A:N/ Hey guys! An update for you lovely readers and supporters. I ended in yet another cliffhanger, and of course, I didn't want to award such dedicated readers with that. So, here's my ASAP update that I hope will satiate your appetite for more.

I own Elyse. I own nothing else.

"I asked you a question, cadet. I expected an answer, not a stutter."

Levi watched as Erwin spoke to the trembling cadet in front of them. He narrowed his gaze as he watched Erwin lean forward, his domineering form looming over the green-looking cadet.

"Yes, sir." The cadet replied, and Levi had to commend him for getting back on his feet.

Levi turned to face Erwin, expecting the man to be pleased, yet he was surprised to see the Commander being even more annoyed.

"Give me a hundred, cadet." Erwin commanded, and he left the sweating cadet behind. Levi watched, silently, and once the cadet obeyed his instructions, Levi followed Erwin outside.

Erwin entered his tent, and Levi followed after nodding at the men who guarded it. Levi was even more surprised at the sight of Erwin, already, leaning over a huge table with a map on it, concentrated.

"Tell Hange that I expect a full report about how many injured we have in ten minutes." Erwin said, not even looking up to acknowledge Levi.

Levi raised an eyebrow at that order, "They gave you a full report about a hour ago. I don't think anything has changed, unless doctors now have magical healing powers."

Erwin didn't look amused. "I don't care, Levi. I want a full report."

Levi sighed, inwardly, at that, and he studied Erwin, carefully.

It had been only three months since they all had gathered here to complete the mission that they had been assigned to from their superiors. It was also a touchy one, since it had involved his uncle's death. So, when Erwin arrived, everyone had breathed a sigh of relief.

The dream was short-lived as soon as Erwin began to show signs of…un-Erwin-like shit.

It was as if the man went on maximum overdrive one day. He went from being level-headed and respected to over-worked and cold the next couple of months. Levi tried to wrap his head around it when he overheard cadets complain, but he didn't think anything of it until Hange and Petra had cornered him about it.

They told him to do something about it. The cadets were being pushed over, and it didn't make sense for Erwin to overwork people.

Levi did confront him one day, and Erwin had simply told him that this mission was vital and Levi understood that.

Yet, the look in Erwin's eyes made Levi a bit curious.

He was mad, not mad as in angry, but mad as in too focused.

Levi had left it at that, but it just made Erwin even worse. He didn't talk to any of them anymore. The only time he talked to them was to talk about plans and orders which confused them.

He was a one-man show. Levi had brought it up to the superiors, but, of course, the old fuckers were praising Erwin's work ethics, and that he was the reason that the mission was getting any work done.

It made Levi sick.

Sometimes, Levi thought that the reason may be homesickness, but it didn't make any sense since the last time Erwin received any mail was when it had to do with the business back in the countries.

If he thought about it, Elyse hadn't written to him since he had sent her a letter a few months ago, talking about how he had made it safely and that everyone sent their regards to her and the kids.

But, could that be it?

The relationship between Erwin and Elyse had always been…complicated. Especially when Braun Lexington had been involved. Yet, Levi could see that they prioritized their kids above it all. Maybe that was it? Erwin was a good father when it came down to it, so maybe he missed them?

That was no excuse though for him to overwork the young cadets. Erwin wouldn't be that cruel.

Shaking his head, watching Erwin shuffle a couple papers, Levi decided to take his leave right then and there.

It would be better if he could think about it alone for a while.

Levi returned to his tent in the evening and he thanked the guards as they opened the tent flaps for him.

He lit the lantern on his small desk next to his bed cot and he lift an eyebrow in surprise. There were some letters from the business he had inherited from his father just as expected, but he saw Elyse's familiar handwriting on one of the envelopes addressed to him.

Speak of the devil…He thought with a wry smile on his face.

He placed his heavy cape down on the back of his wooden chair, and he sat down with a sigh.

He moved aside the other letters, reminding himself to get to them later.

He picked up the letter opener and carefully opened the letter that was from his sister. He could smell his sister's perfume on it and he wrinkled his brow in annoyance. His sister would have her scent on every damn thing. It was enough for him to get a headache from it.

Shitty ass expensive perfume for no reason, Elyse.

His mood lightened up just a little bit as he recognized his sister's familiar penmanship.

Brother,

I know it's been months since I wrote to you, and I know you're going to say it's not a big deal, but it is to me. I miss you, and the kids miss you too. They're getting bigger and smarter. Eren, who's only been five for a couple of months, is assuming the position of the man of the house pretty easily. He gets himself into a lot of mischief and tries to drag Armin and Mikasa with him, which also ends in disaster, but he is a born leader and it warms my heart to see him try and take over what he thinks is his father's position in the household. Armin is so smart, and it's very impressive. He already is starting to read books like Les Miserables. Remember when Auntie tried to make us read that huge book? I had thrown it, but you read it to me and it became one of my favorites? I can't believe how long ago that was. Mikasa is proving to be very athletic for her age. I remember when the doctor had diagnosed her with asthma when she was three, but she's proving that she rarely needs her inhaler. She's dancing now. She told me that for her sixth birthday, which is next year by the way, that she wanted to compete in the national dance competition, and her dance teacher is actually agreeing to it.

As you can tell, I'm very proud of the children, and I believe that they have big things in store for them. I watch the news daily to see what's going on, but I remembered that you guys are a specialized unit. I know that whatever you guys are doing is for the greater good. I just hope that you guys are all in one piece doing it.

All my love,

Your sister, Elyse.

Levi smiled at the mention of his nephews and niece, but something was nagging him in the back of his mind. Elyse barely mentioned anything about herself, but that was expected. His sister never considered herself in the equation most of the time, much to his annoyance and frustration.

That wasn't the thing that bothered him though. He couldn't put his finger on it. After a moment, he sighed and shook his head. His sister was fine, and he was probably overthinking it.

Besides, he had to worry about the large piece of lump who happened to be his sister's husband.

That's when a thought appeared in his mind.

Erwin and Elyse. That complicated factor in the lives that they involved in their lives. Maybe that was it.

If he was just receiving his letter now, maybe Erwin was also waiting for a letter from Elyse, too.

There! Maybe that was it.

Erwin was in a bad mood because he hadn't heard from his wife and children, so if he got his letter now, maybe his mood will finally perk the fuck up and then life can begin to be a little bit more tolerable in this damn warzone.

Wasting no time, Levi got up and left his tent to check on Erwin.

Something was wrong.

Levi knew it the moment the guards in front of Erwin's tent stopped him.

"I'm sorry, Squad Leader Levi, we have specific orders from the Commander that no one was to bother him." One of the guards stated, apologetically.

Levi narrowed his eyes at them before he pushed them away. The guards, taken aback, stumbled behind and shouted at him, but he ignored him. He opened the tent flaps, and his eyes widened slightly at what he saw.

Erwin, who was sitting on his desk, with a glass in hand, had a guest over. One that was very sultry-looking and was on his bed, staring seductively at the blonde behemoth.

"You, get the fuck out." Levi ordered through gritted teeth.

The woman, who looked at Levi in surprise, got up and was about to obey until Erwin stopped her.

"Stay. Levi, let's go outside and talk." Erwin commanded at the woman, pushing her back to sit on the bed cot once more.

Erwin went up to Levi and grabbed his arm, which Levi shoved off, quickly, standing his ground.

"Let's stay here and chat, Commander. I would like to get to know your guest before I knock you the fuck out." Levi hissed, his gaze narrowing at Erwin.

The woman, who just looked confident moments earlier, seemed to be at a lost as she stared dumbly at the two powerful men.

"Don't be unreasonable, Levi." Erwin stated, in a warning tone. Levi wanted to pick up anything and ram it against the man's head.

"Unreasonable? You want to talk about being unreasonable, Erwin?" Levi asked, indecorously, pointing to the woman on the bed.

His arm was caught by Erwin, and Levi couldn't help but notice that something was missing.

Before Erwin could notice his surprise, Levi shook his arm away from his grasp and glared at the man before him.

"Change of plans, I don't feel like speaking to a stranger who likes to bed whores." With that said, Levi turned away and left Erwin's tent without another word.

The guards he had pushed away earlier looked at him with wary eyes and Levi returned their hesitant gaze with an angered expression of his own.

They saluted, but Levi didn't bother to salute back.

He was too busy thinking of the missing ring on Erwin's finger and the letter he will be definitely writing his sister.

Petra watched as Levi stormed off and the curiosity she had moments earlier when she saw the guards try to push him away was replaced with an eerie feeling of discomfort.

She knew that Erwin had been acting a bit different, but for Levi to walk away from his best friend's tent like that, it didn't settle well with her.

It had been months since they all had been back home, and she understood it when tensions ran high as they were in a warzone. Yet, she knew they shouldn't be risking their friendships with so much at stake.

That's what she had used to excuse Erwin's weird behavior, but maybe, this time, no excuses were working.

Petra turned around to face Hange, who had been busy writing down their report on the injured.

"I just saw Levi walk away from Erwin's tent, angrily. Should we be worried?" Petra asked, her mind trying to figure out solutions.

Hange didn't even bother to look up.

"Maybe it was just another argument. You know how does two get when it comes to dealing with strategies that they don't agree with." Hange said, absently.

"I guess…Levi seemed more than angry at that though…" Petra said in thought.

"Let men be men—Oh! I got a letter from Elyse! Did you get one?" Hange announced in excitement after she sorted through their mail.

Petra smiled in response at the mention of Elyse, "Yeah, I read mine earlier. She seems to be doing okay. The kids are growing."

With that, Petra decided to push aside the worrisome thought and talked about the silver lining of it all.

Nifa washed the dishes in the kitchen, carefully. She sighed as she heard Eren from the other room yell some fighting phrase that he learned from one of his TV shows.

"Eren, not so loud. Your mother is resting." Nifa scolded, casting a look at the ashamed boy.

It was only for a moment, and Eren bounded back up, smiling his wide smile that had just enough charm to make Nifa smile back.

"Nifa, can you help me with this word?" Armin asked from the kitchen table as Eren whispered his fighting phrases as he stood on the kitchen table.

Nifa nodded, turning the sink off and wiping her hands on the rag that hung on the oven handle in front of her.

She walked towards the blonde boy and her attention went to where his tiny finger was pointing at.

"Revolution, Armin. That word says revolution. Say it with me." Nifa encouraged, pointing each syllable as she said it.

"Revolution." Armin repeated, confidently. Nifa smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. Nifa looked around and she noticed that Mikasa was missing.

She sighed at that. Mikasa was always quiet, enough to be able to sneak out to wherever she wanted to go. She knew that Mikasa would be a handful growing up. She was already showing signs of beauty, and Nifa couldn't help but see similarities between Elyse and Mikasa.

She knew they weren't necessarily mother and daughter, but they were related. Besides, Elyse had a beauty that was praised in Paris and she had a talent that was just as ethereal as her beauty, and what made her even more lovely was the fact that she didn't flaunt such things.

If anything, Elyse probably didn't realize it herself. Or, she was too shy to even acknowledge such things.

Mikasa has always been shy, but the prettiness and the talent was starting to show, much to Nifa's surprise. It was as if looking at Elyse's mini-me sometimes except that Mikasa had more of the Asian beauty compared to Elyse.

What caught Nifa's amusement even more was the fact that mother and daughter shared the same streak of stubbornness. They were shy in general, but if they truly wanted something, mother and daughter truly do fight tooth and nail for it.

Especially when Mikasa fought to be a dancer.

Elyse had been a bit hesitant when her daughter began to show sincere interest in competing because of Mikasa's frailty as a baby. Especially when the baby needed an inhaler for most of her premature life.

Mikasa had got angry then, begging and pleading until Elyse finally relented to one lesson.

That one lesson turned into two then into three. Now, Nifa could bet that Mikasa was outside on the patio, practicing a dance routine that Elyse had taught her.

Nifa smiled as she walked towards the French doors and saw that Mikasa was indeed practicing amongst the rose bushes that the kids had planted on her fourth birthday.

It was surreal how big they've gotten.

Nifa turned to watch Eren, who was pretending that he was fighting some giant monster of some sort as he leapt from the table and on to the ground, and Armin, who was still dutifully reading that ridiculous gigantic book that he saw his mother read one day.

"Nifa, can you pretend to be the Titan that I'm fighting?" Eren asked, referring to his favorite animated show that had teens fighting against these monstrous beings. It was one that Elyse watched with her children, every Thursday night.

"How about we make a fort outside? It's nice outside and we can use the weather for dramatic effects." Nifa suggested, pointing towards the backyard.

Eren shouted in glee at that, only to be scolded once again by Nifa. Once he ran outside, Nifa turned to Armin, who was still very much into his book.

"Armin," Nifa prodded, gently, "It's nice and brisk today, how about we get you a blanket so you can enjoy and relax outside?"

Armin looked up, and blinked, but he nodded, and Nifa was sure he wasn't really there.

Armin was really so much like Erwin when it came to knowledge.

She watched as the miniature version of her boss walk outside with a blanket wrapped around him, his head still bowed as he read.

At the thought of her boss, she thought of her fellow comrades overseas. She had offered to go and join as soon as heard about the specialized unit reforming, but Erwin was adamant that her and Dieter stayed.

He wanted his family to be safe, and Nifa couldn't find it in her heart to disagree. She basically helped raised these kids, and it would've been hard leaving Elyse to the vultures of media and high society all by herself.

She knew that Elyse would've insisted that she could go, but Nifa knew that woman was too stubborn to admit that she needed help.

Especially now that…

Nifa shook her head at that, scolding herself.

It was a sensitive subject, and she knew that the Commander and his wife had problems which everyone couldn't understand especially her.

But, she knew that, despite all those problems, everyone enjoyed it when Erwin and Elyse were cordial and happy.

It was as if hell broke loose when Erwin and Elyse were at odds. This time, Nifa didn't even know where it stood.

But, she knew where Elyse was at, and that scared her the most.

Shaking her head, Nifa pushed the dark thoughts away and joined the enjoyable kids who were blissfully unaware of what was happening around them.

Dieter smiled at the sound of laughter from afar. He could make out the shadows of the children and Nifa in the backyard, and he made sure that he signaled the rest of the security detail that everything was okay.

Once he got the okay from the security, Dieter relaxed a bit. He checked his phone for news on the army unit, and he fought the slight disappointment when he found out there was no news at all.

He knew that it would be a dead end to try and search for anything about the unit, but it didn't stop him. His comrades were there, and he had wanted to join in.

Yet, he owed Erwin his life, first and foremost, and if the man told him to stay, Dieter had no choice but to obey.

He remembered the day that Erwin had called Dieter and Nifa to his office before he officially left. It had been a tense day since the day he arrived was the day Braun Lexington had showed up unannounced.

Dieter had blamed himself for leaving Braun and Elyse so he could check up on the kids the moment he overheard Erwin coldly accuse Elyse for something that she had no control over.

Dieter had apologized to Erwin, and he also told him that it wasn't Elyse's fault that she had been alone with the man. Erwin had nodded, but Dieter knew that the man was still holding on to believing that his wife was to blame.

It made sense. Elyse had lied to Erwin once, but it was only once. But, knowing the man, Erwin had trouble trusting people especially with his background in the military.

You never knew who you could trust after they betray you by blowing up a squadron.

Erwin had to face that almost every day in his reality and his nightmares.

Dieter knew the man since they both started in the military at a young age. He watched as Erwin rose above the ranks, and Dieter respected the man more than anything. He lead with greatness and respect, and Dieter would follow the man to hell if he had to.

So, when Erwin had asked if he could be Elyse's personal bodyguard, Dieter had been flattered. He had been shocked and surprised at Erwin's choice of a wife, but he got it as soon as he got to know Elyse…and the fact that she had been suspiciously pregnant a little too soon after it.

No one really knew about Erwin's PTSD, so when Erwin trusted Dieter with it, Dieter was honored. He remembered the night that he had interfered when Erwin had fallen asleep holding Mikasa. He remembered Elyse, choking, as Erwin grasped her neck.

He had never seen it in person, but it had been extremely harrowing. Poor Elyse.

Dieter gained more respect for the girl when she showed her strength through it all, even forcing Erwin to go back to therapy.

He had been a supporter of the family as they grew bigger, and it worried him when Erwin and Elyse were…tense.

He looked up at the thought, and he noticed that he could see Elyse's figure through the windows as she looked down at them.

He lifted a hand and waved, and Elyse waved back.

But, he noticed a gesture that had him chuckling. It was ironic, really.

He had kept Erwin's secret of his PTSD, and now?

He had to keep Elyse's secret as he watched her place her hand on her stomach before disappearing behind the curtains and out of sight.

Isabelle sighed as she picked up the ever-ringing phone at her desk once more.

It's been hell since Erwin left for the Army in the Ackerman-Smith business. It was as if the businesses were starting to come back after the whole drama surrounding the Smith family died down.

Erwin left the business in the capable hands of his father, and Levi had trusted Isabelle enough to be the assistant that Petra once was to Erwin. So far, Erwin's father, Mr. Smith to her, was a kind, professional man, and Isabelle had no complaints.

He never once looked stressed, and Isabelle was shocked at how similar father and son were when it came to maintaining a peaceful façade when it came to work.

But, when Isabelle was called to the office moments after answering the phone, she noticed that Mr. Smith had an anxious look on his face, and it surprised her to see such emotion on the man's face.

"You called for me, sir?" Isabelle asked, gently. Mr. Smith motioned for her to come in, and Isabelle obeyed.

"Please sit, Isabelle. I would like to discuss something with you." Mr. Smith said, motioning for Isabelle to sit on one of the couches in the middle of the office.

Isabelle nodded and obeyed. Mr. Smith stood up, and walked towards the front of the desk and he sat on one of the corners. He had a hand on his temple, massaging his head before he faced Isabelle.

"Isabelle, how long have you known my son?" Mr. Smith asked after a moment. Isabelle paused at that, but she thought about it.

"He hired me as soon as he got this job. Petra was already here, but she had wanted another assistant with all the work that was starting to pile up."

Mr. Smith nodded, thinking about her answer.

"And how was he? Was he any different than he is now?" Mr. Smith asked, paying close attention to Isabelle.

Isabelle fidgeted a bit, unsure of these question but she knew that she had no right to question authority.

"Well, he was more of a loner back then. He only talked to us about business, or he would talk about his agenda for the day. Nothing personal. Women fawned over him, but he paid no attention to them. He was very organized and on time. Perfect businessman." Isabelle answered.

Mr, Smith nodded at that.

"How was he after he married Elyse?" Mr. Smith asked, and Isabelle noticed the gentle look on his face at the mention of his daughter-in-law.

Isabelle couldn't help but smile too.

"He was more cordial. It wasn't as if he was cold before, it's just he was more to himself before. He actually had conversations that didn't have work in it. He would ask Petra and I to shop for his wife, and he trusted us to always make sure her needs were met. When the children came into the picture, Erwin would never stop talking about them. He would show us pictures, and he would ask us to frame them and decorate his office with them. He actually talked to the women in the office, but it wasn't to entertain them. It was even more entertaining to see these women's faces fall when Erwin asked them what would be a good gift to give his wife for her 21st birthday." Isabelle giggled at that memory.

It was as if the women were hoping that he was going to tell them that he was divorcing his beautiful wife, and when Erwin had asked them that question, especially the fact that Elyse was only turning 21, which reminded the women that she was younger than most of them, it had Petra making popcorn and manipulating confused Erwin to ask more women the same question for the day.

Mr. Smith smiled at that, the expression on his face seeming more relaxed. He actually picked up one of the many framed photographs of his grandchildren on his desk to caress their smiles.

"What do you think of Elyse, Isabelle? When you first heard about my son's impromptu marriage to such a young girl must've made you…think differently about her at first." Mr. Smith asked after a moment, placing the framed photograph down on the desk.

Isabelle actually did remember the day she had found out that Erwin had married. Petra, wide-eyed, had hung up the phone and told Isabelle to have something shipped to Erwin tomorrow in New York City.

Isabelle had asked why, not even thinking that much about it.

Petra's exact quote had been: "It's for Erwin's wife to wear at their press conference in Paris."

That day, Petra and Isabelle had spent it searching up, "Elyse Jaeger Ackerman", and Petra had reacted weirdly at Elyse's last name at the time. Isabelle had been too shocked to even confront Petra about it.

Pictures of a beautiful young woman flooded their computers, and Isabelle and Petra had gasped at how young she looked.

Dark-haired, hazel-eyed Julliard prodigy with a petite yet willowy figure was in every webpage they had opened. Isabelle had studied every aspect of the pictures, her thoughts consumed with how this was the woman that managed to snatch the famous European handsome bachelor up.

Isabelle and Petra had groaned at every damn picture of perfection that popped up. Perfect waves and perfect eyebrows with plump lips and smooth pale skin in a full face picture. Perfect ballerina posture. Perfect smile that accentuated deep dimples.

That's when a perfect sibling picture popped up and Petra and Isabelle screamed, already a little tipsy from playing a drinking game called, "Take A Shot After Every Perfect Picture".

Yep, it was an interesting day. Especially when a hungover Isabelle had picked up the phone to a curious Levi, who was wondering as to why Petra and her had called him about his, "fucking beautiful sister."

Meeting Elyse was also something that Isabelle had expected would be weird.

She had expected a princess, someone who would be a little bit spoiled and a little bit haughty. But, Isabelle was greeted with a flushed woman who seemed to be in awe of her. Isabelle had to fight the urge to scream in delight when Elyse had complimented her.

Getting to know Elyse had been a pleasure also. Isabelle really felt that Elyse, a woman who was beautiful inside and out, did deserve a man like Erwin.

Especially when the woman just proved how human she was compared to the saint that everyone was so determined to make her to be.

"I had," Isabelle admitted, bashfully, but that's when I got to know her. Elyse…what is there to say that hasn't been already said? She's a great wife and mother, and she did have a bit of drama surrounding her. But, who isn't perfect? I just…Elyse is a human. She's not some angel, and I know she doesn't like to be seen like it. Yet, I see it. I see the angel that we all see, it's just that it's not fair to do that to her, you know?"

Isabelle flushed after a moment, realizing that she had been rambling about God knows what.

Mr. Smith simply smiled at her.

"I know what you mean, Isabelle. My daughter-in-law surprised me when I first met her, and I had been furious at Erwin for marrying a woman who was ten years younger than him. Meeting her was an absolute delight, and getting to know her was a blessing in itself. She is, as you say, a great wife and mother, and I wouldn't have anyone else for my son." Mr. Smith said, agreeably.

He sighed after a moment.

"My son and my daughter-in-law are not talking, are they?" Mr. Smith casually asked.

Isabelle froze at that, and now she knew why she was being questioned.

Having been acquainted with both sides, Isabelle knew that Mr. Smith was checking up on his family the only way he could. From what Isabelle knew, Mr. Smith would go visit his daughter-in-law and grandkids once a week. But, that had changed when Elyse had stopped contacting her father-in-law, which devastated Mr. Smith for a week.

Isabelle had to convince Mr. Smith that Elyse needed time to be alone especially with what's going on with the press and their lives.

"…I can't deny or confirm that, Mr. Smith." Isabelle admitted, softly.

Isabelle had been helping out for the past couple months with the kids, but Isabelle barely saw Elyse. Whenever company was around, Dieter and Nifa would tell them that Elyse was resting and that she needs to be alone. It was either that or Elyse was away at the theatre, working on some new production.

At first, Isabelle had been surprised at that, and she had written Erwin about it.

Erwin never replied.

Mr. Smith smiled, sadly, at that.

"Let's hope that it's just a phase then." Mr. Smith finally stated, getting up from his spot on the desk to return back to his chair.

Isabelle hoped he was right.

"Make sure that this is priority. Do you understand?" Levi asked the mail carrier. The mail carrier nodded, and saluted. Levi saluted back and he watched the man turn around and walk back to his post and to where all the soldiers sent their mail.

Levi spent the whole night writing that damn letter, and he'll be damned if it didn't get to his sister.

He wanted answers. He needed answers.

He repeated the memory of Erwin's hand on his arm, and that annoying, infuriating ring less finger that Levi had zoned in on.

It was all starting to make sense, and Levi was sure that if Elyse just confirmed his suspicions then…

Then, what?

Levi's mind blanked and he didn't know what to do about it.

A heavy hand patted his shoulder, and Levi turned around, annoyed.

He got even more annoyed when he realized who it was.

"I'm sorry, you must be mistaking me for some fucker who's going to kiss your ass. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'd rather lick a dirty ass toilet than give you a time of day, Dok." Levi greeted, spitefully.

Niles smiled that irritating smile, and Levi had to fight to urge to not punch the bastard in his smug face.

"Well, seems like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today." Niles sighed, shaking his head.

"More like someone didn't want to run into your ugly ass face today." Levi retorted. He began to walk away until Niles stopped him.

"Look, Ackerman. I didn't come here to aggravate you. I came here to talk about something important." Niles said.

Levi scoffed at that. "Please, I'm sure that your information isn't something that I care about."

Niles raised an eyebrow at him, and Levi was ready to rip his face off, "Even if this information concerns your nephew, Eren?"

Levi paused at that, and he narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms.

"Oh? And why aren't you informing Erwin about this?" Levi asked, immediately suspicious.

Niles shook his head, a secretive smile on his face, "Erwin was…busy at the time I thought I would tell him."

Levi was ready to throw up all over this man's ugly shoes.

"Speak." Levi ordered, angrily.

Niles shook his head, still smiling, "Ask nicely, Squad Leader Levi. I am a Commander after all."

"You're not my Commander, ass wipe. So, you better tell me what you have on my nephew or I'll make sure you'll have a gun shoved so far up your asshole that you will beg for an ass wipe that can reach it." Levi hissed, warningly.

Niles paused at that, and Levi felt cold satisfaction at the slight frown on the man's face.

"The person who killed your uncle has been found, but they've been on the run and we can't really identify who it is. That's not all. The…confidential item that your uncle had on him has also been found and identified." Niles stated, professionally, giving Levi a picture.

Levi nodded, sharply, and he looked at the picture.

His eyes widened as he saw the item.

"…Wait, that's…"

Levi trailed off and his gaze snapped up to meet Niles' serious one.

"We need to tell Erwin. Now."

Elyse looked at her reflection in the mirror and sighed. She brushed her hair, making sure that her hair wasn't tangled for the event that she would have to attend in a matter of hours. The theatre doors were opening yet again with another production due to the ever-growing school that just opened this spring.

Students had been registering, and she had been accepting who she thought was promising and who had actually wanted to learn. It was liberating, really. Elyse felt control over something for once, and she couldn't help but feel excited about it.

Elyse took a deep breath as another bout of nausea hit her once again. She placed a hand on her stomach, feeling the slight bump that was there.

She was nearly ending her first trimester, and she hasn't told anyone but Nifa and Dieter, only because she needed them to protect her and the kids from the press and so they wouldn't be dumbfounded when she would vomit or ask for ice cream in the middle of the night.

When the doctor had confirmed her pregnancy, Elyse didn't know what to do. She had been served divorce papers from the father of the unborn child weeks earlier. It had been all too much. She made the doctor promise that he would not say a word to anybody about it due to doctor-patient privilege, and Dieter made sure that the man wouldn't say a word, much to Elyse's gratefulness.

After that day, Elyse thought it would be better if she continued to go with her daily routine and play with the children, and that had worked for a bit…until Elyse had fallen while dancing.

Freida had fretted over her as soon as Elyse saw a bit of bleeding. Dieter had taken her to the hospital, and Elyse had been informed that she was lucky that her child survived.

Since then, Elyse had to take a break and she used the excuse that the doctor said her ankles needed to rest which, thankfully, everyone believed. Freida had been to relieved to notice the slight tremor in Elyse's voice as she bit her lip.

Months of thinking of what to do made Elyse realize that she still hadn't written letters to anyone overseas, so she wrote letters to everyone she knew that was in the specialized unit. Except for one.

She didn't know what to write in that one.

Hey, I know you want a divorce, but I found out that I was pregnant three months ago, and I thought you should know about it even though you still harbor this anger towards me.

It made Elyse cringe at the thought of Erwin reading a letter like that. Elyse could hear Maus meowing on the other side of her bedroom door and she knew that meant the kids were in the house and coming up the stairs.

Elyse opened the door, and Maus bounded in. He was followed by a giggling Mikasa, who looked at her mother after a moment of cuddling with Maus on the bed.

"Wow, Mama! You look beautiful." Mikasa stated in awe. Elyse smiled at her daughter in gratitude.

"Thanks, ma petite. Did you guys give Nifa a hard time?" Elyse asked, worried.

Mikasa smiled and shook her head, "I didn't, but Eren did."

Elyse sighed at that, looking at her reflection in the mirror so she could do the final touches on her makeup.

She picked up a necklace from her vanity, and she sighed as she tried to clasp it behind her neck. She hated not being able to do this by herself. She had been used to Erwin doing it for her that Elyse had stopped wearing necklaces for a while.

"Mama, do you need help with that?" A voice asked from behind, and Elyse smiled at Armin's reflection in the mirror.

"Yes, baby, can you please clasp the ends together?" Elyse asked, softly. Armin nodded, putting the book he borrowed from her down on the vanity before picking up the necklace.

Elyse smiled as she watched her son focus his small hands on the task before him. With a satisfied sound, Armin smiled at his mother's reflection in the mirror.

"Good job, darling. Thank you." Elyse said, in gratitude.

"Where are you going?" Another voice asked, inquisitively. Elyse had to fight back a laugh as she saw Eren's attempt to be protective.

"I'm going to the theatre tonight to do some work. Can you be the responsible one in charge for tonight?" Elyse asked, turning to hug Eren as he walked towards her.

Eren laughed as she blew raspberry kisses on his cheek.

Elyse laughed in return as Armin and Mikasa joined in.

She hoped that they would stay this innoncent as long as possible.

Elyse picked a gorgeous baby doll, floor-length light blue dress for the evening, just in case there was no sight of a bump. She thanked Dieter as he helped her out of the car and into the blinding lights as the press clamored around them.

"Elyse! Look over here!"

"Smile here!"

"YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND ARE TRAITORS."

That was a yell that made Elyse turn around.

In a moment, it had been too late.

A shot was heard.

And darkness soon followed.

A:N/ DUN DUN Dun! Thank you guys so much for reading! Again, I appreciate the support and the love. I also hoped you liked the fact that this chapter was in different perspectives other than Elyse's! Hope you guys enjoyed! Comments are always welcomed.