Mirage

A/N: My summer vacation will soon come to an end, (hey, I'm from the Philippines), so I'm afraid I won't be able to update as often as I did. But worry not, folks, I will still try to update every once in a while. Anyway, Levihan twins are coming, yay!

Summary: Humanity's strongest soldier had secrets of his own. So when the woman he loved died, he turns on another for pure companionship and comfort. But a night of mistake has its consequences. Levihan.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: SEALED

The air around the plenary room was thick with the tension emanating from each higher officer whose top priorities lie on controlling the life inside the two remaining walls of humanity. All seats of the round table were occupied, heated gazes under full scrutiny were thrown at each other.

Each month, meetings like this are being held to discuss the current happenings inside the walls, and for each military leader to present their progress in their respective assignments covering their jobs to lead and protect the people. With his piercing eyes hidden behind those thick-rimmed glasses, Commander in Chief Darius Zackley patiently listened to all the reports made by his subordinates and was so far only impressed with the work of the Military Police, as headed by the infamous Commander Nile Dawk.

Garrison Commander Dot Pixis just sat on one of the chairs looking rather aloof and disoriented. The bald man's wrinkled face was flushed red and the way his eyes fluttered into different directions will instantly give the impression that he'd been drinking again so early in the morning. Nevertheless, he still did a promising report as the Garrison troops have managed to continuously maintain peace and order inside the walls, especially with the reconstruction of destroyed buildings when the Female Titan attacked the Stohess District.

Once everyone was done with their reports, it was time for the least looked upon branch of the military to present their progress. Commander Erwin Smith finally stood up from his chair, tugging the brown envelope on his hands. With the calm demeanour he always had, Erwin carefully revealed the papers containing his report.

The blonde man cleared his throat before speaking, summoning up all courage frozen in his guts. "Good morning. I know all of you here have nothing but good news, and the bad news is always laid upon my hands." He raised the papers into the air and flashed everyone around him a cold look. "So far, the Survey Corps have already set up several base camps outside the walls, which is such a crucial thing, even for us. I am currently devising another route to the Zshiganshina District with the help of all my wisest subordinates. Trainings are being held everyday, supervised by the Squad Leaders and headed by Levi here."

Levi, who had been clearly dozing off the whole time, shifted on his seat upon the mention of his name. His mind was off somewhere, he couldn't concentrate on the meeting, which is a usual thing, really, but this time, it was different. He was still worried about his pregnant wife whom he just unceremoniously left now that she needed him more than ever.

He looked around the men gathered on the table and noticed that everyone had affixed their gazes upon him, awaiting for his own report. Levi narrowed his cold eyes, plastered on his usual scowl and stood up to his full height. Erwin sat back down beside him when the Captain rose for his affirmation. "Erwin is right. We've lost a few men during the last expeditions but the amount of deaths had significantly decreased. Many recruits have joined this year and I made sure all the Squad Leaders are given proper instructions when it comes to trainings."

Darius Zackley just nodded at his words, but Levi noticed the glint in his eyes hidden behind his glasses. He was clearly uninterested with what the two men before him reported. "I always hear the same report from the military branch who should've had the most interesting endeavours." His gaze lingered upon Levi for a moment, sized him from the waist up and grinned. "But right now, what I want to hear is about the little dilemma that you're facing, Levi. How's your wife?"

Levi froze on his feet and crossed his eyebrows. He'd known Zackley for years, knew what he was capable to do and what goes inside his intricate – sometimes rather insane mind. The Commander in Chief was famous for his schemes, and as Levi stared blankly at him, he noticed the man's unscrupulous tactics mirrored in his irises. "What made you so interested about my wife?" He asked, his tone menacing.

"We all know that your wife, Hange Zoe – Ackerman, is a brilliant soldier, and an asset to humanity because of her experiments and researches about the Titans. She's one of the best we have. I just wanted to know her pregnancy's condition. She's about to give birth, correct?" Zackley interlaced his fingers together, his gaze on Levi still heated.

He returned the glare with as much animosity, completely forgetting his place and zoning off all the people around them. "Yes, my wife is now on her ninth month and will give birth sooner or later." Levi bluntly answered.

Zackley grinned. "I see, so you'll finally be able to claim your freedom in a month. I wonder if Hange clearly approves of your decision for a divorce." The man replied. He had started shuffling the paperworks in his hands and storing them into his files.

Levi gritted his teeth, clenching his jaws in the process. The way he mentioned about the divorce somehow fuelled his anger but he tried to compose himself. He had more honour left in him than the unscrupulous man sitting opposite him. "About that divorce. I've decided I'm not pushing through it."

Everyone around them gasped. Zackley's eyebrows raised, clearly perplexed by his decision. He stopped organizing the paperworks and once again narrowed his eyes on Levi. Nile Dawk and Keith Shadis remained calm but they were still surprised by the sudden shift in Levi's plan. Dot Pixis, who had been oblivious to what's happening, had his attention piqued, looking somewhat relieved. Erwin just sat wide eyed staring at Levi with a disbelieving expression settled on his face. The blonde Commander had been unaware of his second-in-command's decision until now.

Levi had thought about it for months, and with all the contemplations and rationalities he had weighed in his mind, he only had one conclusion: He's not giving up on his marriage with Hange and is willing to try to work everything out for the family he had started to love. "I apologize for all the appeals I have made during the past few months. I want my freedom, yes, and I want the same for Hange. But the two of us realized that it'll be better if we stayed together for the sake of our children."

What he said was a complete lie. He hadn't discussed the whole divorce with Hange since that day at their small house in the woods, they have not talked about their feelings for each other after that incident. Hange had circuitously stated that she loved him, and Levi indirectly did the same. He hasn't told her he loved her yet, he thought they're not yet ready for that. But all the things he told her that day were the things he loved about her.

He didn't want the divorce. Selfish somewhat, but he didn't want to let her go. "I'm not leaving my family just like that." Levi declared, his chest tightening at his very own words. He didn't know he was capable of saying and feeling such things until now, but to hell with it.

Silence filled the place.

But just as Zackley was about to open his mouth to speak, the door suddenly flew open, a woman with short brown hair bursted in, her Survey Corps emblem flashing against the pocket of his jacket. Nifa barged through the door, her face all sweaty and her breathing in ragged pants. "Is Captain Levi here?!" She yelped, her voice coming out like a little girls'.

Levi turned his head in annoyance, dreading the woman's audacity to disturb a meeting just like that. He threw a glare at Nifa's direction and raised his brow. Erwin just cleared his throat and turned the woman. "We're in the middle of something, Nifa. If you want something you can just wait for the meeting to be over in a few minutes."

Nifa just gritted her teeth, her hold on the brass knob tightening. "But this is urgent, Commander! Squad Leader Hange is-"

She barely finished her words before Levi hastily ran towards her and grabbed her collar. He raised her slightly into the air, choking her a little bit. Levi's heart thundered in his chest and his entire façade was filled with worry and rage. "What is it?! What happened to her?!"

"She's…." Nifa coughed, and Levi put her down to the floor. "She's in labor now. Squad Leader Mike sent me to get you." Her voice came out cracked, and her hand crept up to her throat and coughed hard due to Levi's previously tight grasp. "Her water broke about two hours ago so if we'll be quick, there's a chance she's still in labor and we'll still manage to get there before she gives birth."

Levi panted, feeling his entire body becoming numb by the second. He promised her he'll be there when this time comes. He shouldn't have left her side yesterday, he should've stayed with her at the Headquarters and be there as she went into labor. "Fuck." He muttered, his fists clenching into balls beside him. His heart was still hammering wildly and worry, dread, and self-loathing flooded his being.

He wanted to curse himself at the moment, but then he suddenly felt a strong hand tapping his shoulder. He turned back and saw Erwin looking down at him, his eyes mirroring the same worried look he had on his own. The Commander's blue eyes softened. "Go, Hange needs you." He muttered. "I'll take care of everything here. Your wife and your kids need you right now, Levi."

Levi nodded his head, turned his back, and ran after Nifa.

The skies are growing darker and darker as he neared the Headquarters. His grip on the horse's saddle was tight, his jaws clenched as he passed by several villages and braved the forests. With his green cape draped on his body, Levi stared ahead, his heart skips with every gallop his horse made, his breathing in ragged pants.

How he regretted coming to Stohess when Hange was already on her ninth month. He was a fool for leaving her, and if he missed the whole thing he will never forgive himself. He promised her he'll be there, and before he left he knew how terrified Hange was about her delivery. As her husband, he should be the one to comfort her. It was painful, imagining Hange's fear when she realized she will give birth without Levi by her side.

With the thoughts clouding his mind, Levi sped up his pace. Nifa was after him, mounted on her horse just as Levi did, a worried yet determined look also plastered on her petite face. She continued to look at Levi's back and noted the brave stance in the Captain's frame.

They reached the Headquarters before rain started pouring. Levi hurriedly hopped down his horse and ran as fast as he could muster. He trailed up the stairs, not even stopping even if his muscles quivered with every step. He passed by several rooms, wide and seemingly endless hallways until he heard a wail lit the air.

A child screeching and bawling with fury.

Levi followed the sound, panting as he neared the open room. People were buzzing inside. He saw Nanaba standing by the door's frame, her short blonde hair wet with sweat. Mike was sitting beside the bed, his unusually gruff appearance gone as a softened look was plastered on his face. He held Hange's hand in his'. Dr. Thompson was also there. Dr. Cameron. Hange.

And a little baby boy wailing, his coal black hair wet with a mix of bloodred and clear fluid matted on his perfect pinkish skin. Dr. Cameron held him beside with a white blanket wrapped around his small body.

"A boy?" He saw Hange gasp, reaching her head up a little to glance at the little bundle of joy the doctor had in his hands. Her face looked haggard, her hair was tied in knots and dishevelled with brown wisps framing her cheeks. Sweat matted her forehead and beads rolled down her skin. Hange reached her hand and touched the baby's cheek in wonder. "He has Levi's hair…" She muttered then smiled as she felt the warm skin on the tip of her finger.

His breath hitched at the sight.

"You're not done yet, Mrs. Ackerman. Prepare for another push." Dr. Thompson suddenly pinched in. She positioned herself before Hange and checked her once again. Dr. Cameron cradled the baby in his arms and brought him to the table and cleaned him. The doctor weighed and measured the baby after it was clean of the fluids, placed a knit cap on his head and gently tucked him in a small cot.

As he suddenly remembered that another one was coming, Levi's senses came alive. He immediately dragged his feet inside, his footsteps heavy as he trotted his way towards the bed where his wife was laying. As he walked inside, everyone turned their gazes upon him. Hange's face brightened up, a relieved smile now curling on her lips.

Mike let out a sigh in relief. "Thank goodness, you're here. This woman's about to break my hand." He stood up to his full height, letting go of Hange's hands. He nodded at Levi before hurrying by Nanaba's side. They wrapped their arms around each other, Nanaba buried her petite face against Mike's chest, a smile also on her lips as Mike pressed a kiss on her forehead.

Levi nodded back. "You've paid me back for saving your life. Thank you for being by my wife's side, Mike." He turned and faced his wife, who was now looking up at him with pained brown gaze. Her eyes were glowing with tears. "Hey," he took her hand in his', then pressed a few kisses on her palm. "Shitty Wife, I'm here."

"You're fucking late." She muttered, her voice cracking with every word. "I'm gonna cut your dick off and feed you to a Titan once this is all finish." Hange gasped as another wave of pain shot inside her, shutting her eyes in the process.

"You won't do that." He gripped her hand tightly before pressing a kiss against her sweat-matted forehead, not minding the mess she was in nor how filthy the action was.

Hange managed to chuckle in between pants. "You bet I will. I'll make you feel the pain I'm in right now. I'll tie you up against a pole and make you watch while I spill out all your windex and burn your brooms." She released a sharp cry, a cross between a groan and a hiss. She gritted her teeth, squeezing his hand in hers.

Levi squinted. "Fuck, Four Eyes. I got all those damn cleaning materials on sale! I don't care if you're my wife or if you're the mother of my kids; I'm warning you, you'll never be able to touch my precious things. Ever." He pressed on his words, a grin tugging on his lips as he watched Hange's face turn up in anger.

"I swear to God, Levi Ackerman, once this is finished, I will fucking kill you." She hissed again, her entire body quivering. "Fuck this kid is as stubborn as you!"

"Excuse me, woman, but between the two of us, you're the one who is stubborn." Levi bit his lip. "I don't doubt you'll ever do all those crappy things you mentioned but for now, let's finish this whole thing first. And by the way, it's worth saying that I've got one point for our first baby having a black hair."

"You won't be having another point after this." Hange's face crunched up again.

"We'll see about that." Levi grinned. He released her hand and cupped her face between his hands. He leaned down and pressed a kiss against her lips. "Ready?"

"Yes." Hange breathed hard, summoning all courage and bravery in her heart. Seeing Levi brought her resolve that she'll manage to get through this. She had to. Time melted away until seconds blurred into minutes and back again. She pushed, grunted and cursed.

"You can do it, Hange." Levi encouraged. He groaned a little when Hange's grip on his hands tightened a bit more, squeezing it so hard he can see his skin becoming somewhat the color of violet.

She nodded, summoning energy as she started to push again.

One.

Two.

Push.

Another wail lit the air, and the two of them watched as their second baby, all wrinkly and red, slid into the world. Levi released a nervous laugh, and Hange just breathed hard as they watched their baby bawling and crying against the doctor's hands.

Levi leaned and kissed the top of her head. "You did it, Hange." He muttered.

Hange smiled, warmth and joy flooding her being. With her blurred eyesight, she continuously watched as the doctor severed the umbilical and brought baby beside her.

"Two beautiful boys. Congratulations, Hange, Levi." Dr. Thompson shoved the baby into Hange's arms, and Dr. Cameron gave Levi the first baby, its black hair now covered with the knit cap. Levi made an awkward cradle in his arms and hesitantly took the baby from the doctor.

"Look at them, Levi. They're perfect," Hange whispered, almost tearing up as she gazed at their two beautiful sons. "They're both so beautiful."

Levi smiled, weighing the small baby on his arms, then looked over to the baby Hange was cradling against her chest. "You got a point with that brown hair." He noted as his wife trailed her fingers against the soft tuft of chocolate brown hair on the baby's head.

"Didn't reproduce asexually, after all," Hange chuckled as she pressed a kiss against Levi's cheek. "Baby number one with black hair will be Ciel, and this little munchkin here with my hair will be Theo. You better get used to it, Levi. I'm glad they're not as identical as I thought they'll be, we've got their haircolor to tell them apart." She hummed. "But two boys? We'll never have a moment's peace!"

"I believe so, too." He muttered.

The woman suddenly yawned. "I'm so exhausted…"

Levi got up and handed Ciel over to the nurse. He returned to his wife and took Theo from her, making her groan. She didn't want to let go. "Hange, you have to rest. You'll have plenty of time to hold them later. Besides, they will still need to clean Theo and patch you up." He sighed. "Please stop being so stubborn, for once."

Hange finally let go of Theo and handed him to her husband. When she saw turn his back, she whispered. "You'll be a good father to our children, Levi."

It took Levi a while before her words registered into him, and when he looked over his shoulder, Hange was already asleep, a smile curled on her lips.

A/N: I'm sorry for those who wanted fraternal twins… I really did want a boy and girl, but I originally wanted twin boys because it appeals to me better. Anyway, I sucked a birth scenes so I know this was a bit shit, but I still hope you liked it, though.