"You can be very cruel," Mikasa said.

"Can I?" Levi said as he continued to read through the documents in front of him.

Mikasa was seated across him, rolling an apple back and forth on his wooden desk. "I'm serious, Levi. Connie was really upset."

Levi finally looked up at her. Earlier that day, he had the squad practice through some new formations for their expeditions. Connie was supposed to come from the rear and then flank the right of the squad. However, he went the opposite direction. Infuriatingly, he seemed genuinely confused as to why he and Jean were guarding the same side. Levi had stopped practice and berated Connie, who looked like he would melt under his Captain's wrath.

"I'm an officer, Ackerman," Levi said briskly. "I don't have the luxury of holding anyone's hand. I need to get the job done. A single mistake can get people killed."

Mikasa shrugged. The apple rolled from one hand to the other, making a low sound. "I understand that. Connie understands that. It's just that when you make the point with unnecessary…" She paused to find the right word. "Intensity," she finally said, "it seems cruel. He already knew that he made a mistake. That wasn't what he needed. He needed a little extra help."

Levi put down his pen. One of the first things that Levi learned about Mikasa was that she only spoke when necessary, using her words like precious currency. Each one was spent with decisive purpose, so when she spoke about something at length, he learned to listen.

Despite the seriousness of Mikasa's voice, Levi felt slightly amused at how persistent Mikasa was being. It also did not escape his attention that she called him by his first name, something that she had started doing only a few days prior.

It had been a year since their first encounter at the fountain. His squad moved its headquarters several times, but they found themselves always making time to practice together. In that time, they grew to know each other, perhaps to a degree that qualified as a friendship. It was a gradual, tentative change – one that still caught Levi by surprise every now and then.

While Levi was amazed at how comfortable Mikasa had grown around him, he was more astonished at how he had come to regard her. She was an intelligent woman, he had known that from the start. She was strong, and that was what first drew him to her. But in the months they had spent together, he saw something else simmering beneath her obvious qualities. It was her unshakeable, unwavering devotion to the people she cared about. Her capacity for love was nothing like he's ever seen before. Certainly not in this world where love vanishes so quickly.

Levi shook his head to clear his mind of such sentimental dribble. Mikasa was still looking at him, waiting for him to say something. He sighed. "I'll think about what you said, Ackerman," he finally said. "Oi, and stop dirtying that apple."

Mikasa tossed the apple to Levi. She playfully aimed for his head, but he managed to reach up and catch it with one hand. He carefully wiped it with his sleeve and took a bite, the skin of the apple breaking with a satisfying crunch. Outside, the rain was falling in sheets.

They had been inside his office for two hours. They were waiting for Armin, who was supposed to go deliver some new plans. At the thought of the young soldier, Levi couldn't help but smirk. He was another example of how time can affect people and circumstances. Armin was so timid when he first met him. But that was the Armin of the past. He had learned to harness his tactical mind to become one of the most reliable members of the team.

"They've grown up," Levi thought to himself. "And changed so much."

Mikasa stood up and drew the curtains a bit to peer at the downpour outside. "Armin's late," she murmured. "Do you think we should look for him?"

"But some things haven't changed enough."

Although Levi saw that Mikasa restrained herself from fighting her friends' battles, even allowing Eren to get punched by Jean once, she still couldn't help risking her life when she thought they were in extreme danger. On more than one occasion, Levi had to bite back his anger at her recklessness. He resented that she was willing to throw her life away for them, especially Eren, as if her life were worth less.

"He'll be fine," Levi said. "Armin can take care of himself."

Mikasa let the curtain fall back down and picked the apple on his desk. She examined the even, perfect marks his teeth had made, before taking a bite herself. "I suppose you're right," she agreed with him, although her voice still held a twinge of worry.

Suddenly, Mikasa frowned and peered over his shoulder. Levi was going through the most recently drawn maps submitted to him. He was studying them in order to draw up new formations for his team. It was crucial to know the landscape of the land, especially where trees and buildings were located. In a fight against the titans, they only stood a chance if they could use their maneuver gear.

Mikasa's expression hardened in the way that Levi had become familiar with. He stood up to give up his seat for her, quelling a tug of anticipation at the pit of his stomach. He wanted to know what she would say. He was the one who taught her how analyze strategies, read and even draw maps, and think like a tactician. She was excellent at it of course, and soon saw himself going through the details of the Scouting Legion's plans with her often.

Levi handed her his pen and she immediately made some marks. "This part," she said, resting her hand on his sleeve to get his attention. "See this? This is incorrect. This building is to the west of this hill."

He leaned more closely, his face next to hers. His brow furrowed in concentration. "You're right. That means that in the event of a retreat, two squads can move towards …"

"Here," Mikasa finished, marking the spot with his pen.

Levi let out a low whistle. "Good job, Ackerman. I do believe you saved a few of your comrades by spotting that."

Mikasa did not say anything, but was visibly pleased with his praise. He opened his mouth to say something else when Armin suddenly walked in through the open door.

"I'm sorry for being late, Captain," Armin apologized. "The rain spooked my horse."

Levi saw that the hems of Armin's trousers were dirty. His boots were caked with mud. He grimaced at the sight, but waved Armin's apologies away. "Never mind that. Where is the horse now?"

"He's at the stable, sir. Fortunately, Eren was nearby to help chase it."

As if in cue, Eren walked in behind Armin. His clothes equally filthy. "Good afternoon, sir," Eren greeted.

"Do you have the reports?" Levi asked Armin, ignoring Eren.

"Yes, sir." Armin said, handing him a roll of papers. "I also wanted to discuss some ideas with you regarding the plans, if you have the time."

Levi ripped open the seal and quickly scanned the documents. "Fine," he grunted. He took a few sheets from the newly delivered stacks. "Hanji should see these. Ackerman, take these to her and let me know what her recommendations are."

"I'm not your slave, Levi," she grumbled.

Levi couldn't help but notice that Eren's demeanor stiffen at hearing Mikasa address him with familiarity.

"You're my subordinate, brat, which is pretty much the same thing." Levi said with a smirk. "Now move it." Levi finally turned to Eren. "Go with her, Jaeger. The weather's too shitty for anyone to be out alone."

"Yes, sir," Eren said, saluting him, before he and Mikasa left the room.

As soon as his friends were gone, Armin brought out some plans that he had drawn up. He spread the sheets across Levi's desk, much like Mikasa had done a few hours earlier. Levi nodded at most of Armin's ideas, pointing out some of his suggestions in some instances.

Levi took advantage of the lull while Armin was examining a document. "Arlert," he said, leaning back on his chair while a pen twirled between his fingers. "After this, go to Springer and walk him through the formations we did earlier today. Make sure he gets them. Tell him that first thing tomorrow, he is to meet me out at the field to practice what he learned."

If Armin was surprised at what he said, he didn't show it. He simply nodded and said, "I'm sure Connie would appreciate that, sir."

Levi turned his attention to the half-eaten apple on the table and absently replied, "I do believe he could use a little extra help."