Hello! Thank you for reading.
As soon as Hanji had informed her of the opportunity, Mikasa raced with Hanji to the stables to gather the horses. They both rode into town discreetly, news of the Captain's reappearance was not known by anyone, yet. And Erwin intended for that to be case for a while. There were too many questions still to be answered, and it could risk the reputation of the scouts if left to other hands to interpret. Too much unwarranted suspicion, that needed to be avoided at all costs
Even Mikasa was not supposed be aware, it was only thanks to Sasha that she was given the heads up. Otherwise Mikasa would've been completely blindsided by Levi's return, and there was no telling what chaos would have occurred if the cards played out that way. It was much to her surprise that Hanji would have Sasha reprimanded for disobeying a direct order from Commander Erwin. Hanji was never the type to be strict, however this was not something that she could easily ignore. Sasha was not offended, she understood the consequences. Besides after seeing the hell Mikasa had gone through, Sasha knew that as friend, she owed her the warning/surprise. Hanji could have thrown the book at her, and had Sasha publicly tried for divulging sensitive information, but Hanji was not that cruel either. She was not going hand her over to Erwin, Sasha would surely lose her job if that was the case. Hanji had not been thrilled with having to deal with an insistent Mikasa especially on top of an already stressful situation. It was decided that Sasha would have to help Hanji with her experiments, and give up cafeteria privileges for a few days. It was a fair enough punishment but Hanji made it so that it would hurt a little.
Hanji viewed Mikasa in such a different light now, no longer was she just a powerful soldier. After enduring with Mikasa the lowest point of her life, Hanji felt a sort of protectiveness towards the beautiful girl. To Hanji Mikasa had entirely developed into a new woman. Yes the pain was there, and would always be there; but together Hanji was able to show her how to live with it. Hanji had lost a lot people in her life, and she saw the way Mikasa broke. It was the same way she broke years ago, she was only saved by Erwin and Levi. When the whole relationship was revealed, Hanji knew that she had to get Mikasa back on track for Levi's sake. He had done the same once upon a time for her, and she would not let the love of his life join him just yet. Now all the work that had been done could easily fall apart. This was a very unique situation and part of her worried for both their sake. First and foremost Mikasa had continued her life, and while this was a miracle it could throw an emotional wrench in her future. Levi coming back was dangerous and Hanji prayed that they would both handle it at well.
Hanji couldn't help but wonder what Mikasa would choose, on the one hand she had the young titan shifter back at camp who loved her dearly and was almost like family. Then there was Levi, he was entirely guarded and would rarely let anyone in; but he had let Mikasa in. He must've loved her with everything, Hanji had not experienced their relationship first hand. However she could not shake the way Mikasa spoke about him, the emotions behind the words. The girl loved her captain, and his loss was an enormous blow to her. That loss almost swallowed her whole, and maybe due to that Mikasa guarded herself from ever experiencing that again with another. Which is why Hanji did not feel the same emotion from Mikasa to Eren, even after their engagement. Hanji understood, that Mikasa could never reveal to Eren her relationship with Levi. Eren was not necessarily the jealous type, but Mikasa was still clearly not over the Captain and maybe would never be. It could be something that had the potential creating insecurity in their relationship. At the time it seemed like the right call, but now that Levi was back it would all have to be divulged. If Levi loved Mikasa as much as she thought he did, he would not just let her leave. Hanji worried that Mikasa would choose to put Eren's feelings above her own, because she was not the type to allow herself the happiness she deserved. It was heartbreaking, and worrying for the scientist. Not even she knew what Mikasa would do, but whatever she choose, Hanji would not reject it. Mikasa could be assured that Hanji would be there for her, through it all. Because now it was not just for Levi it was for Mikasa as well.
"We're here," Hanji said as she hopped off her horse. Motioning for Mikasa to do the same. It was a tall building in the middle of town. Outside 30 soldiers of the Garrison stood, much to their surprise not a unicorn in sight. Two of the soldiers came to get their horses. "Remember you are here as a captain, we mustn't bring a lot of attention on to us." Hanji whispered as they entered the building. It was quite elegant for a military building, with chandeliers that hung down shining brightly. There were wood panelling as well as sofas decorating the entrance.
"Squad Leader Hanji," A bald man came out to greet her, he gave her a salute and both women did the same. His stare lingered on Mikasa.
"Commander Pixis, it is an honor." Hanji calmly said with a smile. "This our Captain Mikasa, renowned hero of our scouts," still smiling trying to reduce suspicion.
Pixis sighed, "We were not expecting more than just yourself madam." He paused an agonizing long time. "I suppose it of no matter this will be news in a few hours, what is another soul who knows before then." Mikasa felt her shoulders relax, Pixis could have turned both of them away but her didn't. He began to lead them down a hallway, she would notice that the Commander would study her upon occasion. Up a few flights of stairs until they reached a floor that smelled of rubbing alcohol.
"Is he in here?" Hanji motioned to the 1st room. A conversation echoing quietly through the hall.
"Yes commander Erwin and Captain Levi are in there." Mikasa's eyes shifted nervously as Hanji went inside interrupting their conversation. How was it possible to feel so enormously excited and hopeful but dreadful at the same time.
She shifted back to a wall. Trying to calm herself down. At this moment all that mattered to her was finally being reunited with her Captain.
"So how long have you two been engaged?" Commander Pixis interrupted her self loathing.
"Excuse me, Commander?" Mikasa could not help the look of shock, because how does one answer. Which one, Mikasa could not help but think.
"You and Captain Levi? I must say the amount of times I have heard your name come out of his mouth. The poor boy is really in love. And once I saw you I understood why."
Mikasa's cheeks began to fill with color, "We have been engaged for 4 years, Commander. Even though till now, I did not believe in the possibility of us ever getting to fulfill the promise we made so long ago." She could almost feel herself giving to her emotions, however she could not allow herself that weakness. For she still sensed this could be a trap. Hanji had warned her of potential questions she may face. Her responses could contribute to whatever conspiracy that may be being built. They did not need more ammunition. Although she did not feel that Pixis would be a worry to them, rather Pixis seemed trustworthy. And up until now, she had not seen any trace of the Military Police. The MPs were the entity that would try to turn public support against the Scouts. The Garrison could be an ally or an enemy they tended to side with the MPs but seeing as they weren't here Mikasa wondered what was happening.
"Isn't sad how war postpones even the most noblest of acts," He opened his jacket pulling out a small flask, of which he took a large swig. "It wasn't long ago, that I too almost lost the opportunity to marry my beloved wife." He smiled, "I think she would've made her way to battlefield and pulled me by my ears to the altar." He offered her the flask, which Mikasa accepted in order to calm herself down.
"She seems like a brave woman," Mikasa chuckled as the burning in her throat made its way down. She handed the Commander back his flask.
"More than I would like her to be," Pixis continued. "But when love takes over, theres little to do to stop it. I could almost smell it off you when Hanji and you showed up. You really care for him as well. And to that I have to drink for a beautiful wedding and the lovely life you and Captain Levi will have. For where there is love it will conquer all," Pixis lifted his flask and took one last drink before giving her a salute and making his way down stairs. Leaving her once again to her thoughts.
If only things were that easy.