DILAN'S P.O.V.

Dilan glanced over to Levi, hoping he was doing okay. She had done her best for him at the start of the evening, but her threats didn't last long concerning the crowd. They were crawling all over him again within the next 30 minutes. Thankfully princess bitch was still on her best behaviour and had been following Levi obediently without much talking.

It was a good few hours later and well into the night. Her and Eld had been with the squad, Hanji and Moblit most of the night, talking to different shits. It was funny to watch Oluo interact with the nobles. He was such a pretentious idiot when he was trying to impress people. Dilan and Petra made a tally of how many times he bit his tongue when he got too excited in his rambling. It was 10. The dumbass bit his tongue 10 times. Dilan and Gunther had a bet going on. If Oluo's number got to 20 Gunther would make her breakfast every morning for a month. If he got to 30 Dilan wouldn't steal his breakfast for 3 months.

Dilan was feeling good about her odds.

She and Eld had just split off from the squad to get some drinks.

"Hey, are you okay?" Eld asked and Dilan blinked, looking back to him. She supposed she was not being the most present date. Great. Now she felt bad. They had managed to escape to the open bar. Dilan was easily able to ward off most of the shits who wanted to talk to her specifically, especially after that bowtie comment.

Unfortunately for the Captain, he couldn't afford to be so cavalier.

"Yep." She smiled, hoping she was being convincing. Eld tilted his head.

"Parties aren't your thing, are they?" He asked. Dilan chuckled.

"Well no. Not extravagant ones like this. I know it makes me a downer but all I can see is waste and privilege. Some of the things those women are wearing could have fed me for an entire year in the underground. It just seems like bullshit." Dilan shrugged, pushing around the ice cubes in her drink with her straw.

Eld smiled sadly.

"It doesn't make you a downer. It makes you a realist and honestly, I agree. It's not fair but it's the way the world works." Eld replied and Dilan looked at him, seeing that's how he really felt.

"True."

"It was hard in the underground then?" Eld dared to ask. Dilan didn't mind telling him for some reason. She had the feeling he wouldn't judge her.

"Yeah. I lived in a cave, I'm a literal cave woman" She chuckled and Eld smiled. "But it was home. My home since I was three." Dilan explained.

"Who looked after you?" Eld asked curiously. Dilan bit her lip, thinking about lying. But the boy was so genuine she couldn't bring herself too. She wasn't ready to give him the whole story, but she supposed one piece of information was fine.

"My brother. He died when I was 15. I don't think I'm ready to talk about it though." She admitted, eyes wondering to her drink. She looked back at Eld after she felt a warm hand squeeze her own. He offered a comforting smile.

"I've lost a brother; I know how hard it is. I'm sorry you had to go through that alone." He said seriously. Dilan blinked at him. He had?

"What happened?" She asked, seeing a flash of pain go through Eld's eyes. "You don't have to tell me." She reassured, squeezing his hand for support. Eld sighed and shook his head.

"It wasn't tragic. He had been ill for a long time before he finally succumbed to his fever. He was surrounded by family in the end." Eld explained. Dilan gave him a comforting look, knowing it was still horrible, even if it was expected.

"What was his name?" She asked. Eld smiled a bit.

"Billy. He was 5 and honestly the biggest bundle of life I've ever witnessed." Eld chuckled fondly. Dilan smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest.

"Farlan." The word falling from her mouth easier than she ever expected. Eld looked at her. "My brother's name was Farlan." She explained. Eld smiled in understanding. He glanced at the other members of the squad, dancing on the floor and doing it poorly.

"Come on, let's dance!" He grinned, grabbing Dilan's hands and pulling her to her feet. Her eyes widened.

"E-Eld I don't know how!" She protested but allowed him to drag her out into the crowd. Eld smiled at her so lovingly she couldn't believe someone would hold such affections to her.

"I'll teach you." He replied softly, taking one hand, he put it on his shoulder, doing the same with her other hand. He put his hands on her waist and brought their bodies closer together. Dilan looked him in the eye, seeing no ill intentions.

Her pulse rose a little bit, but it wasn't due to fear. She supposed this was a pretty big step, considering up until this point, she didn't think she could be this close to a man, other than Levi, without completely freaking out.

"You're so beautiful, you know that." Eld commented quietly as they swayed back and forth to the slow music. Dilan blushed, not sure how to answer.

"Thanks." She mumbled and Eld chuckled at her embarrassment. Dilan sent him a playful glare but smile anyway.

"Who knew I could get the famous titan ripper to blush." He teased lightly. Dilan let out a puff of amusement.

"I'm really not the hard ass everyone thinks I am." She admitted. Eld tilted his head slightly.

"Oh yeah?" He asked. Dilan nodded, averting her eyes.

"Eld... I'm a really fucked up person. I have issues, a long line of issues. Trauma, I guess. I've come a long way but it's still there and it always will be. Knowing this, would you still be interested in a mess like me?" She asked quietly.

"Yes." Eld said simply and Dilan looked at him in shock. She half expected him to back out. She's certainly didn't expect him to answer so quickly. "I like you Dilan. Everyone has flaws but that's the great thing about a relationship. I'd like to help you through your issues and trauma. We would support each other, get it?" Eld explained with a smile. Dilan blinked. "You still have until the end of the night but... out of curiosity, can you see it?" He asked softly, brushing a thumb over her cheekbone and tucking some hair behind her ear. "Can you see us together?" He asked and Dilan's heart hammered in her chest.

What was she feeling? Dread? Anticipation? Excitement? Fear? Longing? Was this what she wanted? Yes. But did she want it with Eld specifically?

Well that was the million-dollar question.

Dilan wet her lips, feeling like her entire mouth was drying up. She needed some space to think.

She needed... well... she needed Levi.

"Eld can I have one moment... to think?" She asked. Eld smiled and nodded.

"I'll go stand with the others. Be back soon yeah?" He said kindly. Dilan nodded as the man let go of her and walked towards their friends. Dilan took a steadying breath before looking around the room. Levi was gone but she knew where he would be.

LEVI'S P.O.V.

Levi sat alone outside on the patio. Thankfully no one had been able to find this place yet. He supposed it was freezing and they were enjoying the party. Levi on the other hand, despised the party and enjoyed the cold. So here he was. With a bottle of whisky, he had stolen from the bar before escaping through the hallway, sitting and drinking.

Surprisingly blonde bitch princess didn't put up a fight when he told her he needed some air. She nodded quickly before looking at her feet, like she had been most of the night. He had never been more grateful for Dilan to work her magic on someone. Having to socialise with the nobles was painful enough. He did not need to make conversation with that princess either.

The reason he needed air, other than the obvious reason of hating the party, was seeing Dilan and Eld. Dilan and Eld standing irritatingly close. Dilan and Eld dancing. Levi felt the jealousy again, grinding his teeth so hard he was pretty sure he cracked his jaw.

The worse part was she looked happy and it pained his heart so much he had a very subtle urge to cut. And that terrified him, so he did what he knew he needed to do next. Get some damn space. God, when did things become so complicated? Life sure was easier when he hated Dilan with a passion. Of course, back then, he truly was a miserable asshole.

Now he was just a jealous one.

He had been thinking for a while. Thinking about the future, what he wanted it to look like. He thought about what Erwin said, about how he was released from his promise. How he was free to tell Dilan how he felt with no consequences. Somehow, having the previous restrictions felt better. Because now the only thing that was holding him back was himself and that was fucking exhausting already.

Levi looked behind him as he heard the door open, his grey eyes catching fiery orange as Dilan stepped out into the cold night, white smoke expelling from her mouth when she saw him and let out a breath.

Levi looked at her for a moment, deciding he would never meet anyone as beautiful. Her heels clicked on the stone as she slowly walked towards him before sitting down next to him. Levi's eyes were still on hers and he felt the tension from back at the house start to resurface. He didn't know what it was, but it did intrigue him that Dilan clearly felt it too.

Levi's eyes graze down to her lips, lingering before focusing on her neck and her collarbone. What he wouldn't give to graze his teeth over her perfect olive skin.

Levi flicked his eyes back up to hers, noticing a light blush on her cheeks. Dilan bit her lip and Levi almost lost control right there, but a noticeable shiver from Dilan brought him out of his lust filled haze and he scolded himself for engaging in his fantasies so long.

He hoped he hadn't freaked her out.

Dilan didn't seem to notice she was cold, eyes still raking over him. Levi raised an eyebrow, fascinated by her actions.

Was she... checking him out?

Dilan seemed to snap out of it, looking forward and crossing her arms to stop the cold. Levi cracked a small smile and rolled his eyes fondly, shrugging off his jacket and draping it over her shoulders.

Dilan looked at him.

"Won't you get cold?" She asked. Levi shook his head. He didn't get cold. He knew Dilan rarely did either, but she was wearing practically nothing, and the sharp air was a deep contrast to the boiling temperature in the ball room. Too many bodies.

"I'm fine. Your idiot self needs it more. Bring a jacket next time, brat." Levi retorted, taking a glug of whiskey to calm his nerves. Why was he so on edge? Probably that god damn dress. She looked too amazing.

Dilan rolled her eyes but smiled anyway.

"Hanji forbid me. I was under strict instructions with what I was allowed to wear." Dilan replied with a scoff, grabbing the bottle off of him and taking a swig herself. Levi smirked as her face scrunched up at the sharp flavours, but she swallowed it down anyway. Levi guessed that was her first time with Whisky. "Shit that's strong." She breathed. Levi chuckled as she immediately took another long sip.

She sighed in relief, passing the bottle back to Levi and there was a moment of peace.

"So? Why are you out here then? It's rude to leave a date you know?" Levi asked. Dilan gave him a look.

"Says you, ass. Where's Miss bitch at?" She smirked. Levi laughed a bit, looking out at the garden.

"You took care of her. What did you threaten her with anyway?" Levi asked, curious. Dilan took a moment before she burst out laughing, the cheery sound echoing around the empty porch and doing well to warm Levi's heart. Dilan laughed so hard, tears were clinging to her eyes and she had to hold on to his arm for support as she almost fell off of the balcony edge they were perching on. Levi supported her, amused.

He loved it when she laughed. Still, she didn't have to know that.

"Oi, dumb brat. Are you trying to wake the whole neighbourhood?" Levi asked, flicking her between the eyes and the laughter stopped.

"Ow! Asshole!" She whined and Levi smirked.

"Go on then, tell me what's so funny." He encouraged. Dilan giggled again, a twisted smirk making its way onto her face.

"I told her I had a friend down in the underground." She started, clearing her throat, glee clear in her tone. "Called Gabe the pig. And that he buys bags of hair, sticks them on his body and likes to brush and braid them!" Dilan choked out, falling into a fit of laughter again.

Levi's eyes widened comically.

"You didn't..." He asked, astounded. Dilan nodded, gasping for breath.

"I threatened to shave her." She admitted and Levi tried really damn hard, but he couldn't hold in his laughter either and he doubled over in hysterics, Dilan close behind him. They sat there like a pair of complete idiots laughing loudly into the night.

"You fucking idiot." He choked out, composing himself. Dilan chuckled, wiping her eyes.

"Well it worked didn't it?" She grinned. Levi laughed a bit.

"I suppose. Do you really know a man called Gabe the pig?" Levi smirked, curious.

Dilan sniggered, shaking her head.

"There was that serial killer going around though that killed girls and took their hair. That's where I got my inspiration from." Dilan shrugged. Levi nodded, recognition filling his face.

"Yeah I remember that. That was like 10 years ago now." He recalled. Dilan chuckled.

"Yep. We're old now." She smirked. Levi rolled his eyes.

"You're old." He shot back. Dilan gave him a deadpan look.

"Levi you're older than me." She pointed out. Levi shrugged.

"Irrelevant." He replied, monotoned. Dilan laughed and shook her head in disbelief.

A moment of peace passed before Dilan jumped slightly reaching into her bag.

"What's the time?" She asked excitedly. Levi raised an eyebrow.

"A little past 12, why?" He asked. Dilan smiled.

"Close your eyes." She ordered. Levi frowned, opening his mouth. "Just do it!" She cut him off before he could protest. Levi glared at her and she glared back. Eventually he relented and closed his eyes.

He felt Dilan take his hand and spread out his palm before putting something cold in the centre. He raised an eyebrow but kept his eyes closed.

"Okay, you can open them now." She added, a smile evident in her voice. Levi opened his eyes and looked down at the small silver cog in the palm of his hand. It looked like it was from an 3DMG gear.

"Brat, what's this?" He asked, tilting his head slightly.

Dilan smiled.

"I had to go into the underground to get it. It's a cog from Farlan's 3DMG. He made some adjustments one time and put that along with a few springs in a draw." Dilan explained and Levi's eyes widened. "Happy Birthday, Levi." She smiled and Levi's whole heart warmed up.

He had honestly forgotten about his birthday. It was a Christmas Eve ball. He forgot that Christmas eve leads into Christmas. Apparently, Dilan hadn't. And she'd gotten him the most precious gift in the world. Something to remind him of his shared adventures with his family. He had never had much to remember them by. Not even a burial. Erwin gave the order to retreat before anyone could collect their bodies.

A lump of emotion formed in Levi's throat at the thought.

"Dil... don't you want this?" He asked quietly, not being able to take his eyes off the small object that meant so much to him. Dilan smiled, squeezing his other hand for support.

"I love my brother but the 3DMG wasn't something that we shared together. This was part of his life with you. You deserve the memory." Dilan explained thoughtfully. Levi managed to swallow down the lump in his throat with great difficulty, closing his fist around the metal object before finally meeting Dilan's eyes.

He smiled.

"Thank you." He said genuinely. This was the best present he had ever been given. Dilan smiled back and nodded, pulling him into a hug. Levi hugged her back, once again swallowing down the emotion. She made it too easy to love her. "This sure as fuck beats that crappy book I got you for your birthday." Levi joked as he pulled back. Dilan rolled her eyes, punching him playfully on the arm.

"Hey, I love that book! But, yes, I'm totally winning the presents war. Better step up your game next year, Captain." She added with a sly smirk. Levi laughed.

"You're on brat." He replied and another competition was born. Levi imagined it would carry on until one of them died. Just like everything else. And he couldn't have been happier.

Another stretch of content passed before Levi realised, she had never answered his question.

"So why are you out here? Was it just to give me my present?" Levi asked, adjusting his jacket on Dilan slightly so he could slot the cog into his inside breast pocket for safe keeping before tucking it back around her. Dilan chuckled, scratching the back of her head.

"I don't know..." She mumbled. Levi frowned, crossing his arms.

"Out with-it brat. You clearly have something to say." Levi interpreted. The head scratching was all the evidence he needed. He knew his friend too well.

Dilan sighed and stood up to start pacing the floor.

"Well Eld asked me. He asked me what I thought." Dilan explained, biting at her lip and continuing to pace. Levi's stomach dropped slightly but he didn't show it, turning around to watch her pace.

"And?" Levi asked. Dilan paused to look at him for a second before getting flustered and continuing to pace.

"Levi, I'm so fucked up. Everything that I've been through, I'm not coming back from it. What if I don't deserve to be with him? I mean what if I end up fucking him up with my issues!? He's such a nice guy, he doesn't deserve to have a mess like me forced on him. I mean I haven't even had my first kiss yet. What if I freak out? I'm unstable and-and not worth it-" Dilan started spiralling out of control, tears glossing over her eyes. Levi's heart lurched and he could take no more.

He stood up. Grabbed her wrist to pull her out of her pacing and closer to him.

He leant down and captured her lips in a kiss.

Dilan tensed in surprise, taking a long moment before kissing him back. Levi grabbed her waist and pulled her closer while Dilan snaked her arms around his neck.

Levi had never felt bliss like this. His heart was beating fast, but it was a good fast. Dilan made him feel alive, she made him feel free. Her lips fit so perfectly with his and he never wanted to let her go again. He had been wanting to do this for so fucking long, so long it was hard to believe she was worth every single second of the wait.

Alas, the need for air became too great and he had to pull back. He leant his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. Both of them were breathing heavily, their bodies flushed up against the others. Levi wasn't sure how long they stood there like that, trying to get their breathing under control.

Levi still wasn't convinced that had just happened.

Holy shit, what did I do?

"Levi?" Dilan whispered; her voice thick with emotion. "Answer me this one question and depending on your answer, we can go back to how things were before." She offered, her voice slightly shaking and he realised she was giving him and out.

An opportunity to take it back.

Levi's heart panged as a tear rolled down Dilan's face as she looked up into his eyes, gently cupping the side of his face. Levi couldn't breathe but he nodded anyway.

"Did that... did that mean something to you?" She asked and Levi was pretty sure his heart slowed down to an alarming rate. In fact he was pretty sure it stopped completely.

This was the moment. His chance. His chance to tell her. One word, one 'yes' and everything could change. He could have everything he wanted...

"It needs you too, Levi. I wish it didn't but it's true. Humanity needs you desperately." Erwin said seriously.

He loved her. He loved her so fucking much. He wanted to give her everything she wanted, everything Farlan wanted for her. Because he knew as much as she wouldn't admit it, she wanted it. She wanted the stupid house, the marriage, the kids. And he wanted her to have the things she deserved. He wanted her to live the life she deserved. And... he couldn't give that life to her. Not in their world.

Perhaps in a different time... things would have worked out.

The best he could do was keep fighting. If he kept fighting with everything he had, maybe one day the titans would be gone. It might be too late for them by then, but she would be able to live that life in peace. She would be able to be happy. Her happiness was all he wanted. Erwin was wrong. He didn't have to choose between love and humanity. He could choose the third option. He could fight for his love, fight for her future. Fight for her future happiness, even if that meant it wasn't with him.

"It can't, Dil." Levi whispered, trying to calm the agony in his heart. "I can't..." He tried, his voice wavering slightly. Dilan blinked out another tear but smiled in understanding, pulling him into a hug. Levi hugged her back tightly, never wanting to let her go.

"It's okay. I get it." She whispered. Levi blinked back the tears.

"You're still my best friend, right?" Levi asked, his voice practically desperate. Dilan let out a small emotional laugh.

"Course, grumps. Always." She agreed. Levi sighed a breath of relief, so fucking thankful he hadn't fucked everything up. "We let go in three, alright? Nothing happened." She offered, stroking the back of his neck. Levi looked upwards, trying to stall the tears.

He had never wanted to protest more in his life, but this was for the best.

"Okay." He agreed quietly. Dilan nodded, wiping her eyes.

"1." She breathed, leaning into him.

"2." Levi continued, pressing a kiss to her neck that made Dilan hug him even tighter.

"...3." She hesitated before saying. They both took a breath and pulled back, turning away from each other to try and sort their emotions out. Levi took a deep breath, steeling himself. He turned the same time as Dilan, his heart aching as she smiled the same as usual. "Better get back then." She took of his jacket and handed it over to him.

"Yep, blondie probably misses you." He teased. Dilan gave him a glare.

"Piss off. You better be nice to me or I'll tell Charity she can have her way with you." Dilan said in a sing song tone and Levi's face dropped.

"You wouldn't." He deadpanned. Dilan laughed, rolling her eyes.

"Course not, stupid. I should get back though. You coming?" She asked. Levi offered a small smile, shaking his head. He needed some more time and from the distant look in her eyes, so did Dilan.

They both needed to be alone right now.

"I'll be back in a bit. Go on." He encouraged. Dilan smiled and nodded, turning and heading back through the door, closing it softly behind her.

As soon as she was gone Levi let out a shaky breath. He closed his eyes and leant back on a wooden pillar, trying to ignore the pain but it was too great. He felt like he was breaking from the inside out. Why did he have to go and do that? It was so much easier before when he could pretend there was no way in hell Dilan would ever return his affections. But the way she kissed him back... that was engrained into his mind forever.

It didn't matter. He had made his choice. There was no going back now.

"Levi~!" A shrill voice called before the door was thrust open with a slam. Levi turned quickly, not wanting the woman to see the distraught look on his face. He placed his palms on the cool stone of the balcony, leaning his weight on it and looking down.

"Not now, Hanji." Levi replied, defeat seeping into his tone. Hanji didn't seem to register it.

"No. Look, I know you're pissed but this isn't about me and you. Dilan and Eld are getting cosier by the second. You're blowing this Levi!" She said sternly and Levi took a shaky breath.

This was really not the time.

"I said, fucking go!" He hissed, turning around to glare at her. Hanji glared back, shaking her head.

"No! You like her Levi, why won't you just let yourself be fucking happy?!" She yelled. Levi looked at her for a long moment, the pain seeping back in. Suddenly, he chuckled, shaking his head.

"I don't like her." He stated and Hanji growled.

"YES YOU-"

"I love her." Levi interrupted and Hanji's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting that from him. "I really love her. I love her so fucking much it hurts. And I know I haven't felt pain like that in a long time when I realised, I can never be with her. I'm not oblivious Hanji. I know how much I want to be with her, and I know how happy she could make me but it's not going to happen." Levi said seriously, meaning every word. He sighed and sat down on the balcony, hanging his head. "It's not going to fucking happen." He sighed, blinking back the tears. Hanji stayed silent for a second, observing his broken self.

"There's no convincing you out of this is there?" She questioned.

"I let her go." He choked out, a single tear rolling down his face. It hurt. It hurt so fucking much.

Hanji sighed, moving over to sit down next to him, squeezing his hand for support.

"The pain will get better." She comforted. Levi took a shaky breath and nodded, grateful for someone right now. Grateful for his friend back.

There was silence for a long while and Levi managed to compose himself.

"You forgive me shorty?" She asked with a cheeky grin, only a slight waver in her voice. Levi gave her a glare that made her gulp before cracking a small smirk.

"Yeah shitty glasses, I forgive you." He replied. Hanji squealed and attacked him in a bear hug.

"I KNEW YOU COULDN'T STAY MAD FOREVER! HAHAHAHAHA!" She cackled like a mad woman. Levi wasn't as irritated as he thought he would be. That didn't mean he wasn't still irritated.

"Oi, get the fuck off. You're still on thin ice, crazy shit!" He spat. Hanji flinched and took a step back, grinning, pushing up her glasses.

"Understood, Captain!" She grinned, saluting. Levi rolled his eyes and stood up. It still hurt and it always would, but he would bear it. He knew no matter what, he couldn't lose Dilan. He could never lose her.

"Let's get back. Hopefully we can get the fuck out of here soon." He grumbled, heading back, Hanji bounding after him like an over excited puppy. This was indeed one of the longest nights of his life.

DILAN'S P.O.V.

Dilan breathed shakily as she walked down the hallway. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears and her chest was heaving. Why did it hurt so much?

Fuck. She couldn't breathe.

Choking out a sob, Dilan paused to take a break, leaning against the wall. That kiss... it had resurfaced feelings that she had been trying to repress for years. She couldn't accept them though. No, she wasn't that stupid. She needed to shove them deeper and hope one day the pain wouldn't hurt as much as it did right now.

Dilan took a few deep breaths to calm the agony into an ache, wiping her eyes before walking back out into the ball room only to be grabbed by Hanji.

"Dil! Do you know where Levi's at?" She grinned. Dilan suppressed a wince and the urge to clutch a hand to her heart, scolding herself for being so weak. She forced a smile and nodded.

"He's outside." She answered. Hanji smiled, patting her on the head before sprinting off. Dilan took another breath, walking towards Eld and the rest of the squad.

She grabbed Eld and pulled him to the side. As much as it hurt, she needed to do something. She needed to get over whatever she felt towards him because it was never going to happen. She needed to tell Eld yes and try to move on. She needed to forget that what just happened between her and Levi ever did.

Too many things held them back. He was her Captain. She was his subordinate. They fought human eating monsters for a living. If Levi died now, she would be crushed for a long time, a strong chance she wouldn't be able to survive. But if Levi died and they were involved - Dilan supressed another wince at the thought - she'd end it right then and there. It was too risky. What would Petra say? Dilan couldn't betray her like that. And finally, she couldn't lose her best friend. She imagined Levi felt the same way about all of these things.

It was too complicated. They needed to shove whatever this was down.

"Dilan? Hey, you were gone for a while. I was honestly getting kind of worried." He chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. Dilan smiled.

"Sorry. About your answer. Eld I-"

"COMMANDERS!" A voice screamed from the entrance at the top of the steps and the orchestra quietened, as well as the peoples chatter. Dilan saw Levi and Hanji stepping into the ballroom from the hallway.

All eyes focused on the panting cadet. He had clearly run here. Dilan spotted the 3 commanders share glances before walking up to him.

"Yes cadet?" Erwin asked. The boy looked like he was about to hurl.

"Wall Maria! WALL MARIA HAS FALLEN!" He exclaimed and all eyes widened in dread.

Holy. Fuck.


A/N: ... I know. You hate me right? You probably hate me. I hate myself. Honestly, I am mad at myself for doing this. I'm worse than Erwin.

face palm*

It would have been so easy for Levi to give Dilan the yes. To stop letting his own fears hold him back and yet... them starting a relationship at this moment in time just isn't part of the story I'm writing and I think you'll see why in the next chapter.

For why Levi didn't tell her? Well he's a bit of an idiot. Levi's scared but he's also thinking practically about the amount of time he has to spare as Captain. We all know he wouldn't, but he's worried about neglecting the relationship, he's worried that the years will go by and Dilan will just be stuck with him without any of the things he thinks she wants. He's worried he won't be able to give her the life she deserves.

Erwin managed to put shit in his head yet again. Even if it wasn't for his evil schemes this time we still hate him.

Poor Dilan has no fucking clue what's going on. She knows she's feeling something but she's not used to this. She's not going to be the one to make the first step. It needs to be Levi. But two stubborn idiots do not make a good combination if we're talking about quick matchmaking.

I know you want the confession. I want it as much as you at this point but know there is a reason they aren't together right now. I am not going to keep this up forever. Dilan and Levi will be together. That, I swear.

And it's coming pretty soon. Considering I update dailyish it really won't be that long. But I'm still sorry. Please don't hate me!

Now about the next bit of the story. Warning. I go rogue here. Or more rogue than I already have currently. I don't know how they deal with the fall of wall Maria in the manga and stuff but this is still my version of what happens because we haven't reached cannon yet. I hope you don't mind the direction I'm heading but if you do it's only going to be roughly three chapters anyway.

You'll see what I mean. It might be unconventional but I found it really fun to write so I hope you'll enjoy it too.

In short. Please don't hate me and I hope you keep reading. It's coming guys. I promise. I'm not going to make you wait much longer. You deserve some LevixDilan in return for your dedication to my story and I will provide. Just hang on.

Thanks for reading! Stay safe! X