Hello everyone and happy Sunday!

I can't believe that this is the 2nd to last chapter of Homeward Bound! Its so surreal that I am officially, finally wrapping this piece up and I really can't wait till the next update where I can set this story to complete! You have all been so patient, encouraging, and the fact some of you guys have been around since chapter one – We are soooo dang close to being done guys!

Either way, enjoy the read!

…

…

"For as small as this room is, I would have never guessed that you had so much shit stuffed inside. How the hell have you kept all of this in here? How does it even fit?"

"Well the key is organization, Captain."

Petra came out of her closet with a half-filled box of her stationary, and Levi looked up from the floor with a roll of his eyes, taping a box closed and labeling its contents with a thick black marker, "Right – and explain to me how your room is half the size of my own and yet somehow, your boxes have easily tripled mine." Levi set the box aside and looked back toward Petra flatly, almost groaning as he watched her fill up yet another box with more of her things, "And somehow – let's not forget - we're not even done yet."

Petra only shrugged at his grumbled complaints, moving to her desk and grabbing her collection of pens and stamps and other materials she used to write her letters, gently packing them away with care, "You're the one who said you wanted to get all my things moved over as soon as possible, so don't blame me for biting off more than you can chew. I could have told you I have a lot of things to box up and move over. My room is small, but I have it packed to the brim and really tried to make the most out of the space I did have."

"Clearly."

"I just require more things than you I guess. For starters, I have a lot more clothes than you. Not only do I need the variety, but not all of us are blessed with being able to wear the same size of pants day in and day out, because things fit differently depending on what time of the month it is. Not to mention-" Petra shot him a proud smirk and shrugged, "I'm presently building my collection of a different sort of wardrobe all together, and I doubt you want me getting rid of that."

Levi's expression turned sullen, and Petra continued, "Beyond that, I have my books I like to read, a few trinkets from home, extra blankets, and just general things that I like to keep track of."

"Like what."

"Things." She confirmed simply, "Things that matter. You know, letters from Dad, newspaper clippings from my friends getting married, a few ticket stubs from when we went out to a concert or theatre production – things I like to look back on that make me smile. They remind me that I've lived a full life, but that there are also things I want to keep experiencing in the years to come. I like to keep things like that, because it feels like they store the memories inside."

"Store the memories? Yeah, it sounds to me like you're just hoarding a lot of junk."

"One man's trash, right? And you can't mean to tell me that you don't have a few mementos of your own that you've kept over the years. I've seen you grab the wings of freedom badges off from more than one of our fallen comrades, so you can't tell me that you don't have an appreciation for sentimental value."

Levi fell silent at her observation and he eventually responded softly, "Sometimes it all blurs together, so I like to have a way of keeping the history distinct so that each life still matters." When he looked up and noticed Petra watching him with a soft, endearing smile, he cleared his throat and watched her seriously, "But I sure as hell don't have a box of receipts or shredded newspaper clippings like some damned raccoon. If it matters to you that much, you should consider a memory book or something more practical. A box stashed away and collecting dust in the back of your closet doesn't seem all that great to me - if anything, it just sounds like a fire hazard. For the record, I'm not made of money and I can't afford you destroying the house, so at least try to keep your general clumsiness to an affordable amount please."

"Well if my little box of kindling bothers you that much, feel free to impress me with your hidden scrapbooking talent. Until then, here." Petra set down the newly filled box in front of Levi, who began surveying its contents suspiciously before taping up the box and labeling it for future use.

Petra moved back into the closet and set to work on the next box, "The real question is going to be figuring out what I'm taking with me on my trip, versus what can stay here and get completely moved into the new house. I'm trying to set aside what I know I'll need, but it's still hard to figure out how much is too much, or what is me just thinking ahead."

She somewhat paused from her newly started task and walked back out into the main section of her room, watching Levi with a pensive, troubled expression, "You know, two months is a long time. It doesn't sound all that bad but…I feel like I'm going to miss so much. The next Expedition is going to be here before we know it – I'll miss that completely, and then after that there's your birthday-"

"How the hell do you know when my birthday is?"

Petra shrugged at his interjection and gave him a weak half smile, "Oh, that? I've known for years, but I always figured that the best present I could give you was just to leave you alone so I never mentioned it. Now that things are different though, I probably would plan to celebrate with you in some other ways you'd enjoy but…I guess I'll be gone so another year of silence it is. You'll be thirty-three, right?"

Levi neither confirmed nor denied her words, and Petra frowned in admitted disappointment because she would be gone, for just over two months come the start of the new week, and as much as she was looking forward to the start of something new, she wasn't looking forward to the learning process if it meant being away from the Scouts for so long.

With her position being comprised of an odd mix of working for any of the Regiments depending on business need, it was agreed that hands on training would be required – meaning travel. It was important that she understand the differences between how each of the regiments recorded data, how their procedures and roles looked different from the operations of the Scouts, as well as the various contacts that she would need when working with each group's unique and specific needs.

After she had left the meeting, Erwin reviewed the updated details of his contract and as expected, both Nile and Pixis had been thrilled by the idea of her somewhat compromised role they could all benefit from. The only problem was – the ins and outs of each faction wasn't exactly material that could easily be reviewed if not in person, something Erwin couldn't deny, and the decision was collectively made that as a part of her official training, Petra would be expected to spend time at each of the factions Head Quarters to learn her new role – three weeks with the Garrison, and three weeks with the Military Police.

When Erwin had presented this expectation to her, it hadn't gone over all that well as Petra was furious that Erwin was only now revealing the 'fine print' to her, but after explaining there was no better way for her to learn her role and that they had to show the other two factions a measure of good faith that she was actually willing to invest in the groups and learn their pain points – Petra had begrudgingly agreed and confirmed that it was an important step to take, even at the cost of being away from Headquarters for so long.

She had told Levi about it only a few hours after she had found out, but it seemed that he had already known and he merely crossed his arms and said something to the effect of 'Well what did you expect?'

She wasn't sure if his approach had been disheartening or oddly reassuring, but in any case, it didn't seem like Levi was all that put off or offended by the fact that she would be off campus for so long. Perhaps she may have wanted him to be just a little disappointed by the news, but he carried on as if it didn't bother him in the least. It hadn't phased her at first, but with each new day, his easy-going attitude bothered her just a little bit more than the last, because some part of her wanted tosee that he was just as disappointed as she was - but each day came and went and he carried on just the same without the smallest step out of place and now that she was a mere three days away from leaving Headquarters, it was frustrating the hell out of her.

She understood he was guarded, understood he was stoic, but would it kill the man to at least pretend that he wanted her around – even just a little?

Petra frowned in thought and eventually mumbled, "I was doing the math and…I'm going to miss our one-year anniversary, too. Can you believe that? I'll only miss it by a week or so, but in a few months we'll have been married for a full year now. That's just insane to me, because it doesn't feel like it's been that long at all – not even close. I've been so busy and this year has been so hectic that time seemed to just fly by without me ever really noticing it."

She paused and looked toward Levi with a sad smile, "I really wish that I could be here for all of those things – the holidays are coming up, all those milestones; I hate knowing that I won't be around for it. It's not fair."

When Levi looked at her with a single arched brow, she sighed in defeat at his wordless challenge, "Okay okay – it's fair, I just don't like it. I get that it's important I go and I'm willing to because I agree with Erwin that there are things that can only be taught to me by that faction specifically, but still. Training for my new role is starting at a really bad time and even if you've accepted it or it doesn't bother you that I won't be around, it still bothers me. I should be here for those things and I just hate that I won't be. The house needs to be finished up-"

"I told you I already have that all worked out. I never wanted to have you tied up in the finishing process anyway, so don't feel like that's going to be any different."

"Okay but the Expedition is coming up-"

"We're all ready to go and adjusted to you being off the squad – Eld even learned how to make coffee. We'll be fine, and Hanji's squad has lasted this long on their own so it is what it is."

"Well sure but then your birthday-"

"It's just another day."

Petra clicked her tongue, her voice dropping lower as she rolled her eyes and all but threw a handful of pens into her box in growing aggravation, "Well it may not bother you that I'll miss it but I would still like to be there! Is that okay with you Captain? Geez, what the hell is your problem anyway? Not everyone can be so damned detached like you are! I want to be here for these things, but its starting to sound like you'd prefer I be gone for all of it! You know, you really make me mad sometimes."

Petra watched him in silent fury and Levi returned her gaze seriously as a silence extended across the room. Eventually he gave a deep sigh, his voice soft as he carefully responded with a clipped, suspicious tone, "I have accepted that you'll be gone, but I'm not sure why you keep saying that it won't 'bother' me or that I'm apparently detached from the situation."

The two stared tensely at each other and Levi turned his body toward her so he could watch her more directly, a scowl on his lips as he challenged her words outright, "You seriously think this was the outcome I wanted? That I'd prefer you be offsite for the rest of the year? If you think I won't notice that you're gone for over two months, you're wrong."

He held her gaze for a long moment and nodded seriously, "I'll notice, Petra. Why in the hell would you even think that I wouldn't?"

He continued watching her pointedly, his expression serious until eventually Petra hung her head apologetically, giving a defeated nod as her voice softened in newfound embarrassment, "Okay…maybe that was a little insensitive of me - I'm sorry. I know that you'll notice it's just…you're so damn quiet all the time and maybe its not so easy to read between the lines. I'm frustrated that my career is coming with a few sacrifices and as I try and prepare for everything, I'm getting more and more on edge because I know that things aren't the same between us now – with you not being my direct Commanding Officer, I mean. I'm not trying to force you into singing songs or writing poems, but in some ways I'm worried that with me not being on the squad anymore that maybe…things will change between us as a couple too."

A stubborn silence filled the air as Levi regarded her thoughts and Petra continued, more slowly, grabbing a few odds and ends from her writing desk and packing them away haphazardly, "I just won't be around as much, you know? Even though we'll be living together, you'll still have the squad to train in the mornings, then all your paperwork at night, all your meetings, and as for me – I'll have the different projects I'm managing from possibly one or multiple factions at the same time and…well, you know what they say. Out of sight, out of mind."

Another silence fell between the pair, and Petra was very aware of Levi's heavy, deductive stare that was so pinpointed she could practically feel it weighing down on her. She cleared her throat and gave a gentle smile, "Please understand, I know you care, and I know that our relationship isn't based on convenience where we need to be on the same squad for things to stay the same - I just…I dunno, I can't help but worry. Everything I've ever known from you, is a result of me being on your squad, so now that I won't be, I'm not sure what to expect. I don't want to lose you and now that I'm not working with you directly-"

"You're picking fights with me to make it easier on yourself and reaffirm your position in my life? Kinda textbook there, Petra – a little pathetic even. Aren't you too old to be pulling something like that?"

He gave her a crooked sort of grin and Petra groaned, instantly rattled because try as she may to ignore it, she couldn't deny how his teasing, amused glance caused her stomach to tie in flustered knots and she hated how easily he could distract her without even knowing it.

Seeing her perturbed, almost pouting expression, the Captain's expression took a sudden turn towards being outright haughty and Petra rolled her eyes because apparently, he did know. Levi's expression grew all the more smug and he quirked an eyebrow and cocked his head curiously, "Or could it be that you're picking a fight for…other reasons?"

She gaped at his insinuation and crossed her arms, responding in a defensive scoff, "Alright lets get one thing clear - I'm not picking a fight just so we can have makeup sex, Levi!"

The Captain merely snorted, mumbling a quiet, 'Yeah, sure you're not.' and he secured one of the boxes with a sharp zip of the tape. Petra eyed him reproachfully and cleared the last few things off her desktop, tossing them into her box, her expression softening as she thought his words over and eventually responded, "Well…maybe I am, in some ways I guess."

She caught his smirk from the corner of her eyes and groaned, "I meant picking a fight because I'm leaving and it's hard, not the sex – although I'm not entirely opposed to that either, if the offer still stands. Let's take a break from packing when we move all this over, okay?"

Levi watched her in a mix of challenge and amusement, and Petra walked across the room and set her box down beside him, "I just think in some ways, you're actually a lot better about these things than me, you know? All jokes aside, but it's not always easy to be on the other side of your emotional self-control. You carry yourself so well like nothing can ever shake you, and sometimes in the back of my mind I worry it's because you don't even care in the first place. When I'm upset, people know about it; I'm pissy, I don't eat, I shout or cry and for you? Well, more often than not, you do nothing. You have your moments when little things irritate you I guess, but on the whole for day-to-day life, you're a lot more subdued and sometimes I guess I want to see that I matter to you."

She stood up from the ground and gave a weak smile, "Maybe its selfish, but I want to see you get mad and become irrationally short with everyone because you and I had a fight that morning, or maybe you'd give me the silent treatment because you know you'll miss me so much and its easier to just ignore me than it is to face the situation head on. I want to see you secretly smile to yourself when you realize that instead of the Compound, you'll be coming home with me, and that you'll always be able to come home to me after all this time. I want to see you think back and reminisce about all the work it took for us to get here - I just want to see that I have an impact in your life, I guess."

Levi almost smirked at her words, because while he understood and knew what she was trying to communicate and why she felt the way she did, in some ways she really just didn't know the half of it. She didn't recognize that he had been doing that sort of thing for so long now, but more often than not she was just too damn busy to even notice it so even though her assumption was wrong, he supposed it only made sense for her to feel that way because she didn't know any better.

He grabbed the box she had placed in front of him, groaning at its disorganized contents and he set to work on reorganizing the collection more to his liking, "If it makes you feel better, Erwin would tell you that I wasn't nearly as passive about this whole thing as you seem to think. He and I have had a number of heated discussions about how this little trip would pan out. It was just some late night talks at first where we couldn't agree, but it didn't stay that way for long. You really mean to tell me that you didn't notice his split lip, or the fist shaped bruise on my stomach?"

Petra blinked, her mouth agape from sudden alarm, "You said it was from training. You both said it was training!"

His lip twitched and he gave a shrug, "Oh it was training alright – just a bit of a different kind. I keep Irwin in check and while it's not common for either of us to lose our temper, sometimes, he pushes back. He wanted to drive the point home that you're not my subordinate anymore and…to be fair, perhaps that was needed, but I wanted to remind him that just because you're not on my squad, doesn't mean that he can blindside me regarding how the Scouts are going to utilize you in the future, because I'm still a part of the leadership team, married or not. Either way, by the time word got back around to you, we had already had our fights and there was nothing I could do but accept the final outcome. I picked the battles I could and come what may for the rest, right?"

Levi allowed his attention to fall back onto his wife and he gave her an amused, soft chuckle, "If it matters to you that much, I'll have you know that I was mad, frustrated as hell, and you can be damn sure that I threw the first punch and probably didn't even have that good of a reason to. The reactions you probably wanted to see were there and then some, but the real difference between you and me is that I actually know the time and place and use the proper avenues to address them, versus you, who just likes to sulk and take it out on anyone unfortunate enough to cross your path that day. I sure as hell won't miss that aspect of being your Commanding officer, I can tell you that much."

Petra watched him in stunned silence, not from his jab at her behavior, but rather towards the surprise of everything Levi had just revealed to her. She had no clue that he had been so outright opposed – apparently even more upset about it than she had been herself – to such an extent that it had led to an actual, legitimate fight between himself and Erwin where she had only been told about the arrangement after the dust had settled between them.

She tried to quickly sort her thoughts and picked her words cautiously, "I uh, wasn't aware you had such strong feelings about it. Should I be concerned or something? I honestly thought the training seemed like a really good idea so on the professional side of things, I didn't put up too much of a fight but if you were that pissed off then…I don't know – am I missing something?"

Levi stood up and began moving the completed boxes towards the door, "For the most part it's nothing you need to worry about – I was mad but I still know how to pick my battles with at least a hint of discretion. The short version is that there were some areas that he was getting too lax in, and I don't want you to pay for his shortsighted assumptions. With how valuable you are to the military as a whole now, Erwin really could stand to be a little more cautious and not assume everything will play in his favor. In some ways, your apparent good luck and natural charm has played to his benefit without fail, at every turn, and I think it's finally gone to his head. He's not usually so flippant, and I think it's a bad time for him to get overly cocky. I just want to make sure he's still playing the board, instead of being played himself."

Petra grinned at his explanation and shrugged, "Well Erwin did say that he's been fine tuning my contract for the past week now and-"

"I wonder why that is."

Petra almost snorted and watched him in growing suspicion as puzzle pieces slowly clicked into place. She turned toward him and crossed her arms, her voice more casual as she spoke carefully, "You know Captain, an interesting thing happened a few days ago."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." She watched him begin to stack the boxes and she continued, "Erwin, out of the blue, tracked me down to let me know that Mike is coming with me for the whole trip, as my personal escort to make sure nothing happens while I'm traveling or that the factions don't try anything shady to keep me detained longer than agreed upon."

Levi grabbed a few boxes in his arms and nodded, "Well, that sounds like a reasonable step any leader would want to do for a woman traveling alone from city to city like you are. Considering I know how much you hate traveling alone, I'm glad that Erwin was able to arrange an escort for you like that. And with someone like Mike, I'm sure you'll have nothing to worry about."

Petra shook her head and tried to grab his eye contact, but he was persistent in his task and Petra tried again, "I really owe him a thank you, you know? I'd like to think that I could handle my own if someone tries anything, but I'll feel a lot better knowing that I'm not alone out there. It was really thoughtful of him, to be proactive like that."

Levi gave a hint of a smile at her carefully worded praise and the ginger gave a small laugh, "At the very least, I'll appreciate the company, even though I somewhat suspect that he's just as quiet as you are. I've run into him a lot more now that I've been working with Hanji more closely, but even still, I don't think I've even had a single conversation with him. Truthfully, I would have actually preferred to be escorted by Humanity's Strongest instead, but-"

Levi stood up with a snap and watched her in offense, "You know I could never get that kind of time off; Erwin would never allow it. There's an expedition coming up and Mike was the best I could do! It was hell just getting Erwin to agree to that and-"

Petra held up her hands in surrender, "I meant nothing by that, Levi – I was kidding! I really am grateful, but I'm just saying for the record, I would rather travel with you over Mike - it's a compliment."

Levi grumbled and bent over, grabbing an armful of boxes as he walked out of the room and moved down the hall, "You really think so? That's a pretty short list, you know. I narrowly beat out the second most antisocial man in the Scout Regiment, and I'm pretty sure I won out of obligation more than anything else."

Petra hastily grabbed a few boxes and walked out after him, "But you said you're coming with me to at least see me off, right?"

Levi nodded, "I did. I can ride with you for one days' time, and then after that we'll have to go our separate ways because with the Expedition coming up, it's a wonder Erwin's letting me leave the grounds at all. Still though, I'd like to see you off because I know that matters to you, and more than that, I'd like to be there for my own reasons."

Petra smirked, "Your own reasons, Captain? Am I just a walking object to you now?"

Regardless her teasing expression, Levi held her gaze seriously and eventually gave a pensive, unsatisfied frown, "Like you said, two months is a long time and you will miss a lot. Even if it's just one more night, I figured it's better than nothing, so…"

At his words, Petra found a frown coming to her face, her eyes starting to water and burn as she thought about just how long she would be away and Levi gave an amused, soft chuckle because this wasn't the first time Petra had teared up when the subject of her trip was brought up, "Oi, there will be plenty of time for that later. Right now, let's just get all your shit moved into the house so the guys will finally stop pestering me and asking how they can help out further. They are convinced that I'll let them each have their own room now that you and I are moving out and it's annoying how overly eager they are to see us officially out of the Compound."

Petra gave a sniffle and tried to allow the upcoming training to clear from her mind. She cleared her throat and shrugged, "Well three rooms, three men – I guess I also kinda assumed that's what you were planning on doing with the opened-up space."

"Oh it is – there's no reason for them to share a room and Erwin already said he doesn't have plans for the space so it doesn't matter." Levi rolled his eyes and gave a quipped exhale, "I just wish they'd stop bitching about it so much. Their constant nagging is pissing me off – I'm pretty sure they're more gung-ho about this move than I am, which is really fucked up when you think about it. Not that I was expecting some teary eyed, don't leave us bullshit, but this is the opposite extreme. I think they're glad I'm leaving, those ungrateful, greedy little fucks."

The expression across his face was one of both irritation and sheer indignance, and it was hard for Petra to not laugh outright at his mini tirade.

"Who gets what room?" she asked instead, not wanting to stoke the fire by actually laughing at him, and Levi scoffed in immediate response.

"Like I'm stupid enough to get involved in that? I know better than to try and dictate who's moving where but…" he paused and gave a deep sigh as he rocked his head back and forth in thought, "If I had to guess…I'd wager that Oluo will end up in my room, Gunther will move into yours, and Eld will keep the big dorm room all to himself."

Petra looked at Levi and made a face, "Yeah? That's not how I would have pegged them at all, so how do you figure? I know that the dorm room is the biggest, but yours is nicer in every way, and logic would dictate that with Eld having the higher rank and being second in Command, he'd wind up there instead. Its nicer than the dorm room and my room combined."

"And that's exactly why Oluo will want it so much – he cares about those kinds of things. He's not obsessed with glory, but he has a healthy appreciation for recognition and that's what makes him so competitive." Levi turned down the hallway, readjusting the box in his arms and he continued explaining, "Eld may have the rank to get whatever room he wants, but he's not someone who cares about status or clout, unlike Oluo. He'll probably think it means something or take pride in the fact that he's staying in my room, and Eld will probably barter something to get more out of the deal and act like it's some grand trade, even though the reality is he couldn't care less about which room he's in. As for why Gunther will take your room, he's a simple guy and he appreciates his privacy. Reality is that whoever has the dorm room will have all the guests and will host the drinking nights you guys don't think I know about, and when you get down to it, Gunther isn't really the hosting type. He'll enjoy having a small, no frills space where he won't be bothered. Eld of course, well, I can only imagine what sort of things will take place in that room, should he have such a large space all to himself. Its terrifying to think of, in its way – but the less I know, the less I'm held accountable for. I learned pretty early with you guys that it was best to turn a blind eye when at all possible. You shits were such a pain in the ass to manage. I'm not sure if it will get better, now that there's only three of you, or if you not being around will just make it worse."

Petra shrugged at his summation and found herself grinning at Levi's – most likely accurate- assessment of what was to come. She gave a soft smile and watched her Captain fondly, "Well, I guess only time will tell."

…

…

The weekend had been filled with a lot of boxes, a lot of unpacking and repacking, debates over the flow of the house and what should go where, and what seemed like never ending trips back and forth across the grounds. While it hadn't been exhausting on a physical level, perhaps on the mental forefront, it had been rather taxing and as a result, Petra and Levi had had multiple late nights of sorting and organizing, where they eventually collapsed into bed with half completed projects and unsorted piles of belongings spread out haphazardly across the floor.

The next morning they'd wake up, begin unpacking and sorting even more, make a few trips into town for things that the house needed that neither of them had, and come the night there would be even more piles of uncompleted projects. Petra had admittedly been surprised that Levi hadn't been more demanding and had actually somewhat tolerated the mess that was created from the chaos of moving, but Levi had stated more than once that it was all part of the moving process and if it meant that she truly moved in with him and they'd actually live together, then he'd gladly turn a blind eye to the mess because it was more than worth it.

His words hadn't been said without meaning, and the fact he was so openly speaking of his feelings for her considering what she had told him a few days before while packing made Petra's heart soar. She would have never thought Levi to be the type to be so willingly transparent, and the fact that he was making an effort to be transparent about his in the moment thoughts with her was thrilling. More than once their unpacking sessions had been interrupted due to other things they found themselves doing with their time, where perhaps they weren't as far along in the unpacking process as they should have been. In some ways it was hard for either of them to stay focused because the house granted them a certain level of privacy and opportunity they hadn't had before while in the Compound. They'd unpack a few boxes, and whether it was Petra asking about Levi's tea collection or Levi being flabbergasted at how many pairs of underwear she apparently owned – they'd inevitably get sidetracked, start teasing each other about whatever discovery they had made, and someone, often Levi, would make the first move and another hour would be lost to them like so many hours before. Their original goal had been to get all the boxes unpacked and mostly organized before she had to leave, but as Monday came closer and closer, their goal collectively changed into just making sure she was packed for the trip because the rest…

Well, the rest could wait, if it meant they could spend more time together.

It had been the early hours of the morning that Petra stirred, and she made a weak noise, pressing herself further against her still sleeping bedfellow and groggily giving a yawn as she opened her eyes just a crack. The lack of windows in their new bedroom made the room constantly dark when the lights were out, but based off the dim glow of light creeping in from the doorway, it was well enough into the morning that she knew she wouldn't be able to fall back asleep.

"Morning, Captain."

She spoke in the tiniest whisper, a small and adoring smile on her lips as she watched Levi sleep. She gently brought her hand up to his hair and moved his bangs to one side in a slight caress, and he stiffened outright as the light action caused him to wake.

She allowed her nails to graze upward as she traced her fingers through his hair and Levi took a breath, relaxing from his previously rigid state once he realized that his sudden awakening had only been Petra. He shifted across the bed, having to sit upward ever so slightly so he could see where she was resting against him, and she gave a smile when their eyes met.

"It's not often that I wake up before you – did you sleep well?"

Levi considered her question, finding that while his mind was already alert and active, some part of him wanted to feign some lingering exhaustion or sleepiness because Petra was running her nails over his scalp and her other hand was tracing mindless patterns over his stomach, and it all felt too damn good to move or make her stop.

Some part of him had forgotten exactly how good it felt to have her beside him at night – forgotten how easy it was to pull her into his arms or trace his fingers up her skin and hear her sigh against him as she aligned her body to his – and as much of an ass as it made him, some part of him almost wished he hadn't told Petra about the house just yet because to have her and know her and live in the same space as her for a mere week, only to be expected to give her up all over again – fuck, it really wasn't fair.

"It's Monday." Petra said simply, and Levi had to wonder if she could feel the way his heart seemed to sink all the way into his stomach.

"…Yeah."

"I'm not one to rush or anything, but maybe we should get a jump on the day. I think it's still pretty early so we're not behind schedule just yet, but I'd like to double check all my stuff just one more time, to make sure I'm not forgetting anything. Erwin still wants me to report in to him to review my schedule and expected travel check ins, and I don't want to start off my new career by showing up late on the first day."

Petra began to shift up, curling away from him as she put her feet on the floor and moved off the bed. Almost on impulse, Levi had grabbed her wrist, his throat tight all at once because he didn't know what he wanted to say, he just felt the need to say something.

His sudden action had surprised her and she watched him in confusion. As the silence extended between them, well past a simple contemplative pause, Petra's expression grew troubled. She carefully sat back onto the bed and watched him in concern, "Captain…is everything okay? I guess we can stay in bed for maybe another hour if you really want to, but after that we'll have to start moving for real. I'm not trying to be overbearing or anything, I just figured a less rushed approach might be best. What would you prefer?"

Levi found his mind swarming with a sudden onslaught of thoughts resulting from a rather simple question; his internal reactions all equally valid and all equally hard to verbalize as he tried to sort out his thoughts or determine what he felt most prominently. He wasn't sure which direction he wanted to take or what he wanted to verbalize - there was so much to say, and yet, nothing to say. Her situation wasn't permanent, it wasn't some dramatic, painful separation that required lingering glances and tearful goodbyes – hell, she'd be back in a few months and in some ways this was simply to be expected from someone in a position like hers and yet…

"This is fine - this is how it's supposed to be, and I know that. I don't want to make a bigger deal out of this or make you feel guilty because that's not what I'm after." He was looking into the bed, a serious expression on his face as he continued softly, "I think you picked the right path for yourself. It'll be a challenge, but you're ready for it and I truly believe you'll do well. It's not that I'm envious – no, I'm glad you've found a path that will better suit your skills and allow you to shine to make some real differences its just…"

Levi paused for a few moments and sighed, "As your Captain I failed you in a lot of ways, and for that I'm truly sorry, but at least with this…I feel like I finally got this right for once, between you and me, I mean. I like…knowing that I'm making you happy and that it's not any other man responsible because you're mine and I want to see you happy with me. I guess that the fact you're leaving now of all times, when I've finally gotten my shit together and been able to be there for you as a partner, well, I'm really displeased and kinda pissed off. Not at you, but at the situation itself. Why couldn't you have been gone when I was a dick and pissed off and frustrated and unsure? Why now, when I finally know what I want?"

Petra remained silent and Levi shook his head in frustration, "I told myself that once your cast came off, things would be different - that once we got back from vacation, back from leave, then back from the Expedition, back on my squad, that maybe once we finally moved in together-"

Petra was starting to understand his point, and she gave him a half smile as Levi pressed his lips together and gave a defeated sigh. He eventually shrugged, "I told myself things would stop being so fucking touch and go and I could really live my life with you. Is that so bad? I know it's not what I wanted at first but I want it now and it seems like no matter what I do, we're both so fucking busy! And now, now you've got this whole damned trip planned where it won't even be touch and go anymore, you'll just be gone. I'm really starting to wonder if I'm just a damned idiot for even assuming there would ever be a time period where life would slow down for either of us."

He was talking faster, words spilling out of his mouth with an untamed ferocity and eventually Levi sighed, his shoulders slumping as he spoke in quiet admission, "I just really thought this time….maybe it really would be different."

"You're discouraged." Petra summarized softly, and Levi wasn't sure if he was grateful for her simple explanation, or if he regretted opening up to her in the first place, almost feeling embarrassed by how much he had stated because in hearing himself, he sounded like a fucking child.

"I understand just as well as anyone else that the military life has its pro's and con's and a whole fucking mountain of baggage that comes with it – I'm just irritated because I really thought that by now, almost a year later, that I'd be a little…better at this or something. I just…some part of me really wishes you weren't leaving. I respect that you are and support it, I just wish you could still learn what you needed to, without actually having to leave."

Petra wasn't sure what to say, admittedly flabbergasted because as she thought about all he had said, she realized something and it only baffled her all the more. She wasn't sure when, but it seemed that somewhere along the way, they had changed roles. Levi was speaking freely, wearing his raw and vulnerable emotions on the tip of his tongue and even though she wanted to, Petra wasn't sure what she was supposed to say or how she could ever verbalize her thoughts to him.

Deciding to take a page out of his book, Petra placed a hand back on the bed, leaning forward and kissing him fervently; crawling closer to him and allowing her hands to wrap around his shoulders securely.

Levi gave a soft, mournful sigh against her lips, for a second almost turning away from her but giving in at the last moment with a desperate resignation because giving in hurt, but the idea of missing his opportunity and regretting it for over two straight months seemed even worse and the damned either way sort of situation was more frustrating than he wanted to admit. He kissed her back languidly, a sort of sorrow tangible on his lips, and Petra felt her heart break as she recognized his actions as a sort of mourning. Their usually passionate, fiery and unhindered affections were now slowed, apologetic, and filled with all the words and promises that couldn't be said between them, as there was nothing more to be said – only silent understanding and longing, gentle caresses.

Levi brushed his lips down the span of her neck with unhurried, whispering kisses, and Petra wrapped her arms tightly around him in a far too tight embrace, as though somewhat afraid to let him go. For so long now and without her even knowing it, Levi had become her world, and telling herself to just walk away to pursue after her career – even though the time was both needed and temporary – was easier said than done.

Gods, this would be the longest two months of her life – she was certain of it.

"I want you to pack later, Petra." Levi whispered against her skin, and Petra nodded in wholesome agreement.

"We'll pack later then, Captain."

Petra was leaning forward, preparing to kiss him again, and Levi pulled back slightly, running his fingers over her face carefully and whispering, "I'm going to miss you, Petra. I'm… well, completely in love with you and I don't think I'll ever not be worried or anxious when you're away. I know you don't need me, and I know you're not weak. I trust you but, still."

Petra nodded in understanding, unable to voice her thoughts even now, and Levi pressed her bangs to the side, "Train and learn everything you need to but then…just come back to me, please. Come back…home, okay? I'll be waiting."

Petra leaned forward with a tearful nod, allowing her forehead to rest against his in a tender, affectionate pause.

"Thanks, Captain – for everything."

...

End of Chapter

...

I know this has been like my author's notes for the past few chapters, but this really is it and honestly, I am getting a little bit nostalgic writing this up because this is…kind of our curtain call for SOME of the characters and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Seriously, just one more chapter left guys, for real. Granted this story seriously ended up being some forty chapters longer than I anticipated so I hope this ending doesn't feel rushed or forced, but I swore way back however long that I really would see this piece to the end and by golly I meant it.

My plan is to update next chapter just as soon as its ready (whenever it's ready, but I'm not rushing it because…you know, last chapter better be perfect) and then after that I'll mark this story as complete. For those who follow, heads up you will get one more alert from me after that – because I do plan on doing an extras chapter, but it's not going to be an epilogue or anything like that, but rather a list of my thoughts as a bit of, these are some cool extra things I couldn't say along the way due to spoilers etc.

Not at all required to be read of course, but for those who want some behind the scenes footage, you'll have that to look forward to as well! Either way guys, thanks so much for being there with me, every step of the way, and I look forward to seeing you guys soon for dare I say…the final chapter!

Much love guys!
~Mid