"You're pitiful, Ackerman." The stout man muttered from above her. His hands had caught her wrists, effectively pinning her beneath him.

The girl glared icily into his eyes, her bad mood souring even more. It had no effect on the Lance Corporal, however, as he was very well accustomed to her bitter attitude towards himself. Although he couldn't help but notice in the dark depths of her eyes, that the fire he was used to was a little bit diminished.

The corporal could sense something was wrong before their sparring session had even begun. Although Ackerman wasn't usually one to express her emotions quite easily, he often saw the challenging glint in her eyes whenever they fought one-on-one. Now, she just looked tired. Pitiful.

With an irritated sigh he released his grip on her,standing up again.

"Look if you're just going to waste my time-" Levi started, only to be interrupted.

"I can do it." She replied with renewed determination. The man turned his gaze towards her, studying her expression in what had to be the most humble face he had ever seen on the girl. Her face looked as expressionless as ever, but he could tell by the way her eyes couldn't meet his that she was feeling sheepish and embarrassed by her poor performance.

"Clearly you can't." Levi said, watching as Mikasa opened her mouth to retort,"You're distracted." He said the statement bluntly, silencing the girl. Levi already knew what the distraction was,of course. Jaeger was always the root of the problem with this girl. It was even more obvious since the red scarf that was ever present on her person had disappeared. It irritated him to no end. Why she would be wasting her time on a dumbass like Jaeger was a mystery he couldn't comprehend. It was a waste of talent on her part.

"Come back when you're damn ready to fight, Ackerman." The Lance Corporal ordered before leaving the training grounds.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Mikasa entered the canteen. It was dinnertime and the spar between her and heichou had worn her out. She searched for an available seat, finding one besides Sasha.

Her brief relief vanished when she saw that Eren was also occupying the table, along with Armin, Jean, and Connie. She strode to the table, taking the seat besides Sasha, hoping that Eren had cooled down from their fight.

She was greeted by Armin who waved and said a hello to her. Sasha squealed at the sight of her, bread in her mouth. Everyone had asked her about her day, interested on how training with their heichou had been.

The only one who seemed to ignore her presence was Eren. She gave a sideways glance to notice that he was glaring at his food. The weight on her chest increased.

"It was ok." Was all she answered to the incessant questions about how training had gone.

"You're amazing Mikasa! To be able to train with humanity's strongest soldier!" Connie cried loudly. Mikasa forced a smile at his compliment, still bothered about the problems between her adoptive brother and herself.

They began chattering about a different subject, she didn't know what as she was too focused on figuring a way on how to catch Eren's attention. Her gaze was directed towards him, staring blatantly at his head. He paid no mind to her, talking to their friends as if she was invisible.

Finally she couldn't take it anymore, saying his name. "Eren."

His green orbs flicked towards hers, his mouth forming a line on his face. It was obvious that he didn't want to talk to her.

"Can we talk?" She asked quietly.

His eyes glinted in annoyance and anger before replying loudly,"Talk."

Although she was glad that he had complied with her request, she was thinking of a more private area to talk; she wasn't eager to drag her friends into their argument.

"Can we talk outside?" She pleaded, ready to do anything just as long as he would stop being mad at her.

"No." He replied quickly. "Whatever you have to say, say it now."

Mikasa let out a breath before she let out what she wanted to say. "Sorry." Eren's glare softened slightly at her whisper.

"I, I just don't want you to get hurt." Her voice still quiet, looking at her folded hands.

"See that's your problem," The boy bit out."I'm not a kid, Mikasa." He said angrily. "Stop worrying about me, I can handle myself."

"I worry about you because I care about you. I don't want you to die, Eren." She said honestly. He was her family, the only family she had left. She couldn't lose him.

"I don't need you to care about me!" The brown haired boy cried suddenly, making everyone at their table stare at them in shock.

"Eren-" Mikasa warned, worried about the stares they were receiving from his loud voice.

"I get it, ok." He said bitterly. "You're stronger than I am, but I don't need you to babysit me!"

Mikasa's frustration broke out at his outburst, her usually calm demeanor broken. "I do it because I care. You're my family, Eren. I promised your mom I would take care of you. I-"

"I don't need you to!" He said coldly. "Can't you see?! You're only getting in the way."

Mikasa's heart lurched at his words. The pain in her chest increasing intensely. He hated her. Eren hated her. She wasn't sure what to do and she was fighting a losing battle to keep a straight face.

"Eren!" She heard Armin's voice cry. Everyone was staring at them. She had never felt so exposed in her life.

Everyone was shocked at his words, Armin looking worriedly between them.

Mikasa covered her face with her bangs, standing up from the table, trying to ignore the whispers and looks from everyone around her. She needed some air.

XXXXXXXXXXX

By the time she had returned, it was already nearing nighttime. She had left, taking her 3DMG and going for a ride, not knowing where she was going, only that she needed to think.

Now she had thought, but her heart still hurt. It was a pain that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Maybe Eren was right. Maybe she was only pushing him away. Still, it hurt. She loved him and she cared about him but those feelings only angered Eren. She wondered if there was anything she could do that wouldn't make him upset with her.

Her only dream was to stay together, to stay by his side. But it seemed, with each passing day, that he had the opposite in mind.

She walked on the training grounds, feeling the crisp air hit the back of her nape. Her hand reached to pull up her scarf only to remember that it was gone.

Pulling up her jacket instead, she took a step forward only to hear a sound to the left of her. Swiftly, she reached for her sword, scanning for the possible threat. Her grip on the handle of her sword loosened when she realized that it was only the Lance Corporal. He was leaning against the wall besides the door, arms crossed, scowl ever-present. It looked as if he had been waiting for her.

She glared with him, not in the mood to deal with the man.

"You're past curfew, Ackerman." She said nothing, only angering Levi further.

"Whatever happened with Jaeger doesn't give you the excuse to endanger your fellow soldiers." The remark hit Mikasa, catching her attention. How did he know it was about Eren? She scowled, he probably saw what happened at dinner then. The pain in her chest came back just thinking about the scene.

Quickly, she tried to think of an excuse as to why she came back so late.

"I was just practicing with my 3DMG." Levi scoffed at her lame excuse, but nevertheless allowed her to step towards the door.

She turned the knob, only to be stopped by a hand on her shoulder. She looked behind her to face Levi.

"Whatever it is, don't let it affect your performance on my squad." His rebuke was enough to send her over the edge. There was something about him that irritated her so. It seemed as though all the negative feelings she held back inside exploded on him.

"I can handle it." She gritted through her teeth.

"Look, I know Jaeger can be a dumbass but it shouldn't-"

She didn't know whether to be mad or not at him calling Eren a dumbass, all she could think to say was,"It's not about Eren!"

He gave her an incredulous look, a ghost of a smirk forming on his lips. "Don't shit with me, Ackerman. Everything's about Eren to you."

She blushed at his reply, from embarrassment or anger or maybe both. Was she that transparent?

"Seriously, I don't know what it is that's got you so attached to him. He's got his head so far up in his ass, I'm surprised he's still alive."

"He's family." Mikasa said, the anger in her voice fading into a tone of misery that shocked him."I have to protect him."

The man in front of her felt some sort of irritation course through him at her words. "You can't protect him." Mikasa shot up at his remark, livid that he would say that.

"Why not?! It's none of you-"

"No matter what you do, you can't stop him." Levi cut her off, his voice turning serious."It seems as though Jaeger has a death wish and he's willing to risk it all just to get what he wants." Levi said tactlessly, watching as her expression returned back to it's cold facade.

Mikasa couldn't say anything. He was right. As much as she hated to admit it, Levi was right. She couldn't stop Eren. And if she did, it would only make him hate her. For the second time that day, she felt frustration filling her to the brim.

It was only when she felt something wet fall onto the plane of her bare collar that she realized that she was crying, shaking as a finger caught a tear.

This served to embarrass her further as she met Levi's gaze to realize he was staring at her. She had forgotten what it was like to cry, bottling those emotions up a long time ago. Why of all times did she have to cry right now? In front of him of all people.

Levi was at a loss at what to do. She was crying. And he was partially at fault. He hated it when women cried, he never knew what to do.

But this was different. This was Ackerman. Stone-cold Ackerman whose skin was a thick as his. And she was crying.

"Ackerman." He called, stepping forward but only making her step backwards, hiding her face with her hair.

This behavior angered him, why did she detest him so much?! He was only trying to help. He stepped forwards, causing her to retreat until her back hit the wall. Her head was down, her eyes refusing to meet his. It bothered him to see her like this. He was sadistic and harsh but he wasn't heartless.

Tears were still streaming down her face but he wondered if she knew this since her face remained as impassive as ever. Levi began to wonder if that was the face she put on when she was tired, and scared, or just didn't want to deal with things.

"I'm sorry." Levi breathed out, feeling genuinely sorry for the girl that she had the misfortune of loving such a stupid boy and was helpless in trying to protect him. Her grey eyes flickered to his, the sadness in them surprising him.

Mikasa didn't respond, afraid that her voice was too weak to say anything at all.

They stood there for a while. Silence between them as tears fell from her eyes. Levi wasn't sure if he should leave or if he should stay. He wasn't even sure why he was trying to comfort her in the first place. Like he could even comfort her. He was about as comforting as a 15 meter class titan. Would she even wanna be comforted by him? He was pretty sure she hated his guts.

"I don't want to be alone." Her voice was so quiet, so weak. If they weren't alone and he wasn't as trained as he was, he would've missed it. But he heard her and the statement coming from Mikasa's lips made his eyes widen.

He sighed, feeling something strange in his chest as he watched the broken girl in front of him.

Then he did something that he would probably regret later. Reaching forwards and grabbing the girl by the shoulders he all but shoved Mikasa into his arms.

The action surprised Mikasa, she struggled in his arms, trying to break free. He was too strong and she was too tired to even really try and so she gave up, her arms hanging to her sides as she let her head fall onto his shoulder.

Levi was cringing inside. He didn't know what made him do it. But all of a sudden, he had the crying girl in his arms, in what seemed to be a every awkward embrace. He hated physical contact and now here he was, hugging Ackerman of all people, who he was sure was feeling as uncomfortable as he was feeling.

And then he felt his neck moistening, as her face was buried on it. Levi could feel his cheeks warm ridiculously. A frown formed on his face as he thought of the germs now present on his person.

She was still crying? Damn it, what would it take for her to stop?! He was already hugging her for shit's sake. Taking his right hand, he reached out, looking at it strangely before stiffly patting Mikasa on the small of her back.

It caused her to stop but he wasn't sure if it was from comfort or from pain as he felt her tense on him when he clapped his hands on her. Maybe he was doing it too hard? He softened the gesture. It seemed to work as she loosened up once more, even having the courage to bury her face further into the crook of his neck.

Levi's eyes widened as he felt himself blush. Ackerman was usually hostile towards him, like a hissing cat. And now here she was, more like a purring kitten in his arms.

When he no longer felt the moisture seep into his skin, he softly pushed her back to examine her face. She looked tired and half-asleep, and he was surprised that she wasn't yelling profanities at him for doing what he did.

Her face looked like she had given up and it pained him. "Ackerman." She looked dazedly at him.

"I'll protect Eren." He said not believing that the words had come out from his mouth. Her grey orbs widened at his words her mouth opening in protest, but Levi interrupted before she could start. "If ever you can't protect him, then I will."

She stared at him, dumbstruck, before tears started to fill her eyes once more. "Damn it, Ackerman." He cursed as he watched her cry once more.

"I said I'd help you, ok?! So just stop crying." His words were rushed, in an exasperated tone as he combed his fingers through his hair.

Mikasa wasn't sure what to say. Watching as Levi was running a hand through his hair with her still half-hugging him. But he was trying to help her. Trying to help her protect Eren. And so all she could think of to say was a heart felt reply.

"Thank you." She said softly, shaking with more emotion than Levi had ever seen from her. He patted her shoulder awkwardly.

You'll never be alone. I'll make sure of that. He was too embarrassed to say the words aloud.

His nose wrinkled when he noticed the moisture around his neck. Reaching towards his cravat, he unwrapped it, holding it in his hand before looking at Mikasa. Her face was back to its usual cold expression but he saw the warmness in her eyes and that was enough to satisfy him.

"Here." He said, shoving the fabric in her chest. Her eyes looked up questioningly at him.

"You lost the filthy red thing around your neck during our last mission, right?" He explained, nudging his cravat to her again, expecting her take it.

She raised a brow at his gesture, annoying him further. "Just take it, Ackerman." He said. "It's cold. And it's filled with your germs now anyways."

Mikasa glared at him for the last part but reached out to take it anyways. Levi,sleepy, and frustrated at how long it was taking her to take it as if it wasn't as good as her stupid red scarf, wrapped it around her neck himself.

He tied it properly,cheeks tinging pink when his fingers brushed against her skin. an exasperated sigh left his lips, this girl was troublesome.

He stepped back when he was finished, giving her one last look before turning for the door.

"We're back to training tomorrow." Was all he said before entering, leaving Mikasa to ponder about what had just happened between them.

XXXXXXXXXXX

The next day, Mikasa started the day off with breakfast at the canteen. She felt better. She wasn't sure if it was because she cried, reassurance that there was someone else to look out for Eren, or if it was the warmth around her neck.

"Mikasa." Her gaze shot to the familiar voice, the events of yesterday coming back.

Eren was looking at her guiltily, brows furrowed and a frown on his face.

"Look, I tried to find you last night after you left." He said face scrunching up. Eren regretted the words he had said to her last night. It was his impulsive and brash nature that made him say things without thinking. "I didn't mean what I said. I just end up saying things when I'm angry. I'm-"

"It's fine." She said calmly. She didn't want to think about it really. Eren looked shocked to see her feel so calm about it.

"I thought about it," She said thinking back to the events of last night."I'll stop."

She figured she would stop worrying about him so much now that she was assured that Levi would look out for him as well. She just wanted him to be safe but she also didn't want to push him away. Of course, it wouldn't keep her from jumping in to protect him as well.

At her words, Eren's eyes widened, face contorting in confusion before resuming to a guilty expression. "I care about you Mikasa. I'm sorry, I just get upset because I feel useless. I don't want to be saved all the time, I want to do the saving."

She warmed at his words, feeling sorry that she had made him feel this way."It's ok." She could never really stay upset with Eren.

"Oh, I, here." He said, holding out something in his hands. Her eyes widened as she saw what it was. It was a red scarf, although it wasn't the same one she had seen being devoured by a titan's mouth, the gesture alone made her feel thankful.

"I saw one in the market, and I noticed yours was missing."

She reached out her hand before stopping it. Her hand instinctively came up to stroke the fabric around her neck.

Eren's eyes widened when he saw the ruffled fabric in place of the scarf he had given her years ago. He felt something strange stir within him when he saw the familiar cravat around her neck and the tinge of pink on her cheeks.

She said nothing about it, taking the scarf in his hands yet choosing to keep it in her lap rather than wear it. Eren refused to acknowledge that that bothered him.

When a familiar voice called out to her and her eyes immediately shifted to it, he saw her whole demeanor change.

"Ackerman, training!" The impatient voice of their heichou called, to which Mikasa stood up in response. "I have to go Eren." She said, the look of reluctance on her face that was usually made when she had to leave his side, gone.