Enjoy! This takes place a few days after the conversation from last chapter (8 1/2)

"Please, Levi?" Ina pouts.

"I already gave you my answer." Levi wants to walk away before Ina's pouty eyes can wear him down.

"Sir, she'd be strapped and secured. No one's better with 3D gear than Mikasa." Armin tries to plead Ina's case.

"I don't care, I said no."

Armin sighs in defeat while Ina drops her head to hide her disappointment.

"Can I watch them from the ground?" Ina still enjoys watching them fly through the air, when she's allowed to, that is

"No."

Ina still doesn't have it in her to protest an order from Levi. She knows he only has her best interest at heart, but he sure can be strict sometimes.

"You'll be with me this afternoon. Arlert, you're dismissed."

"Uh… Yes, sir." Armin salutes. "I'll see you at dinner, Ina."

"Brat, be sure to leave her harness behind."

Both Ina and Armin smile at this, but try to hide it from the ever grumpy captain.

"Sure thing, sir." Armin hands Ina the harness they designed just for her. "Have fun, Ina." Armin whispers before walking away.

"I said you couldn't go with them, I never said you couldn't go at all." Levi gestures for Ina to follow.

"Really?!" Ina is practically hopping with joy and even starts to skip down the hall next to Levi.

"Thank you! Thank you so much Papa- oh!" She stops in her tracks and covers her mouth with both hands. He's told her countless time. It's just Levi.

Just Levi.

He stops as well and just looks down at her, his expression unreadable.

"I'm sorry, Levi! I just- it- I wasn't trying- oh no…" Ina doesn't know what came over her, she's so so so embarrassed. She starts walking in tiny circles as her brain tries to formulate an apology, an excuse, anything but the stammering nonsense coming out of her mouth right now.

"I wasn't thinking. I'm so sorry. Wow, I can't- I didn't even- oh god." Her cheeks are bright red and burning hotter than a cup of tea. Like always, she brings her hands to her flaming cheeks to hide her embarrassment.

"I didn't mean it, Levi."

Levi just keeps walking, and Ina follows.

He didn't say anything. Is he upset with her? Should she keep apologizing or should she just leave it alone? Ina isn't sure. Her cheeks still burn and she's just so embarrassed she could melt right on the spot, but Levi barely acknowledges her as they head outside.

"Did they show you how to wear the harness?"

"Yes."

"Well?"

"Oh. Okay." Ina recalls what Krista and Mikasa showed her and uses that as her guide while trying to wear the harness properly. It doesn't do her much good. After a few minutes, Ina gives up. It's too confusing and she's almost certain this thing is upside down.

"Um…" Ina looks down at the ridiculous job she did and back up at Levi. "I think I need help." She pouts just slightly. Levi sighs. That pout will be the death of him, he knows it. She's just too damn cute. He wishes he could say that he hates it but he falls more in love with it each day.

He kneels in front of Ina to help her.

"It's pretty confusing. Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it." He tightens the straps around her waist and legs. They knew it was too big but they made due with what they had. This is better. Ina can grow into this harness.

"Thank you, Levi."

He just stands and starts making his way to the supply cellar. Ina runs after him, unsure what she should be doing. She waits outside the cellar, not wanting to get in his way. She kicks at a pebble on the ground as she contemplates just how mad at her he really is. Ina has no idea where that came from. What could have possessed her to make her call him Papa? She doesn't even know what a father is like, considering she's never even had one. Why did it come to mind at all? He must think she's crazy. She wouldn't blame him.

Levi returns minutes later equipped with his 3D gear. He kneels once again, but facing away from her.

"Hop on." His tone is still so dull. Instead, ina moves to stand in front of him.

"Levi? Are you mad at me?"

The first change in his expression so far. He looks annoyed now.

"What would I have to be mad about?"

"Well… I… Never mind." Ina shakes her head. Before giving him a chance to respond, she gets behind him and wraps her arms around his neck. Levi supports her weight before standing up straight, then works on attaching her harness to his.

"Rules. Pay attention." Levi starts as he finishes joining the harnesses.

"Yes, Levi."

"Do not let go unless I tell you its okay."

"Okay."

"Don't touch your harness, don't touch the gear, and do not touch the blades." He won't take her into the forest without bringing some form of protection. "Are we clear?" Levi knows Ina will follow his orders.

"Yes, Levi." There it is again. The overwhelming urge to call him Papa. Why is this happening?

"Lastly. Count to three."

He takes off running in the direction of the trees.

"One…. Two…." Ropes with hooks attached to them shoot out of his gear, moving so fast Ina can't even see where they go. Before the number three can pass her lips she feels herself being pulled forward while also being lifted off the ground. All she can hear is the wind in her ears as they travel up and up and up. The breath is all but sucked out of her lungs when they start to fall. She gets it back right away and immediately starts shrieking right in Levi's ear. Her stomach is in her throat as she tightens her hold on Levi. The ground is just getting closer and closer at an alarming rate.

"Wait! Wait! PAPA!" Ina screams and shuts her eyes, burying her face in his shoulder.

She feels that same pull again and they're back in the air, going up and up. When they start to go down again they are simply pulled back up.

At some point in all this, Ina is able to open her eyes. Her screaming turns to excited squealing and cheering. She absolutely loves the wind on her face and running through her hair. The trees look amazing from the air, almost like a whole different world exists in those high branches that are just close enough for her to touch. She doesn't, but she knows she could if she tried. Ina doesn't hear herself at all amid this excitement as she yells over the wind. She's completely unaware of what she's saying.

"Higher, Papa!"

"Papa! Look how pretty the trees are!"

"We're flying!"

That familiar pull once again. They go up and up until they come close to a thick tree branch. Levi lands on the branch with ease. He can hear Ina breathing heavily. He expected her to be this excited.

"Wow! Wow, Papa! That was so much fun!" Ina loosens her hold on his neck but he immediately grabs her arm and pulls it back.

"Did I say let go?"

"No. Sorry, Papa- oh-" Again?! "Levi."

She imagines he should just leave her in the forest along with all her clumsy words.

He detaches their harnesses and then kneels so her feet are on the tree branch. After getting the okay to let go Ina does so only to fall backwards. Levi turns and catches her, his reflexes lightning quick. He helps her to sit down before taking a seat next to her. To be on the safe side, he loops his arm through a part of Ina's harness. Just in case.

"My hands are shaking." Ina is smiling as she watches the tremor in her hands calm down. Levi imagines she'll be pumped full of adrenaline right about now. First time is always an incredible thrill.

"That was amazing!" Ina sighs as she starts to look around. They're pretty high up in the tree, but it's leaves provide excellent coverage from the sun. She feels alive and wonderful and peaceful. "It's so beautiful up here. I've always wanted to see the trees from high up like this."

"Thank you so much for bringing me here, P- Levi. I've never had more fun in my life!" Ina's smile is sweet and her voice is laced with as much gratitude as she can muster.

"You know, I was hoping you had meant it." Levi looks straight ahead.

"Huh?" Ina isn't sure what he means. "I did mean it! I've never had fun like-"

"No. Earlier, when you called me Papa. A part of me was hoping you'd meant it."

Ina's heart skips a beat.

"I would actually have really liked that." Levi says.

Her heart skips another beat.

"I- I did… Mean it. Before, in the hallway, it was the first time I said it aloud but not the first time I thought about it." Ina confesses. "I don't know why, it just makes sense in my head. I never had a dad- or a family before. Now I have all these brothers and sisters, but… I never thought of you as big brother. When I thought of you, I thought of Papa. Is that strange?"

"No, it's not strange. It makes sense to me too. Before you were just a girl I rescued. Now, it feels like you're a part of me… Like a daughter."

She gasps when he says this. "Really?" Her eyes fill with tears. "Your daughter?"

Levi just nods.

This is such a terrible idea. He shouldn't be having this conversation with her. Yet somehow the majority of his being is telling him that this is exactly what he should do. He loves this girl. Against all odds and logic and reason. This goes against everything Levi believes in. He's a soldier, he doesn't have time for children or petty relationships or basically any life outside of his job. The survey corps is his life. Destroying Titans and searching for the truth is his purpose. Why then… Why on earth does he feel so strongly compelled to have this girl be a part of his life? To be in her life? Levi knows why. He knows the answer. But it's stupid. It's reckless and selfish. He shouldn't. It might not turn out well for either of them, but that reason in and of itself is why Levi is all the more urged to protect this girl. To lay down his life for her so she can continue to thrive and be happy and safe. There's a chance that in the heat of this Titan mess, Levi might lose his life. Up until he met this child, he was okay with that. But now, he's not just living… Or dying for himself. He has Ina. He can't leave her behind. He can't let her come into harms way. He no longer wants to live in a world where there is no Ina. And he doesn't want her to live without him either. No one will protect her like he can. No one will love her like she deserves. This is his little girl. His joy. The only person in the world that can bring a smile to his face and such warm feelings to his heart.

A daughter belongs by her father's side.

"If you're alright with it, I'd gladly be your Papa if you'll be my Ina."

"Yes!" Ina cries. "Yes!" She throws herself into his arms and sobs on his shoulder. She's never been this happy. Nothing has ever felt more right to her.

"I want to be your Ina." She says quietly. "I want to be your Ina. I love you, Papa."

"I love you, Ina." He hugs her back.

Levi has never felt the need to show any form of affection but right now he wants nothing more than to hold Ina in his arms and tell her just how incredible he thinks she is and how she is the best thing that has ever happened to him.

Perfect, he thinks, of all the brats to grow attached to. He wants to complain, or kick himself for doing this, but he can't. Levi can't remember the last time he was this happy. He wants to protect her. To make her laugh and smile. To watch her grow. He has no idea how this is happening, but realizes soon enough how irrelevant that is. He doesn't just see a little girl anymore. Levi sees Ina. His daughter. His baby girl.

"Here, let me show you something." Levi stands and takes Ina into his arms. "Hold on to me."

He climbs up the tree to find a branch with less shade. "Close your eyes." Ina obliges. She feels Levi set her down again, but he keeps his hands on her shoulders to hold her steady.

"Open."

Ina opens her eyes to reveal an amazing fiery sunset. The explosion of light and beautiful bright colors is enough to leave her breathless.

"I've never seen the sky like this before." Ina sounds completely awe struck. "Papa, what's happening to it?" She wasn't outside much before coming here. Any time the soldiers took her outside, it was already dark. Sometimes they would cover her eyes so she couldn't see anything at all.

"The sun is setting."

"So this happens every day? This is how the sun goes to sleep?"

Levi can't help but smile. She's fucking adorable.

"Every day." He answers.

"Wow… it's so beautiful." Ina remarks.

He just watches her stare at the sky with a huge smile on her face. He'd do anything to keep her smiling.

"Another night we'll come out and see the stars."

"Stars? They're… They're real?" Someone tried to tell her about them once. Ina thought it was just a story to make her feel better. The few times she was out at night by herself, she saw nothing but clouds. Ina was sure stars didn't exist.

"Of course they're real. The sky hasn't been touched by humans. The stars are a nice reminder that there are still beautiful things in this world."

"Is it pretty like this?" Ina can't imagine anything being more breathtaking than this sheer brilliance before her.

"Yes and no. It's different, but still amazing to look at. I prefer the night sky to a sunset."

"Really?"

Levi nods. He still remembers looking up at the stars the night before his first mission outside of the walls. The night before his life changed forever.

"Thanks for bringing me out here, Papa!" Ina wraps her arms around his waist. "I had such a great time."

Levi just puts his arm around her. He can get used this.

"So how was it? Think you could get used to flying around?" Krista asks Ina at dinner.

"It was incredible!" Ina exclaims. "You guys get to do that all the time?!"

"That's right." Sasha joins the conversation. "We practically live in the air." She winks at Ina, who just giggles in response.

"It's so fun. We went high up in a tree and watched the sun go to sleep. The sky was so many colors." Ina recalls. Krista looks at her friends as she quietly laughs and mouths 'awwww'. Ina is so cute when she's excited.

"That does sound fun, kiddo." Jean is always more friendly and lively when Ina is around. She can soften the hardest of hearts with just one look.

"Sure does, but let's not get so caught up we forget to eat our food!" Armin laughs as he reminds Ina.

"Yes, big brother."

Eren groans. "What is he doing here?" His attention focused on the entrance of the mess hall.

"Looks like the commander brought back a souvenir from the capital." Armin sighs.

"I hate it when they come snooping around. Why don't they just mind their business?" Connie sounds irritated. She wonders what it is that has them upset all of a sudden.

She gasps. Her heart practically stops beating.

No. No. No.

Ina gets up from the bench and starts to back away. She keeps her eyes on him, praying that he won't look this way and see her.

"Ina?"

"Hey Munchkin, what's the matter?"

"Where are you going, kiddo?"

She just shakes her head and continues to back away. Her vision is going black. It's getting harder to breathe. She can't hear anything but her heart and the blood rushing to her brain.

"No." She whimpers as she hits the wall behind her.

"Ina? What is it? Tell big brother what's wrong?"

"No."

She slides down to the ground and curls up on her side. They found her. She doesn't know how but they found her. They're going to take her away. She'll lose everything. Ina just starts to cry. It's over. It's all over.

Her brothers and sisters.

Miss Hange.

Papa.

She probably won't even get to say goodbye. They'll just take her and go, not wanting to waste any time picking up the trash. She can already feel them hitting her. Already feel the thick scratchy ropes around her hands and feet. She can smell the alcohol in the room and can hear them roar with laughter.

It's over.

"Go get Levi." Armin tells one of his friends. Krista is the first to move. She's so worried right now she can barely speak.

"Captain Levi, Sir." Krista knows she'll be reprimanded for interrupting a conversation with her superior officers, but this is important.

"What is it, brat?" Levi barely glances at her at first.

"It's Ina, sir."

Levi nearly spills his tea. "Where is she?"

Krista just starts running toward the back of the mess hall where most of her friends are huddled around something. Someone. Levi runs after her.

Commander Dok looks to Erwin and Hange with confusion. "Ina?"

"It's a bit complicated, but also part of the reason I've asked you to return to base with me. I'll explain it all in due time."

"Brats, move!" Levi yells. Some of them have to jump out of the way as Levi barrels toward their group.

"Ina?" Levi picks up the sobbing child and sits her in his lap. She has her eyes squeezed shut, afraid to look and see that her loved ones are already gone. "Ina, it's me." He whispers to her.

At that Ina's cries die down.

"Papa?" She whimpers. "Don't send me away."

Levi shushes her gently. "You go where I go, Ina. We're not sending you anywhere."

"Don't let them take me."

"I won't. You're staying right here." Levi picks her up. "You're right where you belong."

"Captain, she should wear this." Armin hands Levi his cloak. "I think she'd feel safer unseen."

Levi snatches the dark green cloak from Armin and slips it over Ina's head.

"We're just going to leave the mess hall, Ina." Levi tells her. "Keep your eyes closed." He gently pushes her head down until it rests on his shoulder. Levi glares at Erwin as he walks past their table and out the door. Erwin knew this would happen. Levi can tell by his calm expression.

And that's it for this chapter! Not much of a cliffhanger. But I'll be back on Tuesday with another chapter. See you then!