"Stop it Mikasa, get a grip! I'm not a little boy anymore! I can take care of myself now."

"But Eren-"

"What's going on here, brats?" Levi interrupted harshly as we approached the two soldiers arguing. Mikasa and Eren. I sighed, familiar with the sight.

"Sir, please let me join Eren in the event within Wall Sina." Mikasa turned to the Captain, saluting quickly. We both raised an eyebrow at this.

"Why, Ackerman? It's not like any mindless Titan is going to be there. Besides, it's not my call – you're under Squad Leader Hazura's command today."

Mikasa turned her gaze to me, hopeful.

"No." I stated sternly.

There was a flash of defiance in her eyes. "But-"

"No buts. Our security is tight enough and yet I've already had the pains of convincing Commander Erwin to let you join in due to your incessant nagging. Once I have escorted the carriage to Wall Sina, you will be there to greet them and then will watch over for the rest of the night – as planned. How do you think it would look like for the Survey Corps if we turned up with one uninvited guest?"

As I forced the logic into Mikasa, I could see the cogs turning in her head as her shoulders slowly drooped in defeat. Commander Erwin also turned up, his boots crunching behind us, signalling it was time to head off.

"Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir." She saluted, took one glance at Eren before heading off to grab her own horse.

"You sounded quite harsh just then, Squad Leader Hazura." Erwin commented as he reached out and opened the carriage door. Levi motioned for Eren to get in first and I waited until the boy was out of earshot before replying.

"She was suffocating the boy, Erwin. I wasn't going to rearrange the entire security plan just because she can't bear to be apart from Eren for a few minutes either."

The blonde chuckled and climbed into the transport himself. "Understood. I trust your judgement, Rina."

Nodding in acknowledgement, I saluted before securing the door and leaping onto my own Streak. He tapped the ground, ready to get back into action.

"Let's go."

After a short carriage ride, we arrived at the gates of the main complex where the social event was to be held. The building's inner lights were already streaming through the windows, lighting up the entire surrounding area. The regular civilians crowded around the fence, straining to have a peek at what celebration was happening within.A pair of MP guards stood at the door, appraising every person that came through. With a quick nod at them, the gates parted and we continued to the main building. Taking a quick glance around, the security was going all right and everyone was in their positions. Leaping off Streak, I joined Mikasa at the carriage's door once we had stopped at the main doors. With some attendant opening it up, Eren, Erwin and Levi filed out. Mikasa instantly rushed to her childhood friend despite Eren's exclamations that he was all right. I blinked in surprise as it literally seemed she came out of thin air.

"Commander Erwin!"

The voice rung out over the general chatter and Commander Pixis of the Garrison Guard began making his way down the steps. As everyone engaged in their own small chatter, I grabbed a quick update from a roaming guard. That was, until Captain Levi approached and scared the young MP off.

"Everything under control, Hazura?"

I dramatically turned to him, making sure to hit him in the face with my hair and grinned at his reaction.

"Of course, Captain. I would never let any harm befall you."

"Shut up and join us inside."

Glancing around, our entourage had begun to make their way up to the building grand doors. My eyes zoomed onto one girl, not so subtly spying me.

"Mikasa." And flicked my head up to the glass roof overarching the banquet hall. She sighed and left Eren, reeling herself away at my command.

"Let's go Hazura." Levi gently nudged my elbow towards the staircase. I chuckled and bowed slightly, giving him a sly look as I turned away.

"Enjoy your night, Captain Levi."

"Tch."

This pulled a laugh out of me and I finally reeled myself away to my position for the rest of the night.

Breathing in the night air deeply and flinching slightly as it froze my lungs, the music from inside continued to filter out. After hearing of the proper introductions, the social part of the event had begun, food carried out and a small band of musicians began playing. Crossing my fingers for Queen Historia to do well for the Survey Corps, I returned my attention to the surroundings at hand. Nothing out of the ordinary had occurred – Mikasa was watching Eren through the windows like a hawk and the patrolling guards reported nothing strange. Apart from the expected crowd milling about around the property, all was calm. A quick peek through the glass showed Erwin and Levi both in deep discussions, and Eren hovered around Historia – due to being close comrades. Glad everything was turning out smoothly, I zoomed my way up to the roof for a better view. Peaceful and quiet, I began to relax until a certain conversation caught my ear.

"…how's it been?"

"Quiet, sir. Nothing out of the ordinary to report."

"And the gate?"

"Under control, sir."

"Patrols?"

"Nothing, sir."

"Hmm, she's done better than I thought."

"I heard that, Levi." Crossing my arms, I looked down the slant of the roof. Just over the edge stood the Captain, conversing with a passing patrol MP on one of the building's balconies. At my voice, Levi smirked up towards me.

"Who said that you weren't supposed to?"

Sighing, I held my hand to my face, covering it while I struggled to hold back a chuckle. Retaining my composure, I slid off the roof and landed gracefully beside the two.

"Officer Maris, you're free to continue your rounds."

With a quick salute, the younger officer went off on his way. I then turned my attention towards Levi.

"Now what's this I hear of you keeping tabs on the security? Don't trust me enough to protect the Queen, Ackerman?"

"It's not you I don't trust but the craftiness of some people out there. After the discovery of Titan-shifters, we can't take anything at face value anymore."

"If that's what you talk about then I'm not surprised you're out here by yourself." I muttered, rolling my eyes. "You're supposed to be sociable."

"It's a bit hard when their priorities don't necessarily lie with freeing Humanity from the Titans."

I waved a hand, effectively stopping where this conversation was going.

"Okay, enough doom and gloom for today. Besides not talking with the socialites, why are you outside?"

"Is it a crime to get some fresh air, Hazura?"

I chuckled and held my hands up innocently. "Can't blame a girl for being curious. Did you want to take a walk then? Get your mind off the social event and its politics?"

At this option, the soldier perked up and finally showed a hint of relief.

"Lead the way."