A/N: Yay! Another depressing chapter! Ahahahaha (I'm so evil I am so sorry). Anyways, this is just something that I can picture happening if Levi and Petra's relationship was extended a bit more. Eh enjoy? (you're a horrible person if you like reading such misfortune, but then again who am I to judge?) And please review!

Chapter 12: Misfortune

There was nothing special about this mission in particular. It was just another trip outside the walls to secure the path cleared for the trip to reclaim Wall Maria. However, neither of them could have expected the events following, and for the life of them they would never forget it.

As the elite members of the Special Operations Squad soared through the dense expanse of forest that covered the trail, Petra couldn't help but think back to the odd queasiness she had felt earlier that morning before they had set out. Initially she had thought it as cramps, given that she was late for the month, but that was nothing out of the ordinary considering the physical and mental stress that was thrust upon her as a member of the Scouting Legion. As a result, she easily brushed it aside, not needing any kind of distraction before yet another expedition. But now the feeling had returned, giving her an ominous sense of unease, something she had long ago learned was more often than not a bad omen. Petra glanced sidelong to her Captain, who met her with an even gaze. His look reassured her somewhat, for as long as she had him and her teammates by her side, surely nothing could go wrong.

A shout went out, signaling an incoming titan. Levi curtly gave the order for them to get into formation and take it out so not to delay the rest of the troops following behind. Erd and Gunter moved to the front while Auruo and Petra strayed back a bit as the first two swung around the titan, blades at the ready. They quickly slashed at its arms, circling around down to its legs as a distraction, causing the titan to let out a deafening roar. Auruo and Petra then flew ahead to take out the giant beast when Petra felt a sudden sharp pain in her midsection. She faltered for a second, but it was enough time for the titan to catch sight of her. It reached forward to grab her, but Erd swooped in and lopped off its hand before it could touch her. Levi immediately came to her rescue, grabbing her round the waist and flying to a nearby tree.

"Are you all right?" he asked as he set her down. He held her shoulders tightly, a gesture that was unnecessary, but it was enough to calm his nerves knowing that she was in his hands.

Petra nodded slowly, still a bit dazed over what had just occurred. "I'm fine. I just –" Her eyes widened as her hand flew to the seat of her pants. When she examined her hand, she found her fingers coated in red. A blush instantly came over her face and she averted her gaze.

"I'm sorry, Captain. I'm afraid my time of the month has come at an inopportune time." Levi's eyes darkened in understanding as he nodded. Still, he did not let go of her.

"I don't want you continuing on today if it means barely cheating death," he said seriously. "Go back and rendezvous with Hanji. I'll meet you back at headquarters later." She could see just how shaken up he was just from the look in his eyes, so she simply nodded before taking off, cursing her female biological system.

Already she could feel pains in her abdomen, making her want to crawl in bed and sleep for the rest of the week. She spared one last look back at him while she had the chance, but he was turned the other way, about to rejoin the rest of the squad. 'He's a good Captain, always looking out for his soldiers,' she thought with a small smile.

By the time she reached Hanji's position in the formation, she was feeling faint. Petra wanted to double over from the pain and she felt oddly fatigued. Upon seeing her, Hanji didn't hesitate on ordering her to rest in one of the supply wagons. Hanji knelt down beside her and began asking her all sorts of questions, but she could barely understand what she was saying. Her field of vision began diminishing, and it wasn't long before she passed out.

When Petra came to, she found herself in a bed that must've been in some room back at headquarters. Not a moment later, Hanji burst in to check up on her. She began badgering her with a bunch of bizarre questions such as "How have you been feeling recently?" and "Are you late for your menstrual cycle?" as well as "Have you been sexually active?". At first Petra was a bit embarrassed at her questions until she noticed how Hanji's face became more serious following each of her answers. Petra's face suddenly began to crumble as she started putting the pieces together, finally realizing just what she was implying.

Hanji sat down next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Petra, I think you already have figured out what I'm about to tell you," she said as gently as possible.

Petra dropped her head into her hands as tears began streaking down her face. She shook her head repeatedly in denial as sobs racked her small frame. Just looking at her broke Hanji's heart.

"I-I didn't know! How could I have not known?" Petra cried out through her choked tears. Hanji rubbed her back in an attempt to soothe her, biting her lip.

This was such a personal matter that Hanji felt like an intruder. She had never have expected that this would be so complicated. She had known that Petra and Levi had been in a relationship for some time, but to think that this would happen, she would never have guessed.

Hanji abruptly rose from the bed and made for the door. She didn't want to leave the poor girl alone, but she knew someone else that ought to be by her side. Hanji closed the door behind her and waited, knowing sooner or later he'd come looking for her. About half an hour later he appeared, as calm and bored-looking as ever.

"Is Petra all right?" he addressed her, eyes glancing at the door. He moved to enter, but Hanji blocked his path, her face somber.

"I don't know if Petra wants to see you right now," she said uneasily. From what she had just seen, she knew that Petra needed him, but considering she hadn't even known, perhaps she needed time to collect herself.

Levi scowled, trying to get through. "Why the hell not? Let me see my soldier."

Hanji shook her head. "Levi, something happened. It's rather personal and Petra's a wreck. You may want to give her some space."

Levi's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What happened?" When Hanji didn't respond right away, his frustration got the better of him. "Tell me!"

"Petra is pregnant," Hanji answered, her words a bit rushed. She directly met his steely gaze as she continued. "Or she was. She suffered a miscarriage. I'm so sorry, Levi."

At the word miscarriage, Levi's eyes widened, his lips parting slightly. Then his mask slipped back on and he furrowed his brows. Hanji immediately recognized his expression and planted herself against the door, putting her hands up to stop him.

"Don't try and go in there and yell at her. She didn't even know." At her words, she watched his face slowly crumple. Anger, hurt, and frustration flashed across his face in a split second, making her wonder if she had really even seen it.

"If only she had known and could've told me. I never would have let her go on the expedition," he muttered mainly to himself.

"And then what would you have done?" Hanji asked softly yet almost challengingly. They both knew joining the military meant you had to make sacrifices, especially in the Scouting Legion. The military was no place to raise a child.

Levi's shoulders slumped in resignation as he let out a long, weary sigh, surprising her. "I don't know," he answered simply.

After gauging his posture and expression for a long moment, Hanji opened the door behind her, allowing him passage. "Just…go easy on her. And I am really sorry," she said quietly. "For the both of you."

Levi only gave her a slight nod as he stepped inside the room. He didn't move until he heard the door click behind him. Petra lay in the bed with back facing towards him. She made no movement in acknowledgement of his entrance, but he knew she was awake. At first he hesitated, not knowing how to act, how to comfort her or whether he should say something. In the end, he quietly walked over and sat down beside her, not touching or even hardly looking at her. He didn't want her to flinch or react if he did so but just let his presence be known.

Levi sat there for what seemed like an eternity, reveling in the stillness and silence of the room. Finally, he spoke up.

"I could never blame you," he managed. His voice was oddly strained and hoarse, breaking a bit from its low pitch. "I can only blame myself."

At his words, Petra stirred, turning to look at him. Her eyes were red and puffy and her face was strained from her tears. "We're both to blame. We knew the risks when we started this relationship. It was bound to happen some time," she said. Levi swore she was smiling. She was unbelievable. He had no idea how she could remain optimistic and reassured for him when he was more worried about her wellbeing.

Levi was quick to grab her hand, squeezing it in his. "I know it hurts, but next time things will be different, whether it happens now or when this is all over." His words were meant to be comforting, yet he found them to be completely honest.

Petra pulled him closer and he obliged, crawling under the sheet and wrapping his arms securely under her. Petra tucked her head under his chin and pressed her cheek against his chest, listening to each of his heartbeats and steady breaths.

"Don't scare me like that again," Levi mumbled against her hair, completely serious, earning a soft giggle from Petra. A tiny smile curled the corner of his lips at the sweet sound. That was the Petra he knew.

They would be all right. They were going to be all right.