ELD'S P.O.V.
6 MONTHS LATER...
Eld opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a moment. Glancing at the time he saw it was early and sat up, covering his mouth with a hand as he yawned tiredly and stretched out his limbs. He sighed in content and took a moment, blinking before his eyes widened and a grin spread across his face.
It was Wednesday.
And Wednesday mornings, he got up early to train with Dilan.
He jumped up from bed and shivered as the cold morning air entered his lungs, hurrying to strip himself and get dressed quickly. It had been cold recently, really cold. With Christmas in a week, everyone was excited for leave. Still, they had to survive the next few days before being able to go home to their families.
Captain Levi always made them train extra hard before a break, so they wouldn't get sloppy during the free period before they came back. Eld was excited to go see his family. He needed to remember to pick up some presents for his siblings, which was easier said than done considering he had 4 brothers and 2 sisters. It was times like these that he was glad the special ops had a bigger paycheck than the rest of the cadets.
The last six months had been relatively uneventful, and life went on. With some time, the Commander managed to pull the corps out of debt, but they had to be careful, which is why they had only gone on one expedition since then and it was a simple supply drop, meaning less casualties.
The corps had been working on gaining membership recently and training up their new recruits. Since the squad was considered veteran soldiers now, they sometimes gave training courses down at the HQ to the young cadets.
Eld didn't mind doing this, although he had the strong feeling that the Captain was the one requested to teach the rookies and he passed the job onto them. It seemed like a him thing to do. The Captain did not like fresh cadets and he especially did not like the way they idolised him. Eld couldn't really understand that. Who wouldn't like being adored? Captain Levi of course.
Things with Dilan had been good recently, like really good. After his agonising failure with the concert, Eld had stepped up his game. He had a serious talk with Oluo, asking him what it would take for him to give up his stupid crush on Dilan and leave them alone. Oluo thought about it for a moment before yelling at him that nothing would stop him.
Eld was irked until a few hours later at the concert when Oluo was tipsy. He stumbled over to Eld and said he would give it up for 3 crowns. Eld stared at him for a long time for relenting and paying the man. In Eld's opinion the money was well spent since Oluo hadn't bothered him or Dilan since.
Still, that didn't mean him, and Dilan were automatically together. No, he still had a lot of work to do there, but he was getting closer to her. They were better friends now that Oluo wasn't freaking her out. They often went on horse rides and trained in the mornings every other day. There were moments when Eld would say something nice to her and she would blush. Eld knew he was getting there, he just needed to find the right moment to ask her out on a real date.
After Eld finished getting ready he combed a hand through his hair and quietly stepped out into the hallway. He had cut it from its long length a few weeks ago after Gunther pointed out during a training session that it was getting pretty long for training. Eld had agreed so when Petra asked him if she could cut it, he accepted, not seeing the harm.
Who knew the bitch would cut it all off!?
It was safe to say Eld had never been more infuriated and he had yelled at her, asking why she would do that. Petra simply shrugged, claiming he needed a new look. The woman had cut it a lot shorter, a lot like Gunther's hair actually, and he was very nervous for the squad's reactions, just knowing they were going to make fun of him.
However, in the end, Gunther and Oluo didn't even notice like the idiots that they were.
Captain gave him a looked before mumbling a 'tch' and walking away but Levi did that every day so there was nothing new there. Eld still felt the guy disliked him for no reason. Even more so recently.
But none of that mattered since it wasn't their reactions he cared about. It was the reaction of a certain gorgeous ravenette that made him sweat buckets as he waited in the kitchen for her to come down. When she did join the squad, she simply looked at him and smiled, telling him it was a nice haircut before starting to make some tea.
Eld had to try hard not to blush at that one as Petra gave him a victory smirk and Eld rolled his eyes at her.
Eld got down to the ground floor and shivered in the cold. He pulled on his shoes and training jacket at the door before heading outside and breathing out shakily as the icy air filled his lungs. It was still dark, but he could see his own breath forming in a cloud in front of his face.
"Yo, Green!" Dilan called and Eld turned to find her standing by the horse stables. He raised an eyebrow but smiled anyway and walked over to her.
"Why are we over here?" He asked, curious.
Dilan rolled out a training mat and then proceeded to roll up her sleeves, as if the temperature was a mere chilly day to her, rather than below freezing. She wasn't shivering, like he was on the inside.
The only thing that indicated she was feeling the cold at all was the slight pink on her nose and cheeks. Eld had to refrain from telling her how cute she looked, remembering this was still Dilan and he would likely get a punch in the face.
"Stables will give extra warmth and light. It looks like you need it." Dilan teased with a smirk. Eld chuckled nervously, forcing down a blush.
"Yeah... I guess I thrive in the sun." Eld admitted, rubbing his hands together. "How are you so good with the cold then?" He asked.
"Not much warmth down in the underground." She shrugged. "Cold doesn't faze me much anymore." She explained simply and Eld had to stop the pity from showing on his face.
He couldn't imagine how horrible it was down there. Especially during the winter with food shortages and all.
"Oi, green." Dilan snapped him out of his thoughts and Eld supposed he had ended up showing what he was feeling on his face as Dilan gave him a reassuring smile. "Calm down, it's a benefit anyway. I'd rather this than freezing my ass off like you." She joked. Eld cracked a smiled and laughed. He always wondered how Dilan was so casual about it all. She was really unlike anyone he'd ever met.
"Fair enough. Let's go then." Eld smirked and Dilan smirked back before running at him.
Dilan twisted on her foot to send a round house to his chest. Eld managed to duck under the leg, grabbing her foot, keeping it in the air and sweeping her other leg so she fell. Dilan grabbed a belt loop of all things to pull him down with her as she fell, sweeping his legs in response. She punched him in the stomach, disorienting him and flipped their positions, straddling him and holding a knife to his throat. A knife that, no matter how many times they spar, he never sees her pull it out.
"I think I can say with full confidence, I will never beat you." Eld breathed heavily and Dilan chuckled, rolling her eyes. Eld was doing everything in his power not to think about how erotic her position on him was. This was the only problem during training.
He had to have amazing amounts of self-control.
"Think like that and you will never beat me." She pointed out and Eld sighed, knowing she was right.
"Fair point." He mumbled. Dilan smiled and got off of him, helping him up. Eld looked away and sneezed into his elbow. Dilan smirked in amusement as Eld cringed.
"Come on, Mr Sun. Let's get you back inside before you catch a cold." She said with a smug look and Eld laughed, nodding.
He really wasn't made for cold weather.
They got inside and Dilan suggested they light a fire so it would be warmer down here for the others when they woke up. Eld nodded, saying he would do it for her. She smiled and went to make the tea. Eld smiled back and went to light the fire, a warmth in his chest despite the cold. He wondered if these early morning training sessions meant as much to her as they did to him. He wondered if he meant as much to her as she did to him.
There was only really one way of finding out.
Dilan came back and passed him his tea before putting her own on the coffee table and curling up on an armchair with the latest book she was reading.
Eld noticed it was a book that he had seen Captain Levi read a week ago.
This wasn't a recent observation. The pair were often reading the same books within weeks of each other. The squad had come to the realisation that they must recommend things to each other. How else would it happen? It occurred too many times to be seen as a coincidence.
Eld could admit that the fact the pair did this did freak him and Petra out on the nature of their relationship but apparently when Petra mentioned it to Dilan, she explained they often recommended each other books since they had similar taste in genre. It was just something that they had done for a long time.
Petra had told Eld that Dilan had said it so casually that there was nothing to worry about and Eld was relieved at this. The pair even tried to read one of the books that Dilan and the Captain were reading out of interest to try and find something more in common with their crushes, but the books were so dark, neither of them could make it past the first five chapters. Guess they had dark tastes in books.
Eld didn't think he could get into that stuff, so he had stopped trying.
"Have you never thought about reading something lighthearted? Like an action or a romance?" Eld asked curiously and Dilan paused in her reading to look up at him and roll her eyes.
"My books have action and romance in them." She countered, going back to reading.
"Yeah but their so twisted and from what you told me; every character is at risk of dying every second. What was that one you read the other day? Where every single character died?" Eld asked and Dilan chuckled.
"Death's time. It was good!" She protested and Eld was sceptical. She sighed before elaborating. "It may be twisted and depressing but these books are real. They don't give unrealistic fantasies of love at first sight or happy endings. If anything, they demonstrate how you should appreciate the little flickers of happiness within the dark world before they are snuffed out. It shows how life is cruel but also beautiful and even if things don't work out the way you want them to in the end, it doesn't mean life isn't worth living in order to find those little flickers of happiness." Dilan explained and Eld found himself touched by her words. Dilan always had such an amazing way of explaining things to him. She was a very smart and insightful person. She just didn't like to brag about it, unlike others.
"It sounds better when you put it like that." He said and Dilan smiled, humming in agreement. "But I still think that man drowning his own baby was unnecessary." Eld pointed out with a look and Dilan laughed.
"If you read the whole book, maybe you would get it." She commented and Eld sighed. She was probably right.
A peaceful silence descended with Dilan reading and Eld sipping his tea, staring into the fire and taking some subtle glances at his companion. He bit his lip in thought. This was a pretty nice moment. Maybe it would be a good chance to ask her out.
"Dil?" Eld asked after taking a breath. He would not chicken out this time. Dilan's fiery orange eyes flicked up to his.
"Yeah?" She asked. Eld cleared his throat a bit, swiping his sweaty palms on his thighs.
"I know we've known each other for a long time but... I was wondering..." Eld started, trying hard not to avert his eyes. "...If maybe you would want to-"
"Oi, Gin. I need a cadet to relay a message, you up for the task." The cold voice of the Captain rang out as he came down the stairs, eyes glued to a letter and Eld had to stop from face palming.
Another distraction?! Sometimes he thought the squad secretly planned it behind his back.
"I believe I asked you a question, cadet?" Levi reminded in a stern voice and Eld had to hold back a gasp when he realised, he had accidently ignored the Captain.
He was quick to jump up from the sofa, standing to attention.
"Yes sir! I am available sir!" He said quickly. Levi gave him a pointed glare which made him sweat before nodding briefly. He tied up the letter and handed it to Eld.
"Deliver that to the section commander." Levi said and Eld looked down at the paper. "Now." He added lowly and Eld saluted quickly, clawing on his coat and shoes and scrambling out of the door. He did not want to do laps in this weather. Although the 20 minute journey back to HQ was no picnic either.
Eld sighed as he tacked up his horse and started moving. Would he ever get his chance with Dilan? It seemed like the world was working against him.
LEVI'S P.O.V.
Levi glared after Eld as he quickly left the Inn, slamming the door shut behind him in his haste. Levi did not like that guy. He did not like him one bit and he especially did not like how chummy he had gotten with Dilan over the recent months. Levi did his best to deter the moments where he thought Eld was going to ask Dilan out, but he wouldn't be around every single time. How long before he actually got the words out? Just the thought made him sick.
And then he felt guilty.
Who the hell gave him the right to interfere with Dilan's love life? Even if he did love her, it's not like he was going to tell her that? He didn't want Dilan to be alone forever and Eld was a perfectly normal nice guy. He supposed she would probably find a guy she liked and settle down eventually. Doesn't mean he didn't hate the idea and Eld with a burning passion.
Things had been hectic over the last 6 months but okay. Things with him and the brat were better than ever, and he had never been more grateful for the girl than during that first month after he started quitting. A specific night came into mind. The very same night that all of it happened.
Levi had been lying in bed for some time now. It was a few hours past midnight and he had managed to get an hour before he woke up sweating. His body was shaking, and he was begging for something. Something that he had promised never to do again, and he had to stick to that promise. If he didn't, he would end up pulling Dilan back down with him and he could never do that. She had been so good. He would never forgive himself if he dragged her back down.
Levi had been wanting to go down and find her, ask her to distract him but the shame that he was in this position,that he had even started in the first place, prevented him from doing so. He felt he had to get through it by himself because he had done this to himself.
So, he suffered in silence and he fought the urges. In the end he pushed himself to go to sleep, figuring if he was asleep things would be easier and the pain would die down in a bit. And yet when he opened his eyes, who knows how long later, he was staring at a knife. A knife he took a second to realise he had retrieved from the belt of his uniform. He supposed both him and the brat had forgotten about that one. It was the knife Dilan gave him for his birthday. The knife he had started cutting with in the first place.
Oh, how ironic.
He stared at that knife for a long time, finding enough resolve to resist but not enough resolve to put the knife down as he sat on the edge of his bed in silence, listening to nothing but the fast pulsing of his heart.
It was a while later, when Levi felt like he was about to give in that there was a small tap on his door. He looked up to it, confused and slightly disoriented. He didn't move, pretty out of it at this point and watched as the door opened and two fiery eyes met his.
His eyes widened as he looked from her back to the knife, cringing internally. He expected Dilan to shout at him, curse him out for lying to her which is why he was astounded when the girl simply smiled in understanding and walked over to him, sitting down on the edge of the bed next to him.
"You can give it to me when your ready." Dilan said gently, squeezing his free hand for support. Levi had to swallow down the emotion rising from her words and simply nodded in understanding.
They stayed there for a while in silence until Levi calmed down enough to understand he didn't want this and passed the knife back over to Dilan. She smiled softly in approval, putting the knife aside before giving him a much-needed hug and helping him back into bed.
"Always come find me when you need me, okay dumbass?" She reminded with a warm smile. Levi managed a smile back before nodding and drifting to sleep from the feeling of Dilan's gentle touch as she brushed some hair out of his eyes.
He realised after that night that he was stupid to punish himself and promised not to do it again. They were there for each other. It worked both ways and there was no need to hold back on asking for help. From then on, Levi always found Dilan if he was struggling and Dilan always helped him calm down. With her help he got over the withdrawal quickly and his scars healed with every day. 6 months later and it was a distant memory all thanks to the annoyingly amazing brat.
He had never loved or appreciated her more.
They were still best friends, nothing had changed. They spent a lot more time together after that and yet the brat still managed to spent time with the others too. Levi didn't know how she did it sometimes. She seemed to be able to multiply herself to satisfy everyone's friendships. Still, Levi was pleased to know he got the most Dilan time out of everyone. As pathetic as it sounded, it made him feel special.
After that night Levi had talked to Dilan more about what Erwin said too, the real reason her parents were targeted and it was hard for her to hear but she said she was glad she knew the truth now.
They talked about Farlan often, sharing stories and linking together times where they just missed each other. Dilan talked about how Farlan used to tell her they were similar and would probably fight a lot. Levi had smiled at that, guessing the cheerful bastard was right. It was nice to finally talk about his friends with Dilan. He had wanted to for a while really, but it was easier to do now that she knew one of them.
Or in fact, as it turned out Dilan had met Izzy once too. One day when Dilan asked Levi if he wanted to talk about Isabel, he accepted and halfway through talking about her, Dilan stopped him and asked if the girl had green eyes and crazy red hair. He was confused but nodded and Dilan explained that she had met a girl called Izzy who saved her from this pervert on the streets when she had lost Farlan one day, and that the girl was actually planning on bringing her back to her home where he and her 'big bro' would take care of her.
Levi was shocked at the revelation, as was Dilan. They were so close to meeting a number of times, it just didn't happen. Regardless it was nice to hear that Dilan had met Izzy too. It was nice to know they had both met each other's family's fully.
It took a while for them to get back round to the topic, but Dilan ended up talking about the first time she was raped again after a particularly bad nightmare where she sought Levi out and they went up to the roof while she calmed down. She explained that even though it happened longer ago, somehow the first time still affected her more.
That even though it was less painful in so many ways and even though she didn't even remember much of it, it would always haunt her because the bastard got away. Because it was a symbol of her weakness. Levi felt a pain hearing her words, wanting to make her feel better. He didn't think he was ever going to tell her but if it would help, he would.
"Dil?" Levi asked. Dilan sniffed and wiped away another tear before looking at him with glossy eyes.
"Y-yeah?" She asked. Levi hesitated, hoping this wouldn't make it worse.
"I didn't think I was going to tell you but... one-time Farlan was drunk and he mentioned a person that he knew that was hurt by a man." Levi started to explain, and Dilan's eyes widened slightly. "He even sorta mumbled your name but I didn't hear it well enough to connect the dots until I found out." Levi continued, hesitantly. He was finding it hard to read what was on the brat's face.
"Oh." Dilan said quietly. Levi swallowed before continuing.
"Anyway, I didn't really know what he was talking about, but he seemed upset enough for me to want to do something about it. So, I asked him for the name, and I took care of it." Levi explained carefully and Dilan's eyes snapped round to his in shock.
"You what?" She asked, stunned. Levi looked at her steadily.
"I killed him, Dilan. I killed him a long time ago. He can't hurt you anymore." Levi said seriously. His heart lurched as a new set of tears spilled down Dilan's face and he was worried if he made it worse for a second. "Dil-" He tried but was cut off as Dilan practically threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. Levi's eyes widened in shock.
"Thank you." She whispered shakily, genuine gratitude in her tone. Levi's expression softened and he smiled, hugging her back.
"You're welcome. Don't worry, I made it hurt. You would have been proud." He added, hoping to make her laugh. The small emotional chuckle he received in response made his heart warm.
"You are seriously the best friend I could ever ask for. You know that, right?" Dilan said sincerely. Levi smiled at that.
"I know. Same goes for you, brat."
Otherwise, things were good. Erwin had yet to find out, Dilan knew anything, and the brat had promised him she wouldn't try for his murder without informing Levi first so he can talk her out of it if necessary. Dilan was reluctant to agree to that one but supposed it was the smart course of action if she didn't want to be thrown in a prison cell.
The only thing that had been off for the last 9 months was Levi's relationship with Hanji. Both himself and Dilan had confronted her, and Hanji apologised, explaining what happened. Dilan forgave her but Levi couldn't bring himself too. Of course, there was one vital piece of information that Dilan didn't have. Hanji told the commander about his feelings towards Dilan too. No amount of intimidation justifies that. Erwin was a robot; he had no awareness of things like that. Hanji outright clued him in, and Levi could never forgive her.
He had been giving her the silent treatment for the last 9 months, no matter how many times Dilan had tried to convince him to bury the hatchet. The betrayal was far too deep for him.
"Sometimes I think you enjoy fucking with them." An amused snicker brought Levi out of his musings and he looked down to see the brat still sitting in the armchair, reading a book. Levi rolled his eyes and sat down on the sofa.
"Tch, course I do. They're annoying." Levi shrugged. Dilan smiled but didn't retort. "How's the book?" Levi asked, bringing his knee up and leaning an arm on it as he stared into the fire.
"Horrifying." She replied and Levi looked over to her as she smirked. "I love it." She added. Levi let out a puff of amusement as his chest warmed. He knew she'd love it. The brat's tastes were as dark as his. "There's a pot of tea in the kitchen warming on the stove. I figured you'd be down soon." She informed with a smile. Levi gave a small smile of thanks back as he stood to retrieve himself a cup.
He looked outside the window into the darkness. Winter mornings always reminded him of the underground. So dark outside you can see your own reflection in the glass, like a mirror. Levi stared at himself for a second before his eyes focused to the disported image of the brat in the background.
He sighed.
Levi wondered if he would ever tell her. The answer was no but he thought about it often. He wished things were different, but they weren't. He was still her Captain and he would be her Captain until the day one of them likely dies. Levi hoped he would go first. He didn't want to be in a world without Dilan for a second, and yet... he didn't want to leave her alone either. All the more reason for her to start forming other relationships with annoying shit's like Eld. He should probably stop being so selfish with her. But that was a thought process for another day.
Levi grabbed a book that Dilan had recommended him from his office before taking a seat with his tea and sipping leisurely while he continued on from his chapter. They sat in a peaceful silence.
Levi had to admit he enjoyed winter mornings when they ended up like this. The squad normally woke a little later due to the cold and the darkness. Levi and Dilan were the only ones used to it. The only interruptions were from Eld who often got up too early to train with her. But it wasn't that hard to get rid of the blonde shit, as just demonstrated.
"So, what did you have delivered to Hanji?" Dilan questioned out of the blue, sipping her tea and looking at Levi over the rim of the cup. "Another threat?" She asked. Levi rolled his eyes.
"Not quite." He replied simply. Dilan huffed.
"When are you going to make up with her?" Dilan asked, shutting her book. Levi raised an eyebrow and she sighed but lowered her voice. "She's really fucking sorry, Levi." Dilan begged in a quieter voice. Levi kept his eyes on the words, not that he was necessarily still reading them.
"Dilan do you remember the day in the infirmary after we got you away from Han?" Levi asked after a moment of thought. Dilan tilted her head in confusion but answered anyway.
"Yes." She replied. Levi nodded.
"I told you that I trusted you and that not a lot of people have my trust. I also advised you not to break it. This is what happens when someone breaks my trust. There's no coming back from that." He said in a monotoned voice, looking into the fire. Dilan sighed.
"Fine." She lamented. There was a moment of silence before she spoke again. "Who does have your trust then?" Dilan asked curiously. Levi looked over to her as he thought of an answer.
Nearly three years ago, his list of trusted people was rather long, for him anyway. He hated Erwin deep down, but he trusted him, he trusted Hanji and Mike, he trusted the squad. Now... all those people had either betrayed him or died. Only one remains and he knew he was right to trust her because she would never let him down.
"You." He said simply. Dilan smiled, setting down her book on the coffee table before standing up and sitting down next to him, taking his hand.
"You know you can always trust me like I will always trust you but... if something happens to me one day, I don't want you to be alone like that. Hanji loves you and she wants to make up for what she did. You don't have to forgive her straight away but please, for me, can you just try to give her a chance?" Dilan asked hopefully. Levi forced down a blush and willed himself to remain stoic, despite the face his heart was speeding up. He had liked the brat for way over a fucking year now. He hadn't been able to get over her at all and she still enlisted such ridiculous reactions in him.
Despite this, Levi refocused, looking into her amber eyes, he knew there was no way he could refuse if it was for her. He'd do anything for her.
"Fine. But I will not be making it easy for her." Levi added sternly. Dilan smiled in amusement and squeezed his hand before letting go and collecting up the tea.
"Wouldn't expect any different." She replied. Levi helped her with the cups as they went into the kitchen and started washing up. "So, what was the message about?" Dilan asked after a while, raising an eyebrow. Levi scoffed, frowning in remembrance.
"Something I am not letting happen." Levi replied briefly. Dilan looked curious but didn't reply and they got back to the washing up.
HANJI'S P.O.V.
"Um... section commander?" Moblit asked nervously as they climbed down from their saddles and put their horses in the paddocks. Hanji looked at him and hummed a yes. "Well, I'm just not so sure being here is a good idea." He continued hesitantly.
Hanji raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" She asked curiously. Moblit bit at his lip.
"Well it's breakfast so they should be eating a meal right now and... well... you and the Captain's relationship isn't really at its best right now." Moblit explained and Hanji sighed at the reminder.
She still remembered the conversation they had 6 months ago like it was yesterday. It was the angriest Levi had ever been with her. After the pair had confronted her on spilling to Erwin, Hanji confessed and apologised and hoped it would be enough. Thankfully Dilan forgave her with no strings attached. But from the look on Levi's face it was obvious he was less than happy. He told Dilan to go get the horses ready and she looked hesitant to leave but knew Levi was not to be questioned when he was like this and left the infirmary.
Levi waited until they heard her footsteps vanishing into the distance before completely exploding.
"Sorry? You're just fucking sorry?! What the actual FUCK, Hanji!?" Levi yelled, completely infuriated. Hanji couldn't blame him. They both knew this was more about his friends, but it was clear he was livid about that too. This was about how she let the fact that he likes Dilan spill to the commander of all people.
Even the thought had her stomach curdling in guilt. She had never let Levi down like this before and she knew it was sure to have consequences.
"Levi, I didn't mean to, it just slipped out and-" Hanji tried to reason, taking a step forward but Levi immediately took a step back.
"Slipped out? How the fuck can something like that slip out Hanji?! I thought I could fucking trust you with that and you told Erwin of all people out of your own free fucking will!" He cut her off, an obvious hurt in his eyes. They had both never talked directly about his feelings but they both knew they were there.
He trusted her with the information, and she blew it horrendously.
"I was trying to defend you from him! I never thought-"
"That's the problem, shit for brains because you didn't think. You didn't think how this would affect me or my future. Not only has Erwin fucking banned me from ever having a relationship with her but he has that ammo indefinitely. Who knows what kind of sick mind tricks he's going to pull with me or Dilan in the future? I'm completely helpless to stop him, the damage has been done and it's all thanks to you. Someone who I considered one of my closest friends." Levi said harshly.
The past tense of considered hit Hanji deep and she scrambled to make it right.
"Levi please, I wish I could take it back but-"
"Do you know what he said to me." Levi said in a low, almost defeated voice. Hanji didn't answer. "He asked me how I thought Farlan would feel if he knew I wanted to fuck his little sister." Levi said with a humourless chuckle, pain in his eyes and Hanji's heart broke for him. Erwin's such a fucking dick.
"Erwin doesn't know what he's talking about. I'm sure your friend wouldn't mind if-" Hanji tried carefully but cut herself off after receiving a dangerous glare, deciding that was not the right thing to say.
"If you think that's the point, you're an idiot. But if you want to get into that, yes, yes he would mind. Dilan was everything to Farlan. It only took me one fucking letter to get that. If he was alive right now, if he knew how I felt..." Levi trailed off with a sigh, raking a hand through his hair. "I've disappointed him." Levi said quietly and Hanji's eyes grew glassy.
She was so fucking sorry, but she didn't know what to do.
"I..." Hanji tried but trailed off, not knowing what to say to make this right. She had hurt him beyond repair and they both knew there was no way of coming back from that.
"You've chosen your side. Your loyalties clearly lie with Erwin. I can't forgive you for this Hanji." He said solemnly and Hanji bit her lip. She knew it was coming but it didn't hurt any less. "Unless it's for work, stay away from me." He added, back to his normal monotoned voice and his normal stoic expression.
Even the partially emotional Levi that he showed her was gone. She had lost that privilege and it was all her fault. Levi didn't spare her a second glance as he left the infirmary and walked out of her life for good.
Ever since then Levi had been icy to say the least, not that she saw much of him. He only ever allowed her to be in his presence for more than five seconds when it was due to a meeting. He remained professional but ignored any personal conversations she tried to start with him.
He no longer glared, no longer slapped her up the back of the head or called her an idiot. He treated her like she was a complete stranger. It was safe to say she had never missed being called shitty glasses more in her life. She missed her friend and she missed the way things were. Hanji had tried to get Dilan to talk to him for her a number of times but it hadn't taken so far.
She wouldn't stop trying though.
The first step was to get a reaction out of Levi. It didn't matter what it was but anything other than that cold, bored face would do her fine. She would get him pissed if she had to.
"Yes well, time heals all Moblit. We just have to keep trying!" She said cheerfully, breathing in the fresh winter air as she walked towards the enterance, Moblit relucatnly following behind her.
It was late morning and Hanji assumed they were just about to start training. She did have a reason to be here and she hoped it would get her through the door. She had sent the letter to Levi a while ago and he had just recently sent it back with Eld with a big fat 'no' written at the bottom where he was supposed to tick that he was coming.
As much as he hated things like this it was mandated and Hanji was instructed by the commander to convince him to come, as well as the rest of the special ops. Hanji may need to enlist Dilan's help in order to persuade him on this one.
Standing at the door, Hanji readied herself before knocking. She elected not to say anything yet incase Levi heard her voice and ordered the others not to let her in. That was totally something the short bastard would do.
The door opened a few seconds later to frame a blinking Petra. Infact, the rest of the special ops were having breakfast at the kitchen table.
"Section Commander, Hanji, I didn't know you would be visiting us today." Petra said with a kind smile. Hanji smiled back and was about to reply when she caught the scene and paused. Hanji watched with amusement as Dilan sat down at the table opposite Gunther and stole the toast the boy had just finished spreading some jam on and ruffled his hair as he opened his mouth to protested.
"HEY! NOT AGAIN! THIS IS BULLYING!" He yelled. The others laughed as Dilan smirked and shrugged, taking a bite of the toast.
"It's not bullying since you're like a little brother. This is friendly sibling rivalry." She teased. Gunther huffed and crossed his arms like a child. Dilan smirked. "Aw, little bro wants a bite?" She cooed.
Eld laughed as Gunther snatched the piece of toast from her hand and attempted to make a break for it into the lounge.
Everyone watched with indescribable horror as the poor, poor boy ran, jam first, into the Captain as he rounded the corner. Gunther rebounded and fell onto the floor, groaning. Everyone sucked in a collective breath of dread as the jam toast slid off of Levi's, once, pristine white shirt and made a splat noise as it hit the floor, breaking through the tense silence.
Everyone balked as Levi looked down at his shirt, no one moved a muscle. Even Hanji was speechless. She had never seen anyone dirty the clean freak like that before. Never.
This was an undocumented event.
"I'm dead." Gunther whispered in shock, wide coal eyes staring at the Captain. The boy remained on the floor, too scared to move. Levi remained looking at his shirt with an unreadable expression. Hanji had to remind herself to breath as quietly as possible.
Everyone looked over to Dilan in shock as she carefully stood up, her chair scraping back a little, she broke the tense silence. Everyone sent her looks to back down, to not take the risk but she ignored them all, stepping over towards the Captain, blocking Gunther from his impending wrath.
"Gunther, why don't you start running laps. Captain will tell you when to stop." Dilan suggested slowly. Gunther nodded, eager to stand and attempted to leave when Levi finally snapped out of it to glare dangerously. Gunther tensed like a pole.
"Not enough." He gritted. "First you will start by cleaning the entirety of the first and second floor with a toothbrush and soap. You miss a single fucking spot and I will make you start all over again. Next you will sharpen every fucking blade in that armoury and polish the 3DMG till they all shine. After that, you will ride to HQ and join the laundry maids to wash the corps' clothes until your fingers are raw and finally..." Levi paused, taking a step closer and Gunther honestly looked like he was about to pass out. "You will run until sunrise. Are we clear on that, cadet?" Levi asked dangerously and Gunther's face paled until he looked like a ghost.
"Yes sir!"
He saluted quickly, grabbing the supplies before running upstairs to start on the second floor. Everyone was silent in fear of saying the wrong thing as Gunther scrambled away. Levi looked down at himself once more, his nose scrunching up in pure irritation as he mumbled something about changing and the stain that would likely 'never fucking come out' before stalking away.
Everyone slumped and released the collective breath they had taken what seemed like days ago. Moblit looked shaky on his legs.
"Shit." Eld breathed. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Is it crazy that I was expecting him to make the punishment worse?" Oluo asked.
Petra gave him an exasperated look.
"Worse? How in god's name would he manage that?" Petra asked, astounded. Oluo shrugged.
"I don't know, somehow I think he could manage it." Oluo replied and the group shared a shiver, clearly agreeing.
Dilan cringed.
"I feel like that was partly my fault." She said with an 'oops' face, picking up the toast and putting it in the bin Eld grabbed a cloth and got down to work on the stubborn stain that the Captain would likely throw a fit about if it was still there upon his second arrival.
Everyone gave her a look.
"Fine, fine, it was mostly my fault. However, Gunther should have not taken my toast back and he should've looked where he was going. Plus... I did risk death standing up for him." Dilan reminded with a pointed look.
Everyone sighed or shrugged, agreeing that she did risk everything to help him. The Captain could have been just as harsh as he was on Gunther, just for her interrupting. However, Hanji had the inkling, Levi couldn't be harsh on Dilan if he tried.
Oh, how times change.
"Well!" Hanji clapped her hands, stepping inside and everyone flinched out of their own thoughts, looking at her.
"Hanji? Hey, what are you doing here?" Dilan asked with a raised eyebrow, clearly just noticing her properly. The amber eyed girl had advised Hanji to stay away from the Inn since Levi needed some space.
Hanji had a tendency not to listen to warnings.
"Well I came as a response to the Captain's letter this morning. Moblit do come inside and shut the door behind you." Hanji suggested with a smile. Moblit looked kind of nervous but did as he was told. She had everyone's attention now as she sat down at the table with the others. Petra and Eld sat back down with her while Dilan remained standing, leaning back on the counter and crossing her arms.
"Captain asked you here?" Eld asked curiously and Hanji gave a sheepish smile.
Levi had indeed made his change in attitudes to her rather obvious. The special ops were perceptive people, Hanji was sure they all knew the pair were in a disagreement at the moment.
"Well..." She tried, and Dilan sighed.
"Hanji, he's not going to like this." Dilan cut in sternly and the others gave her apologetic looks.
Hanji sighed, knowing they were right.
"I agree." She said before completely flipping her sombre tone and grinning like a maniac. "WHICH IS WHY IT WAS SO GREAT I GOT PERMISSION FROM ERWIN TO BE HERE! THE CAPTAIN COULDN'T THROW ME OUT IF HE TRIED! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" She yelled with a manic laugh that had the others blinking at her in surprise.
"I don't think that's the point section commander." Moblit mumbled and Hanji dropped the laugh, pouting at him.
"Hush now Moblit. I have a reason and its official business. Levi can't stop me from seeing my little Dil forever!" She cried, jumping up and engulfing Dilan into a hug. Dilan cracked a smile and rolled her eyes, hugging her back.
"Fine." She gave in. "But whatever it is, try not to make the Captain angry. He's already in a pretty foul mood." Dilan warned and the others shared looks of dread knowing they were going to have to deal with him today.
Hanji snickered and sat back down.
"Very well. I'd actually like to talk to you guys first. Moblit!" She commanded and Moblit jumped into action, grabbing the small stack of rectangular cardboard invitations and passing them to Hanji. "Here." She smiled, passing them round to everyone, keeping the two remaining in front of her. One for the good Captain and the other for the poor Gunther.
Hopefully the news will cheer the boy up after his unfortunate luck today.
"The Decadal Christmas funding ball?" Petra questioned, reading out loud. Everyone's eyebrows raised in unison as they read the invitations.
They were very fancy in Sina city stationary. White and gold paper with fine black ink.
"Yup. You all have been invited. It's a very prestigious event." She smirked as Petra's eyes lit up.
"Like exclusive? Like royalty!?" She asked with a gasp. Hanji's smirk widened. Seems she'd hooked one of them already.
"Of course. This party happens only once every 10 years. Only the highest of society attend. They invite those who they feel their riches could be best spent on, and spend the evening talking to them and having a good time. It's normally just the MPs that are invited in terms of the military but this year the Garrison and Scouts were invited too. This could mean gold for the regiment!" Hanji said enthusiastically. Petra and Oluo grinned, clearly liking the sound of that.
Hanji was sure she could get Gunther on board too. The only ones left that were sceptical were clearly Dilan and Eld from the frowns on their faces. And of course, the Captain but, again, Hanji was going to need some help with that one.
"Why would they want us to be there then? If it's only for the high society?" Eld questioned, clearly needing more information. Hanji knew the kid was smart.
"Well, Erwin wanted me, Captain Levi and Dilan to attend as the most high-ranking soldiers. However, I convinced him to get you guys invited too since I figured you guys could use some fun. Free buffet and open bar, and you get to bring a date of course." She said with a smug smile as Eld's eyes brightened and flicked over to Dilan.
Ha! I've got him too. Now just Dilan and Levi. Although those two are the single most stubborn pair I've ever met. She thought with an internal pout.
"Open bar! Alright!" Petra and Oluo high-fived.
"Dil? What'd you think?" Hanji asked. Dilan pursed her lips before her orange eyes flicked up to meet Hanji's.
"Sure, to be a lot of high-class shits at this thing, huh?" Dilan asked, tilting her head. "You know we're going to be shown off like animals, right? We'll be simply fascinating to those rich assholes. They'll talk down to us, ask us loads of personal questions that we'll feel compelled to answer because we want their money. And by the end of the night, I doubt we'll get 5 of those rich fuck's donations. Aint that right, Captain?" Dilan asked in a monotoned voice, crossing her arms and looking at the door frame that Levi had been casually leaning on for god knows how long.
Creepy shorty.
"That's right." Levi replied, avoiding Hanji's eye contact effortlessly. "It's a waste of time and it's complete bullshit, which I believe is what I responded with in my letter section commander." Levi's low voice asked nonchalantly, but he had an undertone of anger that told her not to mess with him as he finally met her gaze.
Hanji gulped before finding her composure.
"Well! it's a mandatory event, Erwin wants you there. I came down here to inform you of this." Hanji pushed, ignoring Dilan's warning looks to back down. Levi's face showed nothing, but his eyes promised pain. The room turned icy with tension, but Hanji didn't back down. "Who knows? Maybe once you have a drink and loosen up a bit-" Hanji tried but was cut off as Levi sent her a deadly glare and she tried hard not to shrink back on herself.
She made a mental note that being a stranger to Levi was agonising and she never wanted to make enemies with the small man. God knows how Dilan coped all those years ago.
"I suggest you leave. Now." Levi warned and Hanji swallowed as Levi walked away, disappearing behind his office door with a slam. Hanji slumped, leaning her head on the table and realising a long sigh of disappointment.
6 months she had dealt with that.
"I'm sure he'll come around?" Petra tried to comfort but it was obvious she wasn't even convincing herself with the fact. Dilan pat Hanji on the back and gave her a reassuring smile.
"It won't last forever but this was a step in the wrong direction." She pointed out and Hanji frowned.
"I know but this really was ordered of me! This is mandated. If Levi doesn't attend, Erwin's going to throw a field day. Most of the funders want to meet Humanities strongest. Everyone else wants to meet the Titan Ripper!" Hanji explained, seeing Dilan cringe subtly at the mention.
"Erwin really needs this?" She asked. Hanji nodded. "And he's going to chew us all out if the Captain doesn't go?" Dilan asked again. Hanji nodded. She sighed. "Fine. I'll talk to him." Dilan lamented and Hanji grinned.
Jackpot!
The others didn't look as convinced that she would be able to pull it off.
"You really think you can convince him Dil?" Petra asked quietly.
"Yeah this is the Captain we're talking about." Oluo scoffed. Dilan chuckled.
"Yeah, I probably won't make it back, but I'll do my best." She joked and the others looked at her fearfully. She smiled and rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine. Petra do me a favour and make the Captain some tea." She added, heading to the door. Petra nodded, eyes filling with determination as she stood up to make the bribe.
Dilan smiled in approval and walked away.
"You really think she'll pull it off?" Eld asked Hanji. Hanji smiled after the girl.
"I think Dilan can do anything she puts her mind to." Hanji replied proudly.
Especially when it comes to that grumpy bastard.
A/N: Yo! Been a while, or it feels like it anyway. Hope you guys are doing well! Bit of a time skip here. They've come a long way since the reveal and as we all expected, Dilan was there for Levi completely. They'll both be fine now. They have each other.
Christmas soon! Odd considering it's closer to summer but oh well. We're going with it! :)
Thanks for reading! Stay safe! X