The Scouting Legion had extracted Grisha's body for examination. They felt bad for Eren for his father will not be having at least a proper burial anymore, but they needed to know what actually happened to him. The unknown substance that he held was to be scrutinized as well, for it may hold the answers they were looking for. They were blindly hoping for a miracle at this point. Eren has not yet surrendered the journal though, still feeling a little guilty for sharing his father's private work to everyone after all those years. Maybe he'll read it first, and then he will decide if the world needed to know about everything his father did.

Levi was still not leaving his side, and Eren was grateful. He felt numb from the pain already. They handed everything else they have found in the basement to Hanji, and it's up to them what to make of it. Hanji was undoubtedly looking excited despite of it all. She was a woman of science and things like this give her a weird thrill. Eren felt tired. Mikasa is anything but furious when she heard that their father would be held custody by the Legion. Her protests surely had died because they knew well enough that they needed to do sacrifices to move forward, no matter how big or small. There are no shortcuts to this, but Eren wished he could just skip it all.

The Scouting Legion headed back to Rose the following day. The Military fortress looked more intimidating than ever and the looks on the Military Police's faces told them that they were expecting some good news.

.

Eren felt like everyone purposely avoids him since they returned. Maybe the Police had already disclosed his current condition, and well, he cannot really blame them, can he? Just the looks in their faces tells it all. It was all a mixture of disgust, fear, and distrust. It is like they are calculating his every move, just waiting for him to snap. He was tired of paying attention to it now though. Armin and Mikasa were still there for him, and Levi. They were more than enough.

All the new recruits have gathered to the parade ground the next day, as they awaited their impending fate. Most had already voiced out their desire to immediately leave the military, while some few others find it morbidly exciting to defend humanity against the Eotens. Eren didn't have to make choices anymore, for his fate was already decided.

The trainee squads lined up stiffly against each other, never averting their gaze from the General and to the Commanders of the Military's Legions. They will be bringing anything but bad news, that, they were sure of. The Military Police Commander took the stage.

"Every one of you, I assume, has already witnessed what took place at Trost."

"And as you can see, we need more soldiers in the Scouting Legion that are brave enough to defend the kingdom from those abominations."

"The police force had lost a chunk of its army from the attack in Trost. Unless more capable people join the Recon Corps, our numbers will continue to dwindle against these kinds of attacks. Their expertise in the battle field helps the police to focus on defense. The Police's primary duty is to ensure the safety of their people, and like the Recon Corps, we also prioritize on finding exceptional young people to join us and The King's army. We do not fight in the front lines but we provide great support from behind."

"The decisions are yours to make, you can even quit now, and we will let you go home to your family. But if you join us, we will make sure you'll get what you deserve for devoting your life on protecting the people."

Jean scoffed as he watched the Military Police Commander ramble on. He surely, blatantly spat that those who will be joining the Scouting Legion will surely face death. Who would want to join a suicidal army anyway? Of course everybody would want to join the Police instead and get lost behind the scenes.

It is not a secret that those who joins the Police and the King's Army receives more credit and recognition, and Jean felt a little ashamed for the Commander of the Scouting Legion. He was sure that many recruits that decided to stay will join the Police. Why die in vain if you could choose to die like a glorified hero?

Ahh. At least he's done talking.

Jean watched as the Police Commander left, and the tall, blonde man entered the stage, looking stern. He was curious about what he's going to say. How can he convince these people to stay and join him?

"As you probably heard, your safety is not guaranteed if you join the Scouting Legion."

"I can only reassure you one thing. You will be fighting beside the strongest of soldiers of our nation. If you feel like you have a great sense of purpose in joining the military, then join us. Together let us put an end to this madness."

He looked grave as he scanned the faces of everyone, trying to look past their scared façades.

"If you die, I will make sure that your legacy will be passed on amongst the next generations of this army."

"For even in your death, you'll still live on forever, in our minds, and in our hearts."

"We don't need heroes, but we need soldiers that can make sacrifices to win. We need people that are willing to defy fate. We need people that are willing to secure the safety not only of their kind but also the future."

"You will be handing your life to the army once you made your choice. Think about yourself and your future."

Everyone looked stunned as the blonde commander gave them a salute and walked away. The Military Trainee Commander stepped in return, signalling the end of the meeting.

"You heard them. We will give you a week to decide. Until then, make up your minds."

.

"I think we've got something." The spectacled woman excitedly announced as she paced the laboratory quickly, giving Erwin a grin.

"Is it an antidote?" The blonde man asked.

"Not really, but I think it's pretty close. He was almost there."

"If it is not, then what are the chances that it can actually cure the infected?"

"Fifty percent." Erwin's head spun.

"What do you mean?"

"I am pretty sure it can stop the infection, I saw what it does to the virus with my own eyes. But we don't know yet what will happen after it does. I think it was the side effect that killed Dr. Jaeger, after all."

"Can you modify it? Eliminate the side effects?"

"Unfortunately, I cannot modify another virus." Hanji replied, eyes gleaming.

"I too, am stunned to know that it was some sort of virus until I confirmed it. We can only culture and reproduce it. And then blindly hope for the best."

"How much time do you need?"

"Another week or so, I guess."

"I'm expecting you'll begin Eren's treatment after that."

"I will." Hanji nodded, her face determined.

"How about the remains of Dr. Jaeger?"

"We still need him for further testing, I'm sorry. I still need to confirm what caused his death, exactly."

Hanji felt like she was following Dr. Jaeger's footsteps as she scribbled her notes on a blank page of her journal. She just finished reading all of the doctor's notes that Eren surrendered the other day. It listed everything that he knew about the Eotenum virus and his attempts to reverse it. It had all spiralled into failure until he abruptly stopped writing near the end of his journal. She wondered why he stopped recording his progress suddenly. She guessed she'll never know why.

She just finished administering the antidote or more likely, the virus, to Eren, and it has gone badly. It seemed like his body repels it or maybe it was the side effect. The poor kid just vomited his guts out and he was having a fever. He complains of being nauseous and light-headed. This was just the first day and she was feeling a little frustrated already. Her previous excitement had melted away immediately after seeing his body's reaction on the treatment. His hateful stare bore a hole in her head and she wondered if it was still Eren looking back at her.

September 12, Year 845.

Administered a small amount of the Substance.

Subject was vomiting and is in a feverish state.

Suffering from dizziness.

Lost focus and appetite.

No signs of improvement for the last 6 hours.

She closed her journal. She felt the heaviness in her stomach and wondered if time was enough. What if the effect also varies from one person to another? What if they are already too late to save Eren? They only tested the substance on small amount of the cultured virus. They have no more living subjects to test it on, except Eren. She grimaced at the thought. She had no choice but to wait.

.

Eren felt like puking his guts out again for the fourth time that day. He felt awful ever since his system received that substance. His body definitely protested, and he was having a skull-splitting headache but he thought that was much better than to suffer hearing the whispering in his head all night long. It has begun just a few days ago, and it was beginning to drive him crazy. He tried to occupy his mind with something else, but he felt detached from himself and it scares him to his core.

He didn't even bother on bringing a lamp now, as he strolled on the dim hallways of the headquarters. His eyes were enough. It wasn't natural at all, to see clearly against the darkness around him, but he can't really do anything about it now. He didn't want to endure the stares that he receives from people when he goes out of the infirmary in the day, either. Mikasa and Armin's company was nice, even Jean, but he was feeling a little bit tired of pretending that everything is going well. He wanted to lash out on everything, thrash on everything he could grasp his fingers on, but he can't do it, he just can't. He just stared in the ceiling instead, as he waited for his anger to dissipate. He tried imagining Levi's face, and the moment when they were playing the piano together, a long, long time ago when they were still kids.

He halted when he reached a familiar door and knocked quietly. He didn't look surprised to see him, as he was let in instantly. He was glad. He just wanted to see Levi because his day and everything else had gone to shit. At least with him, he didn't need to pretend. He was vulnerable against his stare and he welcomed the feeling.

"How are you feeling now, Eren?" Levi asked as he sat beside him at the edge of the bed.

"Awful."

Eren let out a small laugh and it made him dizzy. Everything spun for a moment and his head was throbbing. Levi felt for his forehead and the world somewhat stilled.

"Do you need anything?"

"No—but can I stay here?" He felt the other eye him warily.

"Of course."

Levi shifted beside him, adjusting the covers and the pillows in his bed. He was soon pulled into the mattress, and his comfortable bed made him sigh softly. Eren stared at him as he rolled to his side, admiring his peaceful face. He was lost in his own thoughts again.

"Can I hug you?"

It came out as an endearing tease, and Levi can't help but turn to his side to look at him. Eren knew that behaviours like this make Levi the most uneasy. It has been a long time since they've exchanged light-hearted acts and he misses it.

"Eren, you're practically burning from your fever. Stop joking around."

Levi tried to glare at him in the dark and Eren pouted as the blue eyed boy tucked him under the warm blanket. He then went back to his staring at the ceiling, cradling his head in his right hand. The brunet reached for a pillow in his head, hugging it instead. He tried to focus on giving Levi a pleading look, and he almost smiled when he turned to him once more.

"Stop giving me that look Eren. I can feel it." Eren knew that Levi was amused albeit his irritated tone. He had won.

"Tsk. You could've just stabbed me instead. You make me feel like I did something wrong."

"I just wanted a hug from Levi."

Eren heard Levi sigh as he was pulled against the other's chest, the pillow in between them. He closed his eyes in an instant as he breathed him in, feeling his hand as it caressed him softly to sleep. He tried to make sense of something that he mumbled against his hair, but it was too comfortable and his eyelids were too heavy.

.

"Where were you Eren?" Mikasa asked the brunet angrily.

"You weren't in the infirmary last night."

"I just wanted to take a walk—" He replied, but was immediately cut-off.

"Don't lie to me Eren!"

"Eren. We're here. Aren't we enough?" Mikasa exclaimed, not being able to control herself.

"What? What the hell are you talking about Mikasa? Can I not take a walk now and just stretch my fucking limbs?" He fired back in return, his own anger resurfacing.

"Eren. You know well that you cannot do as you please now."

"You can't cage me like an animal."

"I can't—but they can. And they can do whatever they want with you! Why don't you understand? Don't give them a damned reason to do so Eren!" Eren felt his patience getting stretched so thinly.

"Shut up! I'm tired of this—stop acting like my mother!"

Jean cringed at Eren's hostility and decided to butt in. He was silently watching their not so uncommon banter, but the brunet seemed really out of himself today.

"Hey, have you lost your shit Eren? The fuck is wrong with you!"

"What the fuck is right Jean?! Everything is wrong!" Eren screeched back.

Jean felt lost at the words that were shouted against him, the truth reverberating against the hallow walls of the mess hall. Everyone in the area stopped to look at them, annoyance and curiosity etched in their faces. Levi felt the same, as he strode to where they were, giving everyone a hard glare.

"If you want to scream at each other then go outside."

Everyone tensed at the harsh tone. This was the first time they heard Levi raise his voice. Eren flinched, but anger still clouded his face. Armin quickly chimed in, releasing a string of apologies awkwardly.

"I'm sorry sir, Eren was just having a bad day is all. It's just a misunderstanding."

The blonde sweated against Levi's weighing stare, and shut up. The raven haired boy directed his gaze back to the fuming brunet.

"Eren. You're coming with me. Now."

Silence filled the room as the two walked outside. Mikasa can't help but get more irritated about the whole situation. She hated the fact that Eren still treats her like a kid. Or was she giving him the same treatment? She was just worried. Mikasa lost her train of thought as he felt a hand enveloping her own shaking ones.

"Hey, you okay?" The brunet girl unclenched her fists as she looked at Jean. Worry replaced his usual smug face.

"No."

.

"What the hell is that about?" Levi asked the brunet as they strolled outside. His tone was calm once again.

"I don't know. I was angry."

"She's your sister. She's worried about you." The raven haired boy continued, as he walked in front of the other.

"I know. I just—"

"Apologize to her later."

Eren didn't answer anymore as he felt a sudden wave of exhaustion hit him. He was really getting tired of everything that was happening. He thought about nonsensical things as he trailed behind Levi quietly, in an attempt to distract himself. His eyes fell on his uniformed back, and he restrained himself from reaching out to touch him. They were now outside the parade ground and he felt the morning sun greet him.

"Where are we going?" Eren asked tiredly.

Levi didn't answer but he turned to face him and extended out his hand. Eren felt his cheeks warm up and he uncontrollably blushed. He reached for his outstretched hand hesitantly. He didn't ask him anything anymore as he let him lead the way. He can feel the warmth in his calloused hands, and thought idly what other people would think if they see them like this. They stopped when they reach a particular clearing. He didn't let go of his hand.

He was still blushing uncontrollably when Levi stared at him, his eyes searching. For what, he didn't know. He swallowed hard as he was pulled closer, and he cannot look away, from his mouth, his eyes, when he spoke.

"Why do you have to be something that I cannot have—"

It came out almost like a factual statement rather than a question. It made Eren feel nervous nonetheless, and confused. His reply sounded small and curious in return.

"What do you mean?"

Eren felt him squeeze his hand a little, yet his piercing gaze never wavered. He never heard the answer for he was leaning once more towards him now, eyes fluttering close. He didn't want to close his eyes as he stared at his handsome face. He can never forget a face like his. It felt different when their lips met. It is not desperate and demanding like the first time, for it almost felt innocent. He can't help but close his eyes in the end, afraid to make any sudden movements and ruin the moment.

Levi saw his dreamy eyes when they parted, the eyes that had captivated him over and over again from the first time he saw them. This is the face he'll remember forever.

.

Days have passed and there seemed to be no progress in Eren's condition. He was looking more terrible than before, his skin losing its healthy tan. His eyes have darkened from lack of sleep and he was becoming more irritable about small things.

He will be having another treatment today, and Levi waited outside the infirmary to make sure that everything went well. Hanji had told him that he shouldn't really be there, and he now knew why.

Eren's screams of agony filled the whole infirmary. He wanted to bolt inside that instant, to check what the hell Hanji was doing to Eren. She said she was just going to administer a small dosage of the serum like always, but his excruciating screams sounded like he was being torn apartinstead. He decided to check on him nonetheless, for he cannot bear his cries anymore.

"Eren, it's finished. Breathe. Cmon' you can do it."

"That right, just breathe—"

Levi stood at a corner as Hanji tried to comfort the brunet's shaking form. Eren was sweating all over, and his eyes were shut tightly as he gritted his teeth, trying hard not to pull the restraints that bind him in a chair. Tears were streaming down his face, and he can tell that he was stifling a scream. Eren let out a shaky breath instead, opening his eyes that now glowed brightly. It focused to where he was standing, and he gave the brunet a reassuring nod. He watched as the brunet stammered on his words, and he resisted the urge to take him away now, from this place.

"I'mm.. I— I'mm burn..ninggg—"

"It's alright, you're gonna be fine. We're finished for today." Hanji's voice cut through the icy air, and Levi forced himself to turn to her instead.

"How is he doing so far? Is this normal?" He asked her in a hushed tone, approaching her side.

"He's still unstable. The virus is fighting the serum. But we don't know how long his body would be able to take it." Levi clenched his jaw.

"You didn't tell me what actually happened to Dr. Jaeger." Hanji averted her gaze back to the dazed brunet and Levi cannot read her face anymore.

"He injected himself with that same serum. He overdosed himself with it—"

"I guess he had no other choice."

Hanji released a sigh as she walked to her table. She seemed to be looking for something and held out a piece of paper as she turned back to Levi, eyes apologetic.

"Can you please give this to Eren later?"

Levi stared at the grayed out picture of happy family. The little boy that was in between his mother and father looked absolutely happy, his eyes vivid and his smile wide. He felt a stab in his chest and he unconsciously flipped it around, eyes focusing at the writings behind it.

I'm sorry Eren.. I can't save her.

I killed her.

.

Levi does not exactly know if he should worry more when Eren started showing up to his room more frequently during the night. Though he tried to ignore it, he can't help but see the growing fear in the brunet's eyes as days went by. He can feel it as he crawls and curls beside him quietly, not clutching but rather touching him gently.

"I feel at peace when I'm with you."

If only he could only shut the voices in his head, he wouldn't be feeling like a pathetic kid right now. But no matter what he did, it was there, at the back of his mind, whispering unto him things that were unkind and inhuman. It was almost maddening, and Eren only finds salvation from one single person. His voice chases the ghosts away, and it lets him rest for a while.

It was one of those nights again, that Levi wakes up as he felt Eren stir beside him uncomfortably. He knew already that it will be another bad night for the brunet, and he felt anxious. He was sitting beside him when he opened his eyes, Eren's green ones staring back at him in the dark. His heart skipped a beat because he can clearly see it, those green orbs that was glowing ethereally and knowingly. He cannot take his eyes away from him until Eren leaned down, inhaling deeply against his neck. It was unnerving.

He felt like dejavu hit him in the head.

Levi felt as a warm hand found his torso, slipping under the fabric of his shirt. It slowly stroked his abdomen, creeping its way to the rapid beating in his chest. He found his voice against his startling action, gripping the hand that hovered against his heart.

"Eren! What are you doing?"

It came out as a stern whisper, but the brunet didn't seem to take notice. He fought an involuntary shiver as Eren whispered lowly back to his ear, feeling vulnerable as he still breathed him in.

"You're heart's beating so fast—"

"What are you scared of?"

Levi was sure he was having goosebumps as Eren drawled those words of his mouth. Everything felt foreign, and wrong. He desperately wanted to know what was going on inside Eren's head.

"I'm not scared—"

"And you're acting weird."

He released his grip on the brunet's wrist, and regretted it as his was taken quickly in return, getting pinned beside his head. The same goes for his other hand, and he found himself trapped beneath his grasp. Eren's grip was deadly.

"Liar."

Levi wasn't scared, he was terrified. He felt like he was nine all over again in his mother's room as he stared at his glowing eyes. His face hovered above his own, looking straight into his soul. He guessed his face revealed everything as Eren gave him a grin that was full malice. It looked out of place and it made him feel sick.

"Stop it already." Levi almost spat.

It fell into deaf ears as Eren leaned down once more, grazing Levi's jaw and neck. Levi could almost feel his smile against his skin when spoke.

"You really smell good."

His heartbeat thrummed against his whole body as his teeth menacingly grazed his skin. It sends jolts of fear into his body as he kissed, sucked, and bit lightly unto his neck going down to his throat. If this happened in another place, another time, and another circumstance, he would've probably got lost to the pleasure, but it was not. It felt scary, detached and wrong. He tried to even out his breathing as he cleared his foggy head, mustering some inner strength to fight for dominance.

"What do you want Eren?" He asked, trying to distract him even for a moment. His glowing eyes shot up to him as he began kissing his torso, his warm tongue licking against his cold skin.

"Do you want to take me, Eren?"

Levi almost staggered against his own words, but it seemed to hit him as something flashed in his vividly glowing eyes. Eren immediately stopped as he loomed once more above him, his eyes flashing a golden glow. It was absolutely mesmerizing, but it definitely isn't human anymore.

"I want to devour every inch of you."

Levi's blood ran cold at his words, and his sudden ravage kiss. But he returned his greedy kiss nonetheless, still not yielding. The brunet finally let go of his hands as he grabbed his nape, deepening the kiss, whilst his other hand travelled to his waist, pulling and almost tearing the other's clothes. Levi quickly took the opportunity, and flipped their positions over, breaking the kiss and going for Eren's wrists in return. He straddled his lap, warning him to not make a move. He looked at the grin on the other's face as he tried to catch his breath. He wanted to wipe it off.

"Do you know what you're doing?!" Levi hissed as he gripped the brunet's wrists tighter. He watched as his smile turned into a grimace.

"I thought you liked me."

Levi's reply got caught in his throat. He leaned down to him instead, his eyes softening as he tried to find him in the other's eyes.

"You're not my Eren—"

"I want my Eren back."

He wasn't so sure but he thought he saw struggle on the brunet's face. He fought the urge to let him go as he it turned into pain, like he was having some kind of internal battle. He was squirming away from him and held him tighter.

"I thought you said you won't forget."

He then stilled beneath him and he could only hear his heavy breathing.

Levi closed his eyes as he heard him say his name, the way he only does. He released his hands slowly and cupped his face, bringing their foreheads together.

"Eren?" He whispered.

He kissed him gently now, and it felt right. Levi sighed gratefully against the small distance between them.

"I'm sorry." Eren replied breathlessly. Tears were threatening to fall from his eyes but he fought against it, focusing instead on Levi's comforting presence.

"You sure know how to frighten the hell out of me."

.