Chapter 13
3rd Pov
Flashback:
It has only been Erwin's second expedition as the new Commander of the Survey It has only been Erwin's second expedition as the new Commander of the Survey Corps after Shadis resigned and decided Erwin was perfect to take up the mantle. Only a few months has passed by since the change of leadership and the fall of Wall Maria. Almost a year since the royal government enacted the retrieval operation to reclaim Wall Maria that lead to the death of two hundred fifty some thousands people- refugees with no proper training died during the operation, and only a little over a hundred survived. An operation that held the intention to send the refugees of Wall Maria to their deaths. It was the operation that made Shadis step down and pass the mantle to his Captain at the time, Erwin Smith, who was more than capable to carry the Survey Corps further.
The retrieval operation left an ill impression on Tsuki, and it still haunts her mind when she thinks back to that day. Something she tried not to think too much of, so she kept her focus on the current expedition and her attention on saddling her horse up. To be present in the moment and leave the past behind her for another day.
The scouts were prepping their gear before they head out to their gathering point and venture beyond the Walls once more.
Tsuki stood beside her horse while the rest of her new temporal squad went through the routine before every expedition. Nanaba and Luke were the other two members along with Levi, and with Erwin leading their squad for this expedition before deciding to leave that role for Levi in the following expedition. A decision Erwin has been planning on during his Captain status under Shadis, but now as Commander he believes there is a lot to change and one of the changes to allow the scouts he seen with potential to rise up to the occasion.
Everything has been smooth for the lack of words. No conflicts of interests among the group, a well balanced team.
The rogue knew her teammates are reliable and competent on their own when it comes down to it, but Tsuki wasn't blind when she noticed something was off about Levi.
It's been a two years now since she's been within the Survey Corps.
Two years since that fateful day.
Levi has moved on, but Tsuki knew it only became bearable as the scar calloused within time, yet the stories and pain lingered deep down as a reminder.
She saw this hidden tension with every movement Levi made as he prepped his equipment silently. He wasn't near the others, only a few feet away from where she stood. It was unlike him to be so uptight. Most of the time Levi held his calm undertone, a steady flow that looked effortless.
Tsuki looked out to the dark clouds moving their way and certainly their route outside the Walls. Rain was inevitable and a problematic factor this time around.
Rain only brought trouble.
Gently petting her horse, Tsuki looked over to Levi who had his back toward her, and she couldn't help but worry for him.
"Levi are you alright?"
"Why wouldn't I be."
Levi shot back quick, it wasn't a question, but a statement, and he was already prepared for that question to be brought up.
"You just- I don't know but you look a tad bit on edge." Tsuki turned away, her voice faltered without meaning to, but she shrugged it off. She would rather avoid upsetting him before an expedition when he's already down. "Ignore my comment if you want. I was just concern."
Tsuki knew it had to do with Isabel's and Farlan's death. All she knew was the three of them were on their first expedition, a rainy day to be exact, and it was the day the two died.
It became a key factor behind Levi's distaste for rainy weather.
The memories associated with it only left an invisible scar that only reveals itself subtly.
She prepared to mount her horse, hand gripping the rein while settling her foot onto the stirrup, but before Tsuki had the chance to swing her other leg over her horse. Tsuki paused when she caught sight of Levi from the corner of her eye. She turned to see him already mounted on his horse and moving to meet the others.
"Don't be reckless out there. You tend to search for trouble."
Levi called over to her, glancing over his shoulder as he kept a steady gaze on the woman before he turned away an made his way to their assigned squad.
Tsuki nodded, swinging herself onto her horse as she hurried to meet with the others.
If only she followed through his advice and stayed out of trouble then maybe the closeness that came after wouldn't have happen.
3rd Pov
Levi shut the door to his room quietly, papers tucked under his arm he walked over to his desk. Settling his work down, Levi cast a quick glance over to Tsuki who hasn't woken up yet. It's a new day and no progress that as much he could say about the day.
Pulling his chair back, Levi moved some of the paperwork around, skimming through the documents that required top priority over others. Majority of his day consist of paperwork and outside the piles of paper Levi would be busy with the squad or training routines with the cadets or assisting the other vets in tasks given by Erwin.
Today Levi only needed to complete paperwork. His and Tsuki's share of forms given to her, but during these type of circumstances Levi covers the rogue's work until she recovers. Well he's only covering her paperwork that includes reports and document reviews. The duties Tsuki holds from the archives will be transferred down to Nanaba until the rogue returns.
"This shit is annoying, paperwork and reports to fill out while we wait to get access on seeing the damn kid."
Levi clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Heard they locked him in a fucking dungeon. Overboard if you tell me, but what can you do if this kid can manifest a Titan whenever he damn pleases."
"A shit show."
Levi frowned, wondering if they decided to lock the kid underground due to the power he possessed then what would the MP do if they caught wind of Tsuki. Certainly they would do the same. Lock her up underground too.
But would they conduct experiments on her like they intend to do on Eren?
Most likely.
Will they decide to go through with an earlier proposal in order to have another human to inherit the same power Tsuki possess?
Levi hated it whenever he ended up ruminating on that meeting where he first heard of the unethical idea.
It was a thought always lingering in the back of his mind. A constant reminder of what could happen. A possible threat he and the others might have to confront one day.
Levi blinked once he felt his eyes sting, unaware of him blanking out and so in thought that he didn't realize his gaze shifted over to Tsuki.
Shaking the thoughts away, pushing them aside so he could resume his work unbothered. Levi opened his mouth, inking the quill as he begun a new report, "I'll appreciate it if you decide to wake up and take care of your work instead of slacking off."
He only spoke from time to time in these occasions. Levi usually worked in silence, too buried in his work to hold a conversation with anyone if they dared to start one with him while he worked. However, times like these, Levi takes it as a distraction or another distraction since work could only do so much before his mind wonders off to unwanted places.
"And yes, I know you'll lecture me for taking your workload, but it isn't going to get done on it's own, so I'm stuck with it whether you like it or not."
Levi knew he was a workaholic. He never denied it when others brought it up. He spends majority of his time in his office alone in paperwork and at times he'll even fall asleep in his chair at his desk.
"Paperwork like this isn't new anyway."
It's a problem, he knows it, but his job demands a lot of his time and sleep isn't on his objective most nights, so he'll work late until Tsuki pulls him away for his sake.
Levi sighed, "I've been told that Trost has been cleared of Titans as of now, and the Garrison are currently checking if it safe to allow the residences back into the district. I doubt their every day life will be the same, surely businesses will take a dip after everything that happened."
Levi knew of the harsh reality. The struggles that await Trost from here on out, and the government won't lend a hand to the people within the district when they call for help.
Levi continued to work on some paperwork that needed his attention as well as to handle whatever work was needed from the Lieutenant, so he volunteered to do double the work until Tsuki woke up from her sleep. Her work isn't much compared to what he gets.
Usually her work is more reserved in the archives. She would be responsible of sorting records, documents and reports. Mapping, planning and discussing with Erwin and him. Also take up other tasks from Hanji since the two of them would work on Titan projects. Or work with their squad during training. There is a minimal of paperwork Tsuki needs to complete, so there's not much added to his own.
However, after an expedition and with the recent breach in Trost. It was expected to have a lot of papers to go through.
It's not like he had anything else to do aside from work, wait, work, and wait again.
Levi is still contemplating whether to attend dinner or not at the mess hall later. It won't be out of character for him not to show, but rather collect his meal and eat apart from the others aside from Erwin and Hanji. But Levi wasn't up to socialize with his friends now, so they'll understand and leave him be.
Furrowing his brows, Levi pulled himself away from his work for a moment before indistinct movement from the corner of his eye.
"Huh?"
Levi noticed the faint twitches the rogue made, fingers fidgety abruptly, and Levi glanced over to catch Tsuki's facial expression go to a state of distress for a brief second before relaxing again. It happened so quick. One moment she was in discomfort and then nothing like it never occurred.
He got up from his chair, now sitting on the edge of the bed. Levi checked for any temperature changes or any signs of her regaining some consciousness, but nothing came up. No changes or signs.
Maybe it was a bad dream she had for a second that got her to stir Levi thought to himself. It wasn't new for Tsuki to flinch or fidget within her sleep or recovery phase. Usually it's a minor phase she'll experience wherever her mind wonders off to, and majority of the time she wouldn't remember it when she wakes.
Levi placed a hand over hers briefly before returning to his chair so he could resume his work. He only needs to finish up a few more reports and documents before he gets up to send them down to Erwin.
Time went by without Levi paying much thought to it as he continued his work quietly, sipping tea he made and brought to the room during one of his short breaks to make it. Even as the light began to fade, Levi would simply set a candle on his desk, sparking the flame to give him a light source so he could continue his work.
His hand would move slowly, Levi pause for a moment to rub his eyes and straightening himself from his slouch position. Setting the pen aside, leaning back in his chair, Levi closed his eyes for a moment, unknown to him that this brief break would lead to a night of sleep.
3rd Pov
It was fairly late, majority of the scouts have retired to their quarters and called it a day. Then there were few who remain awake, quite sparse in retrospect since those who haven't clocked out normally stayed awake due to the trouble of finding sleep. Another reason would be they've lost track of time and continued their work and chores not minding the time.
Erwin was usually among the group of people who stayed awake after the norm crawl into their beds to get away from reality by sleeping and finding rest.
He already completed his work, sorted reports and documents he'll have sent down to the repository temporally and have Nanaba archive them since she's in charge of it for the time being.
Instead of retiring to his room, Erwin had a few tasks left to do before he could consider sleep.
First thing on his mind was to check in on Levi since he hasn't seen his friend since the afternoon during their usual lunch meet ups they have following their afternoon meetings with the others.
It wasn't out of the norm for Levi to practically disappear by noon, it was known that Levi would be busy with work til he completes it. But Erwin knew when Levi didn't show up in the mess hall for dinner with the rest of them that he remained cooped up in his office or in this case his room. Something that Erwin understood, knowing well that Levi would keep Tsuki company during her recovery state.
The second task keeping Erwin up would be to see Hanji and discuss some matters with her, which he could assume she is still working in her office per-usual unless Moblit advised her to call it a day.
Erwin reached the shared room of Levi and Tsuki. He tapped the door with his knuckles then Erwin waited for a response from Levi, but nothing came from the other side of the door.
Checking if the door was locked, and to Erwin's surprise it wasn't. Opening the door quietly, Erwin saw the light source from the desk, and he found Levi seated in his chair. However, Erwin didn't expect to find Levi asleep in his chair, still in uniform, slumped back against the wooden seat with his arms loosely crossed and his head tilted off to the side.
It wasn't a new sight for Erwin since he has seen Levi sleep in his own office a few times, and Erwin would sometimes catch Tsuki dragging Levi to back their quarters. Levi would be a bit more compliant during those times, so it was never a struggle for the rogue to send him to bed.
Yet he anticipated Levi to be awake and simply choosing to work and isolate himself for the day. But to catch his friend sleeping was a sigh of relief to know the man would be resting after the past two enervating days.
Erwin wasn't too familiar with the layout of the room or where things were kept, so he decided it was best not to touch anything. Instead Erwin left the room briefly before returning with a blanket in hand. He settled the blanket around Levi carefully without accidentally disturbing his sleep.
Knowing well enough that if he accidentally wakes Levi now then the man will resume work, which would defeat the purpose. So it was best to leave Levi alone and allow him to sleep as much as he can.
Afterward, Erwin would take his leave and allow Levi to catch up on his well deserved sleep.
Before departing, Erwin glanced over to Tsuki, seeing the woman was still in her deep sleep. Recovering from her exertion she underwent in Trost.
Erwin moved around Levi carefully, setting down a transcript Hanji wrote up earlier that day on Tsuki. He decided it was best to leave it for Levi to review on his own when he wakes.
He turned to the candle on the desk, blowing it out so the room could devolve into the dark before leaving the two alone. Erwin quietly shut the door behind him and made his way down the hall to meet with Hanji if the woman was still occupied in her office.
While on his way to see Hanji, he made a mental note to warn Hanji not to disturb Levi or check in on Tsuki until tomorrow.
3rd Pov
Flashback:
Levi kept a firm grip on the rogue, moving through the halls swiftly behind Hanji and Nanaba since the two were going to help treat Tsuki. He glanced down to Tsuki who laid limp in his arms, against him with her head tucked in and underneath his chin. Levi could hear the unevenness of her breathing. Shallow and quiet wheezes, symptoms that her injuries are severe enough to make breathing a chore.
Hanji opened the door to the room while Nanaba quickly went to prepare the bed for Levi to set Tsuki down.
The three of them separated from the group, arriving on the base earlier in order to provide medical attention to the rogue as quickly as possible.
It happened far to quick for any of them to react while they were still on the field, but it was Levi and another scout who noticed Tsuki's condition had been detectable based on her inability to catch her breath after the encounter she had against the Abnormal. She managed to conceal it well enough and proceed with the expedition, but it only became a matter of time til she couldn't keep up the act.
Now they're back
"She's burning up," Nanaba wasn't familiar with Tsuki's healing factor, and flinched once she touched the rogue's forehead to feel the harsh heat radiate off Tsuki's skin.
"The temperature rising means her body is healing right now, and it shouldn't be long until she's better." Hanji took a few wet towels from Levi as she went to lay hem over the rogue's forehead.
Nanaba frowned, she wasn't fully on board on letting Tsuki's fever rise without restraint. "But it doesn't mean we can let her fever get out of control. Even she must have limits to what her body can handle, so lets stop the temperature from rising before it becomes fatal."
"Well this rate this isn't going to get shit done." Levi was blunt with them when he checked Tsuki's temperature and knew the wet towels weren't going to do anything.
Hanji agreed with him, so she looked between Nanaba and Levi as she derived a course of action. She motioned Nanaba over, "Help me get her to the bathroom, maybe placing her in the bath could cool her down enough. And it'll give me a chance to check on her injuries."
Nanaba was the one to transfer Tsuki from the bed to the restroom while Hanji turned to Levi and gave him his task, "Grab her some new clothes."
"Careful in moving her." Levi warned Nanaba and Hanji while he goes through Tsuki's wardrobe to grab her clothing before joins the others.
Hanji was in the middle of removing the necklace from Tsuki until a hand grabbed onto her wrist. She looked over to find Levi's intense stare as he sternly warned.
"Don't."
Levi knew how important the necklace is to Tsuki. Enough to know Tsuki never took it off and he'll make sure it remains so.
Hanji frowned, tugging her hand out of his grasp while she explained, "It's going to-"
"Leave it alone or I'll break your arm, four eyes." Levi couldn't give a damn for his callous attitude. He wasn't going to have anyone touch the necklace, nonetheless, remove it without Tsuki's consent.
"Fine!" Hanji caved, complying to the one condition Levi set, but she also had one condition for him to follow. "Now leave so we can get her into the bath."
Levi crossed his arms, he wordlessly stood there for a brief moment as his eyes carefully studied Hanji. Wary of leaving, but he knew
Hanji turned completely to face him, she chuckled before teasing the man, "Never thought of you as a-"
Levi clicked his tongue, he resorted back while a frown settled across his brows at her childish accusation. "It's the human body and it's not anything I haven't seen-"
Hanji tilted her head, a grin appearing across her face as she jokingly ask, "You've seen Tsuki-?"
"No you idiot. She doesn't-" Levi cut himself off, shutting his mouth before he adds any more fuel to the fire and further deepen the hole he dug himself in. His eyes sharpen, glaring at the woman, "Listen up four eyes!"
Nanaba didn't intervene in their squabble, deciding it was best to ignore them and put her focus on handling the rogue by removing the straps and uniform.
But the blonde jumped back when she felt fingers wrapped around her wrist loosely. Her eyes looked over to see Tsuki's eyelids crack open slightly, but judging on the rogue's unfocused gaze the woman wasn't really there.
"Looks like she's gaining some consciousness." Nanaba looked over her shoulder, calling Levi's and Hanji's attention while she slowly removed Tsuki's hold from her wrist.
"Tsuki? Hey can you tell us if there's any wounds-" Hanji knelt down beside the rogue, asking for confirmation on any injuries they didn't pick up.
"She's not conscious enough for questions." Levi shook his head, cutting Hanji off while stating the obvious as he knelt down beside the rogue who has closed her eyes again.
Nanaba looked over to Levi, nodding her head over to the door, signaling for him to give them space while they work with Tsuki. "Levi you have to step outside while me and Hanji handle her temperature."
"You heard it, you, my dear friend need to stay out there until I call for ya~!" Hanji waved a hand over her shoulder, dismissing him while assuring Levi he'll be notify for anything.
Levi stood, cooperating with the two since it was rational for them to be the ones to handle Tsuki. They'll see it as indecent of him, and he wasn't up to dispute over silly arguments.
"Don't you dare do anything stupid to her when she's in this state," He sent a warning glare over to Hanji before shutting the door behind him while Nanaba and Hanji tended to Tsuki.
"I won't!" Hanji shouted back, glancing over her shoulder to see that he left the room.
Hanji snorted, looking over to Nanaba as she commented on Levi's strict demeanor. "Jeez, overprotective much?"
Nanaba didn't answer, fearful of what will happen if she did. Instead she carefully removed Tsuki's clothing while Hanji began filling the tub with cool water.
Meanwhile, Levi stood against the door for a moment. He knew it was best to set the bed for the rogue once Hanji and Nanaba bring her out. But Levi lowered his eyes toward his hands, and he couldn't stop his mind from remembering the times his hands were stained with blood. Blood of friends, family, and comrades within the corps.
He has enough blood on his hands already, and he won't let hers stain his hands.
3rd Pov
Hanji stood in front of her workspace, a table surface covered with an array equipment, loose papers and notebooks. It was a mess in some people's eyes, but Hanji knew the ins an outs of her work ethics, it was her system, and she knew exactly what and where her things were.
Usually it was well kept, may it be by her doing or from Moblit's help to maintain order within her study. However, Hanji was busy researching, studying and conjuring up some theories she'll like to test out on future experiments involving Sonny and Bean, as well as for foreseeable newest recruit: Eren Yeager. There were also some topics Hanji put aside for Tsuki and hopefully be able to test them on the rogue when they're ready.
Currently, Hanji was left alone after Moblit went to return the food trays they've had in the office, and retiring to his quarters soon after completing his task. He would usually stay with her as long as she needed, but he needed to catch some sleep in order to face tomorrow's busy schedule that awaits him. But Hanji did promise to work for another hour, the longest Moblit insisted, before she too calls it a night. If she stayed any minute longer than Hanji knew she'll be dragged out.
It was fairly late, and she didn't expect to hear anyone come by her office or lab to be more accurate. Well, expect for any of her squad members, but seeing Erwin was a surprise since the man usually spent his late hours wrapping up work in his office before retiring for the night.
Hanji straighten herself, taking a good look of her friend to guess his visit. Her expression soften as she asked about Levi, "How is he?"
"He's asleep right now." Erwin pulled a seat across from Hanji while informing her that Levi was sound asleep.
Hanji was pleasantly surprised by that, but nonetheless she was relieved to hear her friend resting.
She smiled upon hearing it, "That's great to hear. He deserves some rest."
Hanji hasn't seen Levi today aside from the minor appearance he made in the mess hall during their lunch break, but it was brief, and she knew he wasn't up for conversation with anyone. Only Erwin has managed to spend some time with him earlier during their usual morning debriefs, and even now after Erwin going to check on Levi.
She knew he had been in his room majority of the day working by himself while keeping Tsuki company.
"So don't go check up on them until he's wakes up." Erwin knew she wouldn't do such a thing, but he still felt a need to stress on the point of avoiding entering Levi's and Tsuki's quarters until tomorrow.
Hanji nodded, she didn't plan on disturbing the sliver of sleep Levi gets, and knows to leave her friend alone.
She pulled a chair over to her, taking a seat while asking, "Anything on Tsuki?"
"No. But worry not, she'll wake up soon." Erwin shook his, expression softening as he assured Hanji that everything will settle on its own, and they have to be patient until then.
"However, I do have those reports you requested earlier." Erwin handed over the documents to Hanji while he explained, "Levi mentioned you wanted to look through what Rico Brzenska might've reported on Tsuki, and she was cooperative enough to write a separate report for us."
"Thank you." Hanji accepted the document, opening the file to see the neat handwriting of Rico Brzenska. She closed the file, setting it in front of her while keeping her fingers firmly pressed against it as she spoke solemnly, "And I hope it wasn't a bother for her since I heard about the losses from Trost."
"Even if it did, I doubt Brzenska would allow it to effect her work. She has a strong spirit of a soldier, and surely this will only enforce her drive to continue."
Hanji raised her gaze from the table toward Erwin, question in mind, "Any word on Eren Yeager?"
"Pixies hasn't notify me of any changes in the boy's status, so it's safe to assume the Military Police still has their restricted visitor policy on him until further notice."
"Is he at least awake?"
"No."
"Strange. Very strange." Hanji narrowed her eyes at the response, her mind weaving the piece of information into her own conclusions revolving the Titan Shifter.
However, those thoughts were put on hold for another moment since Hanji knew she had other work to do. Hanji took a deep breath before clasping her hands as she smiled over to Erwin. "I guess we wait, but until then want to hear what Rico reported? Well, her uncensored report since we know most of this won't be present in the court hearing."
Hanji chuckled, holding the document between her fingers as she motioned it at him. "That's if you haven't already went ahead and read it yourself."
Erwin laughed, "Another read won't do any harm. However, it will be a long night then."
She waved her hand, Hanji giving him her word that it won't take up too much of his time. "Don't you worry, I won't keep you here too long I swear."
"Oh, the number of times you've said that before." He raised a brow as he teased his friend of the numerous times Hanji gets carried away, and Erwin knew from past experience that she could go on for hours talking about any topic that she's currently infatuated with.
Hanji wasn't going to deny his statement because she's fully aware of one of her faults when it comes to talking the ears off of the unfortunate soul closest to her.
"I'll admit I get carried away at times, but I promise I'll keep track of time." Hanji shrugged a shoulder as she agreed with Erwin before she confidently guarantee it won't happen.
She offered Erwin tea since Moblit left her a fresh batch before he called it a night. Erwin accepted the offer, and Hanji smiled, standing as she went over to the other table to serve some tea before settling down to discuss the contents of Brzenska's report. Hanji went to bring some tea over to the table so they could talk about the reports over some tea. While Hanji was busy, Erwin looked over the tabletop, noting the scattered notes and logins the woman had across the surface, and Erwin could tell Hanji had been working continuously since yesterday.
"I actually want to go over your report on Tsuki as well while we're here." Erwin broke the silence, eyes shifting over to Hanji as he brought up the main reason he came down to her workspace. "I've left the transcript with Levi so he could read it himself."
Hanji paused for a second once she returned to the table, taking in what was said, and Hanji sighed as she adjusted her glasses before placing the cup in front of Erwin.
"Of course."
3rd Pov
Flashback:
"Good thing is her fever isn't going out of control, but she's still burning." Nanaba sighed in relief as she pulled her hand away from Tsuki's forehead.
"That's a sign she's healing." Levi bluntly stated, standing off to the side against the wall at the foot of the bed while Hanji and Nanaba tended to Tsuki.
"She'll sleep through it and let her body fix itself without her getting in the way or using the energy for different things." Hanji explained to Nanaba while she checked on the rogue's wounds once more. The coloring is returning to normal, and Hanji took note of Tsuki's breathing, seeing how it is slowly returning to a proper pace instead of the ragged breathing from earlier, so there's improvement. "In other words, Tsuki won't feel a thing and she'll be good as new like nothing ever happened."
Hanji looked over to Levi while gesturing to her notebook, "I'll check on her later, but right now I'll report this to Erwin and finish up a few other things I need to do." She took a step back before advising Levi, "Just switch out her towel and make sure that-"
"I know." Interrupting her, already aware on how to care after the rogue. Levi just wanted to be left alone, so he dismissed Hanji and Nanaba. "Go already."
Nanaba left without a word, knowing better to comply with Levi than to start anything. She was already familiar with how he is, so it's best to stay on his good side. Meanwhile, Hanji had more guts than other people to be more puckish with Levi, or she simply lacked prudence when it comes down to it. Or a mixture of both.
Hanji lingered behind to spare a few more words with Levi while Nanaba took her leave. After informing Levi of the current rate of things and how she'll return so he could meet up with Erwin.
Hanji shut the door behind her after sparing one last look of Tsuki and Levi before leaving the room.
Levi heard the door click shut before he pulled a chair beside the bed Tsuki was on.
"Why do you have to be so idiotic? Regardless if you'll heal, you just won't stop running into trouble when you get the chance."
There's so much a single person can take before it reaches a point of no return. Even for someone who can heal there will be a time it won't.
"You suicidal brat," Levi muttered, leaning back in his chair. He stared up at the ceiling for a moment before bringing a hand over his face as he breathed out, "You can't save everyone, dammit."
Thinking to himself, Levi knew Tsuki can act impulsively when it comes to others who are in danger. She successful saved the squad that was lost and outmatched by the Abnormal. But it was reckless for her to move without informing their own squad. To give him a sign or something instead of running off into the mist on her own.
Other scouts viewed her as a martyr, and Levi wasn't fond of the idea. To be a martyr isn't something Levi agrees on, and to watch the rogue put themselves in harms way to save people despite reality that it's impossible to save every single person.
Levi knew it himself, you just can't save everyone. He has tried and will continue to try, but it's just not possible no matter how much one tries.
His train of thought paused the second he heard some movement in the room. Levi sat up in his chair, looking over to Tsuki and notice her hands fidget beside her. He was caught off guard to even witness the rogue wake so early before she fully healed. Levi knew she'll stir every now and then during her healing stage, but she hasn't prematurely woken up before.
"Huh?"
But he quickly realized the rogue was trying to pull herself up. Levi moved to keep her down and hopefully have Tsuki resume her sleep before she worsens her state.
"Hey, you need to sleep so you can heal quicker," Levi placed a hand on her shoulder, holding her down to prevent Tsuki from putting unnecessary strain on her body.
Tsuki frowned at the additional pressure holding her down, but she recognized the voice easily. However, her mind could wrap around the sudden change of scenery.
"Wha...What are you... Where..?" Tsuki dragged a hand over to her face, fingers brushing the damp towel resting across her forehead. Her brows furrowed, confused, but her attention shifted once she felt the heaviness over her eyes tempting her back to sleep.
Her mind tried to escape the static surrounding her. Grasping onto the faint specks of what she could remember, "Did I-?"
"Yeah, you saved the scout and his squad." Levi filled her in on what happened, cutting it rather short and straight to the point while reassuring her effort wasn't in vain. "Wouldn't shut their mouths with the constant rumbling with none stop apologizes. It was annoying."
"But they're fine, a few minor injuries from what I know of. They're alive." Levi wasn't going to go into details while she was like this. It'll have to wait until she's fully cognizant, but what he said wasn't all a lie when he told her they're alive.
Currently, from what he heard of, one of the cadets was left paralyzed from the waist down, and will be discharged from the Survey Corps once he's ready to leave the medical ward and return home.
The other two scouts were perfectly fine from their encounter with the Abnormal, but unfortunately the squad leader assigned to their group is currently marked as MIA. Levi knew the scout must've died and their body was never retrieved.
"...Good..." Tsuki took his word, releasing a deep steady breath while she allowed her eyes to close briefly again.
Levi pulled his hand away, leaving her alone as he criticized her, "So stupidly reckless."
"I'll... I'll save the trouble and not offer my apologizes..." She let out a dry chuckle, exhausted, and her lungs unable to do act of laughing currently. A cough filtered out from her, Tsuki winched at the sharp pain that went through her once her body shook as she coughed.
"That'll be the first, won't it?" Levi clicked his tongue, brow arched at how the rogue kept her attitude unfazed of what happened.
His demeanor soften at the pained expression that came over her. Levi sighed to himself, advising Tsuki to rest and allow herself to recover, "Relax. Just go back to sleep and you won't feel a thing."
"...Then leave me alone... I'll be fine so don't... don't worry..." Her muscles weren't fully back under her control yet. Tsuki could feel her mind was still fuzzy, pieces of the expedition returning while she ignored the protests her body gave with every movement. Closing her eyes again, Tsuki murmured while attempting to sit up, "...dummy..."
"Don't say stupid shit." Levi retorted back while he went back to keep the rogue down, and this time she wasn't as complaint.
She grabbed his wrist, preventing him from holding her down like earlier. Tsuki used her other arm to push herself up, ignoring the aches in her body.
In response to this Levi used his other hand to grab hold of her arm. Levi didn't notice how close the two got or when he moved from his chair to the edge of the bedside as he tried to talk some sense into her. "Lay back down. You just-"
"It's okay... It's okay..." Tsuki grabbed his shoulder, pushing back as she tried to sit up while feeling lightheaded. Tilting her head back to get a proper look of him, adding some distance while stringing her words stringing together to form complete sentences, "I'm fine... I've been hurt before so... It's nothing..."
"Listen to me." Levi narrowed his eyes, keeping the rogue seated still to avoid further discomfort, and he became serious as he explained her current state. "You sustained fractured ribs from getting manhandled by that Abnormal, and still continuing the expedition only worsen your condition. You probably got a concussion too from the looks of it, and not to say a dislocated shoulder to top it off."
Tsuki shook her head, brushing off the list of damages she received. Her eyes focusing on him. "I'll keep getting up... no matter how many times I get knocked down..."
"You should be dead."
His voice was harsh, but the emotions hiding behind his words and the façade he holds were evident.
Distraught.
It wasn't hard to hear it. To see it. Maybe to those who didn't know Levi. Those who kept a distance from him due to the cold front he has.
But people- the few who managed to stand beside him and see right through his exterior. They could read him and know he's just as human as the others. He might not express those vulnerable moments that many do, but when he does then it's serious.
Tsuki didn't say anything as his words lingered. She knew he was right, and if it wasn't for her healing factor then death would've been leading her to the gates of the afterlife. Always tempting death, dancing along the line, but deep down she didn't want to leave yet. But Tsuki couldn't sit still while knowing there people in need of help, and if she could get up and fight then she'll accept whatever may come after.
She stared into his eyes, her grip loosen from his shoulder. Tsuki knew it was logical for him or anyone to worry, but she's been through enough to know nothing really lasts when it comes down to injures she has received throughout her life. No visible scars to tell the tales of how they became to be, but there were always the untold stories hidden beneath her skin.
Her words faltered at first as she tried to regain some control over her shallow breathing, but Tsuki wanted to say that there wasn't anything for him to worry. "Levi... I know... But you shouldn't worry-"
"After you ran off in a middle of a god damn storm without giving me or anyone a notice-! How the fuck won't I be worried?" Levi raised his voice, agitated at the emotional turmoil he's been through within the past couple of hours, and still currently trying to sort everything out.
"I can't lose you too."
It didn't register to Levi when his hands moved, now holding her face carefully since she's still in the progress of healing, but his thumbs firmly brushed over her skin. His forehead pressed against hers, nose brushed against Tsuki's while keeping his eyes shut tightly as their lips drifted within the distance that stood between them. Levi hesitated for a moment. Unsure what to do with the emotions running through him.
Why was it difficult for him to act, he harshly berated himself for being inadequate when it came down to responding properly to his emotions. Levi glanced over to look her in the eye, seeing the rogue staring back at him. Her eyes lowered, nose nuzzling against his while moving her hand over the one Levi had on the bed. Levi watched her carefully returned the affection he gave, and he closed his eyes while he lightly brushed his lips over hers.
The temptation was there.
Levi felt her grip on his arm, her fingers curling into him, and he felt her take in a deep breath. Her lips were barely grazing his, only a breath away, but Levi needed to decide to cross the line or not.
The distance closed and the decision was made, and Levi kissed her. One of his hands went to cradle her face while his other arm carefully moved around her waist.
He gently guided her back into the mattress while maintaining the kiss til she was laying back down again. And Levi took the moment to lavish the way Tsuki's lips were soft against his, and the warmth inviting him.
Levi gently guided her back down into the mattress, never breaking the kiss between the two and neither did she as he eased her down.
Pulling away, Levi felt her fingers brush his as he broke the kiss. He could feel the heat on his face, knowing well that they must be flushed after the kiss.
There wasn't any words or anything for him to say or think of what happened, but he gave in to what has been distracting him for some time. To act on his feelings that he had deeply imbedded in his chest and pushed far off his mind, yet they were always so disruptive everyday since he spend so much time around her that it's impossible to ignore. They shared a fucking room for God's sake, nonetheless, they've slept in the same bed numerous of times within the two years, and have worked in the same workspace on and off the field.
Especially now after going the scare.
The question that lingered in his mind was, will the rogue remember after she properly recovers.
Levi stared down to Tsuki, but his eyes glanced over to where his hand was against the mattress and saw her hand grabbed his. Then he looked back to her again, Levi saw the smile she gave him. An exhausted smile, but one that expressed genuine endearment, and her eyes only reinforce it in case he held any doubt of her feelings.
They were reciprocated.
He held her hand in his, Levi sat down against the mattress beside her. Levi sighed out a breath of relief. Bringing her hand against his lips, he kissed the back of it before setting it down as he whispered, "Rest. I'll be here when you wake up."
3rd Pov
"The hell...?" Levi frowned, confused for a moment when he noticed a blanket was placed over him, and for the change of lightening only confirmed he dozed off.
Clearing his throat, Levi sat up in his chair still feeling sluggish from waking up. He pulled the blanket off of him to set onto the chair as he stood to stretch and get rid of the drowsy morning feeling. Glancing over to check on the rogue, Levi saw she was still sound asleep, so he could aspect her to sleep through another day.
Levi looked out at the window to see daybreak has arrived making a new day. The sun barely rising giving the room a range of colors as the sunlight gradually seeps through the window.
Three days has passed since they've returned from the expedition. Three days since Trost underwent an attack from the Colossal Titans. Three days since Humanity obtained there first big victory in years by reclaiming land they thought was lost.
So much has happened and it feels as time continues to speed by. Little time to sit back and reflect before being sucked into the next challenge they're faced with.
Levi released a deep breath, collecting the blanket from the chair folding it neatly off to the side and making a mental note to return it to wherever it came from. He stretched his arms in front of him while casting a look over his work sitting on the desk, and Levi raised a brow when he caught sight of a new document laying among his completed work.
Levi figured someone must've came late last night when he had fallen asleep and covered him with the blanket as well as leaving him the report to read over. If he had to guess it had to been Erwin or Hanji who stopped by since those two were the only ones to come around to his room outside of work related stuff.
He took the moment to read over the transcript Hanji wrote on Tsuki, a quick summary of what was discussed with a few additional bits. Levi will have to send it back to Hanji once he leaves to deliver the rest of the paper work to their respected destinations.
Grabbing a new uniform from his wardrobe. Levi unbuttoned the first few of buttons from his shirt after removing his cravat before heading to shower and get himself ready for the day. With that Levi left the room for a few minutes, closing the bathroom door behind him.
After ten minutes have passed Levi existed the bathroom fully dressed and showered. Discarding his clothes into the basket. Collecting the rest of his uniform equipment, slipping the straps on, wrapping the dark brown sash around his waist and pulling his brown leather jacket over his shirt. Picking up his boots, Levi paused midway of lifting the pair boots off the floor when he felt something was off-center.
Levi looked over his shoulder to see Tsuki's arm jerked beside her. Dropping his boots down, he moved quick to the rogue's side to check if she was waking or if she was going through another phase again. He noted her hand would flex, arm muscles twitch briefly, and other movements coming and going like they did yesterday. But this time, her expression remain still unlike before.
"Hey, hey, whatever you're dreaming about isn't real." Levi said, laying a hand over her forehead, trying to ease the woman through whatever she must be going experiencing.
He remain seated on the edge of the bed beside her until Tsuki cleared through this brief disrupt again. Levi stood up, returning back to grab his boots and taking a seat on his own separate bed to put on the knee length brown boots and ensuring they were properly on.
Once his boots were on, Levi sat down in the chair for a moment until he heard a knock at his door, turning in his seat he shouted to the visitor on the other side of the door, "Come in."
"Morning Levi." Erwin gave a nod toward Levi, greeting the man as he stepped into the room asking about the rogue, "Any improvement?"
Levi placed an arm over the top rail of the chair, eyes shifted over to the desk at his work while he answered, "She's been stirring."
"Then it's just a matter of time until she wakes up fully." Erwin remain near to the door, but the man offered a hand of reassurance. He knew this has been the longest Tsuki has been asleep for recovery leave, and Erwin came to accept it since none of them ever considered other reasons for the rogue to recuperate. "Internal healing will take longer than external healing based on how her current progress."
Erwin took a deep breath, finally revealing his true motive for coming by at such an early hour, "We've finally been given accuse in seeing the boy, but from what I've been told he has been asleep since the Battle of Trost."
"I'm not going to waste time standing around until the kid decides to wake up," Levi bitterly said while he tilted his head back, brow quirked up at the bit of information.
Erwin raised a brow, blankly putting his friend on the spot, "What are you doing now, Levi?"
"Don't be a smartass with me, Erwin," Levi clicked his tongue, annoyed that Erwin was right.
Erwin went on with what they'll be doing today while Levi stood, "We need to speak to him and see what to do from there, and this is the only time we have to see him before they set up the trail for him."
"No need to further explain Erwin." Levi nodded, pushing the chair into his desk and making sure all his paperwork was sorted and set to the side so he'll come back and deal with later.
"I'll let you collect your things together," Erwin gave Levi some time to himself while he went outside to wait for his companion to join him on visiting the Yeager boy.
Levi kept his back toward the door until he heard it shut close. He figured Erwin only gave him a minute of space so he could arrange his things and to check on Tsuki one more time before he leaves. Usually Erwin gave him personal space or turned a blind eye.
Levi stood there, his eyes trailed her face seeing if there were any signs even a small one to tell him she's regaining conscious.
Nothing stood out to him.
Taking a deep breath, his expression soften as he brushed aside the stray hairs away from her face before placing a gentle but firm kiss against her forehead. Feeling the heat radiate from her skin, reassuring him that she's alive. Pulling back as he finally decided to take his leave.
"The others will come by soon." Whispering, not wanting to disturb her from her rest. Levi began to leave but not without sparing another glance to the woman. "Don't get yourself into trouble while I'm away."
Levi closed the door behind him, noting that Hanji, Moblit or another close friend will be coming around to check in on Tsuki while he's away. He wasn't troubled about leaving since Levi trusted his friends to take care of her, but with the recent tremors Tsuki's been experiencing has left his mind feeling uneasy.
"She'll be fine while you're away." Erwin gave a smile before the two of them moved away from the door and down the hall.
Levi didn't give a response to Erwin's statement, acknowledging it, but not saying a word on it. Instead he moved on, leaving the topic behind and putting his focus on the Titan Shifter they'll be meeting in person. Levi doesn't have much to make a solid opinion on the kid. Only briefly meeting the boy in Trost, but it wasn't much of a meeting when the kid was unconscious, and from he gathered from Tsuki's testimony as well as from Pixies' and Rico's during their quick condensed meeting about Trost and Eren Yeager.
So far, it's not all positive, but Levi doesn't want to make a final verdict just yet until he gets to personally talk to the kid.
Which has prompted the next thought to cross Levi's mind.
"Lets go check what this kid is all about then." Levi folded his arms, eyes glancing over to Erwin briefly as the two of them moved through the halls. "See what's so terrifying about him that they kept him chained up in a dungeon for fucks sake. But at least, they managed to catch themselves a Titan for the first time and last time."
Erwin chuckled at Levi's commentary. He knew there was truth behind Levi's words regarding how the Military Police decided to handle Eren Yeager, which he agrees is a tad bit excessive yet a logical response to this new unique case for everyone, and it was the best way to contain a possible loose cannon.
The two of them continued on without exchanging much of a conversation as they head down to the location of where the boy was being held in.
A/N:
The recent chapters of the snk manga have been non-stop angst and other emotions, I can't deal with it, but I can't stop tuning in despite the previous betrayals of the volume covers (Ｔ▽Ｔ)
But I'm so excited for the upcoming season 3 part 2 of the anime!
I have majority of the next chapter completed, so I'll get it up soon when I get a break from my school work.
Until then I hope you have a wonderful day wherever you are :)