Despite the busy life, I'm feeling super happy today so here's a not-so-late update :D Keep reading! 3

Before I actually re-entered the Survey Corps headquarters, I had changed back into my correct uniform, swinging the familiar green comfort onto my shoulders. It was almost like a blanket of warmth settled over me. Figuratively speaking, that is. Just as well because when I entered the grounds, almost every single eye turned to me all at once. I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat and faced straight forward, almost marching right to Erwin's office. A quick two taps on the door allowed me to escape from the stifling stares and I pressed my back against the door, breathing a sigh of relief. Erwin glanced up at me and a brief quirk of a smirk flashed over his face.

"Welcome back, Officer Hazura."

I sighed. "I don't remember looking too different when I left. There isn't something in my hair, is there?"

"Hazura."

"These stares are freaking me out, Erwin."

"Officer. Hazura."

I paused in my rambling and sheepishly looked over to the Commander. He blinked at me.

"From the common point of view, you betrayed the Corps and joined the MP. It's to be expected that people would still judge you for that, even if you did return. You knew this."

I scratched my head. "I know, I know. I signed up for it. Doesn't mean that it doesn't unnerve me."

"Since it's been a while, I'll give you a day to get settled back into routine. We have another problem to deal with in a few weeks time. You will be briefed in due course." He added when I opened my mouth. "As for your current position and rank, I'll have a discussion with other leaders and we'll see where you'll go."

I nodded and saluted before leaving.

Unpacking and rearranging my things again, I took a nap, full well knowing I would probably never have one again. The sound of shouting and movement of running feet had me up again, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Glancing outside, it was now mid-afternoon and the practices were winding down to a close. Deciding to stretch my muscles, I also headed out towards the training forest and stared at the familiar green and brown trees.

Was I ready for this again?

I mentally prepared to launch myself up and my body moved automatically, my knees bending and my hands to my 3DMG. I silently chuckled. I guess I was.

shooting a line up to the nearest branch, I reeled myself through the trees. Studying the fake titan cuts as I flew past, it must have been the 104th regiment who had just trained. As always, Mikasa's cuts were found on almost every jelly block.

"When did you get back?"

I started from surprise and stumbled onto a flat branch, my wires flailing around my legs.

"Bastard." I cursed and instinctively threw a look over at Levi as he landed beside me. "You scared the shit out of me."

He made a face. "That's unpleasant. Now answer. When did you get back?"

I plopped onto my butt and began untangling the wires again while Levi moved to lean against the tree trunk.

"Late this morning."

There was a pause and the sound of my wires shooting back into their cannisters filled the silence.

"More importantly, why?"

I froze, my brain racing. Levi didn't know my reasons for leaving. How could I tell him why I came back? I was a supposed traitor.

I sighed and stood up, back to him. "Does it matter?"

"Don't fuck with me. You switched sides twice. I need to know where your loyalties lie, Hazura."

"Now you're starting to sound like Erwin." I grimaced and whirled around, growing frustrated. "All you need to know is that I have always had your back, Ackerman. I'm not about to stop now."

His gray eyes narrowed dangerously at me. "You didn't have my back those last weeks when you were out living the easy life as an MP. You have no right to say you had my back when you won't even say why you left, you piece of-"

"Captain Levi!" a voice called from the branches and the sound of 3DMG drew closer.

I gritted my teeth, both pleased and irritated that the conversation had been interrupted. Before I could change my mind, I spun around the got the hell away from there. I landed back on the outskirts of the forest and yelled out in annoyance, kicking the dirt with a vengeance.

"Didn't have his back? Living the easy life? God damn it, Levi, you piece of crap! URGH!" I unsheathed a blade and spun around, hurling it into the trunk behind me.

"Whoa!"

My eyes flew open and I caught Hanji standing a few inches away from the blade, which now wobbled in front of her, embedded deeply into the wood.

"Shit, Hanji, I'm so sorry, I should've been more careful." I warily stepped forward and reached out, grabbing the blade by the handle. Hanji gave me a giant grin.

"I may forgive you if you don't mind taking a walk with me?"

Sheathing my blade, I smiled. "I wouldn't like anything better, to be honest."

Following the scientist, we ventured back into the training forest, our boots scratching on the hard ground. She skipped ahead of me, her hands waving casually in the air.

"So you're back." She began.

I raised an eyebrow at her back. "Yes…"

There was silence as I waited for Hanji to gather her thoughts.

"You see, as a scientist, I'm required to observe events and link them to other events. Cause and effect, if you will." She took a breath. "I noticed that although you had no connection to the Levi's squad at the time, you left to join the Military Police shortly after the Special Ops had that run-in which landed most of them in the infirmary."

At this statement, I mis-stepped, stumbling briefly. Recovering, I glanced up at Hanji, who had stopped and was looking over her shoulder at me with suspicious eyes. Jesus, she really was a genius.

"Now, I understand the concept of confidentiality so I won't press you for details. However," at this Hanji shoved her face at me, filling my whole vision. "I want to know whether you betrayed the Survey Corps or not?"

I frowned heavily at the thought and answered immediately.

"I would never."

Seemingly happy with the reply, she straightened away from me, instead throwing her arm around my shoulders.

"Good! Now let's go have some lunch."

Shaking my head, I mentally thanked Hanji for cheering me up and let her lead me back to the HQ.