A/N: Hey! This isn't a warning or anything, just letting people know I was wrong. There is one more fluffy chapter before the expedition. I honestly thought I could just make it all one chapter but it ended up being like 20,000 words so I chopped it in half. So, here it is.
Hope you enjoy! :)
DILAN'S P.O.V.
It was a few days later, the evening before the expedition. Their peace had ended the very next day after they got back from the hotel. The scouts poured through the doors and started taking up every fucking space in the castle. For some reason Erwin had decided to station the corps here for the time being, considering Levi had already had them clean most rooms in the castle as well as even fixing up the main kitchen and dining hall, there were no problems.
Dilan didn't mind that much, it felt like home with all these people around and Eren seemed a lot happier with his friends about which she was pleased about.
The only fucking problem was that her and Levi hadn't had a single fucking moment to themselves since coming home. She hadn't even been able to make it into his room for sleeping. There were too many people around, even in the dead of night thanks to there being no set curfew and no night guards to enforce it like there was back at HQ. Someone was always in the hallways, going to the toilet or getting a drink or simply roaming around. They even took up the roof.
Dilan was pissed off to no end. She hadn't been able to spend more than 10 minutes with her boyfriend in three days and she was slowly going insane. Especially after having his lips on her skin every few seconds during that trip to the hotel. What's more now that she was healed, she was fucking horny. It was crazy how much her perspective of sex had changed in the space of a night. She wanted Levi and she knew he wanted her.
They just couldn't find the time or the privacy.
Sighing in annoyance, Dilan sat up, so awake it was almost funny. She was worried about tomorrow, for sure, but it was almost impossible to sleep without Levi's arms wrapped around her nowadays.
He didn't look like he had been getting a great sleep either and that fact wasn't exactly helping her rest easy. The last time they had gotten a few minutes to talk, Levi assured her he was getting a few hours at least but it wasn't good enough to Dilan. She wanted him to be well rested for tomorrow so he would have enough energy to focus on surviving.
It was pretty damn ironic. The moment they tell the squad and are finally given some freedom with their relationship, the corps turn up and that freedom is ripped away again. They were ready for the squad to know but Dilan didn't want that blonde bastard to know they were together and she knew Levi felt the same.
Glancing at the time, Dilan huffed and fell backwards into her pillow. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, waiting to fall asleep.
Nothing.
She opened her eyes and frowned.
Had Levi given her his insomnia?
Bastard.
Deciding enough was enough, Dilan pulled on a sweater and her boots, opening her door and walking into the halls. She immediately spotted three people. Two were talking to each other quietly by the side. One was stumbling towards the toilet with an empty glass in her hand. She grit her teeth in annoyance, glancing at Levi's door down the hall. If she knocked, not only would those chatty cadets see but the doors around his would hear.
She supposed she was going to have to get creative if she was going to get in there.
LEVI'S P.O.V.
Levi sighed, raking a hand through his hair and rubbing his tired face. It was a little past midnight and he had given up on sleep for tonight. He had never slept well the night before an expedition, never managing to get a wink unless Dilan was accidently at his side. But there was a gnawing in his gut that he didn't like.
The favour to Erwin was weighing on him, even though he had talked to Dilan about it. Would she forgive him for this?
She might even need some time apart to deal with it… she might just end it right there.
Levi felt the panic creeped up his spine at the very thought. It seemed appropriate that Erwin would be the thing to break them up after keeping them apart so long.
Regardless of all of that, these stupid cadets were like cockroaches. Levi had stopped trying to scare them away. More always appeared and he lost the will to live. He had really taken the isolation of the inn for granted these past few years. The worst part was having to act normal around Dilan again. Ignoring her was mentally taxing, especially after that night in the hotel.
He hadn't felt this pent up in his entire life, it was embarrassing.
Levi heard a tap on his window and his eyebrows furrowed, assuming the wind had blown something against it. It was raining pretty heavily out there. Until he heard another louder tap and he stood up, grabbing the dagger out of his belt, he walked over to the window and cautiously opened the curtains. He looked out but he couldn't see anything, opening the window to check the dark but again, he saw nothing.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
"Hey." A familiar voice spoke, and Levi looked down, his eyes widening at the brat, casually hanging off of the window ledge, her finger strength the only thing stopping her from plummeting the 4 story drop to her death. "Help a girl up?" She smirked, completely soaked by the rain.
Levi looked at her in exasperation, quick to grab her hand and pulling her up through the window. He shut the window to stop the rain and wind before turning back to look at her in surprise and mild irritation for being so careless.
"Did you seriously climb up the fucking building in the middle of a storm?" Levi hissed quietly. Dilan smiled, rolling her eyes playfully.
"I've done crazier shit. Now kiss me, dumbass." She whispered, grabbing his shirt and pulling him down to her. Levi responded instantly, pulling her against him. By god had he missed this. These past three days felt like a lifetime.
"Fuck, Dil." He groaned as Dilan slid her cold hands up his shirt and he shivered. She tore off her dripping sweater and pulled his lips back down to hers. Seeing how eager she was really turned him on, realising she felt as needy as he did and he swallowed back a growl, walking her backwards towards his bed while he kissed her, both of them forgetting where they were going and Dilan fell back on the mattress with a quiet laugh, pulling him on top of her by his belt loops.
Dilan tugged on his t-shirt and he broke the kiss to rip the garment over his head, throwing it somewhere behind him before kissing her neck, making a mental note not to make any marks this time. He sucked on her ear and Dilan moaned his name quietly, throwing her head back. Levi felt arousal twist in his gut, as Dilan pulled her shirt over her head. He kissed down her neck and breasts and Dilan gasped, hands gripping his hair.
Levi didn't think he had ever wanted anyone this badly in his life.
"Levi…" She panted. "We're- fuck- we're doing this, right?" Dilan asked in a breathy hopeful voice. Levi didn't have the patience to answer that question, putting his lips back on hers again as he went for his belt and Dilan seemed both nervous and excited for the obvious 'yes' to her question.
Suddenly Levi paused, realising something. While, they may both feel impatient because of the lack of time spent together recently, it didn't mean this was the time for a quick fuck. It would only be the second time Dilan was experiencing consensual sex. It felt wrong to rush it just because they were both horny. Plus in a castle surrounded by people they'd have to make it quiet and, while he wasn't actually sure if Dilan would be able to do that yet, he didn't really want her to be quiet. He liked knowing that she was feeling good and that she was having a good time too.
And besides all of that, he had to think about the consequences. Having her sore tomorrow would limit her abilities and decrease her survival chances. It wasn't the right time.
Carrying this on wouldn't be fair to her.
Levi took a deep breath to calm his desire to continue and re-buckled his belt. Dilan looked at him in surprise.
"What are you-?" She asked, confused and wanting to keep going. Levi sighed and kissed her again.
"We can't brat." He mumbled, giving her an apologetic look for letting it go on as long as it did. Dilan clearly didn't understand.
"Levi, I'm fine. I want-" She tried to convince, most likely thinking Levi thought she wasn't ready or something. Levi stroked her cheek.
"I want it too, Dil. You have no fucking clue how much I want you right now." He admitted, leaning his forehead against hers.
"Then… why?" Dilan whispered. He pressed a loving kiss to her lips.
"I don't want you to be in pain tomorrow, I'm freaked out enough without the idea of you hurt and pushing yourself to be fine." Levi confessed, the nerves for the expedition starting to rise.
Dilan's eyes softened in understanding.
"It still hurts as much then?" She assumed, stroking some hair out of his eyes. Levi sighed, kissing her hand as it rested on the side of his face.
"About the same, yeah. The more we do it the easier it will become but trying it again just before an expedition isn't a good idea. Understand, brat?" He explained. Dilan sighed but from her expression, she understood. "Sorry, I shouldn't have started that." Levi apologised, laying down next to her so she could cuddle up on him. Dilan did so without thinking, a smile pulling at her lips.
"Don't be sorry, stupid. I'm pretty sure I started it and you're only looking out for me. It's cute, I appreciate it." She said genuinely and he smiled back, stroking some hair behind her ear. He had really fucking missed her recently. Sure, after their trip to the hotel he was pretty pent up, but more than that he really missed talking to her, holding her.
"I'm not cute. I'm a sexy man, remember?" Levi teased, laughing quietly as Dilan blushed and gave him a furious glare. He did indeed tease her about their conversations while she was drunk as soon as she was awake and sober the next morning.
Dilan did not appreciate it.
"Asshole." She mumbled and Levi chuckled, lightly stroking his hand down her skin, still cold and slightly damp from the outside. Dilan hummed in approval, snuggling into him and closing her eyes. "I missed you." Dilan whispered. Levi felt his heart warm, kissing the side of her head.
"I missed you too. Things will get less busy after the expedition. You won't have to climb up slippery walls like a complete idiot." Levi pointed out. Dilan smiled, glancing up at him.
"Aw, didn't you find my grand gesture romantic, Levi? You're my princess in the tower." She teased with a grin. Levi was not amused.
"Get out." He deadpanned. Dilan laughed into his shoulder.
"No, I'm half naked and my clothes are soaked. You'll have to put up with me tonight." She mumbled, shivering slightly. Levi rolled his eyes fondly, gently rubbing the goose bumps on her arm.
"You're going to catch a cold, dumbass." He muttered, standing up from the bed, not without a small whine of protest from Dilan. He got her some warm clothes from his wardrobe and Dilan smiled at him as he helped her get changed, hanging her wet clothes over his chair to hopefully dry by the morning. He changed into some comfier clothes himself, while Dilan dried her hair with a towel, best she could, and sank back into bed with a deep sigh of relief as he pulled Dilan into his arms.
He felt… right again.
It was weird to think there was ever a time where Dilan used to be off limits. Where she used to be so far away.
That felt like a lifetime ago.
"I'm glad you came here… I needed you tonight." Levi admitted quietly. If Dilan hadn't found a way into his room it was likely he would have let his nerves for tomorrow spiral and work him up completely.
If he was honest, he disliked the idea of Dilan going anyway near danger and a part of him just wanted her to stay behind tomorrow but he knew that was stupid of him. Dilan was a fighter. She was always going to be a fighter and asking her to limit that part of herself would be selfish and unfair. He never wanted to try and control her. That didn't mean he wasn't still worried about the mission.
Her being here, in his arms, safe… it really helped.
"I needed you too." Dilan replied, a smile in her voice as she ran her fingers through his hair and Levi breathed out, relaxing instantly. "Tired?" She whispered in a warm voice. Levi closed his eyes.
"Hm." He agreed. The past few nights sleep had been pathetic. 3 hours a night tops. After sleeping a full 8 hours every night for a few weeks now it was a struggle to step back down and it left him feeling really drained. But the brat washed all the stress away like it was nothing. She always made him feel so at ease. It was impossible not to relax around her.
"Go to sleep, Levi. I'll stay with you." Dilan assured quietly, blowing out the oil lamp and snuggling into him. Levi sighed in content.
"I want to talk to you more." Levi mumbled stubbornly. Who knew when they'd get privacy like this again to talk and be with each other? Whether he was exhausted or not didn't seem important over that. He didn't want to go to sleep because then this alone time with Dilan would just be over and the shitty day would start.
Dilan chuckled warmly.
"I know, I want more time with you too but sleep's more important right now. Just like you don't want me to be injured tomorrow because it will limit me out there, I don't want you to be tired. It'll do the same." She explained and Levi sighed, knowing she was right. Not that he liked the plan. "We'll wake up early and talk in the morning, okay? Give in, I know your tired." Dilan added, pressing a kiss to his neck.
Levi relaxed, unable to deny her anything.
"Fine, just promise me something." Levi said seriously, unable to keep the tiredness out of his voice.
"What is it?" Dilan asked, worried.
"Never call me a princess again." Levi replied in a deadpan voice and Dilan burst out laughing, muffling the noise in his shoulder.
"Promise." She giggled. Levi smiled, his heart warming at the sounds of her laughs, he closed his eyes, drifting into an easy sleep.
DILAN'S P.O.V.
"Dilan." Levi whispered, shaking her shoulder gently. Dilan groaned, keeping her eyes closed tightly. She had no clue what was happening, but she had no intentions of waking up yet. "Dil, I have to go, Erwin called for an early meeting." Levi continued. Dilan blinked her eyes open into narrow slits, not understanding a single word he was saying.
Levi's eyes softened at her sleepy state and he smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead and tucking the covers back around her.
"It's okay, brat. Go back to sleep." He reassured, stroking her hair and Dilan sighed in relief, humming softly as she curled up on her side and drifted back into unconsciousness.
Dilan woke with a start, bolting upright in the bed. She has this horrible panic twisting in her gut that only occurred when she felt she had forgotten something. No... wait... she felt like she was supposed to do something. Something important that she was supposed to wake up early for…
Looking around with lidded eyes, a small frown on her face. Suddenly, Dilan remembered, her eyes widening, and a groan escaped her lips.
"Shit." She mumbled, scrambling up from Levi's bed and checked the bathroom, confirming what she already knew.
The day had started already, and Levi was gone.
She missed out on the chance to talk to him or even say goodbye properly because she was too busy sleeping.
"Ugh!" Dilan smacked her palm to her forehead, utterly pissed at herself. Who knew when she'd get another chance to talk to him in private again? The likelihood is that she'd have to wait until the day was over. And it was going to be a long one, no doubt.
Sighing, Dilan shook her head in disappointment with herself. She walked over to her pyjamas and felt them, pleased to find them dry. She guessed she would just have to put these on and hope no one sees her climbing down the building. The halls would be crawling with people at this point in the morning. Dilan started to take off Levi's jumper but paused seeing something on the desk. It looked like a folded pile of her uniform. There was something on top of it.
A note?
Dilan picked it up and read it, an immediate smile coming to her lips.
Oi, idiot. I brought you a fresh uniform. Put it on, pick up a random file and exit through the door like a normal person. If I find out you climbed down the front of the building again, I will personally beat your ass. -Levi.
Dilan chuckled, her heart warming. Once you tune in, it's so easy to see. To see how caring he is. He's just too embarrassed to display it like a normal person. Dilan always found it endearing, the way he shows affection. Like whacking Hanji up the back of the head or calling people idiots.
It's the Levi way of showing he cares and its never failed to make her smile.
Glancing at the time, Dilan figured she could just have a shower here to be efficient and walked into the bathroom, pulling off her top. She showered quickly and dressed in her uniform, brushing out her hair and tying it in a tight ponytail at the top of her head. She grabbed a filed like Levi suggested, after making sure it wasn't important, and opened the door, heading out into the hallway where there were unsurprisingly a few cadets walking around, chatting.
A few glanced at her, but seeing the file, they thought nothing off it. The Captain was always sending people to fetch him things. In fact, now that Dilan thought about it, he was kind of lazy with stuff like that. Dilan couldn't remember the last time she had seen him do a menial task, like collecting a file, himself.
Dilan snickered to herself at the thought, walking to her bedroom to drop off the file before heading downstairs to the mess hall, which they had started using in favour of the small dining hall considering there were a lot more people to feed. The scouts had even brought their cooks with them.
It was just like home.
"Dilan!" Eren called from his table and Dilan looked over to him, seeing the boy wave her over and smiled. She hadn't talked to Eren much in the past few days, she was busy, and he had been hanging out with his friends.
She couldn't deny she missed the little shit.
Glancing around she noticed her squad weren't down yet anyway and walked over to Eren's table.
"Woah." A kid with weird hair and a troubling face mumbled, staring at her in shock and Dilan raised an eyebrow as a beefy blonde shoved him in the ribs while Eren glared at him. "Ow!" He hissed.
"Stop staring at her, Jean! You're making her uncomfortable!" Eren gritted and Dilan chuckled at his protectiveness, ruffling the kid's hair before taking a seat next to him.
"I'm fine, stupid." She teased and Eren blushed. "Hey. I'm Dilan." She greeted and they all smiled back.
"I'm Jean!" The kid from before grinned, shoving a hand forward for her to shake. Dilan was confused by the boy's enthusiasm but glancing around at the kids rolling their eyes she assumed he was just an idiot.
Like the Oluo of this group.
Pursing her lips, she decided there was no harm and shook his hand. Then she let go and moved on, looking around the table.
Eren sure had a lot of friends. She hoped they would all make it back today.
She spotted two kids next to Eren and smiled, recognising them from the trial and when they fought together at Trost. Armin smiled back but the Mikasa girl just huffed and looked away.
Dilan raised an eyebrow but didn't mention it.
"So, Dilan, this is Sasha and Connie-" Eren started, pointing to a brunet that looked a bit like a young, less crazy Hanji, scoffing on a potato, and a small boy with a shaved head. "Jean, or as I liked to call him, horse face-" Eren smirked and the group sniggered quickly as Jean frowned.
"HEY-"
"So, this is the famous horse-face. Man, I've heard some stories about you." Dilan grinned evilly and the others snickered as Jean's face dropped before turning to Eren.
"What did you tell her Yeager?!" He hissed. Eren ignored him. "I mean it, what-"
"Bertolt and Reiner-" He cut Jean off pointing to the beefy blonde and the bean pole brunet. They nodded in greeting and Dilan hesitated before nodding back.
She did not like their vibe.
"Ymir and Krista-" Eren pointed to a tall girl with freckles and short brown hair with brown eyes. Dilan blinked at her for a second. She looked exactly like Tabitha. Almost to a creepy point. Ymir frowned a bit and Dilan realised she was staring, looking at the next girl and composing herself she was met with a sweet looking blonde with blue eyes who sent her a welcoming smile. "And-"
"Mikasa and Armin, right? We met before." Dilan asked before he could get there, giving the kids a smile. The small blonde that kind of looked like a girl, with the bluest eyes she had ever seen, smiled again and nodded. Mikasa glared at her.
Eren noticed, chuckling awkwardly.
"Sorry, Mikasa kind of-"
"Don't apologise to her Eren. That bitch tried to kill you." She said darkly and some of the group paled. Dilan simply tilted her head in confusion. When had she tried to…? Oh right… the trial.
"Mikasa don't say that!" Eren yelled.
"But she-"
"Dilan saved my life, if you remember. And she saved Eren's too. Don't be so rude to her, I doubt she enjoyed beating him up." Armin defended, sweetly. Mikasa huffed and looked away, moving her scarf over her mouth.
Dilan smiled in amusement.
Kids. She didn't remember everything being this dramatic when she was their age. Although, she supposed she did live in a cave.
"Hey, I am sorry for the trial. It was the only way, but if we're talking no bullshit, I enjoyed it a little. But that's only because I'm slightly psychopathic. Aint that right, kid?" Dilan smirked, grabbing Eren in a headlock.
"Dilan!" He squirmed, embarrassed as the group burst out laughing.
"Your right Eren, the Titan Ripper is cool!" Connie choked out and Sasha nodded in agreement. Dilan let go of Eren to smirk at his red face.
"Aw, you talked about me, Titan boy?" She cooed. Eren frowned and blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"A little, yeah. They asked." He mumbled.
"Aw, look at him, he's embarrassed. You look pathetic!" Jean teased and Eren glared at him, but Dilan got there before Eren could even open his mouth.
"Oi. Watch your mouth, cadet. Wanna see pathetic, I'll beat your ass then show you a mirror." Dilan warned dangerously and Eren smirked as Jean paled dramatically, gulping.
Eren grinned in victory.
"Ha! You got owned, horse face!" Eren laughed. Jean switched his nervous glance between Eren and Dilan, the latter of which was still glaring at him.
"You bastard! You got me in trouble with the titan ripper!" He hissed through gritted teeth and the others sniggered. Dilan cracked a smile and rolled her eyes.
"Chill kid, you aint in trouble. So, what else has Eren told you about me, huh?" She smirked, slinging an arm around Eren's shoulders. The others laughed as Eren blushed again. Mikasa stood up dramatically with a loud chair scrape before stomping out of the hall.
Eren sighed.
"Why is she like this?" Eren mumbled. Armin smiled.
"She's just protective of you, Eren." He reminded and Eren sighed, nodding. Dilan could understand being protective of people.
"You should go talk to her." Dilan suggested. Eren sighed again but stood anyway and followed the stroppy teen out. Dilan turned back to the rest of them with a smile. "So, joined the scouts, huh? What possessed you to do such a thing?" She asked. They chuckled.
"Unsure at this point. I feel like something overcame me while I decided which regiment I was choosing." Connie mumbled, rubbing his head. The others nodded in agreement.
"Well I know why I chose…" Jean started in a low voice, looking at his food. "I want… no… I need a change. If things don't change then Marco died for nothing." He said seriously and the air turned solemn. Dilan's eyes softened, assuming Marco was a friend lost at Trost.
She reached over and squeezed his hand for support. Jean looked up to her in shock.
"We'll carry him. All the way." She comforted with soft smile. Jean's eyes glossed over slightly and he nodded, swallowing down the emotion. Dilan squeezed his hand again before letting go.
"Thanks Dilan. You really aren't what the rumours say." Jean chuckled, trying to ease the tension he had created by accident. Dilan smiled, remembering the rumours Eren had told her about.
"You mean I'm not mannish?" She smirked as the boys blushed.
"You aint scary is what their saying. But yeah, that too." Ymir pointed out bluntly and Krista gave her an adorable glare, scolding her quietly. Ymir smirked and rolled her eyes.
"What we mean is, you're nice, good person, I can already tell. Thank you for everything you've done for Eren and for saving my life, Dilan. I still can't believe you risked something so valuable to save someone you hadn't even met before." Armin sniffed, looking at his knees, almost guiltily.
Dilan sighed.
These kids had been through a lot, and she didn't doubt they would go through a whole lot more before the end of the day.
"Your life is no less valuable than mine." She pointed out and Armin looked up at her in surprise. She smiled. "Besides, we've met now. We'll be friends, right? Dilan Church." Dilan offered, extending her hand. Armin smiled gratefully, shaking it.
"Armin Arlet." He replied and Dilan froze.
Arlet?
Arlet?!
ARLET?!
Screaming radiated. The chaos was too much. No one was listening to her. Why wouldn't anyone listen to her?! She couldn't fucking breathe.
"P-please just- don't! Shit…" Dilan breathed shakily, looking around at the chaos. People were running, crying, throwing up. Some were banging on the gate, banging it so hard their fists were starting to bleed under the strain.
Others had taken their chances already, sprinting off into the distance in groups. Dilan assumed they were attempting to head back to their homes in search of familiar shelter. Or perhaps they just wanted to die where they were comfortable. There weren't many of them left and the group was decreasing with every passing second.
"Hey! Don't leave, it's not safe-" Dilan tried to grab a man that ran past, towards the open plains but he shrugged her off and kept running. They were too panicked to listen to reason.
In the distance she saw a man slit his own throat and gasped, a hand going over her mouth. She'd seen destruction before but this… this was something new.
She felt so useless. They had been lucky so far. No titans had showed up but with all the noise it wouldn't be long. This was so entirely different from the wall. These people were farmers not soldiers and they had just been abandoned to the wolves by their own kind.
"E-excuse me." A shaky but determined voice spoke behind her and Dilan turned around, observing the kind looking old man before her. Her heart broke for him and she felt the guilt hard. All he had to defend himself was a fucking garden rake.
"Yes?" Dilan whispered, struggling to remember why she was out here. If she couldn't save anyone, what was she doing?
"F-forgive me if I'm wrong but… did you say you were a Scout?" He asked, a desperate hope in his eyes. Dilan looked at him in shock, feeling something strengthen in her. She had a job to do. That's why she was here.
She had to save as many lives as she can.
"Yes. I'm a scout, I came out here to help and I can. I just need to get them to listen to me." Dilan mumbled, mostly to herself as she observed those who she had left. Struggling to come up with a plan, her thought process was cut off as the old man started… yelling.
"Maria citizens!" He bellowed in an elderly voice, but it still carried well enough. Some turned to look at him but not enough. Dilan had tried this already, but they could barely hear her over their own screaming. "Those of you who don't know me, my name is Mr Arlet. I've lived in Shiganshina my whole life, barely left my town." He continued with a warm chuckle and Dilan blinked in surprise that he was able to show such a warm expression under so much stress.
It calmed her. And from the quieting down of the people, Dilan saw that it calmed them too.
"I understand the urge. My home is important to me, it's where I was born, where my children were born, my grandchild. That place is a part of me as I'm sure your homes are a part of you. So, it makes sense to want to run home. To find comfort in such a scary place." He sighed and almost everyone was listening to him now.
Dilan saw a few of the groups that were about to sprint off, hesitate, hanging back to listen.
"The comfort sounds nice right now. I would love nothing more than to sit down with a book in my old armchair and relax and yet I know if I want to survive… I-If I want to get back to my grandson… I can't give in. I can't give up. Not until my dying breath." He said firmly, wiping away a stray tear.
Dilan was moved by his words.
"I know you're scared, as am I. But we have hope, do we not? This brave young woman is a scout." He smiled, turning to look at her, as did everyone else. "Will you help us get back home?" He asked. Eyes brightened as they look at her, a flicker of hope begging to light in the despair, all thanks to that kind old man.
Dilan took a breath, looking at him and he nodded. She smiled reassuringly.
"Yes. We'll get back. This isn't the end, I swear it. Follow me and I will get you back to your families." Dilan said seriously.
"Arlet?" She choked out, her voice barely above a whisper. Armin looked confused and the others did too. He nodded anyway. Dilan took a shaky breath, managing to stand up. "Sorry, I have to-" She didn't finish her sentence before walking away, eyes darting around the room.
She needed Levi. She felt sick.
Dilan noticed the squad had collected during her time with Eren's friends on their usual table, but once quick glance and she saw Levi wasn't there. She was starting to panic. She needed him.
Speeding up her pace a bit, Dilan walked into someone as they rounded the corner into the hall and stumbled back a bit, but the person steadied her. She looked up at them, letting out a shaky breath of relief when she was met with Levi, his face immediately filling with concern as he saw the tears clinging to the edges of her eyes.
Levi gave her a look to hang on for a few more seconds and she nodded in understanding as he let go and she composed herself enough to slowly follow him out of the hall down the corridor that was annoyingly still full of cadets. Dilan kept her eyes on his face, trying to calm down. Levi brushed his hand up against hers when he could but there were so many fucking people it was difficult to do much more to comfort her and not be caught. But Dilan was pleased enough with the small comforts right now.
She was holding it together.
After what seemed like an eternity they got inside his office. Levi was quick to shut and bolt the door after they were both inside, pulling her into a much-needed hug. Dilan all but collapsed into him, breathing out shakily, she sniffed, trying to blink back the tears.
Levi held her close, pressing his lips to the side of his head and trying to sooth her. Dilan calmed down, finding comfort in his arms but her legs were starting to feel weak. Levi clearly noticed, picking her up and moving to his desk chair, sitting down and setting her sideways on his lap. Dilan sniffed again, hiding her face in the crook of his neck, she got as close to him as possible, trying to forget the horrible memories.
"Dil, what happened?" Levi asked softly, stroking her hair. Dilan took a breath.
"Armin. Armin Arlet." Dilan mumbled and Levi took a moment to understand why the name probably sounded familiar and when Levi tensed slightly in surprise, Dilan knew he'd got there.
Arlet was an old man that Dilan had met outside the wall during the massacre of wall Maria. He was a lovely old man and Dilan grew rather fond of him. It was because of him that those 60 people stopped panicking to listen to her. He was wise, very well known around his village and he managed to convince all those people to follow her after hearing Dilan explain she was a soldier and she came out here to help them.
Even though only 40 of of the 60 made it back, without that kind man, Dilan was sure no one would have returned to the wall with their lives.
They made it to the trees and Dilan talked with him a lot up there. He honestly kept her sane. Dilan talked about herself and Arlet reciprocated, explaining he had a grandson at home, his pride and joy. It was on the way back, not 30 minutes from the gate that he gave into his exhaustion. He was dehydrated and tired, Dilan had given him the rest of her water, which is why she hadn't had anything to drink, herself, for 2 days but he still didn't make it. The last thing he asked her before passing was for her to try and find his grandson and tell him his grandpa loved him.
Dilan had tried to find the boy but there were no records of him in the refugees. She searched for a long time but reluctantly had to give up, supposing the boy had died from the food shortages like a lot of the other children had.
"That boy that hangs around with Yeager… that's him?" Levi asked. Dilan had told him about Mr Arlet. In fact, Levi had helped her search for the boy. Dilan nodded.
Levi sighed and held her close.
"It all came back then?" Levi asked gently, knowing the traumas she went through out there. She told him about everything. Levi helped her through the nightmares and the urges. He kept her standing during that period of weakness. Without him, Dilan wasn't sure she would be here right now.
Dilan took a breath and nodded again, hugging him tighter. Levi opened his mouth to speak again but an interruption stopped him.
Knock, knock, knock.
Dilan tensed, really not wanting him to let her go right now. She needed some more time to pick herself up. Levi seemed to notice her panic.
"It's okay brat. I'm not going anywhere." He reassured in a whisper and Dilan took a breath to calm down, relaxing again.
Knock, knock-
"Name and business." Levi called in an annoyed tone. There was hesitation.
"Toles, sir. I-I have some formations confirmations for-"
"Leave them outside." Levi cut him off and there was hesitation before a soft thud at the base of the door and the cadet hurried off.
Dilan sighed a breath of relief, closing her eyes and leaning into him. Levi held her as long as she needed him to, stroking her back and pressing soft kisses to the side of her face until she calmed down enough to pull back. She looked him in the eye and all the tension dripped out of her body.
Dilan honestly didn't know how she would cope without this man. He was her rock.
"Thank you." She whispered, leaning her forehead against his.
"You don't have to thank me. I'm sorry I disappeared this morning." He replied quietly. Dilan smiled, kissing him.
"It was my fault, idiot. I should have woken up." She sighed, closing her eyes.
"You okay, brat?" He asked, stroking some hair behind her ear. Dilan took a breath.
"Yeah, it was a shock and it brought back a lot but… now I think about it, this is good. I can finally fulfil his grandpa's last wish." Dilan said, deciding not to dwell on the bad and focus on the good.
Levi smiled, kissing her again.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Levi asked. Dilan's heart warmed at the offer, especially knowing how much he hated 'the brat's' as he called them. She sighed, smoothing her hands over his shoulder blades.
"I think I'll be okay. But I appreciate it." She smiled. Levi nodded in understanding.
"Promise you'll come find me if your struggling." He asked seriously. Dilan smiled wider. She had really fucking missed him, even after the time they spent together last night, and she couldn't stop herself from kissing him again.
"I will." She promised. Levi smiled in approval. Dilan sighed, knowing they couldn't stay in here forever. "We should probably get back out there." Dilan suggested. Levi frowned, pulling her closer to him and leaning his head onto her shoulder.
"In a minute. I need more time with you. Especially considering today is going to be a shit show as always." He mumbled. Dilan smiled, stroking through his hair and deeply enjoying the way Levi melted into her, realising all the stress he had been bearing recently.
"How'd you sleep last night?" Dilan asked. She made sure he got to sleep before she allowed herself to drift off but there was no telling if he'd woken up again and worried about the expedition. Dilan could hope he would have woken her up if that was the case but she knew he was too selfless to do that.
"I slept great, brat. Before Eyebrows summoned me, at least. I hate how crowded this place is now with everyone here. Is it paranoid to think the blonde bastard relocated the corps here just to spite me?" Levi asked and Dilan sniggered.
"Probably a little. We just have to survive today, and we can go back home. It'll just be the squad again and I'll move into your room and sleep next to you every night." She offered and Levi hummed in approval.
"I like that idea." He agreed and Dilan chuckled, finding him completely adorable.
"Stay safe today, okay? I can't lose you." Dilan whispered the last bit as a lump of emotion swelled in her throat. Levi pulled back to look at her, sensing her tone.
"I'll be fine, Dil." He reassured quickly and Dilan calmed down. "Same goes for you though. Please be careful. I need you to be cautious and I need you to listen to me." Levi said seriously. Dilan suddenly remembered the conversation they had in the hotel room.
She agreed she would listen on him so that's what she would do.
"I will. I'll listen to you." She promised, squeezing his hands. Levi sighed in relief, leaning his forehead back against hers. They both stayed there for a moment, holding each other and enjoying the closeness after the few days of distance but eventually there was some sort of loud crash outside, and Dilan realised they had to get back to reality. Levi sighed, which told her he realised the same thing.
Dilan kissed him and Levi kissed her back. It was slow and sweet and exactly what they needed to get through the day.
"I love you." Levi whispered after pulling back. Dilan smiled softly, brushing some hair out of his eyes. Her entire chest warmed at those three special words.
"I love you too." She replied, pressing another kiss to his lips. They hesitated before pulling back and getting up. Dilan went to unlock the door, but Levi grabbed her wrist before she could and pulled her into a hug. Dilan hugged him back tightly, not even missing a beat. They both needed this last boost. Especially since they wouldn't be able to comfort each other in public through the rest of the day.
"Stay alive." Levi said seriously. Dilan looked into his eyes and nodded, equally serious.
"You too." She replied. Levi nodded, kissing her again before reluctantly letting her go. Dilan gave him a smile before leaving his office, knowing he would probably have to wait for a bit before coming out as well, so it didn't look suspicious, especially considering how long they had spent in there.
She closed the door behind her and sighed.
She had a feeling this was going to be a long day.
EREN'S P.O.V.
"I just… I don't like her Eren." Mikasa repeated for the 100th time. It was safe to say, Eren was getting nowhere with her.
"Why!? She's nice, smart, funny-" Eren tried to convince.
"Pretty?" Mikasa cut him off and Eren raised an eyebrow. Yes, Dilan was pretty, but he didn't see how that was relevant here.
"Mikasa she's 10 years older than us and she's like a big sister. What is up with you? Why does it matter if Dilan is pretty?" Eren asked in confusion, especially when Mikasa blushed and turned away, hiding half of her face with her scarf.
"It doesn't. The point is she hurt you Eren and I can't forgive that." Mikasa refocused, speaking softly and Eren sighed.
"Would you rather me be beat up or dead?" Eren asked bluntly and Mikasa's eyes widened.
"Eren don't say such things!"
"It was the situation, Mika. If Dilan and Captain Levi hadn't done what they did, I would be dead right now. So, if you really do care for me then you should be thanking Dilan if anything, not glaring at her." Eren said seriously. Mikasa hesitated, looking at the floor. She sighed and nodded in defeat. Eren smiled in approval. "Great. Let's go back then, yeah? I don't want to leave her with those imbeciles for too long. Did you see horse face? Like that idiot has a shot with her." He scoffed, walking back to the hall, Mikasa trailing behind him.
When they got back Eren frowned, noticing Dilan was missing.
"Where did she go?" Eren asked as they sat back down. He hoped that horse hadn't said anything to upset her. Armin blinked, sharing looks with the others.
"We aren't actually sure. We were talking and she asked for my name… and then…" Armin trailed off, getting that thoughtful look he always did when he was in the middle of trying to figure something out.
"She had a complete internal freak out is what it looked like." Sasha commented, biting into an apple. Eren was pretty sure her plate of food had grown during his absence.
"Why? What happened?" Eren asked, worried.
"Maybe it's for the best. You should leave her alone." Mikasa whispered and Eren sent her an annoyed glare.
"Mikasa might be right, Eren. Dilan may be nice but she's still dangerous. She's tasked to kill you if you get out of line. Trust me, you don't want to be around someone who has the power to do that." Reiner said seriously and Eren frowned, confused.
Now Reiner didn't like Dilan?
"What's your problem with her?!" Eren asked, annoyed. Reiner sighed.
"No problem. I was just laying out a fact." He pointed out. Eren growled.
"For your information, Dilan isn't assigned to kill me. She's assigned to keep me in check, to make sure I don't hurt anyone and I, personally, am grateful for that and her, so stop treating her like she's the enemy!" Eren gritted, pissed off.
He was the monster; they had no reason to bad mouth Dilan.
"Hey! Let's just take a damn breather, shall we? Who here likes Dilan?" Jean asked and everyone raised their hand except Mikasa who looked away stubbornly. "See, exactly. She's actually really nice but what Reiner was saying has nothing to do with that and I somewhat agree with him. She does have orders to kill you if you go berserk, Eren. Getting close with her seems like a bad idea on both sides." Jean pointed out logically and Eren's face fell a bit.
He had a point there. He didn't want Dilan to suffer if she was forced to kill him. Still, they had come too far in his opinion. These last few weeks had been special to him. She had been a true friend when he felt really alone and down, and Eren didn't see that changing. He only hoped that Dilan wouldn't have to be forced to put him down.
Extra motivation to stay in control, if anything.
"Yo." Dilan's voice sounded behind him and everyone looked at her. She smiled apologetically, scratching the back of her head. "Sorry about before. Armin… could I talk to you in private." Dilan asked seriously. Armin blinked before understanding the question. Eren was confused as the rest of them. What would she want to talk to Armin for? And in private too?
"Yes, of course." He agreed politely, standing up.
The group openly watched as they went to a more secluded part of the room and Dilan started to talk before noticing they were being watched and sent a glare their way.
The group flinched and averted their gaze.
"Her glares are as terrifying as Captain Levi's." Sasha squeaked quietly. The group chuckled, nodding their agreements, making sure to be more subtle when they started watching again.
Eren raised an eyebrow as Armin started tearing up and sniffing, holding a hand over his mouth. Mikasa growled.
"That bitch. What did she say to him?" She asked, standing up to intervene but Eren held her back. "Eren, she made him cry!" Mikasa protested.
"Mikasa look." Jean suggested and Mikasa looked back at the pair just in time as Armin practically threw himself at her, hugged her tightly, continuing to cry into her shoulder. The girl smiled sadly and hugged him back. Mikasa hesitated before retaking her seat.
"Anyone else… confused?" Krista whispered.
"Aw, Krista, you are adorable." Ymir cooed, pulling her closer and Krista blushed but Eren was too interested on what was happening in the distance to listen to them.
The group watched as Armin managed to compose himself enough to pull back, saying something to her. Dilan smiled and ruffled his hair, saying something back and Armin laughed. She squeezed his shoulder before walking away, back to the special ops table.
Eren blinked as Armin came back and sat down, taking a few breaths and wiping his teary eyes. There was a moment of silence before the group couldn't hold it in anymore.
"WHAT WERE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?" They asked, needing to know like the nosy teens that they were.
They yelled it so loud that the entire mess hall went silent, glancing over at them for a second. The group blushed and lowered their heads in embarrassment. There was a distant 'tch' that Eren was certain was from Captain Levi before the hall gave them weird looks and got back to their solemn meals.
Seems everyone else was busy worrying about the expedition while they were goofing around. But that had always been them. Eren doubted that would change.
"So?" They all whispered. Armin smiled, looking at his hands.
"Dilan knew my Grandpa." He informed and eyes widened.
"Wait-really?" Eren asked, surprised. Armin nodded.
"Yeah. Apparently, she snuck out of the wall with the Maria citizens when they were forced over after the wall fell. She told me he was brave and without him she wouldn't have been able to help as many people as she did get back to the wall. His last wish was for her to find me and tell m-me how much my Grandpa l-loved me." Armin sniffed, tearing up again. Eren's eyes softened and he pulled his best friend into a hug, remembering how much his grandfather's death still took a toll on him.
"You alright?" Eren asked after pulling back, resting a hand on the small blonde's shoulder. Armin smiled and wiped at his eyes.
"Great. To know he was brave, that he helped save so many people's lives… it means everything. Dilan told me his passing was peaceful." Armin sighed in relief.
"He sounds like a great man, Armin." Jean said kindly. The others nodded and agreements followed.
"I'm glad it was peaceful." Mikasa said softly and Armin smiled at her.
"Me too. I feel better knowing they had each other out there. It's nice to know there's one more person with memories of him, you know?" Armin said happily, glancing over in Dilan's direction. The others smiled in agreement; happy Armin was. Once again Eren found himself amazed by the titan rippers kindness. She really was unlike anything Eren thought she would be.
There was a moment of content silence before Jean ruined it, like always.
"So, guys… give it to me straight. What are my chances with Dilan?" Jean asked, his face so completely serious, there was no chance he was joking.
The group blinked at him for a moment before bursting out laughing. Eren laughed so hard, there were tears coming out of his eyes, Sasha was choking on her apple and Connie fell off his chair. The others were in fits too and even Mikasa let a small smile of amusement grace her lips. Jean glared at them all in annoyance, his cheeks heating up.
"Hey! Why are you laughing so much!? I asked you a serious question!" Jean demanded.
"That's what makes it so funny, ya dumbass. You actually believe you could get a girl like that. She's so out of your league in ever way." Ymir smirked evily as Jean balked at her.
"WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!" He yelled.
"Jean, she's 10 years older than you." Krista pointed out kindly, giggling into her hand.
"And she's a high-ranking officer." Bertolt mentioned.
"And she's the second strongest in the legion." Reiner chimed in.
"So?" Jean shrugged.
"So, you have no chance, man. Don't bother Dilan with your pathetic excuses at flirting." Connie sniggered, getting back up into his seat.
"They are not pathetic-"
"She's also really pretty. And you're… well… you." Sasha pointed out with a shrug, biting into yet another potato. Jean stood up.
"YOU WANT TO SAY THAT AGAIN, POTATO GIRL!?" He yelled. Reiner rolled his eyes and pulled him back into his seat.
"Chill it, will you? People are starting to look at us again." Reiner informed and Jean reluctantly calmed down.
"Look there may be obstacles, but I think we have a connection, is all I'm saying. You guys saw, didn't you?!" Jean asked. Eren assumed this 'connection' thing happened while he was talking to Mikasa.
"You mean when she was nice to you for a second?" Armin asked, blinking. Eren choked on a laugh as the others sniggered. Jean pouted, crossing his arms.
"Not you too, Armin!" He whined, deflated. Armin offered him an apologetic smile.
"Look, horse. We all know you have no chance but if you want a more concrete reason, she's seeing someone and he's really protective so I would not advise trying to put your pathetic moves on her." Eren chuckled, biting into his apple.
The groups eyes widened in interest and Eren realised he had royally fucked up.
"The Titan Ripper's seeing someone!?" They hissed quietly. Eren cringed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I was not supposed to tell you that." He mumbled regretfully.
"Dude, we need details. Who's the guy?" Reiner asked. Eren looked to Armin to help but the blonde simply sighed and shook his head.
"You messed this one up, Eren. I can't fix this one for you." He replied. Eren sighed.
"He's protective you say?" Ymir frowned, thoughtful.
"Is he in the military?" Krista asked, interested.
"Is he a Scout?" Bertolt chimed in.
Eren swallowed nervously and they all noticed.
"Is he in the room?!" Connie asked, wide eyed.
"I… I can't tell you!" Eren defended, crossing his arms and looking away stubbornly. Dilan would kill him if she let the secret slip to this group of idiots.
"COME ON YEAGER, I NEED TO KNOW MY COMPETETION!" Jean yelled, grabbing a fistful of his collar and shaking him back and forth.
"There's no competition, Jean! I mean Dil would break your nose for even trying, but him?! He catches you anywhere near her and your dead! I'm serious horse-face, he would completely destroy you!" Eren hissed, pushing him back.
"He's strong then…" Sasha deduced. "Stronger than Dilan, if the way you're talking is anything to go by." She continued and Eren balked at her.
"NOW YOU UP AND CHOOSE TO TURN ON THE SMARTS!?" He yelled, exasperated.
"Who could possibly be stronger than the Titan Ripper?" Connie asked aloud. Eren held his breath.
There was a moment of silence.
Then the group gasped collectively and Eren knew they'd figured it out, every single pair of eyes darting over to Humanities Strongest, who was unsurprisingly seated next to Dilan. They watched her smile at him and gasped again.
"NO WAY-!" Jean yelled but Eren smacked him up the back of the head and he winced.
"Everyone calm down. Not another word." He said in a low voice, desperate to keep this contained. Every single one of their eyes were bulging in surprise and Eren knew they were just desperate to scream the secret out loud for all of humanity to hear.
If they did… he would be dead.
"But I need to-" Sasha strained, her face practically red with the need to let it out.
Eren could understand their surprise. It was one of the most baffling things he'd ever seen too when he caught them on the training ground. But after that when he looked closer, it wasn't hard to see it. It's just hard to assume someone with such a cold and ruthless reputation could ever have a life, feelings of their own. But after that shocking moment of enlightenment, he got over it and it was just… normal now.
They were happy and the squad were too.
"No, Sasha. You don't. Listen to me guys, Dilan's been through a lot in her life. She's told me a bit, but I know it barely scratched the surface. She's a really caring person and she's happy right now. I may have messed up but that doesn't mean her happiness deserves to get ruined. I'm not sure why they are hiding their relationship from the corps but there must be a reason. So out of respect to her, please keep this to yourselves." Eren said seriously and watched, relieved, as their faces softened in understanding.
They shared looks before nodding and Eren sighed.
"Thank the walls, I get to live another day." He mumbled, rubbing his face. They rolled their eyes at him.
"Jerk, you just wanted to avoid a beating." Jean sneered.
"Yeah… that too." Eren chuckled awkwardly.
"Scouts! Prepare for departure!" Erwin's voice rang out and faces fell. Eren shared a determined look with his friends.
This was it. Their first expedition as scouts. This was the start, the start to eradicating those beasts. The start to proving his mother proud.
"Let's go." Eren decided, standing. His friends nodded and they started walking to the stables.
DILAN'S P.O.V.
Dilan took a deep breath before walking back over to the teens table. It looked like they were arguing about something but Dilan didn't care much about what. She was focused on talking to one person right now. That was until she caught the last bit of what Jean said and her face fell slightly.
"…she does have orders to kill you if you go berserk, Eren. Getting close with her seems like a bad idea on both sides." He pointed out and Eren's face fell in a similar way to hers. Dilan could understand Jean's point, as Eren probably did if his silence was any indication. And yet, just because the end might hurt, Dilan didn't intend to stop caring about him. No matter what happens.
She hoped Eren felt the same.
"Yo." She spoke and they all looked at her. She offered an apologetic look for running off before. That must have looked pretty weird without an explanation. "Sorry about before… Armin, could I talk to you for a moment?" She asked. The others looked confused, as did the blonde boy but he agreed nonetheless and they walked over to the side.
"What's this about Major?" Armin asked curiously. Dilan smiled.
"Please, call me Dilan when we're alone. The commander gave me this title, I don't care for it much." Dilan replied kindly and he smiled nodding in agreement. Dilan opened her mouth to continue when she felt someone watching her and turned to glare at the nosy group of children watching them with open curiousity.
They flinched and hid their heads before continuing to watch more subtly. Dilan sighed and rolled her eyes before getting back to what was important.
"Armin… is it true your grandfather was victim to the Maria attack?" Dilan asked carefully, observing Armin's face fall slightly.
"If you mean the Maria sacrifice… then yes." He muttered under his breath. Then he looked up at her in surprise. "H-How did you know that?" He asked. Dilan smiled sadly.
"I knew your Grandpa, Armin. I'd be proud to call him a friend… but in truth I didn't know him that long." She admitted. Armin looked confused.
"I knew my Grandpa my whole life. I've never seen you before Trost… unless… d-do you mean you…?" He asked in slight horror. Dilan knew he was a smart boy. It didn't take much for him to get there.
"I was outside the wall with him." She informed. Armin's eyes widened.
"B-but military personell weren't required to go… i-it was supposed to be-"
"A sacrifice, I'm aware. I was informed of the plans the day I got back from my three years on the Maria wall. I snuck outside to help those who I could… it's where I met Mr Arlet." She explained. Armin teared up slightly.
"D-did you see him die?" He whispered in a thick voice. Dilan swallowed down a lump of emotion herself.
"He was brave, Armin. The citizens were hysterical, screaming, crying. Even I… I'm ashamed to say I lost my composure. I faltered. But you're grandfather didn't. He rallied everyone, including me. Gave us hope. Hope that we were going to live another day, get back to safety. Without his help, I don't think I would have helped many at all. Without him, so many more lives would have been sacrificed. To answer your question, yes, I did see him die, but I hope you'll find comfort knowing it was peaceful. He was tired so I sat with him while he lied down and took a rest. His last wish was for me to find you, and tell you he loved you. He loved you so much Armin. You were everything to him. His reason for fighting as hard as he did to get back." Dilan said kindly.
Armin sniffed, holding a hand over his mouth as tears dripped down his cheeks.
Dilan opened her mouth in an attempt to comfort him but was cut off as Armin threw himself at her, hugging her tightly and hiding her face in his shoulder as he continued to cry. Dilan's eyes softened and she smiled sadly, hugging the emotional boy in return and patting his back comfortingly.
"H-he w-was brave?" Armin choked out.
"He was brave." Dilan reassured gently.
"H-he loved m-me?" Armin sobbed a bit. Dilan felt her own eyes tear up slightly and she hugged the kid a bit tighter.
"He loved you so much. The old man wouldn't shut up about you." Dilan joked lightly and Armin let out an emotional chuckled, managing to compose himself enough to pull back and wipe his face, a light blush on his cheeks that he had hugged her like that.
"Sorry for ambushing you. I-I was just surprised…" He apologised quietly. Dilan smiled warmly, ruffling the boys hair.
"We all need a hug sometimes." She comforted and he smiled. "I see him in you, Armin. If he was here today, he'd be proud, I'm sure of it." Dilan said seriously. Armin teared up again slightly but he smiled gratefully nonetheless.
"Thank you. For everything, for looking after him out there." Armin said genuinely. Dilan chuckled.
"Honestly, he looked after me. I get bored easily, he was quite the conversationalist." Dilan smiled and Armin chuckled fondly.
"That he was." He sighed.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to find you." Dilan apologised. Armin's eyes widened and he shook his head.
"No, no. I actually… think this is better this way. Knowing he was brave, it'll help me today. I'll be brave like him, even if I'm scared. And… this way, I don't just get a message, but a new friend too. Thank you for finding me, for fulfilling my Grandpa's final wish." He said gratefully. Dilan smiled and squeezed his shoulder.
"No problem, kid. He saved me, kept me sane out there. It's the least I can do to repay his kindness. Stay sharp today, alright? Sometimes being brave means knowing when to take a step back. Don't push yourself too hard and come back alive, okay?" Dilan smiled. Armin smiled back and nodded in understanding.
Happy, they parted ways and Dilan walked back over to the squad, dropping in her empty seat with a sigh of content.
"WHAT WERE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" The group of noisy teens yelled, having no self awareness and the entire mess hall quietened to give them a look. Dilan snickered silently as the teens hung her heads. She heard a 'tch' from Levi and assumed he was somewhere around. Probably getting himself a cup of tea.
"What was that about?" Gunther asked. Dilan rubbed her eyes, completely exhausted and the day had barely started.
"Just fulfilling a last wish, is all." Dilan mumbled, raking a hand through her hair. Gunther raised an eyebrow but didn't poke, probably assuming if she didn't outright tell them the squad didn't need to know.
He was good at reading her like that.
"Sleep well?" Petra asked with a smile. Dilan smiled back.
"Well enough, you?" She asked, eyeing Gunther's jam toast. She quickly decided she was way too tired to get up and collect her own breakfast.
"Fine thank you-" Petra replied as Dilan lunged and made a desperate grab for Gunther's plate but Gunther noticed last second and grabbed the other side of the plate, tugging it back over to him.
They growled at each other.
"Not again, you insatiable beast!" He hissed. Dilan smirked.
"After all this time and you still don't give in. Your stubbornness is really inspirational, Gunther." She replied in a sly voice, pulling the toast more towards her. Gunther scrunched up his noise in irritation while the others blinked, watching.
"Was that a compliment or an insult?" Eld asked quietly.
"Tch, beats me." Oluo mumbled back.
"Give me my breakfast!" Gunther snapped at her. Dilan tilted her head in pretend thought.
"Hm… let me think…" She paused. "How about… no." She grinned evily, about to make a final move to secure her the food item when she felt a fist lightly bonk her head and she flinched in surprise, letting go of the toast as a result.
"HELL YES!" Gunther yelled in victory, holding the toast up to the heavens like some sort of glorious prize before hurriedly stuffing it into his mouth, choking slightly while he did so, jam and bread crumbs collecting around his mouth.
"Ew." Petra commented.
"Aw…" Dilan pouted, turning around to see who cost her the battle and her eyes met Levi who gave her a look between amusement and mild irritation. He sat down next to her, in the space always left for him.
Dilan had noticed it was something the squad always did for them during meal times the past few days. Even if they couldn't be that open about their relationship, the squad always left two spaces next to each other so her and Levi would be able to sit next to each other. It was really sweet and Dilan found it cute how supporting they all were.
Levi took the tea off of his tray before nonchalantly sliding the tray of food infront of her. Dilan's eyes widened a fraction, glancing at him as he casually sipped his tea before back at the tray of food that contained a plate of jam toast, a cup of tea and a juicy looking apple.
Her heart warmed at the thoughtful gesture, not that it was all that surprising anymore. Levi was just incredible at taking care of her. She bit her lip to stop from smiling too wide and squeezed his hand subtly as a thanks. Levi's eyes softened slightly and she turned back to her food as the squad started up idle conversation.
Then she frowned.
He had yet again, forgotten to get himself something.
Taking the apple off her tray, she placed it infront of him without a word and turned back to her meal. A few seconds later the apple returned to her tray. Dilan huffed in annoyance, grabbing the apple and lightly slammed it down infront of him. Levi glared at her but she glared right back, daring him with dangerous eyes to try and skip out on breakfast on the morning of an expedition.
Levi pursed his lips and remained stubborn before Dilan increased her deadly look tenfold.
He gave in pretty quickly after that, frowning, taking the apple and averting his eyes as he took a bite. Dilan smirked in satisfaction that she'd won, happily picking up her toast and raising it to her mouth before her eyes flicked up to the squad who were balking at them.
Oops.
Just because they were okay with it, Dilan knew it was still surprising to see things like that happen. She supposed they had never seen Levi lose a glaring match before. This was all new territory for them. It would be a while before it wasn't considered weird.
"Yes, that happened. Stop staring like idiots." Levi warned, obviously annoyed and mildly embarrassed but refusing to show it. Dilan snickered as they all jumped and snapped their jaws shut, getting back to their meals. Well, all except Petra who clearly wasn't thinking straight.
Her eyes sparkled and she smiled wide, clasping her hands together in glee.
"Guys, you two are so-"
"Woah, Petra. If your next word has any sort of association to puppies, teddy bears or a sleepy Josie then I suggest you do not finish that sentence." Dilan warned seriously, scared for the girl. She had no fucking clue what Levi would do if Petra called them cute. He had a strong opposition to the word and Dilan only got away with it because he couldn't really stop her.
Petra froze slightly in realisation, remembering who she was dealing with and glanced at the glaring Captain with fearful eyes.
"Do you enjoy laps, cadet?" Levi questioned, monotoned. Petra gulped, shaking her head. "Then I suggest you take Dilan's advice." He pointed out. Petra nodded quickly and Levi narrowed his eyes before getting back to his tea. Dilan chuckled, giving him a look. He shrugged and Dilan rolled her eyes playfully before turning back to the squad.
"Everyone okay? Any freak-outs I should know about?" She asked, eyeing them to try and get a read on their anxiety levels. She was pleasantly surprised to find them all looking relatively content.
They smiled back easily.
"We're fine, Dil. We've done this enough times now." Eld pointed out kindly.
"Ha! I could get through an expedition in my sleep." Oluo bragged with a smug smile, crossing his arms and closing his eyes as he posed in his best 'I'm the greatest' pose. Petra rolled her eyes and shoved her elbow in his ribs, making him splutter. "Ow!"
"What he's trying to say is that we're confident." Petra informed happily and Gunther nodded his agreement.
"We've grown a lot as members of the special ops. You've both trained us well. We're confident in our abilties as a team. Even if this mission is a little more high-stakes, with us having to protect Eren and all, I think we'll be fine." Gunther said seriously.
Dilan smiled as a wave of relief washed over her. She knew they had no idea of the real objective of the mission but knowing how confident they were helped set her own nerves at ease. They trusted themselves and so did she.
Sharing a look with Levi, she could see the relief in his eyes too.
"I'm glad. And I agree, you've all come so far as soldiers." She agreed and they smiled. "I guess what I'm trying to say is…" She paused before leaning over the table and pinching one of Gunther's cheeks and one of Oluo's. "I'm proud of my babies!" She teased, laughing as they squirmed and tried to push her away.
"Dil!" They whined like children, as she let go, rubbing their red cheeks and pouting. Eld and Petra snorted with laughter and Levi hid a smirk behind his cup. Dilan chuckled, smiling at her family. She wasn't lying.
They had come a long way and she couldn't be prouder.
LEVI'S P.O.V.
A few hours later and the gate was being lifted. Levi took a breath, oddly nervous. Perhaps it was the idea of losing Dilan after just getting her. The world had dealt out worse cruelties. But he had to remind himself that she promised to be careful and promised to listen to him.
And yet, would she follow through on that promise? She had never broken a promise before, but this was different. She was going to have to watch all those deaths without helping if Erwin was indeed right, and he usually was. Was she going to be able to stay put? Just for the greater good? Would she have to shove down her humanity to do it? Levi would never want to ask her to do such a thing. Her humanity was what made her Dilan. How she cares about every life, no matter how insignificant. It was what made her, her.
Levi never wanted her to lose that.
"Hey." A soft voice called from his side and Levi looked into those fiery orange eyes, instantly calming down. "No matter what, we'll be okay. Alright?" She reassured quietly and Levi took a breath, relaxing as he looked at her face.
Apparently, he had looked a lot more nervous than he once thought, but the brat was always incredible at reading him. He nodded in agreement, wishing he could reach out to her, but they were too out in the open. Dilan smiled anyway, and Levi knew it would be okay as long as he had her. Whatever happens, they'll get through it.
Together.
"FORWARD!" Erwin yelled after his speech and Levi spent one more moment focusing on her eyes before facing forward and slapping his reins as they started galloping into the open plains.
This was sure to be interesting.
A/N: Okay! Now we have officially started the expedition. Hope you liked this last nice chapter.
I wanted to properly introduce the 104th in all their crazy glory before killing off the squad to lessened the blow slightly. Dilan can start being a big sister to these kids to get her through the heart ache.
I also wanted to give the squad one last proper scene, add in a bit of Dilvi awkwardness too. Gunther finally won a battle of the breakfasts, I felt he deserved to win at least one, lol. I'm going to miss them so much!!
It truly is a shame that they were killed so soon but I guess in this story we have known them for 8 years to make up for that.
Sigh.
I've got to do what I've got to do. Please forgive me, lol.
I'd like to thank everyone reading, guest readers and accounts alike. I appreciate everyone who gave this story a chance and it makes me so happy that we got to 100 follows! I can't believe it. And a big thanks to everyone who reviews as well, you don't know how much it motivates me. The comments really helped me find the inspiration to write in what little free time I have right now with all my exams.
So thanks and I hope you keep reading!
Stay safe! X
