the world. "Hate to break this up, but I want to go the hell home."

Eren, of course, straightened up with a yes sir! and bolted towards his gear. I was left with just Levi, his glare scorching my forehead. I thought back to his unusual, almost kindness earlier, and suddenly found it hard to match his glare. Once again, however, the stoic man opened his mouth and reminded me how much of an ass he was. 

"Today was pitiful to say the least. It didn't give me much hope for the day that comes where you're forced against a wild Titan. Maybe they'll at least do you the kindness of devouring you quickly." he moved closer, with an air of displeasure written on his sharp features. 

"If you ever lose your cool like that again, maybe I'll do you a kindness enough and relieve you of your position."

His blunt words brought back my anger as I glared back into his lethal gray eyes. I was forgetting this was the same man who broke my finger just a day ago. One act of kindness wouldn't undo all the assholery he had brought upon me. My face morphed into one with hard eyes and a slight smirk.

"You promise, sir?" I sneer. "Maybe I should fuck up more often."

"What a waste of time you are, you stubborn little worm." the heat in his eyes increased, and he looked like he wanted to strangle me. 

"Hey," I laughed, "I told you all that from the start. Not my fault I was right."

He snarled and took a step closer towards me with simmering anger. "Get the hell out of my sight, brat! Before I change my mind."

I give him a sloppy salute with my right arm instead of my left. "Yes sir!" I said in a tone mocking Eren. 

The last thing I saw before I shot up into the air was Levi's menacing face lit up in the glow of the crystals. He almost resembled an angry god. One beautiful god of wrath set on destroying me.

Chapter 27: armin

I got back to the headquarters and threw my gear back onto the rack with force. God damn I needed a fucking drink.

I couldn't get Eren's Titan out of my head, the sheer insanity of it all. And I'm to fight him, tomorrow? For the first time in so long, I became worried about my skills. I'm good at killing people, not fifteen-meter-tall Titans. The fact of their existence terrified me enough.

I thought all this as I walked along the path back to my room, only the light of the moon above me as company. Just how I preferred it. One part of me contemplated running off for a bit and downing a few pints to ease the events of tonight, but Levi's face reminded me that would be suicide. 

The door of my room swung open as I snuck in, hoping to avoid Sasha's questions. Her snores were heard from the bed, loud enough to wake a whole army. I just breathed a sigh of relief and got into my night clothes. I wonder who else knows of Eren's power? Did Sasha?

I sprawled out on my bed with a heaving sigh. Let's save all this for the morning, shall we? I told myself. It had been more than enough shit for one day. 

At least I got to pet a horse... I think sleepily as my mind drifts off. 

 

 

 

 

The next day came with wary dread as I followed Sasha along the hallways. She bounced with an energy not fit for the day I was about to have. We joined her group of obnoxious friends for breakfast, Jean and Connie, as they tried to goad me into conversation.

"So, new girl, where ya from?" Connie said with porridge in his mouth. 

"Some village you've never heard of," I mutter and look away from his food-ridden face. Unluckily enough, I met eyes with someone a table across from me and my spine straightened a little. 

It was Armin, giving me a most intense stare. Next to him, Mikasa was also giving me a peculiar look, full of suspicion. I bet that buffoon blabbed already. I thought angrily and tightened my grip on my spoon, bending it. 

Sasha swayed her body and gave me a nudge. This girl seemed to always pick up on when I was pissed, somehow. "Not gonna eat your porridge? Too grumpy?"

It was hard to manage a scowl at her so I gave a nudge back. "I'm fine, just didn't get much sleep last night."

Her big doe eyes widen with humor. I notice how different the green of her eyes are from Eren's. His had an electricity to them, an unhuman energy. Hers, however, softened me; the warmest forest shade of green possible. The both only seemed to share the goofy ass smiles on their faces. "Oh? I noticed you were gone last night, where'd you go? Who'd ya seeee?"

"No one, nowhere and nothing."  I flicked porridge at her. "Now hush and stop pestering me, I'm still waking up."

She just laughed an easy-going laugh and turned back to her friends. I listened to their jovial banter for the rest of my meal and avoided Armin's eyes. No doubt, that runt would bother me at some point today. 

Sometimes, being right sucked. 

Not even halfway into our day of training, I felt Armin's prescence increase. We were all sparring, just slight hand-to-hand combat. The goal was to get your other opponent on the ground, and Sasha was whooping with idiotic joy as she pinned me down. I was laughing at her celebration, rolling around in the dirt. 

After last night's weirdness, and Levi the dickhead breaking my finger, I had chosen to be extra sucky today for his enjoyment. Sasha was so gleeful she had beaten me that I don't think the thought of me letting her win had crossed her mind yet.

She wasn't a bad fighter, using her instinct and quickness with ease. She was a natural and learned very quickly. I enjoyed letting her win, as I was getting sick of the attention I received every time I bloody did something. 

"Man this really is an off day for you, isn't it?" Sasha cackled.

I still lay in the dirt and just sprawled out with a dramatic sigh. "Maybe so."

I had decided our fight wasn’t worth an audience, but I was wrong the moment I felt those unmistakable laser-focused eyes on me. I used my hand to block out the sun and saw Armin standing near us, a straight look on his face.

If it isn't the little toy solider here to piss on my parade. He resembled a pretty doll as he shone in the sunlight, blonde hair gleaming. His undercut was similar to Levi's, but while Levi's hair hung around his face in tendrils, Armin's was as clean cut as you could get. 

"I wish to spar with Day next, if you don't mind." he said in an irritatingly polite voice. 

For a girl who could tell when a thief and liar was angry, the dopey idiot didn't pick up on Armin's weirdness. I stared at Sasha with betrayal as she bounced off to find another partner. 

I sat up and looked around, expecting Eren or Mikasa near him like always. But we were alone, off to the side of the training grounds. No doubt exactly how Armin wanted it. I had a feeling he wouldn't hold back his questions this time.

He held his hand out above me for me to grab, and I did so with a wary look on my face. "I'm curious about you." 

I crossed my arms with an eyeroll, ignoring the itching of my incision. I didn't like the look he was giving me, calculated and clear. "Oh really, I never noticed."

"You let Sasha win just now." It wasn't a question, but a statement. "You also let everyone else in our team win the other day." I frowned and stuck my lip out as I dripped with sarcasm. "Not true, I gave it my all."

Piss off you nosey little twat.

"When you got here, only the Captains acted like they knew you. You have zero training as a soldier. Yet, despite that- you have more skill than any person here." His blue eyes never changed as they pierced into mine. 

I stalk up to the blonde boy, getting right in his face. "Enough of the flattery. You came here to spar, so why don't we do that?"

I like how his eyes shift with nervousness. "Right."

We face off with clenched fists and the dumb stance the officers told us to stand in. I start to circle Armin, waiting to strike.

As we do, Armin glances at my right fist that's closed weirdly, and he continues his vexatious verbal assault. "Who managed to break your finger?"  

My face twisted into a scowl, and I pounced. Even as he goaded me, it was a half-hearted attack. It was slow enough to where he managed to sidestep it almost nimbly. He kicked a leg out, but I grabbed it and pushed him away. Every strike he tried to give after that, I just moved to the side with a lazy defense, not one landing on me. 

Armin lunged forward, and I leaned to the side and gave his head a push. He almost fell from the momentum but caught himself. "Come on," he called out as he turned back towards me. He gave me a softer version of my sly smile. "Why don't you show me how they fight in the Under City?"

I froze for just a moment as my eyes widened. Before he could say anything else, I hurtled towards him and kicked his legs out, using the force of the fall to throw myself atop of him in a flash of anger.

"What did that freak tell you?" I snarled under my breath as I gripped his collar tightly.

Despite being pinned down by a very pissed off me, his blue eyes narrow. "He... didn't need...too." he gasped between breaths from the wind knocked out of him.

I get off of Armin with an angry growl. He brushes the dirt off and gets up slowly. People nearest to us are murmuring under their breaths at our display but keep to themselves. Like Armin fucking should. 

"Why the fuck are you so interested?" I spit out at him.

"I want to why an Underground thief, or maybe assassin for hire, is suddenly part of the Survey Corps. I want to know your purpose here, and if you're here to harm or help my comrades. I want to know more about you, and why you've chosen to fight." His gaze is hard, calculated. And not wavering. 

I feel exasperation rise up and I spin around in a fury. "I don't have a fucking choice!" The incision on my neck is practically burning at this point as a clear reminder of why I'm here. 

Armin’s eyebrows furrow with confusion and he takes a step towards me. "What do you mean?" his tone is softer now but I don't care. 

"Leave me the hell alone. Or I'll fucking kill you." With that, I stalk off the sparring grounds, leaving the nosey blonde hair boy to process. 

The whole time I do, I never notice a pair of silver eyes watch the entire thing unfold. The ever-to familiar daggers, never missing a thing. 

Chapter 28: teach me

The first half of the day, Levi watched as Day put in minimum effort as possible. Sure, it pissed Levi off to no end but it was better than her showing off and constantly drawing attention. That was until he observed the match between her and Armin. You could've cut that tension with a knife. 

All Levi could think as she stomped off after slamming Armin to the ground was, well, now Eren's not the only one who knows the secret.

One part of him wanted to follow her and reprimand her for the leakage of information. Weirdly enough though, a piece of him paused and cut her some slack. That girl was going through a lot in a short span of time. Even for a Scout.

Still, the odd feeling of sympathy made his stomach almost hurt. Just like last night. 

Feeling her rapid heartbeat against his chest was enough to almost ..bother him. He had never seen this fearless girl so terrified since he met her. It had been pure fear that had tinged the very air.

In retrospect, maybe Hange and him hadn't done the best prepping for the big moment. Fear like that didn't look right on her face. Her big brown eyes had gotten even wider with shock and her lips slightly parted, like a scream was just hanging on the edge. 

Her fear had a sharp, rich smell to it that had invaded his senses in that pitch-black forest. He felt like a freak for that smell still lingering on his nose hours later.  It took everything in Levi to focus on the rest of that days training. 

It didn't help that a meeting was hovering over his shoulder- one with Erwin. He wanted to hear updates with Day and the recruits. Levi wanted to do anything fucking else. As it crept closer, he tried to ignore the fact that Day was still gone and Hange was weirdly calm today. 

After making the Scouts run laps, Levi sent the depleted idiots to dinner. He started making his way back to Headquarters while his head swarmed with various thoughts. Running a hand over his face, he let out a slight groan and lifted his head up to the sky in a silent curse. Shock made his eyebrows twitch as he noticed a figure sitting on the roof of Headquarters.

The sun glinted on blonde hair and his curse became not so silent. So, this is where that damned brat goes when she pouts? A part of him contemplated flying up there and scaring her, but he decided against it. He didn't feel like being alone with her at the moment. Instead, he forced himself to walk ahead to go see another aggravating blonde. 

Commander Erwin sat against the blazing sunset, a towering presence that radiated quiet authority. His desk was as neat as ever, but a line of pictures stood out to Levi as he took a seat. One was of Day, a hood on and ODM swords in hand. Hange's drawing style was obvious, and it was in all the other illustrations, ones of Eren in Titan form, even Levi himself. 

"It is a shame I have to miss your secret meetings in the woods," Erwin smiles as he notices Levi's eyes on the drawing below. 

Sometimes Levi would stare at Erwin and wonder for hours why he chose to love him so strongly all those years ago. Was it a blurred line between love and devotion? Did that clarification matter? Blood coated his hand as he clenched his fist with strength. Why am I thinking about this shit now?

"So enlighten me, for my absence." Unflinching voice as always. It prickled his neck. 

Captain Levi sighed and lounged back in his chair, causing his long black hair to fall into his face. "Not a single thing of interest. She was somehow worse in the woods than around all the Scouts during training. Lost her shit last night when she saw Eren in his Titan form. It's exactly what I said it would be: you overestimated a lousy criminal from the Under City.

“All she's managed to do since arriving is cause panic after panic. I know you see her as your hat trick or whatever the hell, but the damned girl is far from that."

The whole time Erwin's piercing azure eyes never left his. It made his neck itch, and he looked away multiple times as he spoke. 

"I see.." leaning back in his chair he let out a snort of air almost like a chuckle. "So, what I'm getting is, she really bothers you, Captain."

After years of knowing and dating this enigmatic man, he was always the one who could read Levi the best. He hated it. A particularly disgusted tsk came out of his mouth from Erwin's comment.

"If you mean constantly gives me migraines, makes me want to bash her head in, or throw her off the Wall, then sure. She bothers me. Get rid of her, Erwin. She isn't worth it."

The shining Commander just rested his chin on his meaty hands and gave him almost a smirk. 

"Migraines?"

Levi scowled. "Ever since she's arrived, I have had the worst migraines of my life. My body even can't stand this stupid girl. You and your cursed gambles are aging me tenfold.”

Erwin stayed still, eyes glinting across the desk to his subject. "As much as Day ails you, I am not particularly focused on if the girl is easy to swallow. I need a perfect soldier, a deadly weapon. Your hatred and finger-breaking will get us nowhere," he gave Levi a knowing look and he inwardly swore at the Four-Eyed loudmouth. "I see great potential in her and as soon as you do too, we can get her efficiently trained as soon as possible.”

Levi fought hard not to roll his eyes. So idealistic.

"That's what I am trying to say, I don’t think training her will matter. She's going to just give us problem after problem. Have you not heard about her showing off, causing chaos like some crazed animal?"

A chuckle came from the huge chest, and he sat up. "I did hear of that. From what I am gathering, she delivered exceptionally in her match and without injury to the other person. You're forgetting who we’re dealing with here: this is her MO. You need to get with her on her level, that I know you can do." There it is again- that stupid glimmer of knowing. "Why do you think I assigned you to her in the first place?"

She isn't the only new recruit we've had a hard time with, he knew Erwin wanted to say. Naturally gifted, deadly, difficult to control. A flower plucked and thrown into the sun. 

"I do agree Hange should not be playing games with the recruits like this, especially with someone we want under the radar. As for the recruit herself, I see no fault. It will be difficult for someone like her to hold back. And we need her to improve. If she is constantly holding back the entire time, we are achieving nothing. That's why we have Eren. He's the one person she can go at again and again without reprieve. At the end of all this, I want her to be able to surpass even you. Maybe then we will have a fighting chance for what's to come."

Surpass even you. He glared at the man he loved once upon a time. Whoever the hell that person was back then, definitely wasn't Levi now. One look from those encompassing blue eyes would've sent Levi into compliance and devotion. Now, it just made him want to throw something. 

"As I've already mentioned, you drastically overestimate this exasperating woman." He was growing weary of discussing her. Day was quickly becoming an all-encompassing presence in his life. She occupied his thoughts, and everyone seemed intent on reminding him of her existence. 

"Do you underestimate me? Because I have told you, time and time again, that I see potential in her, and you continue to question my judgement. As much as I respect your opinion Captain- I have no need for it in this. I would have thought this challenge would be nothing for Humanity's Greatest Soldier, but you fight me every chance you get about this girl." Erwin's voice had hardened now, all twinkle gone. He was noticeably tired of Levi's newfound defiance. 

Levi gave up his angry remarks about Day for now and heaved a big sigh. "Fine. What you say goes, I'll do whatever is asked of me sir. All I want you to realize is that this could turn very badly. I know we have a stealth mission in a month.  How do you know she will be ready to cooperate by then? In the place we just took her from no less. With no actual poison in her neck keeping her at bay."

The confidence coming from Erwin made Levi even more on edge. "Oh, I have a plan in place to make sure she fully cooperates. However, we won't need to use it if you can get her to cooperate a little better in the coming month. That way, if she refuses to work with you and somehow finds out about her poison, we have another plan set in place to stop her." The glint in his eyes showed no mercy. Erwin had always been the type to do anything to achieve his goals, no matter the cost. 

An itchiness came over Levi's skin, almost like nervousness. What exactly was he going to do?

"Let me guess, this is another one of your stupid plans that I won't be informed of until the last moment, right?"

"If you do your job, there won't be any need." 

"Great. What if she does something drastic in the meantime? What's your course of action for that? Because as soon as that demon realizes she's not actually held here by anything, and if I'm not around, it could be havoc."

Erwin gave him a slight smirk.  "Then I guess you'll have to keep a closer eye on her, Captain. I trust you can do that."

He didn't even give himself a chance think what Erwin really meant by that as he let out a tch and began to change the subject to Eren's training. One more word of this girl and his brain was going to implode. 

The two spoke for about half an hour about the new Scouts. Levi struggled to divert Erwin from the greatest nuisance in his life– a considerable feat, indeed. While Erwin outlined a plan for Eren’s training and combat, Levi felt an unusual tension. A quick glance down revealed that he was gripping the wooden chair so tightly that the wood began to bend beneath his fingers.

He took a deep breath when the Commander wasn't looking and breathed out through his mouth. Maybe you are as he says, if you can't even get a grip for one damn meeting. 

Erwin, ever perceptive, seemed unaware of Levi’s inner turmoil as he steadily pushed piles of paperwork toward him. He droned on about strategic formations, fixating on Eren’s quirks and new drills. Levi silently cursed those piercing oak eyes of hers once more; even amid Erwin’s heavy discourse, they held an undeniable allure, pulling him deeper. 

Levi stood opposite him, his eyes focused on Erwin, or at least, they were supposed to be. But try as he might, his thoughts kept drifting back to the persistent image of that aggravating girl.

She haunted his mind like a vexing specter who refused to be ignored.

As Erwin detailed the training, he outlined the maneuvers and conditioning needed to make the recruits elite soldiers. Levi struggled to maintain his concentration. The words washed over him, but their meaning faded into the background.

He struggled to banish her from his thoughts, clinging to the task before him. Yet her face lingered, a haunting echo in his ears, her every gesture etched into his memory. This relentless intrusion was maddening, casting a shadow over his focus.

Erwin's voice wavered slightly, a subtle hint of concern seeping into his words. "Levi, is something bothering you? You seem distracted."

Levi blinked, tearing his attention away from his relentless fixation. He forced a tight-lipped smile, a facade to mask the turmoil within. "No, Commander. Just a lot on my mind."

Erwin's piercing gaze bore into him, a mix of understanding and curiosity. "If there's anything you need to discuss or if there's something troubling you, you know I'm here, Levi."

The offer hung in the air, tempting yet treacherous. Levi fought the urge to reveal his inner turmoil, to confess the incessant thoughts that plagued him. But he couldn't risk exposing this weakness, this vulnerability that threatened to undermine his position.

With a curt nod, Levi dismissed his inner demons, or at least tried to. He straightened his posture, steeling himself for the task at hand. "I appreciate your concern, Commander. Rest assured, I will handle the training regimen with the utmost precision."

Erwin's eyes held a trace of lingering doubt, but he nodded in acceptance. "Very well, Levi. I trust you to carry out your duties as expected. Remember, the strength of our recruits is vital to our survival."

Levi nodded, his mind still clouded but his resolve strong. He would set aside the distractions and focus.  

With each step he took away from Erwin's office, he silently prayed for a brief respite from her incessant presence.

Sina if you can hear me. Save my damned job. Save my mind. Because this girl may destroy everything. 

Chapter 29: breathless

Training with Day came much too quick for Levi's liking. 

At dusk, Hange and Eren were near the gear rack as he approached them. Once again, that blonde brat was late. 

The Four-Eyed loudmouth, who had royally fucked Levi’s day up, appeared fully aware of it, as she carefully avoided his gaze while she set up her gear. Eren, however, hadn’t ceased his babble since he arrived.

"What if she isn't here because she's too freaked out?" his hand fumbled the gear, and as always, it falls.

"Maybe I don't go Titan today. If she does come. She didn't run off, did she? No no I saw her at dinner...Are we sure we can trust her to not tell anyone about me? Is her full name D-"

Levi whacked his hand on the back of Eren's head. "For the love of god do not start this now. Say another word and we'll be dragging your limbless body to practice. It'll at least be faster than your damned flying."

The babbling stopped. 

After that, Levi refused to wait for them to finish and shot off into the trees. 

He didn’t surge ahead this time to test his speed; there was no need. The trio reached the clearing, and as Hange began explaining her notes to Eren about multiple transformations, Levi directed his fury toward the absent thief.

“Alright, Eren, since Day isn’t showing up, go ahead and transform into a Titan for me, big boy!” she giggled, clearly excited at the prospect of jotting down more notes on Eren’s grotesque meat sack.

Levi watched as the boy transformed once again, a sight he had come to accept. He flicked Day’s knife in his hand and attempted to ignore the tightening pressure between his eyes. The thought of seeking help from Hange crossed his mind, but he knew the deranged woman would likely sneak in an experiment or two, which would only further piss him off.

Hange returned to Levi after Eren had transformed and breathed, “Every time, it just takes your breath away, doesn’t it?”

"Is that what that is? Damn I thought it was nausea." 

His head whipped to the voice coming from behind him and Hange. 

There she was, casually leaning against a tree, that playful glint in her eyes alive by the gems surrounding them. Even now, Levi struggled to admit just how agonizingly beautiful she was.

Day's hair had undergone a noticeable transformation since her encounter with Armin. It now sported a more distinct Underground flair, with her scalp intricately braided, the plaits cascading into a gold waterfall of untamed locks. As irritating as that was- along with the fact she had gotten the drop on him- he couldn't help but think how good the style looked on her. She looked more like herself, sure and strong. 

"Day!" Hange squalled. "How great of you to join us! Now watch out, Eren turned Titan so please please try and stay calm. Now we can really train today!" 

Those brown eyes drifted over Levi's head and stared at Eren a few yards back in the clearing. Whatever panic that held her in its grasp last night left no trace now. 

"Ah, there's not much to it is there? I just have to rip the smaller guy out of the big, nasty meatier guy, right?" she gripped her handle and met Levi’s gaze for the first time. An electric thrill surged through him as he was captured by deep chestnut eyes.

Before he could respond, she vanished into the trees in an instant. He hadn’t even seen her engage her gear. Captain Levi gritted his teeth and prepared to follow her again, but Hange grabbed his arm and spun him around. Day dropped from the branches above, landing gracefully on Eren’s right shoulder with her swords drawn.

The poor fool barely had time to react. Before the Titan could even reach an arm up to swat the pesky girl, her blades sliced about his flesh like razor-sharp lightning. In seconds, she reached into the gash, ripping out Eren's stunned face along with the rest of his flesh-strewn body. 

Dahlia hurtled downward, clutching his shirt, and as they landed, she tossed him to the ground, sending him rolling until he came to rest at Levi and Hange’s feet. His bright green eyes were wide with shock as they locked onto Levi’s, filled with fear. In one swift move, this cunning thief had taken down a fifteen-meter Titan. Her cold, dark eyes were fixed on Levi, and she bore no resemblance to the frightened little girl from the night before; she looked like a force of nature.

Hange covered her mouth with both hands, while Levi stared down at Eren and then up at Day. Not a drop of blood dotted her skin as she sheathed the blades in one swift motion.

It was Hange who gained the strength for words first, her shrill voice cutting through the thick silence. "That could've gone very wrong, Day! We've barely explained to you how to fight him and you go hacking about the body without any delicacy! If you slice his head off, he's dead dead. He regenerates otherwise, but not rapidly."

That's when Day looked down at Eren and her eyes widened as she realized during the extrapolation, she had cut one of his hands off. Blood seeped slowly out of the stump, but Levi knew it would stop soon. 

Day gasped and got on her knees next to Eren. "Son of a bitch, not again!" 

Her hands hovered over his arm like she wanted to grab it and help. "I'm sorry Eren, oh god uhh we should stop the bleeding. If it makes you feel better you can punch me in the face with that little baby fist when it grows back- I swear I won't puke!"

The long-haired boy, sprawled on the ground, shifted from terror to a quiet, trembling laughter that rippled through him. His body shook as he rolled across the dirt, stump and all.

Levi at this point had more than fucking enough as he stalked forward to deliver a kick to Eren's side. He then stepped over him and got right up to Day, to where he could see her face clearly in the verdant glow. Like always, she stood her ground with a look of slight joviality. Pest. 

"You really think it’s that easy? A few swings of your sword and you’re done? Pathetic. All you do is show off without ever using your brain. It’s never that simple, not until you understand every inch of the battlefield, something you’re clearly too lazy to bother with. Since you won’t figure that out today, start running laps. Now.”

Levi curled his lip. “And so is Jeager. That was a pitiful takedown, surprise attack or not. Don't even think about stopping until you can't fucking move." he spat less than a foot from her face. "Go."

For a moment, he thought she was going to flat-out refuse. But instead, she shot him a sharp glare, sidestepped Levi, and thrust her hand toward Eren. The idiot simply gave Captain Levi a weak salute with his uninjured hand before bolting off.

Almost at a snarl, Levi stalked off to brood under a nearby tree. Hange, wisely keeping quiet, furiously scribbled in her notebook, no doubt thrilled by whatever groundbreaking data she’d gleaned from the five-second “fight” between them.

All it had shown him was that Day was going to send her cocky self right into an early grave, and that Eren's reflexes in that big ass meat sack were extremely lacking. 

He thought back to what Erwin had said, to try and work with her and get on her level. Right.

That brat made everything impossible. She couldn’t follow a single order or show any ounce of compliance. Levi watched his underlings race around the clearing, the blonde struggling behind Eren, her labored breaths growing audible. Only now did he realize her confinement and weeks of bed rest had left her significantly weaker.

Nevertheless, he never called out for them to stop. Maybe I want to break her. The thought did give him a sick sense of satisfaction, and the tiniest smile tugged gently on the edge of his mouth. 

Minutes passed by in silence, with just the sound of their footsteps hitting the grass. His eyes slowly closed in the blessed peace. Through everything he had been in, nothing had quite exhausted him like these past few months. A part of him wanted to say fuck it all and run off to sleep for decades beneath a tree like this one.  He drifted into that fantasy among the shining trees for a stretchy amount of time. 

Could have been seconds, an hour, he had no idea. The tension in his head had almost dissipated until his background music stopped. A sharp twang hit his temple, like the snap of a rubber band. 

Levi didn't need to open his eyes to know both of the morons had stopped running. He was disappointed to see it wasn’t because they both collapsed. Instead, one of them lay sprawled awkwardly in the grass. He realized he had actually fallen asleep; Hange was chattering in front of him, but as he slowly regained his senses, her words drifted through a fog.

"-three hours you made that poor girl run for three hours! You're going to kill our new recruit!" her arms were flailing around in a most annoying way. "Levi? Levi! Hellloooo!!"

His eyes once again went to the figure across the way. Eren was leaning over her, but it was hard to tell if she was responsive. The sight of it all made Levi unclear on how he felt. She couldn't die from running too much, so he didn't see the big deal.

The Captain's eyes narrowed on Hange's with a hint of sick amusement as he crossed his arms. "It looks to me the brat finally followed her first order perfectly. I must say I'm bordering delighted."

"I think this is the exact opposite of what Erwin had in mind. The Scouts, and you, are better than this." her green eyes were hard beneath thick glasses. They stared each other down as Eren yelled Captain Levi! over and over. 

"And yet you let her keep running as well."

He growled and pushed his comrade out of the way with force as he stomped towards the fallen girl. The closer he got; he could see how ghastly she looked strewn across the ground. Her chest barely rose and fell, and her skin was slick with heaps of sweat. Eren leaned over her, concern evident in his eyes, though the unnatural glow in them always left Levi feeling uneasy.

"She needs medical attention, Captain Levi."  Even though he had run the same amount of time, he looked significantly better than she did. Whether it was from his status as a real freak of nature or not, she looked downright dead. 

Why is this idiot girl always getting so hurt? It was annoying. He was surprised she had even run this long; it was extremely unlike her to follow an order to such an extent. Maybe she was faking it, just like the time in her cell when she rocked Hange's shit. Levi gave a nudge with his foot, then a not-too-hard kick. 

"Captain!" Jeager protested and got up to do something, so Levi stuck his foot out and planted it on his forehead, shoving him back down. 

"Quit your whining. We have a doctor right here, she's just slow and stupid and should hurry the hell up when someone collapses!" he made the last half of what he said carry across the clearing and he could hear Hange bustle her way on over. 

While Four-Eyes examined Day and the other idiot hovered nearby, Levi stood at a distance, an uneasy itch creeping over him. The closer he got to her sprawled body, the itchier he felt, as if his skin was reminding him that every injury she had suffered since they met was his fault. Not Hange's, not Erwin's, not even Day herself. His. 

It had been Levi time and time again. Even the revelation of this wouldn't usually have been enough to affect him, the amount of people he had hurt in his life was countless. But somehow, a metal bitterness had settled in his mouth. For once, his eyes stayed off her. 

Using a potion or tincture brewed in her lab, Hange had slowly coaxed the girl awake. Levi heard her shaky coughs, followed by Eren’s excited exclamations. Hange let out a deep sigh of relief and rose to her feet.

"Maybe give her the day off tomorrow, eh?" 
she laughed, though it lacked any real energy. Wiping her knuckle-gloved hands, the captain avoided eye contact with Levi. He sensed her annoyance, especially after she had just ratted him out to Erwin over this very issue.

He just sniffed, still turned away from the girl on the ground. "No way in hell. She isn't the first recruit to collapse from laps, she won't be the last. Are you forgetting we have a month before she needs to be in better shape?"

"That may be the case, but you know well enough Levi that treating someone like a human would bring the fastest progress." her goggled-eyes glared.

"For Erwin's expectations we need her to not be human, don't you get that? Or else all of this will just be one more huge waste of time."

"I can go in circles with you all day Levi, my position won't change on this. If you do one more thing, I will do more than bring it to Erwin's attention." 

Levi was almost shocked by her boldness, and he turned to face her with raised eyebrows. "Is that so?"

"She's extremely gifted and powerful already, just give the girl a break before you actually break her. Shove whatever secret vendetta you have for the poor thing aside. Hasn't she been through enough? I don't think she needs a bully on top of it." 

All of their words had been spoken in hushed, hard tones as they were used to arguing about things they didn't want others nearby to hear. But her last strike had been louder, thrown right into his face. 

Levi wanted nothing more than to wring his comrades' ridiculous neck, but he would only be proving her current point. He could feel two sets of eyes on the conversation now and for the first time in a while, he turned that direction. 

He noticed immediately that color had returned to her face, her lips puffy, cheeks cherry-red. Brown eyes flared at him through a mess of hair that had been stripped from its braids.

Day at some point through the endeavor had stripped off her cloak and shirt, leaving behind her in only tight black pants and a matching tank top. As he noticed, his eyes shot quickly away from her.

"Since you're obviously better, I want you out of my sight along with Jeager. This is twice now we have had to end training on your account, and we've just barely begun. Just sad." he could feel those knives a mile away.

"Go to the med bay on your way back, get checked out. Be at practice tomorrow a half hour early and in top condition, got it? We're not gonna get shit done with you dying all over the place." 

Day's face never changed; she just adjusted her view away as Eren held out a hand to help her up. The look of sheer relief on Eren's face rubbed Levi the wrong way. It increased tenfold as he noticed his eyes linger on her chest hungrily as she rose out of the grass.

Levi had taken a step forward without even realizing it. Images of him ripping the insects' throat out just so he could watch him struggle to speak as it grew back filled his head. 

The two walked off to grab their gear as Levi struggled to maintain his composure. He hated–no, despised–that he felt the urge to apologize for always hurting her, yet he wanted to pummel that leech into Titan steak for even helping. Just as quickly as those thoughts came, they vanished, and he returned to reality. Why the hell did he care what a worm like her thought?

He definitely didn't watch as they spoke comfortably while they put their gear back on, or how she smiled easily at his words. He most certainly didn't glare into the trees as they flew off together. The grumpy captain just stalked towards his own gear and threw it on with completely natural calmness. 

Lost in his own internal grumblings, he hadn't noticed a certain someone standing behind him until her voice boomed throughout the clearing with vigor. 

"SOOOO when are we gonna talk about that fatass crush you have on the new girl huh?"

Chapter 30: under the blanket of trees

When a long-haired, beautiful, abbed out-

monster or not

-invites himself to show you to the medical bay personally, you don't say no. 

Sure, I had kicked Eren's ass and almost died in front of him all in the span of an evening, but he didn't seem too hung up on it, so why should I? 

I also tried to ignore the fact that I had to basically hold this mans' hand to get him through the dark forest. But the way he fell and fell and kept the exact same attitude was kind of cute. 

The thought of training with him seemed interesting to say the least.

Our skillsets were resoundingly different, yet I couldn't forget the comment he had made last night about not wanting to kill me. Is that why I had gone too hard on him in front of the Captains? Was I such an egoist I had to prove our vast differences earlier? 

I refused to think about one Captain in particular as I swung down and grabbed Eren in the dark. I lifted him onto my back and laughed at his protests. He was slowing us down so badly I couldn't stand another second. We shot off at my pace back to the training grounds. 

"You were passed out like minutes ago Day! Don't make yourself give out again, I don't have Hange's magic potion!" Eren yelled against the wind, his head on my back. 

The man's yells turned into laughs along with mine as we swung in complete darkness at a much faster speed than he was probably used to. 

Whatever the hell Hange had given me, I was feeling really fucking great for someone who was literally unresponsive moments ago, like Eren had said. Should I have been concerned? Maybe, but I also had a vial of some unknown ass poison in my neck, so my priorities are all over the place. 

We reached the gear rack in a swift landing, and I pushed him off me when we reached the dirt. He still manged to trip and I didn't help him up that time. Ripping my gear off in a fervor, my body singed with some type of electric energy.

"Honestly I'm feeling great, I say screw the med bay. Hange might as well have cured me. God, I wish we could go get a damned drink; Sina knows I need one."

I definitely expected him to laugh and refuse disobeying Captain Levi's orders. That's why I was surprised when I looked up from undoing my last strap to see a small, almost sexy smirk on his face against the lantern light.

"Don't tempt me," he said in low voice that made my fingers twitch.

I still couldn't tell if those inhuman green eyes unnerved me or drew me in, but there was no doubt how supernaturally exquisite he was to look at. He had let his black hair fall out of the bun at some point, and it sharpened his face to me, drawing out his eyes and jawline against the dark strands. 

"Oh, you don't think you'd get caught?" I smiled back and set my gear on the rack. Even with all the flirting, the incision on my neck was still an invisible collar I felt tug the more I wanted to leave. 

"It wouldn't be the first time I've snuck out of here. Trust me, I can get us to the bars nearby. There's a secret path through the forest." The tall man took a step forward, and my chest, already tingling from the possible effects of drugs, heated up even more. "Plus, didn't I hear Hange say you were a sneaky little thief? I bet you could find them without me if you wanted to."

"I know I could, but that's beside the point. They'd definitely know we had left, seeing as how all they would need to do is go to the med bay or one of our dorms and we're dead." (He doesn't know how literally I mean it.) "Not to mention we ran for three hours so my clothes are disgusting, I'll be stinking up the damned bar."

Even with my concerns, he stepped closer as I spoke. 

The mischievous glint in his eyes reminded me of myself for a moment. My willpower crumbled with each passing second, my thoughts spiraling as the medicine sped up my brain, unleashing fiery bursts of unnatural energy.

It felt like a million bees buzzing under my skin, all at once. As the stranger who could transform into a beast reached out his hand, I felt an urge to take it.

"Two pints and we will be back before they know it. As for you being stinky, you forget I was on your back the entire way here. If I had any complaints, I wouldn't be sad the trip’s over." His hand reached out to mine still. Eren was a dangerous tease, something I knew a lot about. 

I hadn't even realized I had grabbed his hand until I saw a smile reach all over his face. "If you get me in trouble, I want you to know I will kill you before Levi will, okay?"

God what a stupid fucking idea, was blaring in the back of my mind. 

But fuck it, they wouldn't blow my head off for one drink now, would they? Plus, I was with their golden baby. There's no way they'd let his idols become evil in his eyes. They needed him trauma free and completely on their side. With Levi, me, and probably Mikasa excluded, he was a major threat. Docile, compliant Eren was the Scouts best bet. 

I used all this to rationalize the fact that I didn't hesitate to run across the grounds, hands gripping each other's as we held in our laughs. For the first time in fucking weeks and weeks, I was excited. The fire of doing something I actually wanted burned within me. 

Fuck Levi, fuck Erwin. Fuck that glasses bitch who put the poison in me. I needed to stop seeing them as my allies and remind myself that I was the best thief there was in the Under City. They couldn't stop me forever. And god damnit if I wanted to drink tonight with a bloody hottie, I fucking would. 

Eren's hands were so warm that it almost burned my palm. I looked over at his face as we scurried away and his dopey grin hadn't left, making him look like the one on drugs not me. 

Every instinct screamed to turn back, but stubborn thirst drove me forward. I’d been so long since I’d tasted ale, and every cell of my body wanted out. 

We snuck into the cover of the trees, and I shivered with anticipation. I'd been stuck on this wretched hill for so long that it had felt like purgatory. Now, I'd finally get a slice of freedom back. Eren seemed to have a rebellious spark inside him as well. 

I ran in silence alongside him for a bit longer, surprised with myself for being able to keep up with the Titan after the events earlier. Eren's sweetness shown through as he would stop for a split second every few minutes and glance at me, squeeze my hand. His smile would deepen after seeing I wasn't hurt then he’d he resumed running. 

The crazed wild animal in me wanted to push this sweet man against a tree and say fuck the drinks all together. 

That sudden thought made me pause even for me, and for some gross reason the back of my mind pictured pushing a different boy against a tree and having my way. Girl how fucking high are you? I used my free hand to press a fingernail into my skin until pain drew clarity.

"Is this the hand I chopped off?" I whispered in the darkness to distract myself. I felt him move with laughter in response. 

"You mean you can't tell?" came his deep, husky whisper a foot away. "You know, now that you bring it up, I'm allowed to punch you with my 'baby fist' right? Well, if you can guess correctly, I won't make good on that."

As he teased slightly, his thumb drug along my skin in circles. The feeling was almost sinful, and I took a shaky breath to center myself. 

"Need a hint?" I could almost hear his smirk. The wind picked up and he eased our pace just a bit. I caught a whiff of ginger and nutmeg riding along the winds, and I realized it was the boy next to me that smelled like a holiday cookie. Of course, even his damned smell was drawing me in right now. 

As we slowed, the darkness seemed to rush at my face for a second. I felt my head spin. I was usually at my best at a time like this, but there was a fog invading my brain that was ebbing at the spiking energy I’d felt before. 

We were barely lit by the moon overhead, peeking through the leaves on just the outlines of our skin. At a full stop, I saw a path well-hidden between the thickest of the brush. I took a step to hurry and get that pint, but the hand holding mine stayed in place. 

Eren was looking down at me with a most direct expression. He was fully inspecting my face with no shame, green leaving scorch marks where they lingered. 

My breath hitched slightly and I hated how the sudden crash of vertigo and dimness had hit me after the feeling fire was just surging through me. I needed the tingly part of the drug back…he’ll help. 

I reached for his other hand, careful not to sway. Eren stepped in, smooth and unhurried, slipping his hands to my back and drawing mine to his arms. The support steadied me, but whatever spark I’d had was bleeding out, second by second.

Can't he wait till I've had one damned beer? (Ignoring the fact i had pictured jumping his bones in the woods not minutes ago).

- Though, it was too dark for him to notice something amiss. His grip tightened just a bit on my back and I stared back up at him, only able to make out those piercing eyes. 

"Eren.." I said in a voice softer than I expected. He needed to stop looking at me with such..intensity. 

I wasn’t clear-headed enough to let this beast of a man devour me under moonlight– no matter how sinfully hot that sounded. Caught between retching from the creeping sickness or silencing it with a kiss, I hesitated.

I could tell he was hesitating now that we were right up to it. A mixture of our sweat and his spiced scent flooded my nose, and I closed my eyes, only able to wish for the best. I was just about to grab his collar and go at it, when he startled me by talking. 

"I have never met anyone like you, Day." 

Instead, I just kept my eyes shut and tried to not throw my head down on his chest and fall asleep. "Oh, because I'm a criminal from the Underground? Who would've thought I'd be different from topsiders who want to be soldiers."

"And yet you seem freer than all of the rest." 

My eyes shot open at that and went right to his. "You're joking right. Believe me, you don't know a thing Eren." A halfhearted chuckle escaped me, filled with sarcasm.

Thick biceps slid up my back until one of his inhumanely warm hands touched my jaw. How someone could move simultaneously like a hungry animal but with the gentlest touch was beyond me. Goosebumps raised on the back of my arms, and he pulled my eyes up to meet his directly. 

"I can see it every time I look at you. That's all I need to know. You think you're owed a place in this world like everyone else, one that's safe with no tyranny, bloodshed. Where you don't have to fight to live everyday. Am I right?" If electricity could bounce around eyeballs, Eren had become a contained tempest. 

"Except I'm fucking trapped! All I want is to be left alone, live my life." I breathed out true honesty for the first time since I'd been here. A lump formed in my throat from the anger of it. "As much as I hated my home, the feeling of being stolen from it and then shackled leaves me feeling.. winded every morning."

God, it could've been the intimacy of the darkness or the fact that someone was noticing how I had felt, drugs, whatever the fuck- but being honest felt so much fucking better than a sloppy make out session. A tension I had been holding, with all my secrets, wanted to bust. 

It was just me and this strange new boy, blanketed in the darkness of the trees. 

He leaned his head down until our foreheads touched, reminding me of the other day when I had touched him in Titan form. Every time our skin connected, I became impossibly warm, like he had some transferrable energy I could take from him. 

Breath tickled my skin as he let out small laugh. "It surprises me they manage to trap someone like you. Why don't you run? Hide?" 

I shut my eyes for a second and sighed.

“Half the time I just want to kill everyone who’s ever wronged me, disappear, and live however I want with my sister. But it’s not that easy– they’ve made sure of that.”

I expected shock. What I saw was understanding.

“I get it,” he said. “Some nights I lie awake wishing every enemy I’ve ever had would just die, so the rest of us could finally breathe. That’s why I joined the Scouts. I couldn’t live in a world where my family was stuck in fear. The Titans took too much from us. I’ve got this itch that won’t quit until I’ve cut down every last one.”

It was a noble thought. Not one I shared. I wasn’t wired for martyrdom–I looked out for myself and the few I cared about, nothing more.

But the way he said it, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about blood and purpose… it reminded me of that moment long ago. When I saw the same fire in my own reflection, the rage sharpened into something surgical.

He was beatable, sure. But I pitied anyone who had to face him.

That kind of fury doesn’t run out.

But slaying Titans and saving humanity seemed like dreams of stupid men. Men who, like always, shoved their nose into situations they shouldn't to stroke their ego or some delusional goal. 

The only one man I've met here, or ever, who didn't have the clearest motive in the world, was Levi. Half of what he did was clear- intense loyalty to Erwin- but the rest...I could never make out. I would have preferred the mystery of Titans-becoming-humans than the enigma that was Levi Ackerman.

I could have punched myself in the face. Why the fuck was I thinking about Levi and comparing him to this scenario right now?

A tall, beautiful, shapeshifting man held me beneath the light of my true love– and here I was, playing the fool again. A dumb, dumb idiot girl, just like Levi always says. Just like I always prove him right.

I missed the rolling high from a few minutes before. Nothing had quite mattered, but reality now seemed a bit metallic. 

"I do not wish to slay all the monsters outside the Walls. Just the ones who haunt my waking life. Then I can disappear into my own desires and whims for all time, with no need to ever watch my back." 

I wanted to tell Eren about what they did, what was residing in my neck this very moment. Maybe if I did shatter his image of the Scouts being just and great, he'd help me. With him backing me, I'd get out of here alive and perhaps with my lost money. 

"They've taken so much from me...even my own body. That's why I can't go to the bar with you Eren," I smile sadly. "If I do, my own body will betray me. I'll die."

His hands that had been resting on my jaw and waist tightened with anger at what I had said. 

"That- ..that isn't right. Explain what you mean Day, that you'll die. Please," Eren practically whispered. 

"I.." It was hard, even now to tell him. What if he told someone else, and then the Commanders found out? What if they just decided to kill me to save them the trouble? "They..there's a p-"

 

"Oh, do pray continue, Day," interjected a chillingly resolute voice, slicing through the air with a steely coldness.

Eren was thrown off me in seconds and into a tree. I spun in a dizzy circle with a growl, looking for that pale little prick. 

In seconds, Eren had went from resolute as a king, to wide-eyed and downright terrified. I, on the other hand, was a thousand degrees warmer now with pure seething anger. The way this man was able to piss me off was a true talent. 

Two daggers were clutched in my hand already. Who knew if he'd drop down and just start kicking the shit out of us? Not this time, you grumpy midget. 

"It takes one pretty girl for you to want to turn treasonous, is that it Jeager?" I hear that grating monotonous tone somewhere above. 

It was pure reflex. I threw the blade straight up, tracking the sound. A jolt of pleasure shot through me when it struck something–followed by the hiss of clenched teeth pulling in a breath, close by.

"N-no Captain Levi that's not what I was doing!" the boy next to me pleaded to the blackness with no direction. 

"You fucking devil!" Levi growled in the trees, and I awaited the incoming attack. 

"Say it to my face, Levi. All you wanna do is wait for me to fuck up well here I am, immeasurable prick. I'm so sick of you." I wanted to kill him and fuck all the consequences.

Eren looked like he was going to go into cardiac arrest right then and there. "Holy shit Day no don't say that!" he held his hands up in fear. "She doesn't mean that Captain!"

"Ohh yes I do." I snarl. My head wobbled a bit with all the movement I was suddenly doing, making me curse her serum once again. 

"Eren, go back to your dorm. I will deal with you tomorrow. It seems the new recruit and I need to have a discussion." Levi's voiced had moved locations, but I hadn't seen or heard a single thing. 

I’d witnessed the hold Levi had over the recruits, but I held just the slightest ounce of faith in Eren to stay after all we shared just now. 

Jokes on me for believing in a man I could beat up. 

That fucker took one spooked glance towards me filled with a silent sorry, and jetted off. In seconds, his figure disappeared into silhouettes of the trees. 

It was now me, the moon, and Levi hidden in the darkness. What a way to get deja vu.

“How many times,” just a foot from my left, “how many times do I need to remind you? You can’t escape me– or what Erwin wants from you. And yet, you keep pretending you can regenerate. Just like your lover for the night.”

"I have nothing to say to you. I just want you to beg for my forgiveness after I've made a nice carving in your flesh." Here was the center of all my issues, given to me on a silver platter in the woods while I was very bloody high. I could end all the bullshit right now if I wanted. 

"Have you already had a drink or two, little Underground rat? You seem more belligerent than usual." Levi sounded the closest to laughing I'd ever heard him. He was now five feet behind me and I spun around to face him.

"Pffft I wish I was drunk! You can thank your stupid friend Hange for this," I wobbled once more, this time bringing more knives into my hands. "C'mere I just wanna give ya something."

Shock went through me when a hand deftly grabbed both of mine and in seconds had taken the blades from me. It was like trying to fight a pure shadow, and I realized I needed to up my stealth game. My hand darted out, only to grasp at empty air. 

"Give those back!" I yell. "Why are you so hellbent on making me hate my life! Come here so I can fucking kill you!!"

"Please," came a veiled scoff. "I know when you're trying to kill someone. This is a tantrum, nothing more. Cry cry cry, whine whine on about how awful your life is and what I did to destroy it, how you'll kill us all. You seem to be under some impression I care. Either do it, and I get to stop you for the millionth time or shut the hell up." 

"And while you're at it, stay out of Jeager's head. He is not someone to toy around with like a new pet. He is Erwin's greatest hope, and if you mar that, he will destroy you as he does everything standing in his way."

I threw my head back as he spoke, eyes fixed on my true love above– the moon. He’s right, I told her. I can’t fucking kill him. Not yet.

I didn’t even know who held the remote to my demise. If it wasn’t Levi, someone else could finish me off before his body hit the ground.

Living on Levi’s leash was wearing thin. I was tired of waiting. Why can’t a girl just go on a murderous rampage when she feels like it?

The new knife I’d pulled from my thigh slipped from my hand and thunked into the dirt.

Whatever scraps of energy I had left dissolved in my retreat. My legs buckled. I dropped, folding into myself.

“Fuck it,” I muttered with a heavy sigh.

There’s no worse feeling than being trapped. I wanted to scream, rip up the grass, launch every blade I had at Levi– anything.

But instead, I just sank deeper into the field. A lump pressed into my chest.

“I’ll just kill you later,” I mumbled into my knees, full of nothing but defeat.

“Marvelous.”

This time, I couldn’t place where his voice came from.

But something in it had softened. Just slightly.

Sound for the first time emanated from him as the thwip of my two knives sinking into the earth was heard right next to me. After that, I expected something else from him. A quick insult maybe, or another lecture. Moments ticked by in silence as I sat there, waiting. It wasn't until I realized a certain coldness had left the part of the woods, along with the Captain himself. I was alone. 

It could've been an hour later, or minutes who knew. I stretched out into the grass and stared straight up at the sky through the breaks in the trees.

Can't kill him. Not until I find out who holds the detonator. Can't even step foot out of these damn woods until I know. 

A long breath fell out of me. 

What an enigma that rotten man was. 

One second, he's steely-eyed threatening my life or holding something over my head. The next, he's gazing at me with a peculiar look, one not completely full of hatred. It made me despise him even more, because if he was consistent, it would at least make things a bit easier for me. 

The confusion will leave my body once I shove a knife through his skull, I reassured myself like I had since the moment I'd met him. 

The moon stared down at me as if to scoff, seems more disingenuous with each time you say it. 

My eyes were already starting to drift shut as I felt a sense of calm from laying under the familiar silver glow. Shut up, love. I told it.

Chapter 31: webs

Levi knew defeat didn't come easily to Dahlia, but he had seen it multiple times in her face since they'd met. This instance he felt elated at that fact. 

Catching her in the woods entangled in Eren's arms had sent a burning sensation all over him, though he didn't understand why. This is what she did. Get close, get her opponents guard down, strike them at their weakest.

Eren was just her next stupid pawn. Resentment swelled in him for them both. If Hange and him hadn't just duked it out moments before about hurting her, he would've made them both regret it. 

When he arrived back to his bedroom, those furious thoughts never slowed. He slammed his door, making the wood bow from the strength of it. 

“So, you're telling me you don't like this girl?” Hange's irritating voice from earlier floated back. “Because all I've seen since she's gotten here is that she has been the target of all your actions. All those angry glares only land on her now. I know how much you love to beat on the newbies, but this is different.”

He had been so infuriated at her ridiculous assumptions, though it had driven him even more mad hearing what all she'd noticed. 

You couldn't be more wrong. I hate that awful creature. Always scheming, always pissing him off. Having real feelings for her seemed absolutely asinine. 

Still though..against his will, flashes of seeing them together hit his mind again and again. Eren looking down at Day like she was the sun, those idiotic puppy dog eyes. Pitiful. 

These two were our only hope? Thwack. He threw her knife into the wall. We might as well call it now, then.

 

                                ——-

 

The next morning, Levi skipped breakfast and went straight to Hange's lab to scratch an itch. He knew she would be with the other officers, so no relentless questioning from her. The thunder spears were something she had been developing for some time, and usually he paid it no mind. It was just useless Hange jabber. But now, it was all he could think about. 

He held one of them in his hands with a pensive scowl. I wonder if she got these to work? His gray eyes the same color of the metal stare back. Evil thoughts danced around and he smiled briefly. 

"I know how to liven up practice tonight." he smirked to himself and brought it with him. 

 

 

 

The day itself consisted of Levi's personal idea for the Scouts, running with weighted packs around Headquarters. He could see the light leave the two's eyes as they heard their punishment from last night was coming back in full force, and he struggled to not grin as he announced it to the group.

He'd get them to behave, one way or another. 

As Day and the others ran, Levi sat himself down at a little table and chair under a tree, near one of the paths they would run through. He had other officers follow behind the group on horseback to keep them in line. 

It was truly splendid to watch them all give strangled gasps while they lapped past him. He would look on and sip his earl grey, buzzing from cruel joy. Even Eren looked like he was feeling the strain, sweat dripping down his back as he occasionally tripped, always getting caught at the last second by a diligent Mikasa. Day, on the other hand, was definitely doing worse. The girl had face-planted multiple times, her friend Sasha failing each time to stop it. Honestly, he could watch this every day. 

It shocked him how this battered woman still ran though, never stopping. Was she that angry, driven to prove to Levi he couldn't break her? His teeth grit. I bet it’s some annoying reason like that.

The sick part of him getting off on her punishment for last night wanted more, he wanted to knock her down and this time the brat stay down. Even though he won the battle of wills time in again, he knew there was a piece of her that thought she'd win in the end. Levi wanted to incinerate that piece. 

"Pick up the pace! This isn't a leisurely jog through the woods!" he snarls at the recruits as they pass. They stir in panic and speed up, tripping over their own feet to get away from him. Why couldn't she react like that? An obedient little solider.

"Having fun today?" Levi ignores the appearance of his fellow Captain. "Did they not run enough last night?"

"Don't ruin my good day, Hange. Let me enjoy the view in peace." 

She didn't speak for a while, just stood in pensive silence besides him for much too long. Levi was just gearing up to give another one of his peps talks to the recruits when she spoke again.

"I won't be at practice today. I think it's time I get back to the lab, and all my little babies just waiting to be finished! I just need assurance the two will come back in one piece at the end of the night." With all the misgivings in the world of her own, she loved to bring up his.

"Must you really come here and remind me? I heard you the first ten times." he responded monotonously.

"I think you know that I must." she wiggles her fingers and mocks his dry tone. 

"Well, best hurry back to your lab now. That junk won't fix itself," he huffs and returns his attention back to the limping worms.

Levi didn't check to see if Hange had left or not. After their argument last night, he had even more of a bitter taste in his mouth when he saw her than usual. Those inquisitive, leering eyes were the last thing he wanted to see on his lovely day. 

He watched on as the duo struggled further. Day choked out vomit as she slowed nearby and collapsed in the grass on her hands and knees. Cadets jogged past with worried glances, but never stopped. Her entire body heaved and shook. Levi grit his teeth. Setting his teacup down with slight self control, he leapt out his seat and stalked towards the weakling. This just will not do. 

She was paying no mind to those long golden strands of hers getting into her face as she spat out bile. The running crowd parted seamlessly for the Captain to pass. When he got up to her he could hear the raspy, labored breathing of someone in immense pain. For a split second, concern overtook him and he was next to her, knees on the same grass she had just puked on, nudging her semi-gently. 

The girl managed to move her head to see Levi but immediately wobbled to the side. Could she be concussed? He caught her on her side and tried to stand her up slowly. Skin usually tan and bright was dewy, gray. Day seemed half-delirious as she stood, her head lolling to the side over and over. 

"Is good I c-can stand," she murmured out feverishly. Despite her words, her hands gripped Levi's sleeve tightly, as if letting go would send her back into the grass. 

Ignoring their sudden proximity, the stares, and the whispered babbles of a severely ill girl, Levi gripped her waist with one hand and held her arm above his shoulders with the other. Day could barely form a sentence, let alone walk. But the last thing Levi was going to let these fuckers see was him carrying a Scout back to HQ.

Even though he could feel how clammy she was, hear the pain in her throat, a part of him wondered if it was just like the time in the jail cell. She had looked helpless and sickly then, and proceeded to take out a high-ranking Captain and fight another. Now that she knew who she was dealing with, he doubted they would get that lucky if she pulled another trick. Still, there was no faking what was right in front of him. 

All he focused on was getting her to the med bay, and nothing else. He definitely never noticed Day resting her face into the crook of his neck, the sickness seeming to temporarily wash away all the hatred she felt for him.

By the time they had reached the med bay at the top of HQ, Day was limp and being dragged by him. He wasn't sure when she had lost consciousness, but was barely able to speak somehow when the doctors wheeled her away. His mouth just moved to explain what was happening, eyes never leaving her golden head until it disappeared behind the doors. 

Worry was an odd feeling, the way it crept up his stomach all the way into his throat.

It made him feel bubbly– in the worst possible way. Levi hated how the foreign sensation froze him, left him staring after their retreating figures. Finally, the spell snapped. He turned on his heel and bolted.

Levi's head pounded with each step he took. What had happened to his perfect day? In just seconds, he had forgotten all about his cruel little game. All it had took was seeing real pain in those amber eyes and his stomach had dropped with dread. Day was supposed to be radiant, immovable. The strongest cadet they'd ever seen. Not this.

He broke out of his internal ramblings to find his hand raised to knock over someone's door. The door swung open to reveal Hange covered in soot with her hair sticking up in all directions. Crazily enough, she was the only person on earth who looked more like herself this way. 

"Leviiiii do come in!" the mad scientist grinned, swinging the door wide open. "I'm having one hell of a morning, my thunder seems to have walked off and my backup appears to be malf-"

"Hange, I need your help." he sighed.

The woman was dead silent. Her big hazel eyes widened slowly and she set down the tool. 

Seeing Levi almost vulnerable was one of the only things that would instantly shut Hange up. The only other time he had remembered her looking this shocked was that night Day had been caught.

No soldier, no doctor, not even Hange had ever seen Levi with a real injury. Even against Titans, nothing had ever managed to scathe him- other than Erwin. 

That night, every soul in the room was quiet as they stitched up Levi's cuts with wide eyes that matched her very ones right now. 

"Day," he spat out. "Something seems to be wrong with her. I want you to make sure the doctors in the bay can fix her. I admit, I did have a part to play in her current state. But this seems more than me- almost as if her body is shutting down." 

As he spoke, the Captain mouthed a curse word and covered her face. No.

Levi's tone got sharper, lower. "Hange, what did you do?"

She sat back and fell onto a stool. "Th-the medicine from last night. I thought it would help her, heal her faster. Her body- it's had no time to rest since we took her. I made a serum that would heal her regardless on if she rested or not. But..it seems-" a crash nearby made her stop. Levi had kicked a chair near him, causing it to shatter against the wall into a million pieces.

"So you played around with her like an experiment, did you? You lecture me day after day, but here you are messing around her with life! And to think I was going to come to you for medicine of my own. You're just a cooky ass quack of a doctor." he stormed up to her and grabbed her by the collar. "Will she die?"

Hange's face resembled Day's current one. "I-I-I'm not sure, I'd have to see her first."

Without another word, he kept his grip on her collar and charged out the door.

Her protests echoed off the brick as he drug her through hallways. Fire coursed through his entire body. Something instinctual had a hold over him. If he had been more clear-minded, the sheer power this feeling had over him would've shook him to his core. 

In the med bay, doctors scattered as Levi dragged a still-struggling Hange through the rooms until he reached Day's. He threw the Captain at the hospital bed and she rocked against it with force.  

"Fix her. Now."

Hange scrambled to Day's side and began inspecting her face, eyes, gums, etc. After a few pulse-pounding minutes, Levi looked over and noticed Hange's hand was tremoring as it moved aside Day's long hair from her face. He could see her working up the courage to say something. Whatever it was, made Levi's heart suddenly noticeable to him as it beat like a gong, reverberating his entire chest. 

When she spoke, her mouth sounded bone dry. Her apologetic hazel eyes never left the young girl's face. 

"This is my fault..I thought I had the blood type right. It-I-the opposite effect is happening now. Instead of healing her injuries..." she looked up at Levi with stark white eyes. "It's speeding them up."

That's when he finally looked down at Dahlia in the hospital bed. After seeing her hurt so many times in the small amount they've known each other, it somehow got harder each time.

Despite the circumstances, Day almost looked at peace in that hospital bed. Her lips were slightly parted, her face softened against the white linens. If Hange hadn't of been there, he might've traced her jaw with delicacy. The crazed hold was still over him, heat behind his eyes pulsed with pain and anger.

You won't die. You're way too damn stubborn for that. 

Levi opened his mouth to yell at Hange maybe, or just curse everything to shit, when a brisk knock at the door stopped him. 

"Captains! It's me, Eren," as if they wouldn't have any fucking clue. "Please let me in!"

Maybe Levi was feeling desperate, because he stepped forward and swung the door open. Eren's bright green eyes invaded his vision, they were more electric than normal. 

"What could you possibly need right now Jeager?" Levi spat out the doorway in a rush. 

"Tell me what's happening to her!" the insolent fool demanded. Even though Eren was taller, Levi managed to look down at him with contempt. 

"What difference would knowing that make? Either way, she's dead. Waste of a new recruit," he sneers cruelly, to hide the shattering of his chest.

Eren's eyebrows lift as he steps closer. "Please, Captain Levi. I'm begging you, let me see her."

He considered throwing the mewling brat down the stairs when Hange pushed past Levi and grabbed Eren's wrist. "Come on, Levi. It's not like it can get much worse."

He just sighed and walked back to Day’s side. That idiot wasn’t going to help, so why waste time? Better to spend it figuring out solutions. Levi’s temperature spiked when he saw Eren’s face– shocked, upset– at the state of his comrade.

They've known each other barely a week. All these dramatics for her?

Eren took slow steps, as if what he was seeing wasn't real. Levi looked down and saw hands clenched and shaking by his sides. 

Surprisingly, his next words were of anger directed straight at the two Captains. "You two did this. She-she said she didn't even have control over her own body. Now look at her!" The mans’ voice seemed thick with emotion. 

"You best watch yourself." Levi growled. Hange on the other hand looked remorseful. 

It was quiet in the med room for a few beats until Eren sighed and moved towards the bed. He kneeled down, keeping his eyes on Day the entire time. A long breath came out of the tall long-haired Titan. Those eyes of his looked brighter by the second.

"Can I have a second with her? You know, since she's dying and all." he had the gall to say.

"You have got to be kidding me. You met this criminal days ago an-"

Hange put a hand on Levi's wrist. "Come on Levi. It's the least we can do."

His teeth would break from how hard he was grinding them together. An invisible force seemed to be tying him to her side at the moment, and the thought of leaving her sight seemed practically unbearable. The fog that had overcome him was still washing over, making him feel almost insane. All this time he had spent wishing her away and for his problem to be gone. It coming true right before his eyes felt like his sick doing.

"Five minutes. That's it." he eventually snapped out as he forced his body to walk away. 

Out in the hallway, Hange and him stood against the brick in tense silence. Levi was trying to decipher between reality while Hange cried softly. 

She broke the silence with a tear-filled voice. "When I saw her take down Eren yesterday.. I had so much hope. Just like our very first day of training, when she managed to disarm Mikasa with not a single person noticing. That's the reason Erwin found her, I thought. An unstoppable force. And I've ruined her." she chokes.

The tangled web of his psyche that had begun to unravel slowed. Levi did what he always did when faced with something he couldn't process. He fixated on something sturdy, attached to the Earth. Took a deep low breath and exhaled. 

"You weren't the only one who ruined her." The grim Captain stayed fixated on that wall. "I-I'm, the reason for all of this. Her injuries, for her even being here-I did this. Gods. I did this." his voice uncharacteristically cracks. 

Hange reached over and grabbed Levi's hand as a sign of comfort. Any other day, any other universe Levi would've broken her wrist right there. But today he just took it and took in the warmth of someone almost understanding how he felt. 

They sat there like that for the rest of the time. No words needed to be said. 

 

 

 

A few minutes later, Levi’s hand jerked– Hange had suddenly moved.

“What the hell?” she blurted.

He turned toward her, then immediately stood. Their hands tore apart as a brilliant green glow spilled from under Day’s door, flooding the hallway through the hinges.

Hange’s mouth dropped open. Neither of them spoke.

Then Levi moved. He bolted to the door and threw it open.

The light was blinding. He could barely make out Eren and Day near the bed, silhouettes drowned in radiance. Levi raised a hand to shield his eyes as he stepped in.

Once they adjusted, he saw Eren kneeling over Day, their foreheads pressed together. The light poured from that connection- soft, steady, and radiant– warming the room like sunlight through stained glass.

Still, a shiver traced Levi’s spine. He froze.

He wanted to feel disgusted. Part of him did. But something deeper, raw and silent, stood in awe.

Eren had never shown anything like this. No outward power. No display. And yet now, here it was–unexplainable. Magnificent.

 

It was a sight to behold.

Chapter 32: sparks

Levi seemed to have been frozen in place for eternity. 

The inhuman blast of bright green stayed lit until Day's gold flowed back into her hair, the shine of her skin returning, pink added to her cheeks. Her skin seemed to be drinking up the sun. Life was flowing through the room. Levi felt his pounding, jackhammer of a headache that recently had plagued him vanish. The overall tightness holding his body upright like a set of strings seemed to loosen. 

As the light began to dim, her eyes seemed to stir under long blonde bangs. Levi's fingers twitched in response. There's no way that light show brought her back from almost death. 

The moment Dahlia's eyes opened, all the glittering green light vanished. 

A rush of air hit him, clearing him of his mental web of fevered emotions. It was like a bell had rung, causing his senses to come back full force. The same magnet that had seemed to draw him to Day's side had flipped. He wanted to be as far away from her, and those enveloping honey eyes. It was like one look from her and she'd notice it all. 

Before her dazed eyes could wander his way, he bolted without notice from the med bay. Hange had been standing a few feet behind him in similar awe, but unlike him, still wasn't able to move. Levi had seen a lot of crazy shit in his twenty eight years, but this was by far one of the most unexpected and just- mind-blowing. 

The stoic Captain was unusually shaken, causing his head to spin even further. In times like these in the past, his unbridled chaotic thoughts would lead him to Erwin's door, but that Levi was gone. Traitorous little molecules in his body made him want to turn back immediately and check on Day. 

Eren has that handled. He angrily spat to himself as he stormed to his office. I need to get away from here. 

Moments later he sat atop headquarters with just his ODM gear and a jumbled mind.  It was so rare his own body betrayed him. But somehow, he felt as if he had blacked out for the past hour.

Just glimmers of raw emotions fluttered back to him, causing the man to grimace. A lot of it had been intense worry for Day's well being, and remorse for his actions. Those thoughts still lingered over him, leaving a most awful taste in his mouth. 

Had there been a need for his extreme cruelty? What had it really accomplished? She didn't look anywhere near leaving, nor did Erwin ever seem interested in giving up on this troublesome woman. She obviously wasn't stronger either, seeing as how she just came back from the dead. 

What the hell was actually wrong with me? 

The stress of it all made him rake his hand through his undercut hair, mussing it all up. He was full of unrest. In the eyes of most Scouts, Captain Levi stood as an all-powerful deity, his presence commanding reverence. But today, as the girl from the Under City stirred to consciousness, Levi's aura shifted, revealing a smitten young man. Who was entangled in uncertainty. 

 

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I awoke to two sets of anxiety-filled eyes on me in what looked like, once again, another med bay. My head was filled with syrup as I surveyed the room. My entire body was seemed to be vibrating with a strong energy that was warming me up head to toe. 

I tried to speak, but my mouth was full of cotton, so a weak jumble of words just croaked out and my head fell to the side. 

"Day! Don't stress, you're okay now," a most gentle voice came from above me. A hand that had the same vibrating warmth began stroking my hair. My vision began to fade again as I drifted off feeling oddly safe.

 

 

 

When I came to after some fuzzy dreams, my head felt significantly clearer. I started to sit up to take a look around when a hand shot out onto my shoulder, stopping me. 

Eren stood above me, worry etched into his handsome face. Long hair was an unkempt mess all around him but his emerald eyes were a soft shade.

"Hey, easy. You went through a lot today." the hushed tone like he's talking to a broken vase.

Everything was foggy as if I was swimming through clouds to form a coherent thought. The only thing thing that tied me to reality was the jade green eyes above me. They held a special light, one that reminded me of the supernatural glow of crystals. Looking at them seemed to ground me. I struggled to remember what had happened today, why the hell I was in another sick bed.

"Eren," I rasped. The hand on my shoulder gave me the softest squeeze. "W-What hap-"

"There's no need to worry. Hange gave you a bad serum but you're all fixed now! I promise nothing like this will happen again as long as I'm here."

Now that I was a bit more awake I realized the seething anger this happy-go-lucky boy seemed to be repressing at the moment. His jaw twitched and his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. Someone had really pissed Eren off. 

"The serum from last night?" I frowned and rubbed my eyes. "And it was bad? Like when you eat spoiled meat bad? Honestly you all could've just thrown me a salted egg to suck on I'd be fine. You didn't need to stay here."

Some of that hard anger softened as Eren let out a short laugh. "Salted egg? Is that what they call medicine down in the Underground?"

"Oh yeah," I feel my smile coming back. "And when we get shot, some spit and dirt no problem.”

"When they need do surgery do they just punch you in the face to knock you out?" the idiot grinned.

A vicious snort came from me that turned into a full blown signature cackle. Eren joined in as the two of us fucking nutcases laughed off the nightmare of the last forty-eight hours. 

With the ease came some relief, because though I'd faced death more times than I could count, this was the first time someone had been on the other side. This jolly green fool waited for me. 

After the laughter died down I began to examine him as I realized these things. What type of dude are you? I kept thinking I had him completely read, but I remained surprised. The smile he had been repressing finally reached his eyes as he sat down on the bed at a respectable distance. 

"I really am glad you're okay. It was- bad for a moment there." he avoided making eye contact, worry shifting back into his face. 

I still looked on at him, perplexed. Why did he care? We really hadn't known each other long. It blew my mind to think he'd worry this much over basically a stranger.

"Well how the hell did they fix me then?" I raised an eyebrow. It must've been some medicine, because other than the fogginess still shifting around, I felt great. It was if somehow I had made up all the hours of lost sleep in just one day. Even my broken finger was miraculously healed as I gripped the soft linens near the oddly quiet boy. 

Eren struggled to speak and he let out a nervous laugh. He probably got pretty far on that shiny smile of his, but I just narrowed my eyes and waited. If I didn't know any better, his cheeks began to pink as he looked anywhere but at me. 

"Well? Don't tell me it was another Hange serum. What if I start to shrink or grow an extra leg? Honestly now that I think about it, both do seem kinda of awesome.." I stretched out my arms and wiggled my fingers, examing them. 

"Hah well it definitely wasn't a serum..." Eren almost grimaced. "Actually, I should go. The doctors will be back soon and I kinda of skipped training all day. And you're awake and safe, thankfully. You should keep resting. Try not to worry about it. I'll..see you in training tomorrow."

The tall man stood and went to leave abruptly. Without much thought to it, I shot forward, grabbing his hand. He stopped but didn't turn around. I saw him tense under his dark green shirt with slight apprehension. 

"Thank you." Those words felt foreign on my tongue. "You didn’t owe me anything, yet you stayed to make sure I was okay. I-that was...sweet."

The smile he gave me when he turned back around was the definition of that word. He gave my hand a squeeze. "Like you'd ever owe me anything. I just wanted you to know you weren't alone. That sometimes can be an even worse feeling than the pain you're actually in."

I gulped back emotions to his words. How could this boy from the Walls understand what I needed so perfectly? 

"Get some rest, okay?" he leaned down and gave me a reassuring pat on my head. I blinked in surprise at the long hair idiot as he gave me one last smile and left the med bay. 

When it was just me, I laid back into the bed with a deep sigh. Our casual flirting seems to have shifted into something else, something that left a tingle throughout my stomach. I should've been a bit more sad about the whole wacky ass situation, but my mind was on other things.  

Up until now, Eren had really only been some dumb hottie I planned to mess around with sometime in the future. I mean-he still was but for some bloody reason he gave a shit about me. An Underground criminal he's known days, he gave enough of a shit of to miss class all day til I woke up. 

I savored those thoughts for a spell, nestled in that humble cot. The whole time absentmindedly rubbing the fixed pointer finger as I stared at the door.

I wonder if Levi visited to revel in his victory. 

Maybe he had walked Erwin here on a gold carpet to prove to him the disgrace of what he recruited. For all I knew, Erwin could have one hand on the trigger right now ready to be rid of his continuing burden. A bad investment. That's what you made, I told you all from the start. 

Suddenly, I was right back in that cell waiting for them to come execute me. I sat up in the cot and watched the door with narrowed eyes. 

After a while, just as my eyes began to droop the door burst open and four doctors entered coming right for me. I scooted back against the wall and stared at them refusing to move. 

"You're not about to inject with me with anymore serums are you?" I glared, holding my wrist.

One fought off a smile and shook his head briskly. "No injections. We're just going to do one last examination before we clear you. It seems to have been a medical miracle that pulled you through this, but one final run through may show us if they were any factors at play." 

I glared a second longer and scooted onto the edge, offering them my arm. "Only because you explained it so clearly."

After that, tests were ran, blood was drawn and they spoke no further besides to say what ligaments to move around.  I ponder the words "medical miracle." I'd never just miraculously survived anything before, so now what, I'm suddenly magic or something? As one of their needles went in, I watched it carefully to see if they had any trouble. Everything checked out, along no glowing skin or extra leg (sadly).

I kept an eye out on any new bodily developments throughout the day, as I'm sure the doctors overseeing me were doing as well. I had slept enough for a year so just relaxed in the cot as the hours drifted by, and somehow I found myself not once feeling that constricted overwhelming weight I'd felt since I'd arrived. 

For some reason, whatever had revived me seemed to had also completely rejuvenated my overall mood. All my worries seemed to slid off when I thought of them. After being stressed out for so many years of my life, mostly spent thinking about money, surrendering to this feeling was inexplicably nice. 

I could have also been that with all my newfound energy, everything I wanted seemed so much more obtainable. Magic miracle or medicine so be it, I finally felt good. I felt like I had completely waken up, like I had been in a shocked daze since I was taken from my cave. Sure, I was pissed the Scouts had managed to wear me down that intensely, but none of that mattered now. They wouldn't get a chance to do that again.

The doctors finished late into the day and told me I could go back to my quarters in the morning if all the results came back negative.  As they left in a whoosh of lab coats and clipboards, and a brief goodnight, I was left alone in the dark and cold silence of the med room.

I let out a sigh and stretched out on the bed. Tonight I would enjoy the slight freedom of having this whole room to myself. There was just one thing missing.

I sat up in the bed and turned towards the window. A small smile graced my lips when I spotted the sliver glow emanating from the panes. 

"There you are," I muttered happily. Moving out of the bed slowly, I approached my one love with the smile growing wider. When I got to the shutters I threw them open and let out a light laugh upon seeing her right above me as if waiting to see me. 

"Fuck, I miss you." I said in a wistful voice. I meant it in more ways than one, reminiscing back on my old home. 

I threw my head back and rested my arms on the windowsill. Closing my eyes, I smiled, picturing myself sharpening knives against the moonlight or limping back into that dirthole covered in mud, sometimes other people’s blood.

The crisp night air in my lungs made me feel renewed. I breathed in deeply and let it out in a content sigh. A part of me itched to climb a little further to the top for a grander view, but that probably wasn't the best idea after almost dying of exhaustion.

"Well, it looks like you're better." 

An all too familiar voice cut through my tranquility. 

My eyes darted to the dark rooftop ledge a foot or so below the window shutter next to me. I made out a hunched figure with ODM gear on, their body dangling on the ledge like the eleven or so story drop was nothing. I sucked in a breath. Captain Levi.

Through the moons' glow I could make out the sharp lines of his face contoured by his cascading obsidian strands. Even with his eyes masked in the shadows, I could tell he was having an almost as bad day as me. I wanted to make the joke who died, but I realized he probably got his ass chewed pretty bad for me almost dying. Good.

"Were you so desperate to gloat you scaled the wall?" 

He snorted. "Not quite. Although I was right, you do make a pitiful soldier."

"You should take that up with the chump who trained me." 

"Must you be so petty this soon after being revived? Save some of that energy." Weirdly enough, his words didn't hold their usual bite. Levi sounded more..exhausted than anything. Another odd thing to see from Humanity's Strongest.

Still, sympathy was hard to muster for Captain Ass. I was fighting off the impulse to shove him off the ledge when I heard him sigh wearily.

"If you're gonna do it, better be quick Day." There was a slight tease to his voice. My reaction to it jolted to me spit back.

"So why are you here? This seems awfully diligent for someone like you. Then again, you did hop around the treetops to ruin my night yesterday."

I saw his body stiffen at my words, his next ones rigid. "Erwin ordered me to. Believe me, this is the last thing I'd like to be doing right now. But since you're always such a god damn problem, I have to babysit you even more than the overgrown infants we have wailing around this building."

Even though we were technically arguing, a loud laugh escaped my mouth before I knew it. This man was perpetually grumpy. His jaw flexed in the dark, maybe fighting off a smile or the urge to throw me off the roof instead. 

Something shining caught my eye. A knife spun around like a top on the ledge beside him. 

My blades were thankfully still untouched, tucked away in all the spots on my body. Seeing him touch one in similar fluidity bothered me somehow. If I looked any closer, I could have swore his looked just like one of mine. 

"I really didn't think the first thing I'd hear after dying is you complaining." I scowl a bit, half of a smile still on there from my outburst. 

"You didn't, though." Before I could make out his tone, he turned his face back towards the moon and away from me. "I was worried you'd wake up alone, but it seems to be fine regardless."

Brief shock struck through me at what he said until he followed up with, "I did not want a flock of dead doctors on my hands from you waking up and not putting a single thought together."

Of course. 

My next laugh held none of the humor. "Give a girl some credit, I try to not kill innocent people."

When he moved, the silver clung to the ends of his hair, tracing his neck. He stayed facing away. "And your word is real trustworthy." 

"Captives are always the most reliable people, don't you know?" I say passively back, but like his, its lost all its bite. I felt almost too good to even piss off tonight.

Levi leaned both arms back and sighed. "You know, I wasn't just here to oversee your condition. You have a mission, cadet. Your first. And if we're to follow through with it successfully, along with your training, it looks like we're both going to have to get along a bit better. Watching you fail countlessly is getting a bit..sad. I figure, since we're obviously stuck with each other for the time being, to at least attempt to get some real progress done."

A frown tugged my smirk down. "A mission? With you? I've been here weeks and now I'm already being shipped off to be what? Ripped apart by Titans?"

The tiniest strand of fear was hard to ignore as it was strung deep in my chest. I'd fought, and killed many people in my day but nothing came close to what I had to take down the other night. And that was a nice one. I've yet to see one out of the Walls, gaping mouth and all.

Levi almost seemed to sense my discomfort as he turned back to me with a patronizing look. "We're not that dumb. You'd most certainly die. No, this is something a lot more in tune to your skills. Which is why I'm going to need you to try a little harder going forward. None of this will get easier for you, I promise. We can either keep running in circles, where you continuously wake up in a med bay, or we can try and work together."

As he spoke, he began to stand slowly. I couldn't help but watch him as the light only gave me slivers of his face while he moved. Taut muscles pressed against leather and before I knew it he was towering above me on that windowsill like an indifferent god.

"Or," he said in a deep silky voice. "You can keep struggling, as those chains grow tighter, and tighter." Levi leaned down, balancing on the balls of his feet. "You see yourself as stuck, inprisoned. But if you cooperate, those chains can loosen." 

When he neared my face, all I could think was how his eyes seemed to drink up the light of the moon. They held me like a breath.

"It's all up to you." he practically whispered inches away. 

I managed to blink in my frozen state, and when I looked back the ledge was empty. Leaving only those last words to linger on the night air, causing my skin to shiver.

Chapter 33: ignite

"Captain? Are you with me?" Erwin's thunderous voice broke through the fog Levi's mind was swimming through.

He was absolutely exhausted. After the tumultuous day he had prior, and spending practically all night on a rooftop, sleep had its sharp claws in his shoulders. 

"You were just about to explain to me how our newest and most important cadet is once again, out of training due to your tendencies."

Levi straightened a bit and fought off a yawn. "She's not technically out of training, the doctors did clear her this morning from med bay. This was all just some fluke accident that had an equally confusing solution. But I swear, this is the last hitch will we have in this matter. No more running in circles. If you intend to keep her here I intend to carry out my duties." 

Erwin raised an eyebrow slightly. "What's brought about this change? Are you no longer trying to break her down, get her to quit or fail utterly so I throw her away?" His searing eyes glinted. "You don't think I've noticed this entire time you trying to sabotage my new recruit. Any hindrance to her progression is a hinderance on the safety of humanity. And you're saying you understand this fully now?"

He responded with a shrug to the commanding officer. "I'm not saying I still completely get what all you see in her, saving humanity wise, but I'm going to do my best to try and get there. It'll start with getting a solid footing on her training. No more hiccups."

"Finally, you seem determined to get some work done." Erwin gave him a smirk. "You'll resume after hour training with Jeager promptly. Day can take one more night off. But that is it. Let's get it together, and hopefully we will have a full fledged soldier in no time."

Levi still doubted it, but resided to a nod and a salute as he stood. "Yes sir."

He turned to leave, but as he did Erwin had one last thing to say. "Don't get to close to this, Levi. For all our sake."

The Captain stopped in his tracks, all muscles tense. He stayed facing the door as he spat out of his clenched jaw, "That's the last thing you have to worry about."

 

 

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Being a semi-free, no longer sickly woman, I strutted down the halls back to the dorms in just my linen bedgown. The hospital gown hid enough, but it was definitely less constricting than the straps and other nonsense always on my body. 

My head was still as light as air with the lack of tension it had held for so long. 

Whatever medicine they had given me felt nothing short of miraculous. People's head whipped to the side as I passed, the gown and the goofy smile on my face was probably one hell of a sight.

My biceps held a few bandages from the numerous tests drawn, but other than that I didn't have a scratch on me. I had forgotten my shoes when I left as my feet padded loudly on the tiled halls.

In my hair held a lot of my knives, the rest hidden along parts of me. Someone very smart must have warned to not take them when I was passed out, I mused. 

After having all my strength back I felt so much less frantic. Nothing needed to be rushed. All of what was taken will come back, including the rest of my money and my freedom. I didn't feel helpless, even with the poison still in my neck. 

At least with my body back, I knew I stood a chance of getting the hell out. 

I hummed as I pondered my new situation, approaching my door at the end of the hall. The door swung open loudly as I shuffled in. Suddenly, a pillow bounced off my face with force and I heard a shrill scream. 

"Oh my GOD it's a ghost!" my idiot roommate wailed. "Please go two doors down and take Connie instead! Please I beg you!"

I doubled down in laughter at the frightened girl. She backed into a corner of her bed and held her remaining pillow out. 

"Stay back!" 

I wiggled my fingers and began to slide on the floor over to her. "OOOooo give me any food you have hidden! Nowwww! Or I start with the toes!"

Just as I started to grab her foot and pull her, she cried out and threw a hidden turkey leg at me. I have no idea where it had appeared from, and it bounced off my head and rolled on the linens. I snatched it and giggled, letting her go. 

"Too easy man," I said with a mouth full as I swept the curtains open, forcing her to look at a very much alive me. 

Her face, marked by tears, registered disbelief. Springing up, she embraced me- an unusual act, as I usually evaded such touchy-feely moments. Yet, the distressed state of the girl held me in place, defying my typical instincts.

"I thought you kicked the bucket Day! I saw it with my own eyes! You were the deadest looking person I'd ever seen, and I've seen real corpses! How the hell do you look like this now?" she pulled away and her warm green eyes added to the calmness I felt today. 

"Girl, you're guess is as good as mine," I shrugged. "I couldn't even really tell you what happened, because no one can seem to tell me a full story of it all."

I went to go sit down on my bed and Sasha followed, perching on the side of it, clutching her pillow with concern. She shook her head.

"You think it'd be hard to forget Captain Levi stopping class to practically carry you to the med bay. Not to mention Eren running around asking people what had happened afterwards. Never seen two boys sweat that hard over a cadet before," she poked me with a maniacal look in her eye. 

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "It sounds like it caused a stir. Not what I needed." A part of me wanted to linger on the Captain Levi thing, but I quickly moved past it. 

She scooted just an inch closer, looking like she wanted to hug me again. "I'm just glad you're not dead. I doubt the next roommate they would've given me would be as funny."

"Or could extort you for food the way I do," I winked. She was one of the few people I truly enjoyed here, and I silently thanked her for it.

Sasha rose, preparing for training. I lounged against the wall, gazing out at the courtyard, where the sun's tendrils of yellow light began their ascent.

"So what is this insane cure that's got you back to normal in forty eight hours? I want some for myself, damn." she questioned, putting her long brown hair into a high ponytail.

"Beats me, and I guess the doctors too. I'm gonna try and use my free day to track down why." 

"Well when you find out, sneak me some. I'll want something that strong when they send us outside the Walls."

The jolly girl continued getting ready, oblivious to the fact I had just full body shuddere. The thought of someone this innocent needing near death medicine in the hellscape of Outside. Gods, it just seemed fucked up. 

A few moments later, someone burst into the room with fervor causing one of us to jump. "YOU'RE GONNA BE LATEEE BRUASS-" Connie quickly stopped his impersonation of Levi upon seeing me. "YOU'RE ALIVE?!"

A tall head poked from out behind him, and I made eye contact with Jean whose eyes were widened in surprise as well. I was still stretched out atop the sunkissed covers like a languid cat, and Jeans eyes skirted down the entirety of the bed before resting back on mine.

"Oh she's very much alive," he mused with a smirk. 

I just rolled to one side and gave them a sly smile. "Sasha was certain I was a ghost not too long ago. Maybe I am, you don't know."

Connie took a brief step back, giving me a wary look. "I'm not trying to get possessed right before training. I'd rather a ghost actually kill me than Captain Levi. Sasha- just make sure to put salt on your doorstep. Back in Ragako, that always worked a charm." he gulped. 

I chuckled, "I think that only works for keeping me out. I'm already in."

Sasha just laughed at Connie and pushed him right back into Jean. "Come on, idiots. You're the ones screaming about being late. She's got people to haunt, places to be." 

They let Sasha bully them out the door, earning one more lasting stare from the long-necked one before the door slammed shut.

I sighed in the fresh silence and laid back across the sheets, soaking in the rays of light. My eyes fell shut without notice, and a relaxed smile stayed on my face as I drifted off in the morning sun. 

Hours later, after I had woken up feeling as relaxed as ever, I made my way to Hange. I changed into a simple loose white linen shirt and tan linen pants, for once not cringing over the fact I didn't have a corset or black dress to adjourn.  

When I made it to the door of her lab, I knocked a little tune and waited. Once the door swung open, revealing a goggled face behind it, I could see the slight fear in her eyes. 

"Day!" she exclaimed in her usual loud uproar, "Come in, please come in!" I gave her an ominous smile as I entered. 

The lab was as it always was. Tables and chairs strewn with all types of gadgets, guns, swords, papers, you name it. Scorch marks lined the green walls around her, making her look like the mad queen of her chaos. 

She set down what she had been working on, and I noticed a slight shake to her hand. "You'll have to excuse me not being there when you awoke, I waited for quite some time with Eren, but had to come back to my research."

I sat onto one of her stools and spun around on it nonchalantly. "Ah, its all good. See, what I'm more interested in is before I awoke." 

The spinning slowed and I stared at her. "I heard you did this. Put something half-baked into my body, making me basically die. Is that right?"

She adjusted her goggles nervously and swallowed. "I- all I was trying to do was help. I didn't think the serum would react like that- I messed up Day. I didn't take into account you having different blood from being Underground, and you're right. It basically killed you over the course of two days." The woman blinked apologetically. 

"Haven't you all put enough deadly shit in me?" My easiness is gone, and my eyes are narrowed at her. "I'm starting to feel like a sick experiment."

She put her hands up, like I would strike her at any moment. "I understand how you feel, Day. I have sworn to not attempt anymore treatments until completely tested. For my ignorance, I am truly sorry."

"Make it up to me by explaining how the hell I feel the way I do now. What fixed me?"

Hange hesitated, but I didn't back down. "It's-it's very hard to explain."

"Do you're fucking best then."

 

 

 

 

========================================================================

 

 

 

Training was a special sort of hell that drug on for Levi today. 

After his talk with Erwin, and the rooftop last night, his head was spinning. He'd never felt this unsure about anything in his life, this fluttering gnawing feeling deep down. It was a hand, grabbing his throat from the inside and stealing him of words. 

That mop haired fool Jeager caught his eye as his head was thrown back in a bellied laugh. Levi frowned. 

"If you have time to laugh, Jeager, you have time to do these drills. I want double from you, now." Levi ordered with a hateful scowl. 

Eren obeyed right away, of course, but he could feel the slightest poke of malice from those jade eyes. 

His lackeys, Mikasa and Armin, usually avoided eye contact in his presence, especially when he was this pissy. As the two followed behind him however, Armin's blue eyes flicked up and met Levi's. That's how Captain Levi immediately knew, the loud mouth had blabbed. 

Various ways to punish the dumb shit floated through his mind throughout the day, keeping him occupied. 

How sloppy. 

Not even a week this moron has known about Day and two of his whiny friends are already now involved. Eren was going to regret that very much, seeing as how there was no Hange or Day to keep him company at training later tonight. 

Oddly enough, with how exhausted and irritated he was, that awful searing headache didn't make its return the entire day. If he wasn't so mad he would've been impressed, for Eren did what no medicine ever could. 

Later on in the day, his gaze shifted up towards the south end of the headquarters without notice. He wondered how the girl was doing up there, alone in that hospital bed. A part of him considered walking through the med bay after class, just to keep an eye on things of course. 

His mind flashed to her moonlit face washed in alabaster. Thoughts failed him momentarily when she first opened that window. It was like all the life had been poured back into her. She looked just as she did the first night he met her, a silver spectre, entranced in moonlight. 

Levi hadn't realized till then how much he had missed a true smile on her face until it was warming his body completely, like melting snow. That smile needed to be protected, and he had been doing the worlds' poorest job at it. 

The more his mind ran, the more he knew it was made up. He would visit her after class. 

After that, time moved at a snails pace. The captain never even noticed how he scowled more each time he checked his watch. Hopefully, she was just as okay as she looked when he left her last night. 

Class ended thirty minutes early thanks to his anxious thoughts, cursed as they were. He made his way up the hill lost in thought, dragging behind all the Scouts eager to have the rest of the day to themselves. 

Levi just kept his eyes on the problem child, excited to beat him into oblivion later for releasing state secrets. It would be a great way to clear his mind from the forty eighth hours of pure confusion.

As the horizon came into view, a shimmer of blonde hair caught his eye, causing him to instinctively halt his steps.

It was Day, running down the path to the training grounds. He sped up, his heart racing. Was something wrong? Did she need him? Had the serum taken a prolonged effect?

She made her way to the group a few paces ahead of him. Eren's group. Once he got a better view of her face, all he could see was total shock and almost awe, as if she just received the most stunning news. 

His breath was still stolen by seeing her, the clearness back in her eyes made them shine like two gemstones heated in the dying sun.

Then, a resounding gong shattered the stillness of the moment.

Slowing down upon reaching the Titan, Day's hands found their place on either side of his face, drawing him into an intense and passionate kiss.

Unbeknownst to Levi, in that very instant, his heart quietly broke.

Chapter 34: crash

Confused, slow blinks filled my vision after I pulled away. The poor boy was frozen, eyes wide, reminding me of a deer caught by its prey. Gods, I hope that wasn't his first kiss. 

Laughter escaped out of me at that stupid thought, then bubbled over. I never knew the time or place to giggle, and this probably wasn't it. I just couldn't help it. Picturing this same person as a ferocious Titan right now seemed preposterous. He was utterly adorable.

Once my chuckles subsided, I wiped a tear and grabbed his hands. I had forgotten there was company near us, so I leaned in close like a conspirator.

"Why didn't you tell me it was you who saved my life, you god damned idiot?"

His iridescent green eyes seemed to clear. I smiled softly, still whispering. "It was you, and you didn't even say."

Large hands encompassed mine that squeezed right back. I looked up, his pink face holding the gentlest expression. "You-you thought I'd just let you die?"

I took a step back to give him some air and my foot halted right in place. I hadn't noticed Captain Levi in the distance behind us.

On his face bore a most pained expression. His eyes were fixated on Eren, but when he noticed me moving they flicked to mine. Bottomless black was all I saw. It reflected me so absolutely that I drew in a breath. 

He looked so empty.

I felt like looking any longer would suck me in entirely, so I fixed my eyes back onto the sweet boy above me. The sun was a shield behind him, ringing him in a golden hue. It was fitting, seeing as how he came to be my savior.

I drew in one more breath, this one controlled and to ground me. "I'm sorry to just-attack you like that. I had-Hange told me what you did.  I mean, I understand still about ten percent of it but still. I got the gist. You, Eren Jeager, are one hell of a genuine person. Those are basically as mythical as the creature you turn yourself into."

Our hands were still connected, warming me from the ground up. Eren took a step forward and leaned his forehead on mine. For the two of us, everything else just seemed to fade away. 

"This is quite the thank you." his smile was almost bashful. 

"There's a few hours before dinner, you could let me thank you a little more." I winked and a deeper red sprung up on his cheeks. 

I felt that same ravenous feeling from a few nights back, right after Hange had shot me up with that serum. Only this time, it was purely organic. 

I pulled the delectable, towering snack away from the trail and we ran into the woods. 

Just as we reached the undergrowth, I sped up, luring him in the direction of the clearing from the other day. A tiny part of me, one I may have not even been aware of, knew the reason I was choosing that spot. My last moments in there had resulted in a sniffling heap in the grass. Not this time.

When Eren would reach me, I'd slow down all the way to where he was nipping at my heels. I could sense his hunger too, and as soon as his hand would near me, I'd speed up and leave him in the dust. This little game of cat and mouse had my heart racing, and not from the running

A twig "caught" my foot as I stumbled a bit. I looked up and noticed the familiar ring of trees poking its head in the distance. Forgetting about the barreling mass behind me, I was swooped up in a strong grasp. I squirmed half heartedly a few feet in the air, letting easy giggles come out of me.

Eren put my feet back on the ground but kept me in his embrace. "Caught you," he mumbled into my ear. I was tempted to allow it, but couldn't help myself.

"You sure?" A sly grin spread on my face. All of a sudden, I jolted and held my breath. "Wait. Did you hear that?"

I felt the force from how fast he whipped his head. "Hear what? Where?"

Seconds later, he was holding a big ball of air, and I was nowhere to be found. 

The lost little puppy whipped his head about, concern furrowed onto his brows already. "Day?" he called out. "Come on, very sneaky. That was...pretty cool. Now come out here so I can reward you. Pleaseee?"

One of my favorite things about Eren was from the moment we'd met, he had hyped me up. I was reminded of that in this moment, watching his cute eyes sparkle curiously as he whipped his head around. 

"Aww but you look so cute begging," I said from a treetop behind him. Leaning forward, my blonde hair fell around me as I gazed at the boy below, mischievous glint in my eye.

He tilted his head back and gave me a full blown pout while I dangled my legs up on the branch. It only increased the more I stayed up there, his whines and my giggles floating through the windy leaves.

His disheveled long black hair was pulled into a messy bun, showing off his handsome face. It was such a sight to see his usual determined, almost rugged expression turned completely soft. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dancing shadows across his face. 

"I'll beg a little harder if it'll get you down to me."

The muscular man held his arms up, beckoning, taunting. Shit, it really was quite the view from up here. 

After my willpower fell, so did I , right on top of Eren. 

 

 

Eren had a lot more experience than I had previously guessed, thank the gods. We had barely just crashed onto the soft pillowy grass, surrounded by the ring of trees, before he had me as red faced as his him. His hands desperately pawed along me, the feeling of his barely contained restraint driving me wild. 

His heady cookie aroma filled my senses, my mind only on his sweet tasting kisses. A moan hummed in the back of his throat like a constant purr. I pulled away only to get a glimpse of his beautifully swollen lips. All of his hair had fallen out of the bun, ringing me in a sea of black. 

Jesus hell he was hot. 

That's when I caught him looking right back, desire darkening his gaze. Eren planted one, then ten kisses along my face before whispering against my skin. 

"How fucking exquisite are you."

His words stole my breath. The sheer genuineness with how he spoke was irresistible. I grabbed his jaw with both hands, pulling him deep. We dived into a sea of passion, entangled our bodies into each other without thought. His body was radiating the most warming  heat and I pressed closer trying to feel it more. 

Eren seemed alive with desire to the point of almost being aflame. It had been ages since I had been touched with this sense of pure need that seemed to take over him. 

When my hand moved down to grip one of his thighs, I paused forgetting he had his ODM harness on. No problem, I just slid my hand under one of the straps, toying with him playfully. His thigh twitched in response and with it, a bite on my lower lip. 

One hand cradled my head against the hardness of the ground, the other resting in between my neck and my jaw. Every time I slid a finger under a strap, that hand would clench ever so slightly with lust. 

It was truly sinful, the moans escaping his throat. 

In perfect harmony, we surrendered to the tantalizing wildness of the moment. Every time I caught a glimpse of Eren's eyes, they radiated an enchanting, emerald intensity, surpassing their usual allure. 

When I moved away from those indescribably yummy lips, I made my way down his neck. Leaving a trail of bites down it, he gripped me desperately. He seemed to be struggling to hold himself up with his arms, too focused on what I was doing to multitask it seems. The quietest whimpers threatened to escape him. Every part of me wanted those to spill out across the clearing. 

As I sensually traced his neck with my nibbles, my hand daringly crept towards his inner thigh, slipping beneath the straps before emerging. After just a few teasing strokes, Eren succumbed with a passionate, sultry moan, his fiery hands grasping my chin and his lips locking onto mine, where our tongues entwined in a seductive dance. 

Meanwhile, his other hand expertly cupped my breast, exerting a pressure that bordered on exquisite agony, eliciting a sinful moan from me in return.

Eren was such pure fire in this moment I thought I'd burn to a crisp.  

He finally spoke as his fingers trailed a tantalizing path down my stomach, making me twitch. 

"Please," his lips were still against mine. "Please..I can't..I can't wait any longer Day.." 

A whine had lifted his voice, making me arch my neck and savor the words. His breath sounded hitched like he was still holding half of what he wanted to do back. 

God how I wanted to drag him out till he was a pleading puddle above me. But as my hands kept dancing along his body, under his shirt and straps, I felt every part of him was already trembling. 

I sucked on his bottom lip, ending it in a pulling bite. Eren squeezed my lower hip hard.

Without warning, I hooked my leg around his and flipped him on his back next me. I swung with the momentum right on top of him, legs straddling those rock hard abs. 

My eyes were right on his. With both arms crossed I began taking my shirt off and grind on him at the same time. The rhythm was slow, teasing at first. But then his strong hands gripped my hips fervently.

I just stared down at his needy face, loving every second. Those hands moved upwards as the shirt came off, cupping both breast as they perked up against the evening air. The absolute awe in his face caused me to move faster, need clouding my thoughts the more I looked at that inhumanely beautiful man below me. 

"You're so fun to tease," I breathed out.

While I kept the faster pace, my hands slid up and down his chest, tickling his skin. Eren was practically foaming at the mouth.

"I did warn you I couldn't wait any longer," he growls deeply. Before I knew it he had me back down on the ground. 

It was rough, sexy, and the gasp that escapes my throat is one of pure pleasure. The Titan rips the rest of my clothes off, but somehow none of the fabric tears. Craving brightens his eyes with an intense gleam. 

When he takes himself out, it's fast and desperate. Every part of him is shaking as he lines himself up and right before, he presses his forehead against mine as a silent question. His hot breath clouds my face. I kiss him roughly as a response and he enters me in a flash of heat and rugged moans from the both of us. 

Our lips stayed connected as he released the sexiest noise I'd ever heard the deeper he went. 

"Shit," he groaned against me, then kissed me surprisingly gentle and sweet. "Are you okay?"

Every little sweet gesture made my stomach flip and I grabbed that strong jaw, my fingers digging into the skin. 

"Fuck me like you mean it Eren. Don't hold back." My voice was ragged, my willpower had utterly turned to ash. 

He twitched inside me, exhaling deeply. The face above me was flushed, wrung by black hair, illuminated by maddeningly bright green orbs. He seemed to drink up every part of me with reverence as his hands roamed my body, his pace slow and savored. 

"Of course, pretty girl." 

After that, he  picked up the pace and began fucking me. Steam emanated from his skin and he put his lips against my ears, almost like he knew I wanted to hear those huffed moans even better. 

Eren was big, almost too big as he pressed further into me. A whine came out of my throat and he halted immediately, looking up at me to make sure I was okay. I just grabbed his head and pulled back down to me, urging him on. 

As he rocked back and forth gaining force, he muttered with raw fire. "Look how well you're behaving Day. My good fucking girl hmm?" I could tell he was clenching his jaw, still holding back. It was hot, the tight breaths he huffed against my skin. 

I felt him losing himself more and more, and so was I. Steam came from where my fingers dug into his back, tracing red lines that healed instantly. 

He kept trying to slow his pace, I could tell he wanted to take his time. Deep moans resonated out from his chest mixed with rumbles of restraint. Soft, wet lips would kiss then bite my neck. My tongue drew an agonizing line down his neck producing the sexiest whimper above me. 

That sound took me over as I pushed his chest while swinging on his abdomen, just like earlier. Except this time, he was inside me. I kept that into mind, just barely, as I mounted him, nails digging into his chest. My face was grinning, flushed, and very determined to hear that beautiful godamn whimper come from this beast of a man. 

Eren's hands stayed steady on my waist, hands digging into the skin with pressure. His eyes never left me the whole time, which fueled my pace atop him.  

A hand snaked to his jaw as I bent down, still ferociously riding him, and pressed my open mouth to his as our heated moans embraced each others.

"Day," he moaned pitifully the harder I went. It seemed to be the only thing he could say at the moment, because he just whines it softly over and over against my lips. 

I draw away to put a finger on those supple lips, then I shove the finger inside. He sucked and bit it desperately, eyes staying on me, and I press it deeper. The sheer hotness of it all almost drives me over the edge so I try to steady my pace.

"Fuck you're doing so good," I praise him, impressed he's held on this long. 

His moans were stifled the further down I went, putting two fingers in his drooling mouth. 

"Mmmmf" he groaned loudly. Those hands on my thighs were on fire, steam practically coming from every oriface of his. He smacked my ass, once then twice with vigor. The sting of it caused me to gasp. 

Those huge hands stay gripped on my ass as he tries to take control, slamming me down harder onto him. I can see in his eyes he's about to lose it. Right on cue, he takes my fingers out of his mouth then throws me down harshly back onto the ground. 

Eren pumps a few more trembling times. "God fuck," he moaned brokenly then pulled out. 

I proceeded to watch the sexiest thing I've seen in a long time after that.

The flushed man gripped himself as he finished, exploding all over me with loud huffs and yells. He kept going until he was empty, his entire body shaking dripping with sweat. 

Eren locked eyes with me as he bent down and proceeded to clean up the entire mess with his tongue. Care went into every kiss, lick, and bite as he cleaned every inch he had came on. Then he moved his head between my thighs and lapped up every fucking drop. I was writhing, my thighs clenching his skull. 

Eren ate me like I was his last fucking meal.

My back was arched in absolute pleasure as his name escaped my lips the faster he went. 

I came apart with "fucks" and moans as I felt electricity crackle all over me. He stayed between my legs until he was sure I was done, which was basically me pushing him away because I couldn't handle anymore. 

When he looked up at me, his face was grinning, glistening and triumphant. He placed a kiss on each inner thigh before he crawled his arms up to my face where he placed a gentle, heart achingly sweet kiss on my panting lips. 

"You're amazing Day, you're just fucking incredible. I'm so happy I met you." He said between kisses, and I just tried to regain myself, my breath still hitched. 

Eren placed more kisses along every corner of my face. Once I finally came to completely, I gave him the biggest smile and grabbed that sexy ass face.

"They may have to put me back into infirmary after that one," I breathed out a laugh, and he snorted. 

We embraced, kissing just as passionately as we were before it all. His radiant hands held me so close, and I lost myself for who knows how long into the warm languidness of the afterglow. 

After a while, we put our clothes back on but stayed a bit just laying together under the ring of trees. I hadn't felt so content in ages. The wind stirred our hair as fingers just as light traced shapes along my arms and back. 

Eren must've read my mind as he whispered in my ears, "Fuck the world. I wish I could stay here forever. Just like this."

I lifted my gaze to meet Eren's softened expression, illuminated by the dappled light of dancing leaves. His hair formed a natural wreath around him, and with closed eyes, he exuded pure contentment. 

Sensing my scrutiny, he opened one eye, a smile gently gracing his lips. Despite our animalistic activities moments ago, a blush pricked his cheeks upon my gaze. 

"You're so gorgeous," he whispered. 

I traced a finger down his jaw and chuckled, "Funny I was just thinking the same thing." 

He grabbed that finger and pressed a kiss to the tip of it. Watching him with slight wonder, I spoke without thought. 

"You're pretty sweet for a shapeshifting monster, you know." 

Those iridescent green eyes look up at me. "Aww I'm not even a little scary?"

I giggle, "Well let's not forget the first time we officially met."

He eased me onto the grass, his arms still encircling me, while he nuzzled my abdomen. Another gentle kiss graced my stomach, and he rested his head against it. "You mean when you ran off like the Devil itself were after you."

"Give me some credit, I'd never seen a single damn Titan till then. It still blows my mind..but after everything these past weeks it kind of just rolls off. Along with the fact you used those Titan powers to bring me back from the grave, or so I've heard." 

I feel his cheek heat slightly against my bare stomach. "You didn't- that wasn't all just because I did that, right?" 

A smack landed right on that already reddened cheek. "Really? I was thinking about doing that before you saved my life you dick." 

He grinned goofily and rested his chin on my stomach to look directly at me. "Oh you did, did you?"

I shoved that stupidly cute face away from me and sat up. "Don't you have to be at training soon?" The sun was making its way to the horizon as everything began to slowly go out of focus in the dense woods. 

The idiot just laughed and crawled over me until he was right above my face, pushing me right back onto the grass. "Silly, I haven't been able to get you out of my head since Shaddess screamed at you that first day."

His words flowed effortlessly, causing my eyes to widen. Now, a blush adorned my face as I struggled to avert his gaze. I found myself both flattered and taken aback, a blend of emotions catching me off guard. 

"Get off," I muttered but a smile fought itself on my face. 

"Never." He then dropped completely onto me, smooshing me right into the dirt. "Just a few more minutes, then I'll go."

My heart melted just a tad more as I relented. The overwhelming cookie smell made me feel almost dazed as I just inhaled and let the hunky man crush me. 

We didn't speak any longer as we bathed in the few peaceful moments we were given. I was about to be asleep when I felt him shift above me, a kiss planted on my neck before he fully rose. 

"God you look so perfect down there it's a shame to leave," he looked away as he stood, hiding behind that long hair of his. I hadn't got a chance to get up, but I sensed he was about to go.

"Wish me luck with you know who," he laughed lightly, still turned away.

"Bye Eren," I said softly. "Have fun."

He then sped off, reminding me of the last time we were here and Levi had also been the cause of his quick departure. Before I could stop it, a twinge of sadness hit me. 

Just as I began to sigh, getting up to go back to HQ, I heard sticks break and a loud crash. 

I spun around and Eren grabbed me, running right into my lips, both of his hands on the space between my neck and jaw. We seamlessly melded into a breathless embrace as I pulled him right back.

I could tell he was getting away from himself as the kiss deepened, I was practically drowning before he pulled away, a dollop a spit clinging to his bottom lip. 

"I do believe I'm going to miss you," he confessed, seeming to be surprised himself. 

"Then you'll just have to see me again then, won't you?"

He perked up even more at that, giving me one last excitable kiss. "You promise?" 

I shoved him off with a laugh. "Go, go you dumb boy. Or you're gonna be headless by the end of the night."

As his large body faded into the distance through the undergrowth, panic began to creep up on me. When silence fell onto the clearing, that's when it took complete hold, pushing my shoulders till I was right back on the dark ground. 

"What the fuck," I whispered to the nothingness of the night. "What the fuck."

Chapter 35: instinct

The moment Levi saw that goofy-grinned fuck face bound down the path, murder overwrote every thought. So, he wiped the smirk clean off.

"First rule of these things Eren," Levi tsked amongst blood and his lopsided head. "If you're late, I'll continue to test how deep I can slice until you don't grow back."

He left those words to settle over the squirming mass.  Flopping himself onto the benches nonchalantly, he threw an arm over the back, tapped his crossed foot and waited. Waited for that insufferable man to lump himself back together again. A part of him wanted to finish off the job, flashes of that kiss still searing his mind against his will every time he shut his eyes. 

 

 

Levi had spent the better part of two hours avoiding the mess hall since he was sick to his stomach anyways, and every other person with a beating heart. 

Somehow, against all odds that four-eyed sadist found him anyways.

"Captain Levi!!" she hissed down a corridor paces behind him. 

He tensed. The witch- how did she know? Don't risk engaging. He hurried down the hallway out of her sight. There was one more hiding place he had, one maybe she didn't know about. 

The mentally exhausted captain huffed, turning a corner then let out a shout.

"Jesus fuck Hange! Wear a bell or something!" Levi rarely jumped but seeing that eerie grin was enough to greatly disturb him. 

The Captain lunged forward, grabbing his shoulders. 

"Headaches! You've been having headaches! That's why you were going to go to me, am I right?" Her words were frantic like she had been waiting too long to tell him. 

Levi tried to withhold violence. It was hard. 

"You chased me down for this? I told you I changed my mind. The last person I'd ask to help me with them is you."

Her hands just gripped him. "No no not that. When did these headaches start? Was it that day in the dungeon? Or sooner? I need a timeline to really grasp the severity."

Levi almost broke his teeth with how hard he was clenching his jaw. The woman never made fucking sense. And today was definitely not the day. 

Throwing her iron fingers off, he brushed her away and began to walk back down the hallway. 

"Leave me the fuck alone, Hange. I don't have time for this. I've had enough of your theories for a lifetime." 

Levi's mind had just began to drift the further he got when she broke through with a surprisingly calm voice. 

"It's your Ackerman instincts Levi- don't you get it? They've activated. For how long, I'm not sure. I almost thought they never would after I saw you with Erwin. But after the other day I've been thin-"

Levi whipped around and made the distance back to her in seconds. Now, Hange had his complete attention. 

"Keep your fucking voice down. What are saying to me right now?" Levi's eyes narrowed. His mind raced. Ackerman history wasn't something Levi ever bothered to brush up on. Too many fucked up things in the past he didn't want to see. But Ackerman instinct? He'd never heard of anything like it. 

"You keep getting headaches because your fighting a primordial instinct that's passed down generations. Think of it as extreme loyalty in your blood. But only for one person in your life you deem as your liege in a way. It's what made Ackermans so useful to the royal families, their instincts wound kick in for one of the family members and they'd protect them for life. In a sense, it's the truest form of devotion. Your blood is now tied to hers."

The entire time Hange spoke, Levi was pacing up and down the hallway to check for oncoming people. Luckily, he had been trying to hide from everyone, so they were in a very secluded part of HQ. He threw his hands up in his hair, pulling it at the scalp.

A breath exhaled out of him slowly. I can't catch a fucking break. 

"Where did you even come up with this? A fucking book? And you just believe it! No fucking evidence?"

Hange must've had no clue that the more she spoke, the more he unraveled at the seams. 

"It's true, Levi. They were books- sure- but they were also real accounts from Ackermans. And the majority of them claimed to get searing migraines if they failed to protect their," she finally seemed affected as she cleared her throat, "their chosen one. Which is what led me to believe your instincts have activated not long after Day's arrival."

The other shoe dropped and he stopped his pacing. 

 

As absolutely insane her words were, a part of him had known all of this from the very start.

He knew the second he saw those deep brown eyes in pain, he wanted nothing more than to fix every wound. Kill any enemy. And he hated himself for it. For not only had it only resulted in his complete unwinding but it had all for been nothing anyways.

Day didn't want his protection. Hell, they both basically despised each other. 

The kiss made its way back into his head. Not that she didn't want his protection- she didn't want him. That fact shouldn't have crumpled him so completely, but it did. 

When he finally spoke, his voice sounded strangled. "Did you just come to tell me this cruel revelation you've kept from me, or did you have a way to rid me of this?"

Footsteps made way to him until a hand pressed onto his back for consolation. 

"I-I don't think I could suppress these. Your Ackerman instincts- you have one of the most powerful bloodlines in the country next to the royal family. To take that away- it could also take away your battle instincts. Or worse, your will to fight for the Scouts at all." Her tone was sympathetic. 

Levi's ears rang. "So I'm to be stuck with this? Forever?" his chest heaved. "Why her? God."

Never in his life had he been this vulnerable in front of anyone- not even Erwin. But he couldn't help it. It was one thing after a god damned other and this was one whopping thing. 

The hand stayed on his back, his one lifeline in this god forsaken building. He knew he was with the one person who wouldn't judge, not even that Humanity's Greatest Solider had been reduced to this by just one thieving Undergrounder woman.  

He recalled all those weeks ago in the dungeon, when he had almost kicked Day in the back at full power.

Right before he extended his leg, a sharp pain had sliced through his head. That had given Day an opening to slam him into the wall, one of the few instances ever that someone had caught him off guard. It was a hard moment to forget. 

A week later, when Levi had broken her finger on the training field, his head had hurt all night giving him no reprieve, even in his sleep. 

Or when she had collapsed the other day in front of all of the cadets- Levi had wanted to damn them all and scoop her up. In seconds after seeing her fall, he wouldn't have been able to tell you where he was. All that had mattered was she was truly hurt and so that meant so was he.

The sick fact of all of it was the sheer force of how hard Levi ignored any of this. He was always a clever man but acknowledging that the worlds' greatest hope was basically brainwashed to a pretty liar was too much to bear. 

"You're sure there isn't anything you could do? Fuck, I'd even take a serum."

His fellow captain sighed. "Levi..."

"Is there?"

The hand dropped. "Maybe. Maybe. I don't know. I could make a serum that would almost repel- no. No. You said it yourself no more serums. I'm banned from helping anybody else with my methods for a while. "

He didn't want to beg but the thought of living everyday with this...affliction sounded like a personal hell.

"I could. But I think if you really tried to get a handle on this, the headaches would stop. Maybe give in. Stop fighting it." 

All he wanted to do in this moment was kill the babbling four-eyed woman. But alas that'd be counterproductive. 

He just snarled. "What you're asking of me isn't possible." 

Right before Hange stepped out of the corridor, she paused. "You really can't stand her that bad, you'd suppress part of yourself?"

"You're right. I can't stand her. Or maybe I just want my damned willpower back."

"I think it was your will that chose her in the first place. Every person the Ackerman instinct activates for is someone they want to protect. In most cases, one they will protect above everything else."

He spun around to dispel her deluded bullshit but when he did, she was gone. 

"Of course. Fucking stupid goggled-face freak," he cursed to the open air of the hallway. "How fitting of you go shit on my parade then bounce."

Even though a lot had just been thrown at him, he'd do what he was best at. Ignore it. He didn't have time for this Ackerman magic nonsense, that made him as obsessed with someone as that poor Mikasa girl.  

Still though, every bit of it made sense. And that's what made him truly sick. 

It looks like Dahlia had one more flashy heist in her: stealing my fucking mind.

Chapter 36: washed away

It was long after my mini panic attack that I realized I needed to return to the barracks before their training ended. Luckily, I knew Levi would be preoccupied for a while, giving me a chance to breathe and gather myself on the grounds.

I just laid in the grass, mind on a million things and one all at the same time. My panic  didn’t stem from just having some of the best sex of my life- it was the strange butterflies that stirred within me after I turned around to see that idiot had run back to give me a proper goodbye.

Every little thing he did chipped away at my impenetrable shield, and it was like I hadn't noticed until that very moment. 

Conflicted was an understand.
I had a job to do- get the fuck out. Not acquiring squirmy feelings over some dumb recruit. Just because he was genuinely sweet and insanely hot didn't mean it was worth risking my plan. 

Real feelings were something I never played around with. At least, not my own. I'd had more lovers than I could count, though none had completely captured all of me. That wasn't to say Eren was doing so, but the fact that he had even got me to this point was unnerving. It was like a weakness had been found, one I would usually cut out. 

It’s just probably just some excess Titan magic, making me feel all nice towards him.. 

Still though, the image of those jade green eyes inches above mine, weak with pleasure, didn't leave my head. The need in which Eren had taken me still burned on my skin, making me press my lips together and close my eyes, relishing in the details. 

I savored every little second I had left in the silent forest until I knew I needed to go back. My day had been unexpectedly wonderful and I didn't need any black-eyed wraiths ruining it.

All of a sudden- that one expression of Levi's came back to haunt me. 

Empty was a word, now looking back, to small to describe how those dark eyes looked to me. They were soul sucking. And for some reason, here I was, unable to forget them. 

I wandered back to the dorm in the pitch-black of fallen night. Even completely preoccupied, I maneuvered through the woods and back to the building with ease. This was my territory, the bend and sounds of the darkness were as familiar to me as breathing. 

Why did he look so impossibly sad? It was a stupid thing to wonder. Who cares what made maniacs like him sad. Maybe that was karma for all the shit he has done.

This stayed in my head till I reached the wooden door of my dorm. I had gotten unusually lucky and hadn’t ran into any of my "fellow" cadets on the way back. 

In doing so, I had forgotten about the one residing in my room. 

"Oh my god Day there you are!" 

The door had barely gotten shut before she launched herself from the bed directly onto my back. I almost fell from the momentum but caught myself on the wood behind of me. 

"You crazy girl! What was that for?" I tried to throw her off but she clung with a terrifying strength. 

"I heard the wildest rumor but I also kinda missed you. You've been sick or gone all of the time since training started." Her head was buried into my shoulder while her legs stayed wrapped around. Weirdly enough, she smelled just like the forest I had stepped out of.

I tugged on her ponytail playfully. "You know what, I missed you too cowgirl." 

Sasha let out a bubbly laugh as I threw her onto her onto the bed. Orange engulfed us as she leaned across the bed to turn on the lamp. I had just started to grab my night clothes when I heard a gasp, then the spring of her mattress. 

A finger poked my neck, then shoulder. "Oooo well I guess I don't need to ask if it's a rumor, do I?"

I brushed her hand off then went back to digging in the drawer. Heat rose to my face as I remembered each bite, each moan that led to those marks she pointed at. 

"It's nothing, I got lost in the woods actually. It's from me being a dumbass is all." 

Sasha stayed right behind me, perched on the floor. "Riiiight, some branches did that. In a perfect circle, no less." 

I drew in a breath as I felt a hand brush away my hair from one shoulder. 

Sasha had crept closer to me, and out of the corner of my eye I saw her warm green eyes fixated on my exposed skin. I was still in my loose white linen that was sagging now due to the misuse from Eren. 

I hadn't noticed how many marks had been visible, but Sasha reminded me of each one as she then took her finger and instead of poking, drew the slowest line down each and every one. 

She traced the marks, and I hadn’t noticed I’d stopped digging through the drawers until her hand brushed the already draped cloth, shifting it further off my shoulder.

I don't think a roommates supposed to turn me on this much, I nervously joked to myself. 

"Your skin is so soft," she said, almost like she was talking to herself. "Tell him to be nicer to it next time."

The moment was broken by the sound of bellowing laughter outside in the hallway, causing Sasha to jump away with a semi-casual laugh. 

"You're definitely going to get caught for those tomorrow! Do you have any makeup you confiscated? If not, we may be able to bribe some people." her tone was a bit shaky, and I tried to ignore it as I continued my search for pajamas. 

Was I going crazy today? 

We fell back into our normal chatter as I got ready for bed. Sasha returned to her own, holding a pillow with a slight frown while watching me change. 

I learned quickly Scouts had little shame, so I had never thought twice about changing in front of her. This time, however, I could feel big green eyes trailing my skin. 

Maybe she's never seen hickeys before. 

I tried to lie to myself as I got into bed, keeping our easy conversation along. 

"Jean will be just so heart broken," Sasha smiled as she leaned to turn the light off. It wasn't a full one, though, as I'd seen plenty from her since we had met. 

Once the covers were snug around me, I sniffed. "That goofy man could be hot if he tried. Besides, it's not like I'm off the market. We just had a bit of fun is all."

Fun didn't make my stomach twist this hard at the briefest thought. 

She laughed. "Okay looks like that man ate you for breakfast."

I faced away from her as a specific bite on my collarbone pulsed. 

"Hey maybe don't tell anyone about it- I have no clue if he wants it more underwraps or what-" just as I spoke, a rapid low knock rung on the door.

The both of us sat up in unison then looked at each other.  

"I'm not getting it," she whispered nervously. "Could be Captain Levi again."

Of course, I was due for more torture courtesy of my kidnapper. Standing, I sighed and fiddled with a blade just in case. I swung open the door, prepared to give a certain Captain a lashing, when green stopped me in my place.

In the dimly lantern lit hallway, all I could make out was slight shades of Eren's face, glimpses of his expression. He had a sheepish grin and upon seeing me those glowing eyes widened. 

"Fuck," I heard a sharp release of breath just above me. "Hi beautiful."

"Eren??" I whispered, blinking. 

He leaned down, his hair out of the bun, and I could feel rapid breathing against my face. Had he run here?

"Shit you were probably sleeping," he whispered inches from me. Hair brushed my cheek as he got closer.

"I just- I guess I did end up missing you. A fucking lot. So I came to see your face again, to make sure what had happened- well to make sure it wasn't a dream." he almost stuttered over his words with jitteriness. 

I didn't move but my entire body rose ten degrees. 

In a swift movement, I grabbed his collar with one hand, pushing him back into the hallway. With the other, I shoved the knife back in place, and shut the door behind us. 

Seeing this Titan equivalent of a puppy dog in front of me was enough to make my head foggy. He missed me? The grip on his collar tightened as we both seemed to hold our breaths for a second. 

He took my silence as annoyance so he began to try and ramble some more. "I mean I uh- I was also worried about you too. It's your first day back from the med bay and we definitely you know- weren't taking that into any consideration earlier. Which by the way- if I was too rough - I was just a tad over excited I'm sor-"

The rambling stopped as I wrenched the concussed buffoon down onto me, our lips colliding with fervor.

Strong arms gripped me immediately like he had wanted to do that from the start. A pleased groan came from him, his arms only tightening as he pulled me in deep. He drank me up, devoured my lips until I had to come up for air- as he had stolen every single breath.

Wet lips parted from mine reluctantly as he huffed, clearly not finished. 

"Don't apologize for earlier, you idiot. You're supposed to go ten times harder than that in training- so let's just call it practice, hmm?"

His hands ran up my sides, squeezing as he went along. Our lips were still only inches apart, and he leaned down to bite the bottom one.

"Now that you mention it..there's some drills we need to run. I know just the place to practice them." his mischievous words made me nearly eager as him. I felt myself grin. 

"Well then we best hurry, saving humanity waits for no one." 

Minutes later, Eren had me pinned against the wall of a cupboard closet as the light swung above us. It must've been where the Scouts kept their spare cloaks, because it was littered in seas of green linen. A bit eerie- having to stare at all these wings of freedom while the very monster they swore to kill devoured me. 

Eren had our clothes off in no time, the only sound in the closet his pants of desperation. Instead of diving in once I was naked, he hovered above me, his hungry, ravenous eyes gleaming as they inched every morsel of skin. 

"The fact that I get to touch you has blown my mind all day," he said shamelessly, still holding himself back, only looking. 

I was about to tell him to hurry up, I was impatient too, when he grabbed my face just like back in the woods. He kissed me with all the passion I've ever felt while groans rumbled his chest with glee. 

The kiss moved my body as he pulled away with a laugh and said, "Captain Levi almost decapitated me five times because I was so distracted."

I bristled at hearing that name being spoken aloud right now.

Eren must've felt it because he kissed down my chest slowly, then looked up at me as he sucked one of my nipples while kneading both breasts. I quickly forgot all thoughts and succumbed to his needy touches. 

The man had more patience than I would've thought from how eager he seemed in the hallway. He really seemed to take his time in that dim cupboard, every kiss and bite savored on my skin. 

When his fingers began to slide down with agonizing slowness, I squirmed and narrowed my eyes. 

"Can't believe you've drug me here just to completely torture me," I said tightly, a small laugh bubbling out from the pressure. 

The boy above me just grinned naughtily. His fingers slowed as he watched me, taking great pleasure from seeing me be the one to almost bend. He wouldn't get me though. I refused to beg. I knew no matter if I did or didn't- he'd be the one yield first. 

I just took the hand that was on my breast, separated a finger, and plucked one in my mouth. I never broke eye contact as Eren looked on with clouded ones, following my every move. 

My tongue played with his finger before I inched it further down. A raw moan escaped Eren's mouth while those other fingers slid down to the place I needed them to be so badly. 

I rocked on his hand with the rhythm he rubbed me while still sucking on his finger, our faces inches apart, looking at each other with open lust. 

His fingers were a bit clumsy, enthusiastic, but no the less felt amazing. They teased my entrance, never going in, always coming back up to do circles along me. 

I let out a frustrated moan, wanting more, but he only watched me as I took one more finger into his mouth. 

"Have I told you you're so so pretty," he breathed out. "Fuck. My little thief."

A finger finally entered me and I released a long groan, grinding into it with want. Some drool had escaped my mouth I could feel, and his thumb slid to catch it. He then, while pumping his finger inside me, licked the spit off his digits, eyes on me. 

My lips parted, my moans increasing at watching this ripped, long-haired Titan become so damned sexy. 

He then grabbed the side of my throat and leaned down to kiss me. As he did, another finger slid in and a whine came out of me. 

"Come on baby," he said against my lips. "I want to hear you."

Those fingers were as deep as they could go now, slamming into me. He was getting more rough though I could tell he was about to break. I loved it, pressing into it with louder gasps and groans.

Tremors shook throughout my skin, my neck craning as I was about to finish. Just as the crash began to hit me, he took his fingers out. 

A loud whine came out of me. "Hold on, beautiful." Eren panted as he lined himself up. He moved his arms to my sides, putting his face into my neck as he entered me with a guttural groan. 

"Feel so fucking good," a jumbled breath fell from him. A hot kiss pressed against my skin as he lifted himself up and began to go deeper.

His face was right above mine, black eyes watching my every emotion as he slid in and out agonizingly. 

"Look at you," he cooed, praised, as my breath hitched. "Pure fire. Perfect."

His words were sloppy, along with the kisses he strung along my face. All I could focus on was the rising feeling, which made its return tenfold. 

Eren could feel I was close as he sped up, a hand on my neck while he pounded harder and harder. 

"Now you can come for me baby," he moaned into my ear. "Let me hear that voice of yours."

Huffs mixed with frantic whines took over me. I tried to be somewhat quiet, knowing we were still in a closet, but I had truly never been fucked this well in so long that I couldn't contain it. 

"Eren please fuck Eren yes god," I pleaded into his ear as I came, shakes racking my body as I tightened around him. 

My entire body arched as Eren rode it out, going harder than ever with fervor. "Gooood girl that's it," he moaned, the hand on my neck moving to my jaw so he could shift my face for a better view. 

The gorgeous man's face was flushed, puffy in the swinging light above. The sinful look on his face, pure pleasure and want, and made me moan even harder. Wave after wave hit me as Eren relentlessly pounded into me. 

I resorted to panted moans as he completely destroyed me. My hands had dropped from his back as all my energy was being spent on staying conscious. Titan strength be damned, I'd never seen stamina like this. 

He never stopped, even after I had came fully with loud, shameless pleas. Eren seemed drunk on it all, on me, as he hungrily devoured me inch by inch. I let him, no fight in me to be had. Sexy praises spilled from his lips, his tongue drew down my neck, bites ending on my collarbone. All of it was heaven. 

"God I'll fuck you like this everyday if you'll let me," he murmured in my ears. I was half-awake at this point, every part of me overstimulated. 

"Yes," was all I could muster, my eyes finding his, egging him on. 

I wanted to kiss him, and he must've read my mind as he gripped my face, lips on mine with passion. He kissed me roughly, still fucking me with everything he had. It was so raw as the closet was filled to the brim with our entwined steamed moans and my weak pleas. 

It was only after the third time I came that Eren allowed me some reprieve. Kisses lined my neck with delicateness as he pulled out, praising me as he went. 

"I just can't get enough of you," he panted into me. "I don't think I ever will."

A lazy smile and tremoring limbs was what was left of me in those cloaks. It was all I could do to just run my fingers through Eren's hair and try to catch my breath. 

After he pulled out, I skirted my hand down his chest till I found my target. Though my body wanted to shut down, I knew Eren needed some release. A surprised gasp exited him once I began to move my hand and he pressed another kiss on the corner of my mouth.

"Yes ohhh yes," he whined the faster I moved. He had already been close, and I was a pro when it came to anything with my hands, this included. 

Just as I felt his body start to tighten, I decided to be mean and slow down a bit. I couldn't help it- it was just too good seeing this huge brute come completely apart under my touch. 

He was still on top of me, his hardness in between us both. Eren grabbed my neck with slight pressure, pressing his lips against mine with an open mouth. 

"Don't tease," he whispered darkly, a low tremor in his voice. "Not when I'm this close."

I pulled away from him with a lick to his bottom lip, his head following mine like a magnet. A growl resonated in his chest, the hand on my neck tightening. 

My hand slowed even further. "Beg," I murmured softly, my eyes directly on his. 

His pupils widened. Those impossibly soft lips opened slightly, then he licked them. Desire played in his eyes. I loved how I could see the massive restraint fighting within him. 

That handsome face broke under my gaze, as I heard him whisper back to me. "You cruel, sexy fucking woman."

"I didn't hear a please," I singsong back, my hand stopping completely. 

"Fuck," he swore, glaring at me weakly. Sweat dripped down his ripped chest as he panted desperately. 

I just watched on with glee. My fingers tickled his chest, making his dick twitch viciously. If I kept it up any longer, I mused, he'd finish free handed. 

Finally, I got my reward. 

"Day, please baby. Let me cum. Please I'm fucking begging you." he said shamelessly, his body fully trembling at this point. He sounded like a man stranded outside in the cold. Desperate. Beautiful. 

A wicked grin spread across my face. "Good Titan."

I unclamped his hand from my neck and scooted down, putting my head in his lap. With my hands gripping both muscular thighs, I stuck my tongue out, leaving a long trailing lick down his shaft. Pleas tumbled from Eren above me, his hands finding their way into my hair. 

"Oh my god yes Day fuck." He was loud, depravity scorching his throat. 

Every lick I placed on the tip caused his entire body to jump. His fingers pulled my hair, then a hand came away to place a hard smack to my ass that was currently up in the air.  

I arched my back to give him better access as I pulled him deeper into my mouth. A long, unholy sound came out of him, then he smacked me again even harder. I moaned this time, causing the vibration of it to send Eren into ecstasy. 

"Have I told you how godamn perfect you are," he gasped and panted, barely getting the words out. "And your ass, fuck. I'm gonna have dreams about that ass."

Tingles ran down my spine the more he spoke. I wiggled my ass as I continued to go down on him, encouraging him. "My godddd," he uttered a seductive groan, taking his other hand off my hair to grip it tight. He smacked and jiggled my ass the more I moved my head, and I could feel him about to burst. 

"Yes Day keep going just like that baby, you're amazing, a fucking goddess- yes baby please, oh mmgh shit I'm cumming." Broken gasps racked his body as he shook like he was struck by lighting. He came hard, those hands gripping me so tight I knew there'd be finger prints tomorrow.

I swallowed it all with fevered praises from Eren. Once I pulled away, my hair sticking to my face with sweat, I finally got to see the flushed face of my triumph. Eren looked how I felt moments ago, eyes half-lidded as he just stroked the hair away from my skin gently, a soft smile gracing his lips. 

"Come here, beautiful." he murmured, pulling my face up to him. 

I must've left some on my mouth, because Eren’s eyes flick down for a moment before he leans forward and licks it off. After that, I grab him with a fistful of his hair and kiss him roughly. Never had I had such raw sex, never had I felt so fucking alive by one's touch. 

Once the high of it all began to wear off, I ended our kiss and began to dress. My thoughts had begun to race again, and with it my urge to run along too.

As I went looking for my shirt, I felt a hand creep on my back. "Hey," he whispered. I turned to see a still-naked Eren laying on his side among the jade sea of linens. His cheeks were still red and a sheen of sweat lined his entire body. He was achingly sexy. 

It felt hard to met his gaze, the passion of the moment catching up to me. His fingers, warm and soft, graced my jaw to lift my chin. 

"Hey," he repeated. "Don't go. Stay with me."

My instinctual hesitation hit me, all of this feeling a little too real. But the longer I looked into the safety of those shining eyes that had my attention from the start, I succumbed to it. My head fell into his hand, my eyes closed. 

“Okay," I whispered. "I'll stay."

Chapter 37: vacuum

When my eyes peeled open to the brisk white light of dawn, the first thought that entered my mind was: god won't training be weird today. 

I had unusually woken up before Sasha, with bellowing snores coming from the lump on her bed. Though I was used to waking up from the sun through the hole in my cave, nothing compared to opening my eyes each morning to every crevice of a space being completely transformed in the fresh light. 

Eggshell curtains danced in the early wind. I watched them, not rising, as if a single movement would make the actions of my last two days sink in. 

Last night especially, and the delicateness shared in the moments after our activities. 

Without trying, my eyes closed back, my skin tingling ghostly touches along where Eren had hours before. A burning sensation swept through the pit of my stomach as I pictured him begging, pleading me so beautifully last night. 

"I want to hear about your life in the Under City," he had said while holding me, our naked bodies entangled among the cloaks in the cupboard. "How’d you gain the attention of the Commanders to make them force you to stay here?"

His finger slowly dragged down my arm, warm breath on my right cheek. I had gotten lucky, the lighting had been too dim for Eren to notice my incision, the one that itched so badly at the briefest mention. 

A sigh released out of me. Everything I had wanted to tell him that night in the forest- before Levi interrupted- didn't feel like rising now. 

"Let us ignore everything outside this closet. Things such as those can wait." 

I grabbed the hand, making his arm wrap around me tight. Eren just pressed a sweet kiss to my cheek and obliged. 

"You're right," he whispered, tickling the soft hairs on my neck. "We have plenty of time for that later."

We had both fallen asleep on accident, waking up only hours before the sun rose for training. It was a frenzied rush as we threw on our clothes. During a second of it, I looked over to find Eren mid-underwear, staring right at me with a irritating smile. 

"What?" I hissed, throwing my pajama shorts on. 

"Nothin," he chirped, the grin spreading to the corner of his mouth, revealing a cute dimple. "It's just crazy even now, it's all I can do but look at you." 

 

 

I had fully succumbed to the conclusion I tolerated Eren more than most. Knowing that however felt... weird. Open. 

Another part of me just wished this was a few-day fling. That way I could get back to thinking normally soon. A distraction like this would only get me into more trouble- I just knew it.

"Ohhhh girlll, we gotta fix that," I heard a shocked gasp from the bed. For a brief second, I thought the woman had read my fucking mind. 

I sat up, then followed her widened eyes. My skin bore the aftermath of desire, littered in dozens of bright marks. 

"Shit," I swore, jumping up out of the bed. Both times we had been together darkened into various shades. Eren had seemingly swallowed me, body and all. If I didn't have a class to attend, watchful-eyed Captains to see, I'd almost find it irresistibly hot.

Heat rose to my cheeks. "Okay no problem I just need to see if anyone's woken up yet- hopefully someone's sleeping in- I'll sneak, grab some makeup bam we’re good to go in time for practice."

Sasha just raised an eyebrow, obviously holding in a laugh. "You're gonna go steal from a cadet? Without them or their roommates knowing? Pffft you're still half asleep. That's nuts. Like you'd manage that."

At that, my eyes narrowed. I was still standing as I crossed my arms above her. "Oh really? Wanna bet? Sayyy your breakfast?"

She hesitated. "I don't know...I heard they're serving curry today." 

I just snorted. "Knew it." 

Internally, I was thankful our normal banter was back in the light of day. I wouldn't have known what to do if Sasha had been anything like her sensual, softer self that had traced my skin so delicately.

The mousy-haired brunette threw off the covers with a huff, hopping into a supposedly threatening pose in front of me. "Okay then, Eren's little cuddle comrade. If you manage to steal someone's makeup, get back here and be ready by the time breakfast is served, it's all yours." Laughter fell out of me as I pushed her back onto the bed. "Please don't ever say that again." 

While we both joined into a fit of giggles, I grabbed a pillow and beat her briefly. After I had my fill, I threw the pillow into a corner then leaned onto her bed with both hands.

"On a real note, don't mention any of this to anyone. Not the hickeys, not Eren, not our bet. Got it?"

Our faces were a foot or so away. I could see pink creep up on her cheeks as green doed-eyes stared at me, the laughter dying on her lips.

"I got it," Sasha whispered, some of her brown mess falling into her face.

I pushed off the bed with a signature grin. "Good, then you have a deal cowgirl. Now give me a minute. I'll be right back."

Seconds later, I was dressed in a black undershirt and matching pants. After flashing her a cocky grin, which earned an eye roll, I snuck out of the door without a sound.

Among the completely similar wooden doors, I paused, looking for the one near the most western-facing side. Hopefully, those ones would be a bit more cloaked in dark due to the early sun. 

Once I picked my target, I snuck up, pressed an ear to the wood, then quietly turned the doorknob. As I crept around their room, sticking to the shadows, I went to the nearest mirror where makeup was bound to be. 

Those sticky fingers of mine found their target swiftly as a sly grin crept up my face. The familiar tingle ran through my spine. It was one I'd felt a million times before. 

On the way back I made a few stops- just to prove a point. I'd hardly live up to my reputation as the Underground's top thief if I couldn't snag a bit of powder from a mere Scout.

Minutes later I stood above Sasha once again, shit-eating grin in tow. Out of my pockets and various hiding spots came products raining down onto her mattress. 

"DAY I thought you were just getting something to cover up!! This- you- wow." she cackled, gripping brushes in her hand like a madwoman. "Consider my next breakfast-and maybe late night snack- yours. Congratulations."

 

                                -

 

We got down to the mess hall with our air of playfulness still around us. After careful scrutiny by Sasha, and minutes of frantic dabbing, I had been deemed fit to go about the cadets unnoticed. 

I pointedly ignored her huge sad eyes as I plucked the extra bowl of curry while we made our way to the table. Hers wasn't the only gaze I was avoiding. 

Even with my face ahead, I could feel Eren's eyes a few tables down follow my every step. However when I glanced up once we sat, it was steely gray my eyes fixed on across the room. There the Captain sat in all his bored gloriness at the head of hall with the other officers. 

His bowl sat untouched beneath him as Hange talked animatedly nearby. His eyes were right on me, slicing through all the noise and clamor. Just like yesterday, I was held completely in that icy grasp. 

The sternness of Levi's expression stole the joviality right out of me. Without meaning to, my mind rushed back to that kiss. The emptiness in his eyes. 

Once again, I questioned, I wonder what could make a man like him look so sad. 

A hearty slap on my back shattered the tension as I turned to look at Connie Springer standing above me, curry in hand. Under normal circumstances, I might've elbowed him in the crotch for that, but I had been wholly distracted. 

"Day you dog!" he whooped loudly. "I had no clue you were even aware of that meat head- now I hear you ran off into the woods! Juicy juicy. Not gonna lie, I had bet on you and Jean in the long run."

Before I could get a word out, a tall guy grabbed Connie's head like a ball and pushed him down to go sit at the table. 

"Ignore that fucking idiot, he lost some of his brain cells in Shigashina. Plus it's not like that rumors true." Jean grinned shyly where Connie had just stood. The baldy just took it, waving him off to go sit next to Sasha. 

At Jean's words, Sasha straightened up and looked at me knowingly. A glint was in her eye- one that wanted to be messy. I sent her a hard stare back. 

I just shrugged at him noncommittally. "Ah you know how rumors go. Bout as predictable as using a broken umbrella to fix the weather.”

It was some dumb saying I had overheard in the hallways the other day. Frankly, I didn't even have the first clue what the fuck an umbrella was. 

It thankfully earned a snort from Jean who didn’t press on any further. Once he sat down, Sasha giggled into her hand.

"Jesus it hasn't even been twenty-four hours," I sighed, taking a huge bite of curry. "The hells everyone's deal?"

"Who doesn't like tea with their breakfast?" Sasha laughed. I wanted to push her cup over, but restrained myself. 

I went back to eating vigorously, the newfound flow of energy that had healed me still in effect. Drama filled few days or not- I was still the best I'd felt in ages.

"Speaking of," Sasha singsonged. Since food wasn't there to occupy her today, she seemed dead set on annoying me. "That boy hasn't stopped looking at you since you entered the room."

I knew, I felt it even now. The intensity of Eren's gaze. If I were in the gambling dens of the Under City he'd be the last person I'd take. He didn't seem to grasp the idea of a poker face. 

My hair was down today so it was easier to hide behind my bangs, my eyes worried. I really didn't want this to make a big scene. If this was the type of attention I was to get for hooking up with Eren I pondered if we should continue. 

It was bad enough I felt everyone else staring at me already. Not only had I almost died in front of them two days ago, but then I go and kiss the golden boy with a fucking audience.

You’re doing a shit job at laying low.

"Let's just get through training today," I groaned back at her. "Do you know what's on the roster? Just so I can mentally prepare myself for more trauma."

She laughed, nudging me. "You might like this one. I mean, it's not running with backpacks of bricks." I grimaced at the memory. "Today it's flying."

I ignored the prickly sensation of excitement, instead acting disinterested, bored. "Didn't you guys like fight in a huge battle last year? I'd think you'd know how to fly."

"I think that's why we train as hard as we do now. Shiganshina taught us just how unprepared we were. We can't all use our gear like Captain Levi or Mikasa. A lot of us.... we were nothing compared to their power.  The only reason we made it out alive-" she paused grimly. I looked over from my meals to see her hesitate. "It was a miracle. But I don't know how far that miracle can take us."

I could read between her words. Sasha was one of the cadets in the heart of the battle of Shiganshina. She knew Eren was a Titan, along with the rest of her gaggle of friends. I wanted to confide in her for a brief second before squashing the thought, knowing Levi would jump on the fact I had snitched.

"So is it hopeless then? The fight against the Titans?" I said instead, shoveling more food in my mouth to stifle the urge. 

Sasha chewed a nail as she weighed that. "Maybe. But what else can we do, you know? Just sit and wait to die?"

"Maybe think of a better solution than dying in masses. You guys seem to lose- a lot. Not everyone can be an Ackerman, sure. But relying on them is a weakness in itself it seems."

Her brow quirked, slightly offended. "Okay we don't lose all the time. And you guys? You're one of us, last I checked. Why don't you go to Hange with your bright ideas and save us the trouble then?"

That's not my bloody job. I want to get out of here. I could give a shit less would you all do quite honestly. Is what I wanted to say.

"Like that madwoman would even listen. Strategy seems to be lost on the Scouts. We'd rather play with our gadgets or rely on moody Captains who have zero empathy for our lives."

Sasha gasped. I went back to my curry. And damn it was good. 

 

                              

 

During lineup, the cadets were still subject to Shaddess's humiliation as he screamed at them while the sun beat down on us all. Didn’t he say he had some fucking bootcamp to go back to? Leave, you pruny grape.

Even though I'm pretty sure I rolled my eyes, he never once glanced in my direction. I realized ever since that day Levi had stepped in and stopped him from going into me, Shaddess had never looked near me again. 

Odd.

Eren risked his wrath, however, as he caught my eye three rows ahead, tilting his neck my way. I cursed the moron. I watched as Armin hit his arm to get him to stand straight forward to no avail. 

Pay attention, idiot. I mouthed to him. 

Eren winked back at me, that stupid grin on his face. Never.

When he turned back, my stomach corkscrewed momentarily. It was hard to forget that just hours ago, that goofy dork in a bun was naked, wrapped up with me in a dingy closet, checkering my skin with kisses. 

The movement of Scouts unwrapped me from that thought, leading us down the trail to the ODM field. 

“You know what I'd kill to see?" Sasha smiled wryly. "A rematch between you and Mikasa. If I remember correctly, we haven't trained on our gear since. Wonder why that is..."

I pushed her, not smiling this time. "There's no way that had anything to do with it. You're ridiculous."

Sure, Levi had been mad I'd made a spectacle of myself, but to assume he was mad enough halt ODM was a leap. No one is that petty.

"Do you think you'd win hand to hand with her?" Sasha poked me and I swatted it away. 

"For me to know that I'd have to see her fight first. Stop pestering me."

"All I'm saying is," Sasha ignored me, bouncing with each step. "your fight was one of the craziest things I'd ever witnessed. I wanna see it again! And not just because I know I'd win in a bet against Connie."

I switched my head around hoping no one was listening to this loudmouth besides me. "It could've been a fluke for all you know. I had gotten some pretty good sleep the night before."

Sasha chuckled, radiating humor.  "There's no fluke that could beat Mikasa. Not even good sleep."

I chose to tune her out, refusing to go on with her relentless comparison. I thought back to seeing Mikasa for the first time basically attached to Eren's hip. It was no different today, as ahead of me the two seemed to be in deep conversation, heads close as they walked. 

It was still hard to tell if they were family, friends, or something else. I never gave it much thought other than slightly cringing at how entirely consumed she seemed to be with him. Even if they were lovers, it had no effect on me. Claiming someone wasn't something I did. My body was mine and mine to give as I please, along with my heart. 

Once we reached the gear racks, Captain Levi and Captain Hange stood nearby, ordering cadets. I ignored him as I walked past to put mine on. 

In seconds I was done. As I finished securing the chest strap, I looked up to find Levi watching my every move. His gaze was unreadable, lips slightly parted. The longer parts of his undercut had shifted over some of his eyes, leaving his silver stare to slice me through the strands. 

That when I realized his eyes weren't on me, they were on my neck. 

I tried to tilt my shoulders down to make my hair fall and cover me more. It didn't matter. His eyes were glued to that spot, scorching me in their intensity. 

After what seemed like forever, they flitted to a different spot. His face hardened even further and I knew he was looking at Eren. If looks could kill, Eren should've been a corpse. 

I struggled to keep up with Sasha as she bounded to the row of cadets lined up before the training grounds. Trying best I could, I pushed Levi out of my head once again, refusing to let that horrid man ruin my good day. 

While we stood and waited for further instruction, loud steps caught my attention next to me. The huge brutish blonde man-whose name I could never remember- stood by with a genuine smile, despite the piercing severity his blue eyes gave off. He had a strong jawline and hair was clean, sharp almost buzzed. He truly looked like a solider, more than most of them. 

"I saw you collapse the other day, back on the trail. How're holding up?" 

The concern was real, but there was something about him that felt off. A certain tenseness. I couldn't tell if he was waiting for an attack or was about to strike in how he held himself. 

"I'm okay, heat exhaustion’s a bitch." I waved a hand nonchalantly. 

His brows furrowed. "It was quite cool that day if I remember correct."

"Shh shh the program's starting," I said while I placed a hand on his back, turning him towards the Captain.

Before my eyes laid on the front, they found gleaming jade in the distance. Eren was watching our conversation, the dopey look no longer on his face. 

"Alright cadets shut up and listen!" Levi spoke barely at a yell. 

Everyone quickly quieted, attention on their Captain. 

"Today’s training will be an important exercise so make sure to pay attention. One of a Scout’s greatest weaknesses can be getting disarmed or stranded while injured. To a Titan it's an easy dinner. And you shits are terrible at saving your comrades. Embarrassingly terrible."

Next to me, the big guy tensed even further as I could hear him suck in breath. 

"So we have a special course in mind for you guys today. One that will teach you quick decision-making and how to fend off an attack while keeping your fallen comrade safe." 

Captain Levi then stopped, and took a step back to allow his partner Hange to continue. Her smile was wide, her teeth resembling ones’ of the very Titans in their diagrams. 

"There's going to be three separate groups with different jobs to do. You will switch with each round, so don't get comfortable. There will be the Victims spread across the woods and the grounds. They will be hidden or in various hard to find places. Then there are the Rescuers. You guys will be timed to see how many comrades you can save and get to the training tower." Hange points over to the eighty-foot tower Levi had thrown me off of a few days ago. 

“Then, the last group will be the Attackers. Our Titans, so to speak." even from here, the glint off her eyes almost blinded me. "They will be tasked in being the real obstacle. No deadly attacks are allowed, obviously, but try and keep the maiming to a minimum like always." I knew a part of her wanted that chance to happen. 

"Remember, this is a mission to also strengthen how fast you guys can work together. Think in sync. On the field, there's no time for hesitation to your squad. Working alone will only leave you dead." At that, she pointed her bright gaze to mine. 

"Let's begin."

 

 

                           

 

I tuned out every voice around me that was in a frenzied clamor– thirty or so cadets losing their minds over the fun new game. Their buzzing got to me, though, as my fingers started to twitch.

The wind threw my hair around. It was never down; I usually preferred a traditional Undergrounder braid that held some of my knives. Like this, my visibility was significantly reduced. I wanted to glare at Eren, cursing him for his eagerness.

Sasha smacked me on the shoulder. "I see that little smirk. You look exciteeed."

I tried to play it off, knowing that feeding the fire always came to bad shit on my end. 

Even though it'd been a while, I wouldn't forget the Captain’s constant warning. Slakers gang could have contacts in the Scouts yadda yadda. I didn't much care, it's not like they were a real threat to me. The more I thought, the more I started to convince myself. 

The Scouts couldn't possibly blow my trigger for doing good, right?

Most of my anxiousness had came from being sick and in shock since I'd arrived, but with my strength finally back so was my full resolve. 

That's when I realized a grin had spread across my entire face. My hands gripped my ODM handles and I turned back to Sasha. 

"You know what cowgirl? It looks like a nice day to make some cadets cry."

Hange began to read off the names, starting with the victims. A part of me hoped I wasn't in that lot. 

"GORDON KLIEN...REINER BRAUN....MINA CAROLINA...EREN JEAGER...BERTHOLT HOOVER...ARMIN ARTLET...NAC TIAS...CONNIE SPRINGER...." she listed three or so more names, luckily none of them mine. 

My mind flashed of that time I swooped up and threw Eren on my back in the dark woods. His easy laughter in my ear as I swung. Would I get to do that again today, I wonder?

"I feel bad for the suckers who’s gotta save Reiner." Sasha chuckled. "Pretty sure he'd break my lines." 

Reiner, who was apparently the guy who looks like he bench presses Titans for fun, still stood to my other side. If he heard, I had no clue. His face was stone rock. 

"NOW FOR THE RESCUERS. DON'T FORGET: YOUR OBJECTIVE IS TO GET AS MANY CADETS SAFELY TO THE WATCH TOWER AS YOU CAN IN FIVE MINUTES."

"FLOCH FORSTER...KRISTA LENZ...MIKASA ACKERMAN...THOMAS WAGNER...SASHA BRAUSS..." the ponytailed girl pouted. 

"But I wanted attacker," she said in a small whine. 

I stifled a laugh as Hange continued. 

"SAMUEL-LINKE JACKSON....DAY..."

My laughter hitched. Rescue? That really wasn't my forte. I was used to relying on me and me only. The few more in my group she named went unheard. 

Sasha gripped my shoulder and shook them with glee. "OHMY GOD I GOT MY WISH!!! A rematch! And I get to be there!!" she basically squealed as my shoulders began to hurt under her grip. 

I prayed Mikasa wasn't around to hear. Last thing I needed were two Ackermans out to get me. 

"You mean, you get a first class seat to me wiping the floor with your ass?" I smirked, throwing her hands off. 

Sasha raised her eyebrows with a challenge. "That may be, if they don't let me use my bow."

"That bow won't save you honey." I said with sass.

We both give each other competitors smiles. I was glad for her once again, for I wasn't thinking about one of the victims I'd have a chance to snap up. 

As Captain Hange moved onto the "Titans" I made sure to pay close attention. Always know what you're up against. Then again, it wouldn't matter much. 

"ATTACKERS- FOCUS ON SLOWING THE SAVIORS DOWN BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT. ALL WEAPONS ARE ALLOWED. JUST REMEMBER TO TRY AND NOT KILL YOUR TEAMMATES. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO PAIR UP AS THIS ENCOURAGES  TEAMWORK."

The silent serpents on my skin sung at the thought of being used. I doubt they'd allow my knives. I internally sulked. 

"HANNA DIAMANT....FRANZ KEFKA....ANNIE LEONHART....MYLIUS ZERAMUSKI...JEAN KIRSTEIN.....YMIR...DAZ MÜLLER....TOM HARTMANN...."

I didn't know quite of few of them, looking around to see who reacted to what. Two threats I knew of already- Annie and Ymir. Both were ruthless on ODM, no hesitation to be seen. 

Sasha taunted Jean, her favorite person next Connie to fight with. The two argued like siblings both casually threatening the others' life in the match.

"I haven't forgotten the last time we went against each other on this course, fucking ponytailed spud."

"All I’m hearing is neighhhhhh." 

Connie just whined among them. "I hate starting as the victim! It's so unmanly. Sasha- if you're the one to get me- please don't drop me, kay?"

I was more focused on picking out the rest of the attacking group. The one I was pretty sure named Franz Kafka seemed to be friends with another one of them, Mylius Zeramuski. They were both huge, almost as big as Reiner. The chance of them pairing seemed high, so I kept it at the back of my mind, along with the girls.

We all began to get in our designated places. The "heroes" were to meet on the same tower the challenge would end at. 

As Sasha and I made our way to it, I caught the eye of a certain red-scarfed woman. Mikasa walked near us, heading to the tower in a purposeful stride. To my dismay, her face was that of silent anger. 

We hadn't spoken since our match, the one that got me in so much trouble. Despite that, I could still hear the satisfying snap of her gear right before she plummeted with sheer surprise. 

Her back was as straight as a board as ten of us ascended the winding inner stairs of the structure. 

Once we reached the top, the shine of the sun momentarily blinded me. Reaching a hand up, I saw a bird fly nearby. Since we were almost a hundred feet in the air, it was relatively close to us. I tilted my head back and watched it circle overhead. It rode the winds among its white feathers, seemingly weightless. 

It was as if the universe was reminding me that no matter how excited I'd get over some stupid soldier game, I was still trapped.

A red-haired Scout with a sour expression bumped past me, breaking the spell. The push had caught me off guard, making me instinctually turn towards him with a snarl. 

"Watch where the f-"

"Okay cadets, listen up. The round starts in one minute. Look alive."

Captain Levi stood on the thin metal railing before jumping down smoothly to the floor. He crossed his arms and glared at Scouts who had been ripped from their conversations. 

Their obedience to this man blew me away, even now. The ginger prick turned around swiftly at full attention. Good god. 

Everyone spread out on the platform as the clock ticked down. Sasha stood by me, bouncing with excitement. Her ponytail swished around her like a mane, making me hope she'd never realize why I called her cowgirl. 

I took a moment to have one more look at my competition for the next five minutes. Mikasa was a straight-faced robot at the front, hands at her sides with silent confidence. 

Krista Lenz, the other half of Ymir, fiddled with her gear nervously in the corner. No threat. 

The other few were dumb-looking men. The rude redhead, then a tall man with a hairstyle that resembled a sloppy version of Levi's named Samuel-Linke Jackson, and Thomas Wagner. He was burly with pronounced blonde side burns, arms crossed, ambition alit in his eyes. 

After weighing my odds, which were good, I gripped my handle and waited.

Levi counted down from ten in a slow, monotone voice a few feet from me.  

"Five....four...three...two..."

His eyes flicked to mine for a brief second. My breath stopped. 

He spoke softer, face never leaving mine. "One."

Everyone disengaged their gear at once, shooting off the tower in different directions. I, however, was briefly held in place before I realized I needed to be moving. 

I stole one more glance at Levi, determined to repay him for the distraction. With a cocky wink, I took off at a run and, without firing a single line, launched myself right off the top.

Chapter 38: deliverance

Before the ground took me at full force, I attached my line to the nearest beam. With a pull, I shot straight up overlooking the field a hundred feet above. I raised my arms, suspended, and found my target.

My next grappling line was shot onto a Scout who was being held by Samuel. The girl flew from his grasp like a lightning bolt, propelled by the wire directly into my waiting arms as we descended through the air together.

Admist the man's angry shouts, I effortlessly soared  back to the tower in seconds, my first rescue in tow.

Not pausing as I flew, I swooped down and dropped her onto the empty platform with slight ease. My feet never touched the ground as I hurtled back to the game. 

In the air, I could see the thick of the action was near the end of the training ground lining the woods. Remembering Hange had said they'd be hidden everywhere, I instead shot into the woods. 

Sure enough, I saw gleam of someone's buckle in a branch just as I had burst through a thicket of leaves. 

"If you could come with me," I said cheerily to victim from below. 

Before they knew it, I had grabbed their legs and pulled them down right into my arms. Armin seemed genuinely surprised- which sent a tiny slice of pleasure through me. I made sure to be extra gentle on our trip back. After I had dumped him like a sack of potatoes below, I moved onto the next. 

Swiftly navigating the simulated chaos, a gust of wind shifted by me. Mikasa had a Scout on her back as she hurtled with blistering speed. However, she moved like someone who was accustomed to never being outmatched. Meaning: she was wide open. 

I just couldn't help myself as I attached a line onto her gear, blasting my air to get right up on them. Just as I was within arms reach, I used the momentum to wrench the victim right out of her grasp. In a spin, I positioned them into my arms, shooting my line immediately back to the tower. 

Before Mikasa even had time to react, I was halfway to the base. 

As I flew, my captured victim seemed to tremor with fear. I’m doing a poor job at the safe aspect of this course, I thought as I looked down to check on them. My stride almost faltered, for a cackling Eren was in my grasp.

"I was just thinking about you!" A husky breath fought against the wind in my ear. 

This idiot. 

He was so warm I was almost sad to drop him down. 

The rest of the match was spent trying to find the stragglers, four or so victims well hidden from our fast-paced view. I went high, shooting up in the air near the farthest side of the field. A juicy cherry atop a cake, Reiner sat on the highest spire of the jungle gym. 

To my demise, he was laying flat when I arrived, as if he was playing injured. I was plenty strong, but Reiner was a different type of big. It was going to be shit getting him up.

That's when it hit me. A metal fork being tuned. I stood up straight.

I hadn't seen a single attacker this entire time. Not near me. 

Just in time, I heard the collective whizz of gear being engaged around the spire. I had been surrounded on all sides. Perching atop a bar near Reiner, I put a hand on my hip and sighed dramatically.

"Ever heard of overkill?" I called out. 

My hands moved onto my handles but I didn't withdraw the blades. I took a glance around me, shocked to see almost every one of the ten cadets had came together.

Well A+ plus on the teamwork, I'll say that much. 

The flash of Annie's blonde hair came into view, and before I knew it- she was coming right at me. My soles balanced on the beam, I sidestepped right before her blades sliced my face. So much for the no maiming. 

I hadn't forgotten about the other threat, as Ymir to my left came for me to knock me off balance. Stepping off the beam, I dropped down to the wooden platform Reiner layed on. Using the gravity, I pulled us both into a hard roll, going right off the edge to the ground. 

"Oh my god are you crazy!" A now-alive Reiner screeched with terror. The victim just grasped my midsection with his arms and legs frantically, almost trying to claw his way off of me. 

Right before we hit the ground, I attached the line, shooting us off over the course. Through the wind I could hear the gas of the group of Scouts headed my way. 

Under normal circumstances they would've been left in the dust. But this man had to be made of fucking rocks. I almost buckled under the weight for just a moment before throwing him to the middle to center our flight. 

Instead of staying still like a good dumb hunk, Reiner squirmed and flailed. At one point, his leg jostled one of my gears, causing us to veer off. 

"Behave!" I snarled to him, shooting off a stream of gas trying to make up for lost time.

It was too late. Even with the tower just yards away, I could feel the swarm gain on me. My hair was stuck in my face- which didn't help my peripheral- so I had no clue if an attack was coming from the sides. 

Before they could reach me, I shot my next line straight onto the tower. Instead of going straight up, I swerved off to the right, taking a huge swing around the building. 

On the other side I ascended, dropping Reiner with a rolling impact. Landing on my feet, I stood and brushed myself off. 

"Next time, ask the damsel in distress if she comes with a warranty before you go breaking her." 

My arms froze once I realized I was a foot from Levi. Not just that, but the ten Scouts chasing me were on the platform too along with the rescuers and victims. Guess the match was over. 

Captain Levi's hellfire stare was flitting from me to a groaning Reiner below. It really had been a rough impact. He had seem to have taken the brunt of the force. One arm lay crooked and blood was strewn across his face from a broken nose.

I winced. "Fuck Reiner that's my bad."

He didn't reply, due to blood no doubt in his mouth. 

Levi somehow got closer. "Your bad? He's only hurt because you're reckless. Stupid. What if that had been his neck? Or his spine?"  

I could feel every Scout on the tower holding their breath. 

"Well it was a training exercise. Why don't you tell me how to fix it, then?"

The Captain stared at me for a beat with a snarl still on his lips. 

Instead of responding to me, he spun on his heel to address the crowd. 

"Everyone line up! Now!"

His temper seemed to be as fragile as Reiner's arm. I kneeled down to Reiner, ignoring Levi’s order, to inspect the damage. Luckily, the both breaks had been clean.

"Again, my bad man. Here," I took his bloodied face in one hand. With the other, I grabbed his nose and in a firm grip, adjust it with a swift, assertive twist. The audible crack and Reiner's groan followed. I patted him twice of the cheek and stood.

"What a trooper." Grinning, I gave a thumbs up and joined the others.

Sasha shook her head at me when I sauntered up. 

"I'll never understand your lack of fear over quite possibly the world's most terrifying man."

I guffawed, earning a few worried glances. "Please, maybe that neckerchief is cutting his airway off, making him all hot headed."

"Sina's sake I'm gonna die if keep being your friend."

Reiner began to be patched up by Hange who had just arrived. I had watched her briefly speak to Levi, her eyes sliding my way. Her wacky smile held crooked on her face, no doubt fueling Levi's rage. 

"Okay brats listen up. Before I release the stats of this match, let's brush up on some of our rescuing etiquette. It's not enough to save the victim in the fastest amount of time. A smart Scout will assess the risk before extraction then take precautions to minimize the danger." 

I didn't even need to look his way to know where his words were directed.

"Stay low and controlled when you fly with a hurt teammate. Minimize sharp turns, keep them centered on your back. If they're heavier than you, have them in a good position before you take off. Never cost a comrades' life over your arrogance."

He then clapped once, making a few people ahead of me jump. 

"Now for the stats."

I saw movement nearby and Mikasa turned with a scowl, glaring at me next to Eren. She was probably even more miffed after I'd snatched him right out of her arms earlier. 

Wincing internally, I cursed. It hadn't been intentional. I didn't want tension between us, we had barely even spoken since I'd came here and I could feel her cold hatred a mile away. 

"Floch Forster: one rescue in five minutes. Thomas Wagner: zero rescues. Krista Lenz: one. Samuel Linke-Jackson: one."

The tall boy with the dark undercut flashed a nasty look my way. I winked back. 

"Sasha Brauss: two. Mikasa Ackerman: two rescues. Day: three rescues."  

I frowned despite the frenzied clamor afterwards. It was technically four.

Once the next match and the fact that we were switching groups was announced, everyone moved in chaos. Multiple cadets swarmed me trying to ask how I beat Mikasa again on the field. 

I slipped out without notice, moving to the edge where Sasha stood. Connie and Jean were besides her, eyes already on me. Before the trio could barrage me I stomped right up to Jean. He had been part of the attacking squad that had almost got me. 

"What the hell was that back there? I mean, it was brilliant, but still."

Jean just threw his head back and laughed. "All Annie's idea. Girl's downright scary when she wants to be. When we asked her why, she just shrugged and said she wanted to see what you'd do."

I huffed lightly. "That cost me a rescue. Very annoying of her."

I thought back to the other day, when she had picked my team for the Titan course in the woods. Her response then had been just as nonchalant. I want to see her fight.

"Well you guys are lucky you got some action during your match," Connie whined loudly. "I just got to see Floch's pecs the whole time. Dammed idiot. Carried me like a baby the whole ride!"

My fun was had and once again, the clamor that followed crowded my ears. I ignored Sasha and her friends as they gab on about the match. 

A chill up my spine had alerted my senses as I headed to the rail to leave. Since our next assignment was the victim squad, all I had to do now was find a good hiding spot till the countdown. Just as I was about to step off the rail, something caught my eye. 

Captain Levi had almost made his way to me with a stern look on his face. Before he had the chance to scold me for it all, I promptly left the tower.

 

 

Since I was to play the strategically-placed victim, I first had to go to the gear rack to remove mine. Fortunately, I had a head start on everyone so I had the pick of spots. 

My pride reared it's head at the thought of being picked up like some damned Scout maiden. It had been plenty of fun to do, but the other way around- not too much. I wouldn't trust anybody on ODM gear that wasn't me. 

My choice had been made. I snuck into the woods at a light run. Since my  energy had returned almost better it was easier to enjoy the thrill of these sorts of things. Sure, I was still captive, but at least I could find the fun in all of it again. That was my specialty. 

Once I heard the distance zips of Scouts going into their places, I began to climb a towering tree. I made sure to move with the leaves as to not draw attention to myself. While I ascended, the groups ran through my head.

Eren's group was now the attacking team, who would certainly be riled up from his contagious eagerness. Not much of a worry, though the ones in his group weren't known to be delicate. I'd have to watch their blades. 

Annie's group had become the rescue group. After their targeted attack, I'd hope my difficult to find spot gave them some trouble. Ymir liked to fly low anyhow, and Annie didn't shy from a fight so I hoped she'd stay on the field. 

As I reached top of the massive tree, Levi's gloves flashed into mind as my hands burned. I'd seen him wear them occasionally, usually white or leathered black. Always the prim and proper one, he was. It almost repulsed me how a hair was never out of place. 

Why's that damned asshole in your mind at a time like this? 

A hand missed the bark. The scratch startled me as I held tight. That's when I realized how high I had gotten. Finding footing on a nearby branch, I turned in awe to the view.

I was high above the grounds. Everything seemed to be so expansive, going on for miles. The true openness of the world above still held me in shock. 

Though I could I see the match starting in full force yards in the distance, it felt so very far from me in my silent treetop. For just the briefest moment- I was totally alone. 

My eyes closed. I drew in a breath. Forgetting momentarily of my plan to hide in the leaves, I set my face right on the sun above to soak its close warmth. 

A high-pitched whirring broke my peace. 

Some ways below in the treetops, a Scout moved at an alarming pace. Before I could see who it was, I dropped down to hide in the branches. I held my breath and hoped they hadn’t just seen me. 

The universe, like always, listens in a funny way. Right as I thought I was in the clear and the noise had seemed to leave, a short spurt right next to me made me jump off the branch without a thought.

I landed on a branch a few feet below, hopefully out-maneuvering them. I'd been gearless in getaways plenty of times before as I hopped nimbly from branch to branch. 

"You should've worn that pretty hair of yours up today." A monotone voice called from above. "Practically impossible to spot."

Annie. 

"You went all this way for me, huh? That's a shame, I plan to run out the clock!" I laughed back as I took a big leap, halfway to the bottom. 

"Oh well. You're the prized chicken of the day, it seems. And I want a ribbon." Annie sneered from just a few feet above. 

"Flattered. See you in four minutes!" I cheekily called back.

I then took a small step off my branch, deciding to plummet down the quick way. Right before the end, I grabbed onto a bottom limb, using the swing to slow my fall as I landed to the forest floor. As soon as my feet hit the ground I was running. 

Ducking through undergrowth I made my way deeper into the woods. Annie zipped through the trees above me, seemingly unable to get a good view.

"Are the victims supposed to make it this hard?" She yelled. "Thought you were the injured one!"

"Call it payback!" I responded, never slowing. 

I took sharper turns, making it hard for her to maneuver around the trees. Annie, seemingly fed up with my game, shot a few yards ahead with a grunt then dropped down in my path.

Thankfully the tiny, menacing blonde didn't have her blades out, despite the sharp glint in her pale blue eyes. I slowed just a few feet from her.

"Some people are calling you the next Captain Levi. Why's that?"

My surprise completely halted my steps. "What? Is this the reason you've been on my heels like a hound since I've arrived? You mad about your grades or something?"

For some reason, the look on her face made my hands hover near a hidden blade. 

"I just don't recognize you from boot camp is all. Then here comes the most memorable soldier I've ever met. Bit odd." Her tone was flippant but I could feel the accusation.

I matched her easy tone and placed a hand on my hip. "I wasn't aware it was your job to pry into the matters of the Scouts. Seems a bit above your pay grade."

My lazy insult had annoyed her more than I had thought as her lip moved in a slight snarl. 

"You never answered my question. How can you be as good as Captain Levi? Who are you, Day?"

Though there was a whole fight behind me, between the leaves it felt like the two of us for miles. I cursed having no gear. Could she be one of Slaker's men? My fingers twitched. 

A gang hire sent to kill me? My lift had felt like ages ago, but the mob bosses's feelings were probably no less sore. 

I decided to deflect, assess. 

"Please, come on. Captain Levi? Humanity's Greatest? That's quite a statement over a few wins in training matches. He's saved real lives." My sarcasm I hoped was only internal, for Annie seemed hard to trick.

The short girl glared for a silent moment. "Don't play with me. Everyone else might buy your dumb act, but I don't. I guess I'll just have to see for myself." she sighed.

I raised an eyebrow. "See what?"

Annie smirked. "If it's true."

She whipped her ODM blades out of their sheaths and put them together in an X. The girl then charged at me full speed. I only had mere seconds to dodge her. I spun to the left and aimed a kick to her side to throw her off balance. 

To my surprise, Annie stumbled but didn't fall. The girl was stronger than she looked. Something I knew alot about.

Her face gave nothing away as she shot at me over and over as I dodged getting sliced in half. I had the vague feeling that she was trying to kill me- or at the very least see if she could. 

Once Annie realized she wasn't going to land a placed blow, she grunted and started a series of rapid attacks. It forced me to dance in between trees to avoid her. The speed rivaled Mikasa's, yet she possessed genuine combat expertise. 

After one particular swing that cut through a tree trunk, I noticed the peculiar glow to Annie's eyes. It helped give away where she was about to go since I just went where those eyes weren't. 

The familiarity of a silent predator trying to decapitate me led me to taunt.

"Is this the best you got? Come on you have the easy part, I'm unarmed!" I laughed heartily after she missed a devastating blow to my abdomen. 

"Don't you have a match to get back to? Can't believe you'd rather spend your time losing here!" I dashed through the lower branches near her, making it impossible to use gear to follow me.

"Almost there!!" I sniggered behind her.

As I continued, Annie's attacks shifted from strategy to sheer aggression. Despite the imminent eruption of her annoyance, not a single droplet of sweat lined her brow. Her stamina was insane.  

What was it gonna take to get her to knock this off? It was a bit to early for me to be killing off comrades.

Annie lunged at me with fierce determination, and in a swift move, I spun around the trunk of a nearby tree. As she charged past, our paths intersected seamlessly, allowing me to deftly grab one of her hilts mid-air. Harnessing the momentum of the maneuver, I gracefully descended to the ground, now armed with the stolen sword.

"Let's wrap this up, shall we? If you weren't going to kill me then, you definitely won't now." I gave a wry smile, putting the blade on my shoulder casually. 

The cadet only looked on in anger. Her eyes flashed murderously. 

"So, is your only tactic playing games?" Her flat voice spat.

I just tilted my head, blade still perched, and walked a half circle in front of her. 

“You’re lucky you caught me in a playful mood. I think you know I could've ended this whenever I pleased." My tone was light but my eyes narrowed. All this because of that damn kerchiefed princess once again. 

Annie scoffed, fist tightening on her hilt as she took a wide stance."That's yet to be determined. Maybe stop holding back and we'll have a real fight, Day." 

I flipped the ODM blade around in my hand as she prepared her attack. Though a part of me itched to throw my back into it, things always ended much to quick for my liking when I did.

My jaw clenched. "I don't need to prove to anyone my skill especially when it involves Captain Levi. Now, whatever it is you're doing needs to stop."

She just stared at me unblinking. "But you haven't bled yet."

Before I knew it, she had reached back and thrown her sword full speed at my face. I put my own blade sideways to block to impact. Grabbing hers before it hit the ground, I put the two swords now in my possession at an X, like hers earlier.

I charged at her. For a second, she looked mildly worried as she saw the edge come to her neck. I kept it against her jaw, the other one pointed behind her shoulder. Taking just the slightest step forward, I let the blade sink into her neck a bit. 

"Are we done here?" I breathed across the steel, hair on my face. 

Annie’s face was set in a grim line. She managed to look down at me over her prominent nose. Dissatisfaction was a look seemingly etched on those stoic features. 

"No."

Suddenly, her hand shot up and a prick sensation stung on my cheek. A tiny dagger on what looked like a ring had cut me. Despite the sudden pain, I stood my ground with swords to her neck. 

"Now I'm done," the small blonde smiled eerily. 

My pure shock let her exit without much fuss. I kept her swords though. Blood seeped from the cut and dropped down onto my uniform as real anger began to take its hold. 

The cut reminded me too much of a certain one Captain Levi had left me a while ago. And just like right now- it was due to someone else's game. Not mine. So what the fuck was her angle? 

It was bad enough being compared to that bastard once again. Now I'm getting jumped in the woods for it.

All of Annie’s reasons were off. It definitely wasn’t just because she didn’t recognize me from boot camp. And seeing me bleed? Was she just a hot sadist? Because if so, I felt that. 

Inhaling deeply, I slid the swords into an X shape on my back, securing them within the straps wrapping my body. I wanted everyone to know I was the reason that unpleasant, buff girl was weaponless. 

Back at the training arena, the match had concluded and announcements were being held by Hange at the tower. I left the blood on my face as I walked towards it and ascended. Twigs and dirt lined my uniform and mussed hair. On the bright side, hickies were the last thing they'd be worried about now. 

When I entered the platform, I stood tall and scanned the crowd for Annie. The Captain's voice ringing across the crowd faltered upon seeing me and I glanced over to an agape Hange. 

Captain Levi who was next to her in a stiff stance shifted, his eyes searing into mine. A deep frown set onto his mouth, one that said how many times can you possibly fuck up today?

Everyone followed the Captain's gaze to me, the victim adorned in blood and another's weapons. I flashed them all a cocky grin, wiping some of the crimson from my jaw as I did. 

"As I was... as I was saying," Hange cleared her throat. "The winners of this round are Ymir with two, Cadet Kirstein with two, and Daz Müller with two. Now we will break for lunch and continue the last match after."

Before anyone could approach me- Levi especially- I darted right back down the winding stairs. I could already hear my name from the voices above as I swiftly departed. 

It's not like I asked for any of this. I cursed angrily. I don't even want to bloody be here.  And somehow I always become the exact opposite of left alone. 

Once along the trail I pondered what to do next. I really wanted to find Annie and teach her the time and place for a fight. My neck itched at that thought. Again, killing will no doubt be the quickest way to that poison trigger being pulled. 

For a brief moment I considered confiding in Eren. I quickly decided against it however, he seemed intensely loyal to his regiment and that unfortunately included Annie. Which eliminated Sasha as a confidant too. 

The more I walked the more I knew who would actually listen to the problem. Though it disgusted me, I knew exactly where to go. 

 

 

 

Not bothering to clean up, I sat in Levi's pristine leather office chair, muddy boots up in the armrest. My usual detest for the dirty had seemed to fade the longer I was above ground. 

My swords I had taken from Annie leaned against the wooden desk. I hadn't been inside his office besides the time I stole my knives back, and I had never noticed how meticulously neat it was. Not a single pen out of place.

It made me want to sling my arms across the table, to get a tiny slice of joy from disturbing his peace. 

Instead I held myself and waited, head leaned back to gaze out of the window as I imagined myself the rigid leader who sits here everyday.  
My eyes had just begun to shut when the slam of a door jolted me alert. 

"You must have a particular death wish today," Levi hissed with malice as he stomped towards me. 

I raised my hands in jest, unfazed. "I do not in fact, that's why I'm here. Seems you and a certain cadet have something in common. You both want me gone."

His silver eyes narrowed. "The hell are you talking about? And get the fuck out of my chair."

I stayed, my smile only stretching. "You should be happy! I came to you instead of disposing of her like I usually would. That's growth, I'd say."

A vicious growl tore out of him. "I'll be happy when you learn how to behave!" He then strode forward and gripped my collar tight. A mere inch away from his face, I could see all the hatred up close. 

Levi lifted me into the air then threw into the chair across from the desk with inhuman strength. He wiped the chair down with a napkin from his pocket while I rolled my eyes, unfazed still. 

Once he sat, he spoke in a low voice. "I should make you get on your hands and knees and scrub this entire office all day for you bringing your filth in here."

I laughed off the feeling in my stomach. His dark hair had fallen into his eyes that were cutting me from across the desk. 

"If I'm in your office all day, won't I just bring in more of my filth then?"

He scowled. "Spit out what you're here to say before my restraint ends, cadet."

I gave him a salute with a wave of my hand. "Sir yes sir," I drawled. Ignoring the huff from Levi, I continued. "It's one of your cadets, Captain. Seems she was set in getting me alone in the woods to kill me. Or at least, see if she could."

The expression on that pale face never changed. However, one of his fingers began to twirl a pen ferociously.

"I don't blame her. You were quite obnoxious at todays' training." 

"Helpful. Real helpful. I knew coming to you was a great idea." I said in a deadpanned voice, slouching back into the chair.

"You at least could’ve washed off before bothering me with this. She obviously wasn't successful, so you can go and leave me to my very short lunch." His eyebrows were creased, as if I was giving him a headache.

"Fine. If you're gonna to be this useless, at least tell me what you know about Annie Leonhart."

"Watch it," his tone hardened. "What makes you think I'd tell you the time of day, let alone confidential government information?"

Sitting up a bit, I smiled. "Oh, so it's confidential is it? Why's that?"

"All of our cadets information is confidential to the likes of you. Everyone else may have forgotten you're a scheming criminal, but I haven't."

I put my arms on the chair to thrust my face forward. "But yet you can't remember the Under City gang out for blood! Mine in particular. Maybe I should bring this problem higher up to get some real answers."

His resolve stayed miraculously as he took a deep inhale. "Insolent fucking brat, that's all you are," he said under his breath at the release.

"Annie Leonhart was in Shiganshina. A year ago. Before you had ever stolen from that sorry excuse of a gang. Any suspicious people would be new ones, like yourself. Not the cadets who've bled for the cause."

"Ah yes, the great glory of war seems to make you all untouchable. I forget." 

With that, I flip my hair out of my bloodied face and stand. Levi's gray eyes flicked to my neck for a millisecond before landing back on me with an impassiveness. 

"The one correct thing you've done since coming here was bringing this to me Day- cadet. Even if it was pointless."

I gave him my signature half-assed salute before turning to leave. This was the longest I'd ever been alone with the man, I was quickly realizing, and I wanted to get out of his domain. 

Just as my hand was reaching for the door, he spoke to me still sitting at the desk. "For being the worthless runt you are, it is quite peculiar you managed you disarm Cadet Leonhart of both of her weapons while unarmed." 

It might have been a subtle trick, but I could swear I caught a hint of praise slipping from Captain Levi's lips.

Turning, I wink at him and wiggle my fingers. "I'm just good with my hands is all." 

Before he could reply, I swiftly spun on my heel and darted out the door. Along the corridors to my dorm, my cocky grin dropped. 

With every step, all I tried to do was erase the imprint of those gray eyes from my mind.

Chapter 39: waver

The thread that tugged on Levi as Day walked out of his office drove him mad. Since Hange's revelation yesterday about “awakened Ackerman powers”- it took all his might to ignore.

But how could he.

As soon as he saw her this morning walking across the dining hall, adorned in hastily hidden love marks that had burned his irises, his breath had left. Even as the bane of his sanity, the Undergrounder was stunning. 

Levi wanted to blame it all on the curse he had seemingly been bestowed, but that seemed too easy. Hange had made no comment of his entire existence being on fire by hers. So where the hell was this coming from? 

Slamming his hands onto his desk, he groaned. Even in the quiet of his office there was no peace. His eyes flicked to a spot of dirt left by her boots. What a mess.

She had looked so serene earlier, lounging in his chair. Anyone else and they'd be missing a limb. Perhaps the state of his new recruit had thrown him off. Blood had dried on half of her face, leaving stains like battle marks. Though it masked her features, he knew he was seeing a truer version of blonde. 

Day seemed hell bent on procuring an issue with every single top-ranked Scout. Papers were spread out for Levi's attention but he'd given up before even sitting down. Instead, he tilted his head back and massaged his temples. 

Half of him wanted to find Erwin and tell him everything. Their fearless leader always seemed to have an answer for it all. Surely he could figure out this malady. 

“It's your Ackerman instincts Levi- don't you get it? They've activated. For how long, I'm not sure. I almost thought they never would after I saw you with Erwin.”

Levi grimaced. He couldn't possibly tell Erwin his mind wasn't his own- not just that- but it would bring into question his loyalty to Erwin himself. Why hadn't it had picked him back then? He'd served him for years unwaveringly faithful, until recently. The thief's arrival wasn't possibly the cause for his falter- right?

The questions brimming Levi's head began to swell as he stood with a start. The office was beginning to suffocate him.

 

 

Before too long, lunch had ended and the cadets swarmed their way back to the course. It was the last match of the day and everyone was bumbling with excitement. 

Captain Levi sat on a metal bar above them all while they put gear on. Buzzes filled his ears while the Scouts gossiped about his problem child #2.

"God she's attacking squad this round. I feel bad for the unlucky souls on rescue." A cadet from below groaned. 

"Well you saw how she did as a victim! Came back covered in blood!" 

"Did you ever find out whose swords those were?! There's no fucking way she got them off a geared up Scout." Samuel-Linke Jackson sneered, throwing his gear on angrily. "That bitch should be disqualified."

Levi contemplated dropping his ODM blade down on his head for the briefest of seconds.

One of Samuel's meathead friends joined in, no doubt still wounded from getting zero in his rescue match with her. 

"That girl's obviously cheating somehow, you guys give her too much credit. No way the scrawny cunts' more powerful than Mikasa." 

Thomas Wagner was a big man so his voice carried across the group. A certain someone picked up his insult and before Levi could really shut these dumb shits up, Eren made his way over.  

Usually Levi'd jump in and end their bullshit before it could start, but today he held himself. In the far distance, Sasha and Day approached, oblivious to the situation. He knew that if she was here right now, the loud-mouthed buffoons wouldn't have uttered a word.

Right below, dumbass #1 had made his way to the pair of men. Eren's usual smile took on a more menacing appearance, resembling the open-toothed snarl of his Titan. 

"Maybe you guys should speak up, the 'scrawny cunt' almost heard you." Eren throws his arms around the two as the grin gets bigger. "Or better yet, why don't you go ask her for a rematch? I'm sure you'd win this time around." 

Samuel and Thomas give eachother glances then over to Day's gradually approaching figure. 

"All we're sayin is," the botched undercutted moron scoffs. "There's something fishy going on. The girl wins too much for it to be just talent."

"You should be just as mad as us!" Thomas points at Mikasa who stands glowering silently by Eren. 

"I'd take her in a one on one. Ten seconds bitch would be laid flat-" Samuel didn't even have time to laugh at his idiocy before he was gasping for air on the ground. 

Eren seemed to have picked up some moves from his current lover, who had hooked a leg around Samuels' to use his own weight to throw him down. 

"You mean like that?" the Titan kept his menacing grin and he crouched down. "Come on, call her a bitch again, Linke."

The cadet just gasped for breath as Wagner tried to help him up but got pushed away. 

"Your little girlfriend can't fight her own battles?" his breath came out in furious huffs. 

"I can actually, but only one's worth my time." Day's arrogant voice rung out through the cadets. When Levi's eyes landed on her, those brown eyes were right on him, the first one to notice his position above.

Samuel was fully up by this point as he pushed Eren to the side and stormed up to the short blonde. Her soft smirk held on her lips as she tilted her neck up to him. His buddy, Thomas, stayed behind with apprehension.

Even from up here, Captain Levi could feel the girl itching to antagonize. It was her God given speciality after all. 

"If only your skills were half as good as your whining. But since you insist, why don't you ask one of the rescuers to switch places with you then?" 

He saw the tall boy pale slightly, trying to conceal a gulp. Once again, one was armed at the moment and she was not. But you'd never know it looking at their expressions. 

Levi knew she probably had those illegal daggers on her- but realized with the smallest feeling of relief that he'd yet to see her use those on a fellow Scout. 

"Right," Linke let out a strangled sounding laugh, straightening up still in her face. "Like the Captains would even allow that." 

"Then why the hell are you squawking around?" she flitted her hand dramatically. "Maybe try and actually win this round then we'll talk." 

The cadet grit his teeth. For a second, Levi thought he was going to flat out punch her in the face. That's exactly what she wants. 

Sure, he should've intervened a while ago but still. This made for delightful entertainment. 

Samuel kept towering over Day with contempt, unable to retort back. She lunged at him before stopping right at his gear handle, watching him flinch back in alarm. A laugh escaped the Undergrounders' lips with ease and she then pushed past him, seemingly done. 

To everyone's extreme surprise, she approached Mikasa who regarded her with reserved prudence. 

"Can we chat before our match?"

The girl touched her scarf then no doubt looked to Eren. Once she let go, she gave Day a short nod which caused a beaming grin to break out on her face in return. 

The breaths and murmurs the cadets had been holding in let out after that, swallowing the moment up in clamor. The two deadly women walked off together to the gear rack, leaving a stunned trio of men in their place. 

Even Levi hadn't saw that coming, if one person had surely hated the new recruit it was going to be Mikasa. If the two reconciled it could be...terrifying for the recruits. 

 

 

 

Once it was time to join up in their last assignments, Hange had arrived and was taking charge of readying the attackers. Victims scattered around trying to find the best hiding spot while the final saviors followed Levi to the tower. 

Every single recruit was riled up from the events of today making him slightly nauseous. He just knew this one would be more annoying than the rest. 

The only thing that made him feel better were the names of the cadets in his group. None of them had a real issue with Day other than Armin. But even she knew going full throttle on him would just be cruel. 

The blonde boy was currently scolding his best friend as they ascended the tower. Connie cackled loudly behind them, trying to egg them all into a bet to see if Day would break something of Samuel's by the end of the match. 

“You really shouldn’t cause problems like that, Eren. Day can obviously fend for herself.” 

"Whaat a heroic dumbass!" The bald head taunted. 

Eren ignored them both, his green eyes shining. "She's scary when she wants to be. That weakling even flinched!" The smitten boy couldn't hide his awe even among his closest friends. 

Levi just rolled his eyes and got as far from them as possible on the platform. Before it began, he addressed the ten cadets with crossed arms. 

"I want all of you knuckle heads to keep in mind- this isn't to show off. This is to hone your skills so you don't get eaten by monsters like hundreds before you. Try and remember that. The purpose of this is to get your comrades back safe. That's it. Got it?"

A swarm of salutes followed along with "Sir yes sir!"

After the brats had flown off, Captain Levi leapt onto the railing to watch. His eyes immediately scanned for shades of gold before he stopped himself. 

Oddly enough, she was nowhere to be found on the field. In her absence, the others in her group had begun their attacks. Sasha stayed in one spot and shot arrows from above to unsuspecting cadets. As she notched another and went to shoot it at Armin's gear, she faltered and her arrow clunked to the ground from meters above. 

Hurtling towards the cadets from both sides of the arena were bolts of gold and black. 

In a coordinated attack, the two girls appeared out of thin air and began to wreak havoc on all sides. As they passed, cadets dropped to the ground, their victims being plucked from their grasp and placed back on the beams in seconds. 

It had been the most efficient maneuver he'd seen in all his years of training. Erwin himself would've been envious at the sheer speed and direction these two moved with. 

In under a minute, Scouts lay littered among the dirt in waves of confusion. Eren had seemingly been spared along with one other cadet, Samuel Linke-Jackson. 

If he hadn't been so mad at her once again being sneaky, he'd be wholly impressed. In sync, the two became an extremely deadly pair. 

Day flipped onto a open platform a few yards from him. Her partner stayed off to a distance, going back to being a grim statue. 

This time, Samuel wasn't cowering. Instead, he brandished his blades and stood his ground. "Come get me, you scheming bitch."

Day just smiled and shook her head. Extending a hand, she beckoned him to make the first move. Linke spat off his bar with a growl in response. 

He then shot his line to her pedestal, hurtling towards her with a shout. With form no scout should ever use, both swords were held together to deliver a devastating blow enough to slice her in half. 

Levi went to jump off the tower but stopped. The strike had been halted, but he hadn't seen her move her swords. They were sheathed. Instead, both hands held Samuel's connected blades with ease, a grin reflecting over them to the bewildered cadet. 

Upon closer inspection, Levi noticed her delicate hands had been covered in dark gloves. Gloves that very closely resembled a particular leather pair he hid in his desk. How the hell did she manage to get them to fit? 

In the midst of Samuel's shock, Day merely gave him a slight shove, making him fall towards the ground. He could tell the boy was too dazed to react so with a sigh, he shot off the tower. Catching him just in time, he threw him to the ground and shot right back up to Day.

"At this point, I'm running out of ways to scold you. Which is quite a shame, I'm very creative." Levi said in a cold tone behind her.

Mikasa had made herself scarce as this one should have done. To his annoyance, she just huffed and turned to him with a light grip on her handles. 

"I followed the rules," she had the audacity to pout. "All the victims are safe and sound, the rescuers are immobilized. Do you know how irritating it is to constantly hold back?"

Levi just clenched his jaw and ran a gloved hand through his hair. "You know this was over the top. I don't have to spell it out for you, Dahlia.”

The thief sucked in a breath hearing her real name aloud once again. He'd be lying if he said didn't like the widened, almost worried look she gave him afterwards.

"Not too mention a certain cadet didn't attend this match. Why is that?" his eyes narrowed into slits.

With just the two of them atop the metal platform, she gave him the full extent of her attitude. In a dramatic sigh, she threw her hands up. "Couldn't tell you. I promise I didn't even hurt her. The worst injury on that girl is from chasing me through the fucking woods."

When he'd first met Day, he had written off everything out of her mouth as a lie. But the more he got to know her, he began to learn her little tells. And begrudgingly enough, she was telling the truth. 

"Fine. But today you've behaved particularly bad. Isn't the after hours training enough for you to let off some steam? Or is it not enough until you prove you can beat up every person here?" Captain Levi spat, letting some of his bubbling anger loose. 

"Hey you could at least be happy I made up with Mikasa! And I even worked with her!" the cocky girl ignored his hostility while giving herself a verbal pat on the back. "Honestly, that's the first time I've ever coordinated a paired attack."

"Yes yes you finally played nice with one person. What about the twenty other you've royally pissed off, brat?" 

Day just crossed her arms, displeased. "The objective was to win, so I won. The hell's the big fuss about?"

"The fuss," he hissed. "is that I can't look away from you for two seconds without you completely making a mess of wherever you're at."

The blonde grumbled back. "So what, I'm just supposed to lose all the time? And let small minded fucks parade around giving me shit?"

"This is exactly why I told Erwin to not put someone's who isn't a soldier in with seasoned recruits. You lack so much discipline it's a wonder I can't beat it out of you." The mans' threads of resolved picked away at his brain. He pressed the bridge of his nose. 

"There will come a time where this won't be a fun little game to you anymore," he warned. "Don't come crying to me when that happens, cadet."

Before Day could give him her endless supply of witty retorts, Levi leapt off the beam, leaving her alone on the empty field. 

 

==============================================================

 

 

"Well, while the rest of you were," she cleared her throat, "distracted- Eren managed to get three victims to safety! Gooo Cadet Jeagerrr!" 

Hange's cheers bounced off blank faces, all pointed right to me and Mikasa. The tall brunette just stood on as unbothered as ever while I shifted into another winning smile. I was happy her and I were cool now, so I didn't care about much else. 

Once I had seen another stupid cadet try and go after her name- all due to me winning in a stupid match- had set me off. Samuel could talk all the trash he wanted about me, but to go after someone I truly had no issue with rubbed me wrong. 

"Listen, I think you're actually awesome as fuck and whatever problems everyone else has made up, I want us to have none. Don't you think the two of us could be lethal as shit if we worked together? I was never messing with you, every fight between us I've fought with respect."

My words had come out in a jumbled mess, having been bottled up since I first defeated her on the field. As terrifyingly stoic as Mikasa seemed, I could have swore I saw the girls' cheeks redden at my brashness.

After a few seconds, she gave me a terse nod laced with the tiniest of smiles. "Think you can keep up?" 

I beamed back. "I'll be the one in white who’s coating you in my dust."

 

After the end of todays' training, the cadets dispersed with angry grumbles and Sasha sauntered her way towards me. 

Once she arrived, I realized Mikasa had disappeared from my side. "I don't know what the hell you've been drinking lately, but you were on fire!"

The easy grin that always came with seeing my perky roommate plastered my face as I roped an arm around her shoulders. 

"You know I'm going to have to barricade the door tonight, right? I feel like someone's gonna come try and kill you in your sleep." She laughed in my face as we walked. 

"Don't tempt me woman, you'll wake up to that thing wide open."

Sasha rolled her eyes. "Please, so dramatic. You did fucking great today! Almost cause for celebration."

My smile faltered. "There's no way I'm celebrating still being stuck in this place."

That earned me a frown. "You always make it sound like you've been forced to be here. You didn't volunteer?" 

I forgot how close-eyed my sniper of a friend was. Gulping down a weird feeling of guilt, I lied to Sasha. "I was basically forced. My grandma...she's a real hard ass. Told me if I didn't join the Scouts she'd make me work in her fields the rest of my life." 

I tried not to giggle picturing Levi as an angry babbling grandma, chasing me around with a shoe, black hair in a flowered bonnet. Seemed quite fitting for him, really.

Sasha's jade eyes widened in sympathy. "Damn she could've at least picked the MPs! The Scouts... die a lot." 

At that, I let out a hearty cackle. "I think she's betting on that."

Dinner had continued my interesting day, as my table was the fullest with people it'd been since my arrival. Armin, Eren, and Mikasa sat across from me while Sasha's friends sat on my right. 

The meal was almost impossible to focus on with big green puppy dog eyes just a foot across me, no doubt dying to talk to me after the long day. I was more fixated on my new acquaintance as I peppered her with questions. 

"So did you learn how to fight from the Scouts, or was it just natural to you? Is it because you're an Ackerman? Is Levi your uncle?"

She gripped her fork, staring at me as I saw the corner of her mouth twitch. "My uncle? I'm not even really sure of the extent of our relation. We've never really discussed it."

My jaw dropped. "So you're saying you just join the Scouts and you're teacher has the same very unique name as you, based off an ancient clan, and you never once questioned it?"

Her cheeks really began to pink at this as Armin's face hardened. "Mikasa you don't have to answer all of her questions. Especially someone who won't answer any of her own."

Eren once again went to defend me but I put a hand up. "My apologies, Mikasa. I just get overexcited. It's not often I meet someone who can keep up."

When Armin saw the hint of a smile on Mikasa's lips, he stopped and went back to eating.

"The training definitely helps me learn how to fight with an army. As for where my skill came from? I don't know," she shrugged slightly. "Just came to me one day. Like an surge of energy just unlocking what to do, how to move." 

I pondered this, putting my fork to my chin. "That's fascinating, really. I've felt something similar at times, but I've also trained for years and years. To have basically no training and be at your level is most impressive." 

A real smile broke out onto her sharply beautiful face and I briefly wondered if the quiet girl ever got complimented. Eren besides her watched on in wonder at the change in his friends demeanor, then back at me intensely. It took effort to not let those glowing eyes suck me in, so I kept avoiding them best I could. 

"What about you? Did you train all your life to be a Scout? Honestly if your hair wasn't blonde, I'd have thought you were an Ackerman a long time ago." Armin piped up, earning a small glare from me.

"I've never trained to be a Scout till I was recruited. The rest was more for me. Be the strongest I could be."

Eren nodded his head like I was preaching a sermon, earning a snort from me. His frail blonde friend however just squinted scrutinizingly at me.

"Where did you do all this training? You seem extremely familiar with ODM, you had to have known some Scouts beforehand." 

My roommate's keen ear picked up on our conversation as I noticed her chewing slow. Armin was starting to really annoy me. 

"I don't have an autobiography yet, but when I do I'll make sure to ship it to you first. Answer all your questions."

"Come on man, let her get back to her dinner." Eren patted him on the back stiffly. I could sense his silent apology to me, but I'd had more than enough with Armin's constant interrogations. Could he be in league with Annie? 

"How long have you all known each other?" I say through my curry, eyes on Armin.

"Since we were little kids," Eren grins proudly, making me feel the tiniest bit bad. 

"Shiganshina was our home town," Armin says ominously under his bowl cut. "For over twenty years we lived in peace there. Until last year a little after we joined the ranks, the Titans' attacked our village, killing all of our families." 

"Jesus," I couldn't help but blurt out. With all my paranoia gone, in its place was pure shock. I was guessing that was when Eren had discovered his Titan powers.

I was shit at condolences, so instead I jumped to random statistics. "The odds of the same village three Scouts lived in having the worlds' first Titan break is just...crazy. How many Scouts are in the regiment? They said it in class, like 200? So that's the likelihood of 200 Scouts as a whole having lived in over a hundred towns, three cadets having their town to be the first. Like a .003 percent chance of that happening."

Once I realized everyone's eyes directly on me, my voice began to die. "You know, just thought..My condolences, that's very unfortunate. May the souls that were lost be at rest."

It was Armin's turn for his jaw to drop. "Are you saying someone has a grudge against us? Targeted our town, our families?"

"I'm only stating it was incredibly improbable is all. Nothing more."

I was afraid to look over at Eren, and when I did I saw a broken look, wide grin gone, with a face that he kept down on his bowl. "If it was that unlikely then why did it feel so...predetermined."

I winced slightly. "I couldn't tell you that. Just with those odds, it'd be more likely the attack was cause of a Scout than a Titan."

A few people near me choked on their meal and I realized how many ears had picked up our conversation. Eren's eyes were the most shocked and he stood abruptly, knocking his curry over that washed the oak in a deep crimson.

My hand shot towards his without thought behind it. "I wasn’t trying to offend. Not my tragedy, you know. I shouldn't have speculated over something I didn't experience. That was my stupid way of trying to make you guys feel better?"

His hand gripped mine back across the table, then he tugged slightly. "Come on, I want to hear more about your theory." 

Armin suddenly stood as well. "So do I, Day."

Apprehension gripped me momentarily. It had honestly just been babbling, now the blonde's even more suspicious of me.

I followed the two, with one hand on the curry and the other still tentatively in Eren's. He was eerily silent- which was the only way that man could scare me. 

Not long after, we arrived at the dorms, and I realized they were taking me to their room. I held my curry, frowning into the goop that grew cold. 

"You guys aren't gonna try and kill me are you?" I half-joked.

Eren's hand jerked as he turned to me. "What?"

My timing was never good, it seemed, as I let out a small laugh. "My bad, you’re just quite spooky right now."

Eren’s gaze deepened as his brows drew a shadow over jade eyes. A sexy smirk held on his lips. "Spooky? Do you think I'm spooky?"

I swallowed a gulp down, returning his smirk. "Only when your mouth isn’t moving."

He just chuckled, gripping my hand harder, and pulled me towards Armin already at the door. When his blonde head was enough to blind me, Armin turned an ominous expression my way. 

"There's a reason we never let anyone in here." 

My mouth popped open, hand near a dagger. "Oh?"

The door swung open to reveal all the walls covered head to toe with diagrams, drawings, random scribble. It looked like the work of two madmen. 

All I could say was, "Damn they don't do room checks here?"

Eren let go of my hand to grab my shoulders and push me to a certain wall. Pointing at a spot on a map, filled with circles and rings, one spot had a red X. 

"This is Shiganshina. Or at least was. It follows a river from who knows where, all the way to Mitras. Our theory has been the next attack, if it was targeted, will then be at Trost, the next city down the river."

I took a finger and followed the blue squiggle past the X till I landed on the castle at the very center of the map. 

"So what you're saying is that wasn't just babble? This wasn't just a random Titan attack?" I whispered quietly. 

Armin stayed behind us and replied in a low voice. "We haven't told anyone this, it could break about our country. Even the knowledge of Eren, and that he's an intelligent Titan, would destroy them. It helps the trauma they've inflicted thinking these are just mindless animals." 

This felt bigger than me and the thought of that sank in. I was forgetting the fact I was a captive here with poison in my neck. Who was trying to escape. Even if this was some attack by an unknown group of people it sure as hell wasn't my place to discover that.

I got out of Eren's grip on my shoulder and walked away from the vision board nightmare. "Why'd you bring me here? It's not like I can help you guys."

When I face Eren, he's frowning at me slightly. "You can though. Not even mentioning your skill, you basically found out what we've been working towards for a year! Think of what else you uncover if we all put our heads together."

"And do what? Attack the hidden enemies? Like I said, if it was calculated, they're likely to be a Scout. And you three were the target. Is that what you want?"

I was getting annoyed. He was the only person to know my situation here, yet has no problem pushing me into yet another scandal.

"Why don't you just go to the Captains? Levi will listen. Hange will too, or at least attempt to. I'm nobody, just a cadet. I can't help you. Today has been enough already."

Eren stalked forward with pleading eyes. "Please, Day. I know deep down all you want to do I help, and someone other than yourself." 

I wrinkled my nose. "That isn't something I've ever done."

"All we ask is you keep an eye out. Use that brain of yours, see if you pick up anything or anyone suspicious. You know- I contemplated that you were a Titan shifter for a while, too."

I squinted with a scowl. 

"And what? Report back to you like a fucking Commander? No. Everyone in this damn place seems suspicious to me. The last thing I’m gonna do is take more orders!” Throwing my hands up, I went to to the door to leave. 

Once in the hallway and away from their mess of paranoia, I took a deep breath and began heading to my dorm. I couldn't tell who I was more mad at: Armin for interrogating me for weeks then suddenly ordering me to be his confidant. Or Eren- a man who one day will fuck me like an animal then the next fuck me like a dumbass.

"Day! Day please wait!" I heard a call further down but I ignored it, my pace quickening. 

"You don't have to do anything you don't want! It won't be like it is with Captain Levi."

At that, I spun around with a small snarl. "Would you shut the hell up? Another word and I'll rip off your arms tonight in practice." 

A laugh escaped his mouth and he reached for my arms. "God, you promise?" 

I plucked them away in a huff. "You've driven me crazy today, you know that?"

He just followed me, clumsy boots barely missing my heels. "I could say the exact same for you. What were you on today? That ending strike with Mikasa? The most insane mass takedown I've ever seen." 

He poked me as I kept ignoring him. "Aaand that you left me on the field. I saw you pass. I was the only rescuer who got to score thanks to you."

I scowled. "That wasn't on purpose. Maybe you're just so small I didn't see you." 

"Okay okay, sure." The man-bun Titan practically giggled. 

I stopped walking and sighed. "Are you just gonna follow me all the way to my dorm?"

A smile broke out. "Can I?" 

I knew Sasha was never there after dinner, she always hung out with her friends in either their dorms or the courtyard. I chewed my lip, contemplating, then jumped back when a warm hand touched my cheek.

"I want to bite that lip." Eren released in a hushed breath. 

Some of his bun had came off, releasing baby hairs around a sculpted neckline. 

I tried to level my face, giving him nothing. "Oh really? After you fought my battle today then cornered me in your lair. Now you want me to be nice to you?" 

A low chuckle came from Eren. "I never said you needed to be nice. Be as mean as you want, Day."

I narrowed my eyes, the heat in my chest becoming hard to ignore. I took one more step to my door, looking away from him. 

"We have training in under an hour with Levi. I have to get ready." 

Hands snake around my waist, nudging me to the door. "So do I. Let's just get ready together."

I tilted my head back to his chest. Laughter in the form of defeat came out of me.  "Fine Eren, come on in."

 

 

We lasted mere minutes trying to talk like two normal people on my bed. His hands kept crawling to me as he spoke, almost as if it was involuntary. 

"Wait," I say, scooting a bit down. "I have a question."

He pouted slightly but obeyed, putting his hands back in his lap. 

"That didn't anger you? What I had said earlier regarding your hometown?" I couldn't help but feeling a bit bad approaching his trauma so analytically earlier.

"Nothing you've ever done has bothered me," the beautiful boy tilts his head back and laughs. "Except maybe talking to Reiner. You were just saying what you saw. I like that about you."

I began taking off my boots with a giggle. "Talking to Reiner huh?" 

He shoved me, making me slip on the zipper. "What were you two even saying earlier? Not like that knucklehead has much to say."

Once the boots and gloves were off, I threw myself back onto the bed. "Hmm you almost sound jealous, my dear Titan."

I tried not to jump when his breath tickled my stomach, his body crawling forward till he was fully on me. "Me? Jealous? Who knows, maybe the Titan in me makes me territorial." 

He slid my shirt up and give me a bite to my pelvic bone. I repressed a shudder as I trailed his neck with a finger. "Just thinking about all the ways I can make you twitch," he groans, biting me again. "It's enough to completely wreck me."

I always loved how unabashed he was with how he felt, and this moment was no different. I could hear the rumbling groan stayed in the back of his throat the more he kissed my stomach. 

Once his hand began to play with the buckle of my belt I squirmed with anticipation.

"This is a great distraction," I said in a strangled voice, "but I haven't changed my mind. I won't be your guys' spy."

Eren looked at me with a sly smile. "Is that what you were in the Under City? A spy? I've been wondering how you're so damn clever."

His praise tickled my skin, along with his fingers running along the edge of my underwear. "Not really...but I would spy for certain lifts to get intel, but only for myself."

"Everyday you get sexier," the man smirked. 

I rolled my eyes but quickly melted into a moan. Once Eren's warm fingers reached their destination, all other thoughts vanished. 

Kisses lined my stomach as I rolled my hips against impatient hands. My legs threatened to close the further he got and he took one hand and pushed my legs apart with a growl. "No," was all he said. 

Instead, my pants were shoved off in a rush and I arched my butt to held him along. Once I was free, he slid to the floor with ease, wrapping each leg around his shoulders while he kneeled on the floor. 

Eyes peeled on me, Eren kissed in between my thighs with restraint. "Since the other night, I haven't been able to get the taste of you out of my mouth." His breath made me shudder.

"Jog your memory then," I murmured with short breaths, clutching my sheets with a sweaty grip.

At first his tongue traced me in agonizing slowness, as if he was savoring every taste. My toes curled and a low moan escaped my throat. 

"You like that, beautiful?" his lips mumbled against me. 

His fingers dug into the softness of my thighs, probably leaving small dot-like bruises along them. He devoured me until I was left a shaking, trembling mess beneath him. 

"God Eren...you're doing perfect." I clenched his head with my thighs, reaching my end. 

Suddenly, a loud thump outside the door catches me off guard along with a nearby bellowing laugh. In the heat of it all, I had completely forgotten the possibly of my roommate walking in. 

"Eren," I craned my neck in a soft whisper. "Did we lock the door?"

"I don't give a shit if it's a Titan, baby." was all he groaned back. "Come on, finish for me."

I threw my head back against the pillow with a moan as he entered me with his tongue. It took seconds for me to completely come apart on him while his grunts of pleasure sent vibrations tingling all throughout. 

Once I was fully done, he watched me pant and swear on the sheets as he licked me clean. "You did so good, baby."

Eren gave me a few wet kisses on my inner thigh that was surprisingly gentle, as he made sure to touch the tender spots he had gripped.

"How are we going to go to practice after this," I laughed breathlessly. 

"We could always skip it," his regular goofy grin came back to his glistening face. 

"Right, and be dead by morning." My mind flashed to an angry Levi and goosebumps pricked my skin.

As Eren crawled back to me, he went to grab my neck to pull me close. I suddenly jerked back. His hand had briefly touched the incision, hiding under my hair.

He immediately withdrew, sitting up next to me. "Are you okay? Did I do something to upset you.."

I try and reassure him by placing a hand to his cheek and kissing him. "Not at all. A good boy as always."

He didn't let me pull away from the kiss, clutching my neck once again to deliver the passionate kiss he'd been dying to land since arriving to my room. When I pulled away, sweat glistened on his supple lips right above me. 

"Is it little scar right on your nape you're all worried about?" His dark green eyes were right on me to peg my reaction.

I felt my mouth go a little dry. "Oh that? That's from falling off a roof ages ago."

Eren stuck out his bottom lip slightly. "Baby don't lie to me."

I threw a hand up and pushed it on his face. "I'm sorry, who ever gave you permission to keep calling me 'baby' anyways?"

"When my baby answers the question, I'll stop." My eyebrows raised but I didn't shove him again. 

I instead rolled my eyes. "I'm not your anything, soldier boy. And the scar's long story we definitely don't have time for."

My soft spot for Eren was growing slowly, but I knew I couldn't tell him about the poison. The poor boy seemed to smitten now to have a rational reaction.

He groaned but obliged, leaning forward to land another kiss on me. The lips on mine were impossibly warm, sending tingles along my body. 

When he withdrew, he took a finger and traced the other cut on my cheek, left there courtesy of Annie.

"Fine, but why don't you tell me who left you this one, then? I still haven't asked why you ended your victim match covered in blood."

At that, I smirked and went to stand to get ready. "That was Annie Leonhart and I still haven't pieced together why she'd attack me. Levi basically brushed it off, but the dumbass wasn't there. She looked like she wanted to kill me." 

Arms grabbed my waist from the bed to turn me around, facing him again. "Annie tried to kill you?"

I ran my fingers through his hair as he clutched my waist. "Hmmm tried being the keyword here. It felt almost more like a test of strength. She mentioned a rumor I'm stronger than Levi, and seemed to want to test it out." 

Eren looked suspiciously back at the cut lacing my right cheek. "She's not the competitive type. Did you slight her in anyway? Why'd she go to that extent just to see if you could win?"

Shrugging, I pulled away. "I don't know. What else do you know about her? Where did she come from?"

"She lived in a mountain village with Reiner and Bertholt. Once our training is completely finished and we're full on Scouts, I heard she wanted to be moved to MPs. But that's pretty much it. Annie keeps to herself mostly. She's beat the shit out of me sparring, but it never seemed like that."

I chewed on his words while I pulled my night training gear out of my dresser. It was the only time I got to wear all black, and I thrived at the thought. 

"Reiner's hiding something, that I know for sure. Every time we speak he seems...oddly tense."

Eren laughed. "Or he had the same reaction we all do to meeting someone like you." 

Throwing a shirt at him, I scowled. "And that means what?"

"Please, you disarm in every sense of the word." 

I cocked my head at the compliment, flashing him a winning smile. My outfit was nearly on and I had to make sure to keep my blades snugly hidden. 

"Eren, you're not even dressed. If you leave now you may have time to get there before nightfall." 

He just huffed, staying in place. "You're trying to get rid of me now?"

Even though he'd soon turn into a terrifying monster and fight me, right now he was just a cute, disheveled man pouting on my bed. 

Leaning down, my hair still free, I gave him a soft kiss. "You act as if you won't see me in a few minutes, dummy."

After I pulled away, Eren inhaled and shut those inescapable eyes. "I just want to stay here in this moment a bit longer."

I screwed my face up at how open he always was with his feelings, ignoring the tug in my chest. I put a knee on the bed and leaned over to fix his hair. 

"At least brush this. I did a bit of damage."

After just eating me out with vicious shamelessness, he still somehow managed to blush. I made myself get back to dressing with slight effort. With my back to Eren, I fumbled through a drawer for my dark cloak I'd stolen a while ago from the supply wing.

Behind me, the boy stood with a dramatic groan. "Fiine I'll go back and throw something on." A hand slid on my waist with a lingering touch. "Will you miss me?" 

I snorted, head still in linens. "Better hurry or I'll beat you there, golden boy."

He placed a small kiss on my back before standing back up and shuffling slowly out the door. Once he was gone, a long exhale released out of me. 

The game I played was a dangerous one, though fun as it was. The more I began to care about Eren, the more worried. I winced at the thought of hurting him when I leave. He shouldn't get too attached. 

Seeing those hopeful eyes always made me feel unspoken guilt, for I didn't even know what was to come of this. The only thing I've known for certain all these weeks is I'll be leaving this place.

No. I shouldn't feel bad. He knew what he was getting himself into.

A flash of silver in the mirror caught my eye and I turned, inspecting myself. My hair was finally up for tonight, hickies be damned. All my shaggy blonde slicked back in a tight bun that really showed off every expression I made on my face, dark eyes set into a pensive glare.

The cut Annie layed on me was already beginning to wash into a pink. Still, I frowned, debating whether to leave some dirt on my face for Captain Levi's displeasure. But, even I was done looking like a wild animal for the moment. 

After a vigorous scrub in the washbowl and a good slap to the face, I was as ready as I'd ever be. I grimly draped the cloak over me, nowhere near as excited as Eren would be to run around playing Scouts with Levi.

In a huff, I stomped out the door to meet two infuriating deadly monsters in the night.

Chapter 40: drop

To Levi's dismay, a wide-toothed smile greeted him at the training field. His fellow Captain sat on a bench, already geared up, ferociously scribbling in her notebook. Upon seeing Levi, a hand shot up and she grinned.

"Leviiiii! I came to watch again! Hope ya don't mind." 

He stomped up to her with a sour expression. "Utter one word about your Ackerman theory tonight, and I'll take an eye out."

Hange mimicked zipping her lips, causing Levi to grit his teeth.

"Scout's honor. I haven't even mentioned it to Erwin. I'll leave that to you." 

With a huff, he threw himself next to her. "I'm not wasting the Commanders' time with half-baked theories. You have no proof besides some dusty books from a hundred years ago." 

Hange just shrugged, unbothered. "Still don't know why this troubles you so much. I mean sure, you probably would've preferred it to happen with Erwin and not her. But this just means she's now the safest person behind the Walls."

As if right on cue, his head throbbed slightly. 

"Don't say that," he spat. "What you're insinuating could be treason. For Humanity's Greatest Soldier to not be completely loyal to the cause..." Levi's voice died off into the dusk.

His partner set her notebook down and crossed her arms. "You still have a mind of your own. I've seen her hurt countless times in your presence. You allow it to happen. That's not being controlled."

"Enough analyzing. And don't even think about trying to do any tests tonight." Levi growled, facing the empty trail with a scowl. 

"I won't.. but I do have an idea for an exercise. Especially after the events in today's training, I think they need it." Her curious tone made his skin itch. 

"Gods I don't even want to ask."

Hange cackled, adjusting her glasses. "It's a trust fall. That's it. One of them will remain gearless and leap from the trees into their partners arms below."

Levi's face held intense disgust. "That's your brilliant idea? And what in the hell will this accomplish?"

"There was a lot of tension today within the recruits. Our two have some trust issues with fellow teammates, that much is obvious. Seeing Day makeup with Mikasa gave me the idea. They're strongest together. All of them. We just have to make them see that." 

His mind flashed to Eren being left out on the field from Day's mercy. Ever since she was revived from near-death, a part of the new recruit had softened. Even just barely. 

His jaw ticked. "You may be right, but those two have no problem trusting each other. If anything, I worry their relationship has already gotten in the way of their progress."

For such a smart idiot, her oblivious ass widened her hazel eyes. "Did they finally become friends?"

Levi rolled his eyes. "More than friends, you moron. And the dumbass is hard enough to focus as it is."

Hange's mouth popped into a slight O. "Ahhh, I see. You could always throw the book at them. Romantic relationships within Survey Corps is strictly prohibited." 

"Is it now?" He had never bothered to read the dreadful rule book, but that shocked him.

Hange grinned annoyingly. "Welll not that you've cared much. There was that two year relationship with Erwin.." she counted on her fingers. "Then that one night with Petra-"

Levi wacked her upside the head with the notebook. 

"Jesus Hange I was talking about their relationship, not a play by play of mine."

The smack didn't keep that knowing grin off her face as she straightened up with a laugh. "It was nice to live vicariously through you when you started is all I'm saying. Now you're just a grumpy hermit."

He stood to kick her off the bench but stopped himself. In all their bickering the two hadn't noticed a cloaked figure stalking towards them on the hill. 

Glaring at Hange one last time, Levi muttered under his breath. "You can do the trust fall exercise only because I want to see Eren drop Day right on her ass."

When she arrived to the gear rack and began loading up in silence, Levi looked behind her for the doe-eyed boy no doubt close behind. 

"Where's the dumbass?" Levi called out in a bored tone. 

Day shrugged, not turning from her gear. She seemed to be taking an exceptionally long time today putting it on. "Hell if I know."

Levi jumped off the bench and slowly made his way to her. Trying with all his strength to not make eye contact, he grabbed his ODM off the rack and began putting it on. 

"Are you going to be better than you were today for me?" he murmured, failing to sound as callous as he wanted. 

A strap missed a buckle as he heard leather slide against her shirt. He flitted his eyes over and was taken aback, drawing in a breath. 

The girl's mouth was slightly open, all her expressions on display for him as her face was completely lit up by the lantern light. With her hair pulled back, he could trace every line of her sculpted features.

As quickly as Day's facade broke, she fixed it just as fast. Drawing her eyes away from him, she finished her straps in seconds without looking at them. A smirk lifted her lips as she kept her gaze on the trail.

"I won't make any promises, Captain."

It hadn't even been a month since that fateful day in the Underground, but she was beginning to look more and more like a Scout everyday. He knew that thought would absolutely disgust her. 

He wished she was hideous, at least then the brat would be easier to hate. 

Once they were suited up, the two walked back to Hange in terse silence. Day fiddled with her handles and he frowned at the sight of his own gloves still on her. Thieving little rat. 

"Time to go." Levi ordered to them. 

Day opened her mouth to protest, seeing as how Eren was still late. 

"No. You know the rules. He can meet us at the training spot."

"He's shit at flying, especially at night." She argued anyways. 

Hange just watched with wide eyes, for once keeping her mouth shut. 

"Sounds like the perfect learning moment to me then. Now go."

A part of him wanted her to keep it up so he had an excuse to prove to Hange he was capable of hurting her. Safest girl behind the Walls, my ass. No weapon of Erwin's will ever be "safe."

Instead, Day backed up and fought off an pissy frown. He almost preferred the girl who didn't give a shit about anybody but herself. 

After she flew off silently, Hange turned to Levi. "You know, now that you mentioned it, it is obvious they're hooking up! I mean, did you see those hickies? I have so many more question now; like is sex with a Titan shif-"

Levi gripped Hange's collar and shot up into the woods. Once she engaged her gear, he threw her into a thicket of leaves and sped off without another word.  

 

 

 

He was always first to the clearing along with Day, so this time he made sure to linger. Being alone with her seemed to take the breath completely out of him, and he didn't need one more reminder of his crumbling willpower.

Holding himself back, he stayed just past the tree line to the field. Day paced in the middle as if in deep thought. 

Despite the all-black appearance, with her cloak thrown back he could see her face glow against the light of the crystals as if drinking it in. 

If it's all true, the fates are more than cruel, Levi silently cursed.

He watched her take out a blade, probably happy to finally be able to touch them, and spin it around with ease. Levi still had her dagger he'd taken after giving her a cut eerily similar to the one she had now. The weight of it burned his thigh in the concealed spot beneath his clothes.

A few minutes later, Hange flipped down next to Day and immediately began talking her ear off. Levi took it as his cue to finally join as he walked calmly from the dense darkness out into the luminous clearing. 

"Well if your partner doesn't join us soon, you may just have to fight me." Captain Levi smirked at Day. She deserved a taste of her own medicine after the shit she pulled today.

Anyone else would've looked petrified at the thought of a duel with him, but of course she only gave a bored, straight face. "I'd love a chance to get you back."

Hange's face sparkled. "Oooo you know I've calculated how I think a solid rematch between you two would look. It's beautiful."

Levi sniffed, crossing his arms. "It wouldn't even be a rematch. For that to be possible, she would've had to of faced me in an actual fight.”

Day's huge brown eyes narrowed, making her resemble an angry fox. 

"At least we can agree on one thing. Jumping me in my home drunk and naked hardly counts as a fight. Least, not where I come from."

Usually, he didn’t let her get to him, or at least not visibly. But at this, he threw his head back, letting out one harsh laugh. “You act as if Undergrounder's fight with honor. Is someone forgetting they're here because of a list of charges against them from the Crown?"

“That may be your Crown, but it was never mine."

"Regardless, property of the Regiment should know their place."

The blade in her hand stilled. "Property?"

"You even have the price tag and everything." He smiled wickedly, resting a hand on his neck. 

Levi didn't know what he was wanting, but a part of him knew as soon as she lunged at him, he'd finally feel a moment of clarity. 

Hange must've picked up on his game because she threw her hands up nervously. "I'm sensing a lot of distrust between you guys- what if we did-"

Day snarled and took a few steps until she was eye level with Levi. "Listen here, pixie cut."

He noticed her wrist moving and went to block a hidden dagger when a sudden crash made everyone freeze. 

Sticks and leaves cascaded from above. Moments later, a guttural yell echoed through the air, followed by the abrupt descent of a six-foot-tall man landing just a few feet away.

"Eren!!!" Hange cheered in obvious relief. 

Day didn't go check on her fallen partner but instead kept her gaze glued onto Levi. Her eyes had blackened into pools of hatred. 

"Do it," he whispered still inches from her face. "Just give me an excuse to put you down."

He could sense her trying to decide if it was worth it. She began to bite her lip unwittingly while she glared at him. The sight of it made his heart skip and an almost animalistic feeling took over. 

At this point Levi he didn't care if she tried to beat the shit out of him or curse his entire existence. Just seeing her- in all her glory- among the light of the crystals was enough. 

Irresistibly vexing. 

The moment finally broke when Eren clomped up to them, stumbling a bit. "Sorry I'm late Captain Levi, I got locked out of my dorm."

Levi wrenched his eyes away from the demon to give his pupil a small, evil smile. "You came at the perfect time, cadet. How good are you at catching?"

After having the two warm up with a light twenty laps, he let Hange take the reins with quiet glee. As the pair caught their breath and Day already stripped down to her tank top, Levi focused all his attention to the Section Commander. 

"Day I must say you've been recovering from my..error.. quite well! Not even a week ago and this would've taken you out!"

Day just grimaced in response as Eren's eyes completely glued to her like a moth. Levi's jaw ticked slightly. 

"In the immense physical progress you've made already, I want to test your personal progress." Hange touched her fingertips together. "The teamwork with Mikasa was touching to say the least. But your other teammates seem to...hate you. Well, a strong amount at least." She grinned uneasily, as if she was lecturing in class. 

Day’s breath was finally caught at this point as she put a hand on her hip, raising an eyebrow. "You're telling me. Is there a point to this?"

Eren's moronic brain seemed to almost protest at the Captain's claims. His mouth opened and closed like a fish making Levi picture gutting him. 

"You are phenomenal on the field. But you lack teamwork. Once we leave these Walls and our real mission begins again, there is no room for a one person army." The ponytailed maniac spread her arm to him besides her. 

"Even Levi has a squad of his own. It may seem improbable to surround yourself with people who may slow you down, but at the end of the day it won't be about you. It'll be about the entire regiment, moving as one." 

He could've guessed it'd fall on dumb ears before Hange even opened her mouth. Day just threw her hands up and sighed. 

"I didn't team up with Mikasa because I needed her help. I could've done that myself. You guys are the ones constantly telling me to work with people, so that's what I was trying to do!"

Hange's grin never faltered. "Right but then after that, you threw Samuel Linke-Jackson off a twenty meter platform."

"Because he swung at-" The grumbly blonde put a hand to her forehead. "Doesn't matter. Please, Hange, continue."

"Glady," Hange gasped obliviously. "As I was saying my dear girl, you don't play too nice with others. You tend to break them. In just one day, you broke Reiner's arm, dropped Samuel, stole someone's gear," she poked at the air happily, "buut I didn't say that wasn't allowed- so I'll give ya that one. Still. I wanna work on that tonight. A bit of delicacy with other humans. And trust in them. So, trust fall!" 

Hange put her hands on her hips proudly as Day bent over, bubbly laughter breaking out of her. 

"That was your big lead up? You want me to fall backwards onto Eren?" she cackled, pushing the silent idiot and he stumbled back, just grinning at her ridiculousness. 

That's when the Captains smiled at each other. Levi couldn't help himself. 

"And what would you learn from that, cadet? No- how about we show you." He drew a coin out of his pocket and flicked it to them. Day caught it nimbly, rolling it over her knuckles. 

"Alright, flip it. Pick one." 

She eyed it warily but couldn't resist the gamble. "Heads."

"Tails, then." Eren said dopily.

The coin flew high into the air and she caught it, slapping it on the back of the wrist. After inspecting it, Day frowned. "Heads but...what's that even mean?"

Levi's smile only grew. "It means, shithead," he pointed to Eren, "take your gear off. You're jumping first."

She just stood her ground, staring at him. "Maybe the instructors should demonstrate first, only so we get it right."

Hange laughed at that, winking at Levi. "Nice try but we've done this before. You couldn’t dream the exercises Erwin put us through over the years. Now, it's your turn. You guys will do great!"

Amidst Day's increasing anger, Eren threw an arm around her, relaxed as ever. "She’s the last person I'd be worried about dropping me, no problem."

 

 

Minutes later, all that could be heard in the dead of the forest was Eren's rapid breathing. 

"H-how high up did you take me, Captain Levi?" 

The wood creaked in the wind, bending the large branch Levi currently held his star pupil on. A fist gripped his arm, trying to steady the nervous man. 

Levi chuckled, releasing a finger. "High enough. She has to catch you using ODM gear after all."

He felt Eren stiffen under his grasp. "And you're sure she'll see me? In the... pitch black?"

Two more came off, making Eren release a small swear. "You'll just have to trust your faithful comrade will save you."

"Sina please...don't let this fall break my neck..catch me Day god please..." he muttered under his breath as the wind whipped them around, making it seem like they were in the yawning mouth of a beast. 

Pinky remaining, Levi leaned forward and spoke right into his ear. "If the Crown were to order you to cease your relationship with that Undergrounder in our custody, would you?"

Eren went still. "Captain Levi I don't know what-"

He got a mouthful of air as Levi let go before grabbing him at the last moment.

"That wasn't an answer, Cadet Jeager. One of our most wanted criminals getting with our best-kept secret cannot happen."

It was dead silent for a minute before Eren responded. "If the Crown wants our relationship to end they can summon us themselves."

Levi curled his lip, glaring at Eren's black silhouette. "Very well."

With a light tap, Eren was plunging once again to the ground. As he tilted his head back to the terrified screams, the Captain briefly realized he had forgotten to sound the signal before he dropped him. 

Well I guess if she's as good as everyone thinks, she won't need it. 

Not even a minute later, Hange whistled to alert Levi the fall was over. In a moody sigh he jumped off the tree and shot to the ground. Once he landed and made his way to Hange’s lantern, he saw Day setting Eren down with slight ease. 

"I didn't even realize she had caught me!" Eren breathed out in a rush to Hange as he brushed himself off. The bun had fallen out, leaving him resembling a filthy homeless man in the woods. 

"Excellent job, both of you!" The maniac clapped fiercely. "I can already sense your growing trust."

Day flicked a knowing glance to Eren who blushed, fixating on a leaf stuck in his shirt. "I knew she'd catch me. Always does." When he saw Levi, his face hardened. 

"Don't congratulate yourselves just yet. Time to give your partner your gear." The Captain tilted his head with a tiny smile. 

To no surprise, Day just shook her head, face straight. "That's attempted murder if I've ever heard it."

The ponytailed Commander shoved him lightly. "Come on, Eren can do it. You gotta have faith.”

Days' face never changed as she stared at Eren, probably imagining him fumbling her forty feet in the air leading to the worlds' most embarrassing death. The Titan grimaced and took a step back, putting his hands up. 

"I won't lie it's pitch black out there, how can I be sure she won't get hurt?"

Levi growled impatiently. "By getting to her before she does."

"You're crazy. I just told you he can't fly for shit, now you're gonna have him catch me blind? Why don’t you just lobotomize me instead.”

Day crossed her arms and glared at Levi, daring him. Hange looked even more thrilled at the word lobotomize. Her feet bounced on the grass in unbridled excitement. 

"Awww I'm improving!" Eren protested, bumping her with his shoulder and earning a glare from Levi. "Who knows, maybe I'll sense you with my Titan powers."

Day was growing more agitated by the minute as she rolled her eyes and ignored him.  "See? I'm not jumping off shit on a 'who knows’ and flying Titans.”

"Is the big bad thief scared?" The Captain taunted coldly. "How telling."

Hange threw a worried glance to Levi but Day curled her lip, taking the bait. 

"The fucks’ gonna catch me if Eren doesn't? My faith?"

"Your skill."

"Hmm isn't the whole point of this to entrust my safety in someone other than myself?"

"Fine. Then don't be scared of Eren's inability to catch you. Face it and find out."

Somehow he had once again been trapped in a verbal tennis match with this woman. She chewed on his words with slitted eyes. After a few seconds, she slapped her thighs with a start, letting out a laugh. 

"Fuck it. It'll be on you if you break your merchandise again." 

Day ripped her gear off in seconds. Once she handed it to Eren, he looked at it nervously then back at the officers. 

"I don't have all night for this shit." Levi snapped. He turned away from them, a hand to his brow. 

The Captain approached Day like a baby cow when it was time to bring her up the tree. 

"You'll be just fine, don't worry. Eren's got ya. You even get to fly with me! Won't that be fun!"

"Hange, you are the worlds' scariest saleswoman. Let's go."

The mad scientist shrieked and hugged Day, making Levi almost laugh from the pure shock on her face. Before Day could grab a knife, Hange lifted an arm and released her ODM gear, shooting up into the air with a gleeful yell. 

He could have swore he heard a small squeal come from Day as they disappeared in the trees and he caught himself smiling, tilting his head back to watch them leave.

Eren cleared his throat, triple checking his gear as he shuffled up to Levi. 

"Okay Jeager. Once you hear the whistle, don't hesitate. Just go." 

The green-eyed Titan refused to look at him after their conversation earlier. Instead, he just nodded silently and turned back towards the tree. 

A bead of sweat rolled down Eren's forehead, catching some of his hair. Levi wanted to tell him to put it up just as a shrill whistle sounded through the forest. 

Levi felt all of his muscles tense and a sharp pain rocketed through his skull, making him almost kneel over. Eren had shot off in the direction of the signal and after a second ticked by like molasses, the throbbing in his head only increased. Before he knew it- his line was disengaged and he was hurtling through the trees with devastating speed. 

The Captain blinked and a bewildered Day lay in his arms moments later, protesting against the wind. He ignored her, clenching her body to his as he swung through the trees, going back to the clearing. 

"How did the little mole not catch herself? You grew up in the damned dark."

As soon as he said it, he realized only a part of her was moving. Her arms had been tied behind her back. With a start, he skidded to a stop atop a branch, hand still on her waist.

"What in the hell is wrong with you?" he spat in her face, the glow of the crystals in the far distance. 

Her breath tickled him. "You told me trust, so I gave it my all."

One of his hands slipped down to tug on the rope encasing her wrist. "I should leave you like this. For being so recklessly stupid."

Their breath seemed collectively held. She didn't wittily retort back at first as she always did, instead staying in place, suddenly finding themselves embracing once again in the dense forest. 

Levi could barely make out her face as she whispered, "How did you even know Eren fucked the catch up?"

He thought back to the striking pain that had almost brought him to his knees. Now, his mind was a wave of calm. Warm. 

"I think if you really tried to get a handle on this, the headaches would stop. Maybe give in. Stop fighting it."

Hange's words chilled him even now. To accept that she was tied to him for the rest of his life was enough to break him. 

Once he spoke, his voice came out quieter than he expected.  "I think we all knew he'd fuck that up, Day. Including you. So why tie your hands?"

"Maybe I was just trying to prove a point." 

Levi chuckled softly. "Hell of a lot of trust to just prove a point."

He could feel her shrug against him. "You never specified whose trust I was testing."

"I have years of battle-honed instincts and you thought I couldn't catch one measly Scout from a tree?" Levi sniffed.

"No. I thought you wouldn't catch me."

In a small pull, her ropes fell off. Levi sighed. "You know, I didn't think I would've either." 

"But you did." Day didn't say it as a question, just a flat statement. "That's.. odd. You proved me wrong." 

He could almost see the pout on the brat’s face. "Don't sound so surprised. It's practically a daily occurrence."

She snorted. "Are you gonna take me back or is being a kidnapper just natural to you?"

Levi's hand involuntarily tightened on her waist while the other remained on his handle. For once, he didn't want to end their usual bickering under the blanket of trees. 

He knew as soon as they returned, he'd see every expression on that face. Skilled liar or not- he could read her every emotion. And underneath was always hate. She hated him. Even now. And he was slowly forgetting he hated her too. 

"They couldn't pay me to kidnap your whiny ass again. What's the rush, in a hurry to watch your boyfriend scrape himself off tree bark?"

"That's right, I forgot you only stick to random people. And for the record- Eren is not my boyfriend." She had jolted slightly with annoyance, making him center the two further onto the branch.

Levi smirked near her face. Every bit of skin that connected with his scorched his brain. "You act as if you were some innocent civilian. If they went public with our capture of you, I would be praised."

In the back of his mind, he knew Hange would be wondering where the hell they were- but he didn't really care. 

"You saw only one night of my life down there. None of you have a clue of what I lived like."

"Well, you can regale me with all the thrilling details when we take our trip down memory lane next month." 

The thief stiffened but didn't step out of his grasp. "I forgot about that. Brave, taking me right back to my territory. I could stage an ambush- or run away within the tunnels." 

A hand came up her tank top slowly before stopping at her incision, tapping it mockingly. "You wouldn't get far. As for an ambush, we had enough intel on you to know you've always worked alone. "

A breath expelled out of her in the form of a laugh, moving his fingers as it did. "That's true. Never trust someone to do a job you can do ten times better."

"Shame," he taunted lightly. "You would've been quite the mob boss."

A scoff moved his hair. "Now look at me. There's no way I can show my face down there as someone's else's dog. They can sense a caged animal a mile away."

Levi dropped the hand from her neck, resting it back on her waist and gripping her ODM strap. He’d half-expected her to slice him to shreds a while ago but wildly enough she stayed put, breathing steadily. 

"Well then, I guess you'll have to jump back into character when we're there. This is just one of many missions to come, cadet. Not all of them will be within the safety of the Walls."

Her hand that was lightly resting on his arm began to squeeze. "I've told you all, you won't get me outside those Walls. Nothing will."

"Oh Erwin will." He felt himself get harsher by the minute, trying to convey to her these games weren't forever. Ancient weird blood tie or not, there's nothing he could do to keep her safe if she wasn't ready to go out there. And he needed her to be ready. 

"There's no running from this. Either you disobey him and you're dead or you get to five years. After that he said it himself. You're free."

Day stayed just as tense. "He only gave me that sentence because 90% of Scouts don't last five years."

"You can."

Silence. The wind whipped his hair around and he felt her shiver against it, still dressed down from training. He almost put his other arm over her but stopped. The hell was wrong with him?

"I haven't forgotten our truce from the other night. I've been trying to do it." Day's steely voice broke for a moment. "But fuck. I'm beginning to feel like a sideshow attraction anytime I fucking move."

If anyone understood how that felt, Levi Ackerman did. 

"I know it's a hard line to balance. Erwin wants you to be the strongest cadet in our history. But with that comes a strong divide between you and your teammates. But restraint isn't always a weakness. When you take a breath and observe, listen- less people around you get hurt." 

"That is something I haven't mastered yet," she surprisingly admitted. "Absolute control. I tend to get.. overeager."

"I'll get you under control. Don't worry." 

Day shivered once again and he began to feel bad for trapping her on this cold dark tree. 

"I think you'll find that a most difficult task," the words came out as wisps next to him, and he closed his eyes sinking into the moment. 

Against his will he said, "We should get back. Hange no doubt has a search party out for us."

"Yeah," she responded slowly. "I can't wait to have my own gear on."

"Hey," Levi leaned forward just a bit, smiling against the dark. He mocked Hange's crazed tone lightly. "You even get to fly with me, won't that be fun?"

A puff of laughter caused him to breathe in her scent against his will. 

"You're way too jerky with your line. It seems even Humanity’s Greatest could use some work on his rescuing etiquette." 

At that, he grabbed her, pulling her to him further as his line shot to a nearby tree. "Was I not polite enough for you? Here, study closely."

Once again, that repulsively adorable eep escaped out of her once they hurtled into the air. It was very apparent she had no clue how to handle someone else taking the reigns. 

Despite how fun it'd be to see her make that noise again, the Captain flew with fluid restraint as he kept his hand underneath her ODM strap, holding her waist in place while her legs were wrapped around him. 

Still though, he couldn't help himself from dipping suddenly to the ground before throwing them back up to soar over some trees, making Day shove her face in his neck, her breath hot on his skin. Her legs squeezed with surprising force, almost making him lose his breath. 

It was fucked how good it all felt. 

Having Day safe right against him, the tight grips of her hands on his own straps, the simmering heat of her golden skin melting his brain. It was as if his heart finally knew what rhythm to beat at. The stress gone. 

Is this what Hange meant by giving in? 

If so, he could do this more often. Calm had never taken over him like this. For a second, he wondered if Day felt it too. Their so-called blood bond.

 

 

When they reached the clearing, Levi could see his partner apprehensively pacing the field. When she spotted them, she jumped up and down and waved her hand to get Eren's attention who had his head in his hands in the middle of the field. 

"Oh thank fucking god," she babbled as their feet immediately touched the grass. "I thought Day broke her neck or something after tying herself up!"

The irresponsible girl in question noticeably lingered as she unhitched herself from Levi's body, avoiding his gaze. Against his will, he felt himself immediately missing her presence, making him sneer and push him past Hange.

Eren sprinted up with numerous cuts closing all over his face and arms. "Day I'm so sorry are you okay?!? I thought you were at the med bay again. Look at me, do you know what day it is?? Where you are??"

Day half smiled at him, revealing a small dimple. "I'm completely fine. Levi caught me."

"How lucky we are!" Hange beamed to them. "I found Eren all tangled up in a tree yards away from right one."

To that, Day raised an eyebrow and panned to Eren dryly. "Is that so? I could've died, you know. Instead you gave the worst attempt known to man."

The tall despondent man went for a hug but she placed a hand in his chest, keeping him in place. 

"Please tell me we're done for training today," she sighed, looking straight at Hange. 

The goggled Captain just grinned back. "Well, since Eren destroyed his gear we can't do anymore ODM training...buuut he could turn Titan before we go back! Little sparring match!"

An evil smile glinted off the blonde. "I think I'd like to get Eren back."

Levi wholeheartedly agreed as he nodded his approval to Hange. Anything to shut that dumbass up. 

Minutes later, Day stood swords out yards away from a quiet Titan. Seeing a melodramatic fourteen-meter tall monster was entertaining to say the least.

Eren obviously felt bad about his failure earlier so he fought back with half-assed swats. She flew around him like an angry bug before landing on his neck. In vicious slashes, the girl extrapolated Eren from the body in seconds.

When his meat-encased body was dropped in front of them, the two Captains collectively sighed. 

"Always too fast," Hange said wistfully. 

Day landed nimbly by Eren's smoking body with a tiny pout. "If Titans are this easy to kill in the wild then I have no clue what everyone's worried about."

Before Levi could shut down her cocky attitude, Hange jumped in, facts on the ready. 

"Not quite. See, the Titans you'll face act as a pack of wild animals. Some are predictable, slow, not even eight meters. Others can be almost rabid, we call them Abnormals. Mix that in with their swarming, overpowering numbers, it becomes overwhelmingly fatal."

Day tipped her head down, staring at her bloody lover on the grass. 

"So, you lose due to numbers? How many Titans does an average Scout fell in one battle?"

Hange paused. "One."

Even under the glow of the stones, the girl paled. "And how many Titans swarmed the Walls in Shiganshina last year?"

"Almost a hundred."

"My god." 

Everyone was silent for a second, taking it in. 

Day was the first to speak but was grimacing strongly. "And you think I can help that? Those are dismal numbers. There has to be a better way, a safer way to kill them."

Hange's smile had been gone for a while now as she swiped some of her bangs from her face. "Don't you think I'm up every night trying to come up with a solution? The Scouts were never meant to be a full-blown army. We're expeditioners, surveyors. None of us were prepared for the attack last year. The only thing that even saved us was Eren discovering his power."

"So you're trying to find even bigger guns to help you. Since you're severely under equipped." Day concluded, deadpan.

"More or less," Hange shrugged. "We have an amazing new regiment this year. But I fear... it's nowhere near enough."

Eren got up slowly, his wounds fully healed as he listened with a pensive look on his brow. 

"So everyone's certain of another attack coming, then." Day huffed. "Where are the provisions being made? Reinforcing the Walls? Maybe trying to find out why we were attacked for the first time in a hundred years." Despite the anger in her tone, there was a underlying wobble of true worry. 

"We're doing all we can," Hange frowned softly. "There's only so many of us." 

Day begin to back away with a hardening look on her face. "This is all starting to sound a bit hopeless."

The thief fired a line skyward before looking straight at Levi. "Well, thanks for bringing me along to die with you all." 

Before anyone could retort, she disappeared into the leaves in a flash. A part of him shifted to go after her but he held himself. She'll have to learn. This is what her life is now. 

When everyone minus Day returned to the training field, no one spoke. Levi didn't even crack an insult at Eren having to be carried like a toddler the whole way back by Hange. He instead just threw his gear off in silence, glaring up at the moon above. 

Eren stalked off after giving the Captains a brisk salute, no doubt going to whine and cry for Day's attention. 

His partner on the other hand lingered next to Levi as they walked back. The buzzing she gave off when she wanted to say something made him itch with annoyance. 

"What, Hange?" 

"I have an idea."

"Obviously." 

"It's clear Day can't grasp our position. And of course she can't! She grew up underground!"

"Right."

"Well what if we showed her. Made her see what she's up against." 

Levi slowed his pace slightly, sparing a glance to Hange. Under the moonlight, she looked truly mad. 

"You mean like a trip to the Wall? That could work."

"I mean past the Walls. Show her exactly what we are. Surveyors."

He came to an abrupt stop, swiveling to her with a baffled look. "She's much too fresh of a cadet for that. Erwin would never agree to it." 

When Levi saw how determined Hange was, a part of his stomach dropped. 

"I beg to differ. Day's way past the other Scouts progress-wise anyways. This would give her a real taste of what's to come. All of our squads are constantly going on scouting missions. If one of us brought her along for one, I think she'd be perfectly fine."

"That's insane. She'd die in seconds. Not to mention she already has a mission soon."

"I know, and a resurfacing mass murderer in the Under City is just as important. She'll be back in plenty of time to prepare for it. Just a few days is all I want. That's it." 

He tried to keep his composure but his whole body began to burn. 

"Even so, she will lose her mind when she goes out there. We need to ease her up to that. The brat’s also a huge flight risk. We can't just throw her outside and expect her to be good." 

Hange straightened her glasses. "That's why I'm going to propose Erwin come along, whether that be with me and my squad, or you and yours."

With a spinning mind, he took a step back and placed a hand to his forehead. 

"Hange, listen to me." Levi said slowly. "You remember what you told me the other day in the hallway? My 'Ackerman lineage and what comes with it.' I think if you bring her past the Walls and I'm not there- I don't even know what'll happen."

Her eyes widened so big they filled up the entirety of her goggles. "Ohhh. So you have been paying attention to it lately. Could I possibly write some things down about how you’re feeling?"

"Damnit Hange, no! What do you think I felt when you threw her off that tree, tied up? It was like nothing I've ever experienced. I'm fearful if you put her in that much mortal danger, I'll be almost fucking incapacitated."

"Okay then take her with your squad. I'll stay here and have Moblit fill in for you. What could possibly happen to her with humanity's two greatest soldiers escorting." 

Levi clenched his fists, almost drawing blood. "Regardless, Erwin won't take the time to dally around with a new recruit outside the Walls."

"She's his greatest gamble so far. I doubt he'll miss a chance to see her progress in action." 

A hand clawed up his throat, gripping his tongue. 

"What about when we tell her about her new assignment? She'll run. She'll be gone before we ever get that girl around Titans."

His partner put her palms up and smiled. "You can't get me to change my mind, Levi. I really think this is our best option."

"This girl isn't an equation you can solve." he growled. "She's dangerous, unpredictable. And you're about to traumatize her worse than she's ever seen in her life."

Despite Levi looking like a murderous devil, Hange was unperturbed. "You guys don't even have to get close to a Titan. Just have her see some, hide in the trees. Then come right back. Hardly any danger. Plus, your squad is as elite as they come."

Levi sharply turned back towards the trail and began stomping to the Headquarters. "This is the worst idea you've ever had, Captain Zoë. Don't talk to me about this again unless you have direct approval from Erwin himself."

Thankfully, the maniac didn't follow him as practically rushed back the office. Taking her outside the fucking Walls? Hange's batshit. In no world is she ready for this. 

Logic aside, part of his chest had a rock lodged inside that wouldn't let a full breath escape. He just kept picturing how serene he felt, holding Day in the safety of the woods not even an hour ago. Now she'll be in actual danger. 

I should go to her right now and warn her. 

"FUCK!" Levi snarled into the open night air. 

 

 

 

 

 

Today had been one of the longest of his life, but he chose to stretch it the fuck out as he scaled out of his office window. The moon drooped overhead, no doubt judging him silently. 

Fuck off, he told it. I'm trying to protect your girl, aren't I?

A million thoughts screamed at Levi for being absolutely the stupidest he'd ever been. This is a fucking disease. A curse. Even so, he climbed his way to the east wing of the huge building, not pausing for a second. 

He had slid a black mask over part of his face to hide his noticeable haircut in case a curious Scout peeked out their window. Fingers expertly gripped the smallest of crevices while the wind seemed to be against him the higher he went. 

Finally, he had reached her dorm at the corner of the wing. The lantern was off and the white curtains were drawn. With his torso dangling on the edge of the roof, he tossed a scrap of rubble at the glass. Nothing. 

Fuck, what if she's with Eren? He ignored his body tensing at the thought. 

Levi did it again with a bigger rock. This time, he saw the linen shift slightly. Then, a face appeared. Hers. 

Absolute shock held her brown eyes as her mouth slowly opened then closed. He motioned for her to open the window and she did, never taking an eye off him. 

Shimmering light hair whipped around her face once it was open, making her look like a beautiful ghost. 

"Are you here to kill me?" Day whispered, smiling. 

Levi realized he still had his mask on, and he ripped it off, his hair hanging upside down near her. 

Her eyebrows raised but the smile stayed. "Now I'm sure you're here to kill me."

"Come here, you insufferable girl." he snapped, extending both his arms her way. 

Her face was filled with suspicion, but she raised her hands up to meet his. He pulled her up quietly, straight out of the window and onto the roof. 

Once they both stood, he had to avert his gaze for a moment when he saw how ungodly she looked.  In only a pale nightgown and messy hair that reflected the light of the moon, the man was completely gripped by her beauty. 

In an attempt to compose himself, Levi pinched his hand, breaking skin. A slice of clarity found him and he cleared his throat. 

"It seems that loud mouth of yours has finally caught up to you."

Day crossed her arms. "Really? You got me out of bed to scold me?"

"To warn you, insolent brat. Your little rant about Titans earlier gave Hange quite the idea."

True fear began to cloud her eyes as she took a step back. "No. Please don't be saying what I think you are."

His head pulsed slightly as he gritted his teeth. "You could have at least lost a few times with Eren. She now thinks you are fully capable to go on a scouting mission."

A flash of steel glinted on his face as she drew a blade instinctively. "They won't take me there alive, Levi."

His solution had already came to him long ago. And it shattered his heart. Cursing his weakness, he inhaled deeply. 

"They know you'll run. Shortly after you arrived, they weren't the only ones to learn about your foster sister-"

In a split second she had Levi on the ground. Bright incisors glinted above his face in pure rage. "You told me if I didn't kill anyone, she'd be safe. That my secret would be safe." Her voice came out strangled. 

Levi panted below her for a second, dumbfounded he was being pinned down. Once he came to, he quickly roped a leg around her, throwing her onto the shingled roof with slight force. Pressing his weight into her, he gripped her arms like steel, holding her in place. 

"I didn't tell them about Anya," he breathed into her ear, damning his lies. "Erwin's not an idiot. He found out. If you act out- I fear she will suffer the consequences."

Day thrashed against him, letting out choked sobs. "Monsters. You guys are fucking monsters." 

"Stop. Day- Dahlia please. You and Anya will be fine, I am promising that to you. It's a small mission, just recon. Zero combat." He couldn't tell if she even heard him or not. "Don't do anything rash. Keep your resolve. You won't be alone, I'll be there with you."

Somehow, her sniffles subsided enough for her to speak. "Didn't you want me dead not even a month ago? Seems like the perfect chance to rid the regiment of its’ problem." 

Using one of his hands, he moved the hair covering her face. Glaring at those deep, tear stricken eyes, he sighed. "Do you really think I snuck onto this roof to warn someone I want dead?"

"Maybe." she squeaked, sniffing.

Levi's chest melted at how despicably cute she was and a genuine laugh escaped him. 

"Come on, what happened to all that trust? Have I not earned even a crumb of it?"

He could feel her breath start to slow as she stopped struggling. "How can I be sure you can keep me safe out there?"

The Captain smiled. "They really didn't hear about me down in the Under City, did they? Plus, we'll be with my Special Operations Squad. The highest trained Scouts in the whole Corps.”

"I don't want an entire squadron of soldiers in danger just so I can see a god damned Titan."

"There's no way around this, Day. My soldiers know what they chose. It's quite literally their job to leave the Walls. Just let me handle it, okay? A few days then it's done."

"And if I don't, the Scouts will hurt Anya. A ten-year old." she whispered numbly. 

"I'm not sure they'd harm her. But they could make life very difficult indeed. Even lock her up."

It killed him to lie like this, but it was the only way to get her to stay completely safe. If she ran, Erwin could execute her for desertion. 

Forgive me. 

Levi felt the sinking of acceptance overcome her as she finally stilled. 

"Okay. Since I have no other option. I guess this is all I can do."

For a second he thought she was going to slash his throat, but instead she just sighed, hitting her head softly against the roof. 

"You can let go now," Day joked quietly. Levi scrambled off her, realizing her gown had also ridden up during the skirmish. 

Keeping his eyes on the moon, he ran a hand through his black hair. "I am sorry, Day. Hange is convinced this is the best way."

Day stayed on the ground but sat up, brushing herself off. "You couldn't ..I don't know" she wiggled her fingers, "use your Levi intimidation tactics."

He raised an eyebrow and turned back to her. "What do you think I'm doing right now?" 

"On Hange."

"I told you. Hange's past that. I could dangle her by her foot from this rooftop and she wouldn't budge. Once she's decided on an idea, nothing’s going to stop her. Only Erwin, and I just know who he’ll side with."

The girl stood slowly. "So I wait then. Just wait to be taken out there." 

"Yes. And trust me. I already know you can do it."

Her eyes darted to the side before back at him. "That was a silly little exercise. This is certain death."

"Tch. Dramatic."

"More like sane." Day grunted, but thankfully seemed to have calmed down. 

She moved to the ledge and he followed, offering his arm to help her down. Instead, she waved his hand away. "I can do it." 

Roping her legs over, she dangled them on the edge, seemingly unbothered by the stories of air between her and the ground. 

Levi could sense her hesitation, the underlying fear she was trying to fight off.

"Real fucking Titans." she whispered to the wind. "Levi, what if I can't handle it?"

Without deliberation he stepped forward, wanting to put a hand to her back.

"They're just big ugly sacks of shit. Even dumber than Eren, if you can believe it."

At that, Levi saw her shoulder move in a light giggle. Their tenuous peace definitely felt strange. Even so, he couldn't help but want to grin at making her laugh, even a little. 

"Erwin should've known I wouldn't be his strongest soldier. They wouldn’t feel this... terrified at the thought of facing those…things." he couldn't see her face, but he knew her strong facade was cracking under the worry. 

After a few heartbeats, he put the hand on her back gently. Funnily enough, he felt the curve of a dagger nestled in her spine. His fingers traced it ever so lightly.

"Being brave is facing your fear and pushing through it for the sake of yourself and your comrades. We were all scared our first time, even the ones who grew up above ground." Day's muscles relaxed just the slightest against his hand.  

"I'm still debating on killing the Commander, you know." she whispered. 

"Good luck, even I couldn't take that man down." he chuckled, shaking his head. "Just- whatever you do- try and keep control. Think about Anya. Don't risk her entire life over just two days of yours."

As he watched her hair dance through the wind, the girl sighed looking at the ground below. "Goodnight, Levi. And...thank you. God that sounds weird. But. Thank you for catching me tonight and for being the first person here to be straight up with me."

A lump formed in his throat at her words. What an honorable piece of shit I am. 

"You're welcome. I can play nice when you do the same."

She stole a glance over her shoulder to Levi, her mouth slightly parted. Words seemed unspoken on those lips. 

"Goodnight, Dahlia." 

The girl turned around, facing him just inches away. For a brief, crazy second he thought she was going to kiss him. But instead, she dropped her body off the roof, holding herself by her fingertips above her window. 

Giving a small swing, Day leapt through the curtain, back into her dorm without a peep. 

The Captain just fell back onto the roof, spreading his arms across it as he stared up at the stars in silent terror.

Sina help me. I'm going completely mad.

Chapter 41: Part Two: safe

You'd think going crazy would be louder, but it isn't. 

Instead, it seeps into your muscles, crawls down your back, hovers right behind you. It's slow, it bides its' time. I could feel it now. Lingering above while I awoke, reminding me of what was to come.

Down the throat of a Titan. Soon.

The control I was finally starting to get back was slipping through my fingers, mocking me as it went. You got too cocky. Now they have their claws even deeper. 

Honestly, I wasn't sure what had shocked me more. The fact that my little sister was now under threat or that Levi Ackerman took it upon himself to warn me of such.

"Keep your resolve. You won't be alone; I'll be there with you."

Who the fuck was that last night? Levi was stoic, rude, demeaning. He was never kind. Or gentle. 

It made me want to jump out of my skin the way I kept picturing how he held me close in that dark forest. The way he gripped me, as if constantly reassuring himself I was still there. 

For someone as supernaturally strong as the Captain, I never knew he'd feel so..soft. I barely had to concentrate to remember that sure, secure hand holding me. From the moment he had caught me it didn't leave my waist.

He'd even said sorry. 

I was sure that when I opened my eyes, my real memories would flood in and the world would go back to its normal level of fucked up. It had to. Or else I wasn't going crazy. And I was about to die. 

 

 

 

 

Once the sky had awoken along with me, I itched to be outside. 

Dressed in a brown, long-sleeve cotton shirt and dark cargo pants, I snuck out of the dorm long before Sasha would wake up. For once, I was the early riser. Not by choice. 

Part of me had been anxious Eren would try and come see me before training today. I couldn't- how could I tell him? Fuck it all. The expedition. Fuck my fucked, stupid life. 

I'd dealt with a lot already from the hands of the Scouts, but one thing I'd always vowed was my safety within the Walls. And now- I couldn't even fight for that. Or else I'd be killing my only family. 

Once I was finally in the reaches of the sun, I made my way out into the woods. I was sick of training at everyone else's pace. The only person who'd ever taught me was me.

The thwump of my dagger moments later sliced through my racing thoughts. 

I'd found a target area for the archers and sharp shooters to practice. It was surrounded with various cutouts of Titans and even humans with most of the bullseyes near the napes. 

The fresh morning was beautifully quiet but all I could hear were the sounds of my heartbeat. It mimicked the lumbering steps of a Titan. I pulled a wrist blade out. Thwack. 

This is pointless. That stupid voice itched. What will a knife do against a beast like that? 

With a frustrated yell, I threw three around me in a circle, landing each blow with lightning-fast cuts. I exhaled resignedly and fell to the ground. 

When I was excessively nervous, a blade was never out of my hand. Another was back in my grasp as soon as I hit the dirt. Twirling with nervous fingers, I caught glimpses of myself as it spun. The blade stilled and I stared into the metal.

Fear stared back. 

I swallowed hard. My throat was dry with apprehension. Humanity's Greatest Soldier with me or not, the peril of the unknown drowned my mind like no terror I'd ever felt before. 

Dropping the dagger, I grimaced and put my hands in the dirt in attempt to ground myself. Calm your mind. I breathed in deep, listening to the sounds of the world waking up around me. 

Taking one more breath in, I scooted forward and lifted myself upside down until I was as straight as a board above the ground. My heart finally slowed as I stayed suspended, just the tips of my hands holding me up. 

In. Out. 

Peace found me along the wind drifting over, greeting me through my hair as it passed. Levi had warned me because they expected me to be erratic, scared. I needed to show them- and myself- that no matter what they threw at me I could conquer it. 

Once my bearings came back, I drew in another inhale then took one a hand off the ground. With only a few fingers, I bent my arm down, drawing my legs into my chest then pushed back up, straightening my entire body towards the sky. 

I held that balanced position for a while, eyes closed, imaging myself back in my cave doing breathing exercises. Being alone was the purest gift you could have in this world, and I missed the old life I took for granted. 

"Girl how are you doing that?!" 

A shrill voice broke my serenity. Opening one eye, I saw an upside-down face crouched next to mine. My roommates' goofy grin blocked out the sun and I sighed. 

"You've gotta be psychic or something. How the hell did you know I was here?"

Sasha pulled a bow off her shoulders and held it up. "I was going to shoot a little before breakfast. But I can't lie- I'm startin to feel discouraged already. I mean, look at you. I can't follow up tippy fingered one-armed handstand now, can I?"

My focus completely went away as giggles racked my chest. Leaning forward, I rolled into a sitting position and brushed myself off. 

"Please, you're a badass. I've seen you on ODM gear, this isn't much different. I bet you can get this down in five minutes." I scoffed, throwing some dust her way. 

The bubbly girl laughed and pushed me. Throwing her body on mine, she shoved further into the ground as she held me with her bow. 

"You're lucky I have no desire to be top of the class, Day. Or else this'd be the perfect chance to take you out," Sasha grinned in my face, throwing me around as we scuffled. 

"Tell me, what does being top of the class even do?" I slithered an arm through her bow strings to rub dirt in her eye. 

She dodged it then paused, really contemplating my question. "You know, I have no fucking clue."

I used my chance to squeeze a leg between us and push, throwing her off me feet away into the grass as she landed with a loud umph!

"Damn bitch that hurt," Sasha joked, this time staying down and succumbing to the earth. 

I faked a gasp at her insult. "Those are some choice words from an easy target." Drawing a blade, I flicked it over, the steel sinking into the dirt between her hand. 

Instead of flinching, the girl just gasped. She wrenched it out of the ground and inspected it closely. "Can I keep this?" 

"No." I said deadpanned. 

Putting a hand up, I signaled for her to throw it back. Sasha hesitated. "Uhh daggers aren't really my thing." 

"Don't worry, it's mine." I just glared at her till she tossed it. With a deft catch, I flipped it few times, smiling. 

"How do you not cut yourself?" she cocked her head, ponytail bobbing to the side behind her. 

"Almost ten years of practice. I started off with just a whittled-out knife I'd flip around almost every hour of the day until I could get to where the blade would never hurt me, and only go where I willed it."

I thought back to all those hours I spent crouched over a knife. I'd practice in an alleyway, hidden from other thieves before I was put in the foster home. I'd practice while shuffling through the encompassing darkness of the tunnels, my blade my only lifeline. I'd grip it as an extension of my heartbeat. 

Fighting- and knives- had always been instinct for me the moment I touched them. But the desire in me burned, ever since I was thrown to the street, to be better than just a natural. I wanted to be a weapon. Every inch of me finely tuned. 

Still, though. Despite all the strength I had, the looming silhouettes of giants still hovered behind me. 

"How often do ODM blades break in battle?" 

Sasha raised an eyebrow, "It's pretty common. Even the ultrahard steel it's made with can't stand multiple hits on Titan skin. I've went through all my blades before, it's a terrifying position to be in."

"I'm gonna need better gear," I murmured, my heart twisting at the thought of my old, rigged gear I'd used for years. 

Suddenly, I sat up straight with a grin. There could be a chance they didn't throw away my belongings from the cave. My gear.

"I have to go," I stood, ignoring the dirt now covering half my body. "I'll see you at practice, roomie."

As I sped off, I heard Sasha wail, "Are you crazy? What about breakfast?"

 

 

 

The dark oak seemed to glare down at me as I stood hesitating outside his door. Taking a breath, I stepped forward and knocked loudly. 

Seconds later, the door swung open to reveal a quite disheveled looking Captain Levi, who leaned on the frame with a yawn. Dark circles hung under his gray eyes that were staring at me with contempt. 

"Did you just come from a pig sty?" the Captain muttered sleepily. 

Seeing the always impeccable man straight up bedheaded in silk pajamas was throwing me through a loop. It sickened me how absolutely..cozy a sleepy-eyed Levi was. 

He gave me a half-frown and took a step back. "Come in."

Thankfully, I used those few seconds to think like a normal person and get back to the task at hand. He shuffled to a nook in the corner of his room that I never realized had a door attached. I paused at the entrance, looking around at his bedroom that was just as spotless as the rest of his quarters. 

"I didn't mean to disturb you...if I'd known you were sleeping..." I said awkwardly, trying to not stare at the rumpled Captain. 

He sat on the bed, putting his hands behind him. A part of his shirt lifted as he moved, revealing a glimpse of pale, defined muscles underneath. For Sina's sake. 

"Too late now, isn't it," Levi shrugged. "Just sit down on that chair over there, you're filthy." 

Once I was sat down, my mouth spoke before my mind had a chance to catch up. "Yeah well, you look like an angry koala when you're sleepy."

Levi blinked as his cheeks began to redden just barely. Proving my point, he frowned and ran an absentminded hand through his raven mess. 

"Tch. You have to be the most annoying girl in the world." 

I gave him a snarky grin back. "That's definitely not the first time I've heard that."

He just hmphed, tilting his neck to one side. "Can you get to the point of your visit?"

I licked my dry lips, the smile fading. "How soon do you think until we leave?"

"Depends. Hange needs to still get it approved, which she's no doubt working on this morning. After that.. we'd have to wait for my squad to return from the Outer Walls. Day of preparation, then leave after that." He rubbed his arm. "Probably a week total."

"Great," I glower sourly. "Sure it's not too late to chop a hand off or something?"

He matched my expression. "Don't even think about trying to harm yourself before this, Day. The pain I'll inflict after that will be triple anything you do."

To anyone else, it'd be an effective threat. But I just couldn't get past his drowsy little scowls.

"Relax. I think that'd be universally counterproductive." I say cheekily. "I'm actually here to plan, in a way. See, I want to know what happened to my old ODM gear. The one you guys stole from my place." 

"Ah yes, your rusty old cave gear. Top priority." Levi said dryly. "And for heavens' sake, why do you need it?"

I crossed my arms. "It's special. The government regulated shit you guys use is too weak. I took that baby apart piece by piece. It'll do a job better than any of that flimsy diluted steel. Not to mention it's stealth designed."

"We have stealth gear that we only use for in-Wall missions. Not outside. Our comrades need to be able to hear us." 

"So will the bloody Titans! If they're just big animals, won't buzzing little people out in the open be pretty fucking obvious?"

"I'm not your retrieval hound. Find the stupid thing yourself." The sleepy Captain snapped.

I paused. "So, you guys didn't throw it away."

He shook his head, grabbing a pillow and looking like he wanted to take my head off with it. "Let me have my last bit of sleep in peace, cadet. Go play hide and seek, I don't give a shit. Just leave and before class take a damned shower."

Jumping out the chair, I skipped over to his bed with a short laugh. Out of sheer impulse, I reached a hand forward and tussled his hair. "Thanks for the help, 'Cap."

Have you lost your damned mind? Before Levi could help me find it, I disappeared out of the quarters in the blink of an eye.

 

 

 

 

"Day!! Hey wait up!" 

The freakishly tall man Jean trotted down the hall towards me, a sheepish grin on his chiseled face.

"Are you headed to practice? I'm always late as fuck too, wanna walk with me?" 

I'd spent the better part of an hour missing meal and scouring the labyrinth known as the Scout Headquarters. It had almost driven me mad- and I'd cracked the tunnels of the Underground. My search paused for now, I sighed resignedly. 

"Why not. Say, you ever happen upon where they keep seized weapons, contraband etcetera..?"

My covertness was rusty from being out of the game for so long, but it seemed to work on the dopey idiot anyways. 

"Hmmm I think I've heard of something like that. It's where they probably put my damned flat-tipped pens. Weapon my ass." I stifled a laugh as we walked, imagining this clumsy fool being an artist. 

"That's.. unfortunate. Well maybe after you show me where it is later, I can snatch your pens up too." 

Jean beamed. "That'd be awesome. I've been forced to used shitty lead pencils."

I snorted. "Tragic. Soo, let's go right after lunch."

He nodded briskly. "After lunch. Got it." 

We walked a bit more in sweet silence until I could feel the moron almost explode with one more pickup line. He itched his neck then shot me a wink. "Say, your hair looks really pretty today."

I'd taken Levi's advice- begrudgingly- and taken a long trip to the bathhouse. My wet hair was braided away from my face in tight rows then loose at the end, cascading down in soft waves.

Examining him for moment, I had to admit he was a cute in a brutish sort of way. I knew a lot of men who try to hide under shyness to disguise their true intentions, but he seemed exceedingly genuine, like Eren. 

At my slight pause, the blush deepened, consuming half his poorly shaven face. "Uhh forget I said that. You're with Eren, aren't you?"

An annoyed laugh came out of me. If one more person asked me that.

"No. I am not."

Turning on my heel, I stomped towards the open field where the Scouts lay in formation, ready for the morning debrief. 

"Just keep quiet about our little excursion later, got it?" I snapped over my back. 

Jean just jogged up to me, grinning ear to ear. "Oh of course. Only if you give me a personal flying lesson. I want to learn how to throw myself around like a tiny feather too."

An involuntary laugh bubbled out of me. "I think you're too long for that. Maybe a bendy straw, sure."

He winked, laughing back. "So, it's a yes, then?"

"It's a hard maybe till you get me inside there unnoticed, kay?" I pushed him away from me, going to find Sasha in the rows.

Jean went a few people down to stand besides Connie, who was wiggling his eyebrows and making obscene noises to the tall man. 

Once in place, I faced the front and scanned around, hoping no one noticed my lateness. I cursed when my eyes met silver. Captain Levi stood off to the side near the officers, a deep scowl on his face that was right on mine.

It was reflex to grin back. I regretted it almost immediately, for he curled his lip back to glare at me somehow even harder. 

Sasha seemed to feel the heat he was giving off as the girl flinched next to me. "Jesus Day, the Captain's lookin at you like he wants to fucking end you! What'd you already do this morning?" 

"I'm not sure..." I murmured casually. He seemed fine earlier. 

After the meeting, in which Hange was weirdly absent from, the Scouts moved to their next location. Today was a mission formations exercise mixed with lectures. Not an ideal day to keep my mind occupied off the pending doom. 

 

 

 

At the beginning, we all had to sit on a hill as Captains shot off various smoke signals while describing what each meant. 

During the demonstration I caught myself staring as Levi shot off a green flare above him. The billows of jade hung around his head, bathing him in radiance.

For a brief second, I found solace in the knowledge that this would be the Captain to lead me into the unknown.  

I pinched myself in anger. He's nice to you for one day and you begin to trust him? Have you learned nothing? The only person who will have my back out there is me. 

Shortly after, we were forced to shuffle about in the grass like cattle as they called out various formations. Somehow in the midst of it, Eren had found a way to sneak himself to my right flank. 

"Don't even think about distracting me," I hiss. 

He just shuffled closer, smirking. "Wouldn't dream of it."

He always looked so good it pissed me off. Long baby hairs spread across his neck through his bun, making him look like a dopey hedgehog. 

"I missed youuu," he singsongs as we pivot to the V arrangement. 

I ignored him, facing the farthest direction from his bright-eyed face. "I wish we were doing this on horseback," I mutter. 

"They get too ancy being in place!" I could relate to that. "Plus, have you ever even ridden a horse?"

I turn to sneer, crossing my arms. "Well, no. But I got to pet one once."

Eren sniggered. "Oh, I remember. You looked soo cute all excited. Biggest grin I've seen you make since you got here."

With a glare, I bumped him as we turned into Pincher Formation. "Stalker."

"Fine with me." The idiot smiled back. 

"Say, have you seen Annie today?" I crane my neck trying to spot the suspicious blonde.

"Yeah, she's right over there, left center." 

Without another word, I snake through the crowd, eyes narrowed. The cut on my cheek pulsed the closer I got. 

Sliding up behind her, I leaned forward. "You wanna explain why you played so dirty yesterday?"

Annie didn't react, not even sparing me a glance. "How's that cheek healing?"

"How do you think, dick. I was just wondering- where in the mountains did you say your little trio is from?"

She stilled. I noticed one of her fingers toyed with that metal ring, the very one that had caught me off guard. 

"Stohess. Dreary ass place."

"Hmm and you thought to find happiness amongst the Scouts," I pondered, shifting her hair slightly with a puff of a sigh. 

"Sure." Her voice was as dead as ever. "What else is there to do here."

"I liked you, Annie." I frown, already leaving. "Now, keep me out of your shit. Next time I won't be nearly as nice."

Whether she responded or not I had no clue, I was already melding into the bodies of the Scouts around us. 

 

 

 

 

Lunch came around and I was shoveling piles of rice into my mouth. We only had so long to find my precious gear and I didn't want to waste a second. Eren had insisted on sitting next to me as he watched wide, slightly concerned eyes. 

"You're really hungry today," he said, shoving some of my way. "Here, finish mine."

Wordlessly I took the bowl and dumped it into my mouth, thanking him with a burp.

"You know, you're really pretty covered in rice."

I shot him a glare. A grain bounced off his head. "Could you not? Are you always like this?"

"Not particularly," he responded through a laugh. "Though these last few weeks I haven't felt quite like myself."

Jesus. I rolled my eyes with a smile tugging on my lips. "You're making my rice even taste sour."

He plucked some from my cheek and popped it in his mouth. "Since you ate so fast, wanna come up to my room and uhhhh... study?" Eren grinned with a tiny blush. 

Abruptly, I stood, shoving my bowls to the side. "Jean!" I yelled down the table. 

The boy stood just as fast, wiping his mouth frantically. "Coming!!"

Eren's mouth fell open as he looked between us again and again. His eyes narrow as I could see fists clenching then unclenching. 

"Ummm wait, what? Why??" was all he could get out.

I walked past him and patted his head lightly. "We'll be back in time for class, don't worry."

Behind me, I heard the sounds of him scrambling to get up. "No. I'm coming."

At this point everyone's eyes at the table were on us. Mikasa chewed slowly, watching the encounter with a straight face. Armin just gave an exasperated sigh, as if he knew this would happen. My roommate had stopped eating completely and was grinning at me like a dumbass. 

My patience was coming to an end. "I don't give a shit what you do, Eren. We're behind as it is."

Turning, I walk to Jean and grab his sleeve, pulling him behind me. Once we left the dining hall, I tossed him ahead of me and huffed.

"Alright, show me."

Thankfully he didn't speak and bolted down the hallway. I could hear the slam of the wooden doors as Eren stomped our way. 

"You long-necked prick! Hey, I'm talking to you! Come here!" The Titan yelled, fully charging towards Jean. 

Before Eren reached him, I stepped to the side and grabbed his collar, throwing him into the wall with his own force. Standing on my tiptoes, I spoke through clenched teeth. "You need to chill the fuck out. Do another jealous boyfriend bullshit move, and I'll end our little situation right here and now. Are you gonna behave and come see confiscated items, or are you gonna keep throwing a fucking fit?"

Glowing eyes were wide and unmoving above mine. Red crept up his neck as he looked down, then back at me, then everywhere but me. 

"You're right. I was being...I was being ridiculous. So you're not going to his dorm?" 

"Oh my god," I released his collar with a slight crazed laugh. "Please don't talk for the remainder of the time Eren."

He pressed his lips together and nodded, then mouthed sorry with somehow wider puppy dog eyes. I scoffed and spun around to face a shocked Jean.

"Let's go," I snapped. A headache had begun to bang at the back of my skull. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jean stood watch outside the unmanned storage area as I fiddled with the lock. The padlock dropped off in seconds and I caught it, looking at the door wistfully. 

"Please be in here," was all I whispered before swinging the door open. 

Eren and I enter, and I light a lantern nearby.

"Wowww," he gasped as rows and rows revealed itself in the light. 

The shelves had any weapon you could think of. Swords, machetes, something that resembled a bush of spikes on a wide cylinder, armor, guns, you name it. It was absolutely beautiful. 

"I won't lie, I'm a little scared you asked Jean to take you here." Eren chuckled, grabbing my waist. 

I threw his hands off and scanned the shelves meticulously. "You should be. Now, look for the gear. It'll be all black, smaller than standard grade stuff."

"You ask so mean," he huffed behind me, not moving. When I turned, the tall Scout was frowning against the flame in a small pout. 

I'd never been too good at "sweet and gentle" and Eren was obviously suffering over that fact. My impending mission was doing nothing to soften it either, as I could still feel my fingers twitch in anticipation. 

"I'm not trying to be an asshole..I'm just stressed is all." I breathed out.

Instead of saying anything, Eren just set the lantern down and put his arms out. When I fell into his arms, a long sigh came out of me, and I felt my shoulders loosen. A warm cookie scent enveloped me as I put my nose into his chest, shutting my eyes. 

We stayed like that for a minute, two people amongst the flickering light of the lantern. How funny. I'm terrified of the same monster embracing me now. 

That thought brought me out of my cocoon as I pulled away, looking up at Eren. "I'll feel better once we find this. If you find it first, I'll even let you win once during sparring tonight."

The lantern illuminated his handsome face as he raised an eyebrow, tilting his head down. "Once? How generous. I'll take a different form of payment, thank you."

At that, I reach up and go to kiss him. Just as our lips almost meet, I stop, giving him a soft smile. "Guess you better hurry."

Desperation flashed in his eyes for a second when I pulled away, his arms squeezing me. The way he'd squint when he wanted a kiss was absolutely adorable.

Then- it's like the word adorable triggered something in me and I pictured a sleepy Levi, rubbing his face and yawning, his undercut sticking half up in the air. My body jolted at the thought, and I left Eren's arms swiftly. 

"I'll take this row. You take the one on the right." I cleared my throat, diving back into the shelves. Get it together. Eren shuffled off reluctantly, leaving me a spare lantern he found before he did. 

I drifted my fingers along the trinkets with a distant smile. This was something I truly loved. A gorgeous brass knuckle pair sparkled along the wood like a gem. A dart gun hovered above my head, like a bait on a line. Candy in the form of actual cigarettes sat right in my face a few shelves down. Drool had escaped my mouth by the time I was completely satiated. 

Pockets and sleeves full, I found my way to Eren after gutting my section cleanly. 

"Anything?" I called out. He was hunched over a box fiddling with something inside.

"Whatcha got there?"

My brain seized the moment he lifted his hand. The jambiya. 

"Isn't this awesome? I bet it's worth millions! I mean look at the jewels on this thing!" Eren exclaimed, holding it up to the light of the lantern.

A dazzling array of colors hit our skin from the dagger. The hilt, a pure work of art, was solid gold encased with an array of precious gemstones. Mesmerizing patterns swirl throughout the metal of the knife, catching my eye in the flash of the blade. 

"That's mine," I whispered to Eren.

On instinct I tackled him, finessing the handle  from his grasp as I did. Once he was pinned down the Titan just layed there, looking up at me with amused eyes. 

"I would've given it to you, you know. But I like this way better."

I puff air in his face. "Sorry. I think the storage room is getting to me... but this one is actually mine."

"I got it from over there." He shifts his gaze to a shelf near the lantern. 

Leaning down, I plant a kiss on Eren's lips once, then twice. "Good job."

A firm hand on the back of the head stops me from moving and I realize the slippery little shithead had gotten a hand loose.  Eren kisses me with fervor wordlessly telling me how much he had missed this. 

It's been a day. I thought a bit giddily. He's acting like he hasn’t kissed me in years.

I had been a bit mean to him ever since he royally fumbled my catch last night, but I was forgetting this was the same boy who melted my heart with unabashed goofiness. The same one who without a single thought saved my life. Clingy or not- I truly enjoyed being around Eren. 

I succumbed for the moment, melting onto him as I let go of his other hand. A happy hum buzzed from the back of his throat while he clutched me, rolling around as he delved into my mouth. 

"You smell so good," he murmured drunkenly. "So, fucking good."

I licked his bottom lip before giving him another kiss. He ran a hand through my hair then grabbed it again, gentler this time. When we finally pulled away all I saw were wet, puckered lips. 

"By the way," Eren panted. "Don't ever ask Jean for help again." his big hand smacked my ass roughly, causing me to jump with a grin. "I could've taken you here. Instead, I've been forced to watch that damn horseface make eyes at you all day."

I squeezed my legs that were straddling him, arching my back a bit. "Sounds mighty jealous, you scary scary Titan."

The hand returned to grip my ass with growing force. "I told you baby. The Titan in me wants you all to myself."

While I continued to grind on him, adding to the urgency in his breaths, I contemplated if I had enough time to really have some fun. Jean had returned to lunch so technically we exposed. But still, it was more than tempting to make his desperate whimpers bounce off these concrete walls. 

Eren must have read my mind because underneath me soft pleads escape his lips. "Please.. Day.. I think we have enough time baby, really. Let me feel you."

Knowing my gear was right about my head the rush of time had slowed me down. I tilted my head as if in fake contemplation. 

"Now what did I tell you about calling me baby, hmm?"

His hand smacks my ass again. "I can think of a few other things to call you."

My speed picks up and I kiss him again, this time biting him as I pull away. "Yeah? Let's hear 'em."

"Oh, come on pretty girl," he chokes out, straining against my hips. "I can't take much more of this..please."

A messy hand had already begun to undo my buckle and I put mine on top helping him along. Once I threw my pants off and sat back onto him, Eren pulled himself out with near anguished breaths. 

Despite his franticness, Eren entered me slow and cautiously as if trying not to break me. Seeing as how I was probably dying soon, I gritted my teeth and sunk further down onto him as he groaned in pure ecstasy. 

I began riding him with forceful slaps while Eren let out choked gasps mixed with whimpered pleasure. All he could do as hold me in place and watch me with eyes that were practically green flashlights in the dim lantern light.

My breath came out in short huffs as I went harder. I slid a thumb into his mouth and Eren sucked on it, drool seeping out his mouth as muffled moans filled my ears. 

My body was already shaking with the coming orgasm, but he whimpered even harder. "No baby," he said through my thumb, "don't stop fucking me please Day."

I grit my teeth and ignore him. Eren let out a long ohhhh as I sped up even more, groaning with my head thrown back, mouth wide.

"Fuck. Fuck fuck! Yes baby," releasing a guttural moan I shook on top of Eren in bliss.

When I was completely done, Eren held my shaking body as he gently lifted me off, kissing my sweaty cheek as he did. 

"I just fucking showered," I breathe against his face.

Eren just layed me down on top of him, the both of us catching our breath against the cold floor. 

"I think you smell like smoke and jasmine when you get all sweaty." Long hair had escaped his bun as it tickled my neck.

I let out a dazed laugh. "Is that right? Has anyone told you that you smell like a damn bakery?"

He chuckled. "Actually yes. Jean used to call me sugar cookie before I had to kick his ass."

"Mmm that's a cute nickname. You are a little sugar cookie." A hand popped my ass lightly. 

"I'll beat yours too," he mumbled against my neck, inhaling deeply. 

I let myself drown into the moment. A few seconds of tranquility before reality takes hold. Freedom was a tease, dangling its' head above my back.

Cherish this now. it taunted. Less than a few days time you'll be fates' puppet. Oh, when will those strings be cut, poor thief?

 

 

Another orgasm had seemed to find me once my eyes landed on the shelf Eren found. Not only was my stealth gear there, but seemingly all of my belongings. Minus the money and stolen jewels, of course. 

"What? What is it?" Eren said in a panicked voice. 

I was quietly sobbing with laughter. Finally. A piece of me had returned. Among spreads of boxes was the entire collection, all my years of hiding and weapon making put into neat piles among the wood planks. Even my clothes- which had been as precious to me as money- were in a box of their own, untouched.  I must have a fan. 

I was practically fizzing with excitement as I shoved boxes into Eren's arms. "Okay, everyone should be busy with getting ready for class right now, so we have a fair shot of making it to the dorms unnoticed." 

He eyed me, then the boxes. "I thought you were some infamous thief. Your idea is to run though the halls carrying loads of contraband? In broad daylight?"

Sure, I was running a bit rampant. But my babies were back. 

"It'll work. If anyone asks what we're doing just say we're helping someone move at the last minute."

"Helping someone move?"

I loaded one more box in his arms. "With that attitude, no one's gonna believe you. Look extra helpful. Smile. Let's see those pearly whites Sugar Cookie."

 

 

 

 

My finger tapped wood in tomes of threes. A lifelike sketch of a ten-meter-tall Titan sat in front of my face. The assholes had even colored it in. 

They are ugly as fuck. 

"These fascinating creatures of our world are misunderstood by many," the monsters' number one fangirl had appeared after being gone all day, adding to my distress. 

"Titans are mainly solitary creatures until prey is detected. The nearby Titans will then swarm," she waved her pointer around a diagram of ten Titans flocking around a squad of troops. "forming a pack. They will begin to barrel into any and all Humans they see. They move without direction, only intent on consuming. This is why no matter what- we give them space when we encounter one. Only when we have isolated a sole Titan is anyone allowed to engage. This prevents alerting other Titans of our position. Staying out of sight is top priority."

Once I finally wrenched my eyes from the maw of the Titan, I found Hange looking right at me as she spoke to the class. 

I'm really failing to see the point of these scouting missions. I wanted to say. Why willingly go out there and have no real plan or weapon other than 'don't let them see you.'

My neck pricked at the thought of being hunted like an animal. Being completely helpless. A fate worse than death- the terrifying seconds leading up to it, realizing you were at the bottom of the food chain all along. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After hours of lectures, the day was done, and dinner was coming up. Sasha and I walked side by side down the hallway as my mind raced with thoughts from our class earlier. 

Titans are faster than humans. They will run as long as there's light to catch you once they get wind of a Human. 

Most are sluggish at night. Not completely immobile yet easier to maneuver around. 

If your gear breaks and you're without a horse, signal a flare. Your chances of dying just tripled. 

The nape, also known as the coordinate, is seemingly the source for all motor control function. Slice that on any one of them and they're dead. 

My stomach was knotting with information. Will it be enough? Me and my tiny blades, against those? 

 

The chili tastes bland and hopeless. I stared into the bowl with a frown. All the fucking in the world couldn't make me forget Levi's warning last night. 

When I looked up someone caught my eye a few tables across. Reiner. I chewed, staring at him with a squint. The burly man was watching me carefully as if cataloguing my every move. His face looked.. different. His eyes were off. 

It gave me a weird feeling I had begun to chalk up to me fighting Annie as a hand landed on my shoulder.

"Day, if you have a moment could you come with me?"

My blood ran cold. Looking up I saw the familiar, off-putting smile of Captain Hange right above me. 

So, it's time.

I nodded, swallowing my bite in a slight choke. I could feel everyone's eyes on me as a stood, whispers already circulating in small buzzes. My eyes found Erens’ across the table as I looked at him, trying to flash him a tiny smile and failing miserably.

Hange tried to fill the consuming silence with her usual chatter. It echoed off the walls and bounced out of my ears without acknowledgment.

When we got to the Captain's wings of the building my breath hitched and I squeezed my eyes shut behind Hange, trying to pretend I was walking down my tunnels about to enter my cave- any moment the sound of the waterfall would flood my ears.

Instead, I was greeted with two stoic Captains already standing at attention. Behind his desk, Erwin looked as shining and inspiring as ever. Even the pendants in his jacket seemed to gleam, catching my eye. 

"Ah Cadet Day, it is a pleasure to see you again." He waits with a knowing look. 

I pause and look around the room. Levi's to my right, arms crossed, his sharp features set into a mask of neutrality. Once again, being the only man I couldn't read. The ponytailed dickhead hovers near the back and salutes briskly. 

Realization pops into my head. Right. 

I throw a sloppy salute to the Commander, and he frowns, motioning me to sit. "I see your salute hasn't improved any."

I just stared at him, unblinking. Get on with it.

"Do you know what our salute means? The message behind it?" He of course doesn't wait for my response. 

"It's to show we give our hearts and souls to cause. That we stand as one behind a great idea. You see yourself refusing to bow to our rules, such as saluting, as your own defiance. But our cause itself is defiance. Against the forces this world throws at our country- we will not falter."

It wouldn't be a meeting with Erwin Smith without his elongated filibustering. I stifled an opinionated retort and tried to nod in agreement. Ah, fuck it. 

"Those would be really moving words to a volunteer." I quip instead, throwing a leg over another as I leaned back in the chair. 

I could hear Levi's teeth grind from three feet away. Erwin chuckled in a deep baritone, his intense blue eyes looking at his two Captains beside me. 

"My, you haven't changed since the first day we met. What have you been teaching this new recruit? I heard you've struggled with camaraderie. Among other things. I'd like to hear it from the source. How do you think you've progressed this past month acclimating to the Scouts, and life above ground?"

My lips pressed into a firm line. This wasn't what I was expecting. I wanted him to hurry up and get to the death sentence part of our little chat. 

Releasing a long breath, I looked at Erwin. "It's been..interesting. Feels a lot longer than a month. Progress wise," I tapped my finger, "not much I can learn with one hand tied behind my back. In more ways than one."

He nodded. "I figured we'd encounter this. I've been told even your late-night training sessions you treat as a game. Even though you're under our custody, we're starting to think sticking you to just training won't work. We forget you learned all your skill from action. So, we'll give you some. Curb some of that itching boredom," those piercing eyes glinted smugly. "In between your practice, I'm going to start assigning you missions. Both will be recon to ease you into it."

"One will be at the end of this week. I've already sent word for Captain Levi's elite squad to rendezvous here before departing for a scouting mission beyond Wall Maria. The objective will be observing Titan behavior and acquiring real field experience. It'll be three days."

"Your goal will not be glory or to show off, but to learn how to obey on the go. There will be no room for error once we leave the safety of the Walls."

I knew it was a secret Levi had told me about this beforehand, so I made sure to put on a show, just for him. Digging my nails into the chair, I lurched forward with a slight gasp. 

"You can't be serious. Outside the Walls? No way in hell will you get me past there. You guys may delight in being Titan bait, but I prefer living, Commander Erwin."

The man smiled with all the patience in the world. "Don't worry, not only will Captain Levi be there, but I have decided to oversee this excursion myself."

At this, my eyebrows shot up. Chaperoned by the leader of the Scouts himself? Why all the fuss? 

A slightly feeling of uneasiness came over me. Erwin was more watchful than a fucking hawk. He's probably the only person he trusts to keep an eye on me outside the grounds of the Headquarters. No room for error. 

"Is that supposed to make me feel better? You're telling me I have six days to prepare to be in the Titan’s territory. Humanity’s greatest threat."

"Don't sell yourself short, cadet." Erwin clasped his hands together over the oak. "I've heard of your progress, even if you won't share it with me. You've bested Eren numerous times with almost flawless efficiency. You broke one of my largest recruits' arms. Worked with Mikasa out of all Scouts, our least sociable player other than you, of course. You even managed to disarm Annie Leonhart of her gear while you were unarmed. I must say, I've become quite impressed with you- regardless of your lack of discipline."

All I could do was blink then shoot a glance over to Levi. It seems someone had been keeping quite the tabs on me. 

"I'm flattered, Commander." I flitted a smile. "But I've always lived by a code. Have an escape plan. Out there, my nearest escape is miles away past wild monsters in an unknown world."

"That's what being a Scout's all about." Erwin practically gleamed. 

The way this man could act so high and mighty from a desk chair blew my mind. 

 

 

 

After finally being released from the cage that is Erwin Smith’s bloody office, I stormed down the halls in a quiet rage. 

I had a while before night lecture bullshit, so I was contemplating either lying in bed under the weight of my own stress or, finding the nearest bridge to jump off of, when a nearly indiscernible footstep caught my ear.  

"Come to preach to me the greatness of your blonde lord?" I hissed, the venom in it weak. 

A hand suddenly gripped my neck, but the grip was barely tight. "Tch. Stupid brat. In six days time, you must be ready to leave the Walls. Are you willing?" his voice was hard. Determined. 

"Are you willing to actually to keep me safe out there?"

He didn't hesitate, only the grip tightening. "Yes."

"Then okay," I breathed out. "Teach me to be a Titan slayer."

 

 

 

 

Sweat pooled down my back. In the light of the moon, Levi's eyes were narrowed into deadly slits, glinting off the light as sharp as his blade. 

It'd been a long time since we'd exchanged real blows; it had my blood pumping through my veins with fire. I could feel the desperation in every blow- he wanted me to improve and fast.

"Titans won't give you the pleasure of restraint." 

I swiped the blood off my lip, a grin fighting its way on my face. "You afraid to put your back into this?"

Eren had been told to come later in the night so Levi could give me his full attention. I hated to admit I quite liked it. Fighting him was like taking a breath I hadn't known I was holding. Exhilarating. And highly infuriating. 

At my taunt, the Captain managed to look even more stoic. He reminded me of Mikasa in the way he held himself in battle. Never flinching, nor squaring up. 
One moment their arms are crossed, bored, the next you're on the ground. But I'd fought the Ackermans enough to know- they had a tell. Right before an attack, their face would tense. 

I rolled away from the ODM sword aimed at my face. Before I had time to move, he was on me already. His own blades crashed down without hesitation, and I held them off with frustrated grunts. 

"You need to be faster," he growled. The scythes rained down on me, never ending. 

I aimed a kick at his feet to try and knock him off balance. Nothing. I couldn't even stand, he just stood over me, giving me no chance to breathe. Letting out an angry yell, I twisted my body, released a line, and shot out from underneath him. Using the momentum, I pushed off the tree I landed on and hurtled back at him. 

I saw Levi turn as I dodged lightning-fast steel at the last second. We continued to throw blows back and forth, finding myself more and more pissed I couldn't get a single attack in. He was impenetrable. 

Fine. 

I skid to a stop in the clearing feet away from Levi. I'd been going at it wrong, trying to throw attacks at him from every angle. Taking a stance, I told Levi silently to come and get me. In a heartbeat, he was flying towards me, swords together in a deadlier display of Samuel’s attack from yesterday. Just before he reached me, I widened my eyes, looking worried, and unable to block. 

The moment Levi hesitated, I drop low and swiped his legs. As he stumbled, I grabbed his wrists and threw him down, sending his blades rolling into the grass on impact. Within moments, I had him pinned, a dagger glinting in my teeth against his neck. 

"Nasty trick," Levi's eyes looked downright hateful. "You fight like sewer trash."

Short giggles released out of me. Then, the blade pressed further, a clawed fang against his vein. A crazed thought held my mind for the briefest second. You could kill him. The man who stole you. Beat you. Chained you. 

"Come on Day," the Captain whispered in the softest tone I'd heard him use. "Why wait?"

We held each other's gaze for what seemed like hours. Finally, an annoyed growl rumbled in my throat, and I shifted on top him, spitting the knife next to his face. 

Leaning my head down to his ear, I felt his muscles tense. "One day. I'm not done with you yet, Captain."

I released his wrists and instead of punching me square in the face, hands found my waist as his fingers dug into my skin. This time my eyes widen for real. 

In a low tone, he shifts his face to mine, our noses almost touching. "And how I wish I could be done with you."

I want to kiss those hateful lips. 

The thought threw me off him with disgust. I turned away as I stood.  What the fuck?

I tried to play it off with a shaky laugh. "If you want me to learn, don't hesitate. Don't go easy on me. I can't kill a man with one hand tied behind his back."

Behind me, he stood silently. I didn't dare to turn and see his expression. If I did, it was like he'd be able to read every emotion I was currently fighting off with a knife. 

Levi hummed in thought. "You'd surely die, brat."

"Says the man I just had on his back two seconds ago."

A crash in the forest halted him from no doubt taking my head off. Thank god. My head felt muddled, off-center, and now I couldn't even stand to look in his fucking direction. 

Eren fell with his usual grace a few yards away and he gave us a smiley wave. 

"Hey!!" 

Levi stomped past me to go kick Eren in the head. 

"A year of this and you still can't figure out how to not fly like a drunken idiot. Why do I waste my time?" 

Eren allowed the abuse while flashing me a dopey smile. "You could always put me on your back to teach me, Captain Levi sir!"

I cackled as Levi aimed another kick at his skull. "As sensual as that would be Eren, I'd much rather chop my own hands off."

I heaved with laughter trying to contain myself, snorting into my hand. Levi glanced over for a second then scowled, looking away. As much as I was trying to black out my crazed thought, it gripped my chest with every breath. 

It scared me knowing while Levi had been weaponless, it was I who felt completely and utterly disarmed. 

 

 

After Eren got his shit together and I silently tried to as well, the second half of our training begun. The Captain had decided on a different kind of sparring match between Eren and I. 

"I want you angry," Levi explained as Eren chewed his thumb, looking at me nervously. "None of this piddly shit, she needs you to go all out Eren. Use all of your Titan. Less emotion. Treat it as a real fight."

I crossed my arms, giving Eren an eerie smile. I unwillingly agreed with Levi. The boy was way too easy to kill. A real fight would sober me up. 

"It's true," I clicked my teeth. "You've seen real Titans. I want the whole package. The full experience."

Eren just frowned. "You want me to get mad? I don't know.. what if I lose control on her? I still don't really know the extent of this power, Captain. It could be dangerous."

Levi gritted his teeth and grabbed Eren's collar. "It needs to be dangerous, you buffoon. That's part of our fucking job. If you don't you are killing her."

The conviction in his words made me surprised. It was more than just usual Levi anger. He truly wanted me to succeed. To stay alive. 

"Okay, I'll try." Eren nodded hesitantly. 

After he jogged off, Levi turned to me with a stern expression. "Try and actually learn from this. Watch how he moves, attacks, look for openings. Jeager's just about as dumb as a Titan, so if you provoke him, he should attack."

I watched Eren as he stopped in the middle and bit his hand. A brilliant flash of light took over the clearing until a fourteen-meter-tall Titan stood in his place. 

Before Levi could continue his lecture, I shot off towards Eren. The huge green eyes caught my movement, and he turned to swat me away. After fighting Levi for well over an hour, it was like watching someone fight through jelly. 

My guard had already fallen. Easy.

I scowled and started to slow down, preparing to pounce on his neck, when suddenly a massive hand grabbed hold of my rope. The force threw me back as the air was pushed out of my lungs. Before he could sling me across the clearing, I cut the line with a clean throw of a dagger, dropping to the ground in a roll.

Eren must've took Levi's words to heart because the Titan didn't pause for a second, aiming a kick where I stood. The force of it blew the grass back. I ran, dodging the kick, until I had managed to weave between the tree-sized legs. Once I was behind him, I shot my other line at his neck, and in the momentum, cut his nape. 

This time I let Eren get himself out and the fall took me back to the ground. Stepping off the giant neck, I walked up to the Captain, already thinking of something annoying to say when he gave me a deep scowl.

"Do you think I brought a spare line on me, dumb brat? There was a multitude of other ways you could've gotten out of that." 

All I did was giggle and roll my eyes. "You rhymed."

That tiny joke seemed to be Levi's last straw as he stomped up to me looking more murderous by the second.

"Which means you can use Eren's for the remainder of tonight, but I'll have to take your sorry ass back to camp."

I just smirked in his face. The asshole even had height as an advantage on me, being merely inches taller. Rude. 

"I can fly with one line, you know. It's happened a million times." 

"Through the woods at night?" 

"Jesus even if I can't, it'll just give you a great chance to gloat, oh Captain."

"You've been doing as sloppy as ever tonight. I'm not carrying your unconscious body back."

"Well you're not gonna carry my conscious one either."

Levi stared at me for a beat before stomping off, grumbling to himself angrily. I spun on my heel and charged towards the husk emerging from the Titan. In an annoyed grunt, I yanked him the rest of the way free and threw him to the ground. 

I jumped near Eren, my legs spread across his torso. "Can you get with it please? What can I do to get you angry huh?"

He just frowned through sloughs of crimson blood. Purple streaks ran down his face, the markings of a Titan shifter. I'd never say it- but this was my favorite look on him.

"You think I can get mad after earlier?" The man mumbled for just me to hear. 

My gut tightened thinking about the storage room, Eren's weak cries throughout the concrete walls. He was right. I glared at him weakly and kicked his stupid head. 

 

 

 

After a while it was obvious we weren't going to get much of anywhere fighting each other. Eren couldn't find that grit no matter how many times I poked and prodded him.

Levi, on the other hand, was practically steaming. I could see angry little twitches each time Eren failed. 

"This is your star pupil?" I antagonized atop the Titans's head, giving Levi a wide grin.

To be extra annoying, I had left my broken gear on, the missing line barely slowing me down. I flitted around Eren’s head leaving small scratches on him as I did. 

The pesky bug act only lasted so long after I had blinded one of his eyes. The Titan let out a guttural growl and swung wildly, narrowly missing my line. My grin widened. 

"Missed me babe!" I taunt to his remaining eye glaring me as it grew brighter by the second.

I touched down again on his large, hairy head, I started slashing around his face, cutting off chunks of black hair with gleeful giggles. Then danced around his newly styled bowl-cut, narrowly avoiding his hands with quick dodges.

Moments before he shook me off, I cast a line to a nearby tree below us.

Soink!

Mid-flight, I felt a sharp tug, and then suddenly began hurling in the opposite direction. Trees recoiled as I crashed through their tops before hitting the ground with a thunderous jolt.

For a brief second, complete silence enveloped the clearing.

Then, the earth trembled beneath massive footsteps, signaling the approach of Eren’s fourteen-meter-tall Titan looming over me. Covered in leaves and branches, I took a moment to assess the extent of my injuries. Miraculously, I was mostly unhurt. My gear in the other hand- fucked. 

I held my breath as a hand the size of a carriage delicately swept away the brush. The instant I glimpsed crystal light, I burst out of the foliage and onto his hand. Racing up his arm with my swords drawn, I skillfully dodged his other hand until I reached his neck. With one swift motion, I made a clean cut, extracting the boy from his Titan.

I held him up by the collar like a kitten and grinned through the various sticks and dirt on my face. 

"Looks like it's 50-0, Titan." 

The Captain hadn't given two shits about my sick takedown, he instead fussed up a storm over the fact I had completely obliterated the gear.

"Do you have any clue how much these are to replace, you sniveling brat. No, of course you don't. Not like you've bought a single thing in your damn life." the angry dark-haired man stomped around me, throwing his hands up dramatically. 

"I've bought things, okay. You don't know me. The gear's fine. Lemme just tinker at it for a second." 

Clunk. A metal buckle thuds to the ground.

I held the remaining tattered bits of steels and nylon. Though, it was useless. Most of my straps (shitty military grade) had snapped off completely from the impact. The force had left me in tattered clothes, and strings of gear. 

Levi stopped pacing to stare at the rubble in my hands. His gray eyes were alit with barely contained rage I knew constantly simmered underneath.
Why did he always have get so mad? Is life that infuriating to a well-decorated war hero such as him?

"Don't be delusional. The gear's scrap now. Looks like your dumbass is riding with me then." he blew a puff of air through his nose. "Saints, do you ever stop being insufferable?"

Eren had already been sent back minutes ago, after he wouldn't stop apologizing profusely for throwing me to the ground. So, I pushed Levi even further, the smile creeping back on my face. 

"Can you at least acknowledge how I caught him off guard! Or what, that still not good enough for the great Captain Levi?"

Levi just ran a hand through his hair, lip curled as his gaze skirted down my ragged clothing before back at my face. 

"Do you really need praise that badly?" he murmured after finding my eyes again. 

Heat spread. I snorted. "Of course not. I know I did good. You just don't seem to know."

The man raised a bored hand out to me. "Time to go." 

I stared at it for a moment, then back up to his straight face. Why am I nervous? He doesn't give a fuck.

When I took it, he pulled me with force until I was in his arm, right against that warm chest. A line shot off but he didn't move. 

"Look at the good girl," I heard whispered against my ear. My hair shifted on his lips. "She took down the big bad Titan so many times I lost count. A girl like that does deserve praise." 

I knew he was being cruel. Sarcastic. But I couldn't help the rush of my pulse that flooded my ears, threatening to drown Levi out. 

Mirroring his words from last night on the rooftop, I just shifted a hand up to his undercut, feeling the fuzziness of his hair.

"I can be good when I want to be."

His hand this time, I noticed, wasn't on my gear strap. Instead it clutched my waist as I felt it squeeze even harder. 

"Oh I know. No good behavior from you comes without a price." 

The words came out in short terse intervals as my fingers were still in his hair, slowly running up and down his shaved part. His hand found my neck as he traced the incision then ran up to the scalp. I closed my eyes for a second until abruptly, my head was thrown back, his fingers gripping my hair with force.

I opened my eyes to a steeled gaze flashing above mine, his face hard. "Stop touching my neck." 

My face was forced to look at his. We were inches away. Slowly, I withdrew my hand from his hair. A smile fought its way on my face. I got you back didn't I, fucker. 

His other hand, that had been on his handle, shot to my jaw, strong fingers digging into my skin. 

"Do you think it's funny to torment me?"

I smirked. "Of course, Captain."

My head is pulled back further. His gaze flits down to my open neck then back to me. 

"Half the time I can't decide if you deserve a reward or need a punishment." Levi’s voice was strained, low. 

I licked my lips, keeping my eyes on him. "Have you made your mind up yet?" 

To my surprise, Levi shut his eyes and furrowed his brow, as if in pain. A long breath blew on my face as he sighed.

He smelled amazing. Like wood and ash. One by one, he removed a finger from my jaw until it was free again. The hand in my scalp softened. I couldn't take my eyes off his face. The perfect, cruel face. 

"You're good at what you do. Playing your little games."

"Please. As if you don't play your own. I know a liar when I see one." 

At that, his eyes open and find mine immediately. "And have I lied to you lately, Day?"

"No. That's what scares me. Why lie to a dead woman?"

The hand in my hair moves back to my neck to hold it softly. "Will you shut up? You won't die. I don't think you even can. It's your purpose to stay on this earth and drive me fucking batshit for all time."

A tiny giggle escaped my tight throat. Levi's mouth shifted into what looked almost a smile for the briefest of seconds. 

Before I knew it, he had went back to gripping my waist, and we were shooting through the air. I gave a loud, shocked gasp. My legs clutch Levi's back with slight panic. 

"Thanks for the heads up, asshole!" I yelled through the wind. My legs began sliding off his torso from my poor grip on him. With a growl, Levi grabbed my belt, and threw me into his body until I had nowhere to go. 

"Hold onto me," I could've swore he said through the noise. Stupid. 

Regardless if I was living in reality or not, I roped an arm around his neck and pulled myself up so I could properly straddle him. All thoughts out the door.

"See, good girl." he teased right against the skin of my ear. I felt a thumb ever so gently rubbing my lower back, his hand still on my belt. I began to feel delirious as he circled the skin. 

I tugged his hair, making his neck jerk. "What if I made us crash huh? Don't say that."

We were moving at a slower pace than I knew Levi to fly at. In the scrambled mess my head was at the moment- I had no clue if I wanted it to end or not. Ugh. Was I ill? 

"Hmm I thought the little cadet wanted praise.”

The prick loved to shame me for my deeds, but would never admit how phenomenal he was at games of his own. Every time he spoke, I almost believed it. If he wasn't constantly dripping in scathing sarcasm. Still, I’d never had the feeling he’d lied to me. 

His thumb never stilled. My stomach twisted into fiery knots. 

"Stop," I tried to whisper. It was lost to the wind.

Chapter 42: splinters

Levi inhaled the scent of the finest earl grey with a hint of smoke. Mmm and jasmine. If he put the smell into a tea and drank it, he was sure to transcend his body.

It wasn't fucking natural for a human to smell this divine. It had stayed on his clothes from giving Day a ride back to camp and had invaded his every pore since returning to his quarters.

He almost wanted to stash it away in a box to give his sanity back. I can't escape her. Even when she's not fucking here.

Fuck.

The flight had been even more torturous than the previous one. The first time had been necessity- hell the dumbass tied her hands together- but something felt different. It was like every moment he spent in her presence drew him closer to madness. Even her smell was consuming.

Maybe it's the blood bond. Something this powerful needs to be broken. Before we're faced with true life or death.

If Humanity's Greatest Soldier wasn't clear headed in the field- just six days' time- then he might as well hang his cloak up now. The weak part of him wanted to find Hange and beg for a serum, something- anything to rid him of this.

Her advice to give in rang in his ears. Right. I tried and look where it got me. Face deep in my own uniform.

Levi dropped the shirt with disgust and sighed. All the Hanges in the world couldn't save him. He knew he was fucked the moment he saw that cocky fucking smile.

 

The days leading up to the mission were long. After Levi's malfunction, he stayed clear away from the pesky girl up until he was forced to teach each night.

He'd tweaked the subject course for the week in hopes of some of it sticking to that mushy brain of hers. How special you must feel. Changing the entire Scouts training for you once again.

Thankfully, some of his work was rewarded. Day grew more sure of herself as the days passed. By the third one, her jokes about dying horribly had all but ceased.

So that night, he had something special planned. Her and Eren had sparred for a couple of hours, with the clearing taking the brunt of the beating. Day stood basically untouched amidst the uprooted trees. Eren, on the other hand, was a bloody, towering mess of meat barely held together.

Levi had insisted that she focused on every part of the Titan other than the nape. She, of course, had become quite proficient at precise takedowns but, that wasn't all fighting Titans entailed. Easy victories you learn nothing from. It's learning every in and out to your opponent until you know it better than yourself.

His pupil flicked her blade in a circle, leaving a ring of red in a half moon around her. The Titan limped forward with his tendons dragging as he did. Both heels had been sliced, along with the tendons behind his knee. The eyes had been chopped to shreds leaving the Titan to wander in her nearest direction. The demon had even managed to lob off a tree trunk-sized arm. If Levi had been someone else, the sight would've been truly disturbing to behold.

Day, looking indifferent, just tilted her head and pointed a sword at Eren. Drawing her arm back, she threw the ODM blade with force that blew the debris back. In seconds, the body shuddered to the ground with a trembling blow, metal sticking out of the back of its skull.

"Sloppy. I've seen better blade work from a blind kid. Eren, once you're done piecing your ugly mug back together, come find me."

The Captain went to stalk off but caught the eye of a frowning cadet. He could tell Day wanted real feedback. Good girl. Levi scowled and turned away. There was no way in hell she'd be hearing praise from him today. He needed to remain sane.

Jeager was a shitshow. After hours of relentless torture at the hands of a tornado with swords, even the human part of Eren had taken a beating. His eyes were sunken in and blood steamed off his pale face. Ew. Levi leaned back and curled a lip.

"If you can manage another transformation, I have an idea on how you might get the upper hand on her. It's past depressing watching you get your ass kicked everyday."

Eren had the audacity to whine. "But Captain Levi I just feel like we've been training so much more than we used to. I'm exhausted all the time. Day's obviously the best she's gonna get. Why don't we call it a night?"

Levi jumped from the stump he had been sitting on to grip the idiot's collar, leaning in and growling with sharp anger. "If I willed it, you would train until the sun came up. Lousy shit. You're the one who can regenerate yet I hear the most complaints out of your asshole of a mouth. Maybe if you actually won for once I'd let you leave at a decent time."

The cadet just opened his mouth then closed it. He could have sworn real anger flashed in his eyes before he succumbed under the Captain's withering stare.

Letting him go, Levi threw himself back down on the stump, still managing to look down on Eren from three feet below.

"Now. Ninety percent of how you fight with her is defense. She gives you no time to form an attack, since you're slow as shit. You'll never be faster than her but you are stronger. Don't let her get in close. Overpower her. Day loves to wait until you think you've got the advantage then strike. Don't give her that chance."

After their brawl a few days ago, where Levi had watched her take Eren by surprise by playing dead under the brush, something had clicked in his head.

Just like in the alleyway with the three men, or with Hange in the cell, Mikasa during the match, one thing was clear. She let them get in close then made precise and crushing blows after they did. Weakness was her ally. Hesitation her greatest strength. Someone who was perfect at playing the field, showing the strengths only she allowed to show others.

I see you. Once a dirty cheat, always one.

After a few minutes of aggressive advice, Levi and Eren joined Day in the middle of the clearing. She was sitting crossed-legged, plucking blades of grass with a distant look on her face.

Night training was a different type of cruel torture. The gleaming jewels that lined the wooded clearing always seemed to gravitate towards Day, her body drinking up the radiance until it almost blinded Levi. Every movement rippled the light on her shiny blonde hair, making his eyes involuntarily follow her more times than he could count.

He cleared his throat as they approached, and her big brown eyes found their way to his. Saints' sake. Among the fallen debris, she looked like one herself. A saint. A fallen one, but a saint at that.

"Listen up, idiots. Eren has one more half-assed transformation in him for the night- so make this one count. Throw your back into it," he flitted to Day mockingly. "Don't stop till the others' unconscious. Go."

Eren extended a hand for her to take, and she obliged, gifting him a small smile that made Levi's gut twist in spite of himself.

"If you're the one to get knocked out, I promise I'll carry you back myself." He heard the moron whisper to her as they walked off. She laughed and pushed him with her shoulder, the ease on her face staining Levi's mind.

Time and time again you forget. She won't look at you that way. She hates you. You hate her.

The two lovers took their places at opposing ends of the clearing. Levi went back to his stump.

Once the match began, it was clear Eren was taking that advice into account. Immediately, Day went to shoot herself straight at Eren, no doubt going to turn at the last minute and swing her way onto his neck.

But right before she reached him, a tree trunk the size of a building swung in the air, taking the wind with it. Eren had grabbed a nearby fallen tree before she'd taken flight, sensing where she'd attack from. I guess after you've been sliced and beat in every which way, you pick up on some of the patterns of your attacker.

The timing was perfect. If Day hadn't been supernaturally reactive, the trunk would've squashed her like a grape. Levi lost sight of her in the massive amounts of debris that was sifting through the air in a dark cloud. As it dissipated, he caught the flash of blonde hurtling Eren's way from a nearby treetop.

Again, her attack was halted with huge tree trunks in both of the Titan's hands. He swung them around his body, not giving her an opening. Day retreated onto a nearby branch, no doubt growing more pissed by the second.

Then in a flash, she disappeared from sight, not even a branch moving as she delved out of view. Eren, knowing she'd strike using the cover around her, began to grab fistfuls of dirt and debris and fling them into the treeline. Leaves vaporized at the sheer strength and the branches blew back, groaning from the force.

The Titan didn't pause, only stopping to grab more chunks of the forest and hurtle it in every spot Day could hide. Every throw shook the ground, reshaped the forest with destruction.

Jesus, the kid can really listen sometimes.

Despite Levi's begrudging shock at Eren's fast improvement, he knew it wasn't enough. His mind was clear as a breeze, not a headache in sight. Right on cue- Day burst out of a nearby pile of rubble in an explosion of dirt. The nasty brat had buried herself.

In a cloud of filth, the girl rocketed towards Eren before he had a chance to even lift a meaty hand. She shifted herself high in the air and flipped, drawing her lines back in. Then, narrowing her body she fell onto the Titan's neck with a crash. In one swift movement, Eren was out of the body that was swaying towards the ground.

Day zipped down to greet Levi carrying a bloodied boy and an offset frown.

"You guys planned that didn't you?" the thief moved blonde locks out of her face with a dusty puff of air.

Eren just sheepishly hung from her arm until she plopped him down on the grass. She was covered in dirt from head to toe, making her toothy grin blind Levi even more.

"I can finally say I've seen an actual match from the two of you. You both did horribly, but still. Improvement."

"That's right, Captain Levi told me allll your secrets," the blood-stained freak singsonged from below.

She took the ODM blade in her hand and shoved it into the ground, leaning on it with one hip. The end of it narrowly missed Eren by an inch.

"It'd take you years to learn my little tricks. Even your great Captain couldn't do that." she cooed over the hilt, staring down at Eren with mildly contempt eyes.

Levi glared at her. "For as clever as you think you are, you fight like a drunken monkey."

A snort escaped Day as she took a hand to cover it. "It's better than 'tiny feather' I'll give you that."

The corpse in the shape of Eren slowly formed itself back together as Levi grimaced at her stupid snort. Sickening.

"Training's done for tonight. Go clean yourselves up, you both stink like piss and shit."

He zipped into the treetops without another word.

 

 

Two days before the mission. Atop a training tower, Levi looks onto the field in disgust. The wind whipped his jade cloak in a fury around him.

He had just got done telling Day that his squad would arrive at dawn. In the moment, she took the information with a silent, straight-faced nod before joining the others. Despite that, little twangs of pain tweaked at the back of his head, no doubt her anxiety manifesting into more annoyances for Levi.

As cool as she seemed, Day was still completely terrified.

I don't know how to take mortal fear out of a rational woman.

 

That night at training he pushed her. Eren had already maxed out his transformations, so Levi had stepped in. She was visibly pissed he wouldn't let her leave, but he just threw attack after attack on her without stopping. Despite her anger, she took it. Because she knew.

Dueling with her always felt unsatisfying, like he'd gotten the last bite of his meal taken away. There was always something missing. After efficiently trying to hurt the other for over a month, the venom in their blows seemed dimmed. A part of him wanted that cackling demon he unearthed from below, one who'd destroy the very Walls to have her freedom.

A lot of that's your fault.

Levi growled at the reminder, lunging at Day. How do I channel an untamable force and a loyal soldier into one person? He cursed Erwin viciously. She really is quite the gamble.

After he finally called an end as Day lay panting on the ground, he stood over her with crossed arms and a furrowed brow.

"I hope you learned something because all I got from that was disappointment."

She glared up at him, amber eyes burning. "You're lucky I can't kill you yet."

Captain Levi sniffed. "It looks like you couldn't if you tried, cadet."

A kick aimed at his knee came from the ground, but he just planted his sole against hers, stopping it. She frowned and pushed her leg.

"It's boring fighting someone who's holding back. Titans won't, as you love to remind me."

She had a point. But really fighting her- he thought back to the time she broke out of her cell. The sharp slice of pain he felt right before delivering a heavy blow. Would my cursed body even allow it?

"I would get canned for killing a rookie. I've got a better idea. A little bit before you took Hange's shit serum, you ran the Titan training course in a group. It was a race. You did shit at it. But, I want to see you really run that course."

Day reached up and grabbed his knee, pulling him down. He almost fell before catching himself on both hands on each side of her face. In seconds, Levi had crashed inches away from Day's face. Gold. Her eyes are pure gold under the crystals.

A tiny smile dented its way into the left side of her cheek. The brat was no doubt beyond pleased with herself she'd gotten him off guard- again.

"What if I don't want to run that dumb course? What if I'm done jumping around like a dog for you fuckers anyways? Including this mission I'm being forced to do. I'll just flat out refuse."

The grass tickled his hand as he swept it under her neck. She tensed under his touch. A finger traced that incision teasingly as he leaned further down until he could feel her breath move his raven hair.

"As much as you complain, you're forgetting," he spoke low, eyes right on hers. "It's not like you have a choice. We made sure of that."

In an almost guttural yell, Day pushed him off, sending him flying through the clearing. He widened his eyes yards away and watched her stand, her gaze cold and narrowed.

She took slow steps up to him until he could see the rage boiling underneath. 

"There will come a time when you won't have a choice either, Levi. Then I hope they all see you for the great Captain you are."

She focused her line and shot off. Annoying awful brat. Still. He hesitated in the clearing. He closed his eyes and tried to picture a time when her face wasn't filled with bitterness. It never came.

 

 

The dark forest was filled with loud wooden creaks, making it sound as if a wooden army was marching in fervor. He spotted the gleam of moon kissed hair among the trees, Day waiting in silent anger.

Once he was on her branch, Levi began outlining expectations.

"Now the top time was Mikasa's at a minu-" he'd barely gotten it out when she flies off with an ungodly speed. Levi went to follow the zooming flash of lightning.

Deafening cracks of wood resound through the forest. The wooden figures seemed to explode upon contact as she swung at their heads and napes with devastating blows. In seconds, the course lay in dusty ridden ruins.

Splinters rained down around him. The squeaky swaying noises were now quiet. The cause of this small natural disaster was nowhere to be found, Levi halting his flight to take in the sheer power he'd just seen displayed. As the silence fell onto the forest so did realization. The demon had never left.

That night was one of pain.

The second he woke up, a sharp knife had sliced the inside of his head. In an instant, he was out of bed and out of the hall. Blood flooded his ears. Levi was at a dead sprint to her door, each one not coming fast enough.

When he got there, he didn't pause and swung the door open. Where is she?

"Day?" The Captain whispered to the dark as he approached her bed.

Huffed groans came in response. "Day?" He rushed to her side, leaning his knees onto the cold floor.

In the dim light of the window, he could make out two things. One, it was the dead of the fucking night. Not morning. Two, she was asleep. Safe. Well, sort of.

Her beautiful face was scrunched up with distress as she rolled around, small gasps escaping her parted lips. Sweat rolled down her forehead causing her hair to stick around her cheeks. He'd never seen such fear cross those confident features before.

She's having a nightmare.

Tiny whimpers threatened to her escape throat. Her eyes were moving behind her lids rapidly. Levi's hand twitched.

The pain in his head had barely subsided, only dimming the closer he got to her. Still, small stabs pricked his brain each time she writhed in fear. A month ago, he would have delighted in seeing real fear on this monsters' face.

Day clutched the blanket with a small gasp, drawing out a shaky breath. There's no monster here. Just a scared girl from the Underground.

A magnet tugged his hand until it was resting on her cheek. Day's breathing halted along with his, then they collectively slowed. His skin pulsed and crackled every time it connected with hers, but this time a wave of calm washed into his body.

"Day," he said in the lightest of breaths. "Your sorry ass will be safe.. with me. Just remember. I am your Captain. You can't always do it alone. So let me.. help in the only way I know how."

Levi had no idea if the sleeping beauty had heard a word he'd said until he felt her relax under his palm. His face twisted at how much better he felt from seeing her. It was gross. More than gross. Utterly disgusting.

He stayed like that for a moment, just watching her take slower breaths as she fell into a more peaceful sleep. The ticking pain in his head had all but ceased, leaving a warm buzz all throughout his body.

"You're gonna be the fucking death of me," Levi whispered. He gave her cheek a tiny tap before finally releasing his hand.

As he stood, breathing out quietly, he regretted every action that led up to her being taken outside the Walls in under two days. Escorted by him. A sick fucking joke.

Levi backed up silently. Did the bond lead him here? His heart was the only thing he could hear, reminding him with each beat.

You know it's more.





====================================================================

 

Sasha's foghorn lungs woke me up. "DAY I SWEAR TO GOD MAKE ME LATE AGAIN I'LL TELL EVERYONE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE LATE NIGHTS WITH EREN!"

My eyes shot open and I tackled her, wrapping her in the blanket and sitting atop the squirming mass

"Well everyone probably knows now, you loud ass." I refused to let her up, just dropping my weight further.

"Last time I EVER WAKE YOU UP FOR CLASS!!" a muffled Sasha screamed through the linen.

"It may be the last time you ever do," I said quietly, the reality of today sinking in. I got up with a sigh and watched Sasha wrestle with the blanket until a straggled ponytail popped into view.

"You're such a dick," she squawked, unearthing herself from the mess. Once she was free, Sasha hmphed at me and stormed out.

"I'll miss you too," I said to the slammed door.

Since today was "special" I took extra time braiding the left half my of hair in intricate patterns, leaving the rest loose and wavy. I washed my face and donned that stupid khaki uniform. At least I could wear better clothes on the mission. Looking like a cookie cutter scout was driving me crazy.

I'd missed the lineup, and Shadess's screaming nonsense. Shame. So instead I joined the class out in the dirt field to the left of Hange's jungle gym.

Levi wasn't present, I noticed, but his psycho partner was. When I scurried up besides Sasha, I saw her goggles gleam my way.

"DAY!! Perfect timinggg," the Captain sang and everyone's heads swiveled my way.

I was really starting to fucking hate Hange.

"Join me!!" she waved her hand up in the air. "I was just about to demonstrate before we began."

I gave Sasha a nervous look but she just smiled back. "This is what you get for being late," the asshole hissed.

With no one to save me, I took slow steps up to the front until Hange clapped at my arrival.

"Okay today is focusing on sparring. Well, my take on it." she giggled. "Mines' more fun anyway. It's gonna be team sparring. So two against two. That way you're ready for fights that require your attention in multiple areas. Your goal: win and to protect your teammate. Their loss is your loss."

"Uhhh," I looked around. It was just me and Hange, with a line of Captains behind her at attention. "I don't see any teams."

"Moblit!" Hange called with a grin. A tall, scruffy-faced man came to stand besides her, hands behind his back. The dude was at least forty but looked in great shape.

"This is my teammate!"

"Okay.. and where's mine?"

Her grin only widened. "You don't get one! Punishment for being late."

I frowned casually. "Seems fair. Is this some sort of tag team thing or you just gonna jump me?"

Moblit scoffed but Hange raised a hand.

"All at once. Moblit's been my second in command for years, so he'll know what to do."

"Great."

So I'm fighting two well-polished Captains with years of experience together under their belt. How's that for a breakfast.

Buzzed murmurs flooded my way from the crowd. Everyone was watching with wide, excited eyes. The fucks were no doubt placing their bets. She led me to a circled ring a few feet away, where the group cluttered and swarmed around in seconds. In the middle it was just me, Hange, and her elderly sidekick.

"Don't worry Day, we won't seriously harm you. It is a demonstration after all."

I glared at Hange, crossing my arms. "Just hurry it up."

Hange nodded at Moblit and the two lunged in sync with another, not a second of warning. For old people, they moved startlingly fast. Moblit struck first.

As a powerful punch sliced through the air, grazing just an inch from my cheek, I instinctively sidestepped and seized his wrist in one fluid motion. With a swift pull, I redirected his momentum, guiding his face straight into the path of my knee. The satisfying impact sent a shockwave through the air.

Stunned, the Captain stumbled backward, only to collide with Hange, who had been maneuvering to attack from my left. The collision sent them both staggering, momentarily disoriented by the unexpected turn of events.

Hange threw Moblit off her with a crazed, lopsided grin.

"Oooo never seen fighting like that before!" she practically snarled with excitement.

With their brief confusion I lunged- only to be met by Hange who had quickly recovered. She countered with a flurry of lightning-fast punches and kicks, her movements as fluid as water while lacking all the grace. But I matched her blow for blow, ducking, weaving, and retaliating with precision.

Meanwhile, Moblit had regained his footing, his eyes narrowed in determination. With a fierce yell, he charged at me, fists flying. I stayed focused, weaving the flurry of attacks while trying to think of a way to end it.

As the battle progressed, the crowd's cheers grew louder, leaving me at the center of it.

Then, seizing a moment of opportunity, I feigned to the right, luring Hange. As she lunged forward, I pivoted on my heel, delivering a devastating roundhouse kick that sent her sprawling to the ground.

With Hange momentarily incapacitated, I turned my attention to the Captain, who was now breathing heavily, his movements growing sluggish. Sensing his fatigue, I launched a final, decisive blow, a powerful uppercut that sent him crashing to the ground in a heap.

The crowd erupted into cheers as I stood victorious in the center of the ring, my breath coming in even and slow.

The two Captains lay in the dirt. Shock hit me when I realized they both were knocked out cold. FUCK.

I raced to them along with the other Captains who were standing watch. When I bent down to check on Hange, a tall brutish man cloaked in Wings of Freedom pushed me away, his face hard and angry.

"I didn't mean to," I said weakly, grimacing.

One of them held smelling salts under their noses and Hange sat straight up, grin already forming on her face.

"That was awesome Day! Great great job!!"

The Captains jaws dropped. The tall man looked enraged, standing up with a start. "She needs to be punished for this. That was completely out of bounds fighting. Absolutely deplorable."

A short girl with bobbed ginger hair nodded vigorously. "Kneeing a commanding officer in the face is not okay."

Before I could spat out an argument, Hange just shook her head and winked at them.

"Ahhh I knew what I was signing myself up for. Plus I don't know if you noticed, but we weren't exactly fighting in the bounds of the rules either."

I got a handful of dirty looks from the Captains before Hange shooed me off to join the others.

"That was perfect," she whispered as I walked off. Fucking nutcase.

 

The rest of the day was spent trying to find a group to actually spar with me. Anytime Sasha and I made eye contact with a pair, they'd spin on their heels and go the opposite direction.

"You can't even be mad at me for this one," I grumbled to her. "They jumped me."

My roommate shot me a big, green-eyed glare. "And somehow I still am. I'm only partnering with you for an easy day, okay? Still can't believe you roundhouse kicked Captain Hange in the back of the fucking head."

I snorted. "You guys are a bunch of babies. She's fine! Believe it or not, I've done worse."

She raised her eyebrows. "To her??"

I thought back to the day I really met Hange. I was chained to that chair, locked in a cell, still half-naked and beat up from the night Levi had taken me. In attempt to get out in any way I could, I tried to play dead so one of them would come into the cell. I'd waited until Hange was right up on me before delivering a brutal punch to her face, knocking her clean out.

"Uhhh nah, just in general." I smiled, catching the eye of Annie as she passed.

"Let's try them." I point at the short blonde. Waltzing up her and her partner, Reiner, I crossed my arms and kept the smile glued to my face.

"You want to fight us?" Annie said in her dead, monotone voice. The cut she'd given me had finally healed, leaving a tiny pink line that I swore pulsed under her cold gaze.

Reiners' arm was still in the sling from the other day, when I'd accidentally dropped him too hard onto the training tower. He gave me a beady-eyed stare coupled with a tight lipped smile. It was eerie as hell.

"I could tie my hand behind my back to make it fair." I gesture to the sling.

Annie frowns slightly. "Both arms."

Sasha guffawed next to me. "It's not even a fight at that po-"

"Deal."

The cadets' frown began to lift. "Then let's duel."

While we went to find a circle, Sasha babbled besides me incessantly.

"Thank you for that! Now I'm gonna have to do all the fighting. I haven't even stretched."

I pushed her, then held out my khaki-colored jacket. "Better get to tying, girl."

Hands tied twice in one week. If I wasn't a bloody Scout, you'd think I was having a great fucking summer.

Once the hands were secure, I faced a crippled Reiner and stone-faced Annie. Sasha besides me stretched quickly, twisting her midsection around, making me cackle.

"Sasha you won't have to fight. I think I got it."

She stopped twisting to tilt her head at me like I was insane. "Didn't you hear Hange? The goal is to work with your partner. I'm not just gonna stand around like a dumbass! I mean- look at you!"

I gave my butt a light tap through the tied-up shirt. Sasha grimaced.

"We'll begin in twenty seconds." Annie said coolly.

To my complete dismay, I caught the flash of green out of the corner of my eye. Those damned Captains had moseyed their way near our ring, along with Moblit who was sporting a very bright purple eye.

Maybe I should just let them beat my ass this time. Save me some trouble.

I gritted my teeth. No. I couldn't get injured the day before I set out beyond the Walls. I needed to be in top condition. Not busted up by some freaky blonde twins.

"Five....four...three...." Reiner cracked his neck, eyes straight on mine. Something told me he was about to get me back for that broken arm. "Two...."

"One."

Like I thought, Reiner charged right at me while Annie disappeared from my eye line. He was going to bowl into me like a bull. Instead of moving, I stayed right in place, watching the huge man get closer. Right before he reached me, I slid to the side, and pivoted to where I was facing his back.

Reiner stumbled a bit from the change in direction and I used the small of his back that had dipped low as my opening. Running right at him, I pushed a foot off of it, launching myself above him. I twist midair and bring the tied shirt around his beefy neck and swing down, bringing us crashing to the ground with force.

The air leaves my chest but Reiner is choking and clawing at the cloth tight against his throat. I can't see him, but I know I have just a second before he's out.

A flash of blonde catches my eye, and I raise a leg at the last second, stopping Annie from delivering a swift kick to the midsection.

Arms above my head, choking Reiner, and my leg blocking hers, I began to grin with the effort. Hange was right. This was fun.

Reiner finally succumbed and I unhooked my shirt from his neck. Annie, however, still had me pinned with my back flat on the dirt, our legs holding each others off.

I could roll into her other ankle, maybe catch her off balance- out of nowhere, Sasha screamed and threw herself at Annie, knocking them both into the ground.

They rolled around as Sasha threw messy punches aimed for Annie's face that she blocked then grabbed one of her wrists, kicking her off.

That had given me the chance to get up as I ran at Annie and kicked off her with both feet, sending her flying out of the ring and into another pair of people fighting. I fell back, my arms hitting the ground making my teeth grit.

"That's maatch!!!" Sasha squealed incredulously, hopping up and down around me.

I pushed myself into a sitting position and laughed along with her. Snagging my finger through the shirt, I untied the knot swiftly.

Slow clapping rung out behind me. I froze.

"Always the spectacle aren't we?"

I got up slow and turned to an ever so smug Captain Levi feet away from my ring.

I just knocked my head back and stuck a lip out. "Did someone run and get mommy?"

Gray eyes drew into slits. A gaggle of Captains followed him, gasping collectively at my brashness to the great Captain Levi.

"Well when you begin abusing cadets it can't go unnoticed!" The bob-headed Captain piped up, glaring at me with her big, light brown eyes peeking through bangs swept to the side.

I have a real, genuine laugh at that, throwing them my dirtied shirt I'd just tied around my hands.

"If winning a fight's abuse then you guys are pussies."

Her jaw somehow got lower. I don't know why, but that made me indescribably happy.

Levi, on the other hand, just fumed silently. He seemed to suck in every shadow around him despite being under the dead of midday sun.

"Cadet Day, a word." Clipped, cutting slices left his tongue. I could hear the anger underneath.

Sighing, I shot one more triumphant glance to Sasha, who as trying to wake up a mildly-strangled Reiner.

"I don't get it," I grumbled to Levi's back as we walked. "They came at me first each time. I just fought back. Every time."

He spun around, the sun catching on his shining raven hair as it fell into his face. He needs a trim, I absentmindedly thought. Oh well, I hate it when he slicks it back anyways.

I shook my head from the thought of Levi's fucking hair. Levi, meanwhile, was snarling my way.

"It's in how you fight back. You can't just run around destroying our cadets in little sparring matches. How many times do I even have to say this?"

I ignored the glances we were getting from a cadet so openly arguing with a Captain. Instead, I put a hand on my hip and stood my ground.

"You're failing to see how any of that was my choice. Hange basically jumped me with her partner in front of the whole class. I even had both hands tied behind my back fighting. What the fuck more can I do?"

He took a step until he was half a foot away from me.  In calmer a tone than I expected from him, he leaned down and glared at me softly. "You can try and start listening to me. Real soon it's gonna be your gospel."

I huffed in his face. "Wouldn't Erwin's word be top priority. You know, since he's above you."

The gentleness burned away and he looked like he wanted to throttle me again.

"On the mission, I'm acting Commander. Erwin will be more of a.. bystander."

"So the leader of the Scouts is coming on our mission to just watch? What type of sick enjoyment is that?"

Levi's face hardened. "You fucking idiot. Think of this as your interview. For a candidate as Erwin's new 'Greatest Soldier.'"

I blinked. For once, I didn't have anything to say.

He growled and grabbed my wrist, pulling me along out of the training field. "I was going to debrief you on this in my office, but you're stubborn, loudmouthed-"

"Are you hurt?"

Levi stopped again but didn't turn. "What?"

"Why am I the new one? What's wrong with you, then?"

He started pulling me again, this time harder. "Erwin knows I can't do this forever. I think he wants you to be my protege..of sorts. Damned stupid idea. You couldn't possibly live up to my Ackerman legacy, little street rat."

We were about out of sights from my classmates when my eyes met shimmering green. Eren. Our eyes connected as soon as a swing from Mikasa flew his way. It cracked him right in the jaw.

He was hot, even while getting his ass beat.

God. What the fuck was my life becoming?

My mind flew back to Levi and his pile of trauma he loved to dump on me. "You make it sound like you're retiring. You're barely five years older than me. In your prime. No need for me at all! Erwin's just being overly cautious-"

He stopped my nervous rambling by squeezing the wrist he still held.

"I'm not going anywhere. But he is overly cautious. And he also doesn't think I'm enough to solve all of our problems- and he's right. As ungodly as I am," I gagged behind him," there is only one of me. Even in battles, when I show up cadets aren't just magically alive. Dozens have been dead before I've been able to get there. That-" his voice wavered slightly, "that sticks with you more than any victory. That's why we need you."

I chewed on his words for a minute as we walked before, I let out a small giggle, ruining the seriousness of the moment. "You can let go now, you know. I can walk there good and fine on my own."

Levi halted so abruptly I ran right into his back. His hand ungripped my wrist in a sharp motion, almost angry, like he hadn't known. When we started walking again, the Captain walked at a brisk pace a foot ahead of me. I rolled my eyes to the sky. So dramatic.

"I know y'all have brought this up to me before- but I didn't think it was happening now. I've been training a month. Can't we postpone till I feel as knowledgeable as I don't know- the worlds' most decorated soldier of all time."

I heard him spit with disgust. "Stop showboating. Try all you want, there's no getting out of this."

We trudged along the grass back to headquarters as I smiled evilly behind him.

"No, I mean it. I could never be as big and powerful as the legendary Levi Ackerman. Plus, I'm shit at publicity. You're much better as a poster child for the Scouts. Got those uncanny good looks, great jawline, that hair-"

"God shut the hell up!" Levi raised his voice, walking faster. "Do you ever stop talking? You know if you do that tomorrow you're dead. Titans have ears. And you're fucking loud."

I just laughed. He was so easy to rile up. “Come on, we just need to go sell you to Erwin! Show him you've still got it."

"It's funny you hate publicity- coming from the most notorious thief in the Under City."

"That was still anonymous. Most people didn't even know I was a girl."

Levi sniffed. "The Scouts had plenty of intel on you, down to where you scurry into your rat caves."

"Mmm but did you know I was a girl?"

Silence.

"I figured it out."

"Oh? When you saw me naked?"

His shoulders tensed then shook with silent, probably crazed, laughter.

"No. When you dressed as a prostitute to rob the cities' biggest mob boss."

Laughter escaped me as I cackled, caught off guard by Levi being funny. "Truly was my finest moment." I mused fondly.

"It was a moment, that's for sure."

We walked in silence for a few minutes. My neck itched with fact that me and Levi had just had an almost pleasant conversation. He seemed to have noticed it to, because he glanced at me a few times over his shoulder. Each time we locked eyes he'd turn right back around, speeding up.

The Headquarters loomed into view. I watched the shadow fall onto Levi's back, highlighting the ridges throughout his shirt. He sure liked tight ass clothes. I pinched myself. Heel, dumb bitch.

Right before we entered, he slowed and took a breath. I stopped next to him but kept my eyes on the huge brick building before us.

"For a filthy sewer trash, thieving brat," I groaned, "there isn't any other single person I would've agreed to being my..protege."

I glanced at him in surprise. An actual compliment. His face was right on mine, gray eyes dark.

Smirking, I took the chance and bumped him with my shoulder. "You know, to be my mentor, don't you have to be better than me?"

He rolled his eyes. "I thought we've established this numerous times."

"Hah I could kill you. For sure."

Looking away, Levi seemed to bite down a smirk.

"I'm starting to not believe you."

I was just thinking the same thing.

 

The tension during the debrief was odd. It was hard to tell if it was violent, nervous, or a part of me wanting to rip his clothes off every time he gave me that annoyed, tiny smile of his. Or drummed his fingers on the desk slowly.

Maybe it's the fact I leave tomorrow- and probably won't come back- that has me currently gnawing at all corners of my insides for anything but dealing with god- tomorrow.

I dropped the pen I was twirling. Levi had handed me a pen and notebook when he started talking- I had no idea why- so I had just been mindlessly doodling all over the page as he droned on about formations we'd use and territory we'd be in.

"Damnit," I muttered and leaned down to pick it up as he kept talking.

Suddenly, it halted, and he cleared his throat, seeming to lose his words rapidly. I looked up and saw color creeping onto his neck, then looked down and grinned cheekily. Caught his hand right in the mother fuckin' cookie jar.

My khaki jacket was all but ruined, so I was in my white undershirt that had taken a beating during my scuffle with the blondes. A few buttons had seemingly broken off- probably when I pile drove Reiner- leaving little to the imagination, especially now.

Sitting up, I crossed my legs and smiled wide. "Do continue, mentor. I'm all ears."

The pen he was holding made small cracking noises.

"Are you? Because you haven't written a single thing down since we began."

I looked at the scribbled page then back at Levi. "You're telling me I was supposed to be writing what you say? Why? Am I randomly gonna forget?"

He put his head in his hands, looking at me through the fingers. "Every time you speak it's a sentence I've never heard in my life."

"Thank you," I bobbed my foot in the air at the end of the word.

"That wasn't a compliment. You really think you can remember every detail I'm saying? The maps I'm showing you?"

I stared at him blankly. "Yes."

Air blew out of his nose. "No."

I threw a hand up. It landed on the notebook with a thud. He crossed his arms and leaned back in the chair, narrowing his eyes at me.

"What district are we passing through after we leave Wall Rose?"

"We'll cross ten miles outside of Trost district, to avoid eyes of any possible threats."

"And then."

"Stick to the small villages until we reach Wall Maria, five miles from the breach point in Shiganshina, which Eren plugged three months ago."

"And then, cadet."

I sigh. "Then we stock up for supplies at a base camp of the Garrison Regiment. Also known as the Wall Brigade. There we'll get horses, food, and outdoor supplies. The only thing we'll have on the trip there is our gear and one bag."

He tapped the desk. "And then it's off to Titan territory."

I shuddered lightly.

Levi observed me for a minute, then glanced back down at my paper.

"Hmmm so you do listen. Smart girl."

It was my turn to glare fiercely across the desk.

"You will meet my squad in the morning before we depart. Do try and make a good impression. These are the people who will be watching your sorry ass this whole trip. They're real big on teamwork."

"Oh, I just can't wait to meet your little posse. Do they all have undercuts too?"

He curled his lip. "They don't have Under City assassin braids, at least."

My eyebrows shot up. "So, you have dirtied your hands in the underbelly."

"As if I'd surround myself in such filth willingly. You're the one who flaunts your crimes like a damned peacock."

Heat rose in my chest. "They're a sign of a fighter. Someone who can't be controlled."

"They're the sign of a killer." He said in a dead, mocking voice.

"I didn't kill for other people. I killed who I wanted for their money. Easier to rob a dead person." I shrugged, trying to fight off feeling of him under my skin.

"Let me guess, you only picked the really bad ones," he tilted his head, letting his hair fall into his face. That stupid jawline was doing its thing. His eyes were wide, mocking mine. I sneered.

"Well gangsters do have the most cash."

He snorted. "How valiant."

Having quite enough, I stood up, slamming my notebook on the desk. If I had to spend another minute looking at his teasing, ridiculously pinched face I was gonna-

"I have not dismissed you, Day."

"I'm not playing this teacher shit. I'm playing along with you fuckers because you have a gun to my sisters' head and a sack of poison in my fucking neck. I don't give a shit about being some perfect soldier! Do want you want to me tonight, but I need one godamned second to myself!”

Without another word I pushed the chair out of my way and stormed out, my vision beginning to blacken. Levi didn't follow.

 

 

I skipped the rest of class.

If I was to get eaten tomorrow, I was going to spend my last night doing something I wanted.

"Six, seven, eight- yes! This one." I muttered to myself happily, kneeling down in front of a scorched marked oak door.

My favorite lock pick, one of the many precious babies I saved from that musty storage room, slipped out of a braid. I spun it in my finger as I gazed at the door hungrily. I knew that goggled freak had all types of fun Titan killing toys in here.

Once the door was open, I slid into the office without a sound. A lantern burned in the corner which was concerning- surrounded by heaps of worn papers scribbled with messy writings. I tiptoed to the lantern and made it brighter, lighting the room in soft golden glow.

Metal shined on a table. I moved towards it, picking up what looked like a small gun with a dagger-like harpoon built in. I clicked my tongue. Guns were never really my thing but this...looked interesting.

There were smoke bombs, random vials that glowed on racks against her walls, all sorts of weapons ranging from spears to short range missiles. My fingers twitched. If only I had a bigger sack.

Once fully content, I scurried out of the room unnoticed, booking it right to my dorm.

I passed a few Scouts who were too caught up in conversation to notice the huge bag on my back as I made it across the building to my hall. When I shut the door, I slid in, jostling the bag with loud metal clunks. I almost caught it in the door when I slammed it then took a breath and giggled. Score.

Someone cleared their throat behind me.

I turned to a group of silent eyes watching my whole display. Eren, Connie, Armin, Jean, and my damned roommate sat on both beds, the only noise the breeze drifting through the open window.

In a flash, I twisted my wrist, sending the bag under my bed.

"Just uh.. doing some laundry. Also get the hell off my bed. You're still in your clothes from practice earlier- nasty."

Eren and Jean shot up off the mattress in a flash. Jean at least had the nerve to look ashamed, but Eren just winked at me, taking a step my way.

"Awww come on. Not like I haven't been on it before."

"Ewwwww!" Sasha gagged, launching a pillow at him while Connie hooted next to her.

I stared at all of them. Then my eyes flitted to the setting sun outside. God how long was I rummaging around?

Eren stood before me with a tiny pout while I ignored him, my eyes miles off in the distance.

"Wanna get outta here?" He murmured in a quiet tone.

When I looked at him, those huge green puppy dog eyes were hanging right above me.

"I'm leaving but you don't have to come," I take a step back, then another.

Everyone had gone back to their loud chatter while Eren continued to look at me like the only person in the room.

He stepped closer. "If you go, I'm following."

The hair on my neck tingled. I bit my lip and took another shuffle back.

"Then come."

 

 

 

 

We'd barely gotten out of view from the courtyard windows when I felt a bite on my shoulder.

When I turned, Eren was staring at me ravenously. His hair was messy today in a loose bun. His uniform was smeared in dirt along with half his face. He looked sexy as hell.

My body itched to dispose of Eren's pesky clothes and have some fun before night training. I stopped walking and Eren embraced me from behind, kissing my neck.

"I can't stop thinking about you every second of my day," he mumbled against my skin. "This is all I think about." His teeth pierced me again, just barely.

I threw my neck back and closed my eyes. Fuck. I need to tell him.

A low moan escaped my lips instead. A hand ran up my stomach all the way to my neck, which he grabbed to push me even closer.

"You gotta stop pulling badass shit in class," he continued, kissing my skin in between breaths. "I can barely concentrate as it is. And seeing you fight with your hands tied behind your back..gave me some ideas."

Eren drags his tongue down the arch of my neck. I try to spit anything out, one semblance of a fucking word.

“Y-you couldn't get me in handcuffs, baby." I lick my lips while holding back another moan.

A hand jokingly grabs my wrist. I let him. He keeps kissing and biting my neck from behind as he moves my arm up, leaving me slightly immobilized. Tell him.

Instead, I drop my other arm, the one clutching his forearm. He takes his hand off my throat and grabs my other wrist, bringing it around my back.

Before I knew it- I thrown against the trunk of a tree next to us, my wrists held by one of his huge hands. The other hand went to tear at my clothes desperately.

"Finally..." he panted, pressing another rough kiss to my neck. "I have you right where I want you. God. You're so beautiful it hurts."

Eren had the ability to make me forget the more he touched me, the more he spoke. Nothing in me loved it more than when he sounded this agonized. Needy. I drank it up from every orifice.

My face on the bark, I pressed myself further onto Eren, egging him on. His groin pressed into my ass as he undid my buckle from behind. He made sure to breathe right in my ear, almost like he could tell I thrived off those hearty pants he had before we fucked.

"Such a pretty, pretty girl." He whispered against me. Teasing my entrance with barely contained tremors. He licked my neck, once, then bit it.

With my arms held behind my back, Eren fucked me to near delirium pressed against that tree. Every hard slam of his dick drew a loud gasped moan out of me mixed with broken pieces of his name.

It was like he knew I was leaving because he fucked me as if we were both dying tomorrow.

The bark digging into my face almost hurt but I let it. This was the most alive I'd felt in days.

"Oh god..yes ugh fuck Day .. you're perfect- you're mine." Eren choked out through strangled breaths.

I resented being called his but in the moment, it had my mind practically mush. The hand holding my back came off to smack my ass so hard tears came to my eyes.

Eren never knew his own strength, and with him basically losing control, I was on the verge of real pain. It made me bite my lip and push into him deeper, earning a deep groan from above.

"Don't stop," I pleaded, my throat getting tighter.

"Never, baby. Never," he moaned back, gifting my cheek a rough kiss before slamming back into me even harder. I pulled against his hands holding me, but he held on. "Stay," Eren growled.

I whined in response. I need to grab something, claw at it, I needed to cum.

Racked heaves came from behind me- that asshole was cumming!- so I started rocking against him in time to catch up. My skin broke with how hard he was holding my ass, my wrists ached as he gripped them above my back.

“Harder Eren!" I snarled. He complied despite the orgasm taking control of his body, every thrust released a loud guttural groan from the Titan.

"I-I'm- I can't ...oh Day fuck I'm cu-"

Eren broke apart against me, falling on my back with rumbling cries. His movements got sloppy as I heard him practically sob above me with pleasure. That had me shaking in response- my own orgasm finding me after hearing how purely sexy Eren's pathetic cries were.

My open mouth huffed against the tree in shrill moans as I came, Eren whispering stuttering praises as he held my hands in place.

"Fuuuck oh god," was all I could cry as he still tried to slam into me, despite being basically comatose.

"Yes p-perfect baby, just perfect. Louder I want to hear you, Day. Say…say my name," he rumbled in my ear, barely getting the words out.

Instead, I decided to spell it out for him.

Eren's question bobbed my head with its held in urgency. "Day. Do you remember when Samuel said 'your little girlfriend can't fight her own battles?'"

I furrowed my brow. "Uhhh sure."

My stomach lurched involuntarily. Was this his roundabout way of saying he's sick of getting his ass kicked by me? Wouldn't be the first time. Nothing emasculates a man more than a woman who can beat the shit out of ten of them.

Instead, the hand running through my hair stopped, and I felt his chest underneath me begin to quicken.

"I- well. I thought about that all day. And that was days ago, so I've thought about it for a while I guess... I liked it when he said that. My girlfriend. You, my girlfriend. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

I couldn't see his face but the words came out in a flurried rush, stumbling over another. I sat up with a start, scooting a half foot away from him, unable to meet his gaze.

"Eren..." I sighed. I kept my eyes on a tiny leaf, bouncing in the lazy afternoon wind. Tell. Him.

Suddenly, hands grabbed mine, pulling me to face him. His face was red, the hands themselves slightly shaking. He was petrified.

"I know- I get it. What we do doesn't really have space for dating. But- it's just you. It's only you. I've never met anyone in my life more alive than you, more free. I don't even deserve to call someone like you mine but I can't think of any of way to live at this point."

He was utterly beautiful, glimmering eyes wide with pure honesty. They were the same shade of the leaves reflecting the setting sun.

I stared at the Titan, mouth agape. Fuck.

"Eren, I'm leaving."

His hands tightened. "What?"

I swallowed. "Tomorrow. I leave tomorrow for an expedition outside of the Walls. It's recon only, but I'll be gone three days."

He dropped my hands to stand up abruptly. The sweet puppy dog vanished, leaving a guarded glare on Eren's face.

"How long have you known?"

"Almost a week. Eren, look- I've been trying to think of a way to tell you. It's really not a big deal. Levi and his elite squad, along with Erwin, are just going to go look at some ugly Titans, then leave. Practically harmless."

I stand too and brush myself off with a small smile. Honestly, after that phenomenal sex and finally telling Eren, I felt great. Eren, though.. not so much.

He crossed his arms, looking utterly hurt.

"Why did they pick you, though? I've never once been asked to go outside the Walls and I've not only fought Titans- I fixed a breach in the Walls."

I was taken aback by the pitiful jealousness in his tone. Here I was worried he'd freak out over my safety, but I was right. No glass more fragile than a man's hurt ego.

I blinked at him, pissed he'd almost had me with that sweet speech just moments ago. I knew it, I swore to myself angrily, balling a fist.

“Oh, how I wish you could go in my place," I glowered. "You think I feel privileged to do this? It's not my fault Erwin has some delusion of me being Levi's replacement. I had made it my life's mission to never see a wild Titan face to face, now I'm to go camping with them."

Eren just frowned. "It's every Scouts' dream to go on a mission, especially one manned by Commander Erwin and Captain Levi. For you to act as if it's some huge burden," he shook his head. "It's an honor. You've been given the highest honor among us: Levi's replacement."

My jaw was on the floor.

"You fucking boot-licking fool. You know I didn't choose any of this- not even being here! How dare you tell me this is an honor, this is a fucking death sentence!"  I pushed past him and into the night, straight to the course. Fuck him.

 

I heard Eren call out as I stormed through the undergrowth. Glory means nothing to me. I'd rather be fucking alive.

Still, hurt panged my chest as I got further away. Out of all the reactions I envisioned Eren to have, this one wasn't on my list. It left a sour taste in my mouth, like I was seeing a bitter side of Eren I instantly didn't like.

I put my gear on with angry twists and grunts. The field was devoid of any people, leaving me to grumble to myself in the dim light overhead.

Well, there goes my fun new fuck buddy.

I knew that wasn't true, but it still helped to tell myself that's all he was. A sexy, stupid piece of ripped Titan meat. That's it.

Leaves whipped past my face as I flew. I needed my head on straight before I crossed into that clearing. This being our last night before the mission, I knew Levi would come up with something extra obnoxious.

The gleam of the jewels reached my eyes. Once I flipped down into the grass, I blew out a breath as I turned and looked around me. Perfect.

Surrounding the short, glaring Captain were the officers from earlier, the same ones who were up my ass the entire training match. I grimaced. Even the pinched-face ginger girl stood near him, arms crossed as she looked at me like I was about to strike.

I smiled at Levi. "Let me guess. You're "special'' squad, huh? We've already been acquainted, as you know."

"And what a terrible impression you've seem to have made." He sneers back.

The gray eyes that earlier, were almost softened under the shadow of Headquarters, were now positively evil.

I put a hand on my hip, regarding his four elite scouts with growing distaste. "I'm not here to make fucking friends. I'm here to see a bloody Titan, aren't I?"

"If you even get that far," one of them, a tan, grumpy man with goofy hair glared at me. It reminded me of a perfect dog shit right on top his head.

" 'm not seeing all the fuss about her," the oldest, a seemingly drunken, heavy-lidded man slurred. "So she can fight a few cadets; she's never even seen a real Titan! Yer really gonna make us drag her lifeless body all the way back, aren't ya?"

I clenched my jaw, Eren's words mocking me. It's every Scouts' dream to go on a mission- especially one manned by Commander Erwin and Captain Levi.

These people were the ones I should be proud to accompany? A bigger joke than dragging an Undergrounder outside the Walls.

"Orou, keep that vodka-stained mouth shut." Levi kept his eyes on me, gaze hard. Time to really get your shit together. It said.

A blonde, bearded guy shoved Orou. He gave him a serious looking glare as he glanced to me, then Levi.

"Don't question the Captain's orders. If we're to escort this girl outside the Walls, we will do so without question."

I just rolled my eyes at the soldier buffoonery before me. Three days of this?

"I'm more worried about the state of her comrades." The short girl piped up. "We saw how she just spars, out there I doubt we can rely on her."

Under all this scrutiny, my hand had slowly drifted to my thigh, a blade buzzing underneath the cloth. It only increased when Levi nodded to the girl, then regarded me with another distasteful look.

"I do agree she has a bit of a listening problem. But someone's very eager to try and fix that."

I assumed he meant himself, like all egotistical sadists do, but he looked off into the dense woods where I caught the sound of gear. Someone off in the distance was booking it right to us. A nerve in my stomach pulled at the sight of a smile on Levi's face.

I took a step towards him, my eyes narrowing. "What the he-"

Before I knew it- I was airborne.

My breath got shoved right out of my lungs along with my body. Leaves ran at me as I hurtled into them and at the last second, I managed to shoot a line to something nearby. Skidding along the tree bark, I grit my teeth and look through the broken branches.

Silver flashed into view. A devil, cloaked head to toe, drew their ODM sword and stood tall a few branches above me.

"Erwin," I snarled, catching my breath.

As their hood obscured their face, they fixed their gaze on me, then swiftly launched themselves from the branch, closing the distance with alarming speed. Before their blade could find its mark at my neck, I instinctively withdrew my line, yielding to gravity's pull.

It had been only a guess this was Erwin, but no Scout held themselves with the same sheer erectness as this asshole did.

I hit the ground hard, but with a swift roll, I regained my footing, only to find a razor-sharp sword poised mere inches from my face. With lightning reflexes, I sidestepped the first strike, then the next, engaging in a deadly dance as we moved across the clearing, each step a calculated counter to the other's moves.

When I caught a glimpse of his face, I was surprised to see actual joy on it. He was having fun. The true thrill of a fight seemed to be the only thing I shared with this cruel Scout.

The entire time I hadn't gotten a chance to draw my own swords, so I kept a wide grin on my face as I kept my hands clasped behind my back, dodging the insane blows with mere sidesteps. I kept an eye on where his wrists went, and waited for a moment to snag one of his own weapons.

Just as I skid away from a strike aimed at my head, I reached a hand out to- crack! Blinding pain overtook me as I stumbled to the ground.

What the fuck? Fuck oh mygod- shit! I cradled my hand and grimaced, kneeling onto it until my forehead touched the grass.

"Fuck you!!!!" I let out in a bellow of rage.

Steps crushed the grass until I heard him lean down above me. My mind was dimming with anger, but I swore I heard another pair of feet yards away, running at full speed to us.

"Halt." I heard Erwin's voice above my head. I got the feeling he wasn't speaking to me. Once the footsteps stopped, Erwin bent down further until I saw his shadow in the corner of my eye.

"This is for your own good, cadet. I've heard you've been harming more Scouts, disobeying your officers, skipping class.. this will ensure you behave on our trip. After all, for a recon mission, you won't need those hands anyways."

His voice was utterly calm, as if he hadn't just completely crushed my wrist and hand with the hilt of his blade.

All I saw was black. The pain subsided and I stood up in a flash, drawing a dagger from my inner upper arm, and shoving the point right beneath that huge jaw of his.

“Commander Erwin!!" I heard a shrill gasp from the group of officers. "Someone, subdue her now!"

Erwin just matched my evil smile, staring me straight on. I pressed it further, drawing blood.

“Let's see if Commanders bleed the same as dirt," I growl roughly in his face, the color still drained from my vision.

"Dahlia," a firm whisper behind me made me freeze.

“Stop. Erwin- I didn't agree to this. You never said you would break her hand. Waste of training," Levi stepped closer, sounding almost as angry as I was. "Don't make this worse, Dahlia. Just drop the knife. You're in shock. Breathe."

 

Suddenly, the air rushed back to my lungs that I didn’t know had been gone. I gasped and the knife clunked to the ground. Following the sound, I looked down and saw my purple, mangled hand. A crazed laughter began to bubble out of me until it flooded, and I doubled over with wracked sobs that hurt my ribs.

"I think you're a bigger dick than Levi," I muttered maniacally before swaying back, my head becoming foggy with disbelief.

Warms arms caught me before my balance left completely. "Such a problematic shithead," I heard an imperceptible mutter right behind my ear.

My eyes found dark blue as Erwin stood above, hood thrown back, as he looked at me with no emotion.

"This is what happens when your opponent doesn't play fair." With that, the leader of the Scouts shoved his swords back in and stalked off.

My chest heaved with angry, ragged breaths. How many times would this happen? Abuse at the hands of the honorable Scouts? You can't let them win.

I stand and push Levi from me, wiping my mouth with a narrowed look.

"I'm fine. Let's continue training, shall we?"

Levi gave me a bewildered, pissed look. "You're kidding. Your hands' practically smashed, Day."

I glowered, looking back at Erwin standing with other officers, unbothered as ever.

"And what of it. I still leave tomorrow. Are we gonna fucking train or not?"

Despite it all, tears threatened to rise. Damn Erwin to hell. No matter what I do- for them it's always too much or not enough. If Anya wasn't in the picture, at this point I'd just let them hit the fucking trigger.

Levi saw the distraught in my eyes. Surprisingly, his softened. "Hey. You can take the night off, if you want. Get those fingers set. But training's done for the night. I just-" his face hardened, looking away. "You know. I'm not into beating on cripple women."

My breaths were out coming out shaky and my hand distantly throbbed. I knew he was trying to get a laugh or something normal out of me, but all I felt was burning anger.

"No. You fuckers want me to train, be the best. Well, a broken hand shouldn't get in the way of that."

"Breaking yourself further won't prove any point."

"Maybe it'll keep me here. Maybe I'll get so crippled you couldn't possibly carry me outside the Walls."

He crossed his arms. "Funny. But if you become out of commission, the commander will just lock you back up. There's still a sentence to be served."

"I'm starting to think that's my better option." I breathed out. I wanted nothing more than to collapse and sink into the stalks of grass.

Levi just stared me down, glancing at my hand then back at me.

"If that manipulative fuck wants to think I'm somehow weaker now, I'll show him."  I glare over his shoulder.

"Maybe let him think you are." His voice was cold.

"So I can let a big man feel as though he's won. I'm sick of doing that."

"Stubborn brat. It'll make things easier for you."

I thought back to the shine of triumph in Erwin's piercing blue eyes. My hand throbbed.

"Fuck all of you to hell." I snarled quietly then walked past him with a shove.

 

When I approached the group of devils, a crack in the ground next to Orou caught my eye. Curious. It was right where Levi had been standing.

I refused to look at my hand or Erwin's smug fat face. Instead, I drew a breath and addressed the only one who'd barely spoken, the second in command to Levi.

"One of you assholes want a turn?"

The blonde officer's expression tightened, almost causing his hair to escape its bun. As he frowned, his mustache partly concealed his thin lips. "If I didn't have faith in you before, I definitely don't now. Seems like a waste to fight you to be honest."

I bit the pride pulling my tongue.

"I don't know Eld...you saw how long she held off against him though. Erwin himself!" To my surprise, the wrinkly faced drunk argued my defense.

"And look where that got her in the end." Eld looked down at my hand with distaste. The rare sting of loss clouded my nerves.

The short ginger girl hadn't stopped giving the most hellish look since I'd rejoined them. I bet that bitch would take me up on a fight.

She pushed Orou with a huge frown. "Were you even watching? Erwin took her down quicker than a deformed eight-meter."

I believed in no God, so I prayed to myself for strength.

Right before I was about to throw my morals out the window and elbow that judgey smirk off her freckled face, a familiar crash in the trees stopped me. I almost felt relieved until I remembered Erens' bitter face, screwed up at realizing he wasn't picked by his precious Captain Levi.

"Hey guys!" I heard not seconds later as I forced myself to look at Eren- who was entangled in the pile of brush that came with him.

His eyes found mine immediately. They gave away his anger underneath, the color a flat olive. Suddenly, Levi popped into view next to me.

"Look who finally decided to show up. The somehow bigger idiot."

Levi's scouts chuckled behind him.

"Sorry Captain Levi! I wasn't uh- feeling well." He stammered like always to the brisk Captain.

"Interesting lie when you know Hange would dissect you head to toe for a comment like that." Levi sneered.

Eren gulped. He looked around at the seasoned Scouts surrounding him until they widened on Erwin. His mouth fell open then shut before he fumbled into a quick salute.  "Commander Erwin, sir!”

"At ease, Cadet Jeager. You came at a most opportunistic time. Why don't you give a demonstration to our guests?"

Eren's eyes flicked to me again. "Like a spar?"

"Yes. Let's see where this month of training has gotten you."

My eye ticked. I wanted to throw a fucking knife right in his smug face. Preferably that sausage of a fucking nose.

Levi near me crossed his arms, the annoyance palpable. But Erwin would get what he wanted, no matter what. Expert pest or not, I had nothing on Erwin's determination to be a massive prick.

"Before that, let's go over some new techniques you've learned. To make sure you're fully caught up, we'll start from the beginning. Before Day's arrival, we focused on you remaining intact while I basically hashed away at you in different ways each night. Then, Hange had to of course scheme her way into everything once Day did arrive-"

I quickly tuned out of whatever the hell Levi was pulling right now. Regardless, it was a perfect stall. That last thing I was felt like doing right now was to perform in front of these decorated fuckheads.

Feeling exposed once again, my hand involuntarily moved to my dagger, forgetting the fact it was crushed. I winced slightly. The movement caught Eren's attention during Levi's lecture. Before I knew it, he was stomping through it all and right up to me with darkening eyes.

Completely ignoring the fact Captain Levi was speaking, he looked back down at it and cocked his head to the side. "Day," he said utterly calm. "What happened to your hand?"

Levi's voice had halted in shock of the pure audacity. Eren's eyes stayed right on mine, unwavering.

Seeing as how Erwin had already done his worst in many ways, I snorted and jerked my chin to him. "Ask our inspiring leader."

His face only hardened and he looked back at him. Erwin's complacent smile mocked in return.

"Have you not seen her carelessness firsthand? While she treats your training as mere playtime."

Eren looked like he wanted to turn Titan right now. One of his hands clenched then unclenched. "Day just fights the way she knows how."

I was grateful for Eren's clarity, but tired of being talked about as if I wasn't there. I looked at the two with contempt. Then, turning away, I stalked to the middle of the field where Eren usually transforms.

Instead of biting my hand, I swiftly utilized nearby sticks to splint my wrist and injured fingers. Using the torn bottom of my black shirt, I fashioned a makeshift bandage, grimacing as I realigned the bones. Pain surged through me as the cloth tightened until they resembled somewhat of a straight line.

With determination, I utilized a dagger to sever an unnecessary strap from my ODM gear, transforming it into a makeshift sling.

When I stood, Eren was slowly making his way to me across the dimly lit grass. The gems shifted colors across his dark hair, giving him a bending crown of light as he walked.

I let out a breath. The pain in my hand had subsided to hard pulses of annoyance I did my best to ignore. As good as Eren looked making his way towards me, nothing could fix the smoldering rage I felt underneath.

They think they can do whatever they please with me. Even break me. Nothing more than a bad dog.

Eren reached me with a tight smile. His eyes never left the makeshift splint and sling. He too, seemed to be holding in his increasing anger.

"Are you," He said slowly, finding my eyes, "are you okay?" Before I could respond, he swore and turned slightly to the side, running a hand through his loose hair. "Dumb fucking question. Of course you're not okay. What I mean is... we don't have to fight. They can find their fucking entertainment somewhere else."

"You think being nice makes me forget what a douche you are too? Are you realizing this isn't fun happy Scout playtime for me now?" I wiggle my intact fingers for effect.

He at least had the sense to look ashamed. "Day I-"

"Shut up and fight me, Eren."

After a second, he just nods tersely and stalks off in the opposite direction. I can't help but notice how dim his eyes were to me. Usually before a match, they glowed bright enough for me to spot across the field.

Eren's gait hadn't slowed but I saw a brilliant flash of light. I grabbed my handle with my one hand as the Titan morphed into sight. Before I moved to strike, incredulous gasps from the crowd of officers caught my attention.

My teeth grit. My swords drawn but my legs won't move. I'm sick of this.

Thundering steps begin to shake the ground. I can feel Levi's eyes burning into me from yards away. His reminder drone into my head. Let him think you're controlled. Weakened. My hand throbs in argument.

The Titan grows closer. The sword in my hand is heavy. Letting out a yell of pent of rage, I reel my arm back and launch the blade.

Seconds later, it’s buried to the hilt inside Eren's iris.

If I'm crippled, you might as well be too.

He didn't let out a fit of anger. The Titan just stopped, a massive hand hovering near his eye. He was acting almost docile, as if a stick had bounced off him instead.

I cocked my head up at him, an angry frown growing on my face. He's not giving me much of a fight.

Right on cue, Eren's other eye glanced down at me. I lifted my sling in response and bounced it in a funky wave. The light taunt did nothing. He just stared back.

"Mmmhpff." I grunt. What the hell?

Then, the eye glances to the Captains. My stomach drops. He can't be serious.

With a speed purely unnatural for a Titan, Eren spins on his huge heel and launches towards the group. In the distance I see the Scouts, minus Erwin and Levi, scramble to draw their swords.

Again, my legs won't move. I should let him.

ZING!

A massive severed hand flattens the grass. A curtain of rain spurts out, covering the officers in bright crimson Titan blood.

In front of them, I flick my blade, releasing the blood sticking to it.  And then, in a rush, all the sound comes back.

"OH MY GODDDD EEWW SOMEONE HELP ME I'M INFECTED NOW!!!"

"Commander Erwin- Captain Levi!- are you okay?!"

"I think that Titan just attacked us, Gunther."

"No shit, you fucking drunk! Now close your mouth, your brain might mistake this for plum wine."

Green shooting past me caught my eye. Levi appeared atop Eren's nape, and in a flash, had the boy dangling atop a swaying Titan.

Wind whipped my hair as he was thrown down to the ground next to me. "I should chop you up limb by limb." A dark growl rumbled from the Captain as he bent down to his mangled face.

Teeth fell out of Eren's mouth as he tried to speak. "Youf always tested us. Our turn."

"Urrrgh!" Levi growled and kicked him in the mouth.

Once Eren was thoroughly knocked out, Levi's eyes turned to me. He, of course, is untouched from the bloodbath behind me.

“Seems the little thief does have a heroic bone in her body. Minus the broken ones, that is."

I just narrow my eyes at him. "Still saved your sorry asses."

"I had all of that under control."

"Seemed like it."

Erwin disrupts our argument by approaching. He too, is clean as a whistle and I huff. I was aiming for him.

“That was very quick thinking, Cadet. It almost gives to question..did you two plan this?"

I cross my arms and give him a huge roll of my eyes. "If I planned this, don't you think I would've just sat my ass down and let you guys get trampled?"

Stark blue inspects me. "If you're so capable, take this cadet to the dungeon. He needs some time to think."

Eren gurgled blood in his sleep below us. I looked at him with a confused frown. Why did he fucking do that? "Hey I did my part. You want me to lug this limp man all the way back to HQ one-handed?"

Erwin just smiled. "Well, you just took him down one-handed. A cadet as capable as you will have no trouble."

Levi glared at me from the side. I knew I'd fucked up. Again. So much for letting Erwin think he'd won.

Surely the constraints of this deal have some back door. Once Eren's limp body was draped over me, I gave him, and the blood-soaked squad one last piercing glare before shooting off into the trees.

The ride back to HQ was filled with silent rage.

My hand was throbbing with each swing I took through the forest and Eren's shifting body did nothing to help. Despite Erwin's wish I'd be held back in some way- a broken hand was nothing. What killed me was that I couldn't end him where he stood after.

I'd been beat in every which way in the Underground. Fighting down there was akin to packs of wild dogs. If you're alone and they catch you, there's nothing left on the bones when they're finished.

Leveling my playing field was second nature to me. This pompous prick was nothing but a fly. A nuisance. I'll knock you down like all the others.

 

 

"MAAM YOU ARE GOING TO THE WRONG WAY TO THE INFIRMARY! EX-CUSE ME! CADET!"

A pepper-haired man in glasses bounded towards me. I didn't really slow, but spared him a distracted glance. The pest was straight-legged as he tried to match my gait. I let it go on for a minute until I stopped on my heel. The sound echoed off the hardwood.

"Since you're going that way, could you drop this off to the dungeons for me? Erwin's orders." As I slid the beefy Titan off my back, I twisted my hip and shoved him right into the Scouts' arms.

He opened his mouth to protest but I gave him a flash of a smile and disappeared down the hallway. Eren's the least of my fucking worries right now. At least that jackass can regenerate.

 

 

 

I shoved the training gear in a random closet on my way to the showers. I wasn't in the trusting mood for a doctor to take a look at me, so opting for a boiling hot shower was about all I had.

With the makeshift splint off, I finally had a clear look at the hand underneath the light of the ceiling lantern. Dread sucked in my breath. Worse than I thought. Every finger was mangled, purple, twisting in every which direction.

"Out of all the things he could've broke," I whimpered softly under the pattering water. I'd never seen my hands so fucked up.

Alone in the bathhouse, I sank down, holding my broken hand close, a symphony of solitude echoing within.

 

Sasha's snores greeted me as I crept into my room. A part of me wished she was awake- just so I had someone to talk to before I left tomorrow.

Instead, I began rummaging through my drawers for anything that could help. Then, a sudden sharp tingle ran up my spine. The shit I stole from Hange. Carefully, I brought out a cloth I had wrapped around some vials. I spread them out on my mattress under the light of the moon.

Tiny, scribbled labels were difficult to read under the silver light, but I was able to make out extremities scratched onto one. Picking it up with my fingertips, the light glinted off the glass near my face. I curled a lip. Is this how desperate I've become? Have I already forgotten how one of these almost killed me?

The serum glowed a soft blue. Not the safest of signs. I swished it around, still frowning. Then spared a glance to my disgustingly mangled hand. Fuck it.

With a swift pop! the lid shot right off. I feel like I'm supposed to inject this. I just shrugged and tilted my head back, dumping the contents down my throat.

Immediately, a pungent, overwhelming taste filled my every pore and I shot out of the bed, scratching at my tongue. Tears sprang in my eyes as I silently gasped and choked next to my snoring roommate. It was liquid fire mixed with the nastiest of old meats. I scrambled for the door with choked breaths. Drink. I need a fucking drink.

I distantly remembered a small tea room nearby, somewhere on the floor above mine. In the dimly lit hallways, I gagged my way up the steps, blinded by tears running down my face. The pain of my hand had all but disappeared, leaving only the strangling serum coating my insides.

A soft, warm light from an open door waved to me down the hall. I burst into the room in wheezes and shoved myself to the sink in the far corner. With my head thrown all the way back, I turned the knob and let the water engulf my entire head.

After I'd had my fill and the fire had subsided, I spit out the remaining water and stood back up, flicking the water off my face.

"That's probably why it's a fucking injection," I cursed to myself as water dribbled down my chin.

Clink. The sound of a teacup being set down startled me.

I slow-turned to find a slightly amused looking Levi at the table, his head on his hand, steam from the wafting cup of tea floating into his face.

"Can't sleep either?" He smirks, his mussed hair falling onto his tilted jaw. 

The Captain had dressed down after training, leaving him in an unbuttoned white linen shirt and gray pants. It left nothing to my already wildly inappropriate imagination.

I pat my cheeks and give him a mocking smile. "Figured the face could use a quick wash."

Levi's face didn't change. "Whatever it is you were doing, I'm just surprised you're not breaking your boyfriend out of the dungeons right now."

I scoffed with my full body and plopped myself down on the table, spilling some of his tea in the process. The hand that was resting limp near it clenched, making me smile softly.

"Why waste my time rescuing someone who's in no danger?"

He smirked. "That's precisely what I thought earlier."

"Oh, when your Commander actually broke my hand?"

Now that I mentioned it, I felt nothing from the hand in question now.

"You could've handled that. If you weren't so damned cocky, your guard would've been up."

I threw my head back with a sigh. "I didn't expect him to do that."

Levi glared below me from his chair. "You should always expect it. Expect anything. Especially from Erwin."

I just scooched my butt till I was facing him and let out a puff of air, moving some blonde mess out of my face.

"You didn't seem to expect it."

"Do not pout at me from atop this table like some pissy monkey." My mouth popped open and I let out a short laugh.

"Now, be a normal person and sit down."

I increased my pout and lifted my legs off the table, twirling a chair with my feet until it faced me. Sliding forward, I slammed down into the chair and glared at him through my hair.

Without a word, Levi stood, walking towards the cabinets. After some rummaging, he came back. "Sit straight."  He snapped from behind me.

I tried to crane my neck to see why, but he just grabbed the top of my head and turned me back. Then, I jumped when I heard a snip.

"Hey what the hell are you-"

"I have no clue how you manage to fight with these mangy bangs. No wonder you always look a mess. You're practically blind."

My neck jolted in offense and he tapped my head lightly. "Don't move."

"Don't make it short," I whined back. With a sigh, I stayed still as he snipped away at my messy locks.

"Maybe I should," he murmured close to my ear. "Give you a real Scout haircut."

Levi's fingers toyed with a strand of hair near my nape and I caught myself shivering. His voice was so low it rumbled my chest. He sounded annoyed as always, but it was softened by his grumbly sleepiness.

"I'll have to give you one in return, then." I don't pull away.

I sense him moving near my shoulder, his hand following as he weaved his fingers through the locks slowly.

"Your hand. How is it?"

Levi was asking me how I was doing?

It caught me off guard and I struggled to find a witty retort back, instead opting for near truth. "I don't feel it. Still. I've never had it broken quite this bad before."

A hand comes into my peripheral. I see it hover near my own that’s resting on my thigh. It's then I notice Levi is crouching on the ground behind me. I see the top of his gleaming raven head near my elbow when I try to not jump. His other hand is gripping the bar of the chair against my back, his knuckles almost digging into my skin.

When the hand touches mine, my breath completely stops. After a quiet second, Levi just scoffs quietly. "Deplorable. You were already shit as it is. Now you're just easier Titan bait."

Despite his brash words, the bite wasn't there. Instead, a soft bitterness had taken its place.

I wanted to argue but my anger had left me too. Instead, I wiggled the broken middle finger in response. A slow smile found Levi's lips as he rolled his eyes and took his hand away.

I ignore the weird pang I felt when Levi went back to stand. Fingers gently grabbed the hairs around my face as quiet snips cut through the tense silence.

I closed my eyes when he moved to my forehead, wondering what he looked like. That taught, grumpy face one of deep concentration as he sliced away my hair. A docile killer.

My eyes stayed closed as he brushed away the bits from my shoulders. When he swept my hair to the side to get my back, my eyelids hurt with the pressure I was holding them with.

Finally, he spoke. "There. Now you look at least presentable."

I turned in the chair to face him with a tiny snarky smile. "It better look good. Actually, second thought- I hope it's terrible. Another reason to piss Erwin off."

He studied my face for a moment, his eyebrows relaxed against his temples for once. Gray so light it could've been a cloud stared at me until he licked his lips, looking away.

"You can.. definitely.. see your face better now. Seems I've done a shit job indeed."

For a wild- crazy- second I wanted him to look back at me. There wasn't anything quite like having Levi's full attention. And the longer we were alone in this small tea room, with the silence of the night our only company- the more I began to want more of it.

He doesn't look back. Instead, Levi's face hardens as he keeps his eyes glued on the teacup in front of us. "Don't expect any favors once we leave the Walls. I've done all I can to ensure your sorry ass doesn't fuck this too royally."

I huff. "A favor from an enemy is a dangerous thing anyways. Unnatural."

At that, he flits back to me, lingering on my lips before slowly raising up to my eyes. "And is that what I still am to you? An enemy?" The words were mumbled, low.

Did I still hate him? Fuck. I drew in a sharp breath as I search his face and found calm thoughtfulness behind those eyes. Almost like he cared about what answer I'd give.

"I..."

He kidnapped you. Took you.

"As long as those Wings of Freedom adorn your back, you will remain my enemy."

Levi stared at me with gray eyes freezing over. "I see. If that's the case," suddenly, my wrist is shooting forward, bringing me with it until it's at Levi's neck- and the pair of scissors are glinting against his skin. "How many opportunities to kill me will continue to slip through your fingers?"

We're inches apart. The hand gripping my wrist to him is digging in with a warm pressure. I try to keep my face level, giving nothing away. But his eyes test me. Do it.

"Like I'd make it out of here alive without your body being found first."

"Oh, you would." A smirk plays on his lips.

There's specks of white near his iris.

"Come on," Levi whispers in the tiny gap between us. "Show me how scary you can be."

He's right. Why? Why is it so hard to do the one thing I'm good at? He's a Scout. Ugh- he shouldn't wear that stupid neckerchief. What a nice neck.

"Enough!"

Metal clatters to the ground at the same time Levi is thrown down into the chair next to us. Real surprise hits his face- like it does each time I manage to get him off guard.

I rest my good hand on the back of the chair and lean down, my freshly cut bangs shifting into my eyes. "I've told you before my biggest flaw is my lack of patience. So I'm learning what every patient killer should do." My signature smirk mirrors his as I lean further down.

"Biding my fucking time."

Levi just tilts his head back to meet mine. He's enjoying this. "Then I'll await the day. When you gain the balls to take me down."

Fuck. Those lips.

Something compels me to move closer. An invisible magnet is seemingly attached to those ..lips. Gods Levi was achingly beautiful. How I hated it.

A faint strangled sound comes from his throat. The sound sweeps me away and brings me back to reality all at once. I'm about to kiss Levi Ackerman.

 

Chapter 43: over

Please.

He wanted to beg. He couldn't tell you his name, but fuck, did he want- no, need- her to move. Just one inch.

Please.

Never had he wanted to ask so nicely. For anything. You can do it. Be a good girl and fucking kiss me. Day stood above him with deep, dark eyes he had succumbed to time and time again. Beautiful, awful girl.

I'm beginning to think I need you. Always. Right here. In front of me, safe. Just come here- an inch more.

Snap!

For a heartbeat, he didn't open his eyes. He could feel she was gone. Gone. In seconds.

You scared her off.

When Levi stood, he turned and saw the entire back of the chair hanging off in split threads of wood. Day had left her mark- not with a kiss, but with the shattered remains of his psyche, lying in shards across the floor.

 

It should have concerned him when he decided to go the East wing for his earl grey. Not only was it across all of HQ, but he knew. A secret stash of dried leaves always stays in the top drawer of his office desk. So, for this- he was irrational. Stupid.

And now his body-every cell- had been practically begging her to touch him. Look at him. Be with him.

True madness had finally taken hold.







===================================================================

 

 

It was odd being the one looking in for once.

Eren had taken to lockup nicely, at least. They gifted him a nice cot with a dimmed lantern above, where the boy was sprawled out, sleeping like he was in his dorm.

And to think I was worried, I smirk to myself.

I pull a blade out of my thigh strap. Clunk clunk clunk. The sound of metal hitting the bars jolts Eren awake, and the idiot scrambles in the covers, then falls onto the concrete floor.

"At ease, soldier." I lean my face between the bars and regard him with a playful look. He looked damn cute tangled up in the floor, his long hair a rat's nest around him.

As soon as he heard me, the covers flew off, and he skidded into the bars. His green eyes were brightest in this dim dark; the only light I could look at. They were wide, worried.

"Are you- how's your hand?? I missed you. Did you get in trouble for my fuckup earlier? And you leave tomorrow... No one has even come down here since-"

My hand slides between the bars and I rest a finger on his lips. "I'm fine. What I want to know is why the hell you did that. Why attack all your commanding officers?"

Eren was a Scout dog through and through- until tonight. Commander Erwin had fucking been there. I stared at the psycho, trying to figure him out. Eren looked down at my current sling, one I stole from the med bay after my shower, and shook his head.

"They shouldn't have done that. You're- god you're going outside the Walls." His voice cracks. Even still, the fight we'd had today was fresh in my mind. "I just lost it when I saw you. I wanted to hurt them like you had been. You should be free, Day."

I blinked. Finally, some common sense.

"I know. Took you long enough to notice. I don't belong here, Eren. Playing Scouts, having to pull my punches with every fucking turn it- I've been basically driven mad for almost two months." A sigh falls out of me.

His voice softens through the bars and a hand brushes against mine. "Ahh it's not all bad, is it?"

I smile and grab his in return, the constraints of my anger slipping away the more I looked into those iridescent eyes. For a brief second, I thought of how close I was earlier to kissing Levi. Or at least considering it. Today was just full of fucking anomalies, wasn't it?

"Not always," my tone matched his as I put my head through the bar, getting close to him. Our noses almost touched, and I could feel soft, quick breaths warming my cheeks. His long hair was a mess around him, a contrast to my damp blonde bangs.

I breathed in his cookie scent, mixed in with a musty underground smell from the dungeons that reminded me of home. Damn. I was gonna miss him.

Our lips moved toward each other just as a metal clang sounded nearby. I distantly wondered if the guards I'd snuck past earlier heard our conversation but forgot as soon as I saw Eren's face. He hadn't taken his eyes off me, ignoring the sound.

"You'd given up." Instead of kissing me, he tilted his head back with a small smile. "The Day I know would've rather die than lose her 50-0 streak with me. Knowing they'd gotten you to that point- it was like something in me snapped. You're not meant to be held down."

His words held me in place. "I..well you never know. Instinct to whoop your ass would've kicked in."

Eren smirked. "You kinda did that anyways, didn't you?"

"I'll do it again if you risk your sorry ass for me. You're lucky you grow back, because even I wouldn't have attacked Erwin like that head-on."

He just shrugs back. "I knew someone would've stopped me. Either you or Levi. It was nice though, to see all those elite officers scramble for their asses."

"Not very patriotic." I click my tongue, but a smile is quickly forming back onto my face. "I knew there was a rebellious side under all that Titan meat."

A quick puff of laughter escaped him, hitting my face. "I rebelled the day I saw you."

I can't take it anymore and I fly forward, gripping his collar. Our lips crash together through the bars. A tiny moan comes from Eren and it makes my fingers dig into the cloth harder. Desperation hits me. This could be the last time I taste the sweetness of Eren's kisses, hear that little sound he made every time I overpower him. It makes me want to unlock the bars.

Clang! Eren grabbed my hips, slamming them into the metal. What he didn't account for was the knife strapped on my thigh. The sound resounded throughout the dark dungeons, and moments later, the sounds of sharp footsteps followed.

"God damnit," I swore under my breath, pulling away from the heavy-lidded, beautiful boy.

"Promise me you'll come back."

His voice was weak. So cruelly sexy.

"Every time I make a plan, it goes to shit. I'll just promise you this: I won't give up. I won't let them take away the small bits of freedom I have left." The footsteps grew closer, and I gave him one last soft kiss through his cell bars.

I refused to look at those puppy-dog eyes as I walked away, sinking into the corridor’s shadows. "Bye, Day," was all he whispered, leaning his forehead against the bars with a sigh. "Come back."

The serum I’d stolen from Hange's lair luckily seemed to be an updated version of the one from weeks ago. When I awoke the next morning, the first thing I did was rip my sling off and try to wiggle my fingers. They did, but barely. So, it was a slow build.

Still, I felt like I had a leg back up on the green-cloaked pricks. Or that is, a hand.

I wanted to mosey. Drag my feet. Leave the group of bastards to wait on the that damned field long after the sun came up. But instead, the collar around my neck tightened and I stood, trying to breathe.

Sasha was an oblivious mess in the sheets near me and for just a second, I hated her. That quickly turned to warm love as I knew I'd miss her peppy, contagious energy. Sina knew I'd fucking need it.

 

The band of dickheads regarded me with pure disdain as I strolled down the trail to the gear racks. My sacks thrown across my back, hood up, and a cheeky grin stretched across my face.

"Morning, comrades." I drawl out as I approach. "I'd salute but, yanno." To add effect, I wave the slinged arm around.

Underneath, I scold myself. I try with everything to not look. Don't look, Day. Not into those piercing fucking eyes. Those same ones I wanted to sink into last night. Don't look. I had to keep my game face on, especially in front of this elite crew. I felt like they could sniff fear out the same way their tiny leader could.

Erwin, on the other hand, found my gaze immediately and turned those bushy eyebrows down across his eyes. "It's nearly sunrise, cadet. Our mission waits for no one." Well, it seemed to wait for me.

A scoff is heard behind him. That Petra girl. God this was gonna be fun. I feel my hand twitch, just barely, under the scratchy cloth.

It became increasingly harder to hide my excitement the closer to town we got. A real upside town.

I hadn't left this damned hill in ages, let alone ever seen a topsider town. Even when I ventured out from my cave in the Underground, my wariness of MPs kept me in the surrounding forest.

It was like Erwin could feel a tiny spark of happiness finding me because he cleared his throat behind the group to no doubt lecture. "Now, don't forget that our main objective until we reach Wall Rose is to remain unseen. Draw no attention to ourselves. Especially you, Day. Slaker could have men anywhere so make sure to keep your face hidden."

I just huff in response and tug my hood further down. I can feel the overwhelming presence of Levi behind me, and had since I'd arrived, but still I refused to acknowledge him. Erwin was sharper than I gave him credit for, and the last thing I needed was for him to pick up on any of my inner thoughts.

Still, I let out a gasp as the city sparkled into view along the cobbled road. Rows of streets lay in a distant pattern across the sprawling landscape with Wall Rose standing closely behind it, contrasting starkly against the brown shingled rooftops.

Once we got into town, it was pure torture. Markets lay on both sides of the street as wide-toothed vendors beckoned my way. Golden trinkets and juicy fruits shined, blinding me. Fuck. Was I drooling?

I ached for the days of being a street thief. It was all so easy, a fun game, playing with the merchants while giving them wide, dumb eyes. Only to disappear seconds later on ODM gear, all their cash in tow. Maybe they wouldn't notice if I just stopped at one...

A hand grabbed my elbow. "Behave. Your gutter trash is showing."

It was as if my vision became clearer each time Levi was a massive prick. With a quiet snarl, I wrench my arm away and stomp down the bustling street.

Erwin and the rest of the crew herded, crowding me on all sides with their hoods up, doing the worst possible job at looking inconspicuous. As someone with a degree in staying unseen, I just rolled my eyes at the soldiers and followed.

The closer we got to the Wall, the more I realized just how enormous these things were. Anything could be behind it. Only the clouds touched the tips as birds flew by. They were only ones truly free.

Oh, how I envy you. 

 

 

In a few hours, we reached the river where the wooden barges bobbed about in the water. The wind carried up a river breeze, offering a fresh reprieve from the stench of the Walls.

A sudden, rational part of me said getting on that would lead me to the depths of that river. My feet quickly stopped, and I felt my hand tensing. The crew luckily stopped too, as we grouped off in the distance to convene.

Golden medals flashed against the noonday sun through Erwin's grey cloak. Those piercing blue eyes shone underneath it as he regarded us with his normal stoic face. "Due to capacity reasons, each boat docks two at a time. It'll be less noticeable if we each go in a different boat by pairs. And since we have ourselves a flight risk," I ignored the direct look. "Captain Levi will accompany Cadet Day. We will regroup on the other side of Wall Rose."

Everyone nodded obediently and broke off into pairs, while Levi just shifts an annoyed glare my way and spins towards the third boat. I don't care. I'm about to board a fucking floating death machine. For a second, my hand finds a blade tucked away on the thigh. I could run. He's not even looking.

Almost like the bastard could read my mind, his pace immediately halts. "Hurry up, brat. The boat won't wait for you."

Fuck it. I release the handle and catch up to my evil babysitter.

My breath hitches as we board. The swaying feeling under feet immediately throws me off and I stumble forward. Massive amounts of people are packing in like sardines while I'm thrown into the motion of crowd. I don't even see Levi anymore, until a hand grips my arm right before I fall into an old lady's back.

"Focus on something stable. It'll help." clipped words were next to me, and I straightened up as we kept walking further in.

"Nothings' stable in here," I mutter.

Once we reached the far end of the boat, because of course the world hated me, we began to be pressed against people and the wall, as if some godlike hand was flattening us slowly. 

A huge, red-faced man stumbled into me, throwing me off balance as I cursed loudly. Suddenly, strong hands gripped the shoulder not in a sling and pulled me back. I squeaked with indignation when I realized I was being firmly pressed into Levi's body. His arm snaked around me and held me in place while I squirmed angrily.

"Would you pay better attention to your surroundings, thief?" he muttered low in my ear over the cacophony of voices bouncing off the wood. It was all I could hear.

"I can stand on my own." my hand gripped his forearm, trying to pull it off. He didn't budge.

"It'll be safer this way. Since you obviously can't function topside." his snark was still loud and clear.

The boat lurched off to a start before I could retort back as I involuntarily dig my fingers into his skin, my jaw clenched. The rumbling tease in his voice never left as he kept his head close.

“Easy, cadet. We're attached to a line on the Wall, meaning we can’t sink even if we tried."

Sina, it grated on me; one moment he looked at me like I’d crawled up from the Under City gutters, and the next, he was murmuring advice like we were allies.

Fucking asshole. What type of game was he even playing at?

Still though, I had succumbed to his grip ever since the boat began to move. Focus on something stable. That's all I was doing.

Chaotic bodies tried to throw us around in the overcrowded space, but Levi didn't move, just steadily holding me, arm around my chest. If I concentrated hard enough, I'd notice how much I didn't mind.

Before I knew it, my breathing had returned to normal and the rocking beneath my feet felt distant. His grip loosened only a bit, but he didn't step away.

"See," god his voice is so overpowering, "I knew you could do it. For a big scary killer, never thought a boat would be the thing to take you down."

Finally, my voice came back. "I'm fine. Let go of me, Levi."

His chuckle was downright playful. For him, at
least. And nothing was more off-putting than Levi enjoying himself. "See, unlike Erwin, I do think you'd run. Even with all the precautions in the world, someone like you thinks they can beat it. Get away."

He was wrong. As badly as I wanted my freedom, nothing was worth putting Anya's life at risk. My sister was more important than my pride.

Still though.. that original promise to kill everyone involved with fucking my life to shit remained in my head, stayed poising against it with silent rage.

You always know just how to bother me.

I gave his comment a sneer. "And you're the one to stop me? If I wanted to run, I'd be gone already."

The voices around us were all but drowned out at this point, along with my patience. In a swift tug, I threw Levi's arm off me and pushed him with my back. Once I felt his presence leave, I turned around and tried to glare at him. As soon as I saw his shit-eating little smirk, those damned smoky eyes under the swinging lantern light, I failed.

"Keep reminding me about how I'd get away. Maybe I will- just to watch you idiots try and catch me."

His eyes stayed right on mine. "Well, I've done it before haven't I?"

My eyes rolled. "I don't make the same mistake twice."

In a small, controlled step, Levi got somehow closer than he already was. He'd draw a lot less attention if he wore a hat, a suit. Dressed in a dark cloak just reminded me more of what a demon this man really was.

"I'd find you. You're not as clever as you think. If you were, you wouldn't have been caught in the first place."

"Says a man who fancies himself a god but remains a whipped dog to your masters."

His nostrils flared and I felt a hand grip my arm like a vice. "It's time to go, little cadet. Our lovely ride is over."

 

Our ever-remaining tension boiled against the heat of the midday sun. We quickly found the group, and I caught Petra's eye as she looked between me and Levi with a suspicious glare. I crinkled my nose. So, my babysitter has a babysitter. Nice.

Erwin gave Levi a short nod when we approached, no doubt proud my devious plans were foiled by the presence of his favorite dog. Ignoring their chatter, I turned back towards the boat and looked at the Wall Rose.

I've crossed a Wall. There were a handful of Undergrounders who had the pleasure of coming aboveground, let alone traveling along Paradis and the Walls. A lump formed in my throat. Too bad it was like this.

Orou sauntered up to me and tried to throw a limp arm around my back before I stepped to the side. "Scary, isn't it? The big ole worllld." I could smell the wine from a foot away. "Just wait 'til you ssee the real thing."

I paid the sloppy moron no mind as I gave Rose one last look and rejoined the group, the arm in my sling growing heavier each hour I spent outside HQ. It'd been too long since I'd gotten to properly hit something. (Not even 24 hours).

We followed east from Wall Rose, avoiding going inside Trost altogether due to yours truly. Instead, we winded through small roads and outskirts of the city, the sound of lively people calling to me across the cobblestones.

For a military chief, Commander Erwin was stealthy like an Undergrounder. But for this, it was a damned idiotic idea. Hiding in the shadows was for dark caves and sunless skies. Up here, the crowds were your friend.

That fact became painfully clear the further we got. I could feel eyes turn every street we walked down, the suspicious thoughts of some of Trost's more ill-fortune.

If Slaker were to get word, it'd be from a place like this.

A lot of it was also Levi's squad- skilled they may be against Titans- but stealth was not their strong suit. Orou waltzed as if he were an MP off duty, on his way to the nearest pub. The mustached blonde, Eld, who seemed to be Levi's second hand was no better. The fucker was erect, hood barely concealing his ugly mug. The most obvious Scout in the damned world.

My pace began to slow as I tugged my hood down. Titans be damned, I can't have problems outside, down, up, and around all of Paradis. I needed some control, or else I was gonna die without it.

"Erw- Commander." I said behind the burly man. He stopped but didn't turn. Everyone else followed suit with narrowed looks.

"Yes?"

"I need a drink. Maybe we can stop somewhere.. a pub? Preferably busy."

I could tell Erwin was laughing. Petra snickered nice try next to me, but I refused to pay her mind. Orou's attention was for the first time completely held as he almost barreled right into me.

"Yes!"

The poop-haired man, who I think is named Gunther, promptly grabs him and throws him to the ground with a frown. "Behave, you piss poor drunk."

"Our journey has barely begun, and you're already famished?" Erwin chided, turning to me. The smug blonde was as haughty as ever, a small smile playing under his hood.

"I just think we could use a bit of .. a debrief. To freshen up." It was a weak lie under the burning rays that were Erwin's eyes. As much as I hated him- I knew he was a hard one to outfox. I'm doing this to help you too, annoying fucks.

Levi was uncharacteristically not snarky, in fact he'd been silent most of the trip besides the boat, but at this I heard a slight tch come from behind me.

"So anxious to change our plans already? Be a little more subtle, why don't you."

I threw my hand up, already giving up. Damn them. Let Slaker find us, then.

"Yes, let me announce my escape plan to the assholes keeping me in custody. You saw right through me."

Erwin stared me down. Everyone shuffled around us, becoming nervous with being still for so long.

Then, a real smile formed, reminding me of not even a day ago. That very smile as he shattered my bones. The joy of a gamble. "Lead the way, cadet."

I almost wanted to smile too when I felt the buzz of everyone's disbelief, but I settled for a smirk Petra's way as I pushed past Eld and Gunther to the front. Before I started walking, I turned back briefly and looked at everyone.

"When we walk, try to not act like you're on duty. Move with the crowd. Not in a formation."

I heard stifled protests behind me as I started walking, swinging my unbroken arm with a slight glee. We began to go into more populated neighborhoods. I followed people, where they went, crowded towards. Before we knew it, we were sitting in a dense pub at a long wooden table, surrounded by troves of loud, beer-bellied laughs.

At this point, I should've been used to how direct a Scouts eye contact was. But that was before I was seated across from all of them at once. Ignoring the heat warming my forehead, I took the time to chug a beer- gods a bloody beer! - relishing in my first taste of freedom in over a month.

"Please don't tell me you halted our mission to get drunk. We have Orou for that." Gunther spat in an angry tone.

I wiped my mouth and burped, eyes on him. "As drunk as our esteemed Captain will let me." Which I knew, was nothing. "I stopped you because you all are gonna get my ass caught. It's embarrassing. If we're to continue to the Outer Wall- it needs to be split up."

Cue the -

"Right, bet that'd make it lot easier for you to escape, criminal!!"

"Captain Levi would never take orders from a lowlife."

"Are you kidding me!?" Petra's mouth flew open, and she whipped her head right to Levi, along with four others. Erwin, instead, just sipped his beer calmly without a word.

Levi's eyes were boring right into me. He was trying to spot a lie, some type of plan I'd concocted to escape. Once one wasn't found, his mouth set into a firm line. "You think I want the sole responsibility of babysitting your ass all the way to Wall Maria?"

I smirked back. "Erwin always could. If you don't feel up to it."

A hearty chuckle came from the Commanders' glass.

"I could... but Levi's in charge of this mission. His word goes."

Levi's fist clenched his mug so hard he set it down, no doubt to save it from shattering. His eyes flit between Erwin and I until he quickly began shaking his head. "No. No, I will take the burden that is Day if I choose to agree with her call."

"I say let her get as cocky as she wants just so we can watch her shit her pants when the real mission begins. You think you’re hot shit because you survived the Under City?" Fucking Gunther. "You'll break down like every other Scout. And then we'll have to take your sniveling, cowardly self all the way back to HQ."

My mouth creased into a small smirk. "You know, I'd be a real prick too if I had a Titan turd on my head."

Gunther's hand immediately shot up to his hair, patting the poofy bush to console it. An almost imperceptible snort came out of Levi that was quickly drowned out by Orou and the mustached man belting out in sudden laughter.

I went back to the rest of my beer, struggling to keep my eyes off the quiet Captain seated on Erwin's left, at the head of the table. Was this a good idea? An entire day, alone with Levi. Locked in an open cage with the actual worlds' most deadly predator.

The soldiers argued amongst themselves after Levi gave the go ahead to my plan. No one could seem to choose who to travel with, even though the trip would be just until the next morning.

"Petra, my sweet, if we're to be wed we need more alone time anyways!" I threw a disgusted glance to the drunk twice her age. Gross. Petra seemed to agree as she gave him a hard shove off the bench, curling her lip. "Shut up old geezer!"

Erwin set his glass down with a direct clunk. The Scouts quickly quieted.

"I'll accompany Petra and Orou to Wall Maria. Eld and Gunther will be just fine together. But you," he looked at me across the table under those authoritative, bushy eyebrows, "how can I ensure you won't try to take out our poor Captain the moment we leave?”

It was an obvious joke, but I heard an aggressive tch come from Levi.

"She's more than welcome to try."

I gave them a shrug. "Guess you'll have to trust me, won't you?"

Gunther scoffed and elbowed Eld with an eye roll. "Trust someone who's basically our prisoner, you mean."

I eyed Levi's untouched beer and nodded. "Exactly." The taste of ale had awakened my something in me, something reminding me of the freedom I used to feel. I've gotten too comfortable with the Scouts.

Just you wait.

 

 

We left the bar in a staggered order, Levi and I being the very last ones to go. I looked across the big oak table to him. The man hadn't glanced at me since he'd agreed to my plan, only glaring into the still full mug of beer.

My butt scooted a bit down until I was at the same corner he was. Sliding a hand across the wood, I snaked a finger into the ring of his glass, pulling it my way. For once, the grumpy man didn't berate me. Instead, I happily downed the stolen beer in one go before he could change his mind.

I threw my head back and let out a loud burp, which made his eyebrow twitch. "This isn't vacation, you damned brat. Have you forgotten where we're headed?"

"No, please remind me." My hood was still up but I gave him a cheeky grin. "Just let me order some chips first. I need a snack before we hit the road."

A huff of air slowly came out of Levi. He sounded like he'd already been defeated, which made me snort. drama queen.

I couldn't lie to myself though. My fingers drummed on the wood, trying to spot a nearby waiter. I was excited my plan had worked so smoothly. Still, I almost felt at a loss too. Could I even run away? Anya. They know about Anya.

Granting wings to a flightless bird only to take them away is crueler than her never knowing they existed.

I stole another glance at the eerily quiet Captain. If only I could convince him of that too.

 

Levi and I had been alone countless times. We'd even had each other pinned down in the middle of the woods, the moon our only spectator. But somehow, nothing was more uncomfortably intimate than walking down the street together, our pace in sync.

Even though the Exterior grew closer with every step, I couldn't help but hum as I kicked rubble near Levi's foot. Without the stifling presence of his squad around us, and especially Erwin, I finally let myself breathe.

He slowly started to lead as I got very quickly distracted. Levi never looked back as he weaved ahead of me through the maze of streets. It'd been hours since I'd stepped foot in a real topside town but shit. It was a struggle to not crane my neck or halt my step, staring at an open street market or gleaming rack of ham. But if anybody walked like they had a fucking purpose- it was that fucker.

Little trinkets, coins, and snacks found their way under my cloak as we walked. My sling was brimming with goodies, along with a nice dagger I saw lying about on a display table.

We stayed on the outskirts of Trost. Levi refused to go straight through, along the river, because we'd have more eyes on us. I strongly disagreed.

"Let's change clothes, at least." I whine behind him. "I feel like we're sticking out."

He didn't spare a glance back. We weaved down a cobbled alleyway, a stray cat bouncing past us into another direction. At this rate, we'd get bloody mugged before we reached Wall Rose.

"We stick out the more you speak," he growled.

I groaned, "Ugh come on. You're the worst guide ever. No sightseeing, nothin'."

His shoulders wound up, getting tighter and tighter. "Because this isn't a cute little trollop down to the market. This is all for you to learn how to be fucking useful." each word he spat with a barely-bridled venom. Oh, Levi was pissed. Was this why he'd been so quiet all day?

I couldn't place why he'd be so riled up until my foot scraped the pavement with how hard I stopped. Oh. Right. Inches away from kissing him- and a second's hesitation too. I hadn't even stopped to think what Levi had felt in that moment.

Ever since I’ve known him, the short demon of a man only seems to have three emotions: disgust, boredom, and cold anger. He, of course, was a mixture of those right now, but something had shifted.

I couldn't help a smirk growing on my face.

Even out here, I could get under his skin.

Levi's pace led us winding through alleyways, cutting through streets, and was an unorganized mess throughout the outskirts of Trost. My eyes and mind wandered behind him. Even in a less populated area, I felt like I was getting the real topsider experience.

I tried to hide a grin when we had to move aside to let a carriage pulled by two horses by. Their taught muscles strained, pulling a load of rice three times their size. "Beautiful and strong," I muttered, a bit awed.

"Indeed." Levi's voice came above me. I looked up. I hadn't realized he'd been listening. His eyes were right on mine, stark gray shining against the concrete.

"On real missions, we usually go through the entire way on horseback. Streets and all."

I attempted a sniff back. Looking at him was harder than it was twenty-four hours ago. "Sounds a bit too flashy for you."

We started our pace back up again, Levi going ahead of me as he chuckled over his shoulder. "But not for you. I could see your blonde head at the very front of the brigade."

"Taking your place." I gave his back a small shove. We entered a narrow alley, its cobblestone path flanked by buildings that seemed to squeeze us in. It was one people wouldn't even consider going down, unless you were us.

I noticed his pace slightly slow. "On the subject of you taking my place. Erwin's smarter than you give him credit for. Every little trick, plan, you throw at him- he's already considered."

We were walking side by side at this point, unable to see each other's cloaked faces. I smirked. "You mean, splitting up the elite Scouts wasn't subtly genius?"

"Like I said earlier. Please run. It'll make my week."

"You lieee." I singsong. "Why warn me? If I hadn't known about Anya, this really would be my perfect chance."

A rock skids across the stones. The alley seems to go on forever. "Maybe I can't decide if you staying or leaving would cause me more headache. It seems to change every day."

My short laugh bounces off the concrete around us. "How close are you to mutiny?"

"Depends on which kind." His voice holds something. I can't tell what though.

I bump him with my shoulder. "Welll if it's my kind, I promise it'll be the fun one."

"Hmmm, killing everyone?"

"Right! Fun!"

His head shakes under the hood. Part of his black hair sticks out, casting an even deeper shadow over his face. I think to my own hair, newly cut by his careful hands.

"I think you're doing this to punish me. Your stupid little plan." he muttered, as if speaking to himself.

"Maybe I split us up to take you down separately." I wiggle my fingers. "So, I can get the big bad one alone first."

His feet stopped. "Here I am. Right where you want me, little thief."

My throat dried. I played off my reaction by rolling my eyes as I passed him, not stopping.

"You'd like it too much. I'm not into making you happy."

A foot scuffled behind me. His tone was still flat, but for Levi, oddly playful.  "Who says I'm ever happy.”

The challenge in his voice was always tempting as it was annoying. Still, my pace didn't slow. Boring exterior or not- Levi liked games as much as I did.

Fine, then. Challenge accepted.

I threw a grin over my shoulder, wide enough for him to catch beneath my cloak. He straightened- too close. I spun, lunged, and yanked his hood down over his face with my good arm. He growled, but I slammed him into the stone and took off down the winding alley.

God, it felt good to run.

The thrill of a chase surged back through me as my grin, now real, stretched my face with glee. I straggled so he could keep up. It was just enough so he could see me meld into a nearby crowd of people, through a market breaking the confined walls of the alley.

Even from meters away, I could feel the heat of his anger.

I decided to take him the route I'd been mapping out- a much quicker way through the winding towns towards Wall Maria. Still though, for a soldier with a shit nose for street work, he followed me closer than I would've liked.

The busier the street got, the more I knew he couldn't grab me. My heart ached with how easy it could be to actually run. Silly game or not, I knew I was stuck here. I just wanted Levi to suffer in the meantime.

The money in my sling just begged to be used, so I obliged, of course. Chocolate that tasted spikey and rich all at once melted on my tongue as I hummed along, never sparing a glance over my shoulder.

I didn't need to. Levi's presence was tangible- even out of sight. It was a pressure, pushing on me like heavy air.

My teeth grit. I wanted it off me.

 

On impulse, I ducked down a fabric-lined street. Rainbow shimmered as various cloaks and woven pieces canopied above me, casting me into shimmering shadows. My eyes caught a rich purple, reminding me of black glass, and I swiftly scooped it on over my dark Scout uniform, switching the gray cloak off.

I slide past stalls, through walls of rippling silks, delving in with the wind to not attract any attention. Maybe I could just delay it. Never would I be ready to see a Titan.  If I wandered long eno-

Through a wave of violet and marble, a hand appeared. Right before it reached me, my senses kicked in and I went to sidestep until my feet were suddenly thrown out from under me. Concrete smashed my cheek. My hood was thrown off abruptly and for a dazed second, I pictured an Under City assassin above me.

But my neck pricked. I'd only ever be so lucky.

"Come on, I was just beginning to enjoy myself."

The hand found my skin, moving my hair aside, exposing my neck as if he knew. "That's the last thing we need." A finger, hot as ice, drew down the line. All that could be heard was the cloth whipping in the wind. It enveloped me.

"We both know you aren't going anywhere. Impressive as you are, whipped too is what you've become."

The white-hot rage I felt was clarifying. Get off me. He was fucking stifling. The legs straddling my back began to squeeze with flat amusement.

I felt the pressure increase, his head moving towards the crook in my neck. "You have no power here," a menacing whisper drifted through the afternoon breeze. "I like to watch you tug on the ends of your leash. You may have been something, at a time, but now you're ours. Why can't you learn that, rat?"

"Power," I spat a pebble out of my mouth. "Power lies where men believe it to be. It's a trick, a shadow on the wall." My hips shift and Levi is thrown off me, but I don't let him go far. A leg wraps under his, so I can pull up into a sitting position right in his face. A knifepoint meets his gaze, along with my calm smirk.

"And a very small woman can cast a very large shadow."

He should've known by now. I was only caged because I allowed it. My mind had never been made up. One wrong move, and I'd kill everyone like I'd pictured so many times- starting with him.

 

The only sound as we walked out of the linen's embrace was the whispers the fabric made as it rode the wind. I kept my hood down, partly to piss Levi off but also so I could keep an eye on the fucker. Attacks from behind. Your favorite, it seems.

He silently let me lead but nipped at my heels the entire way. I couldn't breathe without catching a whiff of Levi's stark scent, striking my nostrils like a match. We'd been at our game longer than I thought. The sun brushed near the tips of the rooftops, making me squint every time it bobbed onto my face.

I knew we needed to find a place to rest soon. But fuck. Alone with him? For an entire night? No one would make it to morning.

Gray came into view and Levi evened his pace to mine. "Any clue where you're headed?"

I didn't speak. Instead, I just seethed, plotted, and grumbled my way across a cobblestone square. We'd entered a quaint town, with rolling fields behind it, showing us the last long stretch to our journey. I'd seen his stupid map. Hell, he basically quizzed me over it. This town I'd seen a little out of the way, but a good distance between Shiganshina and Trost that we could trek it in a day. Hërekiell.

The shops lining the stone roads were inside, not like the bustling markets we'd just left in the cities. Shame. Harder to steal that way.

I kept ignoring Levi's presence as he stayed by my side, harrumphing as I'd stop and look inside the windows of the shops. It was fun to linger- Levi wasn't made for it. His entire body screamed priority. Since we'd left the safety of HQ, he'd been ramped up to ten in terms of grumpy alertness.

"Oh chill. We're making good time aren't we," I muttered with an eye roll and went for the doorknob of a bookstore.

A rough hand covered mine, stopping the doorknob from turning. "Enough. We're finding an inn; no more pit stops."

I frowned back. "I don't think you know how to enjoy yourself, Levi."

There was an evil twinkle in his gray eyes. "Oh, trust me, I do. It just doesn't look like this."

"Feeding on the joy of children? Pulling fingernails off the hands of criminals?"

There was no amusement in the glare he gave me as I begrudgingly turned away from the bookstore. My boots clicked on the concrete road, dragging. A night alone with him. It couldn't come any slower.

I wondered what Levi thought- if he even cared. He no doubt was just cursing Commander Erwin for allowing this change of plan to happen. We were both in our personal hells.

We found one to Levi's liking that was on the outskirts of Hërekiell, hidden by large oak trees. The huge, encompassing branches covered most of it in a swaying green wall.  A large wooden porch wrapped around the front half, and that's where Levi stopped walking.

"You will have to go in to secure the rooms." the hooded Captain leaned against a pillar, his gray cloak billowing around him.

I put a hand on my hip. "And why's that? I'm broke."

He glared. Every time he did so, his features would sharpen into focus, as if he were a lethal animal focusing on its prey.

"Your sling full of cash says otherwise. Make sure it's an extra nice one, won't you?"

I matched his stare for a beat until a smile broke out on my face. "Ahh I see. You flatter yourself, oh famous Hero of Humanity. You don't even march through here on your route through the country. These civilians can't possibly know you."

He pulled the hood further down with a slight growl. "You'd be surprised. Just go get the fucking room. Try and do a single thing you're told."

I cackled at that and spun on my heel. Before I got under the doorway, he hissed, "and put your damned hood up. You'd be surprised how recognizable you are too."

"I doubt that." I scoffed, slightly offended as I slipped into the inn.

Inside was cozy, immediately enveloping me into walls of polished mahogany and flickering lanterns. Tapestries lined the walls in shades of jade and ivory and I cocked a head. Seems familiar. With a jolt I realized those were Scout colors.

So, the public does like the military? At least topside. Undergrounders would burn the Capitol down if they could but felt indifferent to the Scouts. All authority was corrupt down there, so it didn't quite matter.

The lobby was dead. A sole patron sat beside a fireplace, drink in hand and head down. I didn't notice any movement from them when I approached the desk, so I turned to the sweet looking clerk.

"You came at a good time," the older woman chuckled, fixing her rimmed glasses. "My last room just opened up."

I gave her a small smile, shifting my hood slightly off my scalp so she could see it. "Hopefully it has more than one bed."

Her wrinkled eyes look down to her ledger then back to me. "I think we can manage that, sweetheart. One night?" I nod. "30 silver."

Coins flick out of my left sleeve, and I slide them across the counter. She gives me a gentle stare before clicking her tongue, “You're gonna need to ice that arm every night, dear. Or else it'll heal back angry and wrong." A finger slides one coin back over to me.

I blink in surprise at the silver-haired clerk being able to see through my cloak and notice the sling. Yeah, definitely a good thing Levi didn't come with me.

I smile my gratitude in return as I scoop up the key and coin, sliding both back into my cloak. Once outside, I spot a brooding Levi sitting on the steps, eyes on the Wall ahead of us. It was still miles away, but its' presence hovered silently above everything around us, like a stony god.

"I'm hungry," I exclaim to the back of his hood.

A sound of disgust comes from it. "You are to cross that tomorrow and all you can think of is food?"

The wind is throwing the massive trees around us in a frenzy. I let my hand fall open, to feel the wind trickling through each digit with care. I'd never get used to the wind.

The very air seems to declare its presence, while I find myself contemplating my own existence- tiny and insignificant in comparison to the vastness of the world around me.

"At this point," I sigh, the breath mixing in with the cooling air. "I've accepted whatever happens, will happen. Plus, if anything bad happens- I'll just throw your annoying squad in the way." Starting with Petra.

He snorts, stands up, and turns to face me with a serious expression. "You know, they dislike you because you roundhouse kicked their favorite Captain in the head."

"Hange loved it." I pushed past him. Hopping off the porch, I was going to find dinner with or without his instigating ass.

I'd half-thought he had left until an audible scowl was heard and barely perceptible footsteps followed.

"If something goes wrong, you should only hope my squad cares enough to save you."

I was gonna need alot of ale if I were to survive this.

 

He stalked behind me aggressively until I strode into a tiny pub, raggedy hanging sign and all. Inside, about six or so people sat sparsely around wooden chairs and tables. I went straight for the bar, my mouth already watering.

Levi drank a glass of wine of all things as we sat in terse silence. We were both already sick of each other. I let out a burp, my pint already done.

"Sooo," I wave the bartender over for another glass. "What does the great Captain Levi actually do for fun?"

I saw him start slightly under the hood. "I...throw knives at things."

A small smile held over the rim of my mug. If I couldn't goad Levi into a fight- I'd settle for conversation. "Odd. I do something similar."

His gloved finger traced the stem of his glass. Such a nice pair. I might have to scoop those later. He didn't speak for a few minutes, and I went back to my beer with fervor. After my food had arrived- and Levi's ... soup? How old was he? Sixty?- is when he finally spoke again.

"What were you going to do with all that money you stole?"

It was my turn to be slightly shocked and my fork clanged the side of my plate. "Haven't I told you? Run away to the Interior. The farthest I can get from the Titans."

He didn't pick up his spoon. The hooded man just stared into the earth-colored puddle before him. "And then what?"

I shoveled beans into my mouth and shrugged, "Live. Freely."

I swallowed and hesitated, thinking back to the bookstore, and all the treasures of stories I'd found growing up in the orphanage. When I couldn't escape physically- worn pages had been my true grace.

"Maybe open a bookshop, who knows." I ordered my third beer.

Levi finally began eating, angering me that I had even noticed. He seemed to be in deep contemplation, which I didn't know if that was good or bad. Maybe just eerie.

Halfway through his dinner, he dabbed his mouth delicately and tilted his head toward me. "I'm just surprised you can read. I thought moles were blind."

Truce between us was nonexistent. This leprechaun had been a curse- one I need to exorcise.

The more ale I guzzled the deeper my frown got. Why was he such an endless grump?  I glared to my right. "If I am to die tomorrow, the last words I'll hear are your barking."

"Just don't die near me. I'll be embarrassed to say I'm your mentor."

"Quite honorable of you." I rolled my eyes, swaying lightly. For a second I remembered the serum still flowing through me. Should I be drinking on that? I mentally shrugged it off, waving down the bartender again.

As coin and glass slid past one another across the bar, Levi's hand reached out and stopped my mug. Beer sloshed off with a wet plop. "I think you've had more than enough. One day outside the Walls and you're already resorting back into a drunken fool." His tone was lowered, hissing right above my shoulder.

I curled a lip and jerked back from him. A hand snaked around the handle of the mug, and I lifted it to my face before he could stop me. I heard a defeated sigh as I burped, slamming the empty glass back down on the wood. "Noww I'm done."

"You're gross." Levi said flatly as his chair skid back. I giggled then let out a full bellied laugh as I leaned on the bar.

My hood was thrown roughly over my head. As I stood fully, getting my balance, I didn't notice the hand on my back, steadying me.

Once we were out of the bar, the rush of ale sung its return in my veins. I tilted my head back to the night air. My eyes immediately found my friend up above, and a smile warmed my face under her light. It was almost a full moon.

Clouds rolled in, illuminated by the moonlight. A warning pricked itself into the back of my head. Storms. Weren't good for Titan spotting, now were they? 

"If it rains," I mumbled, letting my fingers feel the incoming winds. "Will we still go?"

I felt Levi behind me, as if personally making sure I went back to the inn. It was annoying. I stopped walking and skid around to face him. "Please tell me no."

Crickets lilted around us, their evening song in full roar. Under the light of the moon, Levi's eyes reflected underneath his hood like a jeweled ghost. I was locked in the moment I turned around.

"That depends. You won't learn much being drenched and vulnerable out there, so maybe not. Why?" He took another step to me. "Is the deadly girl really scared?"

I huffed and went to turn back around. "Of course not." Levi caught my left arm at the last moment, holding me in place.

"Someone like you should never be scared."

I snorted with sarcasm. "What, gutter trash?"

The grip on my arm was almost desperate. It could've been the beer- but I could've sworn his eyes softened.

"You don't get it. Forces of nature do not fear, they just are." His voice rode the wind so softly I could barely make it out.

How much wine had he had? Fuck.

I looked away. Even half seen, Levi was beautiful. The moon seemed to love him, push all her light onto him. In the dark he was all that I could see.

Twisting anger bubbled up. Would anything make sense? One second of my life? I twisted my arm out of his grasp and stalked off down the path to the inn.

I didn't know if he followed and didn't fucking care.

A storm began to hit as icy rain dripped down my forehead and I threw my hood back to greet it.

 

The oak creaked. I sighed. Damn.

"I'm changing," I singsonged but the door flung open. Gray fabric bobbed into view and seconds later a full face of grumpy Levi stood over me.

"You could've said the door number before you stormed off, little brat. I just had to sneak their damned ledger away."

I fell back onto my bed with a bubbly laugh. "Pretty sticky fingers for a decorated war hero."

A weight fell onto my stomach, and I let out a loud breath. Pages of the worn ledger were askew my torso and I glared up at him. "Why's this my problem now?"

"Because you're ranked lower. Now, go return it cadet." Tiny amusement mixed with the warmness of wine thawed at Levi's usual cold exterior. I almost liked it.

But I never did anything for free. "Hmm and if I do, you'll be less pissy than you always are?"

He slid a glove off as he made his way to the other bed. "Haven't I been?"

I snorted and got up; my body wobbly but not too drunk. "You're always mean around me."

I expected another scathing retort before I left, but when I glanced back, Levi's face had a slight frown on it. He shuffled until his back faced away from me. I huffed and swung the door open, ledger in hand.

Spindly fingers followed me along the walls as I crept, moonlit, throughout the creaking dark halls. Outside the storm raged, making the trees thrash against the windows with fury. My feet didn't make a sound as I crept along the floors, still in my boots.

As I snuck, I thought. Then regretted thinking. I tried to shut my brain off completely. Fuck. Upside down, left, right, any which way I looked in my muddled brain, there Levi's gray eyes sat.

A flash of light struck my vision and I halted. I'd seen storms from my cave before, but never topside. Rationally, I knew this was lightning and it couldn't hurt me in the confines of the lodge. Let alone its wood, a great insulator.

The walls' sounds of protests howled down the hall. Glass bent. Rain sounded as if tiny shards of the sky were blanketing the world- starting with this inn.

A force of nature.

I scowled so hard my eyebrow twitched. Asshole.

The ledger was returned in under a minute. Even so, I lingered on the way back. I'd rather face the wrath of ten storms than a night alone with Levi Ackerman.

I cursed myself. Get. It. Together.

Though I was certain Levi hadn't left the room while I was gone, he was looking rather...windswept. With his hood off and bag of provisions laid out on the bed, he was eyeing a map as if it'd personally offended him. The buttons of his shirt were partially undone, and the normally impeccably combed hair was a mess of raven across his undercut. My.

I tried to keep my face neutral as I waved dramatically- a silent mhm you're welcome for the favor- as I returned to my bed.

Was he doing this to fuck with me? He looked so... I wanted to slap myself but instead ripped my sling off. Counting money never failed to soothe me. I was too tipsy to even notice I'd felt no pain from the broken arm. Instead, I kept my eyes willfully off Levi and hopped onto the bed.

"Toy money," a teasing voice scoffs across the room from me.
The innkeeper had delivered quite nicely, the space warm and inviting. Both beds hugged opposite walls, an unlit fireplace splitting the two on the inner wall. To my right was a large, paneled window, currently being whipped with the branches of an outside tree. "As soon as we return, that will be useless to you. It's sad, that all you can do now is play at thief."

It seems Levi's pleasantness towards me was decided with a flip of a coin. I ignored the challenge in his voice being fuzzier than normal. Clink. Just count. Don't look at him. Clink.

I heard the sounds of straps being tugged off. Boots. The slide of leather, then a sharp slap against the wood as he sets them down. Gloves. A ripple of air, stirring my hair. Cloak. Count, Day. A familiar thud on the nightstand surprises me. So, you do carry blades, Captain. My fingers stilled across the sheets when I heard a snap, then clink of metal. His belt.

I hadn't realized I'd looked up until gold had been replaced with molten silver. Had he been looking at me first?

In the clumsy second before my brain turned back on, I filled it with a signature smirk. "This isn't a men's locker room you know. We have a bathroom attached."

He looked a tad smug as the belt was thrown onto the bed and I went right back to my money. Fucking prick.

Thankfully, that was all he took off, as the next thing I heard was the door to the bathroom swinging open. Once I felt his heavy pressure gone, I let out a small breath. The joy had been taken out of my gold. The shine on them was dimmer now and I shoved them away like it was a bad meal.

 

The storm raged on outside as I tried to quiet my own. Shoving everything into my bag, I threw it under my bed with habit. I chewed my lip. Each blade buzzed on my skin, something I felt when I was particularly on edge. It's just the storm.

Among the things I'd lifted throughout the day, a mauve, breathy silk gown was one of them. I'd liked the feeling of the fabric through my fingers, smooth rippling water, not unlike the oil-slick cloak I'd also stolen.

A tang of blood hit my tongue. I can't possibly wear it. Still, though. It'd be fun to get Levi back.

I was still contemplating when the door swung back open, making me almost jump. I looked and held in a gasp. Where the fuck did his shirt go?

Toned alabaster muscles were in my face, practically shining in the dimly lit room. The hair hadn't been fixed, so it was still just a slutty mess atop his head. He was in loose shorts that I didn't even attempt to linger at.

The dress slid through my palms before I caught it at the last second. His eyes flit to it. "And where did you get that, cadet?"

I eye him before making my decision. "Bout an inch behind your face."

"The more shit you steal, the more it'll slow you down outside the Walls." His eyes stayed on the gown. "But you just can't help yourself, can you?"

The voice was smoother than the fabric in my hands. I gripped it tight as I stalked past his bed and into the bathroom without another word. I'd make him eat his words.

I finally noticed my not-so-broken hand when my black uniform came off with ease. My eyes bugged. Fingers bent in front of me. Well holy hell. Hange finally made a serum that worked.

I was grateful for the harsh dimness of the lodge because as I came out, I mentally grasped for the shadows.

Normally, I'd love a moment to cheekily flaunt and use it to get my way. But the moment I felt Levi's gaze on me, I wanted to run. For the sheer power of it made me stop.

"How awful you look," a rumbling murmur came from the Captain. Suddenly, my game wasn't so fun.

A dry mouth sneered back, "Couldn't let you show me up, now, could I?"

I willed my legs to move again. His eyes were almost cat-like. Pure knives. They reflected the dim lantern as I made my way back, illuminating my every pore. Why is this the most seen I'd felt in...ever?

I sat atop the sheets to assert my dominance. Goosebumps prickled across my skin, but I fought off the shiver. Levi was half out of his bed, looking like he was about to run somewhere but had forgotten. An amused, slightly discontent frown bore his devilish face.

I ripped my eyes from his- and those fucking abs- to a rocketing crash of thunder outside.

 

 

My usual charm was failing me. Just a minute, relaxing atop the sheets avoiding his eyes, was too much for me. The coldness of the room seeped into my bones. I sprang up off the bed, still ignoring Levi, and regarded the dark fireplace between us.

"Can you not be still, thief?" It seems Levi finally wanted to speak after pensive silence all day. Only to be an irritating ass.

I just chewed my lip, searching for a way to light some of the logs half burnt inside the hearth. A worn steel striker and a chipped piece of flint was all I could find, so I began cracking away at it, tuning Levi's piercing eyes out.

For a second, I was too invested to realize the creak of the mattress till a hand pressed against my back. I jumped, whirling around to bare my teeth at the Captain.

He threw his hands up. Parts of his hair shifted into his face. "Relax." One of the hands turned down towards the flint. "Allow me."

I jerked it back and frowned. "I've made a fire before."

"You'll get your new dress all dirty."

The frown stayed. "Suddenly the gentleman?"

An easy expression had begun to morph its way on Levi's face. He shrugged, almost smirking. "I'd hate for you to steal another. You've committed enough crimes in the last twelve hours."

I turned back to the cold hearth and struck the rock again. "Go back to your bed before I add murder to that list."

To my utmost shock, the hand went to my back again. It seared me. My skin was bare, the sheer dress barely covering it.

"Why, you quite enjoyed teasing me last night. And so quiet you are now." A purring velvet flowed through me. His voice could be so soft.

My mind flicked back to the tearoom. The brief, psychotic second when I'd almost kissed Levi. And it seems even still, he hadn’t forgiven me for it. 

"You don't want to play that game with me, Levi." I said quietly, my hands stilled on the rock.

His hand remained, sliding up until it tapped my neck, his signature mocking gesture. Then it played with the soft strands underneath my rat's nest. It was when the rock cluttered to the floor that I remembered to breathe.

With the blankness in my mind he was causing, instincts began to take over. I felt myself tense and seconds later, I was leaning over Levi's fallen face, my hand on his throat.

CRACK!

An especially loud lightning strike shattered the sky above us, rattling the very ground. For a moment, I saw a brief flicker of fear in Levi's eyes. Was he...no..the fire in me faded and I released him, but side-eyeing as I sat back up.

The glint of playfulness was gone on his face. Instead, I saw Levi's jaw tighten as he brushed hair away from his brow. Don't do it..don't-

"Do you need a storm buddy?" I smiled, even more as he got up briskly. "What? Is that why you've been bothering me since we arrived? Who knew all it took was a thunderstorm to rile you up."

He gave a loud huff of annoyance as he threw himself on the end of his bed. The deadly man was straight up pouting, muscles gleaming as they were taught against his bare chest. I was staring, I noticed, and promptly went back to my rock.

"They weren't...a regular thing where I'm from." He spat a few quiet moments later. Hmm. I'd never really considered where Levi had come from before. Maybe it was the distant forests like Sasha, or some mountainous village Annie and her friends "claimed" to hail from.

I didn't want to admit I too was unnerved in the presence of storms. Once I'd discovered the flash meant thunder was soon following, I'd lay in my cave holding my breath, waiting for the crash to come. I'd always hated it. The dread of waiting. Storms embodied that.

I hadn't noticed in my deep thought, a spark flickered to life before me. Once I did, I leaned down gently and blew, egging it to get bigger. Kindling crackled as the life grew, flames catching across the hearth. Moments later a fire roared before me. I knew I was a bit too close, but the enveloping warmth felt like a nice bath, soothing my aches. I spread my hands, titling my head back a bit and took it in.

Once I felt warm down to my core, I returned to the top of my sheets. Levi watched me the entire time. His gaze was something tangible, the moment I was aware of it, I could almost grasp it, feel it on my skin.

"What?" I snapped, smoothing my dress once I was comfy.

"Always bright as day," he murmured to where I almost didn't catch it. I bristled at his jab, despite the tone with which he said it.

His eyes were half-lidded, mouth on his clasped hands as his elbows dug into his thighs. In the glowing light of the fresh flames, he wasn't as darkly brooding. Almost... beautiful. He was always a man in between. As cold as fire, as hot as ice.

I wrinkled my nose.  "You know, that saying never did me much good growing up. With my name, kids were inventive."

Levi leaned back on his end on the bed, giving me a full display of the rolling pack of abs. "Yeah, I bet little orphans can be ruthless."

Quick anger flashed in me. When he found my real name, I knew he no doubt found out everything about my life. This was just the first time he'd ever brought it up.

"That's where my nickname came from. That orphanage." I breathed through my nose. "They'd gotten me from some MPs who had arrested me for looting their Undercity base." Levi snorted.

"When I arrived, I fought everybody but never ran. It was the first time I'd had a real hot meal. So, everyday I'd get into scraps, lift from markets, but always come back. So they'd call me Day. 'Day in, day out, she'll be a pain. But leave the door unlocked, she'll slide you a silver chain.'"

A real laugh escaped Levi, as he doubled over on his edge of the bed and snickered. "As if you'd share your exploits anyways. Charming little rhyme though. Very fitting."

I rolled my eyes despite liking the sound of his unexpected laugh. It always seemed as if they took him by surprise, escaping him against his will.

"I've been known to share before." I think back to the huge stacks of cash I'd given Anya and the sick girl. Money the Scouts couldn't find, money they kept me in place of.

Under the light of the fire, Levi's smirk was twice as deadly. "A secret saint."

I ignored him, rolling my eyes and spreading out atop the comfy bed. His eyes watched every little movement. The storm raged outside, every gust of wind bringing a tighter look to his face. I had no clue what to think about Captain Levi- Humanity's Strongest- being afraid of a bit of rain. It made me almost giddy beneath the mask of annoyance I gave.

"I wonder what the others are doing," I muse quietly, tilting my head.

"Eld and Gunther are no doubt mere miles from Wall Maria. Orou and Petra...are somewhere fighting in a pub while Erwin giggles to himself."

I snorted at the thought of that. "Maybe we'll all lose each other and have to scrap the mission."

His eyes twinkled again. "You'd like that, wouldn't you."

I bristle. He smirks and leans further on his thighs. "Oh, come on, the whole splitting up plan was yours. You just couldn't wait to be alone with me, hmm?"

The asshole was using my tactics against me. Demon.

"In my defense, I wanted Erwin." I smile back.

"I'm surprised." He says flatly. "Since he's the whole reason for your existence in the Scouts."

I shrug, a devious smile growing. "Maybe I could've convinced him to let me go."

Levi's fingers twitch on his thigh. "That man's more impenetrable than the Walls themself."

"That makes two of you then."

"Tch. Says the murderous liar."

A giggle escapes me. His fingers clench into a fist. "I'm easier to read than you'd expect."

Under his intense gaze, I almost squirm. It's like without the chaos of our usual surroundings, Levi was drinking in the full attention of our proximity. It made my skin tingle.

"That's true," he murmurs. "Your face gives away more than you'd like."

"And what's it saying now?" I arched a brow, smile still tugging my lips.

The silent seconds before Levi spoke, I could've bitten through. My eyes never left his, gray steel ablaze in the growing flames. He sat there, stripped of all his military gear, his status as Captain betrayed only by his neatly trimmed undercut, which brushed his eyes as he scrutinized me.

"You're nervous. And you don't like that fact. It makes you feel more exposed than you currently are now," with that last part, his eyes raked down my nightgown then back to me almost shamelessly.

I want to spit a retort back, but I know that's what he wants. Instead, I just wave a hand in the air, then put it to my chest. "Oh, how could I not be? In this stuffy little room with the brave, terrifying Captain Levi ohhh I don't think my heart can take it."

I fall back into my pillows in a dramatic sigh. "Stupid brat." Is muttered quietly and I grin, looking up at the rafters.

When I sit up, Levi's a statue, never moving from the spot on the end of his bed. A wild part of me grips my stomach. I like the look in his eye. Energy crackles inside me, spreads, until I feel it under each inch of my skin.

My hand slides slowly up my thigh as my smile deepens into something sinister. "Even so, silly soldier, didn't you learn the first time?"

THWUMP!

A tiny dagger lay embedded in his wooden headboard at the same time black tendrils float from his head. "I'm never exposed."

The man didn't flinch, not even a twitch of an eyelid. Instead, he brushed the remnants of hair off his leg and stood. I thought he'd surely come deliver some nasty blow, but instead he went for my dagger imbedded in the wood.

A slight growl halted itself at the back of my throat. It morphed into a sneer. "Keep my blade and I won't fix your bangs."

His face remained unchanged. The glint, however, was enough to blind me from across the room. If my face never lied, his eyes didn't. It was like one look, I could see and be seen all at once. And I'd never get used to it.

My dagger wiggled at the end of his fingers. "Come get it, Dahlia."

"I hate it when you say my name," I lied. Don't take his bait.

The light reflected off my face as he kept dangling it. My snarl stayed. That was a particular favorite of mine. When it was clear I wasn't getting up, the blade rolled across his fingers until he flipped it, catching the handle. "How tiny. This will come in handy."

My finger slightly twitched on the hem of my dress. A part of me balked at Levi Ackerman almost...flirting? All I could think was: why? What does he want?

I was trusting him less and less by the second. Heat in my chest grew. As if summoned, another crash outside drew my eyes off him. With that moment of clarity, I stood up on the bed and regarded Levi with arms on my hips.

"Relinquish my weapon, demon."

"As I said, come get it you savage girl."

I hopped off the bed, lunging at him. Right before I struck, I saw dual blades shining. One my own, and one Levi's grin.

When I reached for my dagger, it disappeared completely from his hand, and before I could pull away, he was grasping my wrist. A leg kicked mine from under me and I fell onto the bed.

Hot breath tickled my face. "You're always so much trouble for me." The words moved the hair on my face. I should kill him. Kill him right now.

Instead, I leaned up and licked a wet tongue up his cheek, hopefully grossing the clean freak out. The body above mine went fully rigid. The other hand that wasn't gripping my wrist, grabbed my face and squeezed, my lips puffing at the motion.

"My turn." he whispered.

CRACK!

The biggest flash of lightning yet illuminated the room in a brilliant white light. As it hit, I saw a jolt go through Levi, and he blinked as if waking up. Before the lightning was even gone, I was in an empty room, sprawled on Levi's bed, panting and bewildered. I blinked up at the rafters.

What the fuck just happened?

 

========================================================================

 

Levi paced the lobby of the inn thinking sinful, fucking depraved thoughts. The bond. It's the bond. Is it? Gnawing. Practically foaming. For her.

He squeezed his fists into his eyes, pushing them back. All those disgusting thoughts. His cheek still burned where her tongue licked it. He should've been revolted. Instead, his skin hummed. It wanted more. So much fucking more.

The wooden walls around him seemed to bend. Lightning flashed and a flicker caught his eye. In the far side of the lobby, there was a small bar. When the fire of whiskey touched his lips, it still wasn't enough to knock his senses back into place. He swore under his breath.

The empty room seemed to leer at him. What's the great soldier doing out here, in the dark?

tch. fuck you.

All day he had tried to focus. If his squad were to see him falter, in any way, it would only prove Erwin's suspicions. That Levi was slowly growing out of his role Erwin bestowed on him years ago. Back then, it had felt like an honor. But the burden sat heavy on his neck as he paced the cold floors. A part of him cringed at the lack of shoes. He'd left in such a haste, and now here he was on some filth-trodden floor.

That somehow broke through the string of thoughts and he breathed. I need to go back. His absence was nothing less than a silent defeat on his end, and that sobered him up. Levi didn't know defeat.

So, with each step he took back, he told himself a lie.

Flash. She's baiting you. She wants information, she wants to trick you.

Whiskey singes his nostrils. I hate her. She hates me.

Tomorrow she will be just another cadet. And tonight she-

The door swung open to reveal a small intruder sprawled across his bed, their chest rising and falling softly. He swayed slightly, not taking a step from the doorway. Even in the dying fire, she's as bright as day.

The brat had fallen asleep atop the covers, so she squirmed as if trying to get warm. Taking a repentant swig from the bottle, he tore his eyes away from her and went to the other bed with a ragged sigh.

The dark green comforter flew off and he quietly strode over to her. For a silent second, he just studied her face in the auburn glow, subconsciously committing each curve of it to memory.

The blanket drops from his fists.

"You win, criminal."

His voice was soft, his chest mimicking the crackling wood behind him. Asleep, the mask she wears so often slips away, leaving a truer version of the killer underneath. One with an open face, an easy smile. A brow smooth with comfortable contentment. He pressed his lips to that brow in a whisper of a kiss, as if claiming here and now to protect this face. So he could see it, again and again.

====================================================================

 

To my absolute and utter horror, it was a beautiful sunny day. Birds sang above me in cute little taunting chirps. I shot them a nasty look as Levi and I headed away from the inn. The Wall watched as I grew closer to it, as if saying, oh please, take your time. I'll wait. 

The shadow of another wall grew further away from me as I refused to catch up. Levi hadn't barely looked my way or given me time to breathe, eat, even shit since I'd opened my eyes. It left me no time to question why I woke up to a bed without sheets across the room, with Levi already packed and glaring daggers at me.

Maybe I'm some sleepwalking dickhead. Even stealing in my sleep.

The thought made me snort. Levi's boots halted in the dirt, as if suddenly remembering he’s supposed to be keeping an eye on me. Without turning, he pointed to a small brick building on the outskirts of Hërekiell. Smoke shone through a patch of morning air.

"Eat. We have a long walk ahead of us and it better be filled with the sweet sound of nothing."

I just stuck out my tongue and strode past him. My hood was up today to hide bright reality. I'd practically prayed for those storms to stay, if praying didn't mean having to see the Walls in some religious light. The Church of the Walls had one thing right, though. Each Wall is more than just brick and stone. They're our original bars, a cursed jail. But for once it wasn't one I wanted to break from.

 

If Levi cared or had any feeling about last night, he didn't show it. His aloof attitude was all but heightened the closer we got to our destination. I ran my tongue over my bottom lip. Did I want him to care?

Last traces of the storm in the form of a strong breeze whipped our cloaks, making just one side of Levi's hair poke out. I smirk, sidling up next to him along the open road.

"You gotta let me fix that. At least before Orou gives himself sloppy bangs to match."

His face tightened, like he was fighting off a sneeze. Then his hood turned, and the sharp face was lost to gray fabric. "As if I'd ever trust you with a knife near me."

"It's not that hard, you just close your eyes."

I spin a blade playfully. My right arm had practically fixed itself thanks to Hange's serum, but I kept the sling on. As rude as Levi was, the one thing I trusted was that he knew Erwin well. I thought back to a couple days ago, Erwin's smug triumph. I'll let you think you've won.

I went to grab his wrist. "Come're lemme take some off the top," I giggle. As soon as I grab him, he pulls away as if I were a hot coal. Then, dirt stirs as he whirls toward me with a flash of anger.

Under his hood, a snarl curls menacingly. "Enough of your teasing. Very soon, this is about to get real. There won't be any corny jokes or domesticated Titans to save you. Once we leave the Wall, you better be locked in and focused." When I meet his eyes, I see they're as hard as metal. "One wrong move, and it's everyone you'll be endangering. We'll see how funny you still are being chased by hungry giant toddlers."

I eyed my own knife before throwing it straight up. It falls back into my palm a second later and I wink. "What's a show without an audience."

It was only a bit later when the terse curses fly my way. I stifled a laugh, not pausing to see the Captain simmer over his finished haircut. I knew I did a great job.

The closer to Wall Maria we got, the more I could tell the lands had recently been ravaged by Titans. It was only a few months since the Walls had been sealed. I pictured what these hills and houses would look like encased in the shadow of a giant pair of legs. I shiver, despite the growing heat.

My lectures randomly come to me, mainly Hange gibberish I hadn't known I'd mentally catalogued. 

The wild Titans had stayed near the river cities, where the most people were condensed. The outskirt towns and farmland had been spared, but nonetheless affected due to everyone fleeing to Wall Rose and Trost. Reconstruction was painfully slow due to so many casualties, but people trickled back.

 

My mind wheeled, for once grateful for the enveloping security of the Underground. A herd of Titans..with no ODM gear. Mowing down everything around you like mere toys. 

Nothing sounded more nightmarish.

Levi sideyed me through his hood. Maybe he noticed my jauntiness fading the worse the ruins around us got. I wiped the worry off my brow and looked around. "Where do you think your comrades are? Already there?" I turn my gaze to the top of Wall Maria. I could make out the large crack splinted all the way down, looming over the city of Shiganshina in the distance.

"They made it out first light, I bet. So yes. We're late to your own party."

I roll my eyes at his snark. "Well, if someone would've woken me up. "

"I wasn't aware my roles as your Captain included holding your damn hand at every moment."

My eyebrow raises teasingly, though he can't see it. "My Captain now, is it? I'll take that, mixed with the world's meanest babysitter."

"Watch it, cadet. I've been known to throw new recruits off the Wall."

"Mm right, remember last time you tried that?"

"Tch. You should be so lucky to have your gear this time."

A smile formed at our regular banter. The distraction was welcome, though obnoxiously so. But at least now, my eyes weren't trailing over the landscape.

 

The closer we got to Shiganshina the less bite I had. Despite my bag of weapons and goodies strapped to my back, I ached for ODM gear. I'd given it to Levi a few days ago to send to the Wall Brigade, along with the rest of the crew's gear and supplies.

It'd felt like severing a limb, especially since it was a handmade rig I'd had for years. A part of me panicked slightly, picturing a wide-nosed Scout finding my illegally assembled gear and turning it in without a second thought. Might as well kill me now.

Over the rubble, a large contraption comes into view. Unlike a huge boulder I expected to be plugging the gap, an icy wall that shimmered like glass threw the sun across the barren landscape. No one is quite sure how it got there, at least, officially.

There are theories I've heard. The Wall fixed itself, a blessing from the gods. Or Eren himself fixed it, manifesting some hidden Titan power. No one knew who Eren was, but the Attack Titan was herald as a sort of savoir among the few who knew about him. Some even say King Fritz all those years ago had a hidden power, like the Ackerman's, with power over the Walls himself. You learn a lot eavesdropping on front lined Scouts.

I stared at the impossibility above. A part of me knew which one was true. I could feel it, as warm as the glow that brought me back from near death. He'd saved everyone, just like he saved me.

Air tinged with the smell of fresh wood and dust stirs my hair, as if the Wall itself were greeting us. New construction and weary-eyed people lined the pocketed streets. There were Scouts posted in various points along with MPs who were no doubt keeping an extra eye on the integrity of the Wall.

I noticed Levi made sure to steer clear of them, tugging his hood tighter every time we passed a khakied guard. The image made me smirk. Exalted Captain, hiding like any other street urchin.

One out of every five or so houses still remained, along with any shape of a building or street. Saws and buzzes fill the silence that had surrounded Levi and I for a while.

"Livelier than I expected," I mumble almost to myself.

"They're desperate to have a home, so they'll take joy wherever they can get it." Levi says nearby, making me turn slightly. His hood’s turned to me.

It's a struggle to ignore those brilliant daggers, but I do. I look back at our impending destination. "Do you think the Walls will stand forever?"

"They damned well better."

My head moves in a shake of disagreement as we duck under wooden beams going across the torn road. "We can't live like this forever. Humans aren't made for it."

"We can debate our purpose in this world all you want; Titans will eat you all the same."

His clipped tone makes me huff. The Walls were a blessing, yeah, but how long until we grow outside them? Surely, the possibility was there..a hundred years was a long time, but it wasn't forever.

We argued here and there along the way, every word and step dampened by the looming figure overhead. It was all I could look at. I tilted my head down, blonde falling into view, giving me a bit of reprieve. For a second, I could pretend I was on my way to another market, about to lift behind Levi's back. Not trotting towards the Outer Wall- to the edge of contained humanity.

 

At least the pulleys were cool.

Once we reached the Wall, we followed along to the Garrison's base. We left the shimmering wall of glass behind us as we approached a huge, fortified tower inside Wall Maria. The pulleys on each side were surrounded with soldiers. Carriages, huge crates, all being hoisted up by thick ropes that shot meters into the sky. Red flags with a briared rose insignia waved all along the base and on both sides of huge wooden double doors leading inside.

Tugging Levi's sleeve, I pointed at a nearby platform. "Is that how we're gonna go over?"

He snorted. With his neck up, I could admire the way the shadows clung the underside of his jaw, making me want to nip at it. What the fuck. I shook myself and clenched a fist, digging a nail in until I felt blood. Focus.

"We have horses. There is no 'over.' Unless you want to try outrunning the beasts, of course."

I frowned. "I see."

His eyes slid my way again. "Disappointed, cadet?"

"Pfft. For there to be disappointment, I'd have to be excited first."

"If you wanted me to throw you off that badly, all you have to do is ask."

I glared and reached a hand out to shove him, but he stepped away from it with a smirk forming on the corner of his lips. Then, a hand shot up and clasped my wrist. For a second, my mind flashed back to last night and my chest heated. I panicked at the feeling and went to pull away but he tightened. "Maybe a bit of perspective will rein you in."

I gave the asshole a half-assed fight as he drug me to a nearby empty platform. Inside, my spine tingled excitedly. The top. Before we reached the base, a soldier ran up, waving his hands.

"Excuse me! Garrison Regiment personnel only, I'm gonna have to ask you to-"

Levi just threw his hood off, his other hand still wrapped around my wrist. In seconds, the young brunette soldier paled ten shades. "I-I'm uh Captain Levi sir- I apologize. Go right ahead."

He saluted him frantically as Levi ignored him, spinning us back towards the platform. Once our feet were on it, it immediately shot into the air. The feeling took me by surprise, and I gasped, latching onto the nearest thing to me. It was a second later I realized that was Levi himself. The wind whipped any sound from us, but I could feel the shakes of his laughs.

A lip touched my ear. "You're not supposed to be afraid of heights. Not in your line of work."

I wanted to shove a knife in his gut but instead threw him off, the sudden fear subsiding. Then I turned and everything went fuzzy. Holy shit.

We hurtled up the Wall as everything quickly lost focus. I took a step back on the platform, then breathed, shook my hood off, and took it all in.

The world. Above.

I was taking flight, leaving and seeing it all at once.

A none-too-familiar hand brushed the small of my back. I took another step back, letting it sink snugly against me. Fucker be damned. Breathe. Focus. Find something else stable, other than him. But just as we near the top, I felt the sharp sting of something on my neck.

As we stepped off, I eyed him suspiciously. If I hadn't of known better, I would've sworn it was..teeth I'd felt. Had the demon bit me? His satisfied smirk made me eyes narrow. It was as if he'd read my mind earlier. But he couldn't.... could he? Or was this because I licked the cruel bastard?

Every paranoid thought vanished the moment I realized where I was. Heaven and Earth had met miles in the sky. The clouds, endless blue, the world below us- it grew into something more than the word big. It was impossible. A laugh tumbled out of me as I ran at the edge, spreading my arms wide.

"Day!!" I heard behind me, and I slid to a half a foot or so near the edge. I spun back to Levi with a grin. "You're supposed to want me off this, yeah?"

He instantly scowled. "Do a flip was all I wanted to say."

I gave him my winning shit-eating smile and drop into a bow. The wind envelopes me, thrashing my hair and cloak about. He just stares. Then rolls his eyes. "Would you appreciate the view instead of being a nuisance? It may be the last time you see these Walls."

Little did he know, this is what I did best. Stand at the precipice of the unknown and fucking laugh.

 

Chapter 44: outside

How can anything be so endless?

I knew if I started walking- I'd reach eternity. 

A dirt-ridden, cave city was my only reality for years. Now, the world seemed to mock me as I watched it from above: I've been waiting for you. Where have you been?

Buried. I want to scream.

If only freedom didn't come laced with death. I glanced down, waiting to see the open maw of a gigantic Titan.

Maybe I'd welcome it. Having to dance for the Scouts out there... I just tilt my head back and let out a long sigh. The wind welcomed me, finding me even here as it danced through my fingers. 

Off in the distance, huge, rolling mounds were monstrous silhouettes. They looked familiar, as if I'd seen them in a book somewhere...they were- 

"Mountains." Levi appeared behind me; his voice quiet. "Those are mountains. Some things are even bigger than Titans."

The Captain had allowed me time to myself before taking me back to the ground, where our "comrades" awaited.  My eyes stayed on the mysterious horizon. Another night. That's it. I can do a night out here. Hell, I survived a night with him.

"How many Scouts die on recon missions would ya say?" I keep my tone light, but it's pointless. Even behind my back, Levi would always see right through me. 

"You want the short answer or the Hange one?"

"Levi." 

"A lot, Day. A lot of them die."  

I feel a weight on my shoulder. I took one last longing glance at the landscape before I allowed him to turn me around. A sharp gasp of air hit me. Against the light of the full sun, Levi really did look like the brilliant god people thought him to be. His presence demanded my attention, and he had it, if unwillingly. 

"Didn't I ask you before this mission if you trusted me?" he was searching my face, those overcast eyes dark even now. 

"Let me ask this. Would you trust the great Levi Ackerman?"

He took a moment, studying me. A tiny smile formed on the outskirts of his lips. "I suppose I wouldn't." 

I shrugged a shoulder with a satisfied look as I went to go back on the platform. I'd gotten just a few feet away when Levi's voice rang out behind me, following along on the wind. 

"Will you try?"

I stopped but didn't turn. My own cloak was a violet swath around me, mixing with the gold locks I had loose down my back. Words hesitated on my lips as I bit them. He put you here in the first place. 

A smile snaked its way onto my lips instead. 

"I don't trust someone who has nothing to lose. I die, you're rid of your problem. I live, and you're just a successful mentor." My head shakes. 

All of a sudden, his voice is right next to me. I let myself to look at him and see he's glaring at the wooden platform, as if willing it to crash. 

"Then trust that." Levi's tone was hard. Bitter. "Your life isn't in fate's hands. It's in mine." 

I don't know if that was a blessing or a curse, and I had the feeling neither did he. A buzz sizzled the air between us as we silently rode back down to the world below. I couldn't help but watch him as he stared out, standing just steps away from the edge. 

That was the million-coin question, wasn't it. 

An enemy, cruel and beautiful, was a stupid thing to trust. 

But why did I want to? So fucking badly? 

 

 

 

 

 

I was encased in stone once we entered the Garrison's base. As if I'd stepped outside, I took a deep breath. The earthy air greeted me like a familiar friend while I followed Levi's head across the lanterns. 

It felt as though the earth was embracing me. A bid farewell. 

The two of us were escorted by very diligent soldiers who, after taking one look at Levi, insisted on helping us rejoin his squad. They paid me no mind, so I lingered at the back. 

Time's up. 

I had held out a small glimmer of a hope I'd think my way out of this. Somehow. In a way that kept Anya safe and me far away from a single Scout for the rest of my life. 

The stone broke. With it, we spilled out into a huge brick-lined war room. Lamplight pooled over oak tables strewn in ink, tactical maps, and mounds of worn paper. Against the dull stone walls, metal gleamed along racks of weapons.

If this were a normal war, it'd be an impeccable show of their military strength.

But our enemy was anything but normal. 

 

With our little gaggle of Garrison personnel, and seemingly a Scout celebrity, we quickly drew the attention of everyone in the large room. The smell of dirt stung my nose just a tad sharper the more eyes I felt.

Another sting was more subtle, hiding in the middle of my chest. It looks like my alone time with Levi has officially come to an end. 

My eyes flit up and I see Levi look over his shoulder, gray eyes catching on the ends of his hair. It was as if he'd been thinking the same thing. I open my mouth to say something. A last quip, maybe. Before I make my mind up, loud yells pierce the air. 

"IT'S CAPTAIN LEVI!!!"

For a wild second, I think it's a fan until I turn to see Orou and Petra barreling down the aisle. My lips stay open, and sigh falls out instead. Make that two then. 

Erwin and the other idiots sit at a table down the aisle, but even here, I feel the striking eyes of the Commander. It sets my teeth on edge and my arm wriggles in the sling. I ignore Levi's little sidekicks as they greet him and head straight for the table. I want to know why Erwin looks so damn pleased. 

The closer I got; his smirk grew. On a face like his, it made a large dent, resembling a chip in marble. 

"Quite the windy day out, isn't it cadet?"

I slid next to him on the bench, not taking his bait. Girls with broken hands don't have braids, so mine had dreadfully been absent for days. In doing so, my hair had become an even wilier mess.

"Maybe I just rode Levi like a racehorse the whole way. Don't let his size fool you- there’s definitely room to fit a saddle on there." I wonder if the smile I give him looks like a grimace. Then, the sudden image of me with a riding crop, ontop of a bareback Levi fills my head, and I try not to choke. 

Gunther is already throwing me scathing looks. My last comment brings a baffled scoff as he shakes his head to Eld. "If Levi doesn't kill her, the Titans are sure to. I'm shocked she even made it here." 

Erwin just stared at me. Amusement glinted in his eyes and my mouth set into a firm line. 

"Yes, it seems you two can work together after all." 

The oak of the table melted into warm walls I was surrounded by last night. The hearth. A hand, almost anchoring my back. I didn't mean to, but I'd looked over at the Captain who was slowly approaching us. We weren't...awful together. That much was true. 

"Behaving's no fun when you don't have a choice." 

Erwin's deep voice had a lilt to it. "Oh, I think you find a way." 

Levi and his two fangirls sit down across the table from us, and the pressure increases. 

"The only thing that brat takes joy in is being a menace to the public. Why don't you share some of the goodies you picked up along the way, hm?"

I move my head into an annoyed stare his direction.

"Right, well. Nothin' you can take from me was ever worth keeping anyways.”

You can kiss my ass. 

 

 

The sight of my gear wasn't enough to calm my nerves. The Scouts were alive with ambled chatter that bubbled around me, talk of the route we'd take out of Wall Maria, who'd lead the charge. 

I trace a finger along the worn fabric. My handmade straps had been woven with silkworm fiber. I'd stolen it years ago from a harvesting compound deep in the tunnels. It was tougher, lighter, and had a way of shifting in the darkness, allowing me to meld into the shadows. Like that'll be help to me out there. 

There's no more hiding from this, I sighed to myself. 

Once the familiarity of putting on my gear came over me, the tug of the belt, the position of the sword rack, the tiny pockets I had hidden for extra knives. It embraced me like an old friend, and I took a breath. 

In my tiny ritual, I hadn't noticed someone next to me. Levi. I huffed and went to walk away, but he reached a hand around a strap, holding it in place. 

"You better be ready, cadet." His voice rumbled, reminding me of the stones around us. "Very soon, everything is about to try and kill you." 

I shrugged. "What else is new?" 

"Oh, this will be." 

Skin brushes mine. He's inches away, disregarding everyone around us. "And my orders have been to not save you, wretched girl.  So, you'll have to do it yourself." 

I was having quite enough of people trying to scare me. A snarl lit my lips, an animal biting at the cage. 

"It's your own back you need to watch out there, Captain. Anything can happen." 

I looked up. He was searching me, as if to find fear. 

"I truly hope it does." 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the squad was suited up, we made our way to the stables connected to the stoned base. My heart panged at beautiful creatures such as those being in harms' way. But humans had no hope of outrunning a Titan in open ground. It was almost as if this is a stupid, dangerously cruel idea. On all ends.

The horses I could smell before we entered their rows of stalls. My nose welcomed the scent. It was a deeper earthen smell, of hay and dirt, that made me feel like I'd just stepped into a warm cave.

"Bet this smells like home," a snarky voice whispered right behind me. The ice in Petra's voice had been there from the very start. It was clear: this woman loathed me. And I had a feeling it was more than the fact I roundhouse kicked Hange. 

"You read my mind," I air-kissed back. 

She shoved past me to get next to Erwin and Levi with a grunt and I smiled. Maybe Erwin was right. I would find some fun in this. 

The Captain stopped walking and turned toward us, face as bored and sharp as ever. "Alright. We all know the drill, it's a-"

"Not all of us," Erwin chided with a soft smile towards me. 

I could see his jaw clench from here. With a nasty look my way, he continued, "To remind some of the new additions to our squad, we leave in a diamond formation. Day will be at the center, seeing as how she's useless anyways." He gestured to my sling, which was the only thing truly useless, and I frowned back. 

"Our objective is the Forest of Giant Trees. There we will station for one night, capture our intel, then return back to the Wall the following morning. There will be no contact with Titans unless absolutely necessary. While recon is important, Day is our primary mission. This is crucial experience for her progression in the Scouts." The smallest of smiles graced his lips. "Make sure it's worth her while."

At this point, I was ready for the Outside. Anything would be better than this. 

The group just gave me wary looks. I knew they didn't trust me, let alone cared enough to watch my six in battle. When everyone went to their mounts, Eld approached with a hard expression. "Follow me."

The blonde man was somehow even more silent than his superior. I'd heard him speak a total of maybe five sentences since we'd met, but he seemed the easiest to read. Loyal. Unquestionably so. The most reasonable out of the bunch. He kept them all in line when Levi wasn't there to. 

When we reached my stall, I couldn't hold my gasp. It was my horse. Or at least, the one I'd met what felt ages ago, in the Headquarters’ stables. Class that day had been to bond with your horse, so they knew you out on the field, but I'd forgotten all about it. 

I placed a hand on its fuzzy white stripe and smiled. "Guess it's gonna be me and you out there, huh?"

She nickered in response. I was lucky I still knew the pattens of the straps that looped under the wide belly as I saddled her up. A memory floated back to me, to not name your horse for the sake of getting attached. But as my fingers grazed the soft chestnut hair, one already came. Sage. 

I'd gotten minimal riding lessons since my time training as a Scout, so getting on was a totally different thing. The world fell from me once my ass was in the saddle. I immediately hated how unpredictable being on horseback felt. 

Sage and I trotted behind the group as we left the Garrison's base. Orou seemed to be already having a rough time with his steed as he grumbled, sliding and slipping around his saddle as if it were wet. It would've made me laugh, if it wasn't for the fact that sloppy fool would be a liability. He better have real skill, Levi. For I can't find a single reason you picked him.

Headed by our brave boy in question, the same huge wooden doors we'd passed came into view. In the distance, the icy wall still managed to blind me. I gave it one last look, the eerie, spindling webs of glass weaving through the ancient Walls. 

If a miracle like that could take place, surely my dumbass could survive this?

Strange, almost desperate excitement hit me. At least I’ll see the unknown. The girl that had clawed out of that cave hole all those years ago, pale and panicked, tilted her head up at the sky. At least I'll be dying with the sun on my face.

"SOLDIERS! OPEN THE GATE!"

 

 

 

 

The Wall watched as we stood before it, our horses restless with the growing tension. We were in formation before the wooden doors and the Garrisons soldiers were manning both sides, ready at the levers. Once the door rumbled to life, I looked down and saw my knuckles white on the reins. 

The weathered doors inched upwards, spreading shrill creaks through the air. I bristled. Couldn't Titans hear that? 

A sliver of the unknown peeked out from below as light filled up the space. Sage shifted. The Scouts around me had finally fallen silent, their faces morphing into ones of determination. Pure focus. 

Levi was at the very head of the diamond and just before the door opened all the way, he looked over his shoulder to me. Under the shadow of his hood, his eyes pressed a message into my skull. Stay. Alive. And listen to me. 

Erwin to my right caught my attention as he held a fist into the air and let out a bellowing call that echoed across the grass. Just like the Wall was a testament to our humanity, his voice was one to our fear.  

"OUR OPERATION BEGINS NOW. SCOUTS- FORWARD!"

And we stepped into the world beyond the Walls. 

 

 

 

 

 

The pounding of hooves filled my ears as we shot out the gate. My eyes were on the horizon in seconds. We'd came into wide, open Titan territory before I knew it. Sparing one last glance at Wall Maria behind us, I said a prayer, just for the fuck of it.

Hours sank by with the sun beating overhead. No words had been spoken, just quick hand signals to change direction so we keep on track to the Forest. Any brush my eyes are on in seconds. The wind tricks me, making my fingers clench on the reins every time I see movement. 

All the things I had tried to tune out about the Titans came flooding back to me along the taste of light adrenaline in my mouth. They can come out of nowhere. From this angle, it'd be impossible to spot their heads above the trees. They could be feet away. 

A flash of white catches my eye when we enter a cluster of trees, causing me to instinctively pull the reins. Petra snarls behind me, "Move, cadet!" A dove takes the place of a meaty hand as it flies overhead until alabaster melds into the blue sky. With a breath, I urge my horse forward, determined to not falter again.

I almost wish a Titan would appear, to rid these damned nerves. Unease was something I didn't feel on the battlefield. But that was when I knew my enemies, or at least- knew I could beat them. 

Ahead of me, Levi lets out an annoyed grunt. I see his hand fly up to his temple as if getting some onset headache. Huh. I cock my head, and my mind clears a bit. Was I his replacement because of this? Some injury? I feel heat grow behind my eyes. If I hadn't known better, I'd recognize it as worry.

Chill out. Focus on yourself, as he would so callously remind you.

The Captain's hand shooting out catches my attention. He was signaling to veer to the left, and to book it. Just as we began to turn is when I feel it. 

Above, a swath of birds burst out of a patch of trees from our right. BMMM BMMM BMMMM. The beat, that sickening, destructive beat, melded with the sound of my own heart. Then-

"TITAN SPOTTED TWO O'CLOCK! SCOUTS DO NOT ENGAGE! SUPPORT POSITIONS, SPREAD OUT. RELAY FLANK- TAKE POSITION!"

Levi's voice cuts through the squad and Sage spurts into action. The others begin to blend out into the grass, taking their positions for the journey to the Forest. Only Levi remained visible, riding ahead of me like the devil himself. 

My teeth grit. I want to see it. I need to know. 

Before I change my mind, I flip my head back to my right and try to get sight of the monster. Eld, along with Gunther, is far out ahead of our group trying to lure the Titan away. I can't see anything. What if it's made it past them?

My horse seemed to pick up on my growing nerves and began to head in the direction I was looking at. Erwin's position is to my right, one that's near where the Titan was spotted. He hasn't blown any smoke signal. It must be working. 

The moment the shape of a head pokes above the tree line, my hands dropped from the reins. A soulless pair of eyes shone through the branches and before I knew it, a full-grown Titan had burst from the nearby brush.

Oh, Sina.  

It was still leagues away, but it was enough to take in the true horror. A tiny dot weaved between its legs. One of the Scouts. The sheer size of a wild Titan blew me away. Just one of these loose on a city....Destruction. Pure chaos. 

The sight was baffling. The stretched facial features eerily resemble that of an older, bald man, though mangled and grotesque. I'd seen plenty of drawings, but nothing could ever capture the way its head lolled about- a mindless predator with the whiff of blood. 

Whump!

I blinked and a hand had ahold of my reins. Alongside Sage, another horse ran perfectly in sync, and the sound of her hooves skidding in the dirt had broken me from my daze. 

"You're out of position, soldier. Or are you just that eager already?" Erwin's strong voice broke the last remnants of my shock away. 

I yanked his hands off the reins and regained control of my mount. "I liked the view from over here." As we raced at a blinding speed side down by side, I tried to flash him a fake smile of confidence, then peeled away from the nightmare before me. 

The thuds of the giant footsteps left resounding gongs as I sped away back towards Levi's location. They were drums of death. I pictured that being the last thing a Scout hears, those overpowering, earthshaking rumbles as if the ground were coming to swallow them whole. 

I hadn't even reached Levi's position when a flash of black caught my eye. Levi, and his horse who matched his dark hair, were up on me in seconds. As he slowed, he regarded me with a cold gaze a few feet away. 

"Exploring?"

"I hadn't r-"

"No. Don't speak. Get your ass in line now. And get back in to fucking position, cadet!" His last words were barely-contained spews of venom. 

In any other circumstance, I'd spit something back, but our time was ticking. A ten-meter Titan raged behind us, and the rest of the Scouts were quickly moving away. Orders were to only stop if they saw a smoke signal, and this apparently hadn't been enough to warrant as much. 

Instead, I dig my heel into Sage's side with soft urgency and we're off. Levi stays ahead of me, which isn't hard since his horse seems to be injected with the same freakish speed he had. Still though, my girl was booking it. Rolling fields ran at my peripheral, soaked in swaths of viridian. 

I just saw a Titan. And lived. 

The stuff of nightmares, yes, but dead nothingness was all that sunk into those blank eyes. Creatures of pure instinct, hunger. It made me realize how much life shone in the jade Attack Titan's. 

Still though, I didn't want to imagine what ten of those would look like. 

In our haste, I was right behind Levi, watching his raven hair rip about in the wind. Did the Titan take the bait? Sage's breath huffed loudly ahead of me, as if urging me to focus. 

Back in position, it was tense minutes of driven silence as the squad made their way from the threat. Levi gave the all-clear what seemed like eternity later. Our pace slowed, but barely. We were in the thick of Titan territory now.

After that, we managed to go miles without incident. I knew nothing of our landscape other than the rough sketches I'd seen, and it changed with every step. Unlike everything behind the Walls, life out here grew boundless. Untamed. I would've loved it honestly- if it weren't for what roamed amongst it.

Questions I never cared about flitted through my head. How long have these creatures been here? As long as humans, surely, since their very structure looked so eerily...similar. Could they be a different form of us? 

Our horses broke through a patch of lilies the color of fire and I saw Levi pull on his reins. Seconds later, the Captain strode beside me. 

"How fucking stupid could you be?" My head jerked at the pure anger that shot from his hood.

"I mean, you'd be-"

"A girl as recklessly ignorant as you has no place out here! You approach a Titan like that again- I'll disarm you myself to give them an easier meal."

I huff in annoyance back, but he snarls and grabs my arm, forcing me to look right at him. His sculpted face is tight, angry. "Just try to not be a bigger burden than you already are."

My mouth pops open before I can mask my hurt. A flicker of near apology crinkled around Levi's eyes, but he quickly looks away, turning back towards the horizon. 

"Your orders were to not save me," my voice hardens into ice. "So why don't you do just that. Ignore me."

He mutters something angrily at his reins, almost like as if I could, but the sound of hooves breaks my attention. The sun is close to the treeline, which means we're near the Forest of Giant Trees. The Scouts must be closing back into ranks as we approach. 

Levi shoots one last exasperated look my way and it catches, once he notices my furrowed brow. A burden. My mind circled. To these Scouts, and since the day I'd met Levi, I'd been a burden. And it'd never bothered me. Hell, I'd practically reveled in it. Until today. 

I glance up to see Levi, eyes still on me, and my mouth sets into a firm line. I egg Sage forward, ignoring the way my fingers twitch against the fabric of my sling, as if scratching their way out. 

The rest of the squad comes into view, converging on us in different angles. Levi shoots them various arm signals, and they follow, Levi and I leading the charge. 

I wait for him to pull forward and take the lead, but he never does. Sage doesn't mind. She matches his stallion's speed without issue as we run in sync. 

Suddenly, he sends me a signal to watch our eight o'clock, usually reserved for relay teams. I oblige anyways and keep my eyes peeled. The storming sound of horses behind me increases as I feel them basically on my back. 

In the far distance, on my left, something morphs into view. It looks oddly familiar, like I'd seen those same squiggles above the horizon drawn somewhere.. Realization hits me and I send a signal without thinking. Destination ahead. Seven o'clock. 

After I begin to turn, it's then I notice the team had been following my lead since they'd arrived. Not Levi's. I'm almost in shock before I remember the series of hand signals he gave them when they rode up. What fucking game is he playing at? After just berating me? Now I'm competent enough to lead?

I growled and urged Sage on farther. The Forest is still leagues away, about an hour, but even from here it's obvious. They were as big as the Walls. Incredulous wonder after wonder still wasn't enough to take the shock away. 

The squad -crazily enough- had done a fine job at following my lead. That was, until I heard a panicked whinny from behind and I glanced back against the whipping wind. 

My heart stopped. 

A Titan had appeared out of thin air and seemed to charge at us with...a speed it shouldn't have. My breath came back like a hammer. That's an Abnormal. 

No one had noticed yet. My mind raced with a flurry of options. Without thinking, I motioned for Levi to take the charge, and to veer a hard left into a nearby patch of trees. He stared at me, his hood whipping through his face. Then he nodded, throwing his left arm up to motion the squad forward. 

Then I took Sage's reins and threw her right back around. Straight into the path of the Abnormal.

And fuck was I not prepared for the sight. 

It barreled towards me on all fours like some demented insect, with a head turned to a ninety-degree angle, tongue thrashing wildly out of its gaping maw. I expected fear to grip me, same as before. But the closer I got, the more I knew it wasn't going to come.

I patted Sage's large neck, took a breath, then dropped her reins. She stayed at a full gallop, paying our destination no mind. I ripped off the sling that held my right arm and a wild, insane grin began stretching onto my face. 

Three..two..

"Steady girl," I urged. The wind tried to thrash me as I stood on her back. In a swift motion, she narrowly misses the outstretched teeth and swerves to the right, launching me straight off her. 

With the air rushing at me, I release my gear, and promptly flip onto the Abnormal’s bent neck. Both of ODM swords are in my hands as glowing deadly slices of the afternoon sun. It didn't slow, only skittering through the grass at a violent speed. 

It smelled me, though, and its neck began to twist backwards to my disgust. I snarled, and with a yell, take both blades in an X through its neck, then rip them apart. The head comes off split into two, thrown across the field in opposite directions. 

Hot blood splatters all over me as the body skids to a harsh stop. I dig a sword into its pallid skin to hold on while the trees come back into clarity.

My heartbeat is the only thing I hear, a steady rhythm resonating in my ears. I did it. Holy fuck. 

I leap off the- steaming? Just like Eren's- body and scan the horizon for any more Titans. Thankfully, the universe was feeling merciful; they were none. Until I turned and the broad chest of a horse almost knocked me right down. 

Sound flooded back as all the Scouts I'd just sent away galloped in circles around me, screaming various nonsense. 

"WHO KNEW DAY HAD IT IN HER!!! GUNTHER YOU OWE ME NEXT MONTH'S PAY!"

"Hey it's not my fault I thought her fucking hand was broken! Look at her! She's pulling some sort of trick."

"I never seen a single Titan takedown like that in allll my years of this shit! Hats off to you, cadet. You saved our asses."

Somehow this was too much. Not killing a demon from hell, but the swirling eyes of all the squadmates. I just shook my head then broke through the bodies of horses and legs. Off in the distance, I saw something loping my way. I grinned. Sage was a damn good horse. 

"I should strip you of your cloak right now." 

I whip around to see Levi. His gaze is low and seething from atop his horse. For a second, I think he's going to run me right over. That's until my eyes spot his hands gripping the reins. They're shaking. 

"Really? Is that the thanks I get?" I sniff and turn back away, towards my approaching ride. "There was no need to alert the squad and burden you all."

Whomp!

The sound of Levi getting off his mount causes me to steel myself. Steps crunch grass until he's behind me. When he speaks, I can't tell if it's barely-bridled anger that strains his voice so much, or something else. 

"Day... you could've- god damnit, you stubborn brat." He sighs and a hand falls onto the small of my back. "I never meant-"

I don't hear what he says. Sage is just a few feet away now and I grab her reins, leap onto her back, and gallop away from that asshole of a man. 

All of you can get eaten for all I care. 

I was just a bet, a gamble, a game to them. Not a real person, with any semblance of a choice.

At least now I don't have to wear that fucking sling. 

 

 

 

Once I reached the Forest of Giant Trees, all the blackened blood from the Abnormal had steamed off in the wind. It was strange for a dead thing to leave no remnants, no evidence. Almost like it doesn't return to the Earth when it dies. 

My neck cranes and I still can't see the tops of the trees. 

Maybe it turns into one of these. 

The gargantuan trunks before me were like something out of a fairytale. Still, I stayed far from the treeline, remembering all the lectures and warnings. 

"The Forest is a great place for recon, as it's well-hidden from any nearby Titans and masks our scent well. But get caught on foot or on horseback through it- you're as good as dead."

The wind bending the trees sounded like wood itself breathing. A distant roar of a mighty ocean. 

"Around any corner in the dense forest a Titan could lie. The trunks are perfect for hiding any size Titan, and they wander into the Forest sporadically from time to time. So we stay to the treetops."

 

Footsteps thundered behind me, but I keep my eyes on the trees. My newly-freed hand fiddles with my reins. A night. In here?

"When I said I wanted you to have experience, that wasn't what I'd had in mind." I hear a cool baritone coming up from my flank. The Commander. 

I tilt my head to look at him and his hair shines through the jade hood. "Were you picturing something tamer?"

Erwin just stares at me with a hardness to him. "So, you understand what you took down just now wasn't exactly normal. And for your firs-"

"I've bested Abnormal Titans before. How's that one much different?" 

He breathes through his nose. This was the closest I'd seen Erwin to pissed. 

"The difference is your acting commander had not given you the say so. You could have endangered your squad." 

"I sent my squad away." I grit my teeth.

"Trust them, Day. I know that's innately difficult for you, but you don't get a choice beyond the Walls. Your inexperience will cost you your life- skill or not."

"So, I should've waited? And what? In those seconds, hoped one of you would react fast enough?"

A smirk toys on his thick lips. "You underestimate our skill, cadet. Why don't you let us show you, and maybe you'll learn something?"

The rest of the Scouts join, their horses circling the treeline near us. Petra glared at me while her horse trotted. Her brown eyes were sharp, angry. Right. Trust my squad. 

I look back at the Commander. His eyes were down, to my hand that was clenched on my reins. The unbroken one. 

"When we return to base, we will have to discuss your healing rate." He gave me a pointed look and for a second, I thought the fucker would accuse me of being a Titan. 

"You already dissected me. Or did you forget?" I glare. "I'm as human as the lot of you." 

Erwin's impossibly blue eyes scan me, as if to check to make sure. I feel bare under his look and bumps pop up on my skin. 

After making a silent conclusion, he whips his head to the group waiting near us. "SCOUTS! Be on guard for Titans in the shadows. Prepare to switch to ODM gear. We are to sweep our section of the forest before we camp for the night. There's thirty minutes of sunlight. I suggest you use it."

Levi's horse pawed a hoof, like it knew we were about to leave them. The man atop him just stared at me with cool, angry eyes. "She's with me." He says in a clipped tone, never taking his gaze off me. 

I feel myself frown. I'd had quite enough time with Levi. 

"Don't you think I'd learn a lot more from someone who doesn't train me every day?"

Levi just shakes his head and snorts harshly. "And for you to learn, you'd actually have to pay attention, which has proven nearly impossible for you." 

"Gods, a trip led you by you definitely is," I mutter under my breath, and I hear someone start nearby. 

I look up and Petra is holding her reins, downright horrified. Orou cackles, swaying on his saddle before plopping onto the grass with a loud thud. "Dunno what she'll learn from half of you jokers," he sneers but it comes off as fake. "Let her follow me, maybe we'll get to see a real pro in action."

His comment earns a round of eye rolls from his squad mates. Petra moves her horse up behind Orou and bumps him with the side of her mount, making the older man fall onto the grass with a umph!

"As if anyone knows more than Captain Levi about killing Titans." Her sneer was purely genuine. It morphed her pretty features into harsh lines. "You and that newbie only know dumb luck." 

I put a hand on my hip. She wasn't wrong, but still. "I bet I could manage scouting alone at this point." 

Levi by this time had more than enough of this, and he raised an arm silently and shot a line into the trees. He took one look at me, and I knew that if I didn't follow, I wouldn't make it out of this Forest. 

Orou brushes himself off with a loud grunt. "I'll have you know; I've taken down plenty of Titans in my day. Some would say the most. I'm not all just happy accidents."

The straight-faced Captain shot off his saddle and into the Forest with a burst of gas. With a small sigh, I gave Sage one last pat and shot off into the twilight dipped branches. 

 

 

 

 

I expected Levi to be long gone, but once I was submerged into the darkness, I spotted the flap of his cloak on a branch above me. 

There he sat, glaring down like some displeased bird, and here I was disturbing his nest. The thought made me snort and I smirked up at him. After shooting my line, I leapt up to his level and gripped the trunk nearby.

Levi didn't even spare me a glance. "What an annoying lizard you are." 

I let out a cackle. "I was just thinking that you looked like a bird about to crap on my head."

"Perhaps I should. Maybe that'll teach you to not run off without my say so." Those silver eyes gleamed through the dying light with irritation. 

My fingers that dug into the bark began to crack the wood around it. "I'd do better with your fancy gloves. Maybe the dark brown leather ones, hmm? I know you have extras." 

At that, he shot me a sharp side-glance. "Someone on as thin ice as you should be careful, thief." 

One of the hands on the trunk came off and I smiled. "Careful? Since when?"

With a small sway of my body, I threw myself onto the branch he was on. I walked down it as I held my arms slightly out for balance, until I got near the end of the enormous, mangled branch. I peeked through swaying leaves, keeping an eye on our surroundings. 

"Haven't heard a single Titan yet," I murmur. I drop my weight on the branch, making it bounce and I hear Levi growl. "Should we go further in?"

"You sound almost worried," his tone was snarky. "Didn't you just take down a big bad all by yourself?" 

I put a hand on my hip and spin the ball of my foot, facing Levi. "On open ground, yeah. A huge, dark forest is a bit different. Especially if you all insist on camping on the ground."

He threw his hood back and finally got a clear view of that sculpted face I hadn't fully seen all day. Not that I'd noticed. 

"Did you forget the mission plan already? We maneuver in the trees, but not camp."

I raise an eyebrow. "Wouldn't it be easier that way? We can use our tents as hammocks." His snort is sassy as I roll my eyes. "It was a good idea."

"That's why we're up here, dumbass. We're to clear the section of the Forest of any threats before nightfall."

"Fine. Let's make it a contest then. I haven't had fun since I was behind the damned Walls."

He glared at me as he stands on the branch and takes a step to me, eyes sharp. "And you think this is the time to play?"

I shrug, a smile tugging my lips. "Might as well."

He glared for a beat until sighing. "One Titan and your head's bigger than the Colossal."

"I thought I was worried," I wiggle my fingers, then step off the branch with a laugh.

Through the slivers of dying daylight, I bobbed through the branches with an eye on the ground. Levi was an ever-present ball of annoyance that made no noise behind me. My run-in with my very first wild Titan hadn't fully sunk in yet, but I felt the jitteriness from the new threat start to leave me.

These things can be killed. As easy as any beast. 

"Slow down, brat. Before you fly over a stray Titan." 

I turned to see Levi gliding beside me with a scowl. My pace slowed, but just barely. "Isn't that what we want?"

His scowl deepened. "I didn't..sense- we don't know what could be around the corner. Going headfirst into this is more than idiotic." 

I just snort, riding my line with a dip of my body. "You act as if the Colossal is lurking behind a tree."

"He might as well could be."

I had forgotten the appearance it'd made outside the Walls less than a year ago, months before I was captured. I'd heard about it later, through the murmurs of nervous cadets; how the mysterious Titan flashed into existence outside the Walls while some of my own classmates were on guard. 

It had seemed purely unstoppable, with diamond-hard skin that emanated hot steam. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished into thin air. Even now, the Scouts had no clue what, or who the Colossal was. 

I hesitated on my next line and stole a wary glance to the Forest floor. I just knew the universe would love to pull some annoying shit like that on me. 

She answered, as always. 

I heard the SNAP! first. A fallen branch usually sounded like a crack of fire, but ones as big as a house were like lightning as it was stepped on. Levi had shot towards the sound before I could react, his words still circling my head against my will. 

My teeth grit. Colossal, a devil, hell a fucking dragon- wouldn't shake me. I was done being scared. 

I clipped Levi's heels as he hurtled towards the sound, swords at his sides. I almost wanted to stay back since the curious part of me realized I'd never seen him in real action before. The great soldier. A living legend. My eye twitched. Right. And a dog, all the same.

In the blackened shadows, a figure came into clarity through the thick leaves. A Titan stumbled around, bumping into trunks with resounding thuds. It was a body without a brain, empty and hungry. It disgusted me. Everything about it seemed unnatural.  The wide smile it bore made pricks of ice seep into my skin. 

It was more than just a monster. It was a caricature of humanity itself. 

"Another ten meter. Your lucky day," Levi growled ahead of me. "You hold a position in the branches. On my signal."

I thought he meant for my own attack, until he dove straight for the bald head. I halted on a nearby tree, my hand scraping the trunk as I pulled myself back. 

Levi made no attempt at being quiet anymore as he hurtled towards the beast, and its neck snapped to attention at the sound. The mangled nose wrinkled, almost like it smelled him coming. But I quickly saw why it didn't matter. In less than a second, he dodged the outstretched arm and flew into the treetops, then plummeted down in a whirlwind of blades onto its nape, sending the Titan to the ground before I'd barely blinked. 

Damn. 

As he made his way back in easy, quick strides I shook my head, dislodging sick thoughts. So perhaps he had held back a little while sparring with me. 

The low-browed, haughty look of disdain cleared the rest of my intrusions as he landed on a branch above. "I hope you were taking notes, cadet. That's how you do it clean."

"Mine was at a full sprint, but sure."

A brash huff of air and then he was off, shooting past me in the other direction. "Then I'll let you have the next one," he jabbed on his way out. 

I followed with a hardness to my jaw that I couldn't shake. Side effects from being around Levi for too long. The minutes were coming up fast as the trees began to blur under the sinking sun. Our pace never slowed as Levi buzzed through the trees as if to get it over with as quickly as possible. I wasn't so sure. 

Now that I knew we weren't hammocking in the treetops (still a brilliant idea if I do say so myself.) but we were camping on level bloody ground, surrounded by blind spots. I wasn't in any rush to set up my tent. 

Breadcrumbs in the form of a three-meter lay in wait as it grunted in a bush twenty feet below. I could've sworn I caught a snarky half-smile on Levi's face before I jumped off the branch with a glare. 

Without it moving, I could really tell how much these things stunk. Flabby hot skin penetrated my nose as I dove down and with a swift slice, ripped its mangled head clean off. 

In most cases, beheading didn't work on a Titan. But if you sliced at the nape first, then ripped it the rest of the way through, it wouldn't grow back. 

Honestly, it just felt satisfying to double-tap.

The smaller ones seemed to dissipate quicker, because by the time I reached Levi, only black wisps of smoke lay in the grass below. I hadn't realized I was giving him a cheeky look until his scowl deepened, looking as disgusted as I felt each time I got near a wild Titan. 

"I taught you better than that sloppy shit. You know every inch of those beasts, and yet you still cut them worse than a roast ham." 

My wires zip back into my hooks with a soft whip! from my modifications that silence any extra noise from ODM gear. I just give the grumpy Captain a shrug. "It's dead, isn't it. What’s it matter which way I cut it?" 

He shakes his head and hops onto my branch with a lithe step. "If I'd shaved your head the other night, instead of trimming your rats' nest, the hair would still be cut then, right?" 

I pretend-wobbled on the branch, spreading my arms wide, which caused Levi to duck my right hand. "Well, if we're being technical, yeah." 

"But it'd be shit."

I dropped my hands to my hips with a pout. "Hey! I'd rock bald. Point not made." 

That wicked smile graced his lips again, when his own version of antagonizing began to surface. On cue, a sword slowly slid from his sheath, lighting my face in the azure dusk. The slick sound of metal rang in my ears as he crept on the branch to me. 

"I guess there's one way to settle this, then. Maybe it'll bring out the little beast you are." 

Each step, my heart slowed. "Try it."

The low chuckle all but halted it. Since when did he fucking laugh?

"Out here, who's to stop me now? No Hange to snitch on me anymore." 

"Hmm maybe the whole squad behind us."

"Oh, you mean my squad?" 

The sword brushed my chin at a breaths' wisp. My hand twitched to grab it, but didn't move any further. 

His grating smell, the smoky scent of earth, filled my nostrils and I jutted my chin, meeting the blade. "Already fought an Abnormal today. What's another?"

The metal was cool, the sharp end pulsing against my skin in time with my breaths. 

"You know, I cut you that day to see if you were one of them." I blink in surprise. At the time, it'd just seemed like senseless Levi cruelty. "Out of every cadet I'd seen cycle through, none of them had confused me like you. Something had to be off. Something."

By the end of his words, Levi's voice had dwindled to a near whisper. His head tilted slowly toward me, the blade between us catching the light. It mirrored our eyes in a subtle dance of gray and brown. 

"But monsters don't come with a bellied-laugh more contagious than the plague. Or silken eyes that erase all thought. A damned fool who jumps to save others, despite ever even admitting it to herself. No, you're not a monster. And yet, you've shaken the fabric of everything surrounding you."

I never noticed the sword slip away, and the brush of metal being replaced by the lightest graze of fingertips, tracing my lips. 

"When will you truly learn, Dahlia? I gave up the moment I saw you."

Chapter 45: ablaze

“And then the bastards fell! Flat on their damned faces runnin' off, I had them so scared." A chunk flies from Orou's mouth right into the fire. 

"God you old geezer," Gunther groaned. "If I have to sit through one more slurred fantasy of yours, I'm gonna be sick!"

A pot boiled between us all. I stared at it longingly. Every time I'd went to reach for it, Eld glared and flicked the ladle at me hissing- not ready! 

Petra leaned against the fallen trunk that loomed over her. "And whose record was better than yours last quarter huh?"

Orou somehow managed to spit and shovel more food into his mouth at the same time. He waved a free hand at her. "'Ff it!"

Her eyes flicked to me for a second and hardened. Among the flames of the campfire, her hatred seemed to crackle through brown eyes. 

Eld chimed in over the stew. "If we're talking overall solo kills though..." 

Petra scoffs. "He's had a hundred years to rack those up." 

"Thirty-nine cleeeeaaan kills," Orou belts, slapping his knee with satisfaction. 

"Day? How many times did you take down Eren? I believe you two kept score."

The salted meat, military rations, stung my tongue. I stopped chewing. I want to shrug, but when I look up, the Commander's eyes are boring into me.

"Uh..I think after the other night it'd be 51-0."

The elite Scouts didn't dare scoff in their leaders' face, but I could see the exchanges of looks. Right. This bitch. 

"If those had been true kills, the only soldier to beat your 'score' would be Captain Levi himself." I didn't miss the pleased, condescending tone in Erwin's voice. 

Chk! Jerky flew into the fire. Another sacrifice to Sina. 

"She huh? Captain Levi?!" Orou choked.

I looked up at the trees with a glare. After being cryptic and slightly rude with me all night, Levi had dropped me off back at camp, claiming he could clear the Forest out much quicker without "a slug on his tail." Night had fully fallen by this point, so I hoped the asshole was bumping back to camp. Even though I knew he wasn't. 

"But they weren't," I clip back. "Kills. Just sparring matches."

"For now." 

When Erwin cocked his head, the gold light of the fire traced his jawline, making me clench my own. Don't mock me and be hot. If I were King Reiss, I'd have that be the first thing engraved on the Wall.

Still though, Eld seemed to be the only other person looking at me without complete disdain. His mouth was slightly agape. "You found quite the rookie, Commander."

"She's no rookie. Just new to killing above ground." Petra sneered her backhanded compliment.

Gunther grunted a laugh. "There's a reason I never went to that stinkin' place. The number of Scouts that got killed down there..not to mention MPs."

I roll my eyes. "Because you guys use the free rein to be the biggest dicks possible. That, or barter with gangs."

The bobbed brunette crossed her arms. "I bet if we scored your military kills..maybe you'd beat Kenny the Ripper." 

I laughed back. "Who knows. Maybe." 

No one knew it was a joke besides Erwin and I could feel everyone tighten up. That was until Levi emerged from the line of shadows and into the circle of logs. My eyes followed him without thought until I willed them back to the flames. 

"Don't let her fool you." He scoffed, glancing over his shoulder before settling next to Petra on the ground. He spread out in the grass; one knee raised to rest his wrist upon.  "She barely scratched Kenny's numbers." 

I faked offense and put a hand to my chest. "Only because I was taken out the game too early."

"Her past crimes are no matter anyways," Erwin seemed to say loudly. As if a final way to 'clear the air.' The squad just squinted back at me. "For it's her strength she lends to the Survey Corps is what matters now." he glanced back to me, eyebrows drawn as he nodded. 

Like this is some business deal. Something I agreed to. 

"One massive waste of time," Petra muttered sarcastically, making Levi slide his eyes towards her with an unreadable look.

For once, I didn't disagree with Petra. I tilted my head back, letting my gold hair fall behind my shoulders as I smirked at her. "Besides when you're missing Titans right under your nose. Yes, very elite."

The splashing of soup took my attention away from her growing snarl. Eld sighed over the steam, seeming as sick of us as Levi, and he handed out our meals one by one. When he reached me, the ends of his lips tugged down under his thin moustache, as if he felt even this meal was a waste on such an unrepentant criminal. 

I didn't care. I shoveled down the steaming liquid with barely-contained restraint. I hadn't eaten something warm since Levi made us stop for breakfast back in that village. My eyes flick over the bowl. This morning seemed like lifetimes ago. 

I stared at the space between his and Petra's legs. Did I miss his closeness? "I gave up the moment I saw you." 

The hell did that even mean? My soup suddenly didn't taste so good. I shot the two one last glare before I set my bowl down and stood, turning away from the campfire. I needed time to set up my own tent anyways. No use being around these esoteric soldiers. 

"You're off to bed so soon, cadet? And on your first night out? Why, we even brought some wine for the occasion." Erwin's eternally arrogant tone broke through the voices. 

I bristled but didn't turn. "I just want the best spot, is all." 

"I bet it's in the damned trees." Levi snorted back. "Seeing as how this cadet was under the impression the Scouts sleep in hammocks when they go on missions."

Erwin let out a truly hearty laugh that made my gut twist slightly, reminding me of a certain green-eyed freak I almost missed. In no way was I going to explain to them that's exactly what I was about to go do. Instead, I stormed off. 

Since I spared them my usual wit, I'm sure Petra found a way to fill the silence with sung praises of how Levi's asshole tastes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My hammock in the trees-around fifty feet above the campground- was going .. not well. My shitty tent material wasn't cooperating with me as I tried to wrap it into branches that were crossing each other from multiple trees, to create a spiderweb of sorts. 

I was crawling along the spread-out tent, half of it suspended by the straps. I shifted from crawling to climbing the huge branches, paying no mind to the height as I hummed to myself. My gear was nestled in a huge branch over my head, since it would get in the way of making my camp.

Through the patterned straps, the fire flickered across the trees around us. Towering. At least it's a great vantage point. 

A gust of wind swept through the forest, making me sway slightly, a bug on a leaf. I was just beginning to think what I'd use for a blanket when a nearby rustle sounded wrong. 

I threw my head up and Levi perched on a branch above me, my tied tent strap next to his shoe. Those low eyes of his were buried tombs under the darkness of the canopy. I could barely make them out, and the flicker of annoyance that flashed in them. 

"I thought we talked about this."

I huffed and my hands resumed their work. "Sure. You said you're camping on the ground. I never said I was going to."

"The squad stays together. Generally how these things go." 

"Good thing I can see y'all from right here."

"Mmm. But we can't see you. Or at least- they can't." 

My eyes flicked up again, catching his. "Where would I go, Levi? Nearest pub?"

"They already don't trust you." Not a sound was made as he rocked his body, then fell down to the makeshift hammock. I opened my mouth to protest- it wasn't even finished yet- but I noticed he'd deployed his gear as well, both lines embedded into the branch above. 

Levi, now upside-down besides me, leaned on his wires, letting his hair dangle past his head. The sight was intoxicating, almost. Like a drop of moonlight on the end of a web. 

"Come to bed, would you?" he murmured, the smallest hint of humor in his tone. 

"Already here." I was still sprawled on the various straps, and I hooked a leg around one, swinging myself into a sitting position. Suddenly, I was inches from Levi's upturned face. 

"Scary Under City killer, hiding in the trees. What will that do for your beloved street cred?"

"Anything to make your little fan club's day."

Levi glanced straight down, to his crew below. He looked just like a bat- not nearly as cute though. 

"Oh, they'd surely run with it. Especially since I'd be staying up here with you."

I jerk my head, almost knocking ours together. "You what?" 

"If you insist on sleeping in this..." I could see his nose wrinkle. "contraption.. one of the officers would be assigned to watch you. So instead of dragging them up and making them hate you more," he smirked, "I'll have to take the job."

My heart sped up and I balanced my foot on the strap, bobbing my weight on the tarp. "Hmmm. Don't think it'll hold the both of us, sadly."

I bounced and the wind took me, swaying me right into Levi's hanging body and I involuntarily gripped the leg strap of his ODM gear. 

When he spoke next, his voice sounded tighter. "Oh, you're sick of me already? After the fun trip we've had?" 

I kept my fingers curled, my skin sliding between the fabric of his pants and the scratchy nylon material. For balance, of course. "Exactly. What would your crew say? We've had much alone time, Captain." At the last word, I tightened my hand and pulled on him. A tiny smile tugged my lips at the minuscule groan I heard from below. 

Crouching, I came back to face-level with him and saw he was glaring at me, eyes sharply glinting in the dim moonlit night. 

"Or you could always just sleep in your own damned tent." 

Then I pressed the trigger on his handle, releasing both lines and sending him back down to the camp below. Right on his shiny, sculpted, impossibly annoying head. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

========================================================================

 

 

 

Levi was a simple man. He could take rejection. So, when it happened, he gladly sent Petra up to keep watch on her favorite new recruit. Someone had to, at least. 

The grating smirk Erwin sported the entire time Levi had been back to camp was enough to make him go find his own tree to hole up in.

It was already cruel his mental state had diminished day by day in her presence, but Erwin knew. Levi could feel it. 

With each glance his Commander made his way, were filled with the twinkle of satisfaction that only an ass like him could pull off. 

It was only a matter of time before he heard the thump of Erwin's large body on the log next to him. Levi held back a sigh. 

"Resilience is a funny thing."  The man hummed. A lecture was gearing up. "Some people think that it's the power to bounce back. But I don't think that's true. I think it's how you bounce forward. It's being better than the last day. It's not letting yourself become destroyed. And I'll tell you this," 

Erwin turned to Levi with the fire casting a dance over half of his face. "What makes a soldier is standing before you fall. And Day stands."

As if he didn't know that. A loud yell nearby drew his attention away for a second. Orou, drunkenly yelling about the lack of wine. Levi understood the importance of his words, but much preferred the point. 

Erwin seemed to read his look, for he leaned forward, hands on his thighs to lower his voice. "You two are good for each other. For when she stands, you're behind to catch her."

Levi blinked. He went to bite something back but paused. "Erwin. Why are you telling me this?"

The man kept his voice still dropped and tilted his head in a small smile. The whites of his teeth flashed against the fire. 

"You seem to forget it. Frequently. Or at least, you try to. I will not stop you two forming a .. bond."

His word choice made Levi's skin itch. Did Hange tell him about the blood bond? Is that why he's being so damned ominous?

"Stop treating me like I'm some disabled puppy, limping after her." Levi curled his lip. "You made her my responsibility. I'm just doing my job."

Erwin's eyes flicked upwards. "Then why aren't you there? Doing your job?"

He crossed his arms and leaned back from Erwin, putting one leg on his thigh. "Petra has it handled. I deserve a break at some point. Besides, despite what you think- we've yet to find... cohesiveness."

The Commander clucked his tongue. "Maybe don't fight it. And it will come." 

"She fights it." He huffed. "Fights me at every damned turn." 

"Sounds like a Scout I knew years ago." 

"Mmm. I only behaved after my friends were torn apart and I couldn't help. I wonder what tragedy she requires to earn her trust."

Erwin chuckled, leaning back and regarding Levi. "Perhaps, instead of waiting for a tragedy, you could try a different approach?"

Levi snorted. "And what would that be." 

"Empathy," Erwin said simply.

Levi rolled his eyes. "Empathy. Right. And how am I supposed to do that when she acts like I'm the worst person on the planet?"

"You're Levi Ackerman. Breaking down defenses is what you do. Have a real conversation with her, to start."

He felt himself bristle, looking away into the dark trees. "And that'll go well," he mumbled.

"Guess you'll never know until you take a chance." Erwin smirked. "You can be quite likable when you're not brooding."

Levi's expression darkened. "I'm not here to be likeable. I'm here to teach her how to kill Titans. And to keep her ass from dying in the process."

"All I'm saying is," the large man said as he stood and brushed himself off. His eyes had that hellish twinkle in them again. "She might surprise you." 

With that, he walked off with all the authority in the world, making Levi scoff at his back. A bottle took the place of Erwin seconds later. Levi snapped his head up to scowl at Orou, who swayed above him with a sideways smile.

"Drink up, 'Cap! Ya look like you need it."

For once, he obliged. 

 

 

 

 

 

========================================================================

 

 

 

Petra and I had spent the better part of two hours glaring at each other. She had obviously drawn the short- or I like the call it- the Levi straw and gotten guard duty. I snorted to myself. Guess you're not papas favorite after all, huh? 

I paid her no mind. I just sharped my blades, keeping an eye on the tree line. She made no attempt to talk to me, thankfully, and I had almost forgotten she was there until a voice pierced through the silence. 

"Petra, I can take it from here."

I whipped my head up, making the tent-hammock sway. It was Levi, but he seemed...off. 

"Am I an it, now?" I sniffed, my blade making a sching against a bench stone I grabbed from below. 

"We'll see."

Petra stood on her branch, making a rustle of noise. I couldn't see her but could feel the same glare heating the back of my head. "Sir, I don't mind..." 

"Go. I need to have a little chat with her anyways." 

I could hear the step of hesitation before she launched off the branch, plummeting to the camp below. In her absence, I felt my shoulders tense.

"I thought I kicked you out." I try and keep my voice level. 

"Yes, how rude. I've been quite amicable to you as of late." 

I laugh lightly. "You think calling me a burden is amicable?"

He hummed with annoyance. It buzzed my insides. His voice was unexplainably warm. Like dipped in syrup. I still didn't dare to look back at where he no doubt perched with languid confidence. 

"That was a ... misstep on my part. But it seems I ate my words moments later, right?"

I cocked my head, surprised I almost heard an apology from him. The hammock was fully made, so I laid back on it, then jolted when I saw Levi's shining eyes on the branch above. His swords were missing. He only wore his gear and handles, with soft linen clothes underneath. 

"What if a Titan approaches and you're unarmed?" I say, glaring up at him.

The leaves bend as he leans down, catlike, against the wood of the branch. "That's why you're here. Our saving grace." 

He looked boyish in the orange light of the fire below. His cheeks were red pressed against the bark, black hair tickling the ends of his face. It was almost the most relaxed I'd ever seen him. Fuck. I felt slight fear grip my chest. Lord, was he drunk?

"You couldn't bring a saint some wine?" I bat back. "Since you obviously helped yourself to the squad's stock."

"It makes this more bearable." 

A sharp slice of hurt hit my chest. "What, talking to me?" 

"Yes." 

I scrunched my brow, looking away from the glowing eyes above me. "Ah. Pleasant as always." 

I heard a loud sigh, then the clunk of the handle hitting the tree. "That's..Sina sake. I knew I'd do this wrong." something falls from the branch and lands near me with a thud. "And I did bring some. For you."

I reach my arm over my head and take the bottle rolling to me on the tarp. I will myself to look back at Levi above. My breath halts when I see softness in his gaze. 

"Dahlia..."

My

Name. 

God did it sound sinful on his lips. I'd never heard my name until he said it in that honeyed whisper above my hammock. 

"You should go back." I whisper in return. Can he even hear me from up there?

It's only when an evil smile grows onto his face, that I know he did. "Come onnnn," he said with a soft whine. "You're owed that celebratory drink from earlier."

I took a tentative sip of the bottle while watching Levi in the trees, as if a wild cat was stalking its prey. For now, he didn't move. Just dangled his arm over the branch, his fingertips ten feet above my head. 

I couldn't see the moon through the treetops, but didn't need to. The moon had come to me. Fallen down into the form of this beautiful man with eyes like scythes. 

"Titans barely move at night. I think you can sleep in an actual bed if you please." he said lowly, teasingly. 

"A cot in a stuffy tent, you mean." I huff, taking another swig. "Blinded."

"Petra and Orou have quite the reaction time. I wouldn't worry."

I laugh, fighting off a slight bristle at him praising Petra. "And earlier was just a fluke?" 

His face suddenly turned grim, his eyes morphing into the shadows of his face. "You have no clue how quickly an Abnormal can wipe out a squadron on open field. Here, our chances are much better." 

I don't want to say the Abnormal was easy, but I'd braced myself for a real challenge out here- and had yet to find one. 

I just took another sip and shot a look below. "I'll take the chance on myself after what I've seen so far, thanks." 

Levi managed to shrug from his lying position on the branch. "Suit yourself. Just seems a bit dull is all, to be up here without even a blanket." 

"I'll use my cloak." I roll my eyes, though the wine was already working its way through my system, warming me to my core. 

"Always the resourceful one," he hummed with slight condescension. 

I glare up at him, shaking the bottle. "Uncivilized Undergrounder, you mean." 

The frown on his face returned too easily for my liking. "Perhaps I've been too harsh on you since your arrival. I mean..you are still a filthy brat. But-" I heard a tautness in his voice, "I should've been treating you as much more."

Syrupy words, slick with wine, couldn't wipe my memory clean. But it was enough to make my head buzz with confusion. I almost preferred his venom. It was easier to take. 

"Apologize all you want." I cork the bottle and flop back down, now facing the stars, and Levi's contented face. His hand, the one dangling so temptingly, begins to wiggle as he looks at the bottle, but I refuse to throw it back. Even his familiar huff of annoyance sends a zing through me. 

"Ah yes, I forgot. You do so love it when I sing your praises," he mused.

My mind immediately went to my cruel thought earlier about Petra. Maybe we were all one and the same, wanting to be noticed by this stormy-eyed asshole. I wished I could say I was different- that I could care less. 

I scoff a little. "Don't rope me in with your doe-eyed Scouts, on their tiptoes for a shred of your approval." 

"No, no," Levi murmured, but in the dead of night, I could hear perfectly. "The thought of my approval almost offends you." 

The more I looked into his eyes, the less I knew what I wanted. 

I want to kick him out of my airspace. Send him to camp again. I want to kiss him. Break the branch he reclined so enticingly on. Throw him into the maw of a Titan. 

"It offends me," I speak slowly, each word a glass object. The wine melted my stomach, my rationale. "That you continue to distance yourself from me as if you'd catch the plague. Captain."

A rumbling growl, mixed in with a chuckle comes from him that makes me take in a sharp breath. "Say my name. Then I'll come down. You so rarely use it."

"I could say the same," I force out. Grateful for the cover of the night, cloaking my face. 

"Dahlia, Dahlia, Dahlia," he rumbled like a lullaby. "Why are you named that anyhow? Your parents fancied bushy little flowers?" 

The teasing tone was so unlike him that I began to smile, and breathe, to slow my seizing heart. I wanted to tell him to say my name again. And again. In all the ways he could. 

I just chuckled. "I'm not sure, I never met them. But they're not flowers prone to growing in Underground. I did find a patch of them once.. almost like they were reaching towards the sun in the tiniest patch of grass."

"Hmmm," the trees groaned. I closed my eyes, savoring it. "Dahlia. An impossibly stubborn, mighty flower. Fitting."

"You would say that." I sniffed. The words come out weak and without conviction.

"And what do you know," he purred. "Of what I'd do?"

How awful. And cruel. He only came up here to toy with me, bat me around to soothe his boredom. 

"Honestly, I know less day by day," I mutter with annoyance.

I can see his smirk from here. And it laces his words, stretching them like taffy. "Aren't you the outsider who can read everyone like a book? Don't tell me I'm an enigma."

I have half a mind to scale the tree and throw him off. "Enigmas need to be multifaceted. You're just a straight-up ass. Only layer past that is resentment.” 

His laugh, which always surprised me more than any ambush, fell from the branches. I squirmed. 

"Pity. I do wish it were that simple." 

The wind stirred, making my tarp sway slightly. It moved my loose hair into my face, making me huff it away. When my vision cleared, Levi was staring so directly at me I raised an eyebrow. "What?" 

For a beat, only the wind responded. Then, Levi seemed to blink. "Are you sure that hammock is safe?" 

It was my turn to laugh. "If it isn't, I guess you'll have to see my reaction time then won't you." 

"Sleep in my tent. Since yours is strewn about the damned Forest." The words seemed to fly out of his mouth, and I sit up with a start. 

"Do what?"

"You heard me. I'm not going to spend the night up here, keeping an eye on every gust of wind. The Titans pose no risk until daybreak anyways. What's the harm?" 

I'd spent so long persuading everyone around me- including Levi- of things I wanted, that I realized I'd never heard it mirrored back from him. The feeling was eerily familiar, a double side to a coin. 

I try with everything in me to play it off. Snatching the bottle resting at my feet, I stand and begin to walk across the tarp. My feet leave indentions, so I shift to a part where they don't. All the while avoiding Levi's laser gaze. 

"I like my setup quite a lot, thank you." He still stayed in the branch, laying silently. I wondered if he truly was waiting to hear his name, and I bit my lip.

"Don't do that," he says sharply, making me jerk my head up. I feign an innocent look. "Do what?"

A snap of wood comes from the tree. "I'm trying to be good."

I rip the cork off the bottle in my hand and down the rest of it in one go. Wiping my lip, I smirk up at him. My heartbeat floods my eardrums. 

"And how's that working out for you, Levi?"

A raw-sounding growl comes from above and he pounces.

Chapter 46: drown

The delicate balance I had spent hours making unraveled the instant Levi's weight touched the tarp. My hands reached out to grip the ropes in desperation, but it was no use. We plummeted to the ground like a sack of rocks. 

"Leeeviiii!!!!" I yell in indignation through the wind. 

Air hit me. My fingers were embedded into something soft. It was moments later, when I realized we weren't falling, that I saw it was Levi's back. 

"Got you," a whisper in my ear made me shudder. We were hanging by his ODM wire, a foot off the grass. Since I was unarmed, I'd clung to Levi. He kept one arm above his head, steady on the wire, and the other wrapped around me. For second, we just swayed there. Then, I huffed. 

"You broke my bed." 

"I can't promise that'll be the first time," a husky laugh filled my insides and before I could process his heavy flirting, I was released. My feet hit the ground with a soft thud.

I turned to a squad of frozen soldiers. By some grace, Erwin was gone, but the rest of the group seemed to have a front row seat to our little show. After a peeked glance to Levi beside me, I see he also hadn't realized this fact. 

The rumpled man straightened up, a cool and level look washing over his sculpted face. "Something you need, officers?" 

It was hard to miss the look of betrayal all over Petra's. A hardness that tugged the ends of her lips down. She opened her mouth then closed it multiple times before striding up to us.

"You seem to be having fun, sir." 

"He definitely is," I mutter, meant to be a shot at Levi, but she turns to me with an angry grimace. The intensity in her eyes made my skin prickle. I picked a leaf out of my hair, trying to ignore her evil eye. 

Murmurs begin to creep up behind us as the rest of the squad emerges from their daze. I hear Orou mutter, "my wife," which leaves me doubly confused. 

"You know," Petra says, her voice sharp and controlled, "this isn't some game, Day. We're out here to stay on high alert, not to make forts in the woods and distractions for everyone." she glances meaningfully to Levi's retreating figure, as he's already walking away back to camp, no doubt to clean up. Her jaw tightens. “Or worse, distract the Captain."

The weight of her words hit me, making my eyebrow twitch. An unfamiliar feeling began to tingle up my back, one so alien, I refused to name it. The camp went quieter still, clearly eavesdropping. 

She wants to hit me. I want to let her. Maybe it'll get the bitch out her system. 

But for once, I want to stay cordial. As if somehow, giving in would give Levi the upper hand, not her. "How bout I take guard duty tonight then? Not like I have a tent to go sleep in anyways." I try to chuckle, and kick what's left of the tarp strewn about the clearing. 

She's clearly not amused. With a slight curl to her lip, she whips around in the other direction and stalks back to the fire. 

The itchy feeling didn't leave me while I salvaged broken parts from my tent. At least it could come handy if my ODM gear breaks. With a start, my hands still. My fucking gear. It's still on the branch Levi had just been laying across. Fifty feet in the air. 

"Fuck me," I mutter to the grass. 

 

 

 

 

I refuse to ask any of the Scouts to help me get my gear, so I instead stomp around the perimeter of the camp. The cluster of tents lay off to the right of the fire, with our horses tied nearby. I paid Sage a visit, the velvety muzzle soft under my palm. 

"Maybe I should just hop on you, and we ride off huh?" I whisper to her rich brown eyes. 

She blinks. Right. And the fuck would we eat? Hopes and dreams? she snorted back. I huff, moving some of her bangs. 

"Could at least give me another option," I grunt back. Sage flicks a fly away, oblivious and unbothered to my plights. 

I continue my self-appointed guard duty. It felt nice to finally be alone, though. The Forest at night seemed more alive than the one outside my cave. As if it knew it grew unbounded, no Wall to stop it. 

Sounds of life filled my ears as I wandered through the gargantuan trunks. I hummed along with the buzzes and calls, trying to ignore the fact that if I did see a Titan, I was wholly defenseless. 

I still had my blades, but they were pretty useless against anything more than ten feet. Still, I took one out to toy with. The familiar feeling of metal sliding between my fingers immediately began to slow my heartbeat. The wine still ran through me, making my mind slip to one thought to the next. 

Something definitely happened between them. The hell do I care- Sina, why does she? It's obviously over..

I groan aloud to the night. "Ugh. What have I become?"

It took one cheeky smile for this? I'm losing my touch. How disgusting. And tragic. 

No tent. No gear. No goddamn sense. 

Flirting doesn't erase the poison sewn into your neck. The freedom taken away. Money re-stolen. 

I finally find the moon, a sliver of it peeks out behind a massive leaf, brushing my cheek. I glare at her. Where have you been? 

The light cut through my face, making me squint. Girl, I couldn't watch. she seemed to say. 

I just sigh. He really did look cute up in that tree. 

 

 

 

 

 

====================================================================

 

 

 

 

 

Levi reclined in his cot, a new bottle cradled loosely in his hand. Each slow sip was meant to dull the edge, to drown out any sinful thoughts that lingered- persistent, intoxicating. No matter how many times he drank, they refused to fade, swirling in the back of his mind like an addiction. 

His teeth ground. Am I going mad? And how many times have I even asked myself that at this point?

He truly began to think so when he heard muttering a feet away. Creeping to the flap, he peeked through to his sin manifest outside his tent. 

The wind stirred Day's gold hair into her face as she paced, a blade flashing between her fingers. For a brief second, he wondered if she'd came to finally get rid of him, once and for all. His heart unwillingly sped up at the thought. 

"You gonna knock, or what?" 

Levi almost regretted speaking, for watching her mask fall back on her face made him wince. He hated when that brow was furrowed. 

For a second, she just regarded him as the wind stirred her hair around. Day was a goddess in the cloak of darkness. If anything agreed with her, it was night. 

Then, as if making up her mind, she finally spoke. "I've been debating on stealing your gear."

Laughter, he so regularly reserved, slipped out with ease. Day seemed to blink and take a small step backward. 

"The thief I know would've already stolen it by now." 

Her lip curled, and she looked the pajama-clad man up and down. "I can smell the wine from here. Wouldn't have been much of a challenge." 

"Why don't you come in," he cooes. "and find out." 

The blade in her hand stops moving. Her face was unreadable but her foot moved an inch his way. "Your squad seems quite unhappy the more time we spend together. Petra especially." 

He couldn't catch the tinge to her voice until he searched her eyes- then straightened his spine with a wicked smile. Oh, lovely. 

"Worrying about you is below their pay grade, sweetheart." 

Day narrowed those enticing eyes. "I wasn't talking about me." 

With a crazy thought, Levi lunges out of the tent to snatch Day's hand. "Didn't I say come in?" he growled an inch away. Her lips part in surprise. I like surprising her. "Don't make me ask twice. Can’t have the whole camp eavesdropping again, now can we?”

Before she can protest, he steps back and pulls her, the two of them submerging into the tent with an infuriated yelp out of the murderer. 

 

 

 

Wide eyes blinked across from Levi's nose, a hair lengths away. In the seclusion of his tent, the insanity of what he was doing surrounded him. But he was past caring months ago. 

All rationality immediately left his head when he inhaled, and her scent invaded his every pore. If he hadn't drunk the wine, her smell alone would've been enough to get him hammered. Smoking jasmine, burnt tea leaves. Ash and dirt. Death and life. 

Day tried to glare at him in the flickering light of his lantern. "Drunken prick. Don't manhandle me."

He lets out a snort. "Manhandle? I've thrown you around the course and that was manhandling?"

Day rolled her eyes. Then, her head jerked when her gaze landed on the corner of his tent. She glanced back to him and her mouth fell slightly agape. "God- you know, I'll never make sense of you, Levi."

Under such a direct look from her, he began to feel exposed and he scratched his undercut, looking away. When he couldn't lay still earlier- for many reasons- he had taken a little trip. To retrieve Day's gear. 

Looking back at her, he noticed the crease had returned on her brow and before he knew it- he stepped forward. Reaching a hand up, he ever so lightly brushed his thumb between her eyes. 

"And what are you worrying yourself about now?" Levi mumbled, drifting his thumb through her brow to move hair out of her eyes.

"I keep thinking I have you figured out," Day whispers in return, almost to herself.

"And what's the consensus now?" 

Levi withdrew his hand but stayed in place. Stuck in place. When he looked down, he was immediately swamped into those eyes. The restraint he kept chained around him began to clink as it fell to the floor. 

"Still an asshole," Day quipped. Her usual bite was  gone in her tone. "Just one who has slight manners."

"Cursed woman," he mumbled back. "I was kind enough to let you stay, aren't I generous?"

A small chuckle comes in reply. Day sounded.. out of breath. Like she'd run the way here- which he knew she hadn't.  

"Who wants their praises sung now, huh? I'll have you know, I'm much worse at it than you." 

He couldn't break away from her if he tried. His hands twitched, restless at his sides. Would she hurt him? Stab him?

"All you need is a bit of practice." Levi smirks. She looked at him with big, impossible eyes, making him want to cup her face and hold them. "I bet obedience looks splendid on you."

Day's lips drew back into a snarl. Her eyes looked untrusting, like she couldn't decide if this was a game or not. Even he wasn't sure. Fuck. 

His stomach coiled with something hot. Need. 

It wasn't until Day jumped with shock, that Levi had realized his treacherous hand had moved. It was now cupping her cheek with slight firmness, framing her heart-shaped face. Without thought, his hand moved to tilt her head back. She pressed against him, resisting, until a thumb ever so softly grazed her throat, as if to ask permission. 

The woman flicked her eyes to him once, then obliged. Levi felt himself licking his lips. His mind was turning quickly to sand as he got sucked further into her. In this tent, only the slow pulse under his skin mattered. 

It was the only thing that existed.

"You underestimate how many ways I'm willing to receive my praises." he whispers, still inches away from those fucking sinful lips.

"It'll take a lot more than my lost gear to get that, Levi," she chides, voice low and filthy. Teasing. His fingers tighten only slightly, and he tilts her head just a tick more. He found that when she said his name- his mind would go absolutely blank. 

"Tch. Tell me then. What will it take to hear my name pled from your lips?" his own voice is slowly dissipating as a fire crept up his throat.

"To hear mine first." 

Levi cocked his head above her, looking at both eyes then her mouth. "Oh, is that your version of revenge? To hear me degrade myself for your pleasure?"

A smile begins to spread on her face. So achingly beautiful. So awfully dangerous. "Now you're getting it."

Think of the worst thing your enemy could possibly do to you. That's probably their next move.

If Day wanted revenge for all the torment he'd put her through, she was enacting it beautifully. How she needn't even lift a finger to disarm him. Trust was the most precious commodity of this world. He wondered if she'd learned how to steal that too. 

Despite all these conflicting thoughts, Levi's head tilted down to meet hers, still held by his hand. The moment his lips touched hers- the answer ceased to matter anyways. 

 

He fell. 

Crashed. Burned. Came into being. 

 

Had he taken a breath, before then? For air was not air, until his lips touched hers. 

Honey. She was honey dipped in fire. She was an inferno, singeing all rational thought. Both hands went to grab her now- to clutch that perfect fucking face- as he growled with fervor, smashing into her. 

A striker hit flint, and the spark that’d been hiding burst into an inferno, consuming him. 

Rough fingers kneaded into that mess of blonde the way he always wanted to, stroking, pulling, bringing her closer until the need to consume her left him. It never did. Especially when he heard soft, surprised moans come from the back of Dahlia's throat. They buzzed in his head, making him dizzy. 

She likes this. 

Her hands, those fingers- always moving- were now clawing at his shirt. Angry desperation hit him, like now his body refused to be denied what it had so sought.

He murmured huffed nonsense into her mouth in between slicing bites, that he'd lick in apology seconds later. "Mmm finally.. a way..to shut..y-you up huh?" words were hot pants. 

Teeth scratched his bottom lip in response, which made his eyes practically roll back. As drunk as the wine had him earlier- nothing came close to the heavy drug that was her. 

Levi refused to open his eyes. He knew if he saw her face- the one so imprinted on his fucking soul, heavy with desire for him- he'd truly fall apart. Never to return. 

Day croaked, her ability to speak appearing to be lost. It seems he was right. I have to use this method more often. 

"Can't talk, pretty?" he muttered against her.

“F-fuck…you..” was all she managed back, and even the raggedness, leaving a delicious whine to her voice, made his mind go nearly black. If this goes on much longer, I'm going to take her right fucking here. 

I want to see just how much this spoiled brat can handle. 

Then violently, as if lightning struck him, Levi felt himself fly across the room. His bed was there to catch the fall, where he landed with an hard exhale of breath. 

It took a second for his bearings to come back, to even know where he was. That was because the lantern had been snuffed out, throwing him into darkness. In all but a second, Levi was alone. 

His chest still heaved in shaky crashes, and he brushed askew hair out of his face. Numb fingers reached down to see his shirt had been ripped at the middle. Even his hands-treacherous goddamned hands-shook and trembled as he tried to sit up. 

Despite it- one thought broke through.

I am going to wreck you. In every sense of the word. 

Notes:

ill prolly edit this later but I couldn’t wait 🙏🏻 long time comin baby

Chapter 47: charge

All warfare is about deception. Move your enemy but don't be moved by him. 

The sound of my own madness lulled through the trees. Each step I took away from that tent was steeped in something purely foreign- being afraid. 

You're running. I chided myself, a bitter hiss. Such a brave warrior. Runs at the first sign of- 

My foot skids into the dirt to cut my snowballing thoughts off. It was wrong. Saints it was wrong- how badly I wanted to turn back. 

My teeth grit. I felt my palm sting as my nails cut into skin. Fingers twitched while I had half a mind to track down five more bottles to try and forcefully black out what just happened. A sigh fell out instead. No. The ink had been spilled, the string plucked, arrow flown.

And I was so fucked.

 

 

 

 

 

Sunlight brushed my cheek. In my foggy haze of dreamlessness, the touch reminded me of Levi's lips there only hours prior. That thought shot my eyes wide open. So, I hadn't dreamt it then. 

Ignore it. My mind demanded. 

But how could you? My body basically moaned. 

"Maybe a Titan will eat us all, and save me from choosing," I spat in response. 

I'd spent the rest of the night wandering the grounds, keeping a lookout, utterly incapable of staying still for a single moment. In the early light of dawn, I had finally collapsed onto a pile of fallen leaves without notice. 

It was only when I awoke, the sun reminding me of my predicament, that I knew it was all real. And that I'd reveled, craved, and savored each taste I'd had of Levi. And I fucking wanted more. How hideous. 

I stayed in that pile for as long as I could stand. What would I do when I had to face him again? Nothing. I grit my teeth. Because it was nothing. 

A leaf crinkled as I tilted my head up, taking a sniff. Mmm. Was that.. bacon? It was only when I'd met the eyes of the elite squad, that I knew I'd stumbled back into camp. And from the looks on their faces, I looked no better than a Titan victim. 

Petra gave me a glower that could power a small city as I shuffled to an empty log. Thanks to all the Saints, Levi was nowhere to be found. Morning air tinged the ends of my hair, making it feel light and heavy all at once. I shook my head and ran a hand through it. I'd need to do some new braids today, before we leave. 

"Sleep okay, cadet?" a baritone voice rumbled over to me. 

I didn't look up from the meal as I shrugged. "How well do you think?"

"I do hope you've managed to sleep some, at least. There's quite the day ahead of us." the early morning didn't dull Erwin's condescension any.

My huff clouded the air in response. "Titan sight-seeing." 

"Learning," Erwin pressed lightly. "We're here for you to learn, Day." 

And what have I learned? I thought to myself bitterly.

That I'm a coward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Why don't you just sit back today and watch the professionals, huh honey?" Orou slurs out as we all slide our gear on. Well, everyone but me. 

I'd left Levi's tent in such a flurry last night, I'd forgotten the damned gear. That he'd retrieved. For me. 

The thought made my stomach squirm as I unwillingly scanned around for him, drawing closer to the pile. Then, my brow quirked when I spotted my gear settled in the leaves. Guess he too didn't want to risk explaining why he had my gear. 

Who's the real coward, huh?

Just as I finished the last strap on my rigged gear, a pressurized buzzing filled my head. I gritted my teeth to the familiar ice frosting the grass around us.

"She showed us how well her restraint was yesterday. Don't have faith."

"Maybe Erwin will break both hands then," Petra muttered into her chest as she forcefully tugged her strap across it. 

I refused to be weak, to avoid his cutting gaze, so I whirled around to meet it. Levi seemingly hadn't been expecting that, and his eyebrows raised with a hint of his guard dropping. His eyes found mine immediately. Those- plumper than they look- lips parted, and a slither of heat entered my stomach. 

"Oh as much as I'd love for you to impose your wisdom onto me at the asscrack of dawn-“

Petra gives a shocked gasp. "How dare you speak to Captain Levi that way!"

I barely heard her. My own lips still pulsed where he bit them so viciously last night. Without meaning to, my tongue traced a certain spot that throbbed just slightly. Levi's gray eyes flicked to the motion, and a small sound as if he'd been punched came out of his mouth. 

He spun around to face his back to me, and finish putting his gear on, when I heard the snap! of one of his straps breaking. 

One of my fingers twitched. It was just a kiss, Day. I curl it into a fist. Then why couldn't I give the memory a second's thought before falling into a ball of want? I should've been sick to my stomach. It was Levi. 

I'm crazy, I concluded. I died down in those caves. And I've conjured this whole crazy mess in the seconds before my soul leaves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only when hell froze over would I feel excited to be distracted by Scout antics. But, today was that day. 

Our objective was to explore the Forest on gear, and search for Titans. As an "observer" for this mission, I basically just watched how the elite squad carried out their regular operations. For the most part, they moved like angry wasps, looking for someone to sting. 

About an hour of our squad zipping through the trees, I couldn't take it anymore. 

"So do you guys just wait to be killed, or what?"

Eld and Gunther, who were the closest to me, managed to throw a side-eye my way as they swung past. "Are you still not getting the point to these missions, thug?" the poop-headed one spat. Or should I say shat. 

I bobbed on my wire, then gripped one line with both arms, swinging along. "To see who can get eaten the fastest?" my head tilted back, and I giggled.

A Scout from behind came flying into view, missing me by an inch. "See? She just thinks it's a game. I've never seen a cadet act like this their first time out." 

Petra's sneer from under her hood reached me just fine, and I stuck my tongue out before releasing the line, and I plummeted to the Forest floor. Reconnaissance had never been my strong suit, after all. 

Even worse so when I had no clue what they quite cared about learning. Titans are bigger than humans. Humans were smaller than Titans. And one man, one peculiar man, could become one. Maybe such ways of the world needed no explanation. Maybe it all came to being as the grass and the trees did. Who knows. Surely not these snots.

I followed them a while longer until we finally came across some Titans. But, instead of doing anything fun- we all just watched them in the trees. There were two, one eight-meter with a bald spot the size of a crater, and an eleven-meter. 

Though we were still a good thirty feet over their heads, the mere sight still unnerved me. It erased all thoughts of them as natural beings.

A large figure beside me broke the slightly-disgusted trance. 

"The less you move around them, the less they seem to sense. Do you think it could be smell? Or just pure instinct?"

A slip of hair falls out of my hastily-done braids as my eyebrows do all the talking. Erwin wanted my opinion? I slid my gaze towards him for a moment, and all I caught was the structure of his huge jaw each time the hood flapped in the wind. 

I looked back at the aimless creatures, bumping into each other to no doubt find where we hid. The eleven-meter's eyes are half into the back of its head, giving  a look of demonic possession. Even though they were calm, their faces were twisted ..anguished. 

I shook off chills and tilted my head, my response quiet. "To know that, I'd really need one to chase me."

His snort was harsh, making his wide shoulders bump me, and the whole branch tremored just barely. If there was anything I hated more, it was amusing Erwin Smith. 

"You sound like my colleague. The grip of fear the Titans hold us in, you both do not feel."

I roll my eyes. "Oh, just give it time. I'll find it."

His hum in response told me he'd very much like to see that. Instead of throwing him down to the Titans, I scowled and fingered a braid. His mention of Hange had brought something to mind. 

I glanced back down at the Titans. I'd never hunted animals before, and that's what I'd classified those as. Or maybe an in-between. All the blind cruelty of humans, mixed with the ignorance of an animal. 

We were crouched on the branch, bellies practically on the bark. Then, I scooted an inch or two forward and slid a wrist blade into my other hand. Snip! My braid, one of nine, floated down to the Titans below. 

Though I didn't need it, I felt Erwin's huge hand grip my forearm and pull me back to where he was. When I felt his hood hit mine, I was sure he was going to scold me. But instead, I heard a deep rumble in my ear, with slight pride. 

"Smart." was all he said. 

That enormous hand stayed there as we watched the Titans begin to stir, and then it squeezed when one jumped. In an instant, a wild, mindless Titan, leaped into the air like a frog, head titled back, mouth agape. I couldn't help but tense from the sight. 

But still, not even a Titan could jump three times its size. Thank all the Saints. It only took some leaves with it as the wide maw snapped ten feet below 

"Well, I'll be-"

"What the fuck was that? Why did it do that?" a voice hissed by my other side. 

I shifted my gaze to Levi, who had appeared out of thin air. I tried to hide the surprise on my face as I scowled and ripped my arm out of the blonde’s tight grip. 

"It was an experiment. Of sorts." 

Levi's voice came back pained. "And dear god, why?"

Erwin's voice rumbles on my right. "The prey must learn how they're hunted."

I kept my eyes on the two Titans below, who were now riled up. Instead of bumping into trees, their nostrils flared and they jerked their heads around in horrific angles. They'd caught the scent. 

If only there was a way to get them to eat themselves, I lamented silently. But the only thing they seem to care about are Humans. 

"They don't even digest us," I mumbled, slightly annoyed. "Why are their instincts like this?"

"Ask Hange those questions. We don't have time to ponder their existence right now," Levi spat back. 

Erwin bumped my shoulder in response, his belly still on the bark of the branch. "I think she's onto something." 

I didn't need to see the short shit next to me to feel his eye roll. "Drugs, maybe- but a day with Titans isn't going to crack your great mystery, Erwin. I can guarantee you that." 

"Always the pessimist. Did you not sleep well? It seems neither did our cadet. Hmm." 

Levi snarled, a rough, quick noise. "I'm acting Commander on this mission. No more experiments in the field. That's final." 

In a dramatic wave of his cloak, the Captain receded back into the leaves. I glared at where he had been, then looked back at Erwin. His blue eyes seemed intense under the opaque light. 

"Should've thrown him off when we had the chance," I grumble, getting on my knees and brushing them off. 

"What a pair you two make." 

His tone gave me pause. There was a sense of.. familiarity in it. A road walked down before. Had he been the one to do it first?

Something in me clunked to the bottom of my stomach. Erwin was Levi's ex. How did I not see it before? 

"Commander we're not-"

"I heard you didn't even attempt to run on the way to Wall Maria." the pride seeping into his voice made my knuckles begin to ache. "It seems you've found a reason to behave, at long last."

My jaw dropped. Before I knew it, my arm had drawn back, my shoulders shifted into a punch aimed for his cocky jaw. Then, I was flying. My red vision shifted to white when my back hit a branch ten feet away. 

Petra was stronger than I'd thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The more the initial danger of the Outside wore off, the more my dangerous curiosity was piqued. Titans were much different than I'd expected. 

Gunther and Eld had killed a thirteen-meter in swift, executed moves that Erwin made me watch. Then, he didn't let us leave. Moments later, I found out why when the body of the huge Titan began to steam. 

White smoke billowed off of it, reminding me of Eren's Titan once he was removed from the spine. The whole thing began to evaporate. In just five minutes, not a single trace remained from the gigantic monster. 

I shuddered. To witness the entire process was...eerie. Unwittingly, I mumbled, "Just like Eren. But different." 

Erwin, the creepy fuck, had appeared behind me this time on a large branch I stood on. "Stop comparing the two. One is Human. One is not." 

My head shook in disagreement. "One and two are of the same. How else could we explain all of this? It's all... connected somehow."

I heard a huff. "Theories won't do us any good. If you have one, at least let it be on how to destroy them."

"Well, you didn't have me kidnapped for my brain." my arms thud against my thighs with a slap. 

The rumbly baritone was much closer this time.

"Yes. I did."

 

 

 

 

The brute of a Commander followed me around the rest of the morning as Levi's squad took down various Titans among the Forest. I almost felt bad, they were only felling them for what seemed like my experience. 

So, since the man wouldn’t leave me be, I decided to pepper him with any question that popped into my mind. Weirdly enough, he took each one with the same stoic patience as the last.

"I thought this was a no-contact mission. Only engage if necessary."

"Mm. Yes. But you've noticed how easy it is to maneuver in the Forest. They were only permitted contact once we entered. We have a much better range of motion than Titans do in here."

I took a moment, and watched how the elite, older Scouts swung off and onto branches with relaxed ease. Their lives weren't in danger. 

A glimpse of a smile flew by me, stretched into Gunther's face as he swooped in front of Eld at the last second, dragging his sword across a Titan's nape. 

The squad were obviously amazing Scouts, flying in quick maneuvers that gleamed like a well-oiled machine. No one even shouted commands, everyone just moved on instinct. They all seemed to just know where to go. 

"It's Hange's jungle gym." I said in a slightly horrified tone. "Only Outside." 

Erwin chuckled. "Don't give her any ideas. But it was Captain Zoë's idea to come here."

That I already knew, at least some of, and I snarled at the reminder.  

"Can't believe the freak isn't here herself to watch the monkey dance." 

Erwin ignored the jab and strode over to watch Eld chase Gunther through the leaves, blades flying. "Oh she would if she could. She was very distraught to not see you on the field. Though, oddly, quite adamant Captain Levi accompany you instead."

My throat dried, when all at once I was thrown back into that tent. Mere inches from flickering daggers, cutting me in all directions. I felt my fist clench as I tried to keep my face neutral. 

"He does shimmy into his babysitter role quite well, doesn't he?"

"Not at first, he didn't." I cocked my eye to see a small smile slide onto Erwin's face. "Though he gets better everyday."

While we spoke, my eyes flitted through the leaves for a certain shade of black. When they didn't find it, I squinted with displeasure. Pretty lousy babysitter, if you ask me. Avoids me all day. Because one idiotic k-

"The progress he's made is phenomenal. I mean, look at you. Second day Outside and most rookies would've been attempting desertion, or dead due to their inability to cope with reality."

I stifled a smirk. "I'm still in between both, don't hold your breath."

"You sell yourself short so often. And for whose benefit? You're already here, Day."

A swarm of jade descended on us as the squad returned. I threw my head up to watch them, my hood falling off slightly. 

"So embrace it."

 

 

 

 

 

Eight Titan kills later, and the Levi squad flew back to camp. It was finally time to leave this place, and return back to fucking civilization. 

I was worried Erwin would extend the trip if I looked too happy to leave, so as we flew I stayed out that laser eyesight, and lingered at the very back. Luckily, only Orou flew near. And I figured he was a bit too bottle deep and a whiskey short to even notice. 

Why the hell did he let you on this squad? I almost scoff mentality at Orou, before I realize how similar I sound to prim little Levi. 

Though, prim little Levi was the one who chose this drunken asshole as part of his elite. Today was an impressive display, but Orou's was always.. lacking. Sloppy, even. And Levi didn't do sloppy. 

Every time I invoked that name, the same twist would singe my inside. Say my name, he had muttered, teasing me in the branch above my head. Then I'll come down. 

Orou noticed me swinging on my lines with great distraction, and he strode up besides me. "Hey blondie! The hell yad say to my wife that's got her all ticked?"

"Piss off!" I hissed without thought, tugging on my wire to throw me further. 

The oldhead caught up anyways, zipping his crooked zags around me. "I know ya said somethin! Never seen Petra this mad at anyone, and happy wife.."

I scowled up and saw his graying undercut. "Fucking ask her!"

After this mission, my view of the relationships in this squad had greatly changed. Freaks. All of you. 

I also found how important Orou saw himself to be. The man didn't see himself as a useless drunk- no he was Levi's right hand, in his eyes. And apparently Petra's husband.. I scoffed under my breath, "It'd be endearing if it wasn't so gross." 

Once the frog-faced man realized I wasn't giving him anything, he shot off with a loud huff. Finally. One single moment to myself. 

I watched as the squad sunk into the green of the trees in the distance. We were about a few hundred yards from our camp, so I made sure to meander. 

Seconds later, I regretted it. 

God.

Killing me softly. His words were killing me. Softly. 

"Finally a way to shut you up, huh?"

My breath hitched. Something so fleeting shouldn't be..seared into my fucking brain like this.

The longer I spent on the memory, the more feverish my skin became. I'd spent my entire life without a chink in my armor. 

How had he found it? When I hadn't even been aware of its presence?

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the bright side, I didn't have a tent to pack up. 

Instead, I just found my backpack, slung it on my shoulder, and hopped on Sage. My uneasiness with riding had left me after I saw how well-trained this horse was. She'd ridden straight at the mouth of a Titan without flinching. 

I patted her flank once I was settled in the saddle. "Few hours later girl, and this'll be long behind us." 

"That depends on the route we take." a voice boomed a few feet away.

"Jesus fuck!" I let out, and Sage stayed still while I whipped a blade out on instinct. 

Once I turned her, I sighed once I saw it was Erwin. 

"Really dude? You should wear a bell."

Bright blue twinkled up at me as the man made way to his own horse, a sturdy roan stallion. "Someone has to keep an eye on you. It seems your babysitter isn't too keen today."

I snorted, turning the reins away from him. "Weren't you just praising him?"

"Perhaps he heard," Erwin joked and my mind whirled with hearing one come out of his mouth. 

Commander Eyebrows stayed just a few feet back as the squad made their way to their steeds a few minutes later.  I found Erwin's company to be almost as uncomfortable as Levi's. You knew every move, he catalogued and remembered. 

Enemies always on guard, even at their most comfortable, were dangerous cards to play with. For how do you attack someone who's always ready?

The thought made me curse to myself. Ready. And I hadn't even checked my own gear this morning. I trotted Sage over to the side as they prepared, quickly thumbing through my straps to make sure all was in check.

The silk was unbreakable, the blades one of a kind. The only one out of order was me. I cursed once again, this time outloud to the straps. "Stupid fucking bitch you are."

"That's a bit harsh, innit rookie? She's only a horse."

My head jerked up to see Orou stride up to me, and I groaned with stagnant annoyance. "I wasn't..she's- oh what is it again?"

He sniffed, then smiled. "How boutta bet? Whoever kills the most Titans on the way back gets to stay in the squad."

I paused. Then cocked my head. "Did you think...did you think this whole thing was for me to take your place?"

Those rubbery lips smacked with confusion. "Well..ain't it?"

"Oh Saint Sina strike me down," I mumbled, then raked a hand through my braids bursting through with each second. 

My brows twitched and I gave him a smile. "You know what, buddy. I wish."

"Can we keep the bet though?" Orou slid an inch or two off his saddle. 

"I'm not gonna pick on a senior citizen." 

"There will be no bets, Scouts. At least none that aren't mine." The Commander's voice sounded against us. Orou's hand slips from his reins while he paled. 

"Once we leave the safety of these trees, we will not engage with any Titans unless absolutely necessary. Our squad will be taking a different route back to Wall Maria, one eastward that crosses an abandoned village. Keep a close eye, be alert, and top priority is the safety of Cadet Day. Are we all clear?"

I hadn't realized the rest of the squad had surrounded us on horseback until I heard a rumbling of, "yes sirs" in response. Only one voice was missing, and my eyes went to locate it. 

Levi lingered a few feet away, arms crossed as he sat astride his steed. His mouth was turned down into a deep frown. Gray eyes masked by that pesky long hair of his. You'll have to look at me eventually. 

Humanity's Greatest, stunted by a mere peck on the lips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We left the large clearing without much fanfare, the only sound Orou's whistled tune as he snuck secret sips of wine. Eld and Gunther rode ahead of us like usual, with Erwin to my right and Petra at my back. Orou, sadly, still to my left, and Levi smack in front. Right in my eye line. 

Under the dense trees, the sunlight nipped at Levi's neck as he strode ahead. Perhaps he was disgusted by it. 

I blew a wisp of wheat gold out of my face. Usually, I reveled in the disgusted little tick in Levi's eyes when I did something exceptionally gross. But to think he felt that way about- my gut pulled once again and ahead of me, Levi's back tensed. 

The closer we got to the edges of the Forest, large silhouettes began to emerge into view, nestled at the bottom of the Forest floor. Were those..houses?

After lobbing questions at Erwin all day, I’d forgotten we were to be silent now when I blurted- "So is this the village?"

Every head swiveled my way, minus Levi and Erwin's. Various shhhs! flew but Erwin just raised his hand.

"Just this once, Day," he basically chuckled. "And no, it is not. These ruins are younger than the ones we'll see, actually. This village is from a time when humanity ran to the nearest forests they could, to hide from the growing Titan threat.”

I cocked my head, lightly gnawing on a lip. "Hmmm. Why not just live in the trees?"

Erwin nudged my foot in the stirrup with his own, and I shot him a glare. He raised a large finger to his mouth. "Smart. Now, shhh."

Everyone else took Erwin's comment as a jab, and sniggered. Levi finally looked back. But it was over his right shoulder, to Commander Erwin. All I caught was a glimpse of a curled lip, and the light glinting off his canine. 

The edge of the Forest should've been daunting. But it was Levi's expression that sent a slight shock down my spine. Was he.. furious? 

 

When we reached the ominous, old buildings, my curiosity took over as I dragged my eyes across the detailing on the roofs, the cracks in the shutters. 

How free did they feel? I wonder. At least they had the sun. 

Now look at us. We've retreated as far back as we can go. Huddled into the shittiest corner of the world.

I snort at my own lamenting. The Titan problem wasn't mine to fix. I too, wanted to be a rat, and scurry into my hideout. Despite how unnatural it felt. What was the latter? Mass death? I had no right to say how people should die and relieve our threat. Maybe nobody did.

There could be a solution. Where nobody dies.

And I'd be the last one to find it. The universe would make sure of that. So why try?

I tilted my head back to give the Forest one last good look. The huge trunks seemed to break apart the earth, and attempt to reach the heavens. To connect the two. As above, so below. 

 

 

 

 

 

Return trips were supposed to feel shorter. But this one drug on like an epic play. An hour into the ride, and I had pictured a million different ways I'd kick the back of Captain Levi's shapely head.

Not a village anywhere in sight. Just miles and miles of green, mixed in with patches of trees here and there. And luckily, no Titans. The only one we almost encountered, Gunther and Eld had spotted miles ahead, and we redirected without any trouble. It was almost too easy. 

Erwin and Orou were spread out, and Petra had held back to watch our flank. So it was just Levi and I for a mile in all directions. And the prat still wouldn't speak to me. 

My eyes narrowed as I began to dig something out of my boot. Fine, then. Moments later, a pebble bounced off the princely head of Levi Ackerman.

His hands, the very ones that caressed my throat last night, tugged harshly on the leather reins. Still, no response. 

I leaned back on Sage and crossed my arms. "Huh. I see." was all I grumbled, giving a slight snort. What a wet blanket. Couldn't even tease him now. 

I'd just begun to drift my eyes across the horizon when Levi's clipped tone came through clenched teeth, as if each word was a trial.

"You wish to say something. So say it."

Hearing his voice was like dousing cold water on my veins. I felt awake.

I tried to keep my tone as light as possible. "What? Oh, me?"

"Don't. Just.. don't." he said, kneading the words with a threat. 

"Seems I already did." I quip back. I couldn't help myself. 

Slightly maniacal mumbles made way to me as I watched Levi basically twitch with anger while we rode on. My face hurt with the force I used to hold in a smile. It was fun, winding this man up. Too fun. 

"Careful." he whispered. 

My mouth screwed. The smile shifted into something else. 

You're gonna slip. 

Shit.

 

 

 

 

Only the birds spoke between us the remainder of the way, until the horizon shifted into manmade shapes. The village, that was more so a large town, melded into view. 

From a distance, they looked like weathered stone that clung to the land. The jagged contours brought a sense of longing to my chest before I knew it. We used to live out here, unguarded. In castles. 

Foom.

Out of the stone like an omen, a black arrow rose into the blue sky. It was a smoke signal. 

Levi whipped his reins and jerked his head to the side. "An Abnormal." 

His hand reached into his pocket to grab his own smoke gun, to shoot a redirection signal for the other Scouts, when Erwin appeared into view on my right. 

"Halt, Captain. We will proceed forward." 

Levi pulled the gun out anyways. "If they need help, I can pull forward while you all go north."

Commander Erwin shook his head, his large jaw set.  "No. We will all go forward. And none of us will engage."

"You're kidding," I shot out. My eyes found the black finger dissipating against the wind. "We're to go past their fight and not help?"

"Exactly, cadet."

I went to curse something back when my eyes caught on the flint in his eye. He's playing some game. 

Anger lit my chest. "I've killed one of those Abnormal creatures before. It wasn't too hard. There's no point in risking two of your Scouts."

"Day," Levi snarled. "Shut. Up."

My eyes shot between the two men. Refuse, Levi. I wanted to yell. Stand up. Instead, the man scratched his undercut with a long sigh, his eyes still on the horizon. 

"You heard the Commander. Do not engage. My soldiers can handle it. They've dealt with worse."

My jaw dropped. "Let's hope they have it handled then." 

Erwin's tone was as hard as the stone before us. "Even if they don't. You will remain in check, and proceed forward."

Like hell. I wanted to spit back. Instead, I just played the part and gave him a curt nod. 

"Onward, then." the Commander rumbled, and we approached the town. 

Orou skidded beside us a few minutes later after no redirection signal had been sent. He went to ask why we were going towards the smoke, but one look from Erwin and his flappy lips smooshed shut. 

Great. Now more people in danger for what? My hands hardened on reins. If you're gambling right now, I'm going to ruin your odds.

 

 

 

A silence was cast on the town that seemed ancient. 

We scanned the vine-covered buildings with quickness, but there was no sight of either Titan or Eld and Gunther. The town sprawled unevenly across the base of rolling hills, its cracks eroded as slowly as the vines. The roofs were tinged black, stained by rain that had long ago marked its passage. 

The streets lie narrow, more paths than roads, winding unpredictably between low houses and tall castles. All the scars of the past, and here we were to make more.

In what seemed the center of town, a weathered fountain lay basked in the light, abandoned and forgotten. Our horses trotted up to the sides of it, and I caught Levi whipping his head to every angle. 

"Keep an eye out," he said lowly. "Those shits can be anywhere here. Keep northeast. Stay in formation."

I hadn't noticed Petra until she whispered behind me, "Sir yes sir." earning a large eye roll from me.

Our horses crept across the cobblestones patched with grass. They seemed to feel the tension, with Sage's fuzzy ears screwing at every little noise. 

I began to think the two had taken the Abnormal down. The town was bone quiet. 

We rounded a corner, keeping our direction, when something blocked our path. A pair of legs, completely still. The horses all stopped in unison. When I tilted my head back, a small gasp hitched in my throat.

If Hell had legs, it stood above me. 

 

 

 

 

 

A fourteen-meter Titan twitched and seized above us, yet didn't lunge forward. A wicked smile spread across half its face, and blank eyes buzzed around in their sockets. I caught a glimpse of red, and saw Eld smashed into a nearby roof, unresponsive and covered in blood. 

"Retreat!" Levi yelled immediately. "Scout Ral and I will attack."

But when I glanced to Petra, I saw she was completely frozen atop her horse. Her hands, pale as bone, clutched the reins tightly. Wide, hazel eyes fixed on the monster with unblinking terror. So much for fucking reaction time. 

I snarled, my fingers wrapping around the handle of my gear before I knew it. 

Then, suddenly, I was hit by a meteor. 

Glass and stone flew around me and the air rushed out of my body as I got thrown into a nearby building. Once I regained my breath against the hard rock, I realized Levi was straddling me. 

Dust rained down on us, casting a muted white coat to his ink black hair. When my mind cleared, I saw Levi’s own was rapidly deteriorating. His strong chest rose and fell in quick succession against tight ODM straps.

"Don't make me clean up more of your messes, brat." he managed to snarl in the inch of space between our faces.

Despite the situation, I notice a crack in his in eye. A crumble to his face that is almost imperceptible. He was panicked. 

"Just stay here. It'll be handled. It doesn't need to be you." 

Head flooded through me when I met his gaze. One look, and I remember the feel and smell and taste of him. Heat, smoke and moonrise, but no longer. Levi smells like blood, his skin is ice, and I tell myself I don't want to taste him ever again. 

Suddenly, a piercing scream hurtles through the air. It shakes the walls around us with pure force. Was that? No.. 

"They will all die if I don't. I'd rather it be this."

With all my strength, I get my legs between us and watch as those piercing gray eyes widen with familiar surprise. Then I launch him into the other wall of the building. 

 

When I burst out of the stone, blades out, I falter at the sight before me. Petra and Orou, by some Saints miracle, had taken the beast down. In a seemingly executed takedown, both of its Achilles heels had been severed, leaving it to writhe in the street. 

Despite it all, its grotesquely large mouth was unhinged in a guttural scream, all of its teeth bared in a frightening display. There's no way. 

Orou shot down to deliver the final blow, cutting the demonic song off with a satisfying slice.

I hadn't a moment to process before Erwin's loud voice rang behind me. "Scouts! To the rooftops!"

Levi seemed unharmed as he shot daggers to me atop the crumbling roof. Everyone else looked okay, until I peer over and see Eld still passed out across the street.

"Is no one going to grab him?" I shot a look to Erwin. 

The blonde’s dark eyebrows were drawn. "Look across the valley."

I felt it before I turned. Rubble danced across the tiled rooftops. A buzzing filled the soles of my feet. And in the distance, a swarm of black pooled across the green landscape. 

Titans. A herd of Titans. 

Countless bodies scattered a mile or so away, barreling right to the town. It looked like Armageddon incarnate. 

"My god." I let out in a single breath. 

"Scouts. Listen up. We will use Gunther and Orou as decoys to deter the incoming herd. When they lose sight of it, they will regroup with us en route to Wall Maria. Go find your steeds now, and Petra- focus on extracting Eld to safety. Leave."

The Scouts shot off in unison, but my feet stayed planted in place. 

"Were my orders not clear, Scout?"

"You'd risk their lives. On the off chance they can outrun the herd. Why?"

"So you have a better option?" his tone was utterly calm, as if death wasn't about to flood the streets. 

"I'll go. Just me-"

"Don't be fucking stupid!" a voice cut the air behind me. 

I whirled to see Levi still there, embers burning rings in his eyes. "Why do you try to risk your damned life at every chance." his voice sounded pained, weak. "Just listen, for once. Please." 

Instead, I took a step back. "It'll be quick. No worries."

"If you go, I'll have to come." 

I gnashed my teeth together. "Don't be like this right now!"

"It's just the way it is," he said softly. So utterly unlike him that it made me blink furiously.

Erwin strode toward us. "No you will not, Captain. If something happened to the two of you, what a great loss for the human race that would be."

"I'm not going to watch you sacrifice Scouts for this damned mission! They're here because of me, so I'll finish this."

 No one in the world would dream of speaking to the leader of the Scouts this way, but I was past caring. Erwin stared at me for a beat before he said slowly, "One. One of you may go. That is an order." 

I didn't give him a second to reconsider before I'm already leaping off the roof, a plan chunkily falling into place. 

"DAHLIA!!!" I heard a bellowed yell thrown behind me. I shook it away. No time to hesitate. 

Sage had stayed in place, the blessed girl, and I hopped on her with haste. We shot out of the streets and straight into the grass, beelining right for the incoming swarm. 

You wanted me to learn, right Erwin? Well, I’m about to get a fucking crash course. 

Their footsteps pound against my chest. It was a sound like no other. A parade of rocks, falling down the mountain to come crush us.

I wanted the fuckers to get a good sniff before I got too far, so I strode right against the herds left flank then began to pull Sage ahead of them. 

The horse's muscles were taught as they churned below me, pulling me forward with stunning speed. I risked a glance to the right and saw the harrowing sight of Titans nipping at our heels.

Fuck this is crazy, Day. The thought banged into my head. Rows and rows of teeth gleamed at me in the afternoon sun. All ready to devour me whole.

The shadows of their bodies began to darken the grass around me. They're getting closer. 

I don't know when their attention shifted to me, I just kept riding with my body tilted low at Sages neck. "Keep going girl! You got this!" I urged as we began to lean to the right, and cut straight across, away from the town.

I could barely see through the dust, lacing the air with a sickly metallic tang of our sweat. It stung my eyes as we picked up speed, the rumbling behind me filling every bone of my body with its beat.

We just need to get over this hill. And then we'll be out of sight. 

I willed myself to not look back. The uneven terrain was rough, and I took Sage through a calculated path I scanned while we fled. No room for hesitation. The shadows stretched longer until the roar of their pursuit was all that filled my head. 

Then, Sage faltered. A jagged misstep on a fallen boulder. And that was all it took. 

The world screwed on its side as the ground came ferociously at me. My focus has been so pointed on escaping, my mind didn't register I'd just been thrown from Sage.

One moment, the wind howled in my ears- the next it was gone, replaced by the sickening thud my body made against the churned earth. My arm- newly healed- seared with an unspeakable pain that made me gasp, all the air ripped from my body. 

Get up. Get up. Get. Up. Ragged thoughts clawed at my brain. 

I came to a jarring halt on my back, as the sky looked down at me in a way that seemed cruelly indifferent. 

A monstrous foot comes into my peripheral that slams down onto the ground, sending a spray of rocks and dirt covering me. Cold shadows engulf my vision, and all I can make out through the towering legs and dirt are sunken eyes, boring straight into me. 

My hands twitch. No. I won't die out here. I fucking won't. 

A raw, primal scream opens its palm, spreading out of my chest and straight to the sky. My last act of defiance. My fingers find my handles. And I pull the trigger.

Then, as a speck in the shadows, I rise from the dust. 

My eyes find the nearest Titan, and its head falls before my blades even clear their sheaths. Gas hisses in fury, matching my own rage as I ricochet off each huge neck, conserving my tanks pressure. 

I will kill all of you. You are not Death. Each swing screamed to them. But you will meet her. 

My swords catch another neck, as it shatters with a satisfying crunch, the steel biting deep. Blood sprays across me as I feel something bubble up until I realize I'm laughing. Even in the midst of dying, my chest feels lighter than air. Every cell in my body is alive. 

Another head lolls back, toppling with an earth-shaking crash, but I don't stop. Pivoting midair, I angle my line toward the next one. It's a whirlwind of motion, my fury honed into a single blade that struck again and again through the clouded dust. 

Yet it won't be enough. I could hear the sharp hiss of my gas begin to fade into choking spurts. 

My sword arcs through flesh- a Titan collapses. Then another. Steam begins to thicken around me with the growing number of bodies. Blood flows in great, boiling arcs, painting my own body, my face, my vision. The acrid stench fills my lungs, but I don't care. 

Each strike is a battle cry, each fall a declaration of my will. 

My arms burn; my chest heaves with every maneuver. A Titan's massive hand swipes at me, catching the edge of my line. I spin out, careening dangerously close to its gaping maw before I drive a blade straight into its eye. The beast grimaces, thrashing limbs missing me by inches as I tear free and take off again. 

One by one, they fall, but the tide doesn't stop. I feel my swords grow heavy, the impact splintering with each slice. I feel it coming before it happens- the last gasp of air my tanks give.

I barely make it to the next Titan, my swing shallow and rushed. The gas cuts out entirely, leaving me dangling for a heartbeat. It’s almost a moment too long. 

A hand flies towards me and in a last second twist, I'm falling.

My feet find the shoulder of a eight-meter Titan as I struggle to regain control. I run across its nape, slashing as I go, then I jump onto another one. My swords become desperate, ruthless, as I race to Titan to Titan.

I feel them close in. Some launch at the nearest Titan I'm on, leaving me to throw myself off to avoid their teeth. The seconds in my steps draw further apart until something swings into my blindside. 

Fuck. I try to veer away from the massive arm, but it's too late. The blow slams into me. It’s a mountain of force that sends me hurtling back toward the ground as I crash into the earth with bone-shaking violence. A shrill ringing enters my ears. Blood and dirt spin, blanketing my vision.

Real death, inevitable and merciless, loomed above. 

Frantic thoughts rushed into my mind. I'm going to die. I'm going to die stone-cold broke, and Outside the damned Walls.  Anya. Anya- will she even know? And Levi.. 

My limbs hung uselessly at my sides, and my breathing slowed. Guess you were right. I wonder if you'll say I told you so over my grave. 

The shadows lunge. 

Fear finally found me. It took the form of a mass of limbs and mouths, endless and unyielding. Almost excited. Just before their hands meet my limp body- a ripple surges through the crowd that comes from the back. 

One Titan falters, then another. Their immense bodies begin crumpling like lifeless marionettes. The sound is deafening: thunderous impacts as they fall, one after another, collapsing in rapid succession as though struck by some unseen force. A boulder, toppling dominoes.

My breath is frozen, clutched in the middle of my throat. The new wave of destruction rushes closer, Titans toppling like crumbling statues. Then I see it- a small, dark figure darting across the battlefield. A black comet. It rides atop the head of a Titan as it lumbers forward. Then, it blinks out of view. 

My heart clenches, and in that instant, I know. Captain Levi.

His movements are impossibly sharp, impossibly fast. Titans rear back, their hands rising to swat at him, but he's already gone. A flash of steel catches the light, a beast's nape explodes in a burst of blood. 

He doesn't pause, doesn't break the unrelenting wave of terror. Each leap is effortless, the blade cuts through the next with surgical precision. 

The storm reaches me, and the nearest Titan crashes to the ground with an impact that rattles my eyes. I try to stand, to get out of the way, but the second my knees lift, I stumble back into the dirt. My teeth clench with effort as I try again, but fail. 

Relief tries to flood through my body, but it's a fleeting thing, lost in the overwhelming tide of pain and weariness. 

My knees give out, and I collapse for the final time to the ground. My blood-soaked hilt falls from my hand as my vision blurs. The last thing I see is Levi, cloak billowing atop a lifeless Titan- a final monstrous silhouette against the walls of smoke. Humanity’s greatest. 

Then, the darkness pulls me under.

Chapter 48: ripped

He wanted to blame it on the wine. 

He wanted to blame it on the blood bond. The trickery she so excelled at. The way she said his name, an invitation and a cut all at once. 

He wanted to take his ball of blames, of excuses, of lies, and burn it. Be done with it. 

Because the moment his eyes peeled open, and dull sobriety scratched his head like sandpaper, he had no excuses.

Eyes drifted across the dust swirling in the morning light. When his gaze focused onto a certain speck, his first thought of the day hit him with a hammer. 

Levi wanted to taste her. He couldn't keep breathing and not taste her again. 

What have you done to me? 

Then he closed his eyes, and fell back into the slithers of last night. He needed to capture each feeling of it, wanted to drink the memory like raspberry wine. 

I kissed Dahlia.

And I want to do it again. And again. And again.

 

 

                              ———

 

When Levi crept through camp to put her gear away, he'd came across a golden-haired fox asleep among the leaves. 

It was like a dam he'd spent months building had finally been broken, and it look one look at Day's asleep face to know. I'm destroyed, aren't I? 

He found he didn't quite give a fuck. The stoic man cocked a head to an exceptionally loud snore from her. He had half a mind to scoop her up and just take her right back to his tent. 

And suffer the wrath of my entire squad. 

Biting the inside of his cheek, Levi turned away with great effort. And left the girl nestled in a bed of leaves. 

 

 

 

 

The Captain stopped walking when he noticed someone outside his tent. Cold worry prickled up his neck. It was Erwin. 

In the early reaches of dawn, the Commander was dressed impeccably in his military uniform. Blonde hair was neatly combed to the side, and a smug look plastered on the brutish face. 

"Commander," Levi said warily as he approached. "Out for a morning stroll?"

The man only smiled. "I was actually out looking for our protégé."

"Ours now, is she?" his eyebrow raised. Then, a small breath of control. 

"Oh, only for today. I'd like a swing at mentoring her, if you don't mind." 

It was no doubt some asshat gamble, trick, other Erwin nonsense. 

So, Levi said, "Sure. Take the brat off my hands, I need a break."

Or I'm going to rip her clothes off the moment I see her. Or try to kill her, to save me the madness. Who knows.

"Quite amicable of you." the man smirked. 

"What? You thought I'd refuse?" Levi spat. "I got four other dumbasses to command out here. One less is fine by me."

"Something bothering you, Captain?"

"Other than the sausage-nosed brute in front of my tent?"

The brute in question placed a hand to heart as he began to leave. "You wound me. Save that biting tongue of yours for our cadet. She'll need it today. As much focus as we all can muster, don't you think?"

"Tch. I'll focus on not killing two highly valued soldiers today, is all."

Despite their bickering, Levi noticed a certain lightness Erwin's step. It only came when he was at the end of a long game- and eager for it to end. 

If Levi hadn't known better, he would've interrogated him. But he himself was feeling a bit..freer this morning. 

He didn't see the way Erwin's eyes slid to his as he walked off, a predator watching his every move. 

 

 

 

 

Maybe he was mad from the blood bond. Because the moment Levi dropped the reins, so to speak, and allowed Erwin control of the mission, something in his mind became increasingly territorial. 

Is he testing me? Why? To see if I'll break that fat jaw? Levi seethed to himself among the leaves, watching the two interact.

Erwin was inches from her on the branch. Their heads so close, a slight breeze would cause them to smack skulls. As if he can't see the Titans fair and well a foot further away. 

Levi's eyes twitched viciously. 

Every second he spent alone, all he could seem to truly focus on is when he'd get to be that close to Day again. Hopefully soon. 

Bark splintered beneath his hand. I'd rather get eaten. Last night- "God no" he swore to the trees. "Last night cannot happen again. For everyone's fucking sanity."

So he stayed far away from her. From those enticing brown eyes. That fucking unabashed smile, full of self-assurance, splitting her face like a wily fox. Curiosity sparked in oaken embers. The longer the Undergrounder was outside- the more she became herself. 

Someone brave. Someone impossibly strong. Beautiful as moonlight dancing off a dark lake. Midnight and fire, smoking up his lungs. 

And no matter how many gasps he took… he could never catch his breath. 

The dam had seemingly been shattered, not just broken. Levi Ackerman stood blinking like a fool, speechless among the leaves, hearing her laugh echo through the Forest for the third time, even if it was because of Erwin and not him.

 

 

 

 

 

The memory of the kiss slid into Levi's head at random times throughout the day. 

Like when he spotted leaves strewn about her hair during breakfast, and he restrained himself from launching across the campfire to pluck each one out, even spend the rest of his morning doing so. Then, he remembered how his fingers felt pulling that same hair last night. 

The first time the thief acknowledged him since it happened was in front of his squad, when she'd found her gear returned and nestled in the pile of leaves.

The moment she whipped around to meet his gaze- with that fierce snarl that always did something to his lower stomach- the kiss slipped right into his skull. And stayed there until he forced himself to look away, and out of the spell that was Dahlia. 

Each time the kiss came back, a feeling he could never describe took ahold of him. Each time he tried to grab it, to name it….it was almost as if he was trying to cup his hands around a flame. As soon as he felt the heat warm his fingers, he pulled away.

But then she'd make some arrogant little quip, or challenge her superiors, chuckle at her own jokes, secretly marvel at some dusty ruins when no one was looking- and he'd stumble all over again. 

What a disgrace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alongside demented thoughts, tweaks of pain agitated the back of his skull. It took everything in him each time to not shift his gaze her way. Was she nervous about the mission? But resolve was set into those eyes, no apprehension to be had. 

Is she thinking about the kiss then? He stupidly thought for a brief moment. Maybe the pain is coming from her regret. 

We should both regret it. Levi scolded himself while he watched her take a lingering look at the Forest behind them. There isn't room for that here. Whatever it is. 

Still he knew. No kiss would ever taste the same now. He was no dirtier than a used mop. Soiled. Ruined. 

 

 

 

 

"DAHLIA!!!!!" 

 

Swaths of lightning wracked his brain. The pain had crescendoed into a violent wave, battering his senses. Without realizing it, it had brought him to his knees. 

The tiled roof dug into his skin as Levi howled in frustration. She's going to die. That damned brat is going to kill herself saving us. Move. Move. 

Instead, a new pressure dug into his back. 

"Captain." a voice behind him rumbled. "It's the bond, isn't it?" 

That was enough to draw him somewhat back to reality. "What?" he spat to the ground, his hands holding him up. 

"Levi." Erwin got closer, right at his neck. The voice was that of stone. "You need to let her go. This will only hurt you the more you fight it."

It made sense. It did. But everything in him rejected that thought, clawed at his mind to get a grip. No. I need to save her. Before she wastes it all on us. he wanted to scream at his Commander. 

So he stood. Through his blurred vision, he could make out the impossibly fast speck approaching the Titan horde. 

"I ordered one to go." 

Levi bared his teeth. The closer she got, the more his head split open like a walnut. 

"I will not watch her die." the man choked out, hands gripping his ODM handles. "I will not allow it."

A rough hand grasped his shoulder, squeezing with a threat. "Has satisfying your own desires become more important than your objective?" 

The speck reached the swarm as it nipped at her very heels. 

"If she survives this… Day will be our answer, Levi." 

A snarl from deep in his belly crackled through his fog. A pawn. Something to be played. That's all the Scouts were.

"Respectfully, I don't give a damn, sir." 

And he shot off the roof, to the girl fighting an army of monsters.

 

 

 

 

His mind went silent the second he scooped a limp body into his arms. The buzzing stilled, replaced with a calm pond. Still, he felt her neck just to be sure. A strong pulse beat underneath the skin and he felt part of his face crumple. 

"Fuck," he swore to her slack face. "I should kill you for how bad you scared me. You fool..." he took another look, this time linger, down her eyes to her hands that were for once, completely still. "Brave, cruel fool."

But she was alive. She was safe. And now, Levi could breathe. 

 

 

 

                             ———

 

The trip back to the Walls was racked with tension. No one knew, other than the two men, that Levi had completely disobeyed a direct order. 

He just rode ahead, Dahlia held in one arm as he gripped the reins with the other. Ignoring everything but getting back. Erwin’s lecture could wait. 

She didn't wake. Not for anything. A part of him worried if she had a concussion, or worse. Would his head hurt if she were dying, even out of danger? How did this damned bond even work?

Levi regretted brushing Hange off about it weeks ago. Nothing had hurt like the pain he'd felt on that roof. A searing hot tong being shoved into the deepest parts of his head. Is that why I saved her?

He risked a glance down. He knew he should be livid at such control being taken, from a gutter rat no less. A thieving, conniving brat not worth the time or sweat. Yet without her, his life would be... quiet. Gray.

The more he asked himself what pulled his heart, the less he seemed to care of the answer. Maybe killing hundreds of Titans meant absolutely nothing at all, if it meant she got to live another day. 

 

 

 

 

The closer the squad got to the Walls, the tighter they closed in on each other. Levi could see Erwin at his right, hood down, bright blue scanning the concrete horizon.

"SCOUTS! KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR TITANS, WALL APPROACHING IN TWO MILES!" The Commander boomed. It should've been Levi shouting orders, but after his transgression, Erwin had taken full control of the return mission. 

Eld was in critical condition. After the Abnormal had gotten the jump on him and Gunther, blood hadn't seemed to stop flowing out of his massive head wound. 

We're almost there. Levi gritted his teeth. From this cursed mission. 

His arm tightened around Day. Almost there. 

Petra's voice broke through his focus from the back. "TITAN SPOTTED! FIFTEEN METER TO OUR EIGHT O'CLOCK!"

Levi whipped his head to the left and saw a massive figure careening their way at a breakneck speed. "The damned Saints can eat shit," Levi swore colorfully, and looked back at Erwin then swore again. 

"Take her! And I'll dispatch the threat." he snapped over the sound of hooves. 

Before Erwin could argue, he carefully slid Day to his Commander's saddle in one swift move. Then, in a blink, whipped around and charged to the enemy. 

His horse ran straight through while he flew up, sliced the Titans neck, and flipped back down into the seat before the Titan had time to fall. 

"We are getting back to the Wall," Levi growled under his breath as he returned. "And I am never letting her out of my sight again." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

========================================================================

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dong. 

 

 

 

Flashes, like the sputtering of a candle, slammed against my eyelids. Hange, her goggles alit in mad curiosity, that gleamed against the metal bars of a cell. 

Dong. 

Sasha, mouth full of shiny meat, ponytail swishing behind her with fervor. I'm of course, finding a way to bribe her of the rest. 

Dong. 

Eren is tracing the lines of my back with a patience I didn't know he had, stopping at a scar each time he finds one, and replacing the mark with a small kiss.

Dong. 

Storm clouds watch over me. Even without the sun, I'm as warm as could be. Some wish to tame the storm, fear it, or earn its favor. But I just throw my head back and feel it. 

DONG. 

Shocks of light fade and are replaced with brown. A soft brown. It takes a moment before I realize I'm looking at the roof of a large carriage. A bell tolls in the distance, amidst clamored sounds of life about the streets. We must be in a large city. Behind the Walls.

My eyes fly completely open and I jerk, trying to sit up. A hand is placed against my forehead, and firmly, places me back down on whatever makeshift pallet I'm on. A sick bed. 

A rumble of annoyance is broken by the softest of sighs falling out of a nearby mouth. "There you are."

I make out a hunched figure next to my bed, then my heart stammers. Levi. Emotions flood his face when our eyes meet, all in the span of a single second, before falling back into cold calmness. 

"Guess you won't be saying it over my grave after all," I manage to mumble through a little smile. 

His brow furrows. "Say what?"

"'Always knew you were a shit Scout doomed to die'..or something poetic like that."

Levi released a long breath, as if he'd been holding it in for centuries. "You dumbass." My palm was impossibly warm, and I looked down to see Levi pressing a warm roll into it. "Eat."

My eyelids were as heavy as rocks, and everything began to dim. "At least everyone's ssafe," I mutter. "Your dumb squad. Anya. MmI didn't run, 'n everyone's safe." 

"I…I'm sorry, Day. You were never gonna run," he whispers back and I pass out before I can tell him how completely wrong he is.

 

 

 

 

 

The next time my eyes open, it's dark inside the carriage as we bounce down an unknown road. I want to sit up, look around, to see if the other Scouts were okay. 

A part of me was flooded in relief. I tried to save them. And I did. 

I tilt my head and see Levi against the wooden side, arms crossed, head down. A lantern flickered dimly in the corner of the carriage, flashing parts of his face every few seconds. Asleep, Levi looked like a different man. Unburdened. 

And he had saved me.

My stiff hand found a blade under my thigh strap, as I delicately traced it in thought. Erwin had ordered one of us to go. But, there he'd been. Saving a girl he despised, his biggest burden yet. 

A voice broke through the dark silence, almost as if reading my thoughts. "Our hero," it spat. 

Petra sat a few feet away, the hood of her cloak over her face, making the pretty Scout seem more menacing than usual. I could only make out her big hazel eyes, always squinting at me with barely-concealed distaste. 

"I thought the Titans were always the biggest threat to the Scouts. I now see it's you. A nobody from the Under City. Here to throw it all into chaos."

I blinked at her. "I didn't make that horde attack. A Titan did."

Her fists clenched under the fabric. "No, but we were out there because of you. We could've died saving you. But instead, you decided to play the hero. And almost cost us the most valuable Scout in our history." Petra spoke low, filled with hate. 

The blanket fell as I tried to sit up, but instead opted to lean on my side. "We all made it back, didn't we? So you can quit your spiteful little act. It doesn't suit you any."

"Arrogant bitch," a snarl erupted from her as she lunged, but not at me. She swung the lantern to the other corner of the carriage, where a disturbingly mangled body lay under the sheets. 

My heart lurched for a second before I noticed the slow rise and fall of their chest. Eld. 

Shame hit me before I could fight it off. My mouth dried. 

"I didn't want to be out there anymore than the lot of you. I never asked for this. To be here, to be a fucking Scout." my body trembled under the thin sheet just barely.

"Then leave." she whispered, as cold as iron. A hand came from her cloak as she pointed towards the back of the carriage, to the dark open road. "Do us all a favor."

It was worry soaked in anger. It drenched Petra's light into dim callousness. 

I sighed, my joints aching with each bump against the terrain. "If only it were that easy."

Her eyes darted to Levi, then to me in an instant. "Staying for someone?"

"Staying for survival." Anger leapt up my throat. Then I ripped my hair to the side, turning slightly against the lantern light to show her my incision. 

"If I run," I say each word slowly, "I die."

The carriage was stone silent for a few beats, before I heard boots move away and a flop of defeat. Petra raked a hand through her cropped hair when I turned, making her hood fall. 

"There's no way you're that useful," she muttered, the spite leaking from her tone. "to leash you like some rabid dog."

My jaw clicked at the jab. "Tell me of a doctor then, where I can get this removed. I could be out of everyone's memory by a fortnight." 

Petra stared at the wooden floor and shook her head. "If they're willing to do that, then it won't save you." 

Sharp tears unwillingly sprung up into my eyes before I knew it, and I turned to the dark with a hardening look. 

"I know."

I've known since day one. How tight their grip really is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was alone when we got back. My dreams had felt heavy, and long. Peeling my eyes open felt like shedding a second skin. I wasn't sure which part of HQ I was in, just somewhere desolate.

It was as if someone had put me in solitary confinement and a sick bed all at once. With a start, I realized I'd been changed. All my blades were gone. 

My heart tried to beat out of my chest, echoing across the walls of my new cage. I'm arrested? Pinpricks of fear dotted my neck. Again?

The room was lined with gray brick, no windows. It could be underground, except I knew we weren't. Tables lined the walls next to my bed, with various beakers and vials across it. It seemed more like a lab than a sick bed. 

Before I could attempt my escape, the door did it for me as it swung open with force. 

"My favorite patient's awake!!" a maniacal voice sing-songed. 

Captain Hange strode across the room, shoving her goggles to her forehead. A wide grin was stretching her face. With a shudder, I realized how much she resembled a Titan. 

"I thought..." I tried to push off the bed. "We had an agreement. No more experiments on me." 

The officer's smile was anything but apologetic. "Yeahhh but then you also agreed to observe only on this mission. Seems we both forgot a little, huh." the freak winked, then put her hand on my chest as she gently layed me back down. 

"Shhh shhh. Now, drink this." 

A glowing cup filled my vision. Was that..green?

"I'm not drinking that, Hange."

"Just a sip. Then answer a series of questions I have." 

"Why? How is that medicine?"

She chuckled. "Medicine can be alot of things." Before I knew it, the cup had been tipped into my mouth and moss filled my insides. 

"Blfffh!!" I spit, shoving her and the crazy juice away. "The hell, Hange??"

Wiping the excess off her glasses and shirt, the woman just smiled and cocked her head. "Now, how did you heal your hand?"

My arm froze from wiping my lips. "Uh what?"

The ponytail swang against the light on the bricks as she grabbed a stool, then dragged it until it was next to my bedside. Alone here, in a room with her, I'd have taken the horde of Titans any day. Hange was downright terrifying. 

"I had all but dissected you when you first arrived here. I found no evidence of Titan regeneration like Eren has in his human form. Yet you healed at a 300% faster rate than any human on record. How?"

"I stole a serum from you. But something has changed since Eren healed me. Even without it, I heal faster than I used to." 

My mouth opened as if someone was prying it apart. The words came out against my will, making me clutch my throat in horror. "You gave me truth serum?" I screeched. Hange was blessed my knives weren't in this room. No one had ever had this type of audacity. 

She raised both hands as if calming a wild horse. "Only I will hear these answers. ..And Erwin, of course.. There's no need to worry, Day!”

The distant aloofness in Hange's gaze made my hand slide off my throat. The one thing I was good at, taken in an instant. 

"Are you a human?"

"Yes. I think so."

"Do you get headaches occasionally?"

I paused. Definitely knew someone who did. "No."

"What drove you to attack the horde of Titans? How did you defeat so many?"

At that, I cocked my head in confusion. "I'm not sure how to answer that."

Hange leaned forward on her stool, her face alit with curiosity. "You and Levi. You both achieved.. a feat of nature. One hundred Titans. All dead, by the hands of two Scouts. No one can quite believe it. Especially.. you. I've tried to wrap my mind around it. Day, this is all by your own blade? No hidden Titan power we don't know of?"

I shake my head slowly. "There was just me, and my blades. Until there wasn't. And that's when Levi came in."

"Remarkable." Hange whispered, and slapped her knee lightly as she sat back. "You really are something else, Day. This mission yielded more than I ever thought possible. I guess I don't have to dissect you now." Her small frown was hard to ignore. 

"It was a risk, taking the eastern path back. One I personally wouldn't have taken. The reports in recent years of that area had become too unpredictable, much too dangerous."

A lightning rod shot through my spine. Erwin's smug face the entire mission, trailing behind us in cold calculation. He was willing to give up the whole squad. Just to see if I would win. 

No wonder he looked like he'd just risen up from a victory. Lose a few Scouts, gain a new field-proven weapon. And now, with all his little cogs working in place, the man no doubt felt very proud of himself. 

And I'd been one of them. Running right into the line of fire, to prove my idiotic worth.

"Hange.." I finally managed to grind out. "Where's Erwin now? Not willing to conduct this interrogation himself?"

She was unfazed. "Oh no no, you will rest and not leave this room. And for the record, what you're under isn't a truth serum, more so a suggestibility one. So roaming the halls..not the best idea. I think I have everything I needed, so just rest until the morning. I'll come back to do one more test."

My fingers cricked with the need to strangle her neck. "Why are you even doing tests on me? I fought Titans, almost died. End of story."

Hange almost looked apologetic. "I can't tell you that. Maybe Levi will fill you in, if he's willing. Perhaps we're all at the mercy at having to do what we're told."

Her odd little riddles did nothing to sate me, and before I could demand an antidote to her serum, the scientist had bobbed out of the room. Blind fury hit me first, leaving me almost breathless in its wake. 

I wanted to find the shining Commander of the Scouts and dismember him. But once I'd gotten out of the bed, gravity seemed to pull me, dropping me to one knee. 

I definitely wasn't a bloody Titan. This pain was all human. 

Still, I gnashed my teeth together until my legs were straight again. My heart felt uncomfortably fast. Suggestibility serum. The thought that my willpower could be moved like that unnerved me. In the face of Hange's questions, abating them had seemed as easy as brushing my teeth. Unconscious, even. 

The boundaries-crossing, awful madwoman was right. I definitely couldn't find Erwin now. 

So instead, I resulted in pacing my room, refusing to lie down a second longer. Every time I woke up lately, something jump scared me worse than the next.

I don't know how long it had been, maybe hours, until I heard a slight rattle. Someone was testing the doorknob, to see if it was locked. Definitely not Hange then. My spirits lifted for the briefest second. Could it be Eren? Come to visit me?

Maybe he'd have some clue what to do. Then I snorted. Right. 

Instead, a different mop of dark hair crept over the doorway and I took a step back in pure horror. Oh no. No no he can't be here- not now- fuck-

"Levi?" I whispered. He was gripping something in each hand, and when my gaze flew to them, he quickly shoved whatever they were into his pockets. "Is that a-"

"So you're alive, then." 

He looked like he was fighting a grimace. Levi's handsome, sharp features were taut, but seemed to loosen by the second. A strand of hair fell in his eyes as he leaned against the door, hand near the knob as if he'd bolt at any minute. "I was almost worried. Until I noticed how quiet training was today." 

I couldn't speak. I refused to. Not now. May Sina pry my tongue from my lips. 

He cocked his head, more hair sliding into his gaze. The Captain was dressed in his usual uniform, a polished look of brown pants, white neckerchief, and an unadorned dusty green officer's coat. 

Despite his usual impeccable self, a certain.. askewness underlined it all. A button, crooked. One sleeve rolled shorter than the other. Laces barely tied, as if he hadn't a single second to waste on dressing himself. 

"Two days," he said in a deep voice, soft but steel all the same. "You seem to enjoy the dramatics of a near-death experience, don't you. Always seem to drag it on as long as you can." 

I snort despite myself, and my mouth opens before I'm aware. "And here everyone's thinking I heal too fast. I've now become some supernatural criminal soldier in under two days." I say in a fake haughty tone.

Gray eyes glint across the wood as a small smirk appears on his face.

"Tch. That tends to happen when you show off the way you do."

My hands are on my hips in their usual argue-with-Levi stance. Once I realize it, I throw them down. "I was not showing off. I just didn't want anyone else to risk their necks for a dumb, useless mission."

He hummed. "They were aware of what they signed up for before we left the Walls. There wasn't a need for what you did."

"And there wasn't for yours either," I spit out. "You saved me. I don't get it."

Levi tried to keep his face even but I saw a twitch in his cheek. "What's there to get? You in went over your head, I had to pull you out. Sounds like a regular day if you ask me."

"No." I narrowed my eyes, not letting him off. Maybe it was the damned serum, making me feel bolder than usual. "I heard Erwin. He bid only one of us to go. Yet there you came."

Familiar light of annoyance sparked in his eyes as his lip curled slightly. "I didn't have a choice either way."

"What do you mean?"

He laughed, surprising me. It was harsh, bitter. 

"You haven't a clue, do you? The bond rotting my brain away."

I paused. The experiments. Hange said to ask Levi, if he was willing. He was starting to seem more than. 

"Is there something affecting you? That causes your ...headaches. Something that has to do with me?" the words come out weak.  A curse of all curses.

His face hardens and he pushes off the door. "An Ackerman bond. A traitorous, disgusting byproduct of being a part of my lineage. We find a person in our lifetime that we are dutied to ... protect. And some cruel god has bestowed you."

My stomach dropped, and I fell onto the bed as if Levi had pushed me himself. A swirl of disappointment rose in my chest. So it was all..because of a bond? Something he can't control?

A part of me wished it to be more. Then it dissolved into an hot spike, making me flinch.

"And so you asked Hange for help. In.. erasing that bond." I choked out. "So you won't disobey orders again."

He looked around at the beakers, vials, and medicines surrounding us with a defeated look. 

"It's a waste. That disease will never be scrubbed out. And I'll lose my position for it."

A hand was gripping my chest, squeezing by the minute.

“Maybe we're all just at the mercy of doing what we're told.”

For absolutely once in my life, I had nothing to say. Not even the serum had loosened a single quip in return. 

I clocked my gaze back on Levi, who looked like he wanted to step toward to the bed. The kiss we shared. It was just some cancer. 

In a haze of conflicting emotion, I blurt out- "What's in your pockets?" 

Levi looked away, almost shamefully, and for a second I thought he was embarrassed. Red brightened beneath his jawline, and crept up. "It's nothing," he muttered with an eye roll. Then slender hands brought out two things. 

One was a bright orange lilly, a bit mussed from being handled. The other was something wrapped in a linen, that he shoved at me without opening, an angry look singeing his face. 

I took the round thing, and unwrapped it to see it was another lightly warm roll. I held it there, cupped, and didn't look back at Levi. 

"Did the bond bring these?" I said against my will, a small murmur of uncertainty I despised hearing.

There was a long pause, then the floor creaked as I heard Levi step closer. A soft sigh. Then, cool hands were holding my jaw, gently forcing me to look back up. "Dahlia, I stopped caring which it was a long time ago." 

A thumb brushed my lip, and I couldn't tear myself from those beautiful gray eyes, then back to his full, angry lips. "Which?"

"Either my feelings, or the bond. Both guide me to you. Both I am sick of fighting."

His words were impossible. They were soft, sincere, and I shut my eyes against them. I kept them shut when the breath of a kiss warmed my lips, then as I opened them, the room was empty. 

Orange caught my eye, and I reached up to feel the lilly tucked behind my ear.

Everything he'd said swam into a loud cacophony that funneled into one, wheeling thought. He.. cares for me? A mad, bubbling laugh escaped my warm lips. Refusal itched at my every pore. No. I hate him. He hates me. 

...right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The serum sweat out of my system with the sheer speed of my racing thoughts. I tried to get a grip in any way I knew how. Push-ups. Running in place. Slapping myself silly. Upside-down handstands. 

Every strike of pain at least made sense. It took eternity of torturing myself until I finally felt in control. Myself. 

It was time to find the Commander.

When I crept open my door, the hallway was dark and silent. Perfect. I didn't have a clue what day it was, or what wing of the Headquarters I was in. But once I found the moon outside, waving to me through glass panes, I knew I'd find my way to the east wing. 

Erwin's office faced the courtyard and large hill on the front of the building. In the back of my head, I remembered it was also the same courtyard Levi's office faced. I sped my pace.

Tiptoeing across the cool wooden floor, I was thrown back in time to two months ago, where I had been barefoot on this very floor again. Levi had been leading me to my new room, while I followed behind looking like a fallen ghost. 

Now here I was, on my way to see the mastermind behind my capture. And throttle him.

 

 

 

 

A dark wooden door loomed down at me. Even his door is big and burly. I scoffed internally before putting an ear to it. After hearing silence, I gently turned the knob and pushed. 

His office was dimly lit, only a single candle flickering on the wide desk. Every sheet was in its own neat stack, spread across the table like a battlefield. 

"And what brings you here at this time of night, cadet? Aren't you healing? Or should I say, resting."

I slid my feet until I was behind one of the chairs across from him. He didn't say sit, and I didn't try to. 

"You tested us." I growl, grabbing the back of the chair. "Both of us. You wanted the attack to happen. And you wanted Levi to disobey you."

Erwin set the pen he was holding down, the full might of his attention now on me. A smug little smirk tugged on his large chin. "That's the problem with prodigies. They catch on too fast."

I cut through his usual rhetoric. "You played with Scouts lives. As if they meant nothing. For just another damned experiment. Who heels, and how well." My throat was hot with the anger of my words. 

"Did you come here for an apology? An admonishment of truth?" Erwin said innocently. "I'm not the only one with a game to play out there. It shocks me you haven't seen through that ruse as well. What got you to heel. I only knew for sure after the carriage, that is." 

The bait was loud and clear. And I bit anyways.

"Who's game? And how?"

Erwin smiled, clasping his hands together. The flickering of the candle made him seem ancient, a devil with all the answers. 

"I'd wondered how well Levi had gotten you to behave on the entire mission. Not even a single escape attempt. It was impressive." His eyes twinkled, making my fist tighten on the chair. "Until you said what you did on the carriage. 'They're all safe. Even Anya.'"

My heart stopped. 

"You were under the impression if you didn't obey, your Anya would be hurt, yes?"

A snarl lit my lips. "Don't play with me. It was your threat to begin with. You found her, and decided to use her as another pawn." 

I remember Levi's words so clearly on the rooftop that night. “Erwin's not an idiot. He found out. If you act out-I fear Anya may suffer the consequences.“

Erwin looked almost dissatisfied. "I had already found my means to keep you from escaping. I have no need to threaten one's family." 

"Don't lie to a liar." I spat, but the words were losing their bite. Doubt clouded my mind. 

"It seems someone already did. And quite well." 

I shook my head with force. "You're saying you knew nothing of this? Even.. even so, you changed our route to see what I'd do. To see what Levi, and his cursed bond would do. I hope you all got what the fuck you sought out there in Hell."

I shivered under the light nightgown. The one person who since the start, I'd thought had stayed up front with me. Honest, even cruelly so. 

And here I was, made fool of by so many. Just a lab rat, something to be pulled and prodded in which way the next person pleased. 

"Death of the few for the success of the many. What fucking bullshit. If honor is real, it certainly isn't here."

Erwin frowns, and I realize those shining eyes hold back a certain glassiness to them- clouded by years of ghosts. They threaten to drag down his marble features, to bring cracks to the stone. 

He had given away everything dear to him, even his morals, to meet the means to an end. And this is the monster that lay in result. 

"I will not be you. Sacrifice and victory do not go hand in hand." That is the mentality of someone willing to let go of their things. But I was not raised like that. 

I was raised to claw, draw closer to any bit of sun I found. And I'd be damned if I gave any of it up, let alone for some naive ideals.

I could save them all. And now, in spite of this beast- I will.

Chapter 49: focus

All I felt like doing after I stormed out of Erwin's office was to find Levi next. Instead, I found my way back to my dorm, still clad in the threadbare nightgown. 

I knew it was much too late for Sasha to be up, so I crept into the room as quiet as a sigh. In the dim light, something winked under the moon's glow above my bed. Once I got up to it, I stifled a hand on my mouth to hide a squeak. My blades! 

Someone had returned them for me, setting them in a neat pattern underneath the pillow. A single blade stuck out, the one caught in faint light from the window's edge.

Despite churning thoughts, my stomach pulled. Did Levi set these here?

With a growl, I shook my head and scooped my blades up, then put them on my nightstand. I kept one as I got into bed. The rough hilt lulled me into a sort of angry trance. With every rub of my thumb, I pictured a different way I'd kill Levi. 

I was almost grateful for his lie. It cleared the fog that had invaded my mind, leaving what I always knew underneath. He isn't here to help you. He’s here to do his job. Keep you in line. In any way he must. 

Every sweet word. Every soft encouragement. Just coaxing out obedience, like his own to the Scouts.

I grimaced and slapped a palm over my face. And to think I wanted that asshole to kiss me again. 

 

 

 

 

I finally saw Eren at breakfast. 

The sounds of his boots across the wooden floor could've rivaled the Titans. 

"Day!!! Day!!! Hey!!!" the goof waved a hand to me as he sped up, leaving Armin and Mikasa to go find a spot to sit. Long jade hair was up in a low bun, making him look achingly sexy somehow in a simple white and khaki Scout uniform. 

I balked at him announcing my arrival to the entire dining hall. When I saw Sasha sitting a ways off, I hurried over and plopped down. Once Eren reached me, I grabbed his sleeve and promptly threw him onto the bench beside me.

"It's not supposed to be obvious I'm back, rem-"

Suddenly I'm being enveloped in spices and cookies. Eren's hugging me. In the dining hall. "I missed you," he murmurs low into my hair and with an electric shock, I push him off. 

"The hell are you doing," I say between my teeth and Eren only grins a beautiful, wide grin. His green eyes are exceptionally bright today, or I just forgot how stark they were against everything around them. 

"Sorry, can't help it," he says unapologetically. The grin is reaching every part of his face now. "I wasn't prepared to miss you that much." 

I scoff so I don't blush, and shove him again lightly. "Let's hope you improved while I was gone. My numbers..reached a new high," I smirk.

Eren tilts his head, looking worried. "Is that why you were gone an extra day? Were you..hurt?"

"Barely, I just needed some rest." I wave off, sliding my bowl of rice under my chin. Then, I jump. A hand is gripping my thigh with increasing force. The grin is gone. 

"They made you fight?" Eren murmurs under the chatter of the dining hall. His tone is ice. I shoot a momentary glance to Armin, who's squinting at me from across the table. "Who was it? Erwin? Captain Levi?"

I shake my head. "Not particularly ...either of them."

Eren's eyes don't soften any as he lets out a hard breath. The hand doesn't leave, but it releases its vice grip, leaving the skin tingling with slight pain. I found I didn't mind. So, I rolled my eyes and let out a small laugh. "It's really no big deal. I'm here, aren't I? All better."

He gives me a glare, but a hint of pride glints in his bright eyes. "So you did it then? Killed a wild Titan?"

I shrug. "You could say that." 

"Wow," he shakes his head, the smile returning. "I'd ask if you were scared but," then he laughed.

Suddenly- I'm back on the ground, surrounded in a cloud of dirt and death. The sun is blocked out by the shapes of hundreds of Titans, all twitching and running to devour me. And they'd almost succeeded. Almost. 

I shiver and respond, "I was a fool not to be." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'd been out of training only four days, with that extra day spent in Hange's "infirmary", but it had been eternity. The world outside the Walls still felt right behind my back, looming over my shoulder. 

The sound of an avalanche of footsteps still rang in my ears. Though most of it had been an unpredictable nightmare- I loved it. 

The unbounded wind on my skin. The endless horizon. No laws or confines. Just kill or be killed. It was almost beautiful in its cruel simplicity, and I craved that type of clarity right now. 

Because now; here we were again. 

In a dance of glares from across the training field. Levi, standing with the officers, as if nothing had happened. And me, barely able to make out what Sasha is chirping in my ear. A dark pool is in my gut. And all I can wonder is: does he remember it, as I do?

Even if he does, who cares. I sneer to myself. He's a fucking liar just like the rest of us. 

 

 

 

 

Tiny wooden swords. I'd just taken down more Titans most people had seen in their life, and now I was to play with tiny wooden swords. 

Practice today, held by a mustached squad leader named Miche, was to train familiarity with a sword. The sparring matches were simple enough, just disarm the other person. Luckily, Miche seemed to have no clue who I was, so I wasn't paired with someone just to get a reaction. 

My partner stood across from me in an uneasy stance. Connie seemed to dance on one foot then the next in the five-foot wide circle. When Captain Miche blew his whistle, the buzzcut dude promptly dropped his sword. 

"Oh come on." I put my hands on my hips and walk across the circle to kick his sword. "I wasn't gonna kill you."

Connie just throws his hands up and takes a step back, leaving the circle of rope. "Sorry Day. Not gonna risk it. Shit, I still haven't even made up my mind if you're a ghost or not." 

"A ghost?"

He looks entirely too serious, with his round face drawn into a look of resolution. "Sasha may have forgotten, but I can't. I saw you die!! I know I did!! And then you came back!"

A huge sigh comes out of me. "I was dying. Not dead. And then I was fine. That's what medicine does, yanno."

"I'm good on that, really. Saw what I saw." the idiot makes a gesture around his chest, like some sort of ward. 

"Whatever man," I just mumble and roll my eyes. As I turn, my attention catches on a match close to ours. 

It's intense, for a sparring session. Two men lunge at each other over and over again, then retreat to circle like animals. The first thing I noticed, other than Eren fighting reminds me of a baboon, was Reiner's arm. 

Reiner blocked a particularly aggressive swing of Eren's, and in doing so his left arm slightly raised to help. It was still in the sling, courtesy of me, but if you looked closely- he didn't need it. Not even a little.

Reiner was completely fine. 

Maybe Eren kissed him too. I try to joke rationally. Or however the hell Eren had saved me weeks ago. 

Hange's serum? She was still barred from administering them. The only way I'd gotten my hands on one was pure theft. 

The last option was the least logical and I waved it off with a small frown. It'd be impossible for him to hide being a Titan, if he was. There'd be other signs.

Focus on your own shit. 

 

 

 

My next match moved counterclockwise, and I grinned against my will when Eren stepped into my circle. The Titan smiled crookedly and rested the sword on a broad shoulder.

"You know, we rarely get to fight hand to hand."

"This isn't hand to hand, dummy."

"Or at least, on the same level."

"Speak for yourself." 

He laughed and lunged before Miche could even blow the whistle. Wide stance, with no regard for defense. Idiot. 

When he got into my reach, I ducked a hard swing, twisting to the right. Air clipped my face. Eren's Titan strength seemed to slightly transfer to his regular strength, and the force made my skin tingle.

"Close," I click my tongue with disappointment. I saw a flash of his smile, wild and wide. The tingles on my skin warmed and turned to crackles of electricity. He was chaotic- and gorgeous. 

The distraction almost got to me when I missed his sword again by just an inch. I'd yet to swing mine, so I hopped to the side and slammed it down on his hilt, taking his to the ground. Match over. 

"Ugh come on," Eren basically whined. "You could've let it go on a little longer."

"Miss me that bad? You wanna get your ass beat more?"

His smile was achingly bright. "You kidding? Getting my ass beat by you is my favorite pastime, Day."

I laugh off a sudden flush and wave him off, kicking his sword at him. "No one's stopping you."

So the Titan ran at me once more. 

 

 

 

 

Squad Leader Miche, the training instructor, had made his way near us during the tailend of our match. I was circling Eren while flipping my blade around in my hand, waiting. Eren lunged, then stepped back repeatedly. We'd exchange blows, he'd retreat. I stayed right in place. 

The Scout began circling our circle, giving me suspicious eyes over Eren's shoulder. Then he curled his nose, as if sniffing the air. His brown eyes narrowed. The hell? 

Eren noticed my slight change in focus and leapt at me, but instead of going for the sword, he ducked and trapped my legs. It was like a sack of rocks being thrown, and I stumbled to the ground before I knew it. Dust flew around my eyes. I blinked it away to see Eren sat atop me with a victorious grin. 

"You didn't get the sword, idiot." I rolled my eyes and pushed him off. Mine was still gripped strongly in my hand. 

The long-haired man just shrugged. "Still, finally took you down."

"We are not adding that into the score."

Eren chuckled. "Too late. It's now 52-1. Eat it." 

Almost relieved laughter bubbled out of me. It wasn't until that moment I'd realized I had missed Eren too. Every stupid inch of him.

The lightness quickly changed as Miche stepped between us, then crossed his arms. "And what's your name, cadet?"

I cocked my head at him. All the officers should've been debriefed on who I was a long time ago. 

"Don't you know?"

The man's face just hardened slightly. He was old, older than Erwin. His middle part shone in the noonday sun. "Nope."

"Well, that seems like your problem."

A growl came from his throat. "Do you know who you're speaking too?"

Eren behind him, eyes wide, shook his head slowly to me. So, I sneered at Squad Leader Miche. "A pompous soldier, I presume?"

"You could be correct. But this man's skills are second only to Captain Levi," a bubbly voice broke through the tension. Hange sauntered up and threw an arm over his shoulder casually. "So maybe he's earned it."

I just stared at them both, still unimpressed. "If he's so important, wouldn't he know about me?"

Hange shifted her glasses and grinned at Miche. "I meant to, actually. Kinda slipped my mind."

I sighed. "Of course.. Can I get back to training now?"

Miche just snorted, then scratched his five o'clock shadow, not taking an eye off me. "Somethin' off about you." he mumbled. "You smell like death."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch tasted bitter on my tongue. Any other day, and I would've taken Miche's ominous words as a compliment, and never thought of it again. But all I could remember was Petra's cold voice in the wagon, full of accusation. 

"I once thought the Titans were our greatest threat. I now see it is you."

Against the cool oak table, a hand fell onto mine. Lost in thought, I jumped against my will. I looked up to expect Eren, but Mikasa's pink face met mine. 

"Are you..alright?" she said softly. She'd cut her hair, in the days I was gone. It was much shorter now, with jagged edges that outlined her sharply beautiful face. 

All I could say was, "I like your hair." 

The blush turned from pink to a deeper red. Her long eyelashes flittered slightly as she tugged on her scarf with the hand that wasn't on mine. "T-thank you. But, are you okay?"

I tried for a casual smile. "As always."

Her impossibly dark eyes studied me for a second, calculating. Then she shook her head. "Eren told me what Miche said."

"And why would he do that?" 

The Ackerman shrugged, almost embarrassed. It was unlike the stoic woman to seem disarmed and it almost shocked me. Her deft fingers slid between mine as she held my hand. 

"Maybe I know how it feels. To feel like a killer." 

I cocked my head. "That, I don't mind. I just wish I didn't..endanger others around me." 

"We could always train together, you know." her voice stayed in that soft, almost uncertain tone. "That is, if you can still keep up." 

Mikasa was so cute. I could see why Eren was close to her. I smiled, and bumped her shoulder with mine. 

"Oh please. I went slow for you." 

"Cocky," she murmured with the tiniest smile. 

"Maybe."

"So that's a yes?" 

It was my turn to blush, and I looked down into my bowl of curry before back to the lethal woman. "That would be..that would be nice, yes." 

She made a noise of approval before slowly lifting her pale hand off mine. "I'm sure there's plenty of moves we can show each other."

Before I could respond, Mikasa turned back to Armin and left me slightly gaping at my lunch. Who knew. Huh. I smiled to myself.

A part of me in that stupid dining hall realized I'd missed this. Being surrounded by cadets. Even the bloody training. Slowly, I was beginning to like all of it. Just the tiniest..bit.

Or maybe my brush with death made me more grateful to be alive. Even if it is while captive. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levi and I hadn't spoken since the med bay. 

I watched him as we finished our lunches, and returned to the field. I didn't want to, but I did. We had training tonight, in the woods with Eren, but I hadn't decided if I'd attend. 

The thought of his manipulation left a bitter taste in my mouth. "He'd gotten you to behave so well." Erwin had smirked. Yes. Yes he had. 

Someone was complaining loudly to the group when I approached. It only took a second for me to know it was that prick, Samuel Linke-Jackson. 

"Why the hell is this shit even important? Hand to hand doesn't work on a big fucking Titan!"

Ever since I'd thrown the asshole off a tower, he'd left me alone. So I ignored his whining and found Sasha, who was with Jean and Connie. 

Her brown hair swished when I sauntered up, her face turning towards mine. "Do you hear that moron? Miche's just like Levi..and he'll beat on him to prove a message." 

I snicker. "Saints that'd be nice."

I was usually against that sort of thing, but Samuel was a prime exception. The brute of a man had his arm thrown around his idiot other half, Thomas Wagner, while they slowly gained a small crowd.

"The Scouts are blind. Dumb. Why do you think so many of us die?" Samuel drawled, and I curled a lip. I mean, I agreed. But not with whatever he was trying to do. "They waste our time with petty drills. Nothing that'll actually keep us alive." 

The officers weren't here yet, and I almost eagerly looked around for Levi now. I wanted him to hear this. However, a different voice barked back. 

"Would you shut up Samuel. Two seconds with a Titan, you'd be even more of a crying bitch than you are now." Eren strode out of the crowd, taller than most of the cadets he passed. His jade eyes were hard, a spark of anger in them. 

"Eren's been Samuel's no. 1 enemy since the rescue drills," Sasha whispered beside me. "The other day, Eren kicked his ass in grappling."

A toothy grin spread on my face. "Ahh so that's why he's like this." 

Sasha rolled her eyes. "It's just two dumb boys if you ask me. Vying for dominance or whatever."

"Oh most definitely." I snorted. "Shall I put them both in their place?"

Eyes the color of the Titan Forest glittered back at me. "Please?"

The two were inches apart now, both men eyeing the other like stray dogs. 

"Just stay out of it, Jaeger. You've been up in my shit lately. All because of what? I said your girlfriend is an evil little cunt?" the sneer of Samuel's face was dark.

I stepped forward slightly. Right before Eren swung, a palm came between them and stopped it. I blinked.

Miche held the Titan's fist like it was nothing, then kicked him in the chest, sending him flying across the arena. Samuel stood in shock, not moving a muscle. The older man whirled on him. 

"You talk so cruel of your comrades. People who will put their own lives in the line for your own. You don't know a second of honor, not on the battlefield, and not here." His voice was gruff with anger. "Rude punk. You smell like rotten meat."

Samuel blinked in offense. "Excuse me, sir?"

"Oh you heard me." the man spit in the ground in front of him, then turned to the now much bigger crowd around them. "Alright cadets, listen up! I think it's time for our next round of matches. But first: a small demonstration."

Miche's small eyes darted around the crowd, and a predatory grin slipped onto his scruffy face. "Will the cadet Day, please step forward?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was gonna get my ass chewed for this. I just know it. 

If I do, I'm throwing Miche's ass under the bus in a second. 

A man double my size stood across from me, seething with hot anger. The wooden sword seemed to almost bend in his tight grip. Samuel Linke-Jackson was about to get humiliated in front of the Scouts, and he knew it.

It'd be a smarter choice to just let him win. A voice that sounded too similarly to Levi's chided. 

Instead, I twirled the handle and said, "This evil cunt is about to make you her bitch."

"Try me, slut." he spat, throwing his blade to each hand over and over. The man didn't wait for Miche's signal, he lunged right at me with a yell. 

I flipped the wooden sword, gripping the blade's end, and swung in a full circle. As he rushed past me, the broad handle struck the back of his head with a loud crunch. 

The front of my foot made a sharp half-moon around him, dust settling. Samuel stumbled, falling onto one knee. "Fuck!" he bellowed.

Some cheers fell from the crowd. I could hear Eren's distinctly, sounding almost unhinged with glee.

Samuel spun around with a snarl. Dirt flew as he dug in his heels and threw himself my way. He intended to grapple me, with the full weight of his body. 

A looming wall of muscle and fury came at me, his massive frame eclipsing my view. With no time to hesitate, I dove low, slipping between his legs just as he lunged. 

In one fluid motion, I tucked into a roll, planting my hands for leverage, and kicked off his backside. It sent him stumbling forward while I sprang to my feet.

I'd thrown my sword ahead of me to not slow my pace, and I found it in the dirt not far off. As Samuel redirected back slowly, my sword was already in my hand and I was charging at him.

He raised his own weapon to block, but I swung at full speed. The wood blades cracked and bent against the blow, sending splinters flying. With a sharp laugh, Samuel just tossed the destroyed sword to his feet. 

Then a fist flew at my face, cracking me in the jaw. I reeled with surprise. He'd thrown it down to distract me. 

Blinding pain thrummed in my skull and I grinned, feeling the wetness of blood soaking my gums. "Finally." I breathed. "A fight." 

He was bobbing to throw another powerful punch my way, but I'd figured it out now. My forearm threw his own momentum away, and with the opening I thwacked the blade against his rib cage. 

A huff of air came out of him on impact, and he tried to shove me away. I ducked under outstretched fingers. He was fast for a big guy. Fueled by pure rage. 

I returned his punch, throwing it into his gut while crouched down. It stopped him for a second, ragged breaths scratching out of his throat. 

In the cloud of dust, he looked like a bigger Levi, with a sloppy undercut and all. Or maybe it was my own head, still spinning from the hit. 

I should end this now. I sneered to myself. Enough playing. 

But I was having too much fun. 

So, I threw my own sword down, and cocked my head from side to side, trying to regain some of my balance back. Samuel curled his hands into fists with a bloodlust-filled look. 

He stayed on the edge of my reach, not stupid enough to charge full force at me again. He took swipes that I'd dodge, before retreating back. 

"Come on," I taunted, giving him a tilt of my head. "Hit me again."

His crazed snarl told me he very much wished to. Another hand darted out, I ducked, then cackled. "Sloww. Sloppy."

I began to shift my position, with small sidesteps until the sun lay behind me. My face throbbed in heavy pain. Had he fractured the bone? It had been some hit. Blood pooled in my mouth, where my teeth had cut my cheek.

Samuel took another angry swing my way, and this time when I ducked, I shot forward and lobbed bloody spit right into his eyes. 

"Agh! Bitch!" Both arms swung around wildly in attempt to keep me back. I grabbed one, then put my back to him, and flipped him across me. 

The man fell onto the ground with a loud oomf! Blistering surprise hit his face as he gasped for breath. A small smile crept its way onto my broken cheek and the wooden sword nearby caught my eye. 

When Linke finally got the dust and blood from his eyes, a dull point of a wooden blade stared back. I clicked my tongue above him, then wagged the blade. 

"You're a real asshole, you know. But I hear virgins are extra angry, since you can't fuck all you can do is fight." the sword end patted his cheek. "But I'm sure your buddy Thomas can help you out with that." 

Before he could lash something awful back, I curled my arm and whapped the sword against his head. His head lulled, eyes dimmed, and the hateful snarl faded from his face. 

I threw the sword next to him on the dirt. Then spat again, next to his head. "Fucking prick." I muttered, rubbing my jaw. 

That's when I remembered I'd had an audience. 

Twenty or so cadets of the class surrounded the circle, not moving a muscle. No one made a noise for a second, then Eren's loud voice boomed somewhere on my right.

"FUCK YEAH!!!! KICKED HIS ASSSS!!! DAY DAY DAY DAY!"

I blinked in horror as people around him slowly began to join him in the chant. Even Hange's voice was raucous and bubbly in the fray. The sound was so foreign. My name. Being cheered. 

As soon as the wild moment started, it began to slow once somebody seemed to part the excited crowd. For a second, my chest clenched, expecting a shiny black head to pop out of it. But instead of Levi, squad leader Miche came to the end of the circle.

"Enough, soldiers!" He raised both hands to silence them. One by one, they were.

The older man strode up beside me with a neutral look on his face. I jerked back when he wrinkled his nostrils, seemingly taking a sniff. 

"Guess it's a good thing you weren't aiming to kill him," Miche said in a knowing tone. He looked dangerously close to winking. 

"I can't kill with a wooden blade." I frown, then begin to walk off to join the Scouts. 

A rough hand stops me. "Hold it a moment." 

Then Miche drew me back to him, and clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention.

"This is the end to your sparring demonstration. Some of you may wonder why the hell we have you practice 'human' combat," he gestures to the huge slump of a man a few feet away. "It may not seem vital in killing a Titan. But how does one practice to fight a monster ten times their size, if not by starting with one twice their size?"

Miche then cleared his throat, the air of wisdom leaving. "And when Mr. Linke-Jackson uh, reawakens, someone please relay that to him."

Low murmurs flowed through the crowd. I caught the eye of a few fellow cadets, Eren bouncing up and down with near joy between Armin and Mikasa. Annie, arms crossed casually, her eyes as cool as a frosted ice. Never leaving mine. Sasha and Connie whooping and cheering as they exchanged money with a very sullen Thomas Wagner. 

A steady, measured voice came at my ear. "Might I have a word, cadet?"

"Gonna smell me again?" I simpered. 

"Hmpf. Maybe." he murmured, then lightly pushed my back to begin walking.

I briefly wondered if I was about to get my ass chewed on the first day back at training. Found I didn't care, then followed the weird, hairy man. 

A flash of metal caught my eye as we left the sparring field. Officers. We'd been joined by Miche's comrades without notice. For people terrible at streetwork, Levi's special squad was only stealthy in their own element. 

And all of the fuckers were glaring at me. Minus Eld, that is. Levi's right-hand man was no doubt still in bad shape. 

I just planted a small air kiss and turned back to the Squad Leader. Then tried to ignore the weird pang I felt noticing Levi wasn't there.

Once we reached a grassy hill overlooking some of the field, Miche turned and crossed his large arms, a stoic face plastered on. "I've been teachin' a long time. Haven't seen moves like that in years." Something told me it wasn't a compliment from him. 

"They warned me about you. Some Under City hoohah, here to be a soldier now. Took me a bit too long to realize that was you. Sounded a bit familiar, if you ask me." he waved a hand, almost annoyed. "Doesn't matter. What I mean to say is, strength has a way of bringing people together. Something you Undergrounders are hard to learn."

I laugh lightly. "They were only happy because Samuel got his ass beat. That guy's kind of King of Asshats around here." 

He shook his head, dismissing me with another snort out of that huge nose of his.

"You're here to be a symbol. To remind the Scouts of their strength."

Why did everyone and their mother enjoy lecturing me?

"So that's why you let me fight Samuel? To motivate them?" 

Eyes of judgement told me he saw himself as wise. No. You're just old. 

"We win fights with strength. We win battle with heart." he then stepped forward and poked mine with a stern look. "Keep in mind the effect yours has on the rest of them. You could end up being someone's hero one day."

Bafflement took over me and I struggled for something rude. Instead, the truth fell out. "But I don't want that. I've never wanted that."

"We don't want the sun to rise some days, yet it does." he hummed in a low voice. We were still feet away, and I was beginning to notice how big he actually was. 

"Do anecdotes come with the facial hair, or what?" 

Miche's mustache twitched with humor. "You should go ice that cheek. It's starting to look a little crooked."

A vain hand shot up to feel the pulsating wound. I scowl, making it hurt worse. Why do they always go for the face? 

"A few people would be pissed I'm missing class over a mere bruise." 

Miche just shrugged. "In that case, rejoin the spars. And stay away from Samuel. That boy hates you somethin' fierce."

I huffed, and started to head back when the thought of Miche's earlier comment held my feet in place. "When you..smelled me..earlier. Was it my death you smelled, or of the people around me?"

His voice stayed casual. "Maybe both. Maybe neither. Hard to tell."

"Wonnnderful." I draw out. "You should hangout with Erwin. Trade nonsensical quips back and forth all day together."

Miche laughed unexpectedly and the sound of it spurred my feet to start walking away. Had I really been crazy enough to think I missed all of this? Sina, how hard was I hit?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last half of practice for the day was still sparring- except one person didn't have a sword. Their objective was to disarm the other by any means necessary. 

Samuel had been taken away on Thomas's back, probably headed to the med bay. Pleasure spread through me at the sight of the hunk dejectedly trudging up the hill, Samuel's head loose and bobbing on his shoulder. Yeah, I'm definitely gonna get my ass chewed. 

I hopped into rotation, choosing to keep my sword. Getting disarmed seemed at lot less problematic than the latter. 

It took three blows of the whistle for an opponent to actually charge me, though. Everyone else shuffled around until time ran out, leaving me sitting in the dust with a lazy pout. 

I tried to goad one girl, Mina Carolina (silliest name I'd heard so far), into at least trying. "What are you gonna learn by avoiding a fight?" I called from the ground. 

My legs were crossed, the wooden sword layed over my thighs. Mina just grimaced, and shook her head. "I dunno, survival instinct?"

I snorted. "Okay, fine. What if I throw the sword in the middle; and who gets it wins?"

She hesitated, moving some of her black bangs from her eyes. "Is this some sort of trick?" 

"No, I'm just bored." I sigh, twiddling with the splintery handle. 

Wide eyes blinked for a moment then, "Fine. Just be...nice."

I put a hand to my chest with a solemn look. "Of course."

Mina didn't look convinced in the slightest. The sword plunked when I tossed it, landing right between us. My hand came up and I held a three..two...

She took off, heels digging into the dirt. I raised an eyebrow with surprise. Then, put my hands in the dirt to push off, lunging straight ahead. 

A dust cloud appeared around us, and as it faded, Mina stood a half foot away, hand almost on the blade. Mine was lower, hovering an inch or so from it when I looked at her, then grinned. And retracted my hand. 

Mina hesitated, then her hand shot down to grab the sword away. She almost stumbled stepping back, and clutched the sword to her side with a hard glare.

"And just what am I supposed to learn from that?" she frowned. 

I shrugged, getting up from the dirt and dusting myself off. "Restraint comes from strange places? I don't fucking know. But hey, good job. Nice speed."

She just gave me a pinched look before the whistle resounded over the field. 

"Last round!" Miche shouted off in the distance. 

I could feel everyone's giddiness around me. Dinner was in over an hour, and patience was running out. 

Mina left the circle with one last tiny glare, taking the sword with her. That meant I'd had to disarm the next cadet, making me huff and look around. I wondered if Levi's squad is still here. I wonder why they even came. 

All thoughts halted the moment my opponent stepped into the ring. 

"You're kidding. Right?"

Levi just gave me a dark grin as he twirled the weapon in his hands, looking catlike and visibly annoyed. "A moaning runt of a boy named Thomas Wagner came to my office a little bit ago. Told me you beat up his poor friend. Day," he clucked his tongue. "You just got back. Can't be good?"

His manipulation flashed in my mind. Using Anya as a pawn. Lying. All to get me to be good. 

"Yeah he was completely defenseless." I spat, then moved my half-braided hair from my face. 

Catlike eyes narrowed into pure slits, focusing on my cheek. "Ah. And he did that to you?" the sudden change in his lilting voice made me almost shiver. It was pure iron.

I smirked. "I did worse to him." 

"And so shall I." 

I barely caught it, the furious words coming from the Captain. Anger sharpened his handsomeness. It almost hurt to look at him; sharp lines and sharp jaw cutting through the air. 

I sucked in a quick breath. He's a liar. The only one you trusted. A liar. Don't forget. 

The whistle blew. I didn't charge for a second, just watched Levi closely. He hadn't stopped staring at my cheek. He had cut the same one weeks ago. The sight angered me, and suddenly I was full speed across the circle. 

Levi's taut face calmed as I advanced. If I didn't know better, a tiny smile left his lips. Then he swung at my head. 

I ducked, swatting the blade, trying to knock it out of his hands. His grip was tight. Impossibly tight. "Fuck," I swore at him, then dodged another swing with my forearm. 

He held the blade the same annoying way he held his ODM gear, backwards and with a steady confidence. Ready to cut down anything in his path. 

I had the briefest, oddest thought as he took another swing, pure force clipping over my head. This is all a bluff. He can't truly hurt me, due to the alleged "bond" he is afflicted with. 

After finding my way to win, I sly grin held on my face. Levi was an animal who had impeccable offense and defense, so there wasn't a single opening. So I made my own. 

The next swing I didn't duck. Instead, I slowed at the last second and let the blade come right to my face. I caught Levi try to redirect it, but he hadn't expected it, so the wood slammed straight into my side. 

My opening came fast. Levi almost dropped the blade he was holding, and took a step back with a look of shock. I held the cheek, acting as if I was stunned from the force. Then saw the arms drop, and lunged. 

Seconds later, Levi lay on the ground under my foot and the blade was in my hand as I mocked his smooth twirl. "Is this the first time I've won?" I fake a gasp. 

"Dirty tricks." he basically pouted below me. "That was what I'd expect-"

"From an Under City rat." I finished for him, and the grin felt like a knife cutting my cheeks in half. 

Maybe you should've learned her tricks by now.

I liked how he looked dirty, as he stood up with a simpering glare. He dusted himself off as if disgusted, brushing his clothes with brisk fingers. I caught myself watching them and turned away quickly, cursing myself.

A silk voice came over my shoulder. "Using my weakness against me. How very rude."

My heart reminded me of its presence as it thumped my chest. "Did you get the entertainment you sought?"

"I always do. Especially around you, darling fox."

The sudden nickname made my mouth dry. "Don't..do not call me that." 

"As if you don't know what a vixen you truly are. Now, go get that damned cheek iced." he muttered an inch away, almost bitterly. Then his pressure, overwhelming pressure, was gone. 

And I realized my sword hand was now empty. 

 

 

 

 

 

My brain felt rotted from the inside out. Shiny, glistening strips of meat stared at me from my plate. With one hand, I poked and prodded the food. The other held a cloth pack against my cheek, the ice sending cool waves of relief through the abused skin. 

Twice. Busted my face up twice in a day. 

I vainly wondered if it'd have lasting effects, then I let out a self-loathing cackle at the thought. My priorities are so fucked. 

Eren, for the tenth or so time, leaned over and offered to hold the ice pack. "You haven't even let me look at it," the tall man whined. "I need to know how bad it is."

I rolled my eyes, stuffing a chunk of meat into my mouth. "Gonna do another spell on me?" 

I hadn't mentioned to Eren since he healed me a while ago, that I'd begun to actually heal faster. It seemed too wild to say aloud, which is why I was so mad at Hange's serum for leeching that secret out of me.

Eren just blushed. "It wasn't a spell. You just... I dunno. Got to hold my powers for a moment, I guess."

We were whispering now, since not even Armin and Mikasa knew about Eren's special, unexpected gift. Or maybe they did. I hadn't a clue. 

"Is that what that was? So for a second, I was a Titan?"

Eren laughed softly, the sound moving some of my blonde hair from my forehead. "How sick would that be. You as a Titan. But no..I don't think that's what it was. I just..channeled you. It's so hard to explain."

Me as a Titan honestly terrified me. Let alone being cacooned in a sack of.. I looked down at my plate. Suddenly the food didn't taste as good anymore. 

"Well if you could channel some pain killer, I'd be down for that." 

A large hand goes onto mine, and slowly pulls the cloth away. "Wish I could," he murmured, like he really did mean it. The softest fingers replaced the ice pack, as he brushed them against my throbbing cheek.

"Feel anything yet?" Eren joked, and I closed my eyes feigning concentration.

"Oh definitely. All gone." 

A cough nearby broke the small trance, and Eren pulled his fingers back with a rakish smile. Then he turned to glare across the table. 

Armin just bit on his fork delicately, then wiped his mouth in a way that induced violent thoughts. Mikasa was ignoring all of it, completely intent on her own meal. 

"You'll have to let me take care of that before training later," Eren whispered. 

I nearly choked on my own meal before pushing him away on the bench. Still, my lower stomach alit with desire. My mission outside the Walls had involved a lot of unbroken tension, that left my body clenched and sore all at once. I needed release. 

And thank the Saints for the sex god that is Eren fucking Jaeger. 

 

 

 

 

 

We were basically rubbing against in each other in the hallway, on the way to my room, when Captain Hange popped into view. Her hair was strung in an up/down situation, with strange burn marks on the ends. Even her olive blouse seemed ashy. 

"Cadets! I have a message relayed from Levi. There won't be any practice tonight to his complete dismay, I'm sure. He has prior engagements tonight with his elite squad." she pushed her glasses up her nose, and grinned. "And I'd host your class, of course, but I'm to join them as well! So- enjoy your free night cadets!" 

Hange threw her hands up, then leaned in close with hands on each our shoulders, her wide nose between our heads.

"You deserve to celebrate, after breaking the Titan kill record. Hell, if it weren't such a secret, I'd host you a ball myself! The data alone..." the madwoman drifted off and she giggled to herself. Then spun around and began walking away, practically mid-thought. 

"Uh, thanks Hange." Eren said to her back then looked down at me. His face was purely devious. "You heard her. Sounds like we need to do little more than stitch you up, huh?" 

A blush fights its way onto the unbattered cheek. Eren's dark smile consumed the hallway. Such a cheery man was downright sexy when he was direct. The ferocity of a Titan.

"I'll do my best not to break you, then."

Chapter 50: barred

Eren was making me... nervous. 

After giving me that deeply devilish grin, he'd changed courses, and pulled me through the Scouts Headquarters without reason. 

First, we stopped at the med ward so he could actually stitch me up. I sat on a bench with a wary look while he gently rubbed a cream on the throbbing skin. In the time since the spars, my skin had turned into "candy colors" according to Eren. 

It was difficult to not watch his expressive face, in deep concentration right above mine. Strong fingers making the smallest of movements across my skin. 

"Caught you," the Titan murmured, and I jerked upwards, to where his electric eyes stared at me intently. 

I tried to play it off by blowing a puff of air in his face then flicking him. "There was meat crumbs on your chin."

Eren licked his lips slowly, eyes staying on mine. "Did I get it all?"

My own lips were suddenly very dry. "Uh yeah. Yup you got it."

"Good," he mumbled then went back to applying the cream. "I can't be dirty for you, now can I?"

Something in my brain that hadn't fucked in days short-circuited. I think all I did was gape slightly in return, trying to maintain some level of cool. Who knows. I was too busy staring at Eren's arched lips. Imagining them in various places. 

"Your Titan is prettier than a wild one, you know." 

His hand stilled, then a chuckle bubbled out of him. "Oh really? I never got a good look at them in Shiganshina, I was too busy being one for the first time. That ugly, huh?"

"Yours isn't ugly per se." I said thoughtfully. "Disturbing, sure. But it's kinda like a maddening warp of you. Long hair and all."

Those arched lips curled sinfully. "What type of thoughts are you having, hmm?"

I realized his implication and felt a flush spread up my neck. "That's not what I meant- I wasn't saying I want.." I trailed off, unable to come up with a single answer. "You'd certainly crush me."

Eren broke out into loud laughter after that, pulling away to lean down on the bench for support. Once the prick finally caught his breath, he wiped an eye and said, "You were considering it! You really were! God just imagine..." the laughter slowly stopped. "Yeah.. that would be crazy." 

I stared at him for a beat. "Now who's considering it, freak?"

His head shot forward and I felt him lick my nose. "Don't underestimate me. I've thought of worse. I had four whole days to think of what I'd do when you returned, after all."

My heart sped up, my legs clenched just slightly. We were in a curtained-off section of the med bay, but the room was bustling with staff. 

"Why don't you hurry your little medical procedure up," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Like now."

Instead of listening, Eren just applied another dollop of medicine to his finger and tsked. "Mm but I'm not done. I want to see if you can wait."

A snarl tried to raise my lip but I allowed him to toy with me, liking the shiver each low whisper spread over my skin. "Fine."

"I'll let you take it out on me later," Eren muttered and I felt myself smirk. 

The finger dragged agonizingly slow across my cheek. A thumb brushed my lip. I closed my eyes just briefly, the feeling alluring. 

"You know what I thought of the most?" Eren's voice had reached a slightly breathless tone. "The look you get when you're about to come. It makes me almost black the fuck out." the words come out slower. "Big, doed-eyes narrow. Determined. Then lost, for just a second when you finally come." 

The hand wasn't on my cheek anymore, and I felt Eren's hot breath on my neck. He was hovering over the skin, as if waiting. I was basically panting at this point. 

"Okay, now I'm done!" Eren exclaimed and pulled away with a clap. 

The lustful devil had been replaced with a goofy boy who ruffled my head then patted my other cheek with a grin. I pulled away and swatted at his muscled arm. "You monster. It's my job to play with my food."

"I'm all amped up from beating you earlier, is all." Eren gives an easy laugh, then helps me out of the bench as if I need it. 

Blood floods my ears while we leave the med bay. I'm going to do horrid things to that man. I was certain of it. In more ways than one.

 

 

 

 

His airy vibe continued throughout the night as he took me to his dorm, but made me stand outside. This waiting game he's playing will drive me crazy.

I contemplated leaving, maybe forcing him to look for me. My thigh twitched in protest. That would just prolong the torture.  

Luckily, I didn't actually wait long, and minutes later Eren's dopey head peeked out of his room. When his eyes found me, he grinned and stepped into the hallway. "Oh good, you're still here." 

I grimaced, he'd basically read my mind. "For now."

Then I notice something peeking out of his white shirt collar. My head tilts. "Why do you have two shirts on?"

He waves his hands in my face like that was the biggest secret I could've possibly let out, and promptly leads me down the hallway. "Shhh!! Hurry, go to your dorm. It's your turn."

I just shook my head, and allowed the game to continue. "Okay okay."

We reached my dorm in a brisk walk, with Eren looking over his shoulder like a real freak. "Dude you're so obvious." I snort.

He glares down at me seriously. "Go change. But keep your uniform over it! Wear something.." his voice got lower. "Wear whatever you like. Just make sure it's you, not Scouts."

His word choice made my throat tighten and I swallowed, nodding slowly. "I think can manage that. Be right back."

Sasha was thankfully gone from my room, but I still made the sucker stand outside too. Kneeling, I drug a box from under my bed. It was full of my clothes I'd stolen back from a storage closet. 

My breath rode at the memory. How I'd rewarded Eren for finding it. He was so desperate, so pathetically ragged on that concrete floor. "Please..Day..I think we have enough time baby, really. Let me feel you."

"Shit," I swore under my breath. I'd forgotten what I was doing. 

Since Eren wanted us to be sneaky, I snuck out the door without a sound. He hadn't noticed me, just leaned against the wall with casual assurance. 

I took the quick second to admire the view. A thick neck strained with his head rested against the wall. How his muscles buldged out of his Scout uniform, constricted from all the layers. His bun nearly fallen out, leaving numerous strands clinging to his large jaw.

"Well you look hungry." a teasing voice reverberated against the lantern-lit brick. 

Eren had caught me again. I just met his gaze and stuck out a lip in jest. "Practically starving."

"Let's go find you something to eat then." he mumbled, then grabbed my upper arm. 

He walked behind me, the hand never leaving the meat of my arm. When he wanted me to turn, he'd squeeze lightly. I remembered his huge fingers gripping my thigh earlier at breakfast, his anger briefly stealing his focus from how hard he'd been doing it. 

Would he do that tonight, I wonder? A craven thought slithered through my head, and I smirked to myself. 

After he sees what I'm gonna wear- oh he's sure too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our next destination was the forest outside of HQ. The moment we broke the treeline, Eren began sprinting and yelled, "Come on, I know you're faster!"

I was, of course, so I took the bait and started chasing after him. Piles of clothes led a messy trail behind him, along with a husky laugh that made my insides burn. 

He ducked through thicket, skirted around trees, and leapt over logs with a wildness that left me grinning behind him. Then I sped around a wide trunk, and the hunky figure was suddenly gone. 

The dim forest called out trills through the silence. Sticks cracked, but from angles all around me. The forest was coming alive for dusk. 

I panted slightly against the bark and stayed against the tree, searching the silhouettes for movement. "Little shit," I muttered to darkness. 

A heavy snap of a stick sounded behind me and I spun to meet it. Before I could, huge arms suddenly wrapped around me and threw me back against the tree. 

His Titan strength definitely goes to his human form. I thought distantly. 

"52-2?" an excruciatingly deep voice sounded against my neck. 

I struggled half-heartedly, my back digging into the bark with each twist. "As if that counts. It's still 53-0 if you ask me."

The teeth against my skin nipped, then drug a line down my neck. Eren squeezed, then slammed me harder to the tree. One of my knives, nestled into my spine, left a jolt of pain as he did. It was always just enough to hurt, never enough to damage. And I don't even know if he had a clue he was doing it. 

"I'll lose. I'll lose a million times," he muttered lazily. "If I just get to touch you." 

The large hands moved down my hips, the grip holding. "Day.." his voice dropped. "What are you wearing? I'm going to have to kill everyone in that bar."

A cheeky laugh rumbled out of me. "A bar? That's where we're going? Oh thank Sina."

I wiggled against the tree, teasing Eren. The slitted corset, one of my favorites from the Underground, was stolen from a corrupt tailor- silk worm fabric, the best we had. I'd carefully sliced it to create open lines that curve down my hips, resembling a second rib cage.  Only my ODM blades could cut through silk worm, so it had been delicate work. 

The matching black skirt was short, wispy, and glittered faintly, contrasting sharply against my wide boots. I shoved Eren away and planted a heavy foot on his chest. 

"What did I say about getting all possessive, hmm?"

Eren just grinned with wicked delight against the dimming sun. Never had he so resembled a Titan. He grabbed my calf and pulled, making me stumble into him. 

"I told you I can't help it, baby. You make the Titan in me go absolutely wild. It's hard to reign in on a good day."

"And this isn't one?"

The jade eyes glow. "Oh no. Not at all."

The man suddenly lifted me, his arms wrapped beneath my legs, just as air rushed out upon impact with a tree trunk.

Stop shoving me into this damned thing. I wanted to growl, but all thoughts quickly vanished the second I saw Eren drop to his knees. 

My legs were raised over his shoulders, my full body weight hanging off the tree. Loose hands dug into Eren's hair while he began nipping at every inch of open skin. 

"Saints the thoughts I had while you were gone..." a pained voice comes from my thighs.

My hair was loose tonight, and I had to keep swiping it from my face to keep the view. Molten emeralds gleamed up at me. The pure want in them made my breath hitch. 

"You look good down there," I press my neck against the trunk to give a slow smile.

A bite comes to my inner thigh. I don't jump, but my fingers tighten their hold. Eren slides me just a bit higher to leave a better angle for his head. Before I know it, it's between my thighs, tongue moving aside my underwear in one aggressive movement. 

Then I truly gasp when coldness meets my body. Eren wastes no time in his fervor. A minute in and my back's already arched, my mouth parted to release tiny huffs into the chilled air.

"My god.." I muttered, almost to myself. My eyes close to savor the pleasure, and without warning, a memory flashed into my head. 

It was a tent, darkly illuminated. And a drunk, teasing Levi staring me down. How he'd kissed my lips with such anger, like he was furious with himself for each one. The way he'd lick the bite marks he made in apology. Humanity's greatest soldier with his restraint broken. 

A shocked gasp went through me I tried to cover with a moan. Get out of my head, demon. Especially now. Eren took the sound as encouragement, and his licking quickened, making me truly moan. 

I kept my eyes open the rest of the time as I watched Eren's performance. His wide eyes would flick up to me, then back down to narrow and focus with intensity. Light tremors laced my skin, and I rocked against his tongue in near desperation.

My thighs began to shake. They almost slipped off his big shoulders until Eren took a hand and gripped one with force. "You can do it, baby. Almost there."

Then he lifted the leg to get even better access, making me tilt sideways. His head and the tree were the only thing I had for support when my orgasm came crashing down on me. 

Small gasps of yes ohh fled from my lips. Eren held me while he didn't slow his tongue assault, making me pant harder and harder even after the orgasm had left me. Finally, once I was fully spent, Eren pulled away with a glistening grin.

Kisses landed on my quivering skin, and he got off his knees to set me against his waist. The tall man pressed a forehead against mine, ringing us in a sea of his now-loose black hair. 

"You're a goddess," he murmured to my flushed face. "Fuck do I love to worship you." 

Then he kissed me, his scent sweet and sweaty. And for some reason, guilt panged at the back of my mind. That, and total confusion. Levi? Fucking Levi at a time like this? 

Eren started to notice some distance in my face, because his head cocked, forehead still against mine. "Did I..are you okay?"

I nodded almost too quickly, and set another firm kiss on his plump lips to stop any further questions. When I pulled away, hungry hands found my waist again and when our eyes met, Eren's were heavy. 

"I could fuck it out of you, if you want."

I jolted my head back, thinking he'd read my mind again. "What?"

He just laughed, and nipped my jaw. "Whatever's bothering you. I can help."

My head shook slowly and I fought off a slutty smirk. Hot bastard. 

"Don't we have ale to go drink?" I tried. 

"Perhaps I'm a little afraid if I get a bit of drink in me I'll .. Saints make a fool of myself, I dunno." 

I lift my eyebrow. "Oh? Well not to worry, I do that about everytime." 

His chuckle made my cheeks heat. "I'd like to see that. But we have time. After all, it wouldn't be the first time I've fucked you against a tree, would it?"

I was beginning to realize Eren was a freak in more ways than one. 

"Oh, how could I forget. Was that before or after you brought up dating me?" I give a wry smile. 

Insatiably warm hands slid up my thighs, as fingertips swirl patterns on the skin. "Haha very funny. Offer still stands, you know."

Eren had strong features that looked nearly angelic when softened. It made it hard to focus. His eyes flicked to my side, then back. "How's your cheek?"

"It's nothing, really." 

"Always nothing." he made a sound of annoyance, then leaned forward to bite my other cheek. 

I fell into a sort of trance as he made tiny kisses and bites around my face, with a much slower patience than he'd had a moment ago. 

"For someone obsessed with freedom," I mumble, lids low. "You'd think you wouldn't want to tie yourself down."

Eren's laugh was always so easy. "Day, those two things aren't exclusive." 

Another nibbly kiss to my lower eyelid. "Maybe I just hate to hide how I truly feel. That doesn't feel freeing." he murmurs.

"And aren't you doing that right now?" I tilt my head against his kisses, and suddenly it's hard to swallow. 

"I mean everywhere. Where I can hug you in the dining hall and it not be..an issue." 

I try for a light laugh. "I don't think there's any confusion with our peers on how you feel, Eren."

Regret bit at my tongue. This is your fault, dumbass. Why did you even bring up the dating?

"Doesn't stop them from looking." His tone is almost bitter, and I can't tell if I'm enjoying this now.

"That's what you want then? To stake your claim?" Was he forgetting who I am? 

"No, no." He muttered, and I realized the kissing had stopped. "If anything, it's the opposite." 

Oh. I felt my eyes narrow almost predatorily at the tall, blushing man above me. "Now that is romantic." 

Lips returned. "Is it?" 

"You're very cute, scary Titan."

"Am I?" the voice was practically a growl now, and the next bite made me smile. 

"Now, what was that you were saying about pinning me between a tree and a hard place?" I cocked a head, glad to be rid of whatever I had begun to feel in my stomach.

"I'll try to watch the cheek, beautiful."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lover boy led me through a dark path, along moonlit leaves. The air wafted with the coppery smell of sweat and excitement. 

Thank you, all Saints. I hadn't been fucked that good in years. 

A feral part of me, that watched Eren's dark silhouette push branches away for me, wondered when there'd be round two. I'd be sore in the morning anyways, why not add on?

"We're almost there," came a hushed whisper beside me. "You brought money, right?"

His joke was hilarious, so I stifled a burst of laughter. "Sure sure."

"Too bad, I wanted to pay for you."

"Eren, no I didn't bring money. I don't have any?"

The damned Scouts had stolen it all. Regardless that I'd stolen it first. 

I could hear him smile. "Perfect! Then just let me lead, I'll take you to all the best spots."

This was our one night to do it, after all. Our nightmarish caretaker was thankfully off somewhere with his crew, leaving our chains a little loose. The longer I thought of it, the more I realized Eren and I were one of the same.

What if I just took his hand and fled?

If either of us ran for good, the Scouts would find us. He was an invaluable asset. Fortunately for his masters- he just wanted to be here. Eren would always be a Scout first and foremost. 

When the line of trees finally broke, light peeled through the foliage. A large town lie against the hulking shadow of Wall Rose in the far distance. 

"See, I told you it was a great shortcut. Only my friends know about it." Eren said, his voice rising in giddiness. 

"They won't be here, will they?" I stayed in the thicket of leaves until sure it was all clear, then slowly stepped out. 

"Oh! uh... no clue. I didn't invite them or anything." I noticed how he sped up, keeping his eyes on the growing street lights. 

The obvious lie made me quit walking. "Eren."

In a turn that was almost bashful, I saw an apologetic grin on his face. He scratched his neck, then began to gather up the mess of the hair as if he'd forgotten it was down now. 

"It was supposed to be a surprise?" he winced, feeling the weight of my glare. "Word..kind of got out about what you and Levi did outside the Walls."

Shock hit me, angry and quick. "How the fuck?"

Eren kept a slightly calm face as he tugged on raven hair, securing the low bun. It graced the nape of his neck. The sight of it distracted me for a brief moment, the heat of a few minutes ago still hot in my blood. 

He shrugged, lowering his arms. He looked guilty. 

"I promise I didn't tell anyone first. When I went in to change, Armin told me everyone found out after we ate. Something about Levi's squad. They'd toasted Levi's achievements during officers dinner. Then Levi corrected them. Said he wasn't the only one to kill that high of a number. He named you."

"He what?" was all my stupid mouth could come up with. 

Eren backed up a step. "Yeah..uh I was surprised too. You're supposed to be a secret, right? So that was.. kind of insane for him to do." If I didn't know better, Eren was hiding anger. I saw him work out his jaw, avoiding eye contact with me. 

"And so..you invited all your friends to celebrate this?"

"They're your friends too!" he tried to protest. "And they knew already, so why not? It is something to celebrate, Day! Captain Levi was right about one thing. You deserve recognition for it."

I tried to slow my breathing and pressed fingers to the bridge of my nose. "I don't...my god. Okay. Fuck."

My brain couldn't grasp a single thing. That fucking asshole. Slaker's gang would be sure to hear of this. What had he done? 

Levi wasn't known for his honor. So it couldn't have been to simply acknowledge the truth about the incident. He knew the consequences of those words. 

"Fuck it! Let's go get drunk." I threw my hands up in defeat. 

I could tell Eren felt bad, and I started to sympathize. It was sweet he planned this. All while I was outside his dorm, only thinking of getting nasty with him as quickly as possible. He's too sweet.

 

 

 

 

 

The bar strip of Kastenfeld (town's name, according to Eren) wasn't long, but it was rowdy. Swaths of people lined the cobbled street. It was the perfect time of night for boozing, and plenty of the townsfolk were in full swing. 

A familiar jitteriness sank into my bones. My fingers twitched. God I missed ale. Missed drunken karaokes. I missed barmaids, and tavern energy. It was debauchery and joviality with a shot of whiskey. My favorite pastime. 

Our first bar was packed, but Eren just led me through with casual ease. I'd finally gotten a good peek at his outfit, and damn. 

A slutty slit ran down the middle of his dark cotton shirt, revealing wide pecs. It was loose on him, and everytime it slid across his collarbone I caught myself following the movement. He even had burly boots on, just like me. 

Aren't we a pair? I thought in rolled arousal. 

With Eren's glowing smile, he retrieved drinks in record time. Cold glass touched my palm and I threw my head back to slam it down. Glorious glorious beer. 

"I thought we'd start together, then find them later on." Eren fought the noise against my ear. "Give you time to get loosened up, yeah?"

Suddenly, I was severely grateful for this stupid boy. I gave a wide grin and threw an arm over him, slamming a wet kiss to his cheek. 

"How do you always manage to get it right?" my bafflement is clear, and his face turns ruby.

A part of me hoped Eren had invited Mikasa and Sasha. They were the only people I'd met who truly began to feel like friends. It would be fun to see them out of all the military fuss. 

Claps resounded off the stone walls. A fiddler had begun a hypnotic, upbeat song that was bringing half the bar into a dance across the room. Eren eyes me, the infectious grin on that beautiful face. 

"Shall we?" 

"After you, Titan." 

I'm whisked into the movement, one hand still faithfully on my beer handle. Eren, I find very fast, had great rhythm. 

"Is this where all your skill lies?" I laugh over the bubbly music. "You'll have lead, then. I'm not familiar."

It was a rush of a dance, one I'd never seen in the Underground. Everyone circled around the fiddler, in rows of people that rotated and hopped to the beat. I loved it. Organized chaos.

"In a moment, we change partners!" Eren exclaimed, then spun out of sight to clutch the arm of another girl. 

I followed the momentum and caught the arm of a man adjacent to me. The pace was too fast for much chatter, so we just smiled to each other and danced, letting the energy of the circle lead us. 

I don't know how long we danced for, or how many partners I had, but once the song stopped- Eren was there. I felt as if I'd been under a spell, and I came forward to kiss him promptly. 

"I hadn't had that much fun in ages," I murmur against his lips. "More please?"

Strong hands found my waist and pulled me to him. "Gladly, hero. You're the star of the night."

I shook my head in mock disgust and tried to pull away, but he just laughed and pelted kisses on my uninjured cheek. Something about Eren outside the Scouts was so freeing. It took my breath away. 

 

 

 

 

 

He whisked me to the next bar. We were now thoroughly flushed and sweaty, with spiced drink flowing in our veins. In our drunken glee, my hair had become an untamed mess, plastered to my sticky chest. It made me grateful for the cuts in my corset. 

"There she is!!!! Guys!" A shrill voice came across the street as Eren and I left our second bar.

I turned toward it just as a body barreled straight into my side. Sasha's familiar scent of pine welcomed me. "We've been looking for you two! Sorry if I stink- Connie puked on my foot."

I just laughed and hugged her back. A rowdy group joined us, and I saw Connie had completely recovered and was now trying to slap the top of Jean's head.

"Bitch you look so hot!" the archer exclaimed, holding her arms out with a grin. I pepper her with sloppy kisses to the cheek in thanks. 

She was gorgeous in her own right. Sasha's chestnut hair fell loosely, framing her round jaw and deepening the warmth in her features. Her slightly cropped shirt , paired with a flowing skirt and boots, gave her the effortless charm of a seductive barmaid.

A dangerous look around me, for sure.

"The Slayer!" 

On instinct, I tensed at the sudden title. A heavy hand clapped my back, and I yank my head around to glare at Reiner. All of our friends, huh Eren?

"Oh, please. That title is too grand for me," I lie to him. 

I'd never fully like the blonde hunk. There were numerous reasons why. Maybe it was deep lines of sadness across his face; too many for someone so young. 

"You're gonna get some kind of cool nickname, I bet," Connie interjected. "No one kills that many Titans and doesn't."

I saw Armin and Mikasa to my left talking with Eren, and I longed for a sudden escape from this conversation. I knew this was a celebration for me, but doing it felt weird. This was all for an act of blind survival.

Even Erwin had said. "This mission is not for glory, or to show off."

Well, it seems you dropped the ball on that one, Commander. Shouldn't have set a trap for me. You underestimated I'd be dumb enough to fall in. 

Still, I allowed the fellow cadets, and that one random guy- named beefcake or Buffoonery I don't fucking know- lead the way to more libations.  

My ass was thoroughly trashed by bar #4. 

Eren was behind me on some dance floor, both arms around my chest as we swayed to distant music. My head was dipping slightly, but a smile hung on my sideways lips. He was mumbling something I couldn't quite make out. 

"Don't they look adorable?" I finally heard. 

My low eyes found who he was talking about and a drunk giggle fell out. "Oh my god. How much have I fucking drank?" Two calm blondes hold each other under the string lights of the bar. Armin is practically lost in Reiner’s wide muscles, pretty much the size difference of a human and Titan. 

"I would pay good money to see those two make out," I slur, and begin laughing again. The match of the century. 

"Oh you would?" Eren growled in my ear, and I feel a tiny bite against the lobe. 

I try to be serious, but I can't manage that on a sober occasion either. "With my eyes peeled, end to end."

Eren fell into heavy laughter against my back, and I felt the arms squeeze. "You're gonna get in trouble one day with your brashness. I just know it."

Years too late for that. I wriggled out of his tight grasp with a slight stumble. 

"And it looks like we've all had too much to drink," Eren smirks once I face him. 

"Are you calling me a drunken whore, Eren?" 

His eyes double in size. "I'm - what no no I'd never-"

And I double over in boozed mirth, tears springing to my eyes. He quickly joins me, shakes his head and pushes me across the dance floor. "We need a water break."

I allow the Titan to lead me around throngs of people, as a few friends call out as we pass. I throw a wave to an ever-collected Mikasa, who has to be five pints in, but is yet to show a single sign. She just waves back with a small smile, looking severely beautiful in a dark cloak and skirt. Her arms are over Jean’s back and he looks elated at the fact. 

One we reached the bar, Eren is quickly pulled away by Sasha and Connie- twin morons, as usual- into a synchronized hopping dance. They all interlocked elbows, and with drunken grins, began moving in a playful, chaotic circle that tightened and loosened with each rotation. 

I was just thinking about joining when a hand suddenly slid up my arm. It was rested against the bar, and I jerked it away, swaying slightly. "'Scuse me?"

A shaggy townie leaned across the long bar, much closer than needed. I could make out the dingy smell of cigar in his breath. "Hey," he slurred. "You're a pretty one. Always..always love a good blonde."

If this were the Under City, my blades would've already been out. I mean, I’d chopped a man’s hand off for less. But, murder was frowned upon topside, so I just sighed and pointed across the dance floor.

"There two blondes over there I bet you'd like alot more." 

The man just squinted to where I was looking, and he cocked his head. "All I see are dudes."

Too bad Annie wasn't here tonight, I could've shown him a real fun blonde. 

"Exactly. Bye!" then I jotted off, and Sasha held her arm out for me to join in the circle. 

"Bitch!" the guy shot to my back, and I was too drunk and happy to quite care. Eren, unfortunately, heard him just fine. And did care. 

The circle broke. Eren shot forward and pushed the guys chest, sending him flying into bar stools. Some people give shocked looks but don't dare intervene. Eren towers above them, after all. "What did you just call her?" 

"Heyy, knock it off!" I call out from the dance. My voice comes out more muddled than I want. Sasha and Connie try to slow, but I pull them to keep going. "Saints, don't egg him on."

Connie just cackles, and bounces with joy. "Big ole manly man over there, aren't ya Eren?" A chain glints around his scrawny neck, and I think it lowkey works for him. 

The townie is now sprawled across chairs, scrambling to get up, but the angry idiot starts to kick his side with almost glee. Little sadist. A boozy grin creeps on to my face. 

In a few rounds of the circle, the guy is completely unconscious against the rubbles of chairs. Only then did Eren stop, and he signaled to the bartender.

Before I knew it, he was back in the dance, handing me a cup of water with a free hand. I took it, downing it, and refused to acknowledge the dumb drunken act he just pulled. 

Not even a minute later, an old, furious man was coming across the bar, waving a cane in a rage. 

Eren may have beat on a random guy, but the second the bar owner came down on him with yells to leave, he was all bows and I'm sorry! 

Our group left the bar and spilled out on the cobbled streets of Kastenfeld in drunken hoots and giggles. Sasha and I continued our own version of the circle dance among the street, while Mikasa clapped to keep time. 

It was beautiful, messy, and so much fun my face ached from laughter. So naturally, rain found its way into our parade. 

"I see nine Scouts far from home. Which ass should I kick first?" a liquid voice full of liquor and judgement flowed across the street.

We all stopped to see Captain Levi standing under the light of a street lamp, arms crossed, but I could make out the smallest sway to his body. I keep a heavy focus off the fact he looks effortlessly handsome in a casual all-black military jacket and well-fit pants, the brass buttons catching the light just as sharply as his glare. 

He looked like a model who moonlighted as a military commander. He looked damn good. Then, I was immediately pissed. The pricks been hiding this fashion sense all along?

His elite squad stood behind him, along with Hange, who grinned wide and waved hard at everybody. "Hey cadets!!! Fun evening?"

Reiner's weird friend, Bohemia or something- who was in my opinion, uncomfortably tall- began to scramble back across the brick. "Guysse, let's go," he tried to whisper, but we were all drunk- and loud. 

Sasha still had my hand, and I felt hers squeeze with fear. "Fuck fuck fuck," the wide-eyed girl muttered. "A whole squad of officers."

Everyone jittered nervously, unable to speak out directly. Eren and I made eye contact, and he had the audacity to wink at me. 

"Well," Levi clapped once, the sound dry and crisp. "If I won't get any volunteers, I'll have to pick from the crowd. You," a finger jabbed at Eren. "And you."

I scowled, the form unable to hold on my intoxicated face but I tried. The rest of the group just mumbled quick goodbyes, and fled/stumbled into the night. We were left with Levi, eyes full of wrath, and his squad giving us hard looks over his shoulder.

"Why is it allllways you two," he drew out, and took a step forward. The light bent over his shoulder, making a cloak around him as he got closer. 

Eren just looked at me, then to Levi and shrugged. "She deserved to celebrate her night too, don't you think Captain?"

Levi growled, and the sound of it made my skin tingle. "Prisoners do not get special privileges. No matter how good of a job they do."

The asshole reminds me of a sleepy cat when he's drunk. The thought slid into my head before I could stop it. Broken giggles fell out of me, and I leaned over to hold them in. 

Once I came to, I said, "ohh you're not gonna do anyything. I'm usssefuuull."

Petra gave a sneer behind him and came forward grab Levi's arm. "Useful or not, you're still just a street thug." the girl spat, her bob following the movement. 

My eyes were focused on where she held Levi's arm to her, and I felt myself frown slightly. Why do I feel like cutting her right now?

"Captains with all due respect," Eren said with very little in his tone."Maybe threatening and insulting your comrades isn't the best for morale. Especially ones who break history records."

My chest warmed and I glanced to see Eren, face flushed and eyebrows drawn with quick anger. His defiance was a sight to see. 

Levi's face twisted with malice, and he threw Petra's arm off before stalking forward in brisk stomps. Her look made me unspeakably happy, and I held off another giggle. 

Oompphfff!  

Eren is hurled midair and flips, landing with a resounding thud from his chest that makes me wince. Levi just stares down at him, eyes alit delighted contempt. "Wait, Captain!-" a slam rocks into his side. Levi's boot. 

"Ungrateful brats," he sneers. His jet black hair catches the ripples of the lamps. "We were gonna have a pizza party." Kick. "But you can say goodbye to that now." 

Pizza ? sounded intriguing. I'd have to keep it in mind as something to go steal..

Another brick whams into Eren's ribs. It makes him cough blood. I step forward, beginning to be done with all the drama. I knew he'd heal in no time, but no one deserved their ass to be kicked this bad with an audience. (Besides Samuel).

"Captaainn, that's- hey that is enough. I think he got your point, oh sire." I call out, trying to keep myself in bay. The beer says otherwise, and the world begins to spin. I've been still for too long now, and the booze was catching up. 

He pauses the assault only to shoot over his shoulder, "Shut up, damned drunk."

You're drunk too. I wanted to jab back. But in the attempt to not sound childish, I came forward to stop him instead. But before I reached Levi, a hand gripped the back of my corset and tugged.

Gunther Schulz. "Don't presume to attack the Captain." he says in a haughty tone. He was likely more than pissed about Eld's bad condition right now. And no doubt blamed me too. 

"SsSorry, Gooter." I hiccup slightly. Then I lean forward, bringing him with me, before slamming my head into the front of his face. I hear a crumple behind me.  

"This cocky fucki-"

"Petra!" Levi barks. "Do not engage. Step. Away."

In my haze, I see a flash of auburn hair steps from me. "Hahah, if I'm the street thug, who's the startin a dirt brawl huh?" I cackle at my own idiotic joke, and shoot Petra a warning smile. 

"Up here, it's a concrete brawl, dumbass." Levi says, all insult clear. Another kick flies into the Titan, who's near delirious now on the ground. A trail of blood seeps from his nose and I hear him mutter, "Day? No no, no fight!"

I grimace at the poor guy. "Let uus put ourselves to bed, Captainnn. Well- we will go."

"Oh I'm sure you're eager to get to a bed," Petra throws from a feet away, and I cackle back. 

Levi halts his punishment, and gives Petra a wilting stare. "Yes, I think we all should get back to HQ. Party's over."

"Yeah come onnnn wife, s'not that seriouss!" Orou yells slurring from beside Hange. The old man is barely able to stand "I'll walk ya back to yer room, kay?"

I see her bare teeth. "Piss off geezer!"

Levi looks down at Eren with one last scornful expression, and kicks him again for good measure. "Hange, please take Cadet Jaeger back to his dorms. And make sure he stays there."

Then his attention is on me, and I can't tell if I keep my face level or not. I hate that I don't know. 

"And our champion of the evening. I'll make sure she gets reward she deserves." The liquor makes his voice practically a bloody purr. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The squeal of the dungeon doors were harsh against my sensitive ears. I grimaced, and turned in the flame-lit darkness to the now-shut door.

"Do youuu quite enjoy findin' me drunk and locking me away in ssome cell?" I slur, dropping my head to one side. "This has to be a kinkk of yours. 'S okay. One of mine foo."

I giggle to the silhouette of an angry Levi on the other side. Wonder if I can get him to unlock it.

"Tch. Maybe I'm feeling sentimental." he muses, a slippery look in his eyes catching on the torch. 

Suddenly, his presence is difficult to stand. And yet I don't want him to go. The space between us gapes like open jaws. I slide up to the bars, but don't get within his reach. 

"Maybeee- you just wanted me here allll to yourself," I say in a bubbled tone. 

"Shut your mouth," he spits out, then an eyebrow twitches and he takes a deep breath. 

"Barely two words innn, and you look like you alreadyy want me dead." I squeeze my cheeks between the bars with humor. "You're getting all worked up over nothin. I should be angry, you know."

"Oh, and why's that?"

"Anya." is all I say, the name a thick, angry word. 

Levi draws silent. I know I will not hear an apology from this man. 

"It wasn't all a lie. I protected you like I said I would, didn't I?"

"Because your body makes you." I couldn't help the feeling of hurt at the thought, and at so many others swirling through my stupid brain. 

He got closer to me, very close and said, "If you knew the truth, why didn't you run tonight then? You had ample chance." 

Embarrassment bit my words. I didn't want to admit it was because I'd had fun. Real, true fun that made me feel like a part of something. Not always being alone, and nameless. 

Instead, my boozed tongue said; "I'd miss ya just too much. Liar or not. Plus, I owe you a rematch in the future, donnnnt I?"

He didn't seem fazed. "Yeah that, and the poison still in your neck." 

"Minooor inconvenience at this point." 

"Is that so? So if I open this cell, you'll leave?"

The challenge held in the air. 

I sniff. "You'd be in shamblesss in onee day."

"For someone who never, and I mean never, shuts up about being a captive here- you sure don't like to try and escape."

I blink in slight anger. "I havve things todo before I can leave." 

"What?" he sighed with dramatics, the air blowing my face. My hands were still on the bars, my cheeks resting on the cool metal as I glared at his dark eyes. "Kill my boss, as you said? Then me?"

"Yes." it sounds weak against his jests.

"Ahh. The long game. Quite clever." 

Asshole. 

"Let me out, I'll shorten it for you," I mutter with an eye roll.

Levi's version of a laugh comes out of him, and he pushes off the bars to mock me from a better view. "I think not, stubborn brat. I'm going to leave you here for as long as it suits me." 

I can't tell if he's serious, and slight apprehension pricks at my skull. The last time I was locked away down here, newly captured topside, tied to a chair and out of options. And I'd sworn to never do it again. 

The rude little man begins to walk off, to accentuate his point. My chest tightens and my mouth opens before I can stop it. 

"Why ... why did you tell the officers? That I helped yyou kill all those Titanss?"

I see his back tense, and he stops between two torches, almost completely enshrouded in darkness. The bricks around the deadly man seem to draw to him.

"It was like that moron said. You deserved it."

I scoff, my hand flapping between a bar. "Bullshitt. Slaker will know aboit me now. You know you did more harm thann good."

Levi spins around in haste. "Scouts will protect you now, instead of constantly judging you. You won't have to hide from your comrades. It'll make you safer. Besides, it's not like Slaker will be much of a problem soon anyways."

I pause, cocking my head. "Becaussee?”

"Because of our damned mission, brat. Two weeks. We're gathering intel on more than just Kenny the Ripper. It'll be enough to plan a way to subdue and destroy all of the scum. Any of those bastards involved in the death of soldiers." 

An eyebrow raises. A serial killer like Kenny the Ripper, working with Slaker and the mob?

 "You're that confident inn our..recon?" I splutter.

"Of course I am." he heaves a massive sigh. "Wasn't that all you did down there anyways? Spy, lie, and steal."

"And escape after doin all that. Which I'm likelyyy to do when I returnnn to my humble home." 

Levi snorts. "A third of the military police will be on standby for this mission. Any one of them would have your trigger, too. You wouldn't stand a chance, Day. Not one."

Only two weeks. I had two weeks until I was forced to go back there with him. Fucking kill me. 

"Ahh. I'll find ssome way," I sigh, my face still against the cell door. A nearby torch sputters out. I peer into the darkness and frown. "You're not reallyy gonna leave me down here.. are you?"

"I should. You injured one of my squad mates." 

"Pfft. He touched me first!" I protest. "And you beat Eren blooody in the street." 

"He deserved worse." I'm surprised by the hate in his tone. 

"If I agree, will you openn the door?"

"No."

"Hmph. Okay. Can I havve a snack?"

"No."

I bang my forehead against the metal bar. "I bet I can hit ya with a knife from herre."

"Not now you can, drunkey."

"You're drunk tooo. We were both celebrating our big moment, riight?" 

I hear an angry, cute sound down the corridor. "As Humanity's Greatest Soldier, and the almost-but-not-protege, we don't get praised. It's our job killing Titans, and to do it better than everyone else."

I can't help the pout that goes to my face. "I'd never even seen a wild one."

The aggravated voice sounds closer. Is he coming back? "Haven't you been praised enough tonight?"

"Nope," I taunt. "Never enough for an ego like miiine."

"Saints I know that's true," he mumbled rudely in return and I puffed air through the cell bars.

My eyes were beginning to close, his voice was too lulling in the dark. It was a blanket that encompassed everything around it. 

"Don't fall asleep, fox. Or how will you get out?" He was a foot or so away now, but hadn't made a single sound from walking. 

"Really demon," I mutter. "I cannot..will not stand to be lefft down here." 

"Oh," a silken coo. "Are you scared?"

Was I? More so worried. 

"You're the deadliest girl in the Walls. I should make you do it yourself."

His sudden praise made my dropped eyelids flutter, and a smirk grew on my face. "She doesn't feel like it right now." 

"Well oddly enough, my body hasn't made me unlock this cell."

His remark makes me chuckle lightly. "So no headaches, I presume?"

"Oh other than this one, no. Clear as day." the lilt in his voice is intoxicating, even though I snort at the stupid pun. His usual monotone is gone, leaving a playful, eviler underneath.

"Then you just enjoyy my suffering," I lament.

"I wish I did."

The words are water dripped onto the cold stone. I'm suddenly feeling sober. 

"You're an impossiblee man, ya know. Can never fuckin read you," I grumble, still searching for him in the blank dark. My sights usually best like this. Yet he blends in so well. 

"And I can see each stupid thought in your stubborn face. For a killer, you give yourself away more than you'd think."

Pride wants to ignores him. "And what's it saying now?"

Something in the air moves next to me, and it's as if a small breeze just caressed my skin. Dank dungeon air left my nose, leaving smoke and ash in its wake. 

"That you enjoy tormenting me as much as I do you." 

I try for a casual tone, but I'm unnerved and awake. Eager. "A healthy balance is good."

"I have everything but balance. Let alone with you." Levi rasps almost bitterly. 

I'm beginning to grow impatient, and I press into the bars with exasperation. I rack my brain on what I could say to get him to let me out, and my mind falls onto one thing that's worked. Say my name. 

"I'm not going to ask again. Levi...don't leave me here." 

A sharp inhale of breath, just near my right. Inches. 

Before I even form a plan, I lunge forward and reach for the noise. My hands catch gold. Moments later, I'm ramming a body into my bars with force. 

I feel those whispers of breath now, rhythmically hitting my face. He doesn't struggle. My free hand is searching his pockets for the key, one I can't believe I missed where he'd put. 

When I come up empty, my hold wavers. "Where's the damned key!" I hiss. "You miserable ass!"

A melodic laugh comes ruffled out of the Captain's mouth, as he's firmly pressed into the iron bars. It's like he knows my weakness too. His laughing was enough to make my hand completely loosen, and he was gone from my grasp before I blinked.

A figure moves into the torchlight, and I turn to see him at the door. I notice his jacket is off, leaving him in a most distracting black turtleneck that's skin tight. Sina, give me strength.

For a second, my hopes are up, until I see the devious smile on his awful handsome face. 

"I'm not gonna unlock it. You dumb, stubborn girl."

True indignation, and now slight fear, rises up my body. "What the hell did I do to you?"

Suddenly, he lunges forward in fury and grips the bars. "You exist! Maybe in here- you won't drive me fucking mad."

"I... I'm sorry since the day one I've been a fucking burden to you. Even when I'm trying to save your  stupid squad ..you of all people end up saving my sorry ass!" I spit out, and the choke in my voice makes me surprised. "To be reminded of that fact must truly make you hate me."

Levi's eyes look wild. Less sharp than usual, even in his anger. "You think I regret saving you?"

I don't answer, afraid my voice will betray me again. 

"You," he says like a swear. "God.." his face is pressed to the bars now in near anguish. A lip catches on it, and I watch the sight in pure drunken wonder. “If only you knew the nature of my regrets."

"Tell me." It flies from my mouth, and I'm padding across the cell over to him.

The words come out in struggle. "No..I I've been trying to leave. I should leave." 

"And will that too, be one of those regrets?"

"Yes." 

"Then open the cell, Levi."

A sigh breaks out of him. It's one of resignation. The gray-eyed man reaches behind him, and digs into his collar. From behind his neck, deft fingers pull out a key. It flickers golden in the light of the torch. 

"As you wish, Dahlia."

Chapter 51: brace

Not again. Not her.

Levi had woken earlier that morning from a cold and sickening sweat. The first night after the mission, when him and his squad had returned to HQ, all Levi dreamt of was his own terror. A look of resignation on her face as she lay in the dirt, defeated. She knew she was going to die, and Levi had almost not been able to stop it.

Moisture pooled at his back. To see Day at the mercy of Titans had awakened something inside him. 

Never again. And never her.

When had this happened? This sudden line he'd crossed; the pure feeling of his instinct tipping over the edge. It was as if his breath had been stolen in the dead of the night. It left him fucking pissed- and he wanted it back

It left him doing insane, reckless things- like telling the entirety of the Scouts who had also taken part in the massacre. Or, upon hearing one comment out of Petra's mouth on where Day would spend the night- he immediately decided she'd be better off in a fucking cell. 

Some sick, involuntary part wanted to punish her. For escaping custody, sure. But more so for allowing that disgusting fool to touch her, again and again. 

That's why the moment he opened the cell- he took a step back. He didn't trust that damned awful mind of his, now unbound and full of liquor. 

"Why did part of me think you'd make me beg for that?"

The delightfully mussed-up woman didn't move from her spot in the cell. Through her drunk, she sensed a trick. A torch had flicked out nearby, enshrouding her half-lit frown. 

"Did you want me to make you?"

Even captured, she tried for haughty confidence as she sniffed, "You could never."

Levi liked the challenge and he felt himself wickedly eager. "I can always try, fox."

The corset she wore commanded his attention, its design mimicking a rib cage that framed tantalizing glimpses of her toned body. The skirt alone was enough to tempt his resolve, and Levi forced his eyes to the ceiling, masking the tension with a mock eye roll. "Will you leave already?"

Still, Day didn't move. 

"Are you deaf or just stupid? Leave, brat." his heartbeat was suddenly harder in his chest. 

"You gonna come in here and say that to me?"

He swallowed off his..was that worry? I can feel myself slipping. "You don't want me to do that, trust me."

"Maybe I do." she said it slow, almost like a question. 

He caught her gaze and- fuck. Pure tease shone in those big brown eyes, a glimmer that dared him to take the bait. 

Day was a painful type of beautiful, and all he could look at. Like a freshly drawn blade that caught a slice of the sun. 

"If I do, I need you to say something first."

"Oh? And what's that?" she cocked her head and smirked. 

"Tell me you hate me."

In the mask of dungeon's light, he saw the smirk falter. "Hmm. That's an easy one. I hate you." she sounded a little breathless, and that pleased him extremely. 

"Again. I don't think I quite believe it." 

"I hate you." it was an annoyed sound now, as she glared at him.

He took a step forward on the brick. "Again."

Her frustration was winning over. "I'm not-"

"Again, Day." this clarity would save him. He needed it. He was closer now, and could see her lick her lips, sending a shot of more need into his chest. 

"I hate you," she spat, but it was weak. "For how you once cut my cheek with my own knife."

He stepped closer. "Again."

Her chest was rising faster now, and he watched it with sheer joy. "You were the only person here in I trusted to tell me the truth.. and now I can't. Saints I hate you."

That confession made him pause, unfamiliar guilt rising in his chest. "That hasn't changed, Day. You can t..." he breathed.  "Again."

"I hate you for always wearing that stupid neckerchief, when you have such a good jawline to work with." she tried to smile, but Levi had stepped further now, and remained only a foot away. 

It was if the air he drank around her was headier than gallons of wine. "My favorite bit of clothing, thanks. Again."

She shook her head, watching him with a wary look. 

He stepped closer anyways, until he was in grabbing distance. But he didn't touch her. "Day."

The pretty girl hesitated. Then, looked down at his lips and back to him, leaving scorch marks on his skin. "I fucking hate," she said at a whisper. "how handsome you are, actually. It's a sort of joke, one I'm not a part of."

The words left a rolling feeling of pleasure through his body. She thought.. he was attractive? This marvelous, aching creation?

"You have such a poetic way about you," he murmured in jest, but it was through a thick haze of desire. "My loathsome beauty, hm?"

He'd forgotten the game, what he was quite doing at all actually. Where were they?

Their lips were now inches apart and his vision was tunneling into only her. Before he fell, she paused and said, "Wait... tell me.. you hate me too." 

Levi released a broken sound. "I cannot." 

Then he held her jaw and crashed down onto her lips. The kiss was..punishing. Feral. Horrificly delicious.

It was wrong. It was all...so wrong. The way his body tuned itself the moment it touched hers. As if he was a blade forged from the same metal as she. 

Day hesitated for a brief, dazed second against his lips, as if trying to regain some control of herself. "What am I...fuck," a strangled whisper breathed across his skin. 

"Does it disgust you," Levi murmured, pressing another harsh kiss to her wet lips. "How much you want me?"

"I..." she'd never sounded so torn. It lit a fire inside him, making him want to draw out more from her. 

A hand gripped her jaw. The last time they'd kissed, she'd ran, leaving him a black hole of need. Not this time. 

He tilted her neck to the side and drew a tongue up the delicate arch. The taste made him delirious, his only thought was to make her crumble. 

"Ah," she gasped, tilting her head further. "Saints. You..fucking...demon."

A sadistic smile curled his lips. Make that noise again, he wanted to command her. 

"There are no saints here, Dahlia. Just you and me," he said, a touch of evil in his tone. Then another rough kiss to her collar, dragging slightly. She almost brokenly groaned, as if in pain.

When he reached the top of her neck, he bit the edge of her jaw with barely-contained restraint. "Shall I stop?" he whispered, a pant to his voice. 

Under the light of the torch, he could see a weakness puddling across her features. One he wanted to exploit. 

He didn't move another muscle until a harsh, "No." came from her lips. She's furious how much she likes this. 

The answer sent him into a deep, lustful sigh, as if coming to terms with all the sinful things he wished to do to her. This time when he kissed her, it was slower, savored. 

Ironclad fingers were dug into his back. Everytime he touched her, she pressed harder. The feeling of a woman so powerful wanting him was making him lose all sense of control.

Slam! 

Without knowing he had, Levi grabbed Day's arms, and basically threw her into the cell bars. He pounced on her in a rush, happy for something solid he could pin her against. 

He could feel she was torn between throwing him back, or allowing it, until he grabbed her neck, pressing her further into the cool metal.

"I should destroy every thought of Eren Jaeger from that head of yours. Wipe him clean from your body." Levi growled with a sharp cut of his teeth.

He heard her take an inhale, could see the fervid glare in the light of the torch. Day was coming alive under his hands. 

A choked, "Try." came out, and that was all the clearance he needed. 

His hands, that gripped her waist with desperation, slid across and his fingers graced her cool skin between the slices in her corset. It wasn't until she gasped underneath his lips, that Levi had realized he'd slightly ripped it. 

"That's silkworm fabric," she muttered against him. "’Sposed to be unbreakable." 

"Apologies." Levi pulled away to go to her ear, nip at the lobe. "But it's in the way." 

He almost didn't know his voice when it came out. It sounded..out of breath, for once. 

The Captain made short work of her corset, this time carefully unwrapping her until on the last rung, he stopped to look once more at Day's flushed face. 

She looked dazed. It was so far from the polluted hate he usually saw that he had to force himself to remember exactly who she was. A killer. Liar. Thief. And who he was. You're the strongest.

Who the fuck cares, he snarled to himself. I need this woman. More than any need I've had my entire life. 

The killer allowed herself to be disrobed, and once her corset dropped to the ground, the sound of air coming out of Levi matched it. 

He wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked before him. He wanted to say that never in his life had he been more terrified than he was right now. He could say none of those things. "I wish I could say so many lies," he said in their place.

Her carnal look below him only furthered his madness. Levi was desperate to feel more of her, see more of her.

He had just gotten a greedy hand around her puckered nipple when she broke away from his mouth in a sudden, ragged gasp; as if her head had just broken above water. "This," she choked, the word heavy with implication, hung in the air between their lips. "This cannot happen." 

The coldness from sharp steel pressed against his open neck, right against the rapid pulse. Levi only tilted his head, licked his wet lips, and twirled a strand of her golden hair between two fingers. 

"Is it in your very nature to fight me, thief?"

The blade pressed deeper, and Levi all but ignored it. 

"You..." rare hesitation spread across her flushed face. "You lied." she ends up whispering. 

Levi realizes then, that he had broken something he hadn't been aware he truly possessed. Day's trust. He felt guilt swim across his gut, and the hand moved from her hair to the incision. 

He felt weak, suddenly wanted to bare himself raw. He wanted to tell her that wasn't the only thing he'd lied about. That the poison in her neck was another pretty lie to cage a clever bird.  

But the moment his fingers brushed against the scar, a primal snarl erupted on her lips, and he was thrown to the ground in an instant. 

Day was above him, crouched over his abdomen with a look of fear on her face. The dungeon key flashed against the torch as she held it between her fingers. 

"Leave," she bit out. Despite the hardness in her voice, panic tinged it. "Leave now, please. And lock the fucking door behind you."

Levi was stunned, blinking at her with hurt surprise. "I...." 

"Before I do something I regret." it was basically a whisper at that point. Day sounded wholly terrified, something he didn't even recognize- for he'd never heard it in her voice before. 

Levi just took her other hand, that still held the knife, and placed a small kiss to the side of the blade. A sharp pain was cutting deep into his heart. 

"It seems you got your revenge, after all."

 

 

 

 

 

====================================================================

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mouth refused to taste normal after he left. Everytime I swallowed, a tinge of earl grey would slide on my tongue, remnants of his taste he'd seemingly etched inside me. 

"I should destroy every thought of Eren Jaeger from that head of yours. Wipe him clean from your body."

I shuddered. 

For some reason, some inexplicably awful reason, I knew if Levi had stayed a second longer in my cell- he'd get his wish. 

In that dark dungeon, I fed myself on lies. 

His bond. Maybe it cripples us both. I can't truly...

I stood, to resume frenzied pacing. Besides, he used your sister as a pawn. That's not the actions of a man who has your best interests at heart.

There was a distant sound of dripping, that my thoughts connected to in a rhythm. 

Drip. 

You're drunk.

Drip.

Did I just turn down sex?

Drip.

Sina, he's your enemy. 

Drip.

But you liked it. 

I stopped pacing to rub my neck and sigh with heavy anguish. Something wet on my lips caught my attention, and when a hand drew away, I saw a crimson drop of blood. Where he'd bit me.

"No. I fucking loved it."

 

 

 

The liquor brought me to the cot, after a while of fighting off an anxiety attack. 

When I fell into the hard mattress, my last sinful thought was of how I'd managed to get the world's strongest man to tremble against me. And I cursed, knowing I'd never soon forget it.

My dreams were filled with the sounds of footsteps. I was in a dark corridor, sprinting through the halls at full speed, as stone walls shook around me at all sides. 

Every footstep sent the corridor into a dusty mess, making me crash into a wall before I regained my balance. I knew if I was a second slower, the footsteps would catch up.

No matter how fast I ran, how long, the sound never dimmed. It was always charging at my back, nipping at my heels. Endlessly and endlessly, I ran.

 

 

 

 

 

Before I opened my eyes, I could almost convince myself I was back home. Earth warmed my senses, the lack of sun palpable on my skin. 

Even though my home had sunlight- and a waterfall- being underground was a feeling long etched into my skin. It sung a certain way, as if knowing it was safe surrounded by rock and dirt. 

Untouchable is what I wanted to be, and underground is where I felt so. 

Then something else tinged my nose and I sniffed, my eyes flying open. Where I expected to see a Captain, only a cup of tea sat on the ground next to the cot. A visible waft of steam was coming off it, sending floral clouds to tickle me. That's when I noticed the cell door was wide open.

I lie there until I couldn't stand it anymore, and I lunged forward to the cup with a snarl. Something about all of it- even this tiny teacup warming my cell- was enough to terrify me.

I meandered back to my room, nursing a slight hangover. For a brief, cruel thought, I wondered if Levi experienced those with me as well. I hoped he did. 

Even so, every second I took to think about last night, I steeped myself further into shock. I'd fought countless enemies, faced hordes of Titans, but nothing had been more difficult than sending him away. Telling him to not touch me.   

"Fuck," I swore under my breath and rubbed my head. A curtain drifted in the hallway, swathing my face in bright light before I was ready. 

"Day?" 

I turned and a disheveled, wide-eyed Eren stood down the hall. My mouth dried. "Fuck."

He took quick steps until he was practically on top of me, hands on my arms, green eyes searching mine for any pain. "Are you okay? Levi took you away..and Hange fucking wouldn't let me leave- all I did all night was just worry. Hoping he didn't break something of yours. Again." 

Guilt made me look away. He was too earnest, too good for this. Maybe he deserved someone truly devoted to him, like Mikasa. Definitely not me. 

Levi was right. All I ever am is trouble. 

"Eren...." I said slowly, my eyes on the billowing curtains lining the corridor.

A large, warm hand reached over and cupped my cheek. He moved my head into a tender kiss on my temple that made me sigh deeply. I shut my eyes, ignoring my self-loathing. Either way, I care for Eren. Truly. 

"I'm sorry your celebration got ruined last night," he mumbled in a voice so soft. "And that you had to sleep in that place alone." he shuddered. "I know how it feels."

"It wasn't all bad," I said against wide pecs. "Had a night without Sasha snoring. That was nice." 

"Mmm I bet," his rumble vibrates my head. "Want a little more time to rest before class? We could go up to my dorm, nap."

For a second, I thought he was insinuating sex- like he does ninety-percent of the time- but when I pulled away, he was just blinking down at me with easy, patient eyes. 

I want to destroy every trace of Eren Jaeger from your body. 

I bit my lip so I didn't sob at my awfulness. "That... would be wonderful, Eren."

 

 

 

If Eren smelled like a cookie- his bed was the whole bakery. Once I got into the sheets, I just pressed my face into the mattress and inhaled drowsily. "Youssmell so good." I muttered. 

"C'mere beautiful," he whispered, then strong arms wrapped around me and I was against his secure chest, the sugar smell only increasing. 

Another gentle kiss pressed into my hair. My heart lurched. 

I had almost fallen asleep when I hard a small, "baby?"

I ignored him for a second, more so the nickname, until I said, "what?"

The arms around me squeezed tighter, and it was wild to know that if he wanted to, Eren could crush my ribs. "I..." he made a sound of aggravation, then mumbled. "Nothing. Just... don't leave the Walls again. At least, not without me. Titan slayer needs her Titan shifter after all."

I wanted to ask what he actually meant to say, but the warmth in his words were enough to pull me into sleep before he even finished. 

 

 

 

 

Eren came with me to my dorm so I could change before breakfast. He stayed gentle, diligent, and impossibly perfect- like he knew what I'd done last night and was punishing me for it. Even though I knew he wasn't.

Fingers scratched at cloth while I dig into my drawers, trying to find a clean training shirt. On my bed, Eren cleared his throat.

"Today might be..weird." why'd he sound nervous? "Don't forget, Armin and them weren't the only Scouts to hear about the mission. And I know you're not very..fond of that type of stuff." 

My fingers stilled. "You mean, attention?"

He snorted. "No, you love that. I mean the cadets will be riled up- they'll want to talk to you. Find out how you did what you did."

"Saaints," I groan with a touch of drama. "At least I won't have to hold back in practice anymore." 

"As long as you don't injure anyone," he laughs. "Other than Samuel, of course. And Jean. Especially Reiner."

I laugh back, flinging a random shirt at him. "Jealous, jealous Titan." My body felt nice and languid after my nap, like his body heat had slightly thawed me. 

"Only for you," he murmured low, as if to himself. 

I didn't need to turn to feel the electric tingle of his gaze. What was up with him today? Could Titans go into heat, or something? My face warmed at the thought.

As if on cue, Eren lets out a small grumble and I hear him lean forward on the bed. "You haven't kissed me all morning. Can I ...get one before class?"

My spine straightens and I realize- maybe I'm the one acting weird. With a turn, I see a gorgeously distraught Eren, elbows on his knees, and a pout on his arched lips. 

"If you can wait," I smirk as I begin changing, "I'll reward you."

He just nodded, and watched as I slipped into the training uniform. I was still in my corset and skirt from last night, so I made sure too be extra slow while I took it off. His tongue came out, licking his lips and I wanted to groan.

"We should go out more often," he said quietly. "Give me a chance to see you free."

"Don't look at me with those eyes," I tease as I slide on my gear straps, clicking the buckles in place.

His lids lower and a deep chuckle comes from his chest. "Oh? What eyes?"

Suddenly, my guilt is taking a back seat to pure lust. Fuck it. We have time before practice. And right now- I need this. Need him.

So I pounced on the Titan, claws digging in his chest, and our lips met in a frenzy. 

Too bad I just strapped myself up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I could feel it the second we entered the dining hall. 

A bubbling, quiet excitement. Everyone was trying to look-without-looking but it was like a gong had been struck. My presence was known now. 

There'd be no hiding anymore, a voice said in my skull, sounding too close to Levi for my comfort. 

Eren just grabbed my hand, taking this as an invitation to also announce our..togetherness, making me grimace. But I don't pull away. His hand is an anchor now, tugging me through a sea of watchful eyes. 

I ignore the officer's table at the head of the room. Even though I should fling a blade that way, since it's all his fault to begin with. 

"The Scouts will protect you now, instead of constantly judging you. You won't have to hide from your comrades. It'll make you safer."

"What a stupid fucking idea," I swore to the man under my breath. 

Once we were at our usual table, Eren's friends greeted us with drooped eyes and pallid skin. We'd all went a little hard last night. And some things had.. changed. 

I now noticed how Reiner didn't sit with Annie and Beedaboo, but instead with Armin. The two seemed to be in casual silence as they enjoyed this mornings breakfast, eggs and flour cakes. 

It was peculiar...since Armin had asked me to "watch" the other cadets for someone suspicious, the only name I’d came up so far was someone he'd just screwed. Awkward coincidence? I eyed the blondes. Maybe...

"There's the Slayaaa!" Connie cheered from the other side of Sasha. 

I threw him a glare. "Let's not make that a thing, dude." 

He just cackled and shoveled yolky bread into his mouth. Ugh. Sasha bumped me with her shoulder, giving me a breezy laugh. "I told them you hate it! But I think it's already caught on..I heard a cadet say “Slayer” on the way to breakfast."

I frown into my meal. "Oh perfeect."

Jean points a fork at me with a wide smile. "C'monn humility's for lames! It's a sick nickname. But- just wait till they let me outside the Walls. Songs will be written."

"About the bottle-necked bitch outside the Walls? That they mistook for a giraffe?" Eren snorted, throwing a fleck of food at him.

"At least they'd let me go," Jean sneers back. "Your dumbass would be left behind. You'd hang yourself in your own ODM gear before you ever killed a Titan."

There's a Titan-like growl beside me. I feel Eren's agitation grow and I roll my eyes. "It's too early for this," I mutter. Wildly enough, Eren relaxes almost immediately. 

I give him an appraising look. He's been calmer than ever today. Well, not calm. More so..patient? Which was even weirder.

Then he leans forward and gives me a quick peck on the cheek in apology, that earns a disgusted noise from Jean. We're barely back to eating before I see an evil smile on Jeans face, this time pointed at me.

"Don't forget 'Slayer,' you owe me a flying lesson." I want to smack his elongated head. "For helping you."

I open my mouth to tell him to stop poking the fourteen-meter bear, but it's too late. Eren's up in a flash and halfway across the oak table before Jean can blink. 

"Did everyone drink all their brain cells away, including me??" I huff, then my hand darts out and grabs Eren's ankle. Seconds later, he's on his back on the dining room floor, jade eyes blinking up at me.

"Babe, I was defending your honor." he pouts resolutely, before getting up with a wince.

Connie is currently losing it, smacking his hand against the table with glee. "Ohhh I get it. They built the Walls to protect the Titans from Day and Levi." 

"He wasn't wrong," I just say to Eren once he's back to being heads taller than me. "I sorta did promise him a lesson."

Eren now looked utterly betrayed. "But.. I'm not a good flyer. You coulda taught me." 

I just poke his large chest with a smirk. "You didn't know where the confiscated items were. Sorry 'babeee."

I try to fight off the defiant kiss, but the damned thing lands anyways. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite Eren's warning this morning, not a single cadet approached me. Instead, I just got gawked at as I passed, the looks on their faces eerily similar to when I'd first arrived here, and Levi was leading me down the halls. 

They look reverent. They looked...hopeful.

Unknown guilt swarmed in me. I'm not a Scout. Don't look to me for your salvation.

Since we were in lectures today, the pressure almost felt worse. Even though I'd opted for the back of the class, multiple of our thirty plus class would occasionally turn, feigning curious glances. At least I was beginning to understand how Levi felt, even though my empathy wasn't there. 

Hange's glasses flashed so bright, they reached me from four rows back. "Large numbers Outside the Walls is great for backup in case of trouble. But it's more paradoxical. The more people, the more titans sense you. So the help is needed, but it's also the cause."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Is she talking about this because of the mission?

"That's why I've been advocating to the higher ups for some time, that if we take small, elite squads out in to the field, we will eventually cover more land. That's the goal of the Scouts after all, before these two," she growls slightly, slapping her pointer onto the drawings of the Armored and the Colossal Titans, "took our energy and time away. But since the Walls were sealed a few months ago, I greatly hope we can resume our surveying missions." 

A grim annoyance set into my bones, and I glared at the pictures of the Titans. Lectures had never quite mattered to me prior to my mission Outside. But now, I couldn't help the way my muscles tensed as I looked at the drawn, gaping mouths, knowing it'd never catch the real thing. 

I couldn't tear my eyes off them, and the little figure of a human near its foot. And for the first time in my bleeding life- I raised my hand in class. 

Captain Hange almost choked when she saw it. "Yes! Day? Question??"

I dropped it and said, "Why don't we focus on ways to take them down." I point to the two Titans. "Instead of running basic procedures everyday. Those have shown us we need a better strategy than we previously thought, right?"

Her eyes filled with what looked like pride sparkled across the room. "Oh trust me, we do and we have. It's just not something we bother cadets with. I need field-proven weapons after all." The message was not lost on me. 

My back tensed. Her eyes I realized, looked just like Erwin's. Right. I'm the weapon. And Levi. Eren.

Despite myself, I huff loudly, crossing my arms. "Still, it's needs to be in their curriculum- our curriculum. That way the Walls can stand for another five hundred bloody years or whatever."

"One hundred," she gently corrected me, a huge smile still on her face. "And I wholeheartedly agree. That's why the scientists are hard at work in their labs to find out what exactly those Titans are. To better our chances."

I realize I'm not going to get anywhere, so I deflate and just nod. "Better get on it then, huh."

Murmurs sound around me. Sasha mutters gods would you shut up my way, along with a heavy nod from Connie. I just roll my eyes, until Reiner leaning over to murmur to Armin catches my eye.

My own narrow. Reiner was respected, and even admired by his fellow cadets. So I didn't know why I couldn't shake off the alarm bells I felt everytime I looked his way. Maybe it's a blonde thing. We're all shady as hell. 

Besides Krista, of course. That was one genuine angel, however naive she may be. Her and Ymir sit ahead of me, glancing to each other every few minutes. Only while looking at Krista, did Ymir's regal glare soften. I smirk.

Didn't know I'd be surrounded by so many fellow fruitcakes in the Scouts. 

 

 

 

 

 

We're filing out of Hange's classroom when a hand grabs the end of my cadet jacket, pulling me back into the room. 

"Up up, hold on Day." Hange bubbles over my shoulder. "You know, you reminded me of something while finally talking in my class. We're supposed to be having meetings, aren't we? Erwin ordered it once a week I'm prettyyy sure."

I wiggle her hand off me and turn with another petulant huff. "I see you everyday Hange. Plenty."

There's that eerie Titan smile. It makes me shudder. It was probably the same one that suggested to Erwin to take me outside the Walls. 

"Silly girl," she chuckles. "Why don't you stop by my lab tomorrow before you see Levi. I want to hear your theories on taking the Colossal and Armored down."

I raise an eyebrow incredulously. "Aren't I the weapon? What's there to talk about?"

"Ooo someone's got a big head since they killed a league of Titans," the madwoman cackles and slaps my back. "You are, but you really think I've only bet on you?? No! I make weapons too, you know. And maybe you could too."

"Hmmm." I ponder. The time I used before Levi's practice I usually spent..my cheeks flush slightly. That was Eren and I’s time to let off steam. Though, I did miss tinkering. I'd remade my gear after all. Not to mention my hand-crafted blades. 

"Okay. Fine. But only because I do want to see your new toys. Just like the long-range explosive you showed me."

She begins ushering me back out of the class. "I'm surprised you didn't steal those when you took my serum." Like usual, there's zero animosity in her tone. Just eager curiousness. 

"Well.." I shrug. "They couldn't fit in my bag."

She just cackles again before slamming the door behind me, cutting off her howl with a sharp wham!

"Fucking weirdo," I mutter under my breath. Then again, I'd just agreed to make weapons with this weirdo. So maybe I was a little fucked up after my mission, who knows. 

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch, which was filled with Eren's pesky touches that were almost desperate in their pursuit, we finally got to go outside. 

As we stood in formation, waiting instruction, I shifted further down the row from Eren to give myself some breathing room. Guilt hit me again, this time like a kick to my stomach. 

You're worried the more he looks at you, the more he'll know. 

Levi had been thankfully absent most of class today, and I'd just begun to unwind when a biting voice cut through the cadets. It made Sasha jump beside me. 

"It's come to my attention," he doesn't need to yell. Everyone is stoned silence, especially after learning about our mission last night. They look up at him as if he's a Saint himself come down to berate us. "That you weaklings think you're ready. Ready to go outside the Walls. Commander Erwin and I awoke this morning to numerous letters under our doors, begging to be sent out."

I look at my friend beside me with horror. "Why would they do that?"

Her wide, forest eyes glare at me under the midday sun. "You're kidding right? Everyone wants a chance at glory now. A mission to prove themselves. They want to gain a title too."

Pure disgust washes down my body. Gods, Miche had been right. By showing them our strength, we gave them hope. Became a symbol. Since Levi had already been one, he had now reached near godlike status among the cadets. 

Confident murmurs rang through the crowd. 

"But we are! We've trained more than any class in Scout history!"

"We even fought Titans in bootcamp!"

"Cmon Captain, our class could help wipe the them out! We're more useful out there anyways!"

I wanted to prance around and sing I told you sooo to Levi's murderous face. You should've kept it a secret, fuckface. Now look at all the problems you caused. Over what? My "safety?" Your "honor?"

The man just crossed his arms, jade cloak billowing around him. I only allowed myself one-second glances up at him. In fear I'd remember every touch he'd left on my body, and my guard would fall.

"What have we started," I whispered to myself, and from five rows ahead, Levi's neck jerked, and those beautiful gray eyes landed right on me. 

 

 

 

 

 

Sasha and I made our way back to HQ as the sun sunk its lazy descent to the top of Wall Rose. It painted the sky in rich brushstrokes of flecked gold, and soft orange. Half of our sunset, trapped, by the Walls.

"I hope they don't pull you out of classes," Sasha hummed distantly, her eyes on the trail ahead. 

I jerked my head with a laugh, "and why would they do that, cowgirl?"

"No point to be in class really," she hmped slightly. "Not if you're even close to being as good as Levi."

My friend had kept relatively quiet all day about my exploits, since unlike most people, she could read my emotions to a tee.

I tried for a casual shrug. "Oh don't worry. I still need plenty of military training. It's not all just swish swish cut the Titan down with sword."

"Well good," she cackled, shoving me. "I'd cry if you became my superior officer or some shit."

God, so would I. Our banter was interrupted by a loud- "DAY! Hey!!!! Wait uuup please!"

Eren sprinted down the dirt path, barreling right towards us. Sasha moved aside just in time for a six-foot tall man to run right into me. I laugh and try to push his arms, now circling me, off. 

"I have something for you," a murmur in my ear. It makes my heart jump. "Don't worry about dinner."

Before I can ask what he means, a firm hand is pulling me away from the path and into the woods. I turn back towards Sasha and wave, "Bye roomie!! See ya tonight, kay?"

Instead of waving back, Sasha's big moss-colored eyes narrowed on Eren, and she frowned before starting down the path. Huh. 

We're in the thicket now, which is being parted by Eren's wide shoulders. Once I realize where we're headed, a zing goes up my back. He's taking me to the clearing. The same one we...I relish the memory. Where we fucked for the first time.

Once his pace slowed, I poked his back playfully. "Are you gonna tell me why you drug me out here? Want me to chase you again?"

When I got a good look at his face, I saw the gleam of an wicked smile. "No.." he said in an innocent tone. "But I like it out here. No one can hear you scream."

My eyebrow raises. "Oh? I don't know, I'm pretty loud. It might carry."

Suddenly, a hand is on my mouth, and Eren is now using his entire body weight to pull me into the clearing. For a second, I feel tense and almost fight back. Saints he's strong. But once a needy lick drags down the back of my neck, I stop wriggling. 

"Now, close your eyes, pretty girl." 

For once, I do as I'm told. 

Moments later, I can feel I'm inside the middle of the tree ring, while Eren still holds me almost aggressively. 

"Open."

When I do, a genuine gasp comes out of my lips. "Eren!"

The clearing is filled with a quilt that has a ring of candles around it, mimicking the trees. In the middle is a spread of food, something I've heard about before... a pigwig? Grass snack?

"I figured you deserved to actually finish your celebration," he says from behind me. "And what better way for an Undergrounder to do so, than her first picnic!"

I turn incredously, to his open, sweet face. 

"Why?" is all I can respond.

He just blinks back. "Because you're amazing, Day. And I want you to remember that every second you're not with me." 

A swirl of emotions clouds my chest. Hunger. Guilt. Longing. 

"When did you..when did you even find the time to do this?" Is this why he’d been acting like a freak all day?

He just puts a kiss to the nape of my neck, and leads me to the quilt. "Me, Connie, and Armin skipped lectures earlier to go sneak this from the dining hall." 

"Armin broke a rule?" I squeak, hand on my chest.

Eren's grin lights up the entire clearing. "Well, I did kind of blackmail him. He steals a lot from the Scout Archives.”

My knees dig into the blanket as I lean down and grab a strawberry to pluck in his mouth. Eren takes a bite, then kisses me, tasting like a fruity cereal. 

"I couldn't be more proud," I coo once we pull away. 

"And I couldn't be more in love with you."

He says it casually, like it's a well known fact. I pull away, as if I'd been stung.

"What? You what?" I despise how shrill my voice comes out.

Eren just leans forward with softened eyes, that reflect on the candles like a molten emerald. "You don't need to be my girlfriend," the Titan whispers, dark hair falling across his shoulders. 

"You don't need to say it back. You don't even need to stay with me. I just wanted you to know...that someone loves you. And they appreciate- I appreciate- how unstoppable you are. I'd never try to take that. Only..." he places a tiny kiss to my shocked face, right on the bruised cheek. "Cherish it. Cherish you. That's all I want, Day."

I'd spent over twenty-two years of my life creating the perfect wall. It encased my heart so neatly, like its own casket made of stone. It'd been my own wall to hide behind, to harbor my soul away. 

I swallowed a hard gulp as I looked at Eren's face. It was odd to see such an intense man, completely enveloped in pure patience. Pure trust. It glowed along with his ethereal irises, making me shiver. He truly does care for me. In all the right ways. 

"It's just you," he mumbled, our lips coming closer. "And it'll always be you."

Then, the girl who killed a score of Titans... 

ran away.

Chapter 52: luster

The dim glow that lit Day's chest bobbed as she ran back through the trees. Eren just watched her go, knowing he'd never be able to catch up to her anyways. 

Then, with a sharp growl, he smashed his hand down, crushing a small cake beneath it. "You fucked this up," he berated himself. "And you didn't even get to the most important fucking part!!"

Panic replaced anger. He needed to tell her now. Not soon. Not today. Fucking now. 

That how ever since he saved her life.. he'd been keeping something from her. 

A secret only he could see. 

That day, what felt like years ago, had been a blur. An emotional, frightened blur. All he knew was he had saved her, with the sheer will of needing her alive. 

But, ever since she awoke from Hange's faulty serum, something had changed. Visibly changed. A small, green glow was lit inside her chest. When Eren had first noticed it, he tried his best to keep his cool, but he didn't have a clue what he'd done. Still didn't. 

He couldn't tell Hange. Or anybody, for that matter. So many worries clouded his thoughts, none of them good. It looked like an eternal flame had been breathed straight into her. 

"I gave you my power, only for a second." He'd told her the other day, as they lay among her sheets. It hadn't been a total lie. She did hold his power, and now it had become something new. Equal parts Eren, and Day. 

Telling her about the eternal flame felt more daunting than any confession. I love you had already sent her reeling– what would she do with the knowledge that something unyielding burned inside her, bound to him? That if he faltered, if he fell, the flame might take her with him?

The Titan just stared into the dim forest with an agonized frown. "Let me love you, stubborn girl," he whispered to the trees. "And let me figure out what I did to you." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eren trudged through the woods, head low, quilt dragging behind him. He’d eaten everything– for timing’s sake, of course– but that did little to soften the sting of his mistake. And now, he was nearly late for Levi’s training.

Embarrassment hit him. Ugh. And I'll have to see her there. 

Day was one of the few people who knew exactly how to kill him, and in today's training- he feared she use it. The familiar fear of night training made a shiver down his spine as he stashed the picnic blanket under a bush, before jogging to the field. 

The gear racks and bleachers came into view, along with Captain Hange's jungle gym. It took one look for him to know Day wasn't there. Only Captain Levi stood, looking like a menacing statue atop the bleachers. 

Once he spotted Eren, he swung down with efficient quickness to meet him. The sun was practically set at this point, and he felt thankful he couldn't see the full glare from the weapon of a man. 

"Where is she?" is all he asked, in a hard, clipped tone.

Eren tried for a shrug. "No clue Captain."

Levi stepped closer, and Eren felt himself want to shrink. But he stood his ground, though the smaller man was undeterred. 

"Don't make me ask again," he drawled. "You two try to try to stagger your entrances every night, but it's pretty obvious, cadet."

"She has other friends," Ere glared back at the angry man, despite the way it made his asshole clench. "Maybe she's with them." 

Or maybe she's absolutely horrified by the fact that I love her. Completely. Agonizingly deep, all-consuming love. And she doesn't...

Eren shook off his growing hurt and turned away from the Captain, yanking his gear off the rack with force.

He could feel Levi grow more evil behind him, a sneer in his voice. "Is someone upset she doesn't wanna play with you today?"

Before he knew it, Eren had whirled around in a vicious snarl. "Don't," he barked out before he could stop himself. Levi just tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. 

"Seems I was right." his eyes glittered darkly. The Titan balled his fists in response, and with a tch Levi flew off to the training field, leaving Eren to catch up.

Levi had always scared him. Since that day on the Parliament floor, when he'd beat him bloody in front of the entire government, Eren knew the man could kill him anytime he wanted. 

Then, the trust fall happened.

And Levi showed a weakness. 

”Would you end your relationship with that Undergrounder if the Crown willed it?”

Day. Just like everyone else, Day was his chink in the armor. Eren had realized it that night, and ever since, had been increasingly suspicious of the Captain. Does he want her too? 

Eren felt himself frown. I don't even have her. So it doesn't matter either way. Nothing to report to the fucking Crown over. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once he bumped and skidded his way through the dark forest, to the radiant clearing, his chest warmed slightly when he saw another figure sitting in the grass. It wasn't Day, but Captain Hange.

"Thank Sina," he muttered to himself.

Whatever tension was between them, he didn't want to deal with it tonight. Not when his chest was fracturing with each breath. Though at the thought, his eyes touched the treeline, searching for her. 

Hange brayed behind him, but he couldn't peel his gaze from the trees. "Huh. She really isn't coming," he murmured, the breeze catching on his long hair. 

"Cadet!" Levi snapped. It broke Eren's daze, and he turned back. The Captain was glaring at him with squinted eyes. "As I said, go shift. Your partner's not showing."

"Maybe she's mad at you," Hange clicked her tongue to Levi, making the short man jerk his head towards her. "You did out her secret. And the Scouts today reacted.." she waved a hand. "Well, you saw. Maybe she's feeling shy."

"Shy?" Levi said the word like bad taste. "You think Day isn't here because she's shy?"

Despite himself, Eren snickered at the bewildered expression on Levi's face. Saints was he glad Hange showed up. 

"At least they all know how strong she really is now."

Captain Ackerman turned the stiff look his way. "Oh, and they needed that to know, did they? Not when she beat your first girlfriend in a match in front of the entire class, right?"

The sound of Hange's mouth dropping open echoed through the clearing. Eren just smiled, his anger for the day already spent. Besides, Mikasa had never been his girlfriend. She was.. more a sister. Family. 

"Yeah, but Samuel went around saying she'd broken Mikasa's gear beforehand. Now there's indisputable proof. Which is your word, Captain Levi."

The man's sneer became more menacing by the second. "You think I wanted all these brats riled up over her fucking brash, reckless dumbassery? I only said it so they'd stop questioning her every move. See her as one of their own, who bleeds for the cause same as them."

Eren ticked his head slightly. "But she wasn't bleeding for our cause. She bled for your squad. I think we all know Day doesn't really give a shit about killing Titans."

Hange shook her head vigorously. "No no not true, Eren! There's interest there, and I think her mission Outside piqued it."

"She almost died," his voice is becoming more of a rumble now, deeper in his soul. "And it wasn't so you could send her out there to do it again."

"How noble," Levi drawled out, the menace lacing every word. Months ago, Eren wouldn't have dreamed of talking this way to his superiors. But he was finding he cared less and less. "But since she did so well, don't you think Commander Erwin will send her out more? She's proven herself, as you say."

Eren felt his heart drop. He hadn't thought about that. Honestly, he wished they'd wait until his class was done training. Two years, tops. If he couldn't go too...he fought off clutching his chest. And if she dies? I wouldn't be there...to bring her back again. If he even could. 

"Then you don't give a shit about her safety," Eren spat out in anger, and stalked off to the clearing before he shifted right in his instructor's face. He could feel the Titan trying to rip out. It wanted to go find Day, clutch her in his carriage-sized fist, and run off into the trees. Animal style. 

ZzSHAAAM! 

Blood tinged his mouth the second his vision is hit with black. Then a searing, yellow flash. Tendons grow, flesh wraps around his body. Every cell erupts as it rebirths the monster. 

There's a second of disorientation- it'd be a perfect moment to strike, for an opponent. It’s one shot he's surprised Day never takes. The thought of her name sends a primal electric shock down his spine, and a purely raw growl comes out of the now-formed Titan. 

Within the beast, Eren's mind is still present, but it's completely wrapped in something brutal and feral. He'd never say it to the Captains, but he loved his feeling. Knowing he could crush the world with his fingertips. 

A small figure walks lazily out into the grass. He feels his instincts zero in on the prey. But Levi Ackerman is no easy meal.

"Charge," the man snaps. 

His mind blackens as he crouches, then he springs at the Captain. The impact scatters debris, and a hand– his, yet not –tears through the air toward Levi. But Levi is already gone, vanished in a blink. A second later, Eren’s vision goes dark.

Pain exploded across his face, sharp enough to make him claw at it. But if Eren knew anything, it was the sting of being torn apart. He roared through the agony, raising his forearms to shield himself– only to find he no longer had hands to do it.

Captain Levi is being extra today. Eren huffed to himself. He was rougher than Day by miles. It was as if every slice he made he wanted to be Eren's last. 

Hange's nearby yells were cut off once his pointed ears fell to the ground. Then, his jaw hung sideways off his face. Eren attempted to fight back with whatever appendages he had left, but it was useless. Levi was making an example out of him. And taking glee in doing so.

Finally, he was ripped free from the nape a minute later. His Titan had taken such a beating that at first, Eren couldn't see either. His own body was butchered along with his beast. Levi threw him to the ground without delicacy and watched skin piece himself together in a cold, calculative stare. 

Eren's breaths were ragged and agonizing. If Hange hadn’t been here..I think he would've killed me. 

Only one thing on this earth could get Eren that irrationally pissed, and he suspected it was someone they had in common. Her. 

One eye that'd grown back watched Levi. He'd suspected it for a while, ever since the Captain had threatened him on that treetop. "Would you end your relationship with that Undergrounder if the Crown willed it?”

He'd been just as hateful then. A certain type of fire alit inside him, directed at Eren with terrifying rage. 

God.. He loves her. As I love her. 

Eren felt his newly-formed chest cavity heavy with despair. And she doesn't love me. 

 

 

 

Three more traumatic rounds later, and the Titan shifter lay on the grass in a bleary cloud of consciousness. The shine of the crystals above blinked in and out, making him grasp for each one. 

Hange was lecturing Levi a few feet away with brash fervor. Her ponytail swung to accentuate each point of her finger. 

"-and you know I didn't even get a single note from the last one!! You just hacked him up!! Sloppy and disgusting behavior- so unlike you Levi! Your cuts are clean, smooth. What is this??"

Once Eren finally caught a jewel, his vision blinked to Hange pointing right at him with a look of pure indignation. Levi was a pale statue, not a look of care on him. 

He knew he should hate Levi. Want him dead. Day would. She'd try to kill Levi for the disrespect, or at least plot it out for weeks on end. But Eren wasn't the methodic type. If he wanted to fight someone, he would right then and there. If not, it wasn't worth it in the first place. 

And he's never once quite felt like fighting Levi.

So, he empathized. Someone like him seemed completely horrified with his own feelings, so he wanted everyone else to suffer. Eren could understand that. He felt like the world had to suffer for his life, sometimes. 

But it was just a feeling. Not an action. 

The Captains broke through Eren's choppy thoughts when a boot nudged his bleeding side. "See? He's not dead. He'll finally be quiet for a while, so enjoy it Four-Eyes."

If anything, Eren was grateful for the pain that shared his body. For if everything hurt, his heart would also be quiet. Though, it now ached worst of all.

 

 

 

 

After his body reformed, and many scowls to the Forest from Levi, Eren was released from training. It had felt particularly drawn out tonight- his habitual beatings. Maybe it had been in case someone showed up. And when it was obvious she wouldn't, Levi stalked back to HQ in a dark, brooding cloud.

Hange lingered, walking with Eren to check on his healing progress. And to ask a million questions about how he felt. On everywhere but the real injury. 

"Does it hurt more with Day or Levi?"

Her last question made his head jerk suddenly, as if a string had pulled it straight up. "What? It's... definitely Levi." Eren shuddered off his slight frown. "He knows which nerves hurt, so does she. Only one of them avoids it though."

She tapped her chin in slight ponder. "Hmm. Yes. Makes sense. Levi is a butcher, whereas Day a seamstress."

"I'm sick of talking about her," Eren muttered before he knew it and it made Hange jump beside him.

"Oh?" she bobbed into his vision with raised brows. "Trouble in Paradis?"

His body ached. His mind dimmed. Heart slowed. Eren was tired. He wanted to go rest. Forget.

"Of course not." he waved her off and trudged past. "We're aren't dating, so what trouble could there be?" 

Eren could feel his Captain basically hover behind him, nipping at his heels in curiosity. "Is that so..? I forget what equates to labels these days, but isn't fornicating repeatedly a type of dating, or do I have that wrong?" 

The woman made a small aghck when she ran into his back. Eren stared at the moon and laughed, then turned back to Hange. 

"Dating is only dating when the other person agrees it is dating."

Hazel eyes pondered that in true speculation. Once a conclusion was met, she nodded and clapped once. "Of course! And Day hasn't signed this..verbal contract with you, yes?"

Eren tried not to snarl at her, for he did like Hange. She was honest. Most people weren't. 

Still, he sighed through his nose. "No, Captain she hasn't. Is that all for your notes tonight? Or do you need to know how she dumped me too?"

A loud gasp like someone had been shocked sounded behind him. "Oh? Oh! Is that why she didn't go to class tonight?"

Is what heartache did to him? Make him go cry to the nearest person who'd listen? 

Even so. What Hange lacked in social skills, she made up for in understanding Day- in a way he couldn't. She was more analytical. Pattern-driven. And she had a keen scent for Day's. 

"Oh, don't fret!" Noticing Eren's silence, her bouncing pace behind him slowed, and a brisk pat landed on his shoulder. "Do you really think someone from the Under City would sign such a binding agreement?"

He craned his neck to glare at her. "It's not a mortgage Hange. It's just promising that you are both.. each other's. Openly." 

The woman only nodded with a distant look, as if making calculations in each step. "That's a contract, dear boy-"

Eren pushed her away with a growl. "I don't give a shit about that! I didn't care if she'd wanted to be with me. But she didn't even.. Saints- she didn't even love me back." the Titan's voice broke on the last word.

Hange tried to find nurturing energy while Eren realized his eyesight had blurred again. But this time, it was due to no blade. 

"The heart..it's fickle. And for one like hers, it's not easily kept. Thieves do treasure their possessions after all," she hummed; almost as an afterthought. 

What she said made sense. It did. But if Day stole his heart, wouldn't she want to treasure that too? Or was it not worth a place in her horde. 

"So what do I do?" Eren said weakly, in defeat. 

At that, Hange's eyes flicked right to his. "Wait."

The last thing he wanted to fucking hear. "Wait?"

"If she wants to agree to your terms and your feelings with mutual consent then you need to wait for her to do so."

"And in the meantime, slowly die?"

Hange chuckled at that, but squinted as if to make sure he wasn't actually dying. He was too prized a specimen. 

"You'll make it. But it would be astoundingly interesting to see if heartbreak is something that regenerates too."

"Thanks Hange," Eren groaned, starting back down the trail. "I feel soo much better." 

"Ooo good!" she squealed behind him. "On a scale one to ten- how much better would ya say?"

"A fucking million."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She wasn't at dinner. He almost smelled the air to see if he could sense her. That, or the glowing light inside her chest. 

Should I have told Hange about that?

Eren instantly shuddered. Right. And then have Day dissected by her? Fuck no. Maybe if no one else knew, he could keep telling himself it's just a hallucination. 

"See! I told you! He's straight up mooing. Like a sad little calf."

Eren went from distant to grabbing Connie's shirt in two blinks. The bald-headed asshole just cackled, a wry smirk permanently on his ugly mug. "Ohhh scaryy please no mister soldier don't hurt me."

He threw the dirty lollipop back onto the oak bench. "Not today dude."

Connie fake-pouted then looked at Sasha, who was snorting into her hand. "It's because his girlfriend isn't here, he has to actually talk to us now." 

"Yeah, why isn't she here?" A crystal clear voice broke through the fervor. 

Eren turned to his best friend beside Mikasa. Those sky-blue eyes were glowing, almost mirroring his own. Only now did he realize how much his friend had grown- sitting as tall as Mikasa now. 

"She's busy." Eren said in a clipped tone. 

"Busy." Armin's voice was laced with implication.

Mikasa just rolled her eyes slightly. "Enough."

"Where's Reiner, huh Armin?" Eren spat instead, shoving himself back down into the bench. 

"We don't have to eat together everyday." Armin gave a pointed, annoying ass look. "You're smothering her." 

Eren reached across the table to smack Armin before he knew it. At the last second, he stopped. "Why are you trying to make me hurt you?"

Armin shrugged, as if a fist hadn't been inches from his face. "If no one else will tell you, I will."

"Like you give a shit," Eren growled an ugly noise.

"I do if you're gonna get your heart-broken when we're in a war."

Eren huffed and pushed Armin away. "'Snot like we're in active duty now."

"Yeah, but she was. Maybe don't distract her with all your.. Titan barbarity." uppity blonde prick.

"Armin," Mikasa sighed. "He's gonna make a mess."

The blonde cocked his half-shaven head. "He won't. Because he knows I'm right."

Like Hange said- hearts were fickle. How could he expect it to be rational too? 

"Just let me fucking eat." he muttered at last, shoving back a stray curtain of raven hair. His skin burned under the weight of the stares, the fucking fifth degree being thrown by everyone around him.

"Of course," Armin replied pluckily. He brushed his Scout jacket off without the slightest change expression before settling down into his seat. 

Only six blissful bites later until a long-necked fuck swung his muzzle their way. "Soo that means we all have a chance now, right?"

Sasha giggled into her stew, her face flushed. "Jean, you're a dog. Who has no chance."

Armin scowled. "It's crude to assume things when people aren't present. You have no clue what she'd actually do." 

The tall asshat just shrugged. "Maybe I'll ask her." 

Eren's vision was going red at this point, and he shoved away from his chair once more in an animalistic movement. His fist longed for contact, but instead he ignored every instinct and stormed off down the dining hall. 

Perhaps a time ago, Mikasa might've followed. But those days were long gone- emptied the moment she realized her feelings would never be returned. And now here he was. The mopey fool full of useless longing. 

All I want is her. But so do half of them. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

====================================================================

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the first time in days, the scar at the back of my neck itched. Eren loves me. 

I tried to escape it the more I ran. But there it was, eating away at my skin.

Trapped. My chest was tight. It's because I feel trapped. 

Then I blinked when I came to, and saw where I'd fled. The officer's wing. To Levi's hall. Disgust flooded me and I stopped. No. Oh hell no. Every part of me twitched. My body was yelling at me, telling me to go find him. To feel safe. To be angry. Submerged. 

Levi was a blade I needed to stop falling on. It gave my chest no time to heal. A jagged bloody wound that I'd open again and again. He was the flame I loved to play with, to see if I could cup it. 

And I was quickly beginning to notice- my lesson would never be learned. 

"Go," I spat at myself. "Not here. Not him." 

And so I swung my treacherous body, that burned so much, back around. 

 

 

 

 

Running was hard when you were caged. There was only so many places to go where people weren't. After frantic pacing, scurrying around shadows and voices, I came to an unfamiliar part of the Headquarters. 

It was late, so the halls were scarce. The only company that greeted me were warm lamps that flickered across brick walls. A massive door lay at the end of the passage, with gold ring handles that sparkled for my attention. 

"Hmm," I cocked my head. "Very well." 

Therapy wasn't easily accessible, but stealing? That I had. A few moments later and the door now lay naked, picked clean by my eager hands. I'd shoved the rings under my shirt, fit snug between my lower back and ODM straps. Sweet relief. I resisted the urge to lick my fingers afterwards, like a pleased cat. 

My gaze dropped, and through the small holes left by the knobs, an amber glow seeped out. Curiosity gnawed at me. I pushed the heavy door open.

“Oh, Maria,” I breathed, my voice awestruck. “Books.”

It was a library. A fucking library. In hindsight, it made sense that a group studying an unknown threat would need this– but it had never crossed my mind before. I’d never seen anything like it, not with the dusty, decrepit books on the orphanage shelves.

But these… these weren’t covered in dust or falling apart. Rows upon rows of scrolls and books gleamed in the dim light, stretching to an almost unfathomable distance. The nostalgic scent of aged paper filled the air, and I sighed. It was beautiful.

Though it was softly lit with lanterns, not a soul was there. I almost hopped around and squealed. An entire library to myself?

I felt a hunger overcome me as I strode to a random wall, and plucked a jade leatherback. c. 780 War of the Industrial City. I giggled and shoved it in my jacket. Birth of ODM: Angel Aaltonen. Yoink. Guardian Deity of Wall Maria. Don't mind if I do. The Forgotten Reiss King. This'll look lovely next to Love Amongst the Flames. 

Then my fingers froze on one particular title. Embossed letters on a dark, crimson book read Ackerman Clan: Lineage of the Bloodlines. 

I'd cracked the spine before I knew it. Once thought a legend by the royal family, the Ackerman bloodline first came into record in year of 700. Many theories exist of how they were made. Some say Titan science, or genetic mutation, even Sainthood. One factor that remains constant is their bond. Traditionally, they used their borne-skill to protect the royal family. Ackermans were the first Knights of the Walls, and the first true Right Hand to the Throne. 

Until King Fritz in c. 743-744 led a Great Extinction of their race when it became apparent they were more powerful than any force known to Humankind, stronger than even that of a Titan. As a result, the entire clan was killed. Only three known members are alive today. Kenny Ackerman born c. 803. Levi Ackerman born c. 820. Mikasa Ackerman born c. 828.

Their loyalty has been severed from the royal family for over a hundred years. The bond- known formally as the Ackerman Bond- is one of the most powerful psychological forces found of yet. It chooses its own fealty. But once chosen, it is a thread only broken by death. Some instances show that even death of their chosen will result in that of the Ackerman as well. Examples include Reina Ackerman c. 768-790, Mollim Ackerman c.820-

"No."

A hand rose to my mouth in silent gasp. Oh. Oh shit. Levi could die if I die? Was that why he's so adamant of my survival, why he threw himself to a hundred Titans? Did he know this fact? "Fuck me," I muttered into my fingers. So I truly am bound to be his burden. Until my death. 

"If he doesn't know, I bet he'd be so piiissed," I whisper to the pages. Then I slid the book into my bursting jacket. It was now at the very top of my list to read. 

"Are you having fun?" 

A familiar prim voice sounded behind me and I whirled, a book falling out of my jacket with a thud. "It's not polite to sneak, Armin." 

The blonde looked down at me, then the book with pointed eyes that flashed like water against the lantern light. "And it's not polite to steal from a library. It's all free, you know. In turn they just ask you to return it when you're done." 

I sniffed. That sounded fake. Like some sort of con. 

"And why ever would they do that?" 

A sudden laugh came out of him, and it was light and airy. White teeth flashed, standing out against the darkness of his olive-toned jacket. "For us to learn, silly. The Scouts can't have ignorant soldiers in their ranks, we'd be a liability."

I look at his hands, that are filled with a significant stack of books. "So is that why you're here? The know-it-all needs to know more?" Eren did say he stole from the Scout Archives. What a hypocrite. 

"And the thief steals knowledge?" his eyes sparkled in a way that made my stomach twinge. He looked hungry too.

Those laser eyes, that I'd hated since I'd arrived here, had warmed up to me in the last few weeks. Ever since Armin asked me to spy for him, clearing me of whatever doubt he'd made up about me. So now that I wasn't a threat to his friends, the blonde freak had thankfully let me be. 

But I didn't miss the way he inspected me still, eyes flicking to every angle, as if to spot a weapon. 

"I've always been greedy," I shrug. "Why not books too?" 

"Oh I'm aware your needs have a.." those clear eyes slid down, then back up, "range to them."

Suddenly, it was as if a magnifying glass had lit the sun, and I was pinned under a burning beam. I broke the gaze to pick up my dropped book, grateful for a second's reprieve. 

"Why don't you come over to where I'm sitting, and we can learn from each other?" the tone, and the question was innocent enough. Until I stood back up and saw the sly smile on his pretty boy face. 

Armin was a wolf in sheep's clothing. And I'd known that the second I saw those piercing eyes.

Even his demeanor, the way scrawny prick held himself weaker, to where you didn't notice the bulges under uniform. Or the how he seemed to try to make himself smaller, despite being almost Sasha's height. But he wasn't doing that now. No, Armin strode through the empty library in cool confidence. It was perplexingly interesting to witness. 

"Is this what you do late at night?" I said in an annoying voice. "Rub the spines of books instead of Reiner?"

The jab was involuntary. Though, I liked to see stoics crack, and Armin refused to under me. Except a few rare times. Once when we sparred, and he'd egged me on an inch too far. When saw real anger in my eyes, he'd cracked. Became submissive. The pleasure of it still warmed my bones. 

"The spine would be softer," he laughed over his shoulder. "But he's not one for reading, so I like to come alone." 

That made sense, rocks weren't very literate after all. "Do you trust him?" 

Armin halted, then set the books down on a table with a soft plunk. He'd taken us to the farthest side of the library, hidden by massive shelves from where I'd been standing. A lantern flickered on the table, illuminating five times the stacks of books across it.

"Your greed exceeds mine, it seems," I muse, plopping into a chair across from him. 

Armin's maintains that irritatingly calm expression as he settles among the books, looking completely at ease. "Of course I trust Reiner. He's my comrade." 

I begin taking the hidden books out of my shirt with a raise to my eyebrow. "Oh he's you're something, for sure." 

"Why do you care so much?" he joins his fists and rests his head on-top them, eyes boyish in the glow of the nearby lantern. 

"Care? I'm merely curious. You asked me to investigate suspicious Scouts, but all I've found is you cuddling up the smelliest, rattiest one." 

Slight surprise flickers in his eyes. Another crack. "He's not- Reiner is one of us. Do you have any concrete evidence to even support this?"

I grimace while throwing the last book down on the oak. "Not..particularly. No. But his arm grew back faster than it should, that I know. That, and the.. off look in his eyes. Like he's fractured. Something's missing."

Armin just cocked his head, his cheek slightly smudged from joined fists. "Quite the detective. The MPs should take you in, really."

My arms crossed and I leaned back, frowning. "I thought an observant one like you would've noticed it too. But you're just dick-whipped."

At that, his mouth fell open then closed. "Day, that's very crude of you."

I giggled into my hand, happy to finally get the bastard. "No, no I get it. He's sooo strong, oh and those muscles, I bet it all goes to his-"

Armin sat up and held his hand out to stop me. "Okay, you've made your point. As invalid as it is."

I snatched a nearby pencil and poked his outstretched palm. "You're pink, Artlet." 

"I am not," he retorted haughtily, straightening his spine. "Now, we are here to read aren't we? Then read, Day." 

I just smirked over my own stack of books then frantically grabbed one, opening it with a dramatic flair as I zipped up my lips. He just shook his head, sighed, then grabbed a book daintily before looking away. 

I was having fun. Annoying someone was an even nicer distraction than stealing my way through HQ. A very cute distraction. 

We'd only began reading for maybe twenty minutes before Armin cleared his throat, making me look up from Stories of Saint Rose the First. "Yes?"

"Could you not..do that to my pencil." 

His jaw was clenched over the pages of his scroll, eyes glaring at my mouth. I'd been idly chewing on the rubbery end whilst reading, and at his mention, I started to laugh. 

"But I'm so hungry," I sighed, twirling it in the air. "I could eat a hundred Titans." 

Armin looked unamused. "I don't want your germs all over this sanctuary."

I half-wanted to lick the table in revolt, but held myself. Instead I just rolled my eyes and flicked the pencil back over to him, before going back to the novel. 

Thud.

A wrapped sandwich hit the cover, plopping to the table. "That was gonna be my study snack. But it seems you need it more than me." 

I ignored the mock in his voice and leaped for the food, before devouring it in small, hungry groans. Armin blinked, sitting back in his chair. "Savor it," he whispered. 

The Undergrounder in me refused, and the sandwich was gone in seconds. Armin hadn't looked away once. "You make funny noises when you eat."

"That's not the only weird noise I make," I burped back.

He curled a lip like I'd just shat on a book. "Oh charming." 

"Thank you," I grinned. "and for the sandwich, as well."

He tried for a casual shrug. "It was for the pencil's sake." 

A laugh fell out of me, making me kick back in my chair. "You're not as awful to be around as you used to be."

"And you're as delightful as ever, too."

"You had worried me. A trained killer was worried you'd see she was forced to be a Scout. Then you went and figured it out yourself weeks ago anyways."

At that, his cheeks pinked again. "You weren't really trying to hide where you came from." 

"Oh, yeah it was the braids, wasn't it?" I clucked. "You somehow knew our hairstyles."

Armin tried for modesty. "Just a book, is all. About the killers of your city. How the assassins would braid their hair certain ways as to conceal weapons. Or to show loyalty to certain mobs." 

I nodded, almost impressed. "Must've been some book, because that's a kept secret. If the wrong person knew you knew that, you'd be dead." 

The pretty soldier only smiled. "Good thing the right one knows then, huh?"

"Cute. But I never braided for a mob. My own loyalty was always plenty." My gold locks tonight flowed freely, gathered at the very end with a loose, single braid, secured with a tie. No need for such theatrics among Scouts anyways. 

"That I don't doubt," Armin nodded his head forward in a slight sign of respect. 

It made me pause. He was the only topsider I’d met, aside from Eren, who didn't look at Undergrounders with disgust or judgment. This man was driven by pure curiosity, untouched by the petty beliefs that held so many others. It was... refreshing.

"How many blades do you wear right now?" he quipped, looking me once again in that laser gaze.  

I flipped one out of my sleeve to spin on the wood of the table. "About eleven."

"I'd like to find each one," he murmured, almost to himself, and the blade clattered down. 

Then, a nervous chuckle came out of him and he waved his hands. "I mean- to see how Undergrounders conceal their weapons is all. I bet it's even easier in ODM gear."

I laugh, giving him a smile that I know is flirty and loose, but I try to contain it. "That's a secret I'll never share."

"And so many more, I presume." he muses, then he grabs a book and begins to rub the spine distantly.

"Yes, so many more," I say each word slowly as my eyes trace his slender finger up and down the book. "Things that would definitely make a nice boy like you shudder."

"I don't come here every night for peace and quiet," Armin says softly, leaning forward on the table. "I come to learn how to destroy my enemies. I'm a lot less nice than you think." 

I just chuckled and grabbed the pencil again, waving it in his face before sticking it in my mouth. "I knew that the second I saw you." 

"And I knew," his slender hand drew forward, plucking the pencil right out of my mouth, "that you were from the Under City the first day we met." 

A slice of warmth slid into my stomach when Armin kept eye contact, parted his soft pink lips, and stuck the wet end into his mouth. Something careless took over my mind, narrowing on the shine of spit lining his lips. 

Innocent blue eyes blinked at me, while he smirked then took the pencil out. "There's quite of bit I've noticed about you. The way you look embarrassed when you realize you're paying attention in class." he caught my gaze, and licked his lips. "Or how charming you can be for someone who abhors social interaction."

At that, I laugh. "If only your best friend could see how you look at me now. Maybe I haven't noticed the correct things when it comes to you, huh?"

He maintains his level face, but I see a small twitch of his finger on the table. Blond hair flashes against the lantern, carrying the same luster as old parchment kissed by candlelight. It looked soft. His undercut was fluffier than Le- I breathed out before I finished that thought. He shall not be named, especially now. 

"Eren doesn't own you, does he?" Armin said softly, though with a hint of ice. "Nor does he own me, or my... wants."

"And is that it?" I feel myself drift further into greed, and a small smile lifts my face. "You want me, or my secrets?"

A thumb rubs his lower lip in thought, and cerulean eyes stayed on me with such attention, I flushed. "I haven't decided.. two months later and I still haven't." 

My flush deepened. Wanted me.. since I arrived? Thighs tighten on the chair, and I lean myself forward to relieve the pressure. 

"Okay then, play a game. One secret, or one kiss. Decide." 

My loose braid swings over my shoulder when I move, and Armin takes his eyes off me to grab it. Nimble fingers hold the end as he slowly undoes it, until my hair is fully free. 

"Oh that's tempting," he hums, as if solving an equation. I catch myself looking at his long eyelashes. He's like a doll. Too pretty to be a soldier. 

Finally, he looks back to me with clear eyes and says, "A secret. I wish to hear a secret."

"Mmm," I act as if I'm thinking. "Okay. The first person I ever slept with... I killed." 

Armin only tilts his head, a curious boy all ears. 

"He was the son of a gangster named Hilt. And Hilt– he was the worst of the worst. Used to pick up prostitutes just to kill them. A real evil bastard."  

I leaned back, letting the words settle. "I’d run from my orphanage a year before, barely sixteen. There wasn’t a cave yet– not for a while– so I holed up in some rundown apartment. I’d heard of Hilt but tried not to think about him."  

I shrugged, my gaze drifting over Armin’s wide-eyed stare.

"And one night, I’m at a street fight– just watching this time, picking pockets, throwing bets. Usual routine.  

Then this woman bursts through, screaming bloody murder. Half her brothel’s gone missing, and now they’ve found her friend, busted up in some alley.  

That got my attention."

"You were poor," Armin interjects. "You should've focused in getting a real place to stay. Money." 

I stare the privileged man and shake my head. "Killing was my job." 

He pales slightly and nods. "Right."

"Even for a sixteen-year-old without ODM gear, taking down a mob boss was a nightmare. His gang was huge. But stupid. Cruel. They spilled blood all over the Under City, made it easy to track them back to their hideout.  

I started with the grunts– picked them off when they wandered into alleys alone. But once Hilt caught on, security got tight.  

Then one night, while I’m staking the place out, a kid comes tearing down the alley, screaming for help."  

I sigh, shaking my head.

"This is exactly why I don’t go around helping people like I’m some goddamn wizard. It doesn’t always end heroically. But back then, I thought I was, so I stepped out of the shadows.

Took down his attackers, no problem. The kid– my age, handsome, slick-tongued–tossed me a can of food as thanks. Said he’d stolen it from Hilt’s goons, made it his mission to be their biggest thorn after they wrecked his block. I respected that.

So I told him why I was really there– to kill Hilt and take every last scrap of his money.  

From then on, we were partners. Almost."

Armin gasped, leaning in, eyes wide. “Wait– lemme guess. He was Hilt?”  

I clicked my tongue. “Close. His bloody son.”  

His breath hitched, but I went on, voice steady. “He was the one luring the prostitutes, convincing them to leave, over and over. Then he’d hand them off to the filth in his father’s gang– Hilt included. When he caught wind of the men going missing, he put it together. Knew it was me. Clever little sow.”  

A laugh bubbled up, sharp and unbothered. “And he tried to hand me over to them.”  

Armin stared, horrified.  

I grinned. “After I fucked him, of course. How torrid, yeah?”

Armin shook his head slowly. "And so, you killed Hilt too?"

"Hilt ended up killing Hilt. Once his son went missing, he started a gang war among the Under City that ended up with a bullet in the back of his head."

"Wow." the blonde grinned with an eerie light. "That was quite the poetic secret, Day."

I smirked. "It was on my mind for some reason. Now, is it my turn?"

Armin returned my dark look. "Ah yes. One secret or one kiss, dear killer?" 

The library could've been cut with the tension between the books. It filled the silence, made it seem like we were yelling, screaming with lust. 

"I want to hear a secret."

"I've been grateful you couldn't see under this table ever since we sat down."

Heat lights by chest, and I tease a finger along the edge of a scroll, not looking at him. "How very slutty of you." 

Teasing shame lit his delicate features. "I've been quite good, I'd say."

"Then why haven't you chosen kiss, slutty boy?" I tease further. 

"Because I want to first sate my hunger for this, before I move onto the next one."

Armin had never sounded so.. sure of himself before. I started to wonder just how experienced he was. 

"And are you full yet?"

He stares for a beat before saying, "One more. Give me one more." 

I reached out, tracing a slow finger along his jaw as I leaned across the table. A soft moan slipped from his lips, like I’d wrapped my hand around something far lower.  

“Here’s a secret,” I murmured. “I was going to run that night– the one we all went to the bars. Had it all mapped out in my head. The route, the timing– everything.”  

I let the words linger, watching his breath hitch. Then I smiled.  

“But once I was there… it never even crossed my mind.”

To my surprise, I didn't feel shame at that confession. Only wonder. For I hadn't even really known it until it'd been spoken aloud. 

Armin expression barely shifted. The man only nodded with a tiny smile, leaning further into my hand on his jaw. "You like it here."

"Mmf," I blow hair out of my face. "I wouldn't say that." 

"I have a feeling that if you truly wanted to leave," he murmurs into my palm, before gifting it a small kiss. "You'd have been gone a long time ago."

My hand smacks him, but just enough to sting a little. "Not true."

"You want to kiss me," Armin said as a small fact, clear eyes becoming glossy in the orange glow. "True?"

I close the gap, swallowing the words from that astute mouth.  

Armin lets out a high, needy whine, then suddenly vaults across the table, hands in my hair, dragging me closer. His lips– soft, velvety– taste of mint, an icy tingle spreading over mine, almost numbing. A powdery scent fills my nostrils, like fresh laundry. 

I slide my fingers into his hair, just as soft as it looks, and he whines again, so beautifully desperate.  

Then, just as abruptly, he pulls away.  

I blink, dazed, at the half-lidded man before me– until I see the wicked curl of his lips.  

One knee planted on the table, both hands cradling my face, he tilts his head, eyes dark with mischief. Then, slow and deliberate, he slides a hand down, nudging a pencil off the edge.  

It clatters to the floor.  

Armin gasps, wide-eyed, all mock innocence. "Oops. Sorry, gorgeous. I'm so clumsy." He smirks. "Let me get that."

Before I can get a word out, he slides off the table with effortless grace, then sinks to his hands and knees on the cool marble floor.  

His golden bob vanishes beneath the table, and seconds later, fingers curl around my thigh. I jolt, then let out a breathy laugh. “We’re in public, Artlet. Someone could walk in.”  

“No one comes to the library this late. Just us.” His voice– low, velvety, laced with sin– filters up from beneath the wood.  

I don’t dare look. If I see him kneeling before me, I’ll rip his clothes off.  

Soft hands smooth up my thighs, then down again, fingertips brushing the notches of my gear. He unfastens just enough to grip my waistband, and for a moment, he hesitates.  

“Go ahead,” I murmur to the lantern’s flickering glow.  

His fingers tighten. His touch, cold as his lips, sends a shiver through me.

I shimmy on the chair to help him pull my pants down, and I jump again those lips kiss my underwear softly. Then I fully bucked against the edge of the table when that coldness touched my clit. 

"Ah," I gasp, hands digging into the wood. He hummed in pleasure and it sent tingles through me. 

Armin was meticulous. Methodic. Each lick was studied, practiced. And it drove me mad. I pressed against his face in urgency, but the smart boy only stayed at his steady, reverent pace. Before too long, I’m practically shaking against his soft cheeks pressed between my thighs. 

Every moan I make his matches with one of his own, like he was devouring his last meal. It made me press my forehead to the cool wood of the table just so I could pant against it. 

He'd take breaks from licking me slowly to kiss up and down my clit. They were almost sweet in their touch. I was a moaning mess on the chair. My foot was wrapped around the leg of it, to hold me in place, and so was Armin's hands gripping my hips. 

The sounds of our depravity filled the library with each exhale of breath. When he'd feel me shake with an oncoming orgasm, the bastard would slow. My hands slid under the table to grip his hair, dig my fingers in, when he pushed a finger inside suddenly. I gasped, which quickly turned into a moan when he began pumping it back and forth. 

"Oh fuck Armin," I whined loud enough so he could hear. The pace sped up at my encouragement, his slender finger slamming into my core harder. I gripped the table, threw my neck back and tried to catch my breath. 

Once he finally allowed me to come, I felt my thighs squeeze his head, and Armin moaned between them. "Ohhhh," I let out, my hips bucking. He caught each spasm, and drank every part of me. 

It took another minute for him to thoroughly suck me dry, and by that point I was a muttering mess, my unbruised cheek against the wood of the table. He placed one last soft kiss, making me twitch, before crawling back out from underneath the desk.

A shiny, dazed face met mine when he rose from the floor. Armin was so pretty. 

"The way you look like right now.. god that'll be imprinted on my mind forever," he said in full honesty, making me flush again. 

"It'll have to be," I murmur as I pull myself together, wiping a bead of sweat from my forehead. When I lick my lips, they're salty with perspiration. Armin follows the movement, his hunger still a fire in those crystal blue eyes "We shouldn't do that again, right?"

The dolled face fell, making my gut twist. "Was I not good?"

I laugh, then lean across the table to kiss his red cheek. "Good? Pretty boy, that was amazing."

His smile is bright and contagious, so I match it. "Then why can I not please you again?"

"Eren might actually kill you," I laugh softly this time, brushing mussed hair from my face.

He only shrugs. "I don't care. If you ask, I'll come. Then make you come." 

"Naughty boy," I tease, but the offer standing I don't turn down. 

A thumb comes to wipe the corner of Armin's mouth as he watches me with keen eyes, no doubt catching my every movement. "I'll leave you to your night. And like I said- only ask. Perhaps I'll see you in the library again," he winks. Then with a slight bow, Armin grabs a stack of books and strides out of the library. 

"Oh my god," I whisper to his fading back. "Am I okay??"

Weird guilt wedged in my diaphragm, even when I still felt Armin's coolness on my groin. Had something came over me? No. This was my own will, clearheaded as ever. I wanted this distraction. I'd wanted Armin to touch me.

So why was the one I worried about... not Eren? Why was it when I looked to the lamp, all I saw stare back was Levi's empty face- the same one that'd watched me kiss Eren all those weeks ago. My heart lurched in pain.

“Saints help me,” I mumbled into my hands, my fingers pressed to my eyes as if to erase the fleeting thought that, for just a moment, it had been the Captain I pictured while Armin was beneath me.

"For the rest of our lives," I anguished. "We're tied for the rest of our lives. And his bond has come for me now, it seems. It's taken me."

I just needed to forget. I needed more distractions. I needed.. to be fucked. So I didn't fuck him. 

“You’re a crazy whore,” I muttered, consumed by madness, before shoving the chair aside and storming out of the empty library, my “borrowed” books in tow.

Notes:

mwahahaha oh day, our poor little avoidant attachment bby

Chapter 53: crack

The air was turning crisp on his breath in the first few hints of fall. It accentuated each angry huff he made back to HQ, a ring of hatred clouding his very head.

"Fucking brats," Levi spat to the moon. She hung overhead in a lilting way tonight- huge, beautiful, forever a part of him now- and a reminder of her. Completely inescapable. 

How she hadn't even barely looked at him since the dungeon.

Ghosts of heated pants brushed against his cheek, warming them. The way she sighed into a moan would be one of the last things he'd think of before death, gods he was sure.

Levi ripped a glove off with disgust and threw it into the darkness. Then the other. "We have a mission," the Captain reminded himself bitterly. If this is how it is now.. they'll be fucked in two weeks. And going into the Underground with her boyfriend beheaded would definitely put a damper on it.

But..boyfriend no more? He couldn't help but wonder before releasing another disgusted huff of fogged night.

Day had pleaded him to leave that cell.

And he did.

But every moment since then, his mind hadn't left it. He was still there, teetering on the edge. Then, just as he thought he'd make it across, the wire gave way- and Levi plummeted to a welcoming ground.

Erwin would be quite pissed if he knew that instead of finding their star prisoner- oh, pupil- and berate her for missing tonight's training, Levi instead went to Hange's lab.

The madwoman wasn't there, blissfully, so he could continue on his own little project, that had been acting as a sort of therapy as of late. He stripped off his officer's jacket, then threw it a nearby table strewn with beakers. A grindstone winked at him by the weapons pile.

A loud whine filled the room moments later. The steel wheel spun from pipes feeding its momentum, and once he pressed the metal to it, his thoughts finally dimmed. Quieted.

 

It'd been hours- or maybe only half of one- until he saw a figure on the outline of his vision. Once he threw his glasses up, Levi cocked his head and wiped the grit away from his clothes. "Commander."

"Captain," the large man drug a meaty finger down the length of the table. "New hobby?"

Erwin always had the air of a man who thought ten steps ahead, so Levi always let the man speak, and usually the plan would come out.

"Blade-making isn't a hobby where I come from. More so necessity."

"Underground solidarity, is it? Is that why you allowed your new cadet to skip her very necessary training tonight?"

"What should I do?" Levi snarled back; lip curled. "Find Day right now and beat submission into her? Because that's worked so well every time we've tried it."

Erwin circled the other man in sharp steps that panged against the hardwood like periods to a sentence.

"You have a job to do. By which means you succeed at that job is your own prerogative. But you've been distracted...haven't you?"

"Distracted," Levi spat, slamming the weapon on the table with a start. "You tried to kill my squad. You tried to kill her."

"And the greatest win for Humanity was the result."

"Your honor moves me." his voice is a pure growl now, and Erwin's eyes glint at the challenge.

"As does your unwavering loyalty to the cause."

The haughty devil reveled in Levi's reactions. A game, a wager. A lie.

Both men hold each other's gaze, the two looks more dangerous than any weapon in the nearest vicinity.

"What you two did," Erwin says each word slow. "changed it all. It's the only reason you're still in command after blatantly disobeying me. But what will you do, soldier, when you're not there next time to save her?'

The Captain's fist clenched, then he looked down and saw they shook. "Are you threatening her, Commander?"

"It's her duty," he smiled. "And it's yours. You two don't get a choice, you get a command."

"She won't do it." Levi snarled back, teeth glinting in the lantern. "You will never get that woman outside the Walls again. Especially after she realized what you did."

"Oh?" Erwin purred. "You know Day came to me that night she awoke. Angry. Indignant. Basically commanded me to apologize."

Despite his tension, Levi smiled at that. "Yeah, I bet she did."

"And do you know what I told her?

"Go eat shit and kill a hundred more on your way out?"

"I told her how disposable she is- even if we need her. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so. You had your own game out there, didn't you, Captain?" the awful man almost looked proud. A small smile pressed into the chisled jaw he so wanted to punch. "To threaten her own sister. How proactive."

"I was keeping her safe." he raged, slamming his hand down on the table. "From you."

"You seem to be under some impression this woman needs your help. The greatest soldier in our history, now needs a bodyguard."

"Always so ahead of yourself. She's not the greatest yet." Levi reminded him.

"No." Erwin shook his head. "She is."

The conversation with Erwin had left Levi's head fucking spinning.

Now alone in the weapons room again, everything shined at him with a biting light. He stared at the small dagger he was close to finishing on the table and growled, grabbed it, then threw it in a rage, shattering beakers across the wood.

"I should take her," he mumbled to himself as he grabbed another dagger hilt. Useless gifts. Useless things from a piece of shit soldier. "Take her and run."

And he almost couldn't believe the thought had even grazed that loyal head of is. But, he could. That loyalty had begun to crack, simmer, and overheat the second a sun stepped into his life.

Now, it was the only thing he seemed to care about anymore; just another second in that basking glow, the heat on his skin. If Erwin tried to extinguish that.. there'd be no point to go on anymore, without the sun. Without her.

It was when he was heading back to his quarters that he heard it. Well, didn't hear her feet, but that razor tone slicing through the dark hallway from behind.

"You just looove keeping things from me, don't you Captain?"

The fresh blades he'd just finished warmed his skin, almost activating at the sound of her voice. When he threw himself around to meet her, he blinked upon her appearance. It was late, and she looked.. ruffled. Almost glassy-eyed. He suspected she was drunk for a moment before realizing she wasn't. Just.. thawed.

"Come to fight with me in the halls have you? I must say," Levi shot her a cold smirk. "It is much better than the dungeon."

It was too dark to see if her cheeks warmed, and he cursed the lantern's dim glow. "Don't even think about it."

"Me?" he cocked his head, almost mimicking Day's own flirty demeanor. "My only thought is why there's a Scout out of her dorm. As if she's free to do so. Did skipping my class tonight inflate your ego even more? Or was it breaking up with your little boyfriend?"

He didn't need light this time to see the spark of indignation coming through those sharp brown eyes. "You little manipulator. Is that a male Ackerman trait? Or is Kenny's MO more sadistic?"

Levi's nose curled. "You're kidding. And how did you find that the fuck out?"

The killer stepped forward. "Oh you mean the fact that you withheld more shit from me, like you being related to Kenny the fucking Ripper. That could be crucial to our survival, I might add. The hell is your angle?"

Day, usually a bit more charming, was splitting right to the point with sharp, almost bruised words. She was hurt. He inhaled slowly, then rubbed the hilt of the new dagger, shaking his head slightly.

"It's not your job to know everything. Leave that to the people above you in rank."

"Lazy excuse."

He growled, the dagger now out of his sheath flipping up to point at her in face. "Fine then, grunt. The psychopath is my uncle, a part of my big, happy fucking family. That information is not crucial."

His heart, he noticed, was pounding. She always found everything out, as the world's peskiest prisoner. "We have an objective; regardless of any ties we may have in that dusty shit stain."

Her mouth tightened at the jab, eyes narrowing around the point of the blade. "I can't believe I ever thought I could trust you. I was right back in the dungeon. Dogs only bark for their masters, and you're no exception."

"Boo fucking hoo," he bit. "Would you like a daily diary of everytime I wipe my ass?"

"Sina why did I come here," Day muttered to herself, and she ran a finger over her furrowed brow. "We won't accomplish shit in the Under City if all you do is lie to me again."

"Anytime I lie," he steps closer but the blade is out of her face now, in his sweaty, treacherous hand. "It's to protect you. How many times must I say that, Dahlia?"

Her hand was inside his own before he knew it, slipping the handle deftly out before he had time to even clench. Then, she looked down appraisingly as she spun the knife in her fingers. "Not bad. I mean, the handle is pretty pudgy.. but the metal. It's sharp. The light ripples the way it should."

"It's yours."

Her head jerked back to meet his gaze with more distrust seeping in. Before she could speculate something else, he closed their distance and put a hand to her cheek. The slight warmth immediately began to thaw him the same way she looked.

"In the Under City, all you need to know is to trust me and stick by me. And don't trust Kenny. That's it."

To his absolute dismay, Day leaned her head away from his touch with a small frown. "Yeah, I've heard that one before.. Like always, I never know what you're thinking."

You. Gods, you senseless brat. That's all I fucking think about.

Instead he said, "It's easy, if you try to look."

"Or maybe if you just told me." she glared. "I'm about to be your mission partner. That requires equal information."

"Oh sure and I bet you'll have plenty of plots you'll keep from me there too," he replied softly, a smile on his lips.

"It doesn't have to be like that."

Day toyed with the blade almost thoughtfully. Her eyes slid downcast onto it. The straps of her ODM gear he noticed were sloppily done, and the thought of something so unlike her as that made his head shake. 

"For your safety, it must." Levi whispered against his judgment.

A fire lit in her eyes and she pressed her lips together. "Fine then. If that's how it must be. Don't presume to touch me again, Captain."

In a sharp noise, the infernal woman gave him one last glare and turned down the hall, disappearing around the corner. All the while stealing his breath with it. She at least kept the blade.

Once he found words, he muttered to himself wildly. "As if.. as if I want to touch you. As if I want.."

You.

The two weeks before their mission drug on like an endless punishment, brought down by Erwin himself. Since they weren't about to go face Titans, Day's training had redirected a little, but not completely.

"THERE HAS BEEN A TITAN BREACH AGAIN IN WALL MARIA. YOUR COMRADES WERE ILL-PREPARED AND NOW LIE ACROSS THE BATTLEFIELD IN VARIOUS STATES OF INJURY!"

Hange yelled into her favorite megaphone with a grin. The training tower was packed with the 104th cadet class, and she danced around them gleefully. A few flinched away and covered their ears when the ringing sound of the megaphone reached them. 

"THE REMAINING VANGUARD- FIND YOUR COMRADES AND BRING THEM BACK HERE BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT. BUUUT THERE'S A TWIST!"

Her goggles flash and her hand raises to show red armbands. It reminds Levi of a ribbon of intestines. "YOUR FELLOW CAPTAINS AND INSTRUCTORS WILL ACT AS THE "TITANS" AND TRY AND TAKE YOUR ARMBAND. IF THEY SUCCEED, YOU DIE. OH, and so does your comrade," she giggles. "NOW- GO FIND YOUR FELLOW SCOUTS. AND QUIIICKLYYY!"

A wave of tan shot from the training tower in bursts of steam. Levi held back, waiting until they got out into the field, when he caught a glimpse of gold.

Day lay angry, and pouting in the dirt twenty meters below, absolutely pissed she'd been chosen as an injured Scout. Still though, Eren was in the vanguard, so Levi knew he'd go right for her. Especially since he hadn't seen them speak once since the other night. Not even in Levi's practices, though Eren desperately tried to.

Levi would be utterly lying if he didn't say how pleased that made him.

So it was to his complete surprise when another blonde head popped into view besides her. Armin Artlet. He could make out the two arguing before Day allowed herself to be lifted onto his back with an exaggerated eye roll.

Levi almost laughed until he saw Jaeger not far behind, hurtling at Armin. They're not supposed to steal each other's rescues in this one. So, since Levi was to be an obstacle, he was. "Titan" intercepted Titan in a swift yank of his gear, as the Captain sent Eren into the dust.

"Your jealously is more important than training, is it?" he leaned down, so he could growl it into the wheezing man beneath him. "For someone who doesn't even want you."

It was cruel, he knew. He just didn't care.

Eren's jade eyes flashed with an electric gleam. Rage. "She's..." he pained, his wrath fixated on Levi. "She doesn't want you either.. Captain."

Eren was lucky Levi, unlike him, did practice self control. Or else his blade would've been halfway through his neck before the freak finished his sentence.

"ROUUUNND OVER!!!" Hange screamed through her microphone and Levi broke away from his violent thoughts to fly back to the tower.

When he arrived, Armin stood in the throng of Scouts close to Day, a small, placated smirk on his lips. She, however, grimaced beside him, like the sun was in her eyes. That blonde freak's too close. He's too fucking close.

As if the cadet felt Levi's murderous glare, he ticked his head and met his with an inquisitive look. It made him bristle. He looked like Erwin; all-seeing, plotting. A devil.

The next round of Hange's dreaded game left Day as a rescuer, and the two men in her orbit as the helpless victims on the ground. To avoid being too obvious, Levi steered clear of trying to subdue her, and instead kept to throwing Scouts about the jungle gym, snagging other bands.

A breeze flicked his jet wisps across his forehead, and he turned just as crimson shot past him. Day hadn't went for the two men, instead for Mikasa, who was calmly astride her back as they raced back to the tower.

Levi wanted to throw his current Scout at Day to slow her down, but Hange wouldn't approve. So he instead found a certain shade of blonde across the field and smiled evilly. Seconds later, Artlet was being held forty feet off the ground like a limp kitten, Levi's fist on his collar.

"Ca-Captain.." Armin said slowly, but not with fear. Ice. "The rules were to hinder the rescuers, or maybe I heard that.. wrong?"

"Whoops," Levi matched his monotone, and tilted his head to look over Armin's. Dirt lay below, and Levi was contemplating letting his wire go when he spat, "You are aware of Day's role in the Scouts, hm? I know your creepy little brain figured that out long ago."

Cadets began to notice Levi's small torture, but no one slowed down to stop him. It was, after all, just a game.

"The only thing that threatens her progress is Eren's devotion to her. It's obvious how useful she is to the cause, and romance isn't one of them." Armin clipped back, fearless and not wriggling against Levi's hand.

"I do agree she wastes her energy on everything but being a good soldier." the wind whipped the lean men, making them bob on the movement. Levi didn't blink, just kept holding him a foot away from him. "But who are you to decide what she should do? Leave that to the people saving your sorry asses."

"Eren's feelings for her are a hindrance to the Scouts." Armin repeated, making Levi's eye twitch.

He sounded so like Erwin it made him sick. However true it was.

"I want you to leave her alone." Levi brought the annoying little fuck in closer. "I can smell desperation on anyone a mile away. And Saints do you reek of it."

"As if you're not her pet too." The viciousness in the polished soldier gave Levi pause, then a lip curled.

"Speak for yourself, pathetic fuck." And before he could stop himself, he released the pet's collar.

Levi had been booted for the remainder of the day. Sent to go back to HQ by a furious Hange. Armin was at best fine- just some whiplash from Day catching him. The damned freak. She had somehow made it from the tower to them in seconds, promptly ruining his playtime.

So, he went to Hange's empty lab to create. Instead of finding a cadet to torture.

His mind was filled with worries that remained open like scabs. Armin, manipulating his fellow comrades the same as Erwin, to get results. Day and Eren's... breakup, and the blonde nerd's involvement somehow... Not to mention their fucking mission Underground, that truly required Levi's full attention in the days leading up to it.

After Day discovered he lied about Anya in danger, there had gone a method of taming her, especially on missions. Now, the only thing keeping her in check at home turf was a tiny little scratch on her neck. Another lie.

Not to mention if she even gets hurt down there I'll.. I'd destroy the mission. And every mission after that. Levi refrained from trashing the lab in frustration. Would there be an end to these walls, trapping him in? Closing in?

He had no clue how long it'd been, of being sucked into the spinning wheel of the blade block, until the door burst open and slammed against the brick wall.

"You pull that mess in class then break into my lab!" the woman bursts out and strides around the table to him.

Once he shoves the shades up, Levi sees his fellow officer a foot away, anger hard-pressed on her face. "I should make you leave."

"Are you?" Levi huffed, wishing she just committed if she would.

Hange studied him for a second before wheeling back around, going for something on another table. "No. But are you gonna blame your bond again, for acting like this?"

"Maybe it was the bond. Who knows. It definitely had to do with her, like it always fucking seems to."

When his partner turned back around, his brows raised when he saw a syringe in her hand, orange liquid gleaming against the lantern light. "If you keep complaining about it, let me try this new suppressant then. It might work."

Without meaning to, Levi had taken a step back. "I'm done, Hange. No more tests. This affliction.. I've accepted the long-term."

She frowned, looking almost dissatisfied, but set the needle down anyways. "But you haven't stopped fighting it. That's what makes it worse, you know. I've explained this to you many times, Levi. Your body needs to protect her, it's in your blood. Just.. find a way to channel it."

"Yeah. I've gathered. And I've tried." He attempted to not snarl as he set cooling metal back down on the bench. "The why's and the how's get so... fucking complicated. Makes my damned head spin."

"If we told Erwin he might-"

"The demon already knows." Levi growled. "He basically taunted me with it."

"The Commander should.. he should understand if you request to remain her assignment. To not be parted." A small tinge of worry touched her voice, the sound of a friend concerned.

"Right," he laughed back in a short bark. "Because that man is filled with compassion."

"Just don't hurt Scouts anymore," Hange threw her hands up, any tinge of concern gone. "I've given you solutions, use one."

Though Levi felt the urge to test his new blade out, he shoved the goggles back down with force, turning back to the blade wheel.

The two worked in stoned silence for some time, until Hange abruptly left without announcement. A few minutes later, she returned with two plates of dinner. He tried to hide his gratefulness when he slid the plate to himself, staring at the beans and ham.

The last thing he'd wanted was to eat with the other officers, who hadn't stopped bothering him since he'd revealed Day's help with the Titans. They wanted to know who she was, how she was trained, where she'd came from. It exhausted him.

Hange, for all her faults, was a good friend. And he didn't deserve her friendship a large percent of the time. Just as he never deserved Day's trust.

A while later, a small knock on the door made the two raise their heads from their work. Levi glanced to Hange, wondering if it was Erwin, but she just shrugged.

When the door swung open, Levi tried to not drop his blade. Day stood at the door. Her soft, gilded hair was done up in twin braids that sat on each shoulder and shined in the candlelight. Levi noticed that he'd stopped breathing.

"Why do you look surprised," the criminal joked to Hange, smirking. "You invited me, remember."

Oh I'm gonna kill you Captain Zoë. She hadn't mentioned that little detail.

The asshole in question snapped her fingers and went, "Ahhh yes!! My bad, Day. Forgot all about that." she extended her arm, opening the door a swing, "come in, come in! Let's make some weapons!"

Day stepped into the lab and froze when she spotted Levi at the blade bench. "Oh." she popped out on a breath. "He's here."

"You mean, the instructor who was gonna teach you later anyways!" she giggled, clapping her hands. "Honestly, now we're just expediting it."

Day looked particularly put off but just shrugged. "I guess. Does this mean I don't have to go to the Forest tonight?"

Levi couldn't help but give her a wicked smile. "And miss a night of training you and your beloved? Of course not."

"Ooo," she said under her breath in barely-contained annoyance. "Hange, I think the first weapon I'll make is one that can gut an Ackerman from head to foot. One clean slice. Just how they like it."

Hange just slid up to the beaker she was mixing with a grin. "Loove the vision! What type of metal, you think?"

"Oh, the same one as my ODM blades would work just fine," Day lilted back, her finger toying with a discarded, crooked blade next to Levi's wheel. "It's unique metal, a mixture of pure ore from the Underground and metal bamboo that I also stole."

Hange looked happier than a Titan with a rib cage, and Levi shuddered at a thought of the weapons these two could conjure up. Worse inventions than the Thunderspears, that's for sure.

Hange seemed more than thrilled to have someone bend an ear to her ramblings that wasn't Moblit or a dissociating Levi. And for Day's misgivings, she listened quite well, despite the Captain's bouncing way of thinking aloud.

Levi tried to keep to himself. To work the blades, eyes on the spinning block ahead of him. Moblit, Hange's second in command, did show up for a brief moment, to drop off Hange some documents, and Levi asked him to find Eren.

"Tell him his training tonight is one hundred laps around the training grounds." Levi ordered the stocky brunette and he nodded without question back.

A snort was heard from nearby. The thief was smirking at Levi with all the unspoken glimmer of a shit talker in her eyes. "Say it," he spat once Moblit left.

She just shrugged. "Your hatred of that man will never cease to amuse me, is all."

"Oh he's not special," Levi snarled back, taking a cloth to a small dagger to polish it. "I hate you all equally."

Hange giggled, her hands busy with a suspicious-looking bombshell. "What a lie!"

He trained a lethal glare onto her that she batted off with a lopsided grin. "And my partner here somehow thinks she's immune too."

"At least someone's your friend," Day scoffed unkindly, but Hange's smile just grew.

Levi, however, curled a disgusted lip. "Soldiers don't have friends, they have comrades."

Day drew her eyebrows in faux seriousness. "Right, the Titans eat happy people first. Best to rob yourself of all earthly delights."

Her mocking tone was at least something familiar, unlike her silence so far. Levi tried to ignore how he welcomed it, this easy banter he fell into with her.

"Yes, isn't that why you broke it off with your beau?"

Day's eyes slitted, and she twisted a wrench like it was a finger she was breaking. "He was my nothing. Definitely not enough to endanger me in the field."

She said it pointedly, a cocky, knowing smile on her lips. I didn't endanger myself saving you, brat. Only my own heart, my loyalty.

Despite it, he knew he would. Even if it'd been thousands of Titans upon her, Levi would've been there. He would've ripped his own limbs off, if she needed them to use. The knowledge of that hitched his body for a second. I'm truly gone, aren't I?

A while later, to Levi's horror, Hange excused herself from the room in a flurry. Luckily, he had already moved to sanding his handle, so the room was too loud for conversation.

That was until he looked through his tinted goggles to Day, who was sighing and shaking her head, her figure growing bigger and bigger. Before he knew it, a hand was on his wrist, and it was all he had not to jump. Jerking his foot off the pedal, the wheel stopped moving.

"Do you want your hand in it next?" Levi barked as he slid the goggles up his forehead, It reminding himself of Hange.

Day was unmoved. Her hand, still tingling atop his, just swatted his wrist lightly. "Let me. I can't stand to watch you muss up another handle. That last one was straight up lumpy."

He balked at her tone, as if he was some novice and not the military's strongest weapons itself. "Lumpy? The knife I generously gifted you?"

"As Erwin's nose," she said solemnly, and Levi was suddenly holding back a smile.

"Fucking cocky brat," he muttered half-assed under his breath, but allowed her to hold his wrist. Once the pedal started back up, she gripped him firmly, curbing and kneading it along the sander with ease.

Her breath was practically on his cheek. All he could think about was the last thing she'd said to him, furiously and resolute. "Never presume to touch me again, Captain." But here she was. The presence of her skin on his sung like a metal being struck.

Day's hair smelled of damp earth as a braid of gold brushed his right shoulder. His hand gripping the handle squeezed, and she swatted him then muttered, "Lighten your fingers. You'll bend the damned wood."

"Shut up," he clipped back. "You've forgotten who the teacher is here, cadet."

Day just snorted, eyes focused on the spinning block. "A half-witted one."

After about a minute, those pulsing hands drew away much too quick for his liking, and Levi was back to holding the handle solo. A part of him contemplated messing up so she'd "help" him again. Then he swore at his own vileness.

But when their eyes met, he was back in the tent, listening to the surprised moan Day made when he bit her lip. He wanted to hear that noise again. Now.

"Now that's an almost perfect blade." Day appraised.

"Is that a real compliment?" Levi raised an eyebrow mockingly.

"Oh bite me." Mmm had she just read his fucking mind?

Levi took a step forward to do as she requested when the door swung open to reveal Hange. Her aloof grin alit her face when she threw down some scrolls, barely giving the two a glance.

"I figured it out. Grenades! I'm gonna stun the bastards with a flash bang, giving us at least a five second lead."

Day spins round and put a hand on her hip. "That's a good idea ... are they susceptible to a certain frequency?"

Hange squinted in thought. "Why, I'm not sure."

"We should find a way to call them to a certain part of the Wall. Then drop bombs on them."

"That won't work for the thousands we have outside the Walls." Levi's focus begrudgingly shifted back to weapons making, but his body didn't. Day seem unperturbed, but noticeably kept her eyes off him.

She threw her hands up, quickly not caring. "Oh well. If only we had more Ackermans, right?"

"Let's start small," Hange piped in. "Start with a new ODM sword model and work your way up."

Despite her bored look, the thief glanced down the the array of metals Hange had horded across her lab. "Do you.. even have a forge? Knives I can do anywhere, but swords are tricky."

"Of course we have one!" Hange grinned, giving Levi a hopeful wink. It made him grit his teeth and go back to molding the handle.

If she's so convinced her methods work over mine, then go right the fuck ahead. Give me some reprieve.

Hange had just bid him a short goodnight hours later when Levi heard a voice sounded behind him in the doorway, velvety and grating all at once.

"Can I see your improved work?"

Once out in the hall, he turned with a wary look. "It's late, cadet. You should go to the dorms now."

"Embarrassed?" Day cocked her head, signature grin on her face. "Come on, I won't be nearly as critical this time."

Levi just rolled his eyes, but brought out a blade to get her to shut up. They were still warm to the touch from friction, and smelled of fresh sawdust and polish. And yes, begrudgingly, Levi had taken her advice, so the handles were sleek, and fit to his hand. 

She nodded with almost pride. "These are.. huh, lemme see." A greedy hand shot out. Levi plunked one into her hand, avoiding her skin at all cost.

"They really are.. beautiful." The golden-haired thief then smiled, a true smile, and held it against the light. Levi watched her shamelessly. Her keen eyes glided down the blade, dancing off the light same as the stones.

"What a rare day this is," the Captain tried to keep mocking out of his voice, but failed. "Something other than a whiny barb."

"Well one of us has to be mature," she snapped back without missing a beat. The knife, he noticed, was nearing her sleeve.

Instead of taking more verbal bait, he stepped forward in a blink and was on her with a hand brushing hers. "I'll take that back now," he said in a low tone, and delighted in seeing her eyes widen for the briefest second. "You got yours yesterday, didn't you?"

"Can never have too many blades," she stayed her easy tone, but now that they were inches apart, her voice had fallen.

Levi's hand slid into hers as a wisp of black hit his forehead. He was subconsciously leaning into the breath he could feel hitting his cheek. It made him feel drunk. Dimmed. "Classic Dahlia. Perpetually unsatisfied."

Her cheek twitched. He felt himself smile. "That could almost be true if.."

"If?"

"If it weren't for knowing how it feels to take you down. Now that's raw satisfaction." he felt her sigh. "I almost find myself giddy to go back Underground."

A sharp tingle hit Levi's spine. His own version of excitement. "Why, gonna try and jump me?"

Her coy smile only increased it. "Maybe."

Just as he began to contemplate biting her open neck to prove a point, the handle in his palm brought him back to reality. It had been there for far too long.

Despite it, he didn't step away.

"What else satisfies you?" he said instead.

Day's eyes were pure ink. Her lips were parted to breathe, and he kept his gaze directly on them.

"Getting your hopes up," she said, her lips inching towards him slowly. "Then burning them, as you did mine."

An evil grin spread on her face as she pulled away, making Levi's face scowl so hard it hurt. "Snake."

Day just kissed the air and winked. "Payback for lying is almost as good as an orgasm. Almost.."

Then, before Levi could lunge for her pretty throat and grip it until she turned pale, the girl spun on a heel and practically bounced down the hallway away from him, her gilded hair snapping behind her like it wanted him to follow.

Oh I'll fucking... a repressed groan of anger came out of him. Saints I wish I could make you regret that, dear Dahlia.

Since his skin felt singed, he ran to the- thankfully empty- officer’s showers in an attempt to cleanse his body and soul of her presence. But, no matter how hard he scrubbed his pale skin under the steam, he felt just as soiled. Dirty.

Once Levi's skin was red and raw, he gave up and dropped the sponge to succumb to the water's touch. Then he began thinking of her fingers, brushing up against his skin just as lightly and a growl sounded out of him. How she always smelled like damp earth, strong and fucking intoxicating, it made him want to bury his face into her. 

Wry, teasing lips appeared in the steam. A breath on his cheek. Flashes of her ghostly smirk floated toward him to graze his neck, nip at his jaw, to lick up his face and Levi groaned- not realizing he had grabbed his hardness until he looked down in horror.

Am I touching .. myself.. to "Ahhmm ah Dahlia," he panted in a sinful, disgusting whine, then another. 

Faster, desperate, so depraved he could only gently chant her name like a forbidden mantra, until it was moaned into a muffled hand as he shook against the shower wall. He threw his head back so hard on the ceramic he saw spots. 

You're.. Saints I... Day oh I'm- "so fucked," Levi whispered to himself, then slid down the tiled wall, all the fight of washing now completely gone.

Because it was useless. He was forever to be defiled. Forever bitten the curse of needing Dahlia, to the point of the velvety edge of sanity.

 

Chapter 54: catch me

Eren was at my door when I arrived.

I saw him before he saw me. All six feet of him leaned against my door. He's as handsome as ever, dark long hair down, wreathing his face from me. But not those eyes. They basically light up the hallway.

A finger toys with his ODM strap. My footsteps slow, leaded with guilt. "Done with laps?"

His head jerks up, and this is usually where he'd give me a radiant smile, but instead he just observes me then says, "I didn't run any lap. Fuck it."

The closer I got, Levi's dagger grew heavy in my clothes, as if fighting me. Eren didn't elaborate on his snapped greeting. He was being uncharacteristically quiet.

"Eren.." I began, reaching a hand out. He pulled away. Then pushed off the wall to face the hallway away from me.

"Day."

"Why are you here?"

Another short huff. "Who knows."

"It's.. it's never been my intention to hurt you. Never." The words felt lame coming out of my mouth. "I just.. fuck. You scared me, that night."

Eren whirls around with fire in his eyes. "When what, when I said I fucking loved you? And you stomped on my heart and ran away?!"

It was hard to meet his eyes. "Yes. I don't do.. I don't know how to love Eren. You don't deserve someone like this."

The truth of my words hit me, making my face almost crumple. That's why I'd pushed him away. Because I didn't know how the fuck to let him in.

He shakes his head aggressively. "No. No! You don't get it. You're.. you're it, Day. How am I supposed to... go on?"

My heart is breaking all over again as I try my best to not tear up. Here's the consequences of my shittiness splayed right out in front of me, and I still have the cowardice to look away.

"I'm going on another mission, Eren. And that won't be the last. They'll.." I grimace to the lantern. It illuminates our distance silhouettes. "Work me until they can't anymore. I don't want you to worry. I've never been.. needed in my entire life. Not like this."

He crosses the space between us in seconds as he spins around.

Warm hands find mine as Eren gently makes me look up at him. Tears dot his eyes too, making the jade in them like wet gemstones. "Why can't you let me, you stubborn, beautiful girl?"

"I told you," I whisper back, lost in his broken gaze. "I don't know how."

"And I don't know how to live without you," his voice cracks on the last word.

Suddenly, I'm horribly angry at my hot tears sliding down my face, matching his. How dare I cry?

Where were these tears when his best friend's head was between your thighs?

The viciousness of that thought threw me back into reality and I took a step back, then wiped my tears away. "You're going to have to find a way, Eren. Everyone's right.. I do distract you. And you're the Wall's most important asset."

His jaw tightened. "Maybe you're right. Or maybe you make me want to be better. I want to be a soldier worthy of fighting besides you. Everyday, I try to be that."

Guilt tore through me. He was so genuine. So honest.

"Please step away from my door," I whisper instead.

He shakes his head fiercely. "No.. no! You're not gonna do this, just push me away like I'm some fling. Why deny you care for me? Why push yourself away like this?"

I step towards Eren, half to move him away but half because his hair has fallen into his face, and I intend to move it.

"You're almost more stubborn than me," I half-smirk.

"What we have is good," he whispers back, pushing the words with urgency.

Abruptly, my door swings open and a dazed Sasha stands at the door. She rubs her eyes and looks between us, yawning, "Day? That you?"

I take this as a godsend and dart around Eren to my roommate. "Sorry Eren. I have to go.. I can't do this right now."

I hear him start to protest, but like a crack in my heart, I close the door behind me.

Once we're back in the room, I fall onto my bed with a conflicted sigh. Sasha immediately drops the sleepy act and flips next to me on her stomach.

"Uh sooo what was that?" she toyed with a part of my comforter to seem nonchalant, but I could hear the curiosity in her voice.

"Me being a horrible person," I groaned into my pillow. "I feel awful."

"Because you dumped him, right?"

"Sort of.." I wince. "I mean, yeah. Basically. But I expressed many times he wasn't my boyfriend. For this exact reason. He's heartbroken, much more than I .. anticipated. But I guess that's on me too. I mean, he did confess that he loved me." I groan.

From the corner of my eye, I see Sasha's eyes pop open. "He did? Wow. I always took him for.. more of a player than that."

"Nah for better or for worse- that man is a lover boy."

"And you're avoiding him because that... scares you?"

I dig my face deeper into the sheets until it hurts. "Pretty much."

A hand began to pet my head and I relaxed slightly. "I get it. We are soldiers. There's not much time for.. all that. Especially once we're out of training. We should be fucking like it's our last day on earth."

The last part she whispered, making chills run up the back of my arms. "At the same time..." Sasha's voice slowed. "Can't really blame him. You're strong, unapologetic, and you are a good person."

I want to shake my head and argue with her. The last thing I felt like was a good fucking person.

"Thank you," I mumbled into my bed before I moved my head to the side, to give her a grateful smile. The brunette just smiled softly back, then leaned forward to press a small kiss to my cheek.

Her weight left the bed, and a few seconds later, the lamp was turned off. "Goodnight, Day. And don't fret too much. You've got plenty of showing off to do tomorrow to focus on." she giggled as a pillow flew at her head, and she jumped into her bed to duck it.

Later, as I drifted off, that familiar gratitude for Sasha's steady friendship settled in. If anyone here had been truly trustworthy- it was her.

To call the following training 'awkward' would've been a mercy.

During the day, it hadn't been that bad. I had fellow comrades to hide behind, to block certain gazes. But tonight- both were fixed right onto on me.

My hand crept to a blade. It was something I hadn't done in a while.

"I'm getting sick of the sparring," Levi drawled lazily, eyes sliding between me and Eren. Every time they reached mine, they sharpened like knives.

"How about a game of cat and mouse."

The Captain's smirk sank my stomach. "Oh Saints, go on then-  tell us what you mean."

Looking offended at me, Levi replied, "One of you runs. The other chases. Simple."

And cruel.

Almost like he knew the turmoil between Eren and me- and laid it bare, dressed as sport.

"What a basic idea." I try to sound bored. "And we'll learn from this how?"

Levi straightened his neck to look down on me, and I caught myself watching his jawline work. "It'll teach you to not get caught. Now, somebody: Run."

Eren didn't even give a second until he was bolting down the crystal-lit clearing away from me. I took my time to cross my arms, and glare at Levi's pleased face.

"I'm starting to think these night sessions are just your fucked up version of self-therapy."

"How slow you must be then," he crooned. "If you're just now getting that."

I bit back a violent response. Eren was getting away.

"Asshole," I just snarled under my breath, then I turned around to sprint across the grass.

"Run, run!" he called out behind me. "It's what you're best at."

Why did I ever stop wanting to kill you, I swore to myself. Because it was all I could think about now.

Eren made it farther than I thought he would. Then again, half of our training consisted of running until we dropped.

We both were gearless, but he had the edge in stamina- if he didn't transform. If he did, it wouldn't be close. No one on foot could outrun a Titan. Not even me.

His hair had come loose, flying behind him. It made him an easy target. I threw a dagger at his ankle and he hit the ground hard.

I was on him in a flash. He spat dirt, eyes full of venom. "Didn't think you'd end it that quickly."

"Give me some credit," I said, retrieving my bloodied blade. His jade eyes burned holes into me the whole time. It looked like he'd blown past the heartbroken phase and landed straight into fury. "I'm not about to drag this out for our instructors pleasure. Just wouldn't sit right."

I avoided poking at him when he sat up. Eren was always cutest when he was a mess- leaves strewn in his dark hair, dirt on his face. Despite how angry he now looked.

"What a joke," he grumbled, still on the ground. His ankle had stopped bleeding into the grass, already starting to knit itself back together.

I waved him off, circling around. "So do we check in with our keeper, or are about to come at me like a pissed-off bear for your turn?"

His face was humorless. "Do you need his permission for everything?"

"Careful," the blade I'd just put away was back out before he blinked. "I understand I hurt your feelings, Eren-"

"Stop," he snarled, then launched off his good leg towards me. "You don't get to act like this! Like what we had- doesn't- didn't matter!"

Oh, fuck feeling bad for him.

If he was so desperate to cry, I was about to carve the tear tracks in myself- when a cold voice cut through the Forest air.

"All you two know is dysfunction. I don't think I've known worse soldiers in all my career."

Once, that would've broken Eren. Shattered him. Now? He just curled his lip- something feral in it, teeth bared like his Titan was grinning through him. I watched it, transfixed.

"You're always so nosey," he spat at Levi, who perched above us in a nearby tree, looking like a particularly judgmental crow. "What will you do when you run out of ways to kick my ass, Captain?"

Levi didn't so much as blink. "Tragic day, that. But for now- Eren, it's your turn, isn't it? You were just about to attack her. So go on. Do it."

Eren just stared at Levi with heavy pants moving his chest up and down. He looked slightly unhinged.

"Why can't I chase you? I'd learn something."

At that, Levi smiled, and leaned down on the branch with a cluck. "I don't feel like picking on the weak and useless today. Only watching them scramble and fight each other."

I'd had quite enough of all of this, so I threw my hands up and made a dramatic sigh. "I might as well go back, this is useless."

When I'd just began to get out of view, footsteps suddenly followed, crunching across the sticks and leaves like gunfire.

"You don't get out of this." Eren barked at me. "Not again. I'm not letting you leave one more-"

I broke off into a sprint. His enraged yell soon sounded behind me, and couldn't help the grin that crept in- part nerves, part thrill. I'd never had Eren's temper turned on me before. It was ...a little rabid.

Luckily, I was faster than him off the jump. But who knows how long I could keep it up, especially against a furious Titan shifter. The thought made me giggle, and I picked up speed.

The woods had reached full darkness half an hour later. I could still hear the hard steps behind me, just barely out of sight. And they'd hardly slowed. The only thing keeping me ahead of him was changing direction.

Maybe it was residual motor functions from his Titan, but Eren was awful at switching direction quickly. I skid around tree trunks, zipped through bushes, and jumped over creeks to evade him, relying on my hearing and the silhouettes of the trees against the moon.

It helped he also couldn't see shit at night. Blind as a damned bat compared to a light-footed Undergrounder.

That's what worried me.

How in all of Maria was he following me so well?

Some sudden Titan night vision? Fucking magic?

Different theories flashed through my head, one after another- my brain scrambling to solve the puzzle. I thought back to all the times he fell into the clearing, wrapped in his own gear and wires. There's just no damned way.

Then, my back shivered. Unless he has some way of tracking me by.. scent.

My hands brushed nearby branches. After a few leagues, I found flowers and tugged without slowing. I rubbed them across my skin, into my hair, as I padded through darkened trunks.

"Fuck," I swore once I realized a while later he was still on my tail. The flowers hadn't worked. So it's not scent... I tried to get my bearing in the woods, to think of a plan.

We had to be miles from the clearing at this point, and I didn't feel Levi's presence anywhere. So he really did just leave me with this crazed beast. How nice. 

"DAYYY!" I heard from the top of a hill about a quarter mile away. "Come on, I just wanna talk!"

"I always knew you were a fucking FREAK!"

Crazed laughter sounded behind me, almost getting closer. "Aww that's why you liked me! Right?"

I should've just flicked a blade his way and be done with it. But a part of me.. was having a sick type of fun.

"Babyy," he sang. "Where are youuu?"

Someone was also having too much fun.

"A week!" I hear in a voice that isn't strained from running but sometning worse. "Almost a week of you running from me!"

Suddenly, his footsteps sounded much closer. "But not this time."

And again, I wondered, how the fuck can he see me?

On instinct, I whirled around a trunk and jumped, grabbing an upper branch to pull me up. Eren's feet skidded under me. Then I heard panting as he reached up and scratched at the bark. He sounded downright feral.

"Can you fucking smell me or something?" I spat below as I climbed higher.

"Something," he jumped again, this time finding contact with his fingers on the branch. "Like that, yeah."

Slices of moonlight cut through the thinning canopy the higher I climbed. My eyesight was much better than his in the dark, but somehow he followed right behind. It was bewildering. Aggravating.

"Please, please," he pleads. "Tell me what I did. I- I promise, I'll be a good boy!"

"What is happening right now," I mumble under my breath, despite the growing heat in my chest.

Once I'm at the top, I sway on a small branch nimbly until the moment strikes- and I leap off onto the next tree. It reminds me of when I'd killed the herd of Titans, out of gas, having to use my own strength to jump from Titan to Titan.

Eren tries to do the same once he catches up. Finally, his clumsiness comes back. His hand slips, and the Titan plummets to the ground, hitting branches as he goes.

"AGHHHFFF!" a violent exhale of breath sounds meters below me on the ground.

I realize I'm giggling as I leap to the next tree. The moon watches, curious, as I go- brushing treetops, skimming the crown of my head.

"Awwww sorry baby!!" I yell out to him. "Maybe if you catch me, I'll tell you!"

Eren was probably piecing hisself back together, but I heard a mangled response through the woods. "FINE THEN."

ZZZZSCCHHHH HH!

A brilliant yellow flash illuminates the dark woods. Trees are blown back, making me grip the one in currently on as it jerks viciously against the sudden wind.

Then, a scream pierces the air. A warning cry. A threat.

Crazy ass mother fucker.

With my cover of the treetops now useless, my hands flare in pain as I skid down the tree trunk back to the ground. Small earthquakes sound behind me as the Titan lumbers forward.

I'm running when my feet hit the grass. But, he's just gained the advantage of speed on me. In seconds, I'm having to dodge an enormous hand. "Shit," I mutter. "This has to be cheating."

For the first time tonight I wondered: what is he gonna do if he catches me?

But I refused to be an easy target.

Instead, the next time those hands flew my way, I spun and jammed a knife into the skin. Using the leverage, I pulled myself up onto him and raced up his arm.

Green spotlights swiveled to me like the scopes of a rifle. A huge tongue came out and licked the white teeth outlining his jaw, dripping with drool. The Titan looked positively starving.

Just as I was about to leap onto a strand of mangled black hair, my foot slipped on something. A glob of Titan spit. Before I knew it, I was falling. Until the hand finally found me.

I stopped midair, my limbs dangling from the ends of his carriage-sized fist. It slowly came up to bring me eye-level with Eren. Hot breath hit my face as his jaw opened to let the tongue come out further.

I drew back and grimaced the closer it got to me. "Don't you dare, Eren!" I barked.

Even feral, Eren's Titan is pretty, somehow. Jade eyes are locked onto mine, vivid and unblinking. I flick a dagger from my sleeve. As he brings me closer to his mouth, I press my knife tight against the heat of his skin- ready to carve my escape if he dares.

A low rumble sounds from the bare throat. It almost sounds like a laugh.

Then, something wet lands on me. His huge tongue.

It's as if I'm a delicate spoon of cream- soft, breakable, absurd in the face of teeth that could shatter steel. Warm saliva clings to my skin like thick syrup. He tastes me. Not hungrily... but curiously.

I don't know whether to be repulsed or flattered. My knife almost slips from my grip, uncertain now- because so is he.

His breath rolls over me, steaming and moist, laced with earth and blood. Every instinct screams to fight, to cut, to run- but those jade eyes don't blink.

They study.

The tongue drags away, as slow as molasses, leaving a slick trail down my ribs. I'm cradled in one of his massive hands now, suspended before his mouth- his teeth bared, but unmoving.

Eren's Titan could crush me in an instant. Swallow me whole. But he doesn't.

Instead, his eyebrow twitches- like he's confused. Like some buried part of him remembers just who he's holding.

The knife presses deeper into his palm now. Hot blood beads beneath the blade, thick and steaming.

He doesn't flinch.

He brings me closer. Not to eat.

To see.

And I can't help but whisper, "Eren... are you in there?"

Nothing.

"Eren," I whisper, but it feels useless- he's not supposed to hear. Not like this. Not when he's forty feet of fury and fire, made of sinew and vengeance. But the moment the name leaves my lips, something changes.

His breath hitches.

The low rumble in his chest builds to a purr forced through a warm drum. His tongue flicks again- slower this time, dragging over my thigh, deliberate as a sin. It's obscene how gently he handles me, as in both an offering and a threat.

His palm shifts, tilting me backward, spine arching, pinned only by the press of one Titan finger splayed against my stomach. My knife is still in my hand, but the edge now rests against his pulse- yes, Titan's aren't supposed to have one, but I swear I feel it: a beat, a throb, synced to mine.

The jade in his eyes grow molten. Not mindless. Not anymore.

"Eren," I breathe again, this time with something else in it. A release.

And for a second, just a second- his mouth parts. Not to eat. Not to roar.

To want.

If this is madness, I don't want clarity. Not if that means pulling back from the heat in my belly, from the wild, monstrous ache of being this seen- even by something that shouldn't be capable of wanting at all.

His tongue slithers back, thick and impossibly warm, dragging slowly down the inside of my thigh this time- intentional, now. Testing. Tasting. Like a man remembering what a body can do.

I gasp. My hips twitch reflexively, traitorously, and his eyes- those blazing emerald suns- narrow with dark delight.

He pressed the tip of his tongue against me. Not hard. The heat of it pulses- alive. It shouldn't be possible, not as this scale, not at this size. But the shape of his tongue narrows, adapts. It's a muscle layered with impossible precision. A godlike muscle memory, even in this form.

I moan- short, shocked.

He responds with a guttural hum that's low and seismic, the vibration traveling through his tongue and into my body. My limbs go slack. The knife drops.

And he keeps going.

A huge fang rips the fabric of my pants, sending the sound throughout the forest. Then, he curves the tip of his tongue inward, stroking- too perfect, too intentional. It's not just instinct. It's Eren. It's him, buried under heat and flesh, dragging his monstrous body closer to mine without shattering me.

And when I cry out, it's his name- again- ripped from me like a prayer, or a curse.

Because this isn't a game of chase anymore.

It's worship.

His tongue doesn't retreat. It delves. Slow, obscene, and impossibly precise. It shouldn't fit. It shouldn't reach. But it does.

I'm trembling now, hips jerking against the impossible invasion, and his growl deepens. Eren had eaten me out before, but nothing had ever been this good. This wrong.

Every growl shudders through my marrow. I feel it in my teeth, in my spine- in the walls of me he's dragging apart.

There's no gentleness left. He's claiming, tasting, driving my insides open with monstrous rhythm, drawing circles that leave my legs shaking and my throat raw from moaning.

I arch into him, boneless in his hand, the world gone white around the edges. My hands dig into his knuckle, fingernails scraping hard flesh, but it only makes him growl louder.

He devours me.

And now- gods, he's curling it just right. Stroking deep. Hard.

No man could reach this deep.

But Eren isn't a man anymore.

He's a weapon. A storm. And he's using himself like one to ruin me.

I shatter. My scream tears from my throat, half sob, half curse, head thrown back, thighs clamped around the only thing holding me together- his tongue, still moving, still tasting the mess he's made of me.

And in the aftershock, dazed and pulsing, I swear a hear a voice from that mouth, raw and primal.

"Mine."

I don't run away this time.

When the tremors stop and the heat finally dies from the air, I stay. Limp. Breathless. Sated in a way that feels blasphemous.

The Titan slouches forward like a stone splitting. Steam bellows from his shoulders as the body goes completely silent, eyes dimming.

And then- him.

Eren peels himself from the nape of the beast. Steam rolls of his skin. His long hair is plastered to his jaw, mouth blood-slick, chest heaving as he drops from the Titan's spine to the grass below.

He stumbles a little when the hits the earth. The grass hisses where his feet land. And when his red lined eyes find me- spread in the grass, legs open, skin glistening with Titan want- his eyes go dark.

Not in shame.

In satisfaction.

He walks toward me, cock half-hard, bobbing with each step. His body still hums with residual power, shoulders tense like the bones of the Titan are still inside him.

I don't move. Can't.

Won't.

Not after what he did. Not after what I let him do.

He drops to his knees beside me. His hand- human, now, but shaking- touches my thigh. He trails his fingers through the slick between my legs, then lifts then to his lips, tasting the aftermath with a look that borders on unholy.

"You didn't run," he murmurs.

And I don't answer. Because I can't.

"Did I hurt you?" he asks, voice hoarse.

I shake my head. My voice won't work yet, but my body speaks for me- hips lifting, back arching, thighs twitching against his palm.

Then, softly, with something between reverence and madness he whispers:

"You liked it."

I avoid his gaze, wiping away some of my hair from my damp face. He looks down at me, breathing hard, hands still wet with me, slick on his fingertips. His jaw is tight. The same jaw I used to bite when no one was looking. The same one that said I love you like a bullet-shaped confession.

And I left. I ran. Because what the hell was I supposed to do with something that dangerous?

Now here he is, kneeling over me like I never got away. Like my body never stopped being his altar.

"You still running, Day?" he asks, low, bitter. He doesn't wait for an answer this time.

Because I'm not. And he knows it.

His hand slides back between my legs and stays there this time. No preamble. No teasing. Just his fingers- two of them- sliding in like they belong.

I gasp. My hips buck into his palm. He curls them, slow and deep, like he's trying to find whatever's left of me that didn't already get wrecked by his Titan.

"You'd didn't want to hear it. Fine," he says, voice breaking in half between rage and reverence. "Then keep staying silent and take this instead."

He leans down, lips brushing my throat- not kissing. Claiming. Breathing me in like he's memorizing what shame smells like on someone who wants it this badly.

His fingers move faster, harder, his palm grinding against the soft part of me like he knows every weak point by memory. And he does.

I whimper. Try to bite it back, but it slips out, a broken, breathless sound that only makes him go harder.

"Thought you didn't love me," he mutters against my neck. "So why the fuck do you feel like you're going to come just from my hand?"

I want to hit him. I want to sob. But instead I'm panting into his shoulder, teeth scraping skin, his fingers dragging the edge I swore I wouldn't go over for him again.

And then I do.

I break. Again. On him.

Not the Titan this time. Just Eren.

He groans when I clutch around his fingers, leans in and stays there, forehead against mine, eyes shut tight likes he's praying or trying not to scream.

His fingers slide free, soaked. My body clenched at the loss, but then- his hands are on my thighs. Spreading me. Lifting my hips like I weigh nothing, like this is what he is made to do.

I can feel him now. Hard, hot, dragging against my clit as he lines himself up.

"Still not running," he growls.

And I'm not.

My body surrendered long ago. My mind will half to catch up later, it seems.

He pushes in- slow at first, jaw tight, a strangled sound caught in his throat. My back arches, every nerve on fire.

Not soft. Not sweet.

Necessary.

He starts to move, and there's no ceremony in it. No rhythm, just need. Built up, pent, starving.

I moan, nails digging into his shoulders. He groans- raw and human this time- and slams deeper, harder, as if trying to erase the week spent apart. The silence. The pain. My refusal to say it back.

I'm not saying it now, either.

But I'm taking it.

All of him. Every brutal thrust, every whispered curse, everytime his forehead knocks against mine and he swear he's going to break me in half if I don't stop looking at him like that.

Like I never left.

Like I still want him.

And I do.

By the time I come again- biting his shoulder to keep from screaming- his grip on my hips is bruising. He follows me with a groan so guttural it sounds mixed with his Titan. Hot come hits our stomachs.

"Gods Day gods, fuck," he whimpers pitifully as he collapses.

He stays on top of me, panting against my neck, one hand fisted in the grass, the other on my throat like he's afraid I'll vanish again.

But I don't move.

Not this time.

 

Eren follows his ritual after fucking, where he licks me dry, getting every drop of come he spilled on my skin. Once he moves to between my thighs, I sigh into the grass and roll my eyes into the back of my head.

Once I'm fully clean, he comes away and wipes his glistening mouth while keeping his eyes on me.

The steam slowly faded, and we still don't get up.

His body is heavy on top of mine, but I don't want him off. Not yet. His breath fans against my skin- shallow, spent, still catching up.

Eren's arms wraps tight around my waist. We lie like that for a long time. Long enough for the night air to cool the grass beneath us, long enough for my heartbeat to slow and the sharp edges to dull.

Then, so quiet I almost miss it:

"I'm sorry."

I feel him shift behind me, forehead now pressing into the back of my neck.

"I shouldn't have said it that night," he continues. "Not when I knew you weren't ready. Not when I knew you couldn't say it back."

His voice cracks on the last word, raw with something that isn't quite regret- just the ache of being too full of something he wasn't allowed to give.

I don't say anything.

Because I remember how he said it. How it hit me like a slap and a plea all at once. How I stood there, naked in every way, and still couldn't let the words out.

Now I lie here, wrecked and open and closer to him than I'd ever been- and still, nothing comes.

He doesn't ask me to.

He just holds me tighter.

And maybe that's all he needs right now. Just this. Just me. Just quiet.

But it isn't until I blink, that I realize tears are in my eyes. "I just keep hurting you," I murmur.

"No," he presses behind me. "No, Day. I just.. understand now."

"And what's that?" I wonder.

"That I'll never be the one you'll love. Because your heart has already been taken. I was just too ignorant to see it."

I jerk in his grip, but he pulls me closer, gifting the back of my neck with a kiss. "It's okay. I'll fuck the life out of you whenever you ask. I'll follow you anywhere. I'd even.. share you, if that meant keeping you."

It's suddenly hard to shallow. A blade of grass brushes my stomach and I twitch.

"Eren..." I roll until I'm facing him now, ready to face the consequences of my actions. My shame. "No one has my heart. And you can't just... you can't just solve everything with sex." As much as I try to, too.

He doesn't flinch. Doesn't look away. Just lies there beside me, skin dewed with warmth, jaw tight like he's chewing through every word I didn't say.

"I know," he says at last, voice low and too calm. "But it's the only time you let me have you."

That sinks in. Ugly. True. I don't move.

"And I know that isn't enough. I'm tired of pretending that if I touch you hard enough, you'll forget how scared you are to be loved."

Silence.

Then:

"I don't want your body," he says, eyes narrowing. "I want your choice."

I want to say something cruel. Something that lets me keep the walls up. But all I can do is breathe- shallow, uneven- and stare back at the boy who loves me with his entire heart.

"So what do I do?" I ask almost pitifully.

"Just give me a chance. I'll share you, cherish you.. sometimes I think I can't even breathe without you near, Day."

"I deserve to be alone," I whisper.

"Stop," he snaps, drawing me closer. "Lie with me. And know how it feels to be held. To be cared about. That's all I want to do for you."

So I allow myself to feel needed. Craved. Because despite every wall in my arsenal, I can't shake the feeling of the word love.

Or the face that always comes with it.

Chapter 55: try

He knew he shouldn't complain about training, since they'd be together for who knows how long in the Underground.

But ever since that night in the woods, where he'd left her with a steaming Eren, something had shifted.

Levi had a nose for these things. For her bullshit.

The other night, Eren's gear fell off while he watched her, wide eyes of reverence unmoving from Day's deft fingers on her straps. Levi, for the better part of four training nights, had spent them picturing ways he could slice Eren sideways without killing him.

It wasn't enough.

So, he did the only thing he'd known how for months.

He tortured the two. Because nothing instills a good lesson like pain.

Six days before the mission, and Day was bouncing around the gem-lit clearing with an idiotic hoot and holler. Blonde hair bobbed across the light, making her shine come in and out. She'd just put Levi down.

The Captain got off the grass with a nasty snarl, grabbing his blades with a sching of metal, reflecting his gray stare.

"You call victory too easily. It makes you lazy." he spat– then lunged.

Before she could speak, his blades crossed at her throat, an X of steel grazing skin. He stood behind her, breath warm on her cheek.

"Make sure your enemy is really down, before you ever turn your back on them."

Then, he was holding air. She'd slid through the grip and out of sight in a blink.

"Your smugness is almost disgusting," Day poked from behind in that irritatingly lilting voice. It always sounded like it was teetering between a laugh.

Levi crouched without warning and reached behind him, grabbing her ankle before she could react. With a sharp tug, she hit the ground with an indignant thud. "Aghk dick!"

Levi smiled, if not cruelly so.

"I just keep waiting for you to learn but..." He dodged her next jab, the  slammed the side of his ODM blade onto her cheek. Hard. "It hasn't seemed to set in."

She swiped at his face with a feral look. "You know, you're acting like I've never been in the Underground. I'm aware it's dangerous. I've fought my way," another swipe, this time it barely connects. "Through half that damned city."

His next kick, straight to her chest, she blocked with a forearm. Day grunted, then glared. He was toying with her, and she knew it.

"A man who sleeps with a machete is a fool every night but one."

Her next groan was purely artificial. "Oh give me a break."

He could see her patience run out, and his next swing he aimed her way, was suddenly redirected as the ground came at a blinding speed.

Her boot inched towards his neck, both level with each other now. He’d landed flat on his back, facing the canopy of trees glittering above them. The Captain just gave her a warning look. Day smirked.

"If I could kill a hundred Titans, how hard could Kenny the Ripper be?"

Levi didn't go grab her, or leap off the cool grass. Instead, he stared at her in such exasperation, it felt like he might sink into the ground at any moment.

The moon caught her gold, making his eyes flick up. Though the light was against her, he could make out big brown eyes soaking in the light of the gemstones. For a second, he had forgotten to breathe.

"Well?"

Levi blinked, coming back to earth. "Well, Kenny isn't a dumbass waddling Titan. He's basically a smaller, much crueler version of one. With the same strength."

She snorted, glaring down at him like a displeased royal. "Sounds like you."

"We are family." He bit out. "Nobody quite like the Ackermans."

"Hmm," she mused to herself. "I actually have a book about that."

Levi felt himself slightly smirk. "You bought a book about me? Who knew I had such a fan."

Her boot nudged his shoulder quite roughly. "I was just making sure we weren't related."

"You're not helping your case, Day."

The woman held her dark, discontented eyes firmly on him. Like she was waiting for a move. A strike.

"Kenny is the most skilled fighter you'll ever meet. And your cocky ass needs to prepare."

She sighed. "Why? It's just recon anyways. We're not supposed to engage."

"We weren't on the last mission either," he said sharply, before sitting up with a sigh. "But Erwin's plans are rarely peaceful."

"Good thing he won't be there this time then."

Levi put himself right in her face once he stood, to unnerve her, he didn't know. Maybe to get a better look at her eyes, that sank so beautifully into the night’s embrace.

She only matched his move with a chill look. "No Erwin to watch us. Just me and you, Captain."

He fought off a sudden dryness in his mouth. "That fact should worry you quite a bit."

"You're not nearly as scary as you sound." Day's voice had dropped slightly. It was almost soft.

"Uh... guys?"

Eren stood a few yards back. He'd been spectating the match next to the tree-line, and when the dip shit spoke out, their eyes broke apart. Air came back to Levi's lungs, and his brain.

"So eager for your turn, Jaeger?" Levi tried to play off with a spat as he stalked across the clearing.

"At this point, yeah." The Titan muttered, earning a glare from his superior.

Day sheathed her blades behind him, then felt her follow. He didn't risk looking back. He already knew he was fucked- and more than fucked once the mission actually began.

====================================================================

The First Awakening, as it is come to be called, is all but a myth. But a very longstanding one at that.

Through oral traditions, it refers to an undocumented event said to have occurred within the royal palace walls. According to these accounts, the first known instance of Ackerman activation did not arise from war, but from stillness- a child, barely six, standing beside the king during a routine court session.

When an assassin disguised as a servant drew steel, the child moved before the guards even noticed. One precise, lethal blow- and silence returned. Scholars believe this marked the moment the "instinct of protection" encoded within the clan's blood was first witnessed.

The door slammed with Sasha's arrival, and I shut the book to smile up at my roommate. Big green eyes found the book and quirked. "Wow Day, never knew you were such a dedicated cadet!"

I slid my hand across the title before she could read it. "Oh you know me," I try to chuckle. "As studious as one can become."

She freed her ponytail as she flipped onto the bed across from me. I pushed the book under my pillow as I settled into the covers, the warm light of the lamp acting as a second blanket.

When I drew my legs up, they bumped a rack of books spread underneath, but I just kicked them further down. "Honey, you're home late."

It was a little joke we had, and she laughed back. I caught cherry on her cheeks.

"I'm not telling."

Now my attention was focused, and I sat up with a wicked grin. "No worries, I love to guess."

Rapid fire: "Jean?" "EW no!" "Uhh Mikasa?" "I almost wish, but no, no."
"I won't even say Connie-" "Okay, that's just nasty."

Sasha threw a hand up to stop me. "I'll tell you. Fine. It's.. it's a cook named Nicolo. He's the one who always serves that," the brunette let out a small moan, "that honey glazed ham on holidays. One day, I went to go sneak some and.. he caught me. Then, fed me!"

Honestly, it sounded like her type of meet-cute, so I grinned happily. "Aww, cowgirl found her match, huh?"

Instead of smiling back, Sasha brushed long hair off her brow and rolled to face me in bed. "Really? You're not even a little jealous?"

I cackled. "You'd be surprised how much it takes for me to be jealous."

She cocked her head, looking like a deer. "I guess I would be, Mrs. Nonchalant."

"Oh Saints no, definitely not. I just.. I dunno." I shrug. Then, I remembered the night we all went to the pubs. Petra's arm snaking in Levi's. Her look of possession. My eyes widen, and I immediately turn on my back, so Sasha won't see. "I've felt it before though. Briefly."

"Well, it's not like there's anyone to get jealous of
from Eren anyways. He played around a bit before you but... the man's in it."

I winced slightly, eyes on the wood ceiling. "We aren't in it. Especially now. I'm just.. not overthinking it." At least, trying to.

In my peripheral I see Sasha wave her hand around. "So you break up then you don't, who cares. Everyone's done it."

"We didn't break up because we were never dating!" I whip my head around and snap, having said this a million times at this point. 

"Right right right, sure."

"Keep talking and I'll tell that cook of yours you're only dating him for free food."

An angry squeak came from Sasha. "That's not.. true. I mean, it was. But not now!"

We fell into a peal of laughter, and before long, two snores filled the room in sync.

Despite my better judgement, a part of me really did enjoy some Scout training. Especially days like this.

The field was a sea of colors. Each one was a vicious splash across the cadet's uniforms like the blood in dreams. Only two pillars of white stood clean, untouched.

Me, and Mikasa Ackerman.

I held my paintball gun- a pistol, attached to our ODM handle- and regarded the dark-haired girl with an excited smile. Her new jagged cut set her cheek bones across the blue sky, making her slice me from yards away.

"Truce?" I kept the goofy smile as I held my hand up, the gun swinging on my middle finger.

Her face was stone, but I caught a gleam in those gray eyes. "If only you meant that," her cool voice floated across the jungle gym.

Blue crossed my vision. I shifted just in time for a pellet to rocket by, splattering across a wooden plank behind me. An ODM anchor embedded itself right into the splatter seconds later.

I whirled my head back around to see Mikasa flying towards me and I jumped off the bar I was standing on.

The Ackerman girl was always all gas, no brakes, so it took a moment for her to change direction and follow. We engaged in a lightning-fast cat and mouse chase.

I jumped from bar to bar, crouching low, not risking a glance back. Suddenly-

Thwip-thwip-thwip- three rapid shots.

I spun midair, upside down over a swinging bar, just in time to avoid her anchor aimed right for my head. A ring of red was around me from her attack, like a halo of war.

I laughed, sharp and breathless. My boot clipped the next beam and I kicked off, swinging around the bar once, twice, before launching upward with momentum.

The air pressurized with tension, I saw Mikasa already above me, knee cocked, gun raised. Her hair snapped in the wind with fury.

I fired. She twisted.

Paint hissed passed her.

She countered, mid-flip, and I had to leap off the bar to avoid it. Instead of flying towards me, Mikasa drew in her wires and jumped to follow. With precision, she dove between a gap in the bars before releasing her anchor.

"Getting slow," I called as I landed into a roll. The wooden platform was narrow; and when she flew towards me at full speed, it knocked me right back off my feet and straight off the edge.

We hit a hanging rope net, tangled limbs and wild breaths, both of us scrambling for control while still clutching our paintball guns like a bag of bank notes. 

I head-butted her. She bit my shoulder.

We split- flung in opposite directions, arcing through the air like comets.

I landed with a crouch on a high-beam, gun reloaded, shoulder bleeding yellow.

She perched across from me, paint splattered down one leg, chest heaving.

"Final shot?"  I asked.

She gave me the smallest nod.

We both launched.

Two anchors fired.

But mine kissed her chest first- dead center, a bright bloom of violet right over her heart.

Mikasa hit the rope hard, bouncing once.

I landed back on the platform without a sound.

"You were right," I said, grinning wide. "We should train together."

The horn sounded. Game over.

At dinner, Eren sat beside me in an uncomfortably silent position. Head down, just gorging himself on stew. It was.. odd.

"You good?" I said, trying to sound casual. Ever since our... stint in the woods, we'd had a weird sort of relationship. Even weirder than the one we'd had.

One where I knew his Titan made me come. And I'd liked it.

Feelings aside, it was hard to stay away from our attraction. After all the hot sex we'd had, my body was resistant to give it up. Despite how betrayed my mind felt at that fact.

"Don't worry," Eren's smile was taut. "It's nothing. Just that fuckface Samuel again."

I cocked a brow. Eren swallowed more meat then looked across the room, to where the burly black-haired man was sitting next to Thomas Wagner, his almost hunkier best friend. The two were the loudest, most miserable Scouts in all of HQ.

And that's including Levi. 

"Lemme guess, he's mad me and Mikasa kicked ass today?" I waved a spoon around with an eye roll.

Mikasa beside Armin gave me a smile, then turned to look at Samuel. "Maybe we should jump him."

I was shocked by her idea. "What?" 

She only shrugged a shoulder. "What? He deserves it. Maybe if he got beat up really bad, he wouldn't complain about the strong ones in class anymore."

This dark side of Mikasa I resonated with, and I gave her an appraising look. "As fun as that sounds.. "

"I'm surprised you'd turn that down," she snorts, and suddenly I want to impress her. This marble-faced queen of a soldier.

I hesitate in front of the girl who once loved Eren- as the girl who tries to, but can't.

"You know.. I hear he likes that training room across the cadet wing. The one with all the mats. He probably goes there after class with his hunk of meat, Thomas." I say airily, inspecting my nail.

"In that case," Mikasa's smile is tight, conspiring. "I think it's time you made good on that training session with me."

As luck had it, two of the worst soldiers in the 104th were already throwing sloppy punches across the sweat-slick mats when we walked in. They weren't alone, either- and not knowing how quiet Mikasa planned to keep things, I drifted to an empty one without a word.

I saw Samuel Linkë Jackon's huge neck jerk my way the closer we got to our mat. Without even looking back, I could feel the hatred rolling off him in waves. Whereas Levi's contempt was icy, numbing; Samuel's was pungent, filling the room and mingling with the smell of sweat.

Mikasa appeared in my vision across the mat. We'd both changed before this, and her training outfit was quite distracting. A cut tank top showed off her toned biceps, that led my gaze a few times as she stretched.

"You've never striked me as the type to warm up," I say as I follow her lead, reaching down to my toes.

She doesn't look up as she responds, "I don't. I'm canvassing."

An eyebrow raises. "Why's that?"

Then, her head comes up with a small sigh. "Aren't we jumping them, Day? We can't have witnesses."

The seriousness on her face made me snort. She had really taken this to heart and treated it as a mission.

"Won't they be witnesses to their own jumping anyways? And just go tell the officers?" I twisted my abdomen, my gold braids sliding across my back.

"Not if we make sure they won't."

I hadn't seen this side of Mikasa before, and I paused to glance in her direction. The Ackerman only kept her gray eyes neutral, familiar cold and cruelty. It made me shiver slightly. Before I knew it, I was smiling.

"These idiots have gotten you this riled up," I muse. Mikasa still hadn't made a move towards me, though she was done stretching.

"It gets old, doesn't it? Constantly holding yourself back."

I tilt my head. "Who says I'm not doing that with you?"

Gray eyes narrow, reminding me of someone. "Don't."

Then, the girl struck.

It took seconds for me to realize she'd swiped my face and made contact. My eyes widened, feeling a prick of blood slide down my cheek. Had her nails gotten me?

Samuel and Thomas's match immediately slowed once they realized we were sparring now, and I felt their gazes turn to watch.

But I was too fixated on the lithe machine in front of me.

Another swipe came at my jaw this time, and I grabbed her hand midair. Mikasa gritted her teeth when I yanked it, throwing her down onto the mat forcefully.

My hands gripped some cloth. I looked down to notice Mikasa had a band wrapped around her wrist, but only on the one I held. The brief second I took to examine it, she used to sweep her legs, throwing me on my back too.

"Are you injured?" I glance back down to the cloth.

She looks at it then her face washes into a cold, unreadable look. "No."

I want to leap forward and rip it off, to distract her, but she almost senses my thoughts. She's pushing off the mat in a flurry, and I have to drop back to the ground to duck her foot.

Hand to hand with her was exhilarating.

Even Levi, who surpassed her skills, didn't alit me this way. He was calculating, and I had to be wary of him at all times. Mikasa though, was less of a cat playing with her food, and more of a weapon with one thought in mind.

Mikasa Ackerman is worth a hundred soldiers.

The next time she slid towards me, I sidestepped and deliver an elbow to her jaw. The girl didn't hesitate. She just swept another fist my way as she spun back around that cut the air with strength.

I made me think about the book. The Ackermans. Fighting Kenny. Would he be like this? Or worse.. worse than even Levi himself?

I bit down the tiny brush of nervousness I'd felt at that thought. Determination set into my bones, almost like I needed to take her down now to prove myself.

So, I did.

Moments later, the only living Ackerman woman lay on the mat with slow, deep breaths as she glared up at me, reminding me of training with Levi earlier. How easily he dropped my guard, layed me on my back.

"You fight well," I held a hand down towards her. "But you already knew that."

She was much more humble than me as she just shook her head, accepting my hand. "Not good enough. I need to be better."

"And why's that?" She's better than anyone. Give or take two people.

"To protect Eren."

Surprise- but not jealously, I noticed-  pricked my skin. "You mean, the man who can regenerate?"

"I can't.." she frowned slightly, looking unsure. "It's hard to explain, really. I just can't imagine him being hurt."

That made my stomach lurch slightly. It'd been established long ago those two weren't a love match. But.. the look in her eyes seemed all to familiar.

She's bonded to Eren. I widen my eyes towards her. Just as Levi's blood has bonded to me.

"But once chosen, it is a thread broken only by death. Some instances show that even death of their chosen will result in that of the Ackerman as well."

Did she know that? I wonder.

But as she looks as me almost worriedly, like she's afraid I'm mad at this confession, I just sigh and shake my head. "He's just too lucky, is all. Doesn't deserve the protection of someone so badass."

A smile crept its way onto her sculpted face. Her beauty was otherworldly- like a thorned rose with darkened petals. Rich. Deadly.

"You always flatter me, Day. Even the first day we actually had a conversation, all you did was flatter me." She began to step closer to me in the mat, and my eyes caught her biceps once again displayed from her tank top. "I wish to return the favor."

I felt my skin heat. "Well, you showed up to my Titan slaying celebration. That was.. more than enough, really."

I'd remember she'd danced with Jean, too. 

In my peripheral, I saw Samuel crack his knuckles and stare our way. But he was easy to ignore right now.

I find that I'm sad our match is over.

Mikasa steps further until she's a breath away, and I look up to meet her eyes- a darker shade of gray than Levi's, the color of charred iron.

"It's empty," she whispers.

"It's huh?"

"Empty." She presses, then looks around me.

That's when I notice all the cadets had left the training room. Say for two men, who are eyeing us like dogs.

An evil smile spreads onto my face. "Should we do one on one? Or do you want Samuel all to yourself?"

The Ackerman matches my excited look. "I'll stun Thomas, you go for Samuel. Just let me have a bite at the end."

I nod. "Of course."

The men do our work for us as Samuel's seemingly had enough, and barks across the room to us.

“Well, well. Look who decided to grace us lowly peasants with their presence– two of the Corps’ biggest show-offs. I wasn’t even sure you knew how to train, being so blessed by the Saints themselves,” Samuel boomed, voice rumbling with venom.

I slid my eyes to Mikasa and smirk, then over to them. "Gods do come down to earth on occasion."

Thomas snorted. "I'm surprised Jaeger isn't here whining and crying to defend his two sluts."

I saw Mikasa straighten, but I keep my easy demeanor. Samuel laughs back, "No, I heard Day dumped his ass. I heard she's a real who-"

Spit flew out of his mouth. Mikasa had lunged across the room and punched the sense right out of him. The huge man careened for a second before falling to the mat like a tree.

I frowned at her, hand on a hip. "Hey, I thought he was mine first."

The cool girl only shrugged. "I couldn't stand it any longer."

Thomas, his blonde sidekick, just gaped at his friend who once again, was on his ass because of us. Rage flared in his eyes as they landed on Mikasa.

Before he even got a chance to swing, his arm was backwards.

"ASHHHH FUCK !!! FUCK YOU FUCKING CUNTS!!!" Thomas wailed as he rolled around the floor, holding his crooked arm while I, now right above him, just looked at Mikasa and laughed.

"Gods that was way quicker than I wanted it to be."

She looked down at the men with a wrinkle of her nose. "The less I'm in their company, the better." Then, the slender girl bent down and grabbed Thomas's collar, dragging him across the room.

She stopped before the entrance and bent down to bite something in Thomas's ear. It sounded something like "tell anyone and I'll dismember you publicly." I wanted to pump my fist and go "yeah bitch!! what she said!" but I restrained myself.

When she reached the door, his wailing was quickly shut off the moment she tossed him into the hallway, then shut the door. I kicked Samuel's limp body with cluck. "You forgot one."

Mikasa just opened the door again and gestured to the opening with a flourish. I pulled Samuel's collar and when I reached the hallway, used all my strength to launch him out. He hit the wall across the hall with a smack, and while he slid down, Mikasa shut the door.

She leaned on the wooden frame and gave me another cutting look. I'd now grown to know it was her way of looking pleased.

"I cannot stand how they speak about you."

One of my eyebrows ticked upward. "Really? I must say the same. Fucking loudmouth weaklings. They see strength and it reminds them of how much they lack."

Mikasa just raised her head, resting it against the door. It made her jaw even sharper, her eyes look so much darker. I caught myself looking at each feature of hers in small wonder. I've always loved a beautiful blade, after all.

"I'm.. embarrassed to say I felt quite inadequate when I met you." Her smile is almost sheepish. "And that wasn't a feeling I was very used to."

I knew how she felt. That's exactly what I thought the day I fought Levi in my cave. Or when Erwin ambushed me in front of the elite squad.

He's better.

My hair was in braids today for training, and Mikasa found one on my shoulder, running her finger along it slowly. It stopped whatever thought I had.

"But then you liked Eren, so I stopped worrying about him as much. Knowing someone stronger was there to watch him."

I went to protest but she stopped me with a look. "Regardless of your.. relationship status."

I smiled and brushed the ends of her new jagged haircut, feeling soft raven hair. The smell of rose and bergamot wafted from her, mingled with the sweet smell of light sweat.

"Should we keep sparring?"

Mikasa looked to the mat and back to me. "I would like a chance to see you on your back."

My cheeks warmed. "It doesn't look nearly as good as you, that I promise."

As we walked back to the mat, I began to wholly question my own motives.

Saints, was I about to..?

Before I could respond to myself, a kick flew on my left. I liked that Mikasa's flirting hurt.

I grunted with impact, my arm barely raised in time as I pushed her back with a strike of my own. We circled each other in a deadly dance, my palms free of any blades, but in the air just in case.

"Come on Day," her cool voice sounded almost playful. "Why do you never strike first?"

"I learn better that way," I wink, then dodge another lunge.

An opponent gave a lot away in their first strike.

"And what have you learned about me?"

I try to redirect her next blow, to send her back onto the mat, but she digs her heels in and pulls a sharp right hook right into my cheek. The pain is quick and sharp, making me wince.

"You don't use Scout maneuvers." I return her blow with my own, right into her rib cage. The girl doesn't even blink. "It's all instinct. You rely heavily on your speed, that you forget... restraint."

Instead of taking offense, Mikasa just nodded slightly. "It's like something takes over my body when I fight. It's been hard to control ever since I was a kid. One second I'm fine- the next- it's like every muscle just knows what to do."

I couldn't lie.. I was a bit jealous.

"Man I wish. I'd gotten my ass beat alot before I learned." I shrug it off with a grin and give her shoulder a playful shove. Her eyes widen, then narrow as she answers with a grin of her own- subtler, but sharp.

"Oh, Armin got beat up plenty," she tries to wrap a leg around my ankle, but I lift my foot a second too fast. "And Eren, defending Armin."

I picture those three as kids, running down the alleys of Shinganshina, Eren's tiny fist clenched with unwavering self-assurance, standing in front of Armin. I smile at the thought, then try to punch Mikasa in the head.

She bobs, and we slip into a messy rhythm- lazy blows with sharp purposes, each feint deliberate as it is half-assed.

"What about you?" she says evenly, and I kept my gaze on hers even as she ducks me again. "How did you.. learn to be the way you are?"

Eren- and now Armin- were the only cadets who knew I was from the Underground. A part of me wondered if they'd told their friend. And a part of me already knew the answer.

"Desperation." was all I could say.

"Eat or be eaten." was all she responded.

In that moment, I realized I quite liked Mikasa.

She must've caught the expression, because the smallest tinge of pink appeared on her white cheeks. A coyness crept into my bones as I stepped in, closing the gap.

The next swing I caught. Mikasa didn't even twitch as I held her fist, then I felt her ankle make contact- and suddenly, I was facing the ceiling lights of the training room. She'd gotten me.

The warrior stood tall above me, smiling down with a cool look- one that knew victory, one that didn't need to gloat. Her fingers twitched like she wanted to offer a hand, but hadn't decide if I deserved it.

So I kicked her knee and sent her stumbling forward.

She landed hard, half on top of me, breath caught somewhere between a grunt and a laugh. I grabbed her wrist before she could recover, rolling us until I had her pinned beneath me, forearm braced against her collarbone. Her chest rose fast against mine.

That blush was back- and deeper now.

"You always fight dirty?" Mikasa murmured, eyes sharp but mouth soft.

"Only when I want to win," I said, not moving.

Her fingers curled around my arm. She could’ve broken free. She didn't.

"You already lost," she whispered.

"Did I?" I leaned closer, close enough to feel the heat off her skin. "Pretty sure I'm on top."

Her eyes flicked to my mouth. Then, she hooked a leg around mine again- and this time, I let her.

We shifted, breath to breath, tangled in a mess of limbs and hair. Her forearms slid beneath my neck, not choking- just enough pressure to remind me she could. Her lips hovered near my jaw, and for a second, neither of us moved.

Damn, her arms are jacked.

I smirk. "Gonna throw me again?"

Her answer was a ghost in my ear. "Should I?"

I didn't flinch. "If you're scared to kiss me, just say that." It was a joke. Sort of.

That earned a scoff- a real one, the kind she rarely let loose. Then her grip tightened, not hard, just firm enough to flip me again, and I hit the mat with a thud that knocked the wind out of me.

She leaned over, strands of her hair brushing my face, and this time, her mouth held a breath above mine.

"Scared?" she said, voice as slick as steel. "I don't do scared."

I reached up, threading my fingers through the back of her shirt, dragging her closer.

"Then prove it."

And Saints, she did.

When she kissed me again- this time it was rough. Less "I want you" and more I dare you to keep up. Her knees shifted between my legs as she kept me pinned, steady and unhurried, like she had all the time in the world to make me regret what I'd just said.

I grinned against her mouth. "That your idea of restraint?"

She kissed like she fought.

She didn't answer right away. Just looked down at me- calculating, composed on the outside-but her pulse was ticking wildly at her throat. The ever-collected Mikasa Ackerman, soft lips and pink-faced above me.

"I shouldn't be doing this with you," she said, quiet.

I dragged my nails down her back, just enough to leave trials. "And yet, here you are."

Her eyes flicked away. Then back. "You're dangerous."

I grinned. "You're turned on."

She shifted her weight, straddling me harder like there was a match to win, even now. "We're friends."

"Then treat me like one." I said, voice low. "Get it out of your system. I won't break."

That earned me something rare- a short breath that might've been a laugh, or a warning. Something stupid was taking over my brain, and anything that felt like a distraction, my skin welcomed.

"You make it hard to stay.. focused? Oh, whatever it is I'm staying," she muttered, fingers skimming beneath the waistband of my spandex training pants, lingering at the edge.

"Then stop pretending you don’t want to," I said, catching her wrist. I leaned up until our mouths were inches apart. "You're not built for half-measures, Ackerman."

Her silence was all the answer I needed.

She kissed me again- sharper this time, teeth first- and this time, I didn't just let her take control.

I grabbed it back. Pulled her down onto me. Made her forget we were supposed to be careful.

Because neither of us were naïve. This wasn't romance. This wasn't soft.

It was two women with blood on their hands and too many ghosts in their beds- finding something solid, if only for a minute.

And maybe, when it was over, we'd still be friends.

But not before I got her to say my name with a tremble from that cool, even voice.

It was thirty minutes in when we remembered to lock the door.

Thank Sina the training room had one. I didn't want Sina seeing an inch of what we're doing right now.

Broken gasps filled the wooden walls, ricocheting back at us an octave higher. Mikasa's, especially.

She was trying to be quiet. She always did. Like silence was some kind of discipline- but her body was betraying her in real time.

"Don't hold back now," I muttered against her collarbone. "You gave that up twenty minutes ago."

She didn't respond. Just dragged her teeth down my shoulder, and exhaled hard, like that counted for defiance.

I had her pressed to the mat, thighs locked around her hips, and my fingers curling deep inside her. But her hand was locked in my braids, keeping me close, like she refused to be the only one falling apart.

"You always this bossy?" I muttered against her neck.

Mikasa breathed out hard. "Only when someone keeps up."

She ground into my hand as I matched her rhythm, then hummed my agreement back into her neck. 

I pressed in deeper, and her hips bucked hard enough to knock us sideways. We hit the mat and rolled, tangled in sweat and limbs and half-done uniforms. Neither of us cared who ended on top- only that it kept going.

She kissed me like it was a fight, and I took it like a challenge, teeth scraping, fingers still buried in her until I felt her break her rhythm and stiffen-just before a sound tore out of her.

She didn't hide it this time. Didn't try.

And I didn't say a word.

I just held on, like I'd been waiting for her to give in like that since I first fought her on the training field.

Once Mikasa came, I released my hold and licked the sweat of her neck pooled into the collarbone. I figured she'd need a minute to catch her breathe- until I remembered this was an Ackerman.

The second I did, I was on my back and Mikasa was right between my legs with ruthless efficiency. The way she ate me out had me huffing in under a minute, spine arching against the leathery cool of the mat.

I missed the softness of a woman, and that included their tongues.

Mikasa was precise, unrelenting- like everything else she did. And fuck, she was good at this too.

Narrowed iron eyes locked onto me as I came undone, as I moaned and pressed into her mouth. She didn't ease up until I was trembling against her, spent and shaking.

Only then did she slow, letting the quiet take over.

I fell back onto the mat, breath ragged, legs still twitching.

Saints.

When I felt her slide up beside me, to squeeze my breast and land a kiss onto my cheek, I heard her whisper, "Don't you ever- ever- tell Eren I did this. And maybe, I'll do it again."

"Whatever you say," I panted to the ceiling. "As long as you do that thing with your tongue again. Not even the best in the Undercity could pull that off."

The woman just snorted and pulled my shirt back down, then kept her slender hand on my stomach. "That one's an Ackerman clan secret."

I knew it was a joke, but something flinched in my chest before I could catch it.

If Mikasa felt my shift, she didn't say anything. Just moved quietly, pulling her tank top and tights on like nothing had happened.

But it was harder now- looking into those familiar gray eyes and not seeing the other Ackerman I'd spent months trying to forget.

 

Chapter 56: ready?

Excerpt from the Ackerman Clan: Lineage of the Bloodline:

There are only two known cases in recorded history of an Ackerman killing their own bonded. The first- and most infamous- was during the era of the 16th Fritz monarch, when an Ackerman knight executed the royal he'd been sworn to protect.

The king had begun starving the outer districts, redirecting rations to the capital's elite, and silencing dissenters with public executions. The knight severed his oath in a single stroke, and with it, severed the clan's place in the royal court. That act marked the beginning of their vilification- painted as traitors, their instinct rebranded as danger.

But even now, buried between the lines of history, the truth remains: an Ackerman will tear through battalions, burn cities, and bring down empires before allowing harm to come to their bonded. The sin lies not in loyalty- but in what it costs to break it.

 

 

 

 

 

... Maybe I should've skipped class today.

My head was spinning; I was on the verge of delirium, or something worse. My paramours circled my head like a ball of yarn, layering me in anxiety. Mikasa, Armin, Eren... Levi.

It didn't help that I could feel their eyes, even now. On me. Expecting something from me. Something I started, more often than not.

Cause problems, get stuck, whine about it.

That was the vicious pattern I was in.

It started with getting captured in the Undercity, up to right now. Being surrounded by all the problems I decided to light and then walk away from, ignoring the flames spreading behind me.

I almost welcomed my mission coming up with open arms. Anything to get me out of this situation. These eyes. These wants.

It was hot in the training field for late autumn, and the mission loomed over my head like a clock, ticking. Three days, it chimed. Three days to feel like yourself again. Sure. Strong. Ready to face my home again.

A luke-warm bead of sweat slid down the open line of my neck. My blonde waves were pulled in a simple bun today, with a single braid coiled up from beneath, tucked into its base like a threaded root.

A walking bob named Armin drew closer to me. My eyes darted to Eren like a convict's, watching him from across the field.

Hange had called for the cadets to choose partners.

And Armin's ass seemed to have no self preservation.

But when I looked to see angry, jade eyes on us- I instead found a whitened, glassy blue. Reiner.

The stocky man had a slight frown on his lips. His gaze followed Armin, then shot to me with a look close to suspicion. "Hmmm," I murmured to myself. You're still on my watch list. Even if Armin refuses to take my advice.

"I think we'd be an efficient team," Armin is saying in his matter-of-fact tone. "Especially since it requires more strategy, less strength."

His point is good, like always, and I tick my tongue at him. "But should I trust you to lead me blind? Your reaction time is.. significantly slower than mine."

Hange's new experimental game of the day was a verbal command exercise: one comrade guided a blind-folded partner through the woods and training field to retrieve a pack hidden somewhere within it.

Seeing as how we'd be using ODM literally blind, everyone was apprehensive. Myself included.

"Because I can map out the best route for you to take while handicapped. The fastest way." Armin said earnestly. His blue was bright, a warmer shade of Reiner's that shone with the sky.

"I don't want you swaddled to my back like some little know-it-all pimple."

The small cadet just laughed, and then shrugged. "That sounds perfectly fine to me."

"Of course it does," my lip curls, trying to fight off the thought that I know exactly how his soft lips feel on my skin. "Fine. But I'll drop you the second you turn me wrong."

"Fair." Armin smirks, then begins to remove his ODM gear like half the field is currently doing.

I catch the eye of a red-haired Scout, who stands next to the pig-faced Thomas Wagner, with a menacing look in his eyes. They are locked on me.

I'm trying to remember the redhead's name when Armin follows my gaze, and frowns a little. "We need to watch out for those two, especially Floch. I'm surprised Samuel isn't there too."

My face reveals nothing but a light smile. Samuel is no doubt in the infirmity, nursing his fourth beatdown in two months. The thought of Mikasa brings a churning to my stomach, and I leave the memory alone.

When the whistle blows, Armin shoots me a determined look. I can't help but wonder if choosing him was a mistake- if even participating in this at all, rendering myself useless and blind, was a stupid way to go.

"I NEED THREE PAIRS TO MEET ME ON THE TRAINING TOWER. THE REST- WAIT FOR YOUR TURN AT THE GEAR RACK. OR, YOU CAN SPREAD OUT TO YELL FALSE COMMANDS," Hange winks over her megaphone. "BUT DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE OTHER TEAMS ROUND."

There was about fifteen pairs of partners, all spread out along the field. With the captain's orders, we all circled in at the gear rack, and I noticed no one flew off to the tower. Except Eren, of course.

Eren Jaeger didn't know hesitation, but his partner sure did, dragging behind him with defeat. I looked closer to see it was Jean, and I grinned knowing that was the worst possible pairing so far. Those two couldn't get along if their lives depended on it.

I give Armin a questioning look. "I'm gathering you're going to wait until an opportune time to go up there, right?"

"Yes." He nodded, sun rippling on his shiny blonde hair. "We need to be smart about which pairs we go against."

I just rolled my eyes. "You think any of them could be a threat?"

Armin looked almost coy. "You're always overconfident. Just like him."

I scowled at that and turned away, crossing my arms. You'd think he'd flinch at bringing up his best friend now, but the bastard barely seemed to care he'd done what he did- with me.

The two pairs that followed after Eren were slow, no doubt out of wariness. It was a damned insane idea anyways. Armin was silent besides me, studying Eren's match with calculating glances.

To no surprise, Eren and Jean winded up in a tree, shouting obscenities whilst entangled in wires and branches. I snorted, then gave my partner a nudge.

"Can we go yet? Hange said the winners of the matches get an early day."

Armin just sniffed. "And what plans are you in a rush for?"

This time when I shoved him, it was much harder. "Saints you're nosey."

"Well," I noticed he was avoiding my gaze. "I did say if you needed.. help again, I could offer it."

My cheeks warmed, remembering the library. Then, a guilty part of me started scanning the field for a certain Captain. The second I realized it, I scoffed and faced Armin with a scowl.

"Who said that wasn't a one time thing?"

Now his cheeks were red. "Oh.. was it?"

"Maybe." I bite back. "Probably should be."

"You tell me when you know, Day." his voice was tinged with a bite too, almost like hurt. Had he really expected me to.. do that again with him?

My attention was taken back when another whistle shred through the air. Hange stood atop the training tower railing, speaker in hand.

"YMIR AND KRISTA ARE THE WINNERS!!! NEXT ROUND STARTS IN TWO MINUTES."

I find myself cocking a head at the news. "Those two I wouldn't have expected to win.."

"Why not?" Armin moves behind me. "They're a good team. They trust each other."

Then I feel his hands on my shoulders. "Ready?"

My wire shoots to a metal bar above us. I nod, a smile growing.

"Ready."

Two teams followed close behind our departure. When I landed in the platform of the tower, I turned to see four of the last people I wanted to deal with while blindfolded. So much for strategy. 

Mikasa, shockingly, had paired up with the third strongest cadet- Annie Leonhart. The girl who tried to kill me in the woods. But add that to a seething set of looks, by Floch and Thomas, and I knew this wasn't going to be a breeze.

Hange greeted us with sparkling eyes, as she clapped and took in the new opponents.

"Oh this one's gonna be fun," her teeth would always remind me of a Titan's, wide and pearly with hunger. The Captain handed us three black cloths, that I frowned at disapprovingly.

"Now, the rules are simple. Just manage to get one of the hidden supply packs strewn about the course. No mutilation, of course, but you can trick your opponents with commands, or try to take them down."

Her hazel eyes hung onto me for a second before she winked and put the whistle in her hand. "Blindfolds on. You have three minutes. Now-"

FWWWWWEEEE!!

The shrill sound broke our stillness, as two people jumped off the tower with partners strapped to their back. I just stared again at my cloth, then Armin who was blabbering on my back.

"COME ON! We need to go, Day!!!"

I groaned. Then tied the damned thing around my head.

The second my foot left the platform, something whizzed by me, clipping us with air. "FALL, BITCH!!"

Annie and Mikasa were no doubt long gone, so I grit my teeth and ignored Floch's hateful voice. Armin said as much in my ear, urging me forward.

Gravity rushed at my face when I released my wire. The movement of flying blind sent a shock through my muscles, and instinct set in. I'd grown up in the dark, after all.

"SHOOT YOUR ANCHOR TO YOUR RIGHT, EIGHTY DEGREES!" My partner's voice fought against the wind. "We need to get higher so I can find a pack!"

I obliged, while keeping an ear out for the sound of ODM gas, or the recoiling of wires. I'd remembered how Annie had planned an ambush a while back on this very field. She's actually taken me by surprise, and her team had almost gotten me.

Cadet Leonhart was one to watch out for.

By some grace, my wires connected one after another, and Armin and I made our way across the field without mistake. That was, until I heard a gasp, then clench fingers his into my shoulders.

"STOP STOP STOP! NOW!"

My gear drew in the wires, but it was too late. I felt one of them whizz in faster than the other. I turned my head slightly to Armin. "Did someone just cut my fucking cable?"

"Oh, Sina. Floch and Thomas are on our tail, Day!"

We were in free fall. Luckily, I still had one wire, so I shot it in prayer above me, hopefully slowing our descent.

"YOU'RE DEAD, YOU FAKE ASS SOLDIER!!!" Thomas sounded closer than I'd like, so I withdrew the wire stopping our fall before they could cut it again.

I felt Armin tighten, and the world came crashing at us. The impact hurt. Like a mother fucker. We immediately went rolling, Armin flying off me the second we landed. My gear dug into me, and my ODM rack slammed into my thighs like boulders.

"Auuughhh!!" All the air was ripped from my lungs, and then filled with dirt. If I hadn't been blindfolded, I knew I would've seen spots.

I rolled and rolled and rolled until finally, the world came to a stop. The gear, which was the standard issue- not my prized one- lay in shards across my body. Straps popped and snapped, and the only bloody thing that had stayed on my body was the blindfold, keeping me trapped in the pain of my fall.

My breath had just barely been caught when I heard a pair of hard footsteps crunch the ground. Our pursuers.

"If it isn't the Slayer, finally knocked down to her level. Dirt." A nasty snarl, one somehow more hateful than Levi's own. Though, the Captain did have better insults.

I'm still wincing and pushing myself upright when Floch's voice responds. “Is it Slayer or Slut, I can't remember what stupid nickname the Scouts have given you. All over some made up bullshit. No one kills one hundred Titans. Not even you."

I feel the air shift, and know a kick is headed my way. "Day!!!" Armin's voice rings out with alarm.

These fucking losers. My knees slide across the dirt, and I reach out towards the ripple. The second we make contact, I tug, bringing the massive weight down with me.

Once I hear Floch hit the ground with an irate grunt, I use the momentum to pull me up and over him, until I know I'm just above his head, arms pinning his fists.

"You can't bash my skills," I grind out to a squirming mass. "So you come for what? The fact that I'm getting cracked more than you?"

A knee tries to find my abdomen, but I push off him before it connects. When I stand, I hear Floch scramble to get up, so I turn his way, smile slowly creeping across my cheeks. I'm glad I can't see his ugly, red face, like a pig chortling for mushrooms.

"Someone needs to teach you your place," he begins to scream, until I hold a hand up.

I roll my neck and say, "If you don't believe the story, okay then. Lemme show you how I did it."

Then I fling my gas tank off, and let it clunk to the ground behind me. I keep the blindfold on, for shits and giggles, then hurl myself at him. My fist is just about to hit home when something catches it, halting me in place by surprise.

"I want part in this fight." I hear a cool voice say. Annie.

The next kick I block had five times the force behind it, and I grunt with the effort. "What the fuck?" I grumble. Doesn't she have a pack to go find?

Armin and Mikasa yell from beside us, urging everyone to chill the fuck out, but they don't interfere. Maybe they trust me to subdue this myself.

An annoyed growl sounded in my throat. I wanted to leave early, not fight more fucking cadets.

I felt her next strike tear through the air and dropped, flinging the broken wire from the handle now locked in my grasp. It lashed outward as I rolled, counting heartbeats until the slight shadow of her boot passed overhead.

The wire snapped upward and coiled around her leg like a snare. I didn't wait. I wrenched it hard, dragging her down in the dirt.

Another blow came- closer this time. I let it hit, pain flaring sharp, and used the opening to twist the slack around her wrist before she could wrench free.

Annie hit the ground hard, and I was already on her.

I yanked her arm behind her back and planted my knee between her shoulders, driving her into the dust. She thrashed once- twice- but the wire cinched tighter around her wrist and leg. Another tug, and she was locked, limbs crossed and useless behind me.

The threat of Thomas and Floch not forgotten, I shot my only anchor behind me, and smiled when I heard the hugh! of it landing into someone's ankle.

Annie still lay below me, and I could feel the waves of anger roll off her. No more spinning kicks. No more fancy footwork.

Just breathing. Just me on top of her, heartbeat steady, waiting for my last threat.

It came fast. Wind split past my face, raking my hair aside- then a fist, huge and heavy, came barreling after it.

My fingers itches for blades, but I couldn't use those, so I drew on anger and instinct. I dropped and rolled, dragging Annie into the path of the strike like she was my own personal shield.

The hit landed square on her cheek. I heard the crack, followed by Thomas's gasp- and Annie's furious shout, sharp with indignation.

I bet she'd been smirking a second ago. Now her teeth were probably loose.

I guess I am a bitch, huh. Laughter tugged my lips as I ripped the blindfold off to see the scene before me.

Annie was still tangled in wire and fury, her lip slit and her cheek already blooming red. The blonde of her hair looked dull in the harsh sunlight, dragging her down with it- as even this day has turned against her.

Thomas stood frozen, eyes wide, fist still half-raised like he hadn’t meant to hit anything at all- especially not her.

A shrill whistle ripped through the air before I could take it all in. Hange's silhouette stood atop the tower, waving her arms.

Mikasa's voice followed, sharp and cutting. "Enough!" She was already storming up, boots pounding the dirt. "All of you, stand down!"

Armin was right behind her, hands raised like he could smooth it all over with reason alone. "This is supposed to be training, not a bloodbath. Are you guys trying to get kicked out- or killed?"

I didn't move. I stood there, skin torn, rope burns still stinging across my palms, adrenaline still thrumming like static in my veins. I always love the taste of it. It was akin to licking fire; when I brushed against raw, unfiltered power.

Unholy, electric, alive.

I licked my lips. "Bit late for that," I muttered, eyes flicking from Annie to Thomas to the partners still tense in the wreckage of what was a spar.

"FALL IN, CADETS!!" Hange called out. I could hear the bubbling excitement in her voice; the only officer here who wouldn't scold us for what we just pulled.

Hange went to say more, but her voice was quickly cut off by another. The awful whine of the megaphone pierced our ears with the sudden change.

"Are you all idiots?"

That was when I noticed the second figure standing beside Hange, their cloak whipping violently in the wind.

It seemed Captain Levi had finally joined today's class.

========================================================================

How disgraceful.

Levi surveyed each welt and slice across Day's dumbass face. She looked like shit.

The other cadets didn't look much better, save for Mikasa. Her partner, Armin Artlet was dotted in mismatched bruises. Even Annie Leonhart, who was arguably one of the best hand-to-hand fighters we had, sported a pulsing welt across half her face.

"This is," he tried to breathe through his nose. Quickly failed. "I mean, what exactly was the plan here? Let's all beat the shit out of each other so there's no one left to fight the real enemy?"

Silence sealed the platform. Even Day, who usually had a cutting retort on the ready, just glared at Levi. Her eyes did all the talking for her, anyways.

He let the words hang, then finished, quieter but no less deadly:

"If you want to die this bad, I'll throw you outside the Walls next time to speed it along. But keep it off my training grounds."

Levi whirled around to cut off any response, but Day finally stepped forward. He could hear the strain of pain in her voice. A nerve pulsed on his forehead. How hard had she hit the ground?

"Since you always decide to show up at the last, worst possible second, I guess you missed my team getting ambushed by these freaks."

Levi threw up his hands without care. "It's a game. They're supposed to ambush you. It's life. They'll always ambush you."

She curled a lip. "Wise as always, Captain."

"Stupid as ever, cadet Day."

"Well I think you all did amazing-" the megaphone was shoved into Hange's face before she could finish, her words swallowed by another screech of feedback.

Levi then jumped off the tower before he did something stupid- like seeing how far back he could twist Floch's arm- and left the cadets to their punishment.

After all, any pair of partners should lost their round didn't get to leave early. No, they got to run thirty laps around Headquarters. Then go to dinner.

He smiled, slow and evil, at the thought.

Levi didn't spare another glance the girl still burning holes through the air with the fire in her eyes. He just walked off once he landed-boots quiet, but the menace loud.

She showed up late to training.

Soot smeared half her face, making the tanned skin underneath resemble tiger stripes. Levi couldn't stop fixating on a dark dot that was on her eyelid, revealing itself with every blink.

"And why," he kept his voice even, even as Eren danced behind him nervously. "Have you shown up caked in shit?"

The whites of Day's teeth blinded him against the ashy streaks. "I can't tell you. It's a surprise."

Nothing sounded worse than that.

"I'd rather it not be."

"You'll see tomorrow."

They were to leave in three days, and tomorrow was filled with mind-numbing prep, contingencies, and a debrief from Erwin.

"You're supposed to go to class as normal tomorrow." He crosses his arms to glare at her.

Dissatisfaction laces her eyes. "That seems a waste of my time. But okay. After class, then."

A small part of him felt excited at a surprise from Day, but it was quickly extinguished when he looked at her track record. With his luck, it'd be a dead Scout stuffed in a closet.

"Whatever. Time to focus on tonight's lesson."

"Great. And that is?"

"Simple. I want you both to throw everything you can at me tonight. If even one of you succeeds in taking me down- and I mean down- consider yourselves freed from the rest of training."

"It's like I can see the horns curling up from your stupid hair." is all Day responds with.

Eren, on the other hand, resumed his nervous bouncing. "Cap, I uh, don't think I'll be like super useful? In this? Seeing as how.. we both know you can take me down."

Tch.  Pathetic.

"I will give you one minute to prepare." Levi said as he began to stride out into the clearing, back turned to them.

He heard Day's scolding behind him, "If you act like this in the fight you will be useless. I thought you were the brave one."

"Who said that?" Eren exclaimed, a crack to his voice. "I thought it was you!!"

"Saints. I would punch you if I knew the bruise wouldn't heal."

Captain Levi's pupils joined him on the field with cagey looks.

The man just smiled and spread his hands out. "I won't even draw my blade first."

Metal glinted at Day's fingertips, catching the light of the crystals as she returned his wicked smile. Add the black soot on top of it, and Day looked every bit the beautiful demon. "Way ahead of you."

He jerks his neck back, the dagger slicing the air with a crisp hiss. Another follows seconds later, grazing his skin. But nothing lands- Levi slips past each strike with precise, twitch-fast movements.

It's obvious she's using this as a distraction for whatever Eren is doing, but it won't work. Levi's head twisted, narrowly missing a log being slammed down right where his skull was.

Instead of transforming, the idiot was playing his hand at combat. Bad move.

Levi, while dodging two more whizzing daggers, slammed the end of the trunk in Eren's hand, making it ram back into his face. With his nose promptly smashed, the Titan dropped to the ground as hard as the wood.

It's down to us quicker than I thought. Levi mused, then turned to face a wary Day. She held back, not attacking, other than the blades she kept clipping him with.

"Well," he started. "Your plan went to shit pretty fast."

She just shrugged, then flicked another knife. "I didn't have much hope for him."

Levi heard a groan behind them and raised his voice slightly. "I'd expect as much from you, seeing as how all you do is lie and cheat and use that poor man."

Day's nonchalant expression soured, but still, she didn't advance.

"Let's see, what is she hiding from Eren this week, I wonder?" he ducked again, using so little effort it was laughable. "I was informed you got locked in the training room with Mikasa, for quite some time."

A choke came from behind, lighting his smile. "Day, you what?"

Wide brown eyes narrowed to slits. She didn't even look down at Eren- just kept her anger locked on Levi.

He was quickly realizing that to get under her skin, he had to get inside Eren's head first.

"That's right. Day is quite liked, it seems, by your comrades." Levi basically cooes, brushing some of his jet-black hair out of his eyes so he can get her full reaction. "Not only that, she hasn't even mentioned her escapades in the Undercity."

"Why is everyone testing me today," she grumbles, but almost gives him a bored look like: that's the best you can do?

So Levi began to circle her.

"I'm aware Jaeger is a bit slow, but believing you could like him? Really, and truly?" Levi fakes a harsh laugh, thrown at her like one of her knives. "Please. That's what she did in the Underground. Baited men, tricked them. Killed them."

The next jab he threw over his shoulder. "She's good, isn't she? All assassins are."

The lithe blond just turned with each rotation he made, never breaking eye contact. A dagger twisted and spun in her hand, as she no doubt looked for an open spot to throw it at.

"Weak," was all she snapped back. "And very obvious."

It was his turn to shrug. "That's what you call Eren, too."

A sound of disbelief came from the Titan's healing body, but Day just barks back a laugh. "You're losing your touch, old man."

Most of the time when Day spoke; it was either a joke or a threat. And today, it was the former.

"Am I? Hmm," he flicks a quick Look to Eren, who's sitting up with a gaping mouth, that slightly hangs off his face. "Seems I'm doing just fine."

Day matches his look, and thwap! A blade sinks into the spot where Levi's foot just stood. His eye ticked. When is she going to attack me?

"Day.." Eren starts, getting up. "It's okay, really. Even if what Captain Levi says is true-"

"He doesn't lie. Only exaggerates." she snarls, but the venom is still too weak. "For now, that is."

"So you admit?" Levi cocks his head. "You abandon everyone who cares about you. The selfish thief of the Undercity, who will never not put herself first. Even your sister, Anya."

No emotion rushes to her face, except a double-blink, then a small shake to her head. The sching of her ODM blade comes next, and the point is at the end of his nose before he can breathe.

"Draw your blade."

Finally. Excitement crawls up his neck, and reaches his lips in a wry smile. As he obliges, his swords stay down, pointed at the ground. "Disarm me. Why don't you earn that nickname, Slayer."

The words are barely out his mouth before she's on him like a gust of wind.  Their blade clash, throwing sparks. They match the same ones in her oaken eyes. Levi, of course, can't truly fight her without a splitting headache but she knows this, and begins pushing him. And pushing him.

Each swing of her blade is stowed in cold anger, and the next one aimed for the Captain clips his forehead, drawing blood. Air sucks through his teeth. I asked for this, didn't I?

Levi was familiar with Day’s deadly dance, even steeped in fury. But she’d been training since their last scuffle. And he was quickly reminded of that fact.

The soldier rolled her feet, and pounced while he was distracted- then vanished. Levi pivoted, his eyes slicing the trees, but she was already behind him. A knee cracked into his ribs.

His vision blinked white, and by the time he turned, her swords were flashing in a scissor arc toward his throat. He dipped just in time, but her boot still caught his shoulder and sent him flying.

The air stole his curse. Handles cut his palms. He barely rolled in time to avoid her next strike- diagonal, meant to split him from clavicle to gut. It missed him, but not by much. The bark of the tree behind him wasn't so lucky.

"Disarmed yet?" Dahlia called, her breath steady, voice teasing and hollow all at once.

Levi chuckled, the sound dark. His blade whirled in one hand. The other pointed to the cut on his temple. "Almost impressed. Almost."

She came again, this time faster. Her silhouette was a blur, a shriek of steel. He blocked, but barely. Their blades kissed and screamed. Her foot hooked beneath his ankle, and the next thing he knew, gravity betrayed him.

Flat on his back, swords pinned down, a heart-shaped face hovered over his. Eyes wide, wild, glittering with something that wasn't just victory. Her lips curled- not in a smile, but almost hungrier. Meaner.

"Call me Slayer again," she said, voice a growl, "and I'll show you where the nickname really came from."

"Oh?" he rasped, the smear of blood now trickled to his lips. "Was hoping you would."

She slammed the blade into the dirt beside his face, an inch from his ear. "You fight like you can't die."

"I fight knowing you can't kill me."

In reality, it was the other way around. But the words landed anyways. Her nostrils flared.

Then Day licked the blood from his cheek.

And stood.

And walked off.

Leaving him there, blinking up at the sky like it had just tried to seduce him too. 

I think she’s ready for Kenny. 

Chapter 57: team

Once Levi- Levi fucking Ackerman- picks himself off the ground, his glare hits me immediately. But nothing could taint my joy now.

I'd just taken him down. Actually. Down.

"Tch. Wipe that shit stain off your face," he snarls, then sheathes his blades with a sharp thrust.

The man is gone in a flash of green, and disappears into the treetops. Despite anger still pumping through my veins, my sheer satisfaction overrode it.

"Damn cunt," I muttered under my breath. "You look better on your back anyways."

I'd almost forgotten Eren was still there until I hear: "That was? Uh, amazing, Day... but.. I-"

I turn to see the long-haired shifter at a loss for words, opening and closing his mouth, shifting his jade eyes up and around me.

"What, Eren?"

"You..." I find I don't want any part in this conversation, so i spring forward until I'm right up on him. My finger comes to his lips.

"Must we do this now? When I leave soon?" My casual tone is limp, and he knows that.

To my surprise, he shakes his head. "Sometimes I just.. wonder if I do really know you at all."

That stops me, and I frown, pulling back. "I didn't know you were obliged to know all my secrets."

"I'm not," before I can get out of reach, his arm suddenly wraps around my neck, holding me in place. With this other hand, I feel his finger slide down my neck. Right where the incision is. "But you do lie to me. Like about this."

I crouch to get out of his grip, now not in any type of mood.

"As I said, it's not your business."

"Because I'm not important enough to know." Eren's voice takes on a certain whine that makes my teeth grit.

The words are out of my mouth out before I'm aware. "If I had my way, I wouldn't even be here. Let alone swapping stories I don't want to relive with people who expect to hear them."

Hurt flashes across his handsome face, tugging my chest. But better this than another lie.

"I'm not demanding.. everything, Day. Just something. Theres.. things I keep from you as well." I see a gulp go down his thick neck. "Things I know about you that you do not."

His gaze goes to the middle of my chest, then back up to me. "And what the hells that supposed to mean?"

"What if you get hurt, what if," Eren's voice tightens. "What if I'm not there to save you again?"

I scoff, flicking my eyes away from his almost pitiful look. "As if I'll need that."

The Titan steps forward and reaches for my hand. I don't let him.

"I asked Armin about Kenny.." a shift of worry falls into my chest. What else did Armin tell him..?  "And Day, he's bad news. That man's a mass murderer! What if he is stronger than you? Someone that evil.. I doubt they leave many survivors."

I'd had quite enough of Eren's doubt. My back straightens.

"How would I win any fight if I shied away from them? You're always so bold- where is that now? It's like you want me to cower, be weak." The last word I fling at him with a curl of my lip.

How many fights must I win for people to start taking me seriously? 

"I want you to be alive!" a moistness shimmers in his emerald eyes, catching the light of the gemstones around us. "You don't even like the Scouts, now you're ready to fight again for them??"

I throw my hands up. "It's not like I have a choice. Plus, I get to see my home, Eren. Who would turn that down?"

"I wouldn't know. Shiganshina is gone."

His tone is bitter now, and I bite back the sympathy.

"That doesn't mean you get to keep me from mine."

Before he can finish- say some other ridiculous, meaningless thing- I take off, my words left hanging about the clearing. The Titan can sit with his worries.

====================================================================

Unlike the last mission, Levi's day beforehand was free of any bouts of pain, any slicing into his forehead. That only meant one thing. Day wasn't nervous this time around. She was excited.

And that irked him.

Half of his day before their departure, Levi had spent going through their travel routes, contingencies, and stockpiling. It was hard to ignore the prickle of anticipation that lined his body like a second skin.

It'd been so long since he'd been home. Over six years.

It had been even longer since he'd seen Kenny.

The last time they'd spoke, Levi had just mutilated a man on the street with a switchblade. He couldn't remember why. Maybe it was a paid fight. Maybe Levi just wanted to cut.

Either way, Kenny blurred in and out among the crowd, and all he heard was his cackle then, "There ain't nothin else I can teach ya. See ya later, kid."

And he had never seen him again. Honestly, Levi thought he was dead this entire time. No one slits the throats of a hundred MPs and lives to tell the tale. That is, unless you're his Saints forsaken uncle.

Day might not have a care in the world, but it was all Levi could do to not storm down to Erwin's office now and demand they send someone else. But he wouldn't. For as strong as Kenny is.. she's stronger.

I can feel it.

It was after lunch when the Captain decided to pick up his special order of weapons, courtesy of Hange. But once he entered her lab, the man stopped in pure shock.

An unrecognizable dark-haired woman sat on the table facing away from him, swinging her legs. Her neck was long- and exposed. A tiny white line poked out from beneath the hair, and his breath hitched.

"Huh."

Day hopped off the table and turned, giving him the full extent of her new look. "Oh. Hey," she said casually.

"You.. you're.." Come on, Levi. Speak. "You have new hair." he let out stupidly.

He remembered the very first moment he saw her; how the thought hit him the second she appeared across the bar. Wasn't she supposed to have dark hair? And now, it was apparent that she was.

Day smiles, and her cave stone-colored hair sharpens the edges of it. "Uh huh. Can't exactly go back into there looking the same, can I?"

"Well, now we match," Levi runs a hand through his hair, then all the way to his undercut. "Minus this, of course."

Her look is now disgusted and she says, "Come on, you ruined my new look in seconds. Thank the Saints it'll wash out. And I'd never do that goofy little undercut. That's for all the Scouts in your chokehold, thann you."

His snort is more so to fight off a laugh. "Hey, I never asked for it. It's basically stolen valor."

Day laughs surprisingly at his joke, and he felt that familiar spread of warmth enters his chest. Then clamped it down. We're about to go on a mission. Get it together.

Before he can reach across the table to feel the ends of her new hair, the huge oak door swings open, and a singsong releases into the room.

"Peeeerfeeect!!! I'm so glad you're both here!" Hange says gleefully, filling the lab immediately with her electric excitement. "Moblit, please grab the specs."

Her partner, the stocky brunette man who followed Hange around like a puppy, did as he was told, filling his arms with rolled-up scrolls and blueprints.

Hange begins to spread them out on the table while babbling, and Levi tunes each word out. He's too busy stealing glances at Day, trying to get used to her in this new, deadlier looking form.

She was a beautiful dagger, and now no one could mistake her for anything else.

As Captain Zoë shoves papers out of her way, his eyes catch onto a peculiar pile of diagrams and notes. They're in Day's familiar scrawl. Just as he goes to reach for them, she snatches the papers, holding them to her chest. She'd basically jumped over the damned table

Levi raises his eyebrow teasingly. She practically blushed. For once, he felt curious.

"And what is that, cadet? Secret bombs you've hidden under my bed? Is that why you skipped the rest of class today?"

She rolls her eyes, the dark brown sinking into her black hair like molten wood. "A poison recipe that only kills Ackermans."

Hange gains everyone’s attention back by swinging her hands in their faces and whistling. "Look, look! I've mapped out how you're going to enter the Undercity."

"Can't we just go back the way I came? My cave, the hole in the ceiling?" Day frowns.

Hange shakes her head, her ponytail whipping the sides of her glasses with each turn. "No, no. We have word that the mob and this new group, led by Kenny, regularly have deals down in those tunnels. We can't risk you stumbling upon them."

The stunning girl keeps her frown, and gives Levi a wary look. Like this was his dreaded plan.

"The two only other ways are the access tunnels, that reside beneath the businesses of Mitras. All of those tunnels are paid for and watched by the merchants. And we of course can't go down the Stairway."

Hange nods in agreement, pushing her goggles up. "I know, my dear. That's why I'm gonna have you both hide in those containers the merchants smuggle."

Day's scoff is viscious. "And you think they won't inspect the loads before they send them off?"

The world must truly be upside down today, because Levi tched in agreement with her,

Hange only winked, sending a shiver down his back. "Already covered. We have people on the inside who will help you. And one of them just happens to have cargo rounds tomorrow morning."

Day didn't look convinced. And without her gilded shield, the look was a lot more intense.

"Aaandd I'm supposed to just trust this random strange I've never met?"

The brunette nods, like it's common sense. "You have a contact you're supposed to meet as well."

Hange jabs a finger at the map; a layout of the Underground's street system. It looks like someone dumped a pile of twigs and built roads wherever they landed.

"You will meet your informant here." she says, tapping the edge. “The red-roofed brothel in the west-center of town. They'll help show you the hideouts, pass along the intel."

"I thought it was just going to be Levi and I."

He can't hide the way the image flashes in his mind, and he finds himself in quick agreement. Adding another person is dangerous. Unwanted.

"Why I have I not been notified of this?" he snipped, ripping the map off the table to glare at it as if he could set it aflame.

The Captain only shrugged. "The plan is fluid, it keeps changing based off new intel. This is just the latest update."

"Great," he groans. "An unreliable, fucking moronic plan."

"Yeah," Day quips, side-eyeing their sudden camaraderie. "Anyone else would just slow us down.
Plus, wasn't the plan simple? Find Kenny's hideout. Don't get caught. Notify the Scouts."

Moblit, gathering a pile of equipment, flinches from their tone and turns away to set it down. Hange, on the other hand, doesn't even blink.

"The objective hasn't changed. And their alias is Nine. The code words will be 'no sun today.'"

The Undergrounder gives a snort. "Little on the nose, don't you think."

Hange only smiles back. "I think it's cool. Makes you guys sounds like spies!"

"We are spying, Four-Eyes." Levi rolls his.

A sharp pain hit his temple. Day was becoming apprehensive.

"Nine sounds like a narc." a blade is in her hand now, spinning and spinning, cutting the light of the lantern in half with each turn. "Anybody who gives out information down there for free always is."

"How do we know they won't turn us the moment we arrive?" Levi snarls.

Hange throws her hands up in fake-surrender. "Erwin's made the arrangements. Ask him. Now, to the weapons!"

Day and Levi were clearly weren't done with the conversation, but found their attention shifted to the sound of new toys.

"I have some you requested," she nods her head to Levi, "and then some you made." He turns to give Day a look of consternation, and she smiles back almost shyly.

"Mine can go last," she waves a hand to Hange. "Let's see what the grump special-ordered."

First, the woman lays out a case of knives- the same ones Day helped him shape the last time they were in this room. Only now, they gleamed with a fresh gloss Hange had applied.

The assassin whistles, smiling in appreciation. "What a set."

When her fingers glided down the shiny wood, it was all Levi could do not follow it shamelessly.

Next came two sets of black gloves that were inlaid with grooves for scaling buildings. Day particularly loved this one, nearly squealing when Hange brought them out.

Levi refused to admit she had inspired the idea; back on the first night he met her, climbing rooftops and window ledges like it was nothing. He noticed she slid them on and kept them on.

"I've been dying to show Levi what you've been working on, Day."

Clunk. Hange sets something on the huge oak table that looks like ODM gear but it's...

"My stealth gear. Only modified." The Undergrounder said with a tinge of pride. "My second model, as you could call it. This one though, it can be worn under clothes. I always had to stash mine in random boxes or grates in the alleyways. It always ruined my escape time, so I shortened it."

It was Levi's turn to fight off being impressed. The straps were sheer, almost stretchy looking. They glimmered in the lantern light. It was as if tiny specks were inlaid into the fabric.

"It's silk worm fabric treated with a polymer coating." Day whipped a blade out, then stuck it under one of the straps. When she tugged, it flexed, but didn't cut through . "It makes it elastic, lightweight, but unbreakable."

It's expert craftsmanship- and that was before he saw the swords.

They were shorter than regular Titan blades, and with a grim flicker of recognition, he realized they'd been modified for human targets. Thicker at the base, sharpened along the edge to one brutal, efficient line. No hooks for ejection. No breakaway points. These weren't meant to be discarded.

They were meant to last.

Meant to finish.

He picked one up, weighed it in his palm. Balanced,  heavy enough to cleave through bone, but quick- quick enough to slit through a throat before a scream could rise.

"Not regulation," he muttered.

Hange didn't deny it. "No. But neither is the job."

Levi can't argue with that. So he asks, "And what about the gas canisters? Those are easily detectable under clothes."

Hange opened her mouth, but Day beat her to it.

"We designed them thinner," she said, already reaching into a case. "I shaped the housing, Hange figured out how to double the pressure without blowing your back out."

She snapped one free and handed it to him. It was half the size of a standard tank, matte black, it's surface cool and unassuming.

"They won't last long," Levi mused, thumbing the grooves etched in for grip.

"No," Day admitted, "but if you need more than fifteen seconds, you already screwed up."

"She means escape, not combat," Hange added quickly with excitement, "since this is a recon mission. They'll give you a boost though for sure. Just don't get tangled in anything that requires a lot of gas, I'll be sending you down with two spares."

Day looked like she expected him to argue. Instead, he picked it up, nodded once, and began silently strapping it on to try it.

She blinked. Shocked. Then stepped forward to help him secure the last of the rig.

He loathed the way his body leaned into her touch, as if pulled by instinct. Loathed the way he had to grit his teeth to fight it off.

Day's blonde hair had once mirrored her smile. But now it was a rich black- and it deepened her gaze.

Then she reached behind him to something on the table. A butterfly knife flips into her palm, and she opens it with a smooth flick of her wrist. The blade catches the light as it danced between her fingers.

"Made two of these," she said, twirling it once more before holding it out of reach. "One for me, one for you. Though I'm still deciding if you actually deserve it."

He didn't rise to the bait. Just snatched it from her hand with a sharp glare and turned away, ignoring the smug little grin that curled on her lips.

It's not until after dinner when the two of them head to Erwin's office for their debrief. The anticipation that'd been curling across his skin hardened into an armor with each step he took down the hall.

If anyone was a wildcard in this mission, it was Erwin Smith

Every plan the man had concocted went sideways, or at least according to his plan, leaving everyone at the mercy of a deadly gamble. Not this time. She wouldn't get hurt. I won't let it happen. I'll kill any wanna-be assassin in that dump if I have to.

When he arrived, Day was leaned against the Commander's doorframe. Her new look would take some getting used to.

Her golden hair always danced with the light around her, but the dark sucked it in, drew it in. It brushed her shoulders the same way he wanted his lips to.

She's as breath-taking as ever.

While she was alive in day, night suited her just as much.

"You're not one to be early for a meeting, cadet." he tries for a haughty tone.

She just smirks. "I wanted to hurry up and find out what horrors Erwin has cooked up for us down there."

So they'd had the same feeling, it seems.

Levi just strode up to her, and placed a hand above her shoulder to the cool wood of the door. "Shall we, partner?"

Day ticked her neck up to him, her eyes two endless orbs against the wood. Smoke and jasmine wafted into his nose, making his eyelids almost drop. A craven feeling was sliding into his stomach.

Fuck.

"After you, comrade."

Erwin seemed a bit too jovial when they entered his office. Everything about him was always so shiny. The medals in his shirt gleamed along with the crystal decanter filled with something golden, yellows tresses combed back- hell, even his damned teeth.

Day squinted, already annoyed. "You look like you've been waiting to gloat."

"I have," he said, entirely too pleased with himself. "But only a little. Sit, please."

Levi didn't sit. He just stood behind her, arms crossed, eyes cutting straight to the stack of files on Erwin's desk. "Get to it."

Erwin sighed like someone burdened with the thrill of good news. He flipped a folder on his desk and slid two sealed envelopes toward them. "As you know, we confirmed the recent killings of MPs weren't random. All targeted. All executed by people on ODM gear."

Levi's voice was flat. "Kenny."

The name felt wrong in his mouth. Kenny was supposed to stay in the part of the world Levi had already buried. Apperently, the man had other plans.

Erwin gave a slow nod. "Our decade old urban legend, now in the flesh. Wreaking havoc, it seems, on the poor Undercity. We believe he's recruiting ex-military and former assassins. Paid, trained, and equipped. They're not killing to cover ground anymore- they're killing to control it."

Day crossed her arms. "He's not trying to rule the Underground. He's trying to send a message, it sounds like."

"Or destabilize the capital from below," Erwin's look is blinding. Calculating. "There's chatter he's tied to a Reiss loyalist faction. It's all a web.. the merchants, the mob bosses. The picture hasn't came clear for me yet.. but it isn't good. For anyone."

He could feel Day glancing toward him, like she wanted him to flinch. Or say something. But he didn't.

She didn't know. She couldn't know. Not about Kenny. At least, not fully.

He hadn't told Erwin either. Hadn't told anyone that the man they were hunting used to throw knives at him before breakfast and teach him how to shootout kneecaps.

He wasn't going to start now.

"You leave tonight," Erwin said, voice final and hard as stone.

That pulled Levi's eyes up.

"We had you scheduled for the morning," Erwin explained. "but we lost our informant, Nine. Last contact came an hour ago. Radio silence since."

"Dead?" Levi asked.

"Or worse," Erwin glanced to Day to gauge her reaction. Her face was tight, but unreadable. "Which means we're blind again. You'll be going in cold. Your objective hasn't changed. Find Kenny and tell us his location. Just now, it'll be a bit.. harder."

Day was silent. She just nodded, slow. She looked tired. Not in the physical sense. In the way that suggested her insides were working twice as hard to stay together.

Levi didn't ask. He didn't need to. Whatever it was, she hadn't told him yet. Which meant it was bad.

"Any questions?" Erwin asked, raising his huge, bushy eyebrows.

"No," Levi replied.

Day was already turning toward the door.

"You leave within the hour," Erwin added. His voice almost had a happy ring to it, like he was excited to see what they'd do. "Meet your transport in the merchant tunnels by midnight. You'll know it's them, trust me."

The door clicked shut behind the woman a few seconds later.

He didn't move.

Erwin then opened a drawer like he'd been waiting for this moment, for Day to be leave.

A small black case hit the desk with a soft thud. Padded. Medical. Ominous.

Levi stared at it. "What the hell is that."

"It's a fast-acting sedative," the Commander gave Levi a pointed look. "Since our little 'neck poison' is a farce, I came up with a second contingency. Don't worry, it won't kill her."

Now it was Levi's turn to be completely silent.

"I'm not saying she's compromised," Erwin started, "but if something happens down there, and you have to stop her-"

"I won't need it."

"Oh, you might," the brute responded evenly. "And if you do, you won't have time to think."

Levi's jaw locked. Another thing to hide from her? Another fucking lie? But despite that, he picked up the case and slid it into his pocket without a word. It weighed more than a Titan.

He turned to go.

"Levi," Erwin called out behind him.

The man paused.

"Bring Day back," his tone was almost.. soft. "And yourself."

Levi didn't look back. "That's the plan."

He shut the door quietly behind him, but in his chest, it felt like something slammed.

It's always moves and countermoves.

 

Chapter 58: BONUS CHAPTER :)

 

since I finally figured out how to date my fanfic a few months ago, this three year old fic has BLOWN UP since then!!! I’ve seen tiktoks, Reddit posts- stuff I never expected!- and that just makes me giggle bc this was supposed to be a one off, one and done thing, but now has become basically a full series atp. What started as a break from writing my actual book, is now one I can’t stop writing either. So, thann you :) for all the dms and comments, ily 🫶 

 

heres some bonus content for Warhead

 

 

playlist: (sorry it’s so long ✌🏼)

•  She’s my Collar by Gorillaz 

•  Haunted by Beyonce

•  Put a Spell on You by Annie Lennox 

•  SIMP by Rico Nasty

• No Surprises by Radiohead 

•  Boa by Megan the Stallion

•  posers by partyof2

•  Money money money by ABBA 

•  Billie Jean by Michael Jackson 

•  Illegal by Pink Pantheress 

•  Kill Bill by SZA 

• Enemy by Imagine Dragons ft jid

• I Want You by the Beatles 

•  My All by Mariah Carey

•  Anxiety by Megan the Stallion

•  Hiss by Megan the Stallion 

•  Freedom by Beyoncé 

•  Sticky Tyler the Creator

• Killing me Softly by Fugees

• See You Again Tyler the Creator 

•  Squabble Up by Kendrick Lamar 

• The Contortionist by Melanie Martinez

• Eat Your Young by Hozier 

• Like Real People Do by Hozier 

• Raise Hell by Dorothy

• killer queen by mad tsai (personal favv)

• Dream Girl Evil by Florence and the Machine 

• I Like Him by Princess Nokia 

• Diva by Princess Nokia

• Rage by Rico Nasty 

• Love Bites by Halestorm 

• Have Mercy by Chloë

• Moonlight by Kali Uchis 

• Bad Idea by Dove Cameron 

• YES MOM by Tessa Violet 

• She Knows by J. Cole 

• Therefore I Am by Billie Eilish

 • Back to Black by Amy Winehouse 

• Earned It by The Weeknd 

• I Do by Cardi B ft SZA 

• Me and Your Mama by Childish Gambino 

• Control by Halsey 

• My Body is a Cage by Arcade Fire 

• Jokes on You by Charlotte Lawrence 

• Cherry by Lana Del Rey 

• When You Say My Name by Chandler Leighton

• That Bitch by Bea Miller 

• Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande 

 

 

 

 

 

Some deleted scenes I decided to can, lost into the void of my notes:

 

 

 

Eren had already left, and Day seemed to linger at the edge of the clearing. Like she still had more energy to give.

Levi watched her in silence. Arms crossed, back to the wind, expression unreadable. He didn’t move until she did.

“You’re not done,” he said at last.

She didn’t flinch; didn’t bother pretending to misunderstand.

“Neither are you.”

That got him. Not quite a smile, but something faint- acknowledgment, maybe. Or challenge.

He tipped his head toward the treeline. “You think you’re good.”

“I know I’m good.”

“Then prove it.” His voice didn’t rise, but the shift in it caught her off guard: quiet, steady, like a blade sliding free of its sheath. “Make it back to the gear rack. Quickly. You’ve got a minute head start.”

Day eyed the dark, then him. “And if I don’t?”

“I catch you.”

“And if I do?”

“You’re as good as you think you are.”

That was all she needed.

She took off without another word, into the trees, into the dark that swallowed everything behind her. Her boots skimmed the earth without sound; the wind caught her hair like a warning. She didn’t look back. Looking back meant doubt.

The minutes passed.

Silence stalked her more than he did.

It was tempting. Saints, so tempting. She was fast, impossibly silent, but still, he stayed on her tail. At one point, he was a finger-brush away from her back, and he reached his hand out to do so. But Day had reached the rack, she had won. 

Or so she thought.

His voice came from behind her.. too close. “Six seconds slow.”

She spun, but he was already stepping out of the trees. Calm. Unbothered. His shirt wasn’t even rumpled.

“I could’ve grabbed you at any moment,” he said, voice low enough to scrape the edge of a whisper. “But I wanted to see if you’d find me among the trees.”

She cursed under her breath. Levi didn’t react.

“You let me win.”

“No,” he replied, without pause. “I let you finish.”

Then he turned and walked back into the dark, quiet as the thought that follows him home and never quite leaves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She sat on the cot, shirt peeled halfway down. The cut on her back was shallow but long. Ugly. Still bleeding.

Levi didn’t speak. He just poured the alcohol and pressed the cloth to her skin.

Day flinched.

“Stay still.”

She gritted her teeth. “You could warn me first.”

“I just did.”

The soldier kept working. Quiet. Efficient. Too gentle for someone like him.

After a moment she said, “You don’t have to do this.”

“I know.”

The silence after that stretched long and strange. When he finished, he didn’t move away.

He said, softer this time, “You need to stop getting into a fight with anyone who looks at you wrong.”

“You’d be surprised how often I don’t start it.”Levi didn’t argue back. He knew her well enough not to, because all Day knew was fighting. She’d grown up doing it, after all.

They both had.

Maybe they were too calloused to ever soften for each other. Maybe, he still didn’t care. All he was focused on now was how each stroke of his hand, of the rag, lessened each slice of pain in his head. 

It’s as if I’m absorbing your pain. Sharing it.

His finger traced a scar on her back, a tiny white line that was lopsided and angry looking.

I’d take it all, if I could. Saints.. I’d take it all. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will we ever find out who days parents are? Will it ever even matter? Will day fuck Jean? or Erwin? Moblit? Hehehe 😝 Kill Levi? How many more shifty ass blondes will this poor man have to deal with?
Or will the lies pile up, leaving all the characters to drown under the sea of their own deception.. could Day be their ruin, as Petra so vehemently believes? 

who fucking knows 

Chapter 59: Part Three: home

Notes:

yall aint even ready for this return to the Underground arc 😈

When Levi came out of Erwin's office, an abrupt voice made him turn.

"Rule one of an ambush: you cut the communications first."

Nervousness pricked at his back. Had she heard his conversation with Erwin? But nothing on her stony face betrayed that she did.

"The marks don't even know we're going to the Underground. How could they ambush us?" Levi sighed, acting disinterested.

But in reality, he'd thought the exact same thing. Their prime contact, Nine, had to have been killed by Kenny. Or else why the radio silence?

Day shrugged. "They know someone's watching them, especially if they got ahold of our rat."

"Ah yes," the Captain rolled his eyes. "I forgot you're fluent in street thug politics. But guessing isn't gonna get us anywhere."

The woman must've completely lost it, for she poked his chest with indignation.

"You know just as well as I do this is a stupid fucking plan!" she hissed. "We're relying on so many unknowns.. we need to drop the contacts, and find the target on our own."

Levi pushed air through his nose. "We haven't even left yet, and you're already starting a mutiny. Is this how you're going to be the entire time?"

He saw her teeth gnash in the light of the sconces. "Saints! Hiding in boxes? Not to mention, our contact's in a fucking brothel. Those places are cesspools of loose tongues. We'll be spotted the second you take a step in one of them."

"Relax," Levi grabs her arm to pull down the hall, before Erwin catches a word of this. "I'm no celebrity in the Undercity. I mean, you didn't know who I was when we met."

And you still don't.

Day still didn't even know he was from the fucking Underground.

And he intended to keep it that way.

She ripped her arm out of his grasp and said, "What are we supposed to do, hm? Walk around the damned place til we hear a prostitute moan some code word about the sun?"

"You're the expert spy," he spat. An eyelid was beginning to twitch. "You'll figure it out."

A groan of pure resentment came from her throat. "Is this how you're going to be? Ignoring my very sound, experienced advice?"

"Oh, Dahlia, you could've guessed that." Levi smiled to her sweetly as they turned the corner back to the cadet's dorms.

"Go get ready. I'll be outside your room in one hour. Pack lightly. And do not mention another word of us going rogue, got it?" he seethed, already stressed the hell out. "At least try to behave. Don't forget, a third of the MPs will be on standby. And any one of them could have the trigger to your poison."

His stomach turned with the taste of lying. Then, he shoved any and all feeling away associated with Day. There was a mission to focus on. His bond, his wants... they could wait.

They had a serial killer to find.

Levi threw his head against the wall of the dorms in defeat. Day, to the surprise of no one, hadn't packed yet.

"I thought we were leaving tomorrow in my defense!" she'd protested, but he refused to say one more word until she was dressed and ready.

Inside, he could hear drawers being flung open. One even thudded against the door, followed by the sound of Day's infuriated whisper: "where the fuck is it?!"

Ten mind-numbing minutes later, and the Undergrounder finally graced him with her presence outside the hallway. Immediately, he sighed.

"You're supposed to be skilled at this. Who brings four swords to recon, Day?"

Wide blinks met him in response under black bangs. Her gloved fingers brushed the ends of the swords like he was about to take them from her.

"Go change. Something. Just wear something less.. noticeable."

He spun back around to face the hall so she didn't see the heat spreading up his neck. He'd forgotten how Day had looked before being forced to wear military regulation clothes.

He'd forgotten how impossibly striking she looked, simply dressed as herself. 

Her corsets were back, this one scandalously low under a velvety black hood. The skirt she had on was finger-twitchingly high, and toned legs were wrapped in sheer tights that just begged for his full attention.

So, Levi waited for a second time. Tapping his foot- his usually still foot- and contemplated telling Erwin to change her partner. This is fucked. This is fucked..

His mind didn't change once Day emerged a second time. The outfit had only minor changes to it, a longer skirt, and her back free of all blades, say for the swords she now had strapped diagonally down her thigh to hide better. Her newly-styled cut was free of any Undercity braids. It casted her face under the hood in a mysterious, entrancing darkness.

"Now you look like a spy," was all he said, unable to form much more. His tongue had stopped working, after all.

She threw him a wink. "Guess how many I'm still wearing."

He feigned contemplation and said, "Hmm, a dozen?"

Day scoffed, almost offended. "Maybe on a regular day. I didn't get all these new toys to just let them sit unopened."

"None that you'll be using," he said, glaring hard enough to make his own head ache.

We're bringing the most unpredictable, arguably deadliest killer- who's armed to the teeth- back home, while banking on a syringe to stop her. Brilliant. Oh, and a made-up vial of bullshit in her neck.

What could possibly go wrong?

The carriage swayed, knocking Day's boot into Levi's thigh and he shot her a menacing look.

She only shrugged. "Sorry. Thought they'd have a better ride, seeing as how we're the two celebrities of the Scouts."

Exasperation hit. "We're supposed to be inconspicuous. I know that term is lost on you," the wagon bounced again, and this time he dodged her. "Seeing as how you flop around like a corpse."

They were currently squished behind the cargo boxes. It was going to be a long fucking ride to the Capitol, Mitras. He'd been eyeing the boxes the entire time, wondering if they were the ones he and Day would have to squeeze into. She could barely handle the wagon as it was.

For a street rat, the woman had a brat mentality.

She caught his silent seething and smirked, then poked him with the butt of the dagger she'd been playing with.

"Okay.. I'll stop. Wouldn't want you to pop a vessel before we even get there, huh?"

It was so dark that he could only see the glint of her teeth, matching the blade that spun nearby. "How considerate," was all he mumbled back.

Day lasted maybe five minutes before he heard her lips pop and; "sooo, why don't you tell me about your uncle? Any weakness I need to know about? Maybe lactose intolerant? Dust allergy?"

Her dedication to being infuriating was truly remarkable.

"I wouldn't know. Never met him."

Levi wondered if she could detect his lie; that made his tongue feel ten times bigger in his mouth. But she only clicked her tongue, disappointed. "Damn. That's too bad. I wanted a read before we jump him."

His neck jerked. "What did I say? Don't be fucking stupid, Kenny's not some dumbass mafia goon you can just beat down in an alleyway. He's smart. Cunning. He's the cruelest person behind the Walls."

"Hmm. Seems like you do know him." the woman said in a lilting voice. He could hear the cocky smile.

"Barely." he growled, as he scooted father away from her and her incessant questions. "I'm not the mark, Day. Why don't you focus on yourself. And forget any thought of engaging down there."

He was already feeling closed in, every breath he took was laced with her scent, of earth and ash. It was making him feel wild, unpredictable. Even his hands, that so loved to betray him, squeezed his new knives over and over, as if to sate the nerves.

This is my punishment. For every fucked up thing I ever did, for every piece of shit I killed. The universe sees fit to torture me with her, ever since the day we met.

Since HQ resides in Wall Rose, the ride to the center of their world didn't take too long. The day of constant travel was filled with cool anticipation. They knew whoever was driving- they never saw their face- was on the Scout's side.

Still, that didn't quell any suspicions, so Day offered to be the one to take a look when they stopped. Levi protested, but the dark head bobbed out of the flap before he could finish.

It was five minutes of tense silence. The sounds of horses nickering, a crash of rubble, the driver taking a piss, was all Levi could make out. Then, big eyes popped back in.

"I think we're here. What do we do now?"

Levi didn't know. He did not like that he didn't know.

"We should wait for our transport. Whoever comes and picks these crates up should be them." It was a guess, but not a stupid one.

Day looked like she agreed, and she settled back into the narrow space. Her eyes stayed on the end of the carriage. The serum weighed heavy in his thigh pocket, making him look away from her silhouette.

She's complying right now. Levi chided himself. I shouldn't have even taken the damned thing.

Still, he had caught the moment. When the sunlight flooded the wagon as she returned, revealing the faint smirk at her mouth.

He'd watched Day force herself through months of what she didn't want to do. But this- this she was ready for. Excited. Every glance, every breath said so.

Before too long, a grunt and the crunch of footsteps sounded in the gravel outside. Day had explained they were parked in the back of an alley beside a vast brick rain tunnel, dry for the moment- and probably their way in.

A beefy hand whipped the tarp open and a gruff voice bellowed in. "And why are ya out of yer boxes? Dumb soldiers. They're gonna look in here, yanno."

Day whipped her head back at Levi, as if to blame him. Then, slower back to the stranger.

"But they won't look in the crates."

The man snorted. "Eh. They might."

She obviously wasn't convinced, but he just smacked his lips together and waved. "Okay now, get in. We're gonna leave in five. Don't forget to be quiet."

The tarp shut with a final whoosh.

Levi spoke first. "You heard the man. Go get nice and cozy."

"My third Wall I've crossed, and I don't even get to see it this time."

"Don't you mean Sina it." Levi joked lamely back. What the hell..?

It was too dark to see if she was glaring, but he'd put money on that she was.

"I don't like it when you try to be funny," she said in a disturbed voice. "Plus, don't act so smug. He did say the both of us, Princess."

He wanted to coil his neck in disgust at the thought. They weren't even in the bottomless pit yet, and he was to be sullied already?

Day must've sensed his growing horror, because she went, "Awww, do you need a hanky?"

"Do you need another broken finger?" he said evenly.

Day only snorted, followed by the sounds of her grunt as she lifts herself into a nearby box. "Yeah, that was months ago. When I thought I couldn't take you down."

Once he was secured in the crate beside hers, the darkness enclosed around him like a tomb, and in that absence a memory took shape. He was a child then, maybe eight or nine, making his first escape from the Underground, hidden inside a wagon's crate not too unlike these.

Suddenly, it was hard to breathe. A hand squeezed his throat, and he cursed as he felt the wagon lurch to a start.

He was caught by the Stairway guard, who were really just glorified mob goons with a stable job. That was the day his Ackerman powers kicked in. The day a stupid amount of power surged through his body, and he knew exactly what to do.

A humming sounded in the carriage, playful and low.

Levi lifted the lid with his head and hissed, "Stop that. Be quiet."

He heard her lid lift as well, but couldn't see much. Day ignored him, instead whispering back, "What's in yours? I'm swimming in guns. Should I steal one, ya think?"

"Potatoes."

"Sasha wouid be jealous," she snickered. "Bet you smell like a dirt diaper."

The dense smell of manure and earth was already making him plug his nostrils, but that comment sent him snarling, throwing a potato at the sound of her voice. A laugh, then yelp of pain set a cruel grin into his dark face.

They both ducked back into their spots once the sound of the tires began to echo, as if they'd just entered a chamber. The merchant tunnels.

Levi felt his heartbeat for a moment. He'd been so fixated on Day's reaction to coming home, he'd holy forgotten to acknowledge his. But his body, it seemed, was here to remind him.

Not for the first time, he was grateful the blood bond didn't run both ways, or Day would have sensed how nervous he was.

This is fucking inane. I've been here before on missions. Why is this one any different?

He knew the answer, even if it disgusted him.

Because now, I have something to protect.

It wasn't long until the wagon stopped, surrounded by an unfamiliar gruff voice that pinged off the brick walls around them.

"HOL' UP!" they barked. "OVER HERE, SLOW IT DOWN!"

Levi tensed. The smell of ruddy earth clogged his nose, making him want to choke on the stench. Maybe I should poke my head up again..

Just as the thought came to mind, the sound of the tarp flapping open made him freeze completely. The pitch black of the crate didn't change, but he could hear a lantern swing around the carriage.

He prayed Day found some semblance of restraint. Which sounded like a pipe dream, seeing as how the lunatic was currently encased in a small arsenal.

The pig ruffling for mushrooms snorted. He sounded much too close for Levi's liking "Whatcha slugging around this time, Darius?"

"Various of sorts," the carriage driver mumbled beside the man. "Can ya speed this the hell up? I got a lotta eager patrons so I'm onna tight schedule."

"You can wait," the merchant goon sneers. To the Captain's horror, the bumping of someone trying to pry open his crate began to thud on the wood.

He had just enough time to contemplate using his sword or his new daggers, before a beady set of eyes alit by the lantern filled his crate. They stared at each other for a beat. Fuck.

Blink. Then, "Humpf. Cheapass. These are still green."

The fat hand, like that of a Titan, lowers past Levi's disgusted face, to a potato. The man took one last blank stare, munched down with a loud crack!, then slammed the lid.

Once the flap shut, Levi took a few tense seconds until he exhaled. What the fuck Hange? That's one of our contacts?

Day's voice shot through the dark. "Levi! What was that?"

"Shut up!" he hissed back.

It was no use. In seconds, the lid to his box opened, and he heard her hushed voice in the dark. "Are we compromised?"

"We're about to be if you don't get back." Levi grabbed a potato to throw at her, but hesitated at the thought of any noise from the impact. So, he settled to flick to one of her fingers on the edge of the crate. "Impudent."

The carriage jostled, while the echo of the wheels began to wan. They were exiting the merchant tunnels.

"It's going to stop at the black market," she said in response. "You need to find a disguise when we get there."

"And what about you?" he hummed, giving up on forcing her back into the box.

Day paused. Then whispered, "Well, if we're to go into a brothel to meet our contact.. we need to blend in."

"So you get to dress up as a prostitute again, hm?"

"An escort." the assassin almost sounded embarrassed. "Hange said it's the red-roofed one, which is one of Jolery's pleasure houses. Honestly, it's a bit swankier than a brothel, made for more of a richer clientele"

"There is no rich in the Underground," he snorted.

"Mostly. Other than some merchants, the topsiders who come down for unsanctioned fun, or the mob bosses who tire of the red lantern district."

"So, what? I'm going to be a grubby gangster while you play my," his voice dropped, "my seductive little host?"

She just made a noise of slight disgust. "I mean, we could always do if it the other way around. But most male companions down there are for.. well, other males. Maybe you'd fit in perfectly."

For a brief second, the asinine joke made him wonder again if she knew Erwin was his ex. Then he wondered if she cared. Then why the hell he cared-

His thoughts were cut off by the brakes. Day didn't retreat to her spot under the guns, instead stayed right above him.

The sound of people surrounded the wagon, almost jostling it in fervor. Then, as quickly as it overcame them, it was shut off by the sound of large doors swinging shut.

Day's voice was too close for comfort. She must've crouched down, her face now to crates edge. "This has to be the warehouse outside the black market. We need to get out now, before unloading begins."

Levi didn't snap something back for once. Instead, he leapt out of the potato torture chamber, grateful to be rid of the filth.

A pocket of light filled the wagon. Day's hooded head poked out of the side, then whipped back in just as fast. "Come on!"

And I'm to take orders from such a low-ranking cadet? Levi thought with a bit of snark, before following her.

The darkness of the wagon spilled light into a wide warehouse, its floor lined with crates and tarps containing smuggled contraband. Men with rifles prowled between them. Levi dropped low in unison with Day, their footsteps whisper-quiet as they slipped through the rows.

A rifle gleamed over the edge of a crate a few feet ahead of Levi, and he felt Day grab his forearm to stop him. Brat. He wanted to glare at her, but noticed he didn't mind the pressure of her hand squeezing him, so he simply stepped back and ducked down.

After a few beats, they moved on. From the far end, he heard murmurs and the bustle of movement outside the huge oak doors. Day tipped her chin toward it. Their way out.

They draw closer as their shoulders nearly brush. The Captain glanced down to see her finger splayed, that familiar stance just before a dagger slipped into being.

Then- light. A lantern swept across the room, skimming over their heads. In the second before it found them, Levi drove into her shoulder and shoved them both against the side of a nearby crate.

His forearm pushed under her chin, keeping her in place, as annoyed sable eyes glared from an inch away.

Shhh, he mouthed mockingly.

The glare darkened.

Then, the light faded and he felt her push almost urgently to throw him off. His arm lifted reluctantly. Her jasmine scent smelled exactly like his favorite tea, and it stayed in his nose even after Day stormed off.

Once they reached the doors, Levi watched her back as she opened it slowly, and they came out into the Underground with tentative steps. Artificial light hit his face as the wide cavern of the city welcomed the pair back.

Clamor rang in his ears. Grubby merchants bustled past, shouting from their stalls as citizens pressed together in a chaotic tide. A sort of desperation gleamed in each of their eye. The whole scene seemed drained, every face washed in the same wan pallor.

Only a handful bore the warmth of the sun, and the merchants pounced on them at once, thrusting trinkets and shouting their pitches. Levi tugged his hood lower, though his skin was just as pale.

The city that never sleeps was more awake than ever.

He made sure to keep a close eye on Day as they melded into the throng of people. So far, she'd been highly cooperative. And he knew that would run out. 

The bottomless pit quickly swallowed the two, and he almost wanted to grab her arm to keep from losing sight of her. But if Day's felt overwhelmed by her return home, she didn't show it.

The assassin only wove in between people with ease, leading Levi throughout the sprawling black market as if it's muscle memory. He isn't that lucky.

Dirt clogs his nose. The brush of shoulder leaves him on edge, and he whips his head to watch their six. Danger glints everywhere- down here, luck can turn in the blink of an eye.

Not today. We'll retrieve the contact, the intel, and get the hell out of here.

A canopy of linens replaces the brown sky. Day is slinking towards a vendor who's hidden among the fabrics, in a table covered by a sea of colors. Once they approach, Levi noticed the hungry grin that all Undercity folk give. It's like the opening maw of a predator.

"And how can I assist you fine people this beautiful morning?" The irony in the man's tone is palpable, as shifty eyes flick to Levi then back to Day. He knows her.

Day just casually slings her hood off and shrugs. "We're looking for a vase. Blue porcelain. Real hard to find."

The man's eyes narrow with curiosity. "Got nothin' like that here, missy. And if I knew where to get some, it'd cost ya."

She said nothing, just reached into her black cloak and set something on a stripe of red cloth. Levi's face ticked. He hadn't noticed her pocket that off the crowd on the way here. Not once.

"I can pay. See, I heard the only one who makes 'em right is a sculptor by the name of Kenny. That true?"

The burly merchant started with surprise, then worry flashed across his face just as fast. To Levi's utter surprise, he pushed the coins back at Day like they were toxic.

"No. Can't help ya. Go ask someone else, girl."

The onyx-haired thief stared at him for a beat, before clicking her tongue and shoving the stolen coins back in her sleeve. "Fine then. Didn't know we had a skib in our midst."

Then she whirled away without checking if Levi followed. The man snarled at her back, shot Levi one last glare, and yanked a curtain of fabric shut, hiding the table and the vendor.

"What the hell was that? Some poor people gibberish?" He said to Day as she hurried through the streets in haste.

"It's means Kenny's bought the underground network. It means we're fucked. He's gotten way worse than we thought."

Exasperation hit. "You've barely been gone two months. How did you never notice this happening? Not even when he went back to murdering of all the MPs?" he asks in bewilderment.

He caught her shrug through the cloak. "They're MPs. Why the Sina would I care?"

"Oh. Right. Innocent lives only matter to you if they're of your own shitty kind."

"Yep."

Levi felt his eyes roll so hard he almost popped something.

"You are not in charge of this mission. Do not endanger our recon by revealing yourself to grubby street rats."

The woman stopped walking and looked at him directly. "Then help me find some fucking disguises and stop bitching in my ear!"

"You-" before he could finish that thought, she ripped her hood back on and stormed down the row of stalls.

Breaks in the sprawling cavern ceiling let light spill onto them as they move through the black market. Day pauses now and then to chat with vendors, no doubt filling her pockets while she does. One of them, a wiry old man with glasses, gifts her a loaf of bread before she departs.

"No, no," he shakes his head to the hooded soldier. "I haven't forgotten, dear one."

Levi can make out a small pink to her cheeks as she turns away, shoving the bread into her cloak.

He lets a few moments pass before the need to agitate her arises. "What didn't that old geezer forget?"

For a second, she doesn't answer. Then says, almost embarrassed, "There was a group of crooked officers who used to patrol the black market. They'd extort who they could for what they could. That old man was one of them."

"Aaand what did you do them?"

Day tries for a casual tone. "Strung them up on the square. Hands cut off at the wrists."

Levi should've known by now, but still, his jaw slightly dropped. Then he shook his head. "Ridiculous. You're absolutely ridiculous."

"I was young!" she protested. They paused to duck an oncoming wagon, then she looked back at Levi with a pout. "We've all had phases, okay? Mine was.. being an dumbass vigilante. Until I realized I could steal and kill."

"It's a miracle I was the first to catch you." Levi said in annoyed disbelief.  Then he remembered the first night he met her, as she snuck to a girl's window. The bag of cash placed on her pillow.

"Oh, I've been caught before," Day waves a hand with a laugh. "Never long, though."

The Captain found himself oddly curious, almost wanting to hear more her tales of dumbassery. But he kept shut. Instead, snapped; "Well, better find some clothes fast. Before it happens again. I doubt your next captor will be so patient."

A pig's squeal draws their attention. A muddy pit, somehow filthier than the Undercity, holds five of them, squawking and ramming at the bars. Levi curls his lip. They’re the only animals that thrive down here, and it's no wonder. Made for trash, the Underground has no storage of it.

Not far off from the pen, a rack of dresses and suits almost gleam in comparison under a large canopy. Levi doesn't need to look to feel Day booking it in that direction. But right before she reaches it, she turns to him and hisses, "Start talking to the shopkeeper. Just make some shit up, but don't stop until you hear a double whistle."

He blinks at her. "Do you think I'm some partner in crime? Your hired goon?"

The brown eyes give him a deadpan stare back. "Well, do you have money?"

"...No."

She whips around and throws back, "Then you better get to yapping."

 

"Pardon me.. miss. I am here to pursue your.. vast selection of finery." He clears his throat, then leans on a rack next to him. The metal squeals, then tilts, and dumps on top of him in a soundless heap.

The woman at the register didn't blink. She just drew in a slow breath, then let a quiet ahem to cut through the silence. "You said you.. needed my help, sir?"

The faintest snicker drifts from a rack next to him, and he resists shoving a foot through it. He begins to babble on about silks, satins, and any other random fucking fabric he can think of, until a short-haired woman seems to pop out of thin air.

If he was incoherent before, he was absolutely useless now.

A burnt red stole his vision, as it glided around each and every curve Day had to offer. His eyes followed the black satin glove all the way up her arm, then to her regal grin posted on her absolutely stunning face. If escorts looked like her, he'd camp outside.

The merchant only gasped with glee. "You wear it so elegantly, my dear. For you, I'll throw in the mask for only three silvers."

Day just bobbed her head in gratitude, and then the grin split further. "I'd be flattered. If I didn't know you charge only two for them."

The two ensued into a spitfire negotiation match, that Levi watched in small wonder. If anything, he was more astounded she was paying for this.

Finally, once a term had seemingly been reached, the woman gave a slight cluck to Levi as Day handed her a handful of coin. "How this smooth one managed to get you, will boggle my mind the rest of the night."

"You and me both." Day threw her head back with an unbridled laugh. Without the hood, her face was extremely distracting. "Out of his league, and out of his pay grade."

The asshole cackled her way out of the booth, almost halfway down the street, until Levi snapped.

"You get into character real fast, don't you."

She just wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and said, "It's called method, thank you. And I almost forgot."

“You mean the way you forgot the double whistle.”

Day ignored him, then swung her bag around to her front to whip a handful of cloth out, and shove it into his hand. "Your turn!"

Levi stared at it with a hard frown. "Ah, so you didn't pay for it all."

"For the rip-off that lady just gave me, I got my money's worth." she gives a sneer, looking like a grubby thief masquerading as one the most beautiful women to grace the Undercity.

That's when they turn, and Day runs smack dab into her own face.

"Shit! Again??" The girl peels herself off the brick wall to examine the poster. "But this one... fuck. It's a lot better than the others."

They even managed to get her obnoxious shit-eating grin. Levi grimaced slightly. "Well, at least you're blonde in this one."

In the sea of various states of wanted posters, Day's shines out to him like a coin in the sun.

WANTED: ELUSIVE THIEF KNOWN AS DAY. DEAD OR ALIVE 7000 GOLD.

A sketch of the woman right next to him is drawn with startling accuracy, as if the artist knew her personally. Warm brown eyes of the offender laugh at the audience with a haughty type of joy. Levi tore his gaze away to frown at her.

"This is worrisome indeed. Your bounty is much too high. Whoever put it out must be very desperate."

Day, now looking as opposite to that drawn girl as night, narrows her eyes and without looking, rips the paper off the wall. "What an awful thing to say. I'm worth at least double. Fucking Slaker. Even with a bruised ego, still a damned cheapass."

"If a gangster is looked down upon, it's over for them anyways. They only live on respect." Levi crosses his arms to mock her stance.

Her huff causes the new onyx locks go away across her shoulders. "Which would lead to a very dangerous opposition. A man with nothing to lose is an enemy that will destroy all of you."

"Well, sweetheart, we're here for that." A buzzing in his head sounded, as if the thought of an army of goons knowing her face made him slightly mad. "So let's get a move on."

Before I go end this issue myself.

"I look like a pussy with a flower on top."

"Hey. Pussies are pretty, don't say that." Day smacks Levi top hat firmly. "And stop frowning. You're supposed to be going to a perverted prick’s version of heaven. So act like it."

He bit out a sound of disgust. "You mean a bunch of losers who will only touch a woman with a wallet in the other hand."

"Sure," Day straightens her mask, and checks his as wide brown eyes stare through the laced frame. "Whatever you need to get into character. But don't forget to act prim and proper, which you should excel at. These men at Jolery's convince themselves they are gentleman."

"So why do they hide their identity, then?" he scoffs as she leads him down an alleyway, to where they'll stash their bags and gear.

"Maybe to add to the drama," she shrugs. "Or they don't want to be extorted. Who fucking knows."

"I don't know about this.." he pauses, looking at the end of the alley like he might turn and sprint down it, all the way back to the

"All because you have to wear a bloody suit? Come on Levi, don't be such a pussy." Day taunts as she pries open a barrel to stash their stuff inside. "I know you have charm. It's just buried deep deep deeeeeep down." On the last words, the lis flies off, and she lets out a small giggle from the exertion.

"May Sina give me strength."

"You don't even pray to the Saints!"

"Do you?" he shot back. "You don't exactly strike me as a Wallist."

At that, Day paused in slight surprise. "I'm not. My.. old caretaker Mr. Thomas was. Some of his prayers just.. grew on me."

He felt a nerve, one he'd usually pick at, but the look in her eyes made him restrain himself. She seemed.. wistful. He began to wonder about her foster sister, Anya, in that same orphanage across the city. Guilt pricked at his neck.

Suddenly, he wanted to give her that wish, and whisk her away to see her family. But duty stopped him, grinding his teeth.

"Thas her! I know it is!"

Both heads whipped in unison to the end of the alleyway. The red roof of the pleasure house stood out as a sliver above the alley, casting a dark silhouette on the shadows moving toward them.

"You've got to be kidding me," Levi ground out through the teeth he hadn't unclenched.

Then he turned, to see the dark, lithe girl smile. Where can she even hide a blade on that goddy dress?

He got his answer in the blink of an eye. Her finger twitched- and just like that, a blade slammed into a broad forehead, sending the man crashing into the dirt. The other two, one clutching her wanted poster in his grubby hand, paused for a second in shock. They must've followed them from the black market.

As one drew in a breath to no doubt scream something obscene at her, the next inhale was steel, a dagger jutting out his throat. The remaining gorilla turned to run, and before Day could send more damn blades tearing through him, Levi shouted, "WAIT! Wait!"

She dropped her arm with obvious disappointment. "Go find your own goons to kill."

"No," he reached into the inner pocket of his new suit, where he'd hidden some of his own tools. "He might know something."

Day looked the part of the wanted assassin perfectly as she eyed the pliers with growing pleasure.

"My bad. I forgot you knew ball too."

Most men talk after one fingernail. It makes for a heart achingly short session, and Levi reluctantly slides the cleaned off pliers back in his suit with a frown.

"Man, I really thought he'd at least know a little more," Day whines as she retrieved her daggers from the fallen thugs. "But now we know why we haven't seen a single soldier since we got here."

Because Kenny had killed them all.

The ones he missed never dared to return to his hunting ground. More chilling still, it wasn't Kenny's hand that broke the soldiers- it was the gangs he bled dry, the mob bosses he crossed, unleashing their own men to deliver the military a message carved in blood.

The Underground is now more lawless than ever. A powder keg, waiting to bury this city to rubble beneath the explosion.

Day must've thought the same thing as she gave Levi a wary look, then the lifeless men. It'd been so long since she'd killed another, he briefly wondered if she felt any way about it. But that was squashed the moment she spoke.

"That just means we gotta take Kenny out faster."

Heat rushed up his face. "Again? Day, we're not going to do anything to Kenny. The military police will."

"Oh really? Like they did down here?" Her brow rises. "I've been doing some research... and if he's an Ackerman, they're not gonna have a fucking chance."

"You mean that damned book!" Levi's hands throw up as he walks around her and the pools of blood, seeping into the dirt like the tears of the earth. "A third of the MPs are on standby for our message. And they will take care of him."

She gave an unconvinced huff. "It’s always no faith. None. Not even when we slay a hundred Titans, suddenly one man is too much for us. What if we're the only ones who can take him?"

No. No.

"We're done discussing this." Levi stepped through the blood to get right into her face, to look deep into those chestnut eyes to know she understood.

Day gave him a beat of a heated stare, then shook her head slightly. "Okay then. We'll see how you feel after he slaughters another score of soldiers."

Levi snapped around and stormed down the alley toward Jolery's pleasure house, irritation burning through him. Behind, the interrogated man gave one last grunt before her blade silenced him for good. His death thudded against the wall, followed by the click of her heels- black with red bottoms. Perfect for stepping through blood.

Before the reached the part of the pleasure district the brothel sat at, Day grabbed Levi's elbow and pulled him closer to her. Her skin is so damned soft.

"Please be a better actor in here than you did at the fabric merchants." she hisses under her breath, whike keeping a sharp eye out around them. Front girls lined the street in from of different houses, each one as shoddy as the next.

The only one of real finery seemed to be Jolery's, with ruby red walls lined with embossed gold detailing. It was obviously fake, since leaving real wealth on the wall would be very fucking stupid in the Undercity.

"Don't doubt me," he murmurs back, keeping his head low, near hers. "I'll charm you silly."

Pink spread across her tanned cheeks as Day noticeably looked away, giving a weak eye roll through the lace mask. "Sina will see."

The second the stepped in, his heart seized. His throat closed. Suddenly, breathing was the hardest thing he'd ever done. Fuck, what the fuck?

It wasn't until the smell hit him, that the memory flooded back. His elegant mother. The one who taught him how to properly pour tea, even down in this awful dump. She always smelled like tea and perfume, a delicate mix of both. And this place reeked of it.

Day must've felt him tense underneath her hand, so she looked up, giving him a sultry look. "Don't tell me your giving me cold feet, darling. We've barely started."

In the back of his mind, he knew she was sinking into character, but he still couldn't rip himself from the memory of the cavern light, spilling onto his mothers frail shoulders as she leaned down to pour him a cup.

Then lips met his cheek.

"I said," Day's voice hardened in his ear. "Should we go get a drink, loosen up a bit?"

"Tch," he mock-rubbed his cheek, glaring down at her. "If you pay for yourself, wench."

Her eyes widened in shock. "Is this how you charm?"

He caught her hand without a response and pulled her through the brothels press of bodies, the air thick with perfume, sweat, and smoke from the long pipes. Masked patrons lounged in velvet chairs, whispered behind feathered fans, they slipped past them toward shadowed alcoves.

The far wall curved into a half-dome draped with crimson curtains, whike a staircase spiraled up to private rooms above. Laughter spilled from every corner- sharp, drunken, aching, something in between. Levi shoved past it all, jaw tight. The only thing for certain was he wanted the fuck out.

That increased once he noticed the looks. On her.

"Do not let go of me," he mutters to her under the music. "They may mistake you for.. available."

She must've not noticed his tone, he she's she just laughed and said, "I might get some intel, actually."

"Oh absolutely not."

At that, she finally looked up at him, noticing his tense brow. "Are you.. okay?"

"Just fine," the Captain attempts his casual tone, but fails with each lingering look that falls on her. Each paw he watches grab a woman’s body makes him sick. We should find one to torture. Find intel that way.

"Let's just find Nine and leave." he finally bit out as they made it to the bar. Even though our contact is most likely dead. And this is all a damned waste.

Day turned to scan the dimly lit room. The dance floor was filled with swaying bodies, gripping each other as if the Titans were to storm the Walls tomorrow. She nodded graciously at Levi as she handed her a chilled ale. A luxury in the Undercity. "Hah. How'd you know?"

His eyes watched her throat as she drank. Months ago, he would've pictured his hand on it, squeezing. He still did, of course. But now it was mixed with a lot of biting too.

When she turns back, he tries to snap his attention back to the swaying crowd before she notices. "Do you like dancing?" she pops instead.

"No." he huffs, then crosses his arms to now glare at the dance floor.

"Of course," she laughs. Just as the masked girl begins to turn, when he clears his throat to counter.

"Ask me anyways."

Day hesitated. "Will you dance with me?"

"Yes."

How could he bear to turn away the light at the end of the tunnel? Especially as it tightened around him with each step.

Since stepping into the Underground, one thing eased him. His head hadn't throbbed once. Which meant Day was fine. She was safe.

Let's keep it that way.

He tried to keep himself from an intense stare down with anyone who looked at her sideways as they made their way into the flow of bodies. It was near impossible.

The brat was too eye-catching. He almost wanted to scold her for it. We're to be undercover, and here you are, flashy as always.

One raspy voice bellowed out, "Well lad, does she taste as good as she looks?"

Levi spun around before he knew what happened, until a sharp prick to his arm stopped him. Day pinched him. "Leave it," she spoke in a clipped whisper.

He struggled to find her eyes over seeking the piece of shit out who just said that. Once they finally made it to a decent spot to keep a lookout, Day's shit-eating grin began to spread on her face.

"Are you jealous?" she mused. They grabbed each other's arms to begin waltzing, with Levi's right arms behind her waist. Finally, his heartbeat began to slow.

He tried to scoff back, but realized jealous wasn't even a way to describe it. This feeling that took over him, that made him envious of even her blades, or the clothes on her body.

Fingers began to absentmindedly touch the ends of her new haircut, like he'd been dying to do since it happened.

"I'm just playing the part of the loyal customer. Wouldn't want to share, would I?"

Sharp eyes scanned his face as they always had, closely, hungrily, snatching at the details of his like the thief she was. It made his mouth dry with want. Having Day's attention was akin to being sliced open and played with.

Her gaze felt like knives. And gods, he was suddenly begging to be cut.

"You've been looking a little rough since we got here. Is it the noise?" she cocked her head, then took a step to close the inch gap between them. "Or having to act like a prostitute?"

He snorted. "Me or you?"

"Oh please," suddenly, her eyes were encompassing his vision. "Don't act like you hate it."

His face was moving without thought. "Let me show you how much I hate it."

To his utter disgrace, she pulled away and frowned, her look becoming unreadable beneath the mask. "You look... troubled."

Something squeezed his heart. "Really? You're worried about my state? The girl who wants me gone, now cares if I'm upset?"

"She's slowly changing her mind." The expression turned mulish.

She spun and he caught her, wrapping his arms back around her. A fake giggle came from the assassin, and he tried for an easy smile to offset all the wired nerves.

"Places like these just bear.. a lot of shitty memories for me. That's all." the words fell out into her ear before he could stop them. Something inside wanted to let her in, even as horrifying as it felt.

Day leaned her head back on his chest as they swayed, his arm around her stomach, her scent invading his pores. Her exposed neck caught his attention, and he reached down to peck a small kiss on the skin. The woman practically jumped.

"Play along, love," he murmured against her. Seconds later, she loosened.

"Escorts don't kiss," she snapped without facing him.

"Are you sure about that?" and his hand came off to spread across the mass of people around them. Over ninety percent of them had their faces stuck together.

Day didn't respond, only grumbled under the sound of the piano. When Levi turned her back, he noticed she was looking everywhere but him. 

A thumb brushed her incision in a familiar move, causing her to shiver. The thumb moved around her neck, to her cheek, until it found the edge of her chin. Then those umber eyes found his.

"You really hate me, don't you?"

Her chin juts away, but her eyes now stay on his. "Almost as much as you hate me." Her tongue runs over her bottom lip, and his hands flex.

"Your mouth has always been better at kissing than lying, Dahlia," he said in a low tone, just inches away.

"Who's to say it’s not the same?" her voice was barely audible across the clamor. But he heard it.

"Then lie to me again."

The moment his lips finally touched hers, a low, guttural sound escaped him. It'd been too long. He hadn't realized his body had built up an addiction to this feeling until the wash of being high came over him, and he felt his arms tighten.

Day tilted her head back to let him in, and the noise that hummed on his lips made him feel dizzy.

Fuck.

"Good." He gave another indulgent stroke of his tongue. "Keep looking at me like that."

A thigh pushed between her legs, and she began to huff into his open mouth. He tugged her head back gently for better access. Something crazed had taken ahold of him, and suddenly they were in an empty room, the only music the beat of her heart against him.

He devoured her hungrily. Unabashedly. All thoughts of being in character burned away. Losing himself in Day was the only thing that felt right, the only place he wanted to be right now.

My weakness. My fucking light. I missed you.

"My, my," a silken voice sounded behind them. "You don't see kissing like that in here."

 

Notes:

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