Chapter 21: Choice

Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin

Previously: Petra and Levi have a bath together. Erwin tells Levi to use his influence in getting Petra's help. Wall Maria is breached and Petra wonders about her dad.

There was no news about her father. Had he perished? Or was it just too difficult to find one man in such a disorganized and chaotic situation? Why didn't her father try to reach out to her?

Then she realized how foolish that was. There were probably countless people claiming importance in order to escape deeper into the Walls. Without solid proof, her father was stuck among the refugees and would need her help to get out. That is if he wasn't already dead.

Petra played with the handle of her teacup, looking around the ornamental garden. Butterflies flew around delicately. Rows of lovely, small green hedges made intricate patterns. Colorful flowers surrounded her, filling the air with a sweet and pleasant scent. The garden was alive and blooming and beautiful. There was peace and warm sunshine with a pleasant breeze in the air.

How was it that humanity was going through such calamity but things here looked so calm and easy?

No wonder it was so easy for other districts, especially the ones in Sina, to ignore the plight of the refugees. Out of sight, out of mind.

As she had expected, the fall of Wall Maria had shown the ugly nature of humanity against their own species. The divide between classes based on geographical location was clearer than ever.

Petra sighed, thoughts turning to Levi. She hadn't seen him in almost two months. They were corresponding through letters. It paid to be rich and nobility to boot. She could send her own rider to deliver her messages directly to her husband. Thanks to her station, the messenger could enter and exit through the Walls easily. She and Levi didn't have to worry about exchanging mail through regular means, which had grown exceedingly difficult. Most people weren't willing to head toward places next in the line of fire in case the Armored and Colossal Titans decided to show back up. No one was willing to risk being trapped. They wanted to get as far north as possible.

It was ironic, really. Utopia was the northernmost district in Wall Rose and she was the vassal, willing to accept refugees. Yet the district was too far out of reach for them to get there with limited or nonexistent funds. And they couldn't get deeper into human territory either for the people in Sina feared the impact a sudden influx of refugees would have on them. Feared what it would do to their resources and economy and crime rates.

Considering how bad the situation already was, the Royal Government's actions were not the least bit surprising. They had dragged their feet about the decision regarding the survivors who had been left behind in Wall Maria. By the time everyone was in agreement and everything prepared, it was already too late. Over a month had passed at that point. Majority of the people who had survived the initial invasion were likely long dead. The Royal Government had then decided a minuscule amount may yet still be alive but it wasn't enough to risk sending in troops so the rescue operation was suspended indefinitely.

Levi had probably been itching to go out. She knew he hated unnecessary loss of innocent life. But there wasn't much the Corps could do even now after nearly six weeks since the breach. Based on her and Levi's exchange, the expedition they'd finished the day of the invasion was an even bigger failure than the previous one. Fewer than twenty soldiers had survived.

The Corps was still rebuilding and recovering. Likely they wouldn't be ready for a few more months before trying to head out into Titan territory.

Petra's thoughts turned to her own people. Fortunately, the crop yield had been good for their district the past few years and they had harvested plenty to help weather the storm now. The economic ramifications of Wall Maria's would be felt but Utopia would be able to get through.

Petra was gladder than she had ever been for making Utopia the base of her operations for their business too, not just her residence. Many businesses in Sina used Wall Maria's resources since labor and products were cheaper produced over there. Now they were going to face devastating losses. Meanwhile she would be able to survive as the majority of her supplies came from within the Utopia district. And there Uncle Doros used to whine I was wasting money by not using supplies from Wall Maria since it was more cost-efficient, she thought smugly. Seemed she would be getting the last laugh now.

"My lady," Daisy said, walking up to her, "your carriage is ready."

"Levi, your wife is here."

Levi looked up from cleaning his gear. "Petra's here?"

"Commander Erwin invited her into his office."

"Thanks." Levi nodded to Luke, leaving his gear behind, still dismantled. Normally he'd never leave his gear in pieces, but it had been a while since he saw Petra. Casual friendly visits weren't the norm. Not even if you were nobility. That meant Petra presumedly came on business. Probably it was going to be a short visit and Levi didn't want to waste any time, especially since he had a training drill to run soon.

Levi quickened his pace. His heart ached to catch even a glimpse of her. Erwin, fortunately, had the tact to be absent.

Remembering how she smelled and felt was one thing. It was so much different than physically having her in his arms. Levi felt an inexplicable need to wrap himself around and not let go. Since when had he grown so attached to her? The thought of him being clingy gave his skin a phantom itch.

At last, Levi loosened his arms. Only she pulled him into a kiss he was happy to give in to. He didn't know how much he needed it until then. She tasted better than he remembered. If they weren't in Erwin's office he might have been tempted to start peeling her clothes off right then and there.

Levi sighed when she pulled back. "What're you doing here, Petra?" Her cheeks were so soft as he caressed them.

"I came to discuss some business with Erwin. Or I should say Commander Erwin."

"Nice excuse." Levi led her to sit at one of the couch.

"Actually, it's just a pitstop," she told him. "I'm on my way to a refugee camp." She had been personally traveling with some supplies to ensure they reached their destination. In these times, she wasn't sure she could trust the shipment not to be rerouted or incur some heavy "tax" at checkpoints, where the soldiers may try to claim some of the supplies for themselves. And it gave her an excuse to stop and see Levi, even if only for a few minutes.

"Be careful."

"I'll be fine. Believe it not, things are mostly back to normal. People are still nervous and there are food shortages, but everyone's happy not thinking about what happened outside of how it inconveniences them. It's been six weeks since Wall Maria's fall. People have started to relax and think it's safe now, that Wall Maria's breach may have been a freak occurrence."

"Until the Titans come knocking down Wall Rose next," Levi said darkly. It amazed him how irrational people could be. When confronted with a terrifying prospect they'd rather deny it than prepare to properly deal with it.

"Better than riots in the streets," she said with a shrug. "I should get going now. I want to be home before nightfall."

"You're not going dressed like that," Levi objected, eyeing her elegant off-white and pink dress with some sparkling jewelry.

"Levi, I'll be fine—"

"These people are desperate, Petra. Some of them have kids to feed. I don't want you to become a target. Go find Hange and ask her to let you borrow something."

"But she's so much taller than me."

"Ask her anyway. She might be able to help you. You absolutely will not go dressed like this."

His tone had a finality to it and she knew he wouldn't budge. "Alright, fine," she relented.

"Go to the end of the hallway on the right, it'll be the last room at the end. Hange or one of her minions should be holed up in there. I have to go finish maintenance on my gear."

"Don't die on me," Petra said, giving him a kiss. Who knew how long it would be before she saw him again? What if he perished in some mission before then? "But," she said thoughtfully, "I do kind of like the idea of being a young, tragic widow."

Levi snorted. That was so like his wife.

"But seriously, take care of yourself."

The provisions she'd brought weren't nearly enough compared to what the refugees needed. The future was uncertain and first and foremost she had to take care of her own people so she hadn't been able to spare much.

Dressed in clothes belonging to Hange's subordinate Nifa, she stood on the side of the courtyard, observing. Levi had been right to tell her to change. Her elegant clothes and jewels were effective in getting the soldiers at checkpoints not to give them trouble, but here it would have earned her unwarranted attention.

Men and women and a lot of children wandered with hungry and anxious faces. And this place was supposed to be the best refugee shelter. Petra had heard most people were sent to live in a field full of patchwork tents that provided limited protection from the elements, and many of them there were outright starving. At least the ones here could sleep indoors and had some rations. They had the protection of brick and stone with four walls and a roof. And they had soldiers on patrol, offering some peace of mind.

It made her acutely aware it was sheer dumb luck she had been born far north and to a noble family at that. She could have easily been one of these faces in the crowd. Or even a regurgitated mess of a corpse out in Wall Maria.

Focus on what you came here to do, she told herself to get back on track.

For hours she and the servants she'd brought with her searched around but couldn't find any clues about her father. It was becoming more and more apparent he had died during the invasion. Feeling tired, she sat down in the shade of the outdoor corridor of one of the buildings that housed the refugees. Still, despite no success, she felt compelled to be thorough because that was what a daughter was supposed to do, right? Admittedly, she was only out here because of a sense of duty she thought she ought to have, instead of a genuine desire to be here. It's time to go home, Petra decided. I've done enough.

She would send some servants again within a week to keep checking. If after that they were still unable to find a trace of him, then she would accept it was a lost cause and her father was dead.

Petra stood when it was time to reunite with her servants. She needed to return home before dark. No doubt her decision to help the people here would be an unpopular one with the Utopia district mayor. She didn't want him stewing too long once he caught wind of what she had done. Not that he could do much to her but he was annoying to listen to.

Something caught her eye in the middle of the courtyard, halting her in her tracks.

"We're ready to set out." Daisy was careful not to address her as "my lady."

"Thank you, Daisy. Let's go."

On the journey back, her mind kept going what she had seen. She would send Levi a letter and check with him first before she made a move.

"I didn't think I'd get to see you so soon."

Levi collapsed on the couch in her study. "I'm exhausted," he said tiredly. It was more mental than physical. Adrenaline and focus had kept him sharp the past few weeks. Now that he was home and no longer needed to keep his guard up, the exhaustion came crashing down.

Petra went to join him and sat by his side. "How long can you stay?"

"I've gotta head back tomorrow."

"That's too bad. But it's something, I guess." She rubbed his arm comfortingly. He seemed to need it.

"Things have calmed down enough that we started getting a day off here and there." After being in a state of high alert for almost two months the soldiers were starting to burnout.

"Do you want to get something to eat?"

"Maybe after I take a nap." Levi had a hard enough time falling asleep at night. Napping during the day was practically unheard of for him.

"Go on and lie down, then," Petra said, pushing his shoulders back. He kicked off his shoes first before lifting his legs. "There's something I want to talk to you about afterward." Her unfinished letter to him sat on her desk.

"Don't watch me while I sleep. It's weird." Although he did like watching her while she slept. But that's different, he thought. It was at night. And his intentions were pure. It was just soothing, seeing her sleep peacefully, and he could let his mind calm down.

"But you look so cute when you sleep," she said, poking his cheek.

"Stop that."

She gave him a quick kiss and returned to her desk. Barley twenty minutes passed before he started to stir. "That's it? You can sleep longer."

"No, it's enough." Levi felt a lot more alert. Twenty minutes was plenty for him to calm his mind and relax. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"Let's get you some food first." Petra went to pull the thick golden cord hanging in the corner by the back bookshelf to call one of the servants, asking for some light snacks and Levi's favorite tea.

"You've probably heard the mission to rescue the people stuck in Wall Maria has been suspended indefinitely," Levi said, sipping his tea.

From the mocking way he said the words, Petra knew how he felt about the official statement from the Royal Government about the expedition.

"At this point, sending soldiers out there will only result in more loss of life. Majority of the people who survived are probably dead at this point. A lot of the soldiers from the Corps who had been injured during the last expedition are only just now getting back on their feet—the ones who didn't lose a limb or two."

"The Garrison soldiers were supposed to supplement and bolster the Corps' ranks, weren't they?"

"The Garrison soldiers are fucking incompetent. Big shocker that. Most of them spent their military careers cleaning up the Wall, maintaining cannons, or patrolling the streets. And that's only if they actually did their jobs instead of getting piss drunk and slacking off. They had to get into fighting shape again and refresh the maneuvers for slaying Titans."

"I bet you were a strict teacher."

"I could coddle them or teach them how to survive."

Petra fell quiet, playing with the rim of her teacup before bringing up what she had wanted to discuss with him. "You remember a few days ago when I went to Trost? I'm pretty sure I saw those two kids there, from our wedding. Dr. Yeager's son and Mikasa Ackerman."

Realization dawned on his face and Levi kicked himself for forgetting. What kind of a cold-hearted bastard was he? How could he forget the little girl? She was quite possibly his last living relative. "Shit, that's right. She was living in Shinganshina, wasn't she?"

"They were there with another boy and I think their grandfather."

Levi recalled the shy girl from his wedding. Petra had once offered to help bring her closer to the interior. Initially, Levi had considered it. But Mikasa seemed happy and taken care of with the doctor's family. No point in forcing her to choose between a stranger who happened to be blood and the people whom she knew and cared for. He'd all but forgotten about her since then, content not to complicate both their lives and let her live happily with her chosen family.

"I don't know what you want to do about that. I thought I should let you know I saw her there." Petra knew he had lost family—both blood and those whom he chose as his family. She knew it would eat away at him if he found out Mikasa lost her family again but he hadn't helped her, leaving her to grow up alone while he was still around.

"I forgot about her," Levi admitted, feeling guilt squirm in his stomach. "She seemed to have a decent life with a good family and I saw no reason to butt in." Especially when he wasn't exactly comfortable becoming any sort of parental figure. Now it's a different situation. The girl had no one. Levi couldn't very well leave her to survive on her own when he could do something about it.

"I didn't tell you this the first time," Petra began somewhat guiltily, "but I did a little digging into her parents' background. Or her father's family, to be specific. Not that I had any reason not to believe her because Dr. Yeager was a trusted and respected man. But still, it was better safe than sorry."

"So you confirmed she was an Ackerman."

"Her father's family used to live in Wall Sina before they fell into hard times and moved out to Shinganshina. Eventually, he married Mikasa's mother and he and his wife moved into the mountains at the edge of the town and had her."

"Considering the Ackerman family used to be persecuted, it stands to reason they would move out there. To live at the edge of humanity's territory."

"Here's the horrifying part," she said seriously. "Some sex traffickers came to kidnap Mikasa's mother, who was the last of the Asian clan, to sell her off. But they ended up killing her and her husband, and I think Mikasa witnessed it all."

It appeared to Levi that the Ackermans were a cursed family. Even Mikasa and her father hadn't been able to escape misfortune by living so far from civilization.

"I didn't want to pry into her business. I felt bad enough about digging into her dad but I thought it was important for you to know." Petra paused and said, "So, I just wanted to let you know about that and see what you want to do. She's got no family on her mother's side who can look after her. That leaves only you."

It was an easy choice.

Levi knew all too well what poverty and survival without family was like. How could he leave her to grow up like that? When pulling her out of that sad existence was so easy for him. Kenny, a hard and ruthless serial killer, had done it for him. Kenny may not have been the nicest guy around—and he definitely didn't have the resources Levi had available—but he had still pulled Levi out of that suffocating room and given him a shot at life. But there was still a not-so-minor issue to consider.

"Won't your family be upset, Petra? We don't have any kids so she'll be the only one."

"No, we'll be taking her in because she's your blood. Actually, it's not unusual for noble families to take in wards. Usually it's the betrothed of their children but sometimes, they do take in other children to raise. Mikasa has no blood connection to me so even if we adopt her as our kid instead of making her our ward, she won't inherit anything that belongs to me. At most I could leave her a small fortune if I wanted. So my family will be fine with it. She can't inherit anything since she's not biologically related to me."

"We'll be her guardians, huh? Until she's fifteen. Or is it twelve now?" Levi wondered how the laws stood on that. "Although that might only apply for the military?"

"I can't believe they lowered the age for enlistment," Petra said. It seemed far too young to her. She had taken over her family at sixteen and despite being raised for it, it was still a challenge. And she'd been grateful to have most of her aunts and uncles helping her every step of the way until she could do it all herself.

Levi shrugged. "I'm not surprised considering there are so many orphans with too much time on their hands and no real direction or goals in life." Often children had taken priority during extraction and parents had also given up their spots to ensure their kids could make it, thus leaving a lot of young people without adults to look after them and guide them. "Allowing them to join the military more quickly will give them a faster way out of poverty, give them direction and hope, and keep gangs from forming." It was what happened in the Underground. Orphans banded together as a means of survival and created gangs. That was what Farlan had done.

"I suppose that makes sense. And the military will want more soldiers, too. Wall Maria was our biggest territory and we lost a large force when it fell to the Titans. A lot of soldiers died."

Levi nodded. "There's that, too."

"Alright." Petra stood. "I'll send a letter and have a messenger deliver it to Mikasa. I'd prefer one of us go in person but that's not likely to happen anytime soon."

He wanted to ask if she could maybe make the time but chided himself. Mikasa was his family, it was his duty to look after her. The military kept him busy but his wife had more responsibilities than he did. He couldn't ask her to dump her responsibilities to take care of his. "Thanks. I should be the one going. Her welfare is on me."

"I'd go myself but I'm already getting some heat for 'wasting' the food and supplies I gave away."

"Then you should definitely leave this to me. You don't need to catch any grief on my behalf." No one would have any issues with him taking Mikasa in as her last remaining family member.

Levi grabbed a fresh sheet of paper and a pen. It took some hard staring and a couple of drafts before he stopped overthinking and wrote his offer plainly.

Suddenly, he remembered something he should have earlier when she mentioned Trost. "Did you find your father? I'm guessing no. You didn't bring it up."

"No. No clues. Nothing. We had a drawing of him and asked around if they'd heard of Henry Ral but no one recognized his face or his name. I'll send a couple more people to ask around one last time—and have them deliver your letter at the same time to ensure Mikasa gets it—but if they're not able to find anything about Father then, well." She shrugged.

"I'm sorry, Petra."

"Don't be," she said, looking off to the side.

"Excuse me, are you Mikasa Ackerman?"

"Yes?" Mikasa asked inquisitively.

"May we speak in private?"

"Who're you?" Eren asked the tall blond-haired man.

"My name is Noah. I came here to deliver this envelope. It's from your...well, I—I'm not entirely sure, actually."

"How did you know she was Mikasa?" Armin questioned him.

"This drawing." Noah displayed a piece of paper with a fairly close sketch of Mikasa in a pink and white dress. "My...employer drew it. She saw you at her wedding earlier this year in the Utopia district. This letter is from her husband."

Mikasa's eyes widened. Is the letter from Levi, then?

"Wait!" Eren gasped, realizing whom the man was referring to. "So you're—"

"We can go in here," Armin provided, gesturing to the building they were in front of. Clearly the man didn't want anyone overhearing them talking about the noble family he served. Otherwise he wouldn't have taken care to avoid saying their names. "No one's here in the daytime. People mostly come here to sleep."

Inside the building were lines of blankets. It appeared to have been some sort of warehouse before being converted into a shelter for refugees.

Noah gave the envelope to Mikasa. "I was instructed to pass along this letter to you."

Eren and Armin crowded around her when she opened the envelope and unfolded the thick piece of paper inside.

Mikasa,

There will be a carriage sent for you in three days' time. My wife Petra and I have already talked it over and I want you to know you're welcome in our home. If you want to come live in the Utopia district, we'll take you in as our ward.

Levi Ackerman

"How do we know it's really from Levi?" Eren wasn't about to let some stranger try to take Mikasa away. His stomach twisted in dread and anger, wondering if it was some shady ploy to kidnap her and sell her off. It happened once before and it could happen again.

"I wore a pink and white dress to their wedding. It's not exactly the same as the drawing, but close," Mikasa said, shrugging.

"And the paper's high quality," Armin noted, feeling the letter's thickness. "But still, we need solid proof."

The man nodded. "I will return in three days. I can ask my employers if there's something I can bring as proof."

"What if it's really him?" Armin asked after Noah left. "Mikasa, you can go live in a huge house and not have to worry about anything again!"

Mikasa paused for a second, and said, "No."

"What?" Eren said, surprised at her. "What do you mean no?"

"I thought you didn't want me to go with him," she replied, confusion lacing her tone.

"I just wanna make sure he is who he claims to be. If he's really going to take you to live with Levi then of course you should go."

"But I don't want to go unless you, Armin, Grandpa, and Armin's parents can come, too. Either we all go or no one does."

"No way," Eren refused immediately. "They're already being nice enough by offering to take you in, we don't want to push it." If she had the opportunity to have an easy, comfortable life with her rich family in the interior, then he would not allow her to jeopardize it for their sake.

"Eren's right, Mikasa," Armin said. "They've got no obligation to do that. You're his family so it's natural for Levi to want to help you. But getting me, Eren, my parents, and my grandpa citizenship is asking too much. Especially in these times."

"But I don't want to leave you behind and live happily myself," she said, not wanting to be separated from them.

"Mikasa, stop pretending you're being a hero," Eren said in exasperation. "You're just being selfish. There are so many people here who can only dream of being in your place, having a rich relative take you in and give you everything. You can't throw it away so easily."

"If you were in our shoes, wouldn't you want us to go?" Armin probed gently.

"I guess..." Mikasa said, clutching the letter. If the roles were reserved, she would have still preferred they all go together. Ultimately, though, it would hurt but she'd let them go because it was the better and safer option for them.

"It'll be fine," Eren assured her. "It's not like you can't visit or write."

"Eren's right," Armin said, smiling. "We'll still be here. And you know my parents are working on some secret project. They won't be able to leave and I don't want to leave them."

Eren nodded and added, "I don't want to leave Armin by himself, either."

Mikasa knew he didn't mean to imply that he was willing to leave her by herself. It still stung.

"You'll be with your family," Eren said encouragingly.

"You and Armin are my family, too," she said quietly.

"And we always will be," Armin responded kindly. "But you shouldn't let this chance go to waste because of that. Our lives aren't going to get any better if you choose to stay. We'll just miss you when you're gone. Overall our situation will be the same but we'll be happier knowing you'll be looked after."

Mikasa's eyes were downcast, indecision clear on her face. "I wish he hadn't sent this letter." Their situation was tough but at least they were all together.

"Hey, now," Eren jumped in, "he's only trying to be nice and look after family—that's what family does. Don't take it out on him for caring about your well-being."

Her eyes were wet from unshed tears. "I still don't want to leave you guys," Mikasa said, voice shaking. The thought of being away from them and sent to live in a foreign place with strangers was unnerving. And the last thing she'd told Eren's mom was she'd look after him.

"It'll be okay," Eren said gently, taking her hands into his. "I'm sure it might be scary at first, but they'll love you and give you whatever need or want. Food, clothes, toys, everything." He squeezed her hands comfortingly. All he wanted was for her to be safe and happy.

"Take some time to think about it," Armin said, patting her shoulder. "He won't be back for three days. There's no rush."

Whispers picked up when people saw Levi. It was probably unusual for them to see a Survey Corps soldier, he thought. Evening was approaching and he assumed the kids were back near the refugee shelter instead of running around exploring or doing whatever kids aboveground did.

"Hey." Levi stopped a man. "I'm looking for three kids. Two boys and a girl. Girl's got black hair and maybe a red scarf. Might have an old man with them."

"I think that family sleeps over in that building," he said, pointing to it.

"Thanks." Levi found them in the building along with a few other families, none within earshot. The kids were playing cards with an elderly gentleman.

"Excuse me, but who're you, sir?" Armin's grandfather asked politely, looking over Eren and Mikasa's heads.

From their faces when they turned their heads, the two recognized him instantly.

"He's the one we told you about, Grandpa," Armin replied, quickly putting together who Levi was. "Mikasa's—er, um..." He looked at Levi questioningly and guessed, "Uncle?"

Levi realized he had no idea how to define his relation to Mikasa. What could they be? Uncle and niece? Distant cousins?

"We're family," he said instead, crouching in front of them. "I only have a few minutes to spare so I'll try to be quick. I managed to get liberty for a couple of hours but the ride here and back is going to take up most of it. I just dropped by cause Noah left me a note yesterday and I wanted you to know the offer really came from me and it was legitimate." He had directed that last part at Mikasa. "I was orphaned at a young age too and someone extended a helping hand to me. I just want to do the same for you, Mikasa."

"I was happy to hear about your letter, Mr. Ackerman," Grandpa Arlert said, smiling warmly. "Mikasa is like a granddaughter to me. I would be sad to see her go but it would ease my heart greatly to know she was well taken care of."

Levi nodded at him. "She will be," he promised. "My wife and I will provide her with anything she might need." He turned to Mikasa. "The decision is yours."

Mikasa hesitated. She had not expected to be put on the spot like this. She thought she had two more days to think about it. Her mind raced frantically.

Levi could understand how difficult it was for her, leaving people knew and a familiar environment to go live with veritable strangers in a land she had never been to. "I'll tell Noah to come back in a week instead of two days. Let him know what you decide then. If you want to stay here, if you want to come live with us, or if you need more time to think. Just know our doors will always be open for you."

"Thank you," Mikasa said in relief.

"That was very kind of him," Grandpa Arlert said after Levi left. "I'm glad he's so considerate of you."

"Me too." She appreciated his and his wife's kindness. She really did. But her home was with Eren and the Arlerts. Levi had caught her off guard, showing up in person. Instead of rejecting the offer outright, Mikasa had wanted to send a nice letter thanking them for their generosity and explaining why she didn't want to live with them. She'd have asked to keep in touch if they were okay with that. Levi was family so she did want to know more about him.

Eren got up and left, ignoring them calling after him.

Mikasa scrambled after him. "Wait, Eren! Where are you going?" She chased him outside, catching up with him easily even though he had a head start. He did not look happy. "Why are you mad?" A hurt look came over her face, having an idea why. "You really want me gone that badly?"

"I want you to not to have to go to bed hungry," he snapped, upset. "Or cold. Or work in the fields all day. Or listen to the jerks here tell us we're worthless and the Titans should have eaten more of us."

"What?" Mikasa had not expected that.

"I know you're going to turn down the offer. But I don't want to be the reason you're staying here when you could have a better life, a real future."

She wanted to argue and resist but something he said caught her attention. A real future, Mikasa repeated in her head, having an epiphany. Why hadn't she thought of that before?

"Stop looking after me, Mikasa, and putting my well-being above yours. Put yourself first for a change."

"Okay, let me think about it," she said hesitantly, still not one hundred percent about the thought running through her head.

"Really?" Shocked at her quick agreement but happy, Eren crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine, okay good." He would never force her into accepting Levi's offer. He just wanted her to truly consider her options, weigh them properly, then choose. Instead of only thinking about him and Armin and making her decision based on that. "As long you're really going to think about it then make up your mind, I'm happy with whatever you decide," he told her, meaning it.

"I will," she promised and he beamed. Mikasa's mind churned as Eren remained oblivious to what she was thinking.

We have no future here, Mikasa thought. But the Utopia District was all the way north of Wall Rose and it was safe. There were plenty of opportunities to have a good life there. Particularly if one was attached to a noble family. Levi's wife owned the land and she was rich and influential. It was going to be lonely being away from Eren and Armin for a few years but in the long run, she could help them move there once things settled down. Without a decent trade or a wealthy family, the military was the only viable option for her friends if they wanted to make something of a good life and not be destitute. We could all be happy this way, she thought, picturing that life which was a possibility now. Only if I make this choice.

"Let's go finish the game." Eren was in a cheerier mood, smiling brightly. "We can start over since we got interrupted."

"You're only saying that because you were losing."

"I was not!"

"Your ears are turning red."

Please Review~