Author's Note: First of all, WOW! I never expected this response to the story. It was just a little curiosity I decided to follow, and it's turning into something much bigger. So thank you all SO much for the support and love and reviews - they keep me motivated and help me develop the characters and the story!

Next, I am trying to update daily - that's hard during finals weeks, but I'm trying for you guys :)

Finally, if anyone knows what poem I take the chapter titles from, then kudos to you. Enjoy this chapter and as always, leave your thoughts!


Levi shoved open the door, not caring to knock before barging in on the recovering Mikasa. Much to his surprise, she was sitting upright in his bed, reading some book that she had doubtless taken without permission from one of his shelves. She glanced over at him, nodded, and then went back to reading. Levi, shocked at her lack of respect, strode quickly to the beside and snatched the book from her hands.

She glared at him and cold acknowledged his presence.

"Captain," she said, bringing up a fist and holding it to her chest.

Levi's eyes trailed down to the salute. It was then that he noticed she wore only bandaged around her chest and stomach – doubtless her other clothes were ruined. He sighed and turned to a wardrobe. Snatching out a white linen shirt, he threw it at Mikasa and turned his back for several seconds, giving her enough time to shrug into the soft fabric.

A cough brought him back, and he turned to face the girl.

"Ackerman," he said drily. "How are you feeling?"

"Ah!" she responded. "So you do care!"

Levi sat down at the foot of her bed, staring at her through his headache and throbbing eyes. He didn't want to do this now, damn it. But if the girl was provoking him, then he'd certainly let her know what was in store.

"I care because I don't need the newest member of my squad dying before she even sees a damn battle," Levi responded coldly.

Mikasa's eyes widened. She sat up further in the bed, wincing slightly at the sudden movement as it strained her healing injuries. Moving closer to Levi, she stared him in the eyes.

"Newest member of your squad?" she asked.

Levi smirked. At least he was getting some sort of response from the girl – and this time, it wasn't disobedience or sarcasm.

"Yes. Commander Erwin has seen fit to place you under my command." He shrugged. "It was that or dishonorable discharge, girl, so count your lucky stars."

Mikasa huffed loudly and let forth a curse.

"Count my lucky stars?" she repeatedly mockingly. "It appears my stars have all faded, Captain, because there's no luck for me in this damn arrangement. And," she continued – perhaps foolishly, as Levi's eyes had started to glaze over in anger, "I have a name. It is not girl. It is Mikasa Ackerman."

The girl named Mikasa Ackerman barely had time to blink before Levi grabbed her wrists and pinned her to the headboard. She let out a sharp cry, but refused to lower her blazing eyes before the captain. He smirked slightly. She was so proud, this girl. So slow to obey and respect authority. So much like himself, so many years ago when his skill had attracted attention. He looked into her eyes, burning with passion, with fire and with fight.

"Mikasa Ackerman," he said softly, keeping his hands firmly pinned around her wrists, "I will only use your full name again on the day you earn it."

She stopped struggling in his grasp. Slowly, she raised her mouth to his ear, and whispered into it.

"Then give me the chance to earn it."

Levi jerked his head away. Something about the proximity threw him – he felt something strange whenever she was so close. Quickly releasing her hands and standing swiftly from the bed, he smoothed the wrinkles from his shirt and composed himself before facing the girl.

She, too, he noted, was behaving strangely. Her face was flushed and her breathing was heavy. Interesting, he thought, making note of their encounter. But he said nothing about it, only about her future.

"You'll have the chance to earn it – but not as soon as you'd like. You're on probation for one month, Ackerman," he said. Seeing her about to protest, Levi held up a hand. "Be thankful it's not two. Erwin's unhappy with both of us, so don't push your damn luck."

"I thought we'd established that I don't have any luck," she said quietly.

Levi eyed her closely. So much like himself, he thought, so much indeed. He didn't answer her, but only turned toward his desk and began organizing papers and shuffling through files. With his back still turned, he spoke to Mikasa.

"As soon as you're healed, we'll depart for our new base. It's a hard ride, so we won't be leaving until you're completely ready. I don't need you dying on the way."

"What will I be doing for an entire month?" she asked, her voice challenging his authority yet again.

Levi turned around, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Training, Ackerman. Training and learning to obey your captain," he responded.

She didn't say anything, only glared at Levi as he turned from the room with a bundle of papers and files in hand. He had almost left when he turned and looked back at her with a snide grin.

"And Ackerman, I hope you enjoy cleaning. Lots of cleaning."

He heard the heavy book slam against the wooden door as he closed it just in time. This, he thought with a silent smile, was going to be more enjoyable than he thought.