Nervous tingles spread through her fingertips to her stiff joints. Elsie clenched her teeth in forced silence as Erwin debriefed the Scouts for their mission. She found solace in fixing her black gloves at the back of the group, tugging them further up her wrist to avoid catching sight of blood. Don't think about it.
Jean raised a finger in question. For the most part, he'd nodded solemnly along with the surplus of news he received, "How are we planning on getting Eren out? We have no weapons."
"You have a hand, use it." Levi drawled. He leaned casually against the hood of the car, hiding a portion of Elsie's dark expression from the rest.
Erwin pivoted in the dirt, raising an eyebrow in explanation, "Only what we carry. Do you have a suggestion for getting Eren safely out of the building?"
"There's a few," She slowly stated. "It would all go smoother if you stayed in the car-"
"Connie and I will stay with Elsie while she talks to whoever the fuck cares," Levi talked over her. He pushed off the metal to stand in the center of the half-circle, his muscled shoulders facing her. "Jean and Erwin will remain in the entrance while Hange and Hibolt watch over our dear friend, Zeke."
"Then we're down to one car. I need Gustavo to drive," Elsie ignored the obvious looks thrown her way. "And at that point, there won't be room for Eren in the car. Only Levi," She said this because she knew it'd be a fight if she didn't. "And Connie. Sorry, Erwin, you're too big to pass as a servant."
"How exactly are you going to get Eren?" Connie insisted. No one seemed surprised by Erwin's bland understanding.
"Eren is my priority and he'll be released to me, there is no question about it," Elsie said with annoyance. Her tone came out strict and impatient, feet shuffling as she finally met them in the eyes. "Just... Can't you stay in the car?" Elsie begged, breaking the space to stand shoulder to shoulder with Connie. Couldn't they understand how serious Marley was?
"Eren is one of us," Jean claimed. "There's no way we wouldn't help get him out."
Connie nodded, "Even if he did some shitty things."
"You heard them," Hange gleefully clapped her hands. She swung back and forth on the heel of her boots, Hibolt rolling his eyes despairingly at her side. "Let's get moving. If we can get back home within the week then Historia will lose her head! Come on, old pal," She clapped Erwin on the shoulder and grinned. "You can sit with me."
Elsie frowned and fixed the belt of her pants. She glanced in the front seat of the car for the odd chance anything lilac would be in attendance. No such luck. An all-black attire it would be, no touch of Freyja tonight. Commander Maggath would have more than enough to say at seeing her in pants, especially when he realized that she wasn't with Willy. Her gaze caught on Gustavo, sitting bored in the driver's seat. The car sat meters away beneath the cover of a tree.
"Now, if a man does question your existence I suggest a quick uppercut," Hange wildly slammed her fist forward, biting her bottom lip and nodding in expertise as the others watch. "That shuts them up real fast."
"Because you're six feet higher and knock them between the eyes," Levi snapped, rolling his shoulders. He fixed the younger cadets with a mean stare. "This is life or death. You move first or the other guy walks away, do you understand?"
"Yes, captain." They saluted in synch.
"This is nothing I would ever ask of you," Erwin added. He eyed the team before sighing. "I am sorry it has come to this."
His thick voice faded into the background as Elsie neared Gustavo's window. She rapped her knuckles against the window to gain his attention. Bashfully his arm moved quickly to roll it midway.
"Yes, my Lady?" He asked with nothing but politeness.
"These people are staff from Tybur Manor, gardeners, and such. Yes?" She asked with eye contact. She tried to see a flicker of mist in his pupil. A sign showing her gift had slimed its way into his brain.
He nodded agreeably, "Yes. You care greatly for the staff, told us to evacuate."
"Yes," She fingered the top of her shirt, feeling the Iceburst beneath the fabric. Cool against her skin. "Thank you, Gustavo."
"Of course, my Lady."
"You'll drive us in."
Once able to ignore her headache returned to press against her temple. She sighed and returned to the group. Connie and Jean checked for having their blades tucked into their belts and Hange twisted her hair into a straight ponytail, one that lacked her usual flyaway hair. Erwin fixed the blazer of his stolen uniform and crouched to fix something around his ankle. Levi stood at the end, returned to the hood of the car, and watched Elsie.
"Are we ready?" She grouched, checking over her shoulder to see Hange's quick salute.
"This is the best day," Hange sang, skipping to the car with Hibolt. "Elsie returns and I get to hang out with Zeke! Hibolt, make sure we have some extra handkerchiefs for samples!"
"Be safe," Erwin commanded as he was used to. "If we hear gunfire then we'll try to help."
"Comforting," Connie muttered, kicking dirt on his way to the backseat of the second car. "Have fun relaxing, Jean."
"Oh, I will, dear friend. I will." Jean lounged in the front seat with Hibolt, both choosing to ignore hunched Hange in the backseat. Who knew what she planned to do with Zeke.
Erwin tried to catch Elsie's gaze and give her a meaningful stare that promised everyone returning alive - including Eren - but she couldn't bring herself to meet those blue pupils. Instead, she slid in the passenger seat of Gustavo's car and buckled herself. Erwin caught Levi's arm before he parted, exchanging quick words that made Levi's eyebrows furrow and Erwin hold his hand in innocence. They parted with Levi huffing into the backseat.
"What did he say?" Elsie asked, ignoring Connie behind her.
Levi buckled, "Nothing."
"It was something." Her temple throbbed with internal pain.
"Let it go, shithead."
Connie raised his eyebrows and looked out the car window. Elsie tried to fight her smile at the sentiment, one that she dreamt of hearing and turned to face forward. Shithead. She instantly calmed. It's real, Levi really found her. Her anxiety faded on facing Commander Maggath with him at her shoulder. Gustavo slowly drove from the others, leaving them parked in the dark street.
Lamp posts flickered between tree branches before revealing the grand entrance to the overly packed Lakua training grounds. Left open, the front door was a revolving cycle of rushed soldiers and frazzled civilians. Cars formed a carpool to drop off wounded or tired soldiers, allowing more to board before pulling off. They drove down the main road, one that led straight to Liberio instead of the neighborhood streets harboring Hange and the others.
Her door opened before Gustavo parked, a gloved hand waiting for Elsie's palm, "Lady Seer! The Commander has been waiting to hear from you!"
"I came as soon as I could," Levi and Connie rushed to keep up with Elsie, halfway up the stairs before they realized they'd have to open their own doors. Pushed and shoved for greater motives, they faded into the background compared to Elsie's rushed guide. "Have you seen Priestess Catharina?"
Well-lit hallways were packed with rushed soldiers. Riffles slung over their shoulders, shouting to one another down the hallway. They split to allow Elsie and her guide through, her name being said in passing as men bowed in respect. Some were too frazzled to realize she walked the same hall.
Familiar cold stairs led to Commander Maggath's office. They reached the first step, Elsie's palms beginning to sweat, when she felt the vibration of movement. Looking up, she met raged dark eyes storming down the brick stairs. Meaty fingers swung threateningly.
"Lady Seer!" Commander Maggath boomed, meeting her in the tight hallway. She could tell others were behind him but he swarmed her with his presence, sweating and covered in dirt. They matched with streaked hair and crusty fingernails. "What the hell happened? Did you not see the Attack titan with all that prayer! What's the fucking point of you?"
"It doesn't work like that," She sighed, throwing her hands up. As usual, no one liked hearing her gift couldn't give them the answers. Commander Maggath strolled by and Elsie pivoted, doubling her steps to keep at his elbow. "I didn't see what happened, all I know is that Willy went there-"
"Willy? Where is he?" Commander Maggath returned them to the lobby. She felt the group behind them expand, two familiar shadows at her side. Dark circles lined beneath his eyes. "That man is the most useless Ambassador! We should be preparing for war-"
"Against who?" Elsie asked ludicrously. "And I don't know where Willy went, I lost him at the festival."
"Paradis, woman!" The Commander roared before spinning and heading up an opposite set of stairs. "Or at the very least our own Eldians for harboring the Attack titan without informing the authorities."
Elsie stayed at his heel. Feet thundered in urgency behind her before a hurried shout.
"Lady Seer!" She looked once they reached the landing, overlooking the training ground she'd spent an afternoon in. A fast blur dodged between Connie and Levi. In the meantime, Commander Maggath walked to the corner of the hall and opened a door, disappearing. Porco shouldered past Connie and Levi on the last step. "Where's Sif? Why isn't she with you?"
Elsie frowned, "I lost her at the festival. I'm assuming she went to get medical treatment. Have they recovered all injured?"
Porco opened the door for Elsie, immediately walking to Commander Maggath's side table. He popped the cork of red wine and poured three goblets, shaking his head. His ruffled uniform made the most noise once Levi and Connie entered, pressing themselves silently against the back wall. If Commander Maggath noticed their intrusion he decided there were better fights to have.
"Somewhat. I'll head to the pop-up medical tents," Porco passed the goblets. Elsie fingered the metal before raising the goblet, taking a refreshing gulp. "I returned for a debrief."
"While you're out make sure to spread the word that William Tybur is missing," Commander Maggath finished his wine in one gulp. He slammed the goblet onto the table and glanced at Elsie, frowning in thought. "The all-knowing Seer, what a load of fucking shit."
Elsie raised her goblet in innocence and made herself comfortable in a chair across from his wooden table, "I never said I was all-knowing. I just know things. Honestly, no one listens to what I have to say."
"Ha! I listen, you have nothing worth hearing. World peace and prosperity, a load of hippie crap if I ever heard it," Commander Maggath groaned and sat on the edge of his table. He rubbed his gaunt cheeks. "I'll send word to the other Ambassadors of Willy's status. Until then... As much as I'd rather it wasn't this way... Lady Seer, you are Vice-Ambassador. A stand-in until we get this shit figured."
Elsie crossed her legs and said, "If you needed help you could've just asked, Maggath."
He cupped his forehead before lifting his eyes, "What do you know about the Attack titan?"
If the temperature dropped only Elsie felt it. She sipped her wine and said, "Grisha Jeager ran away with it. To the Mid-East, I believe."
"Paradis Island, in fact. And that was the last anyone heard of it. Strange how you show up and the Attack titan is suddenly active."
"I wouldn't be surprised if Zeke kidnapped another pet. I suggest watching him more closely," Elsie dryly commented, sighing and feigning disinterest. "It's not raging on the town anymore so I'm assuming High Priestess Catharina handled it herself."
"Zeke hasn't returned from his trip," Commander Maggath grabbed her goblet, seeing that it was empty and placing it on his table. "And the Priestess says you might surprise us all with handling this situation. Of course, Major Gross and I have ways to go about this. We do know Willy's plans for the Mid-East and can go forward with war, but an Ambassador's word is necessary," His frown deepened. "You do know about the High Priestess' talent."
"Then you must be praying for Willy's return," Elsie grinned, cocking her head. She wondered who Commander Maggath prayed to. "For now, we must decide on what to do with the prisoner. I'm sure you've begun questioning. Although I doubt that a small village like Paradis launched a huge attack. I lay my cards with the Mid-East gaining control of the Attack titan. That is, for all I know as a Lady Seer." She swung her goblet with a grand shrug, her opinion meaningless when Levi sat centimeters away.
Porco sipped between their fast banter. He slowly shuffled to place his drink down before leaving the office, a slight snick of the door closing dragging Elsie's gaze back. Levi cupped his hands behind his back, listening with fierce intensity. His dark eyes narrowed dangerously before she turned around.
"Just looking at the kid I know he's an island devil," Commander Maggath snarled viciously, tightening his fist. "Filthy, eyes full of murderous rage. Screamed the entire way down the dungeon before passing out. A true savage, just like I knew they were. No one from the Mid-East could imagine such a terror."
"Yes, only people from Marley," Elsie drawled snidely.
His eyes caught and he bared his teeth, "And just how did you end up perfectly fine? Your servant missing along with Lord Tybur... It doesn't put you in the best of light."
"A fucking tragedy just happened," She rolled her eyes, trying not to think much about Sif. She seemed like a logical girl. She would've gotten out perfectly fine. "I'm sure a lot of people have died. But for now," She leaned forward, keeping their eyes locked. "I am going to take the prisoner with me. You are going to let me."
Freyja, please be here for me. I need this to work.
Commander Maggath kept his tight fist and daring gaze. Thick in his uniform, covered in his work and care for the people, he said, "Very well."
"Dungeons you said?" Elsie reiterated, standing and running her hands along the crease in her pants. Better not waste the time she gained.
"Yes with soldiers on duty. The High Priestess wished to speak to him." Commander Maggath scratched his chin and looked around the room, eyeing her servants uncomfortably. Did he remember the moment in Willy's dining room?
"Has she?"
"No, she's still in the medical wing."
"Very well, I'll speak with her. As for the other Ambassadors, please let me know when they arrive. We both don't want me in this position for very long." She eyed the Commander before heading for the door. Pointedly ignoring Levi's intent stare. How could she tell him everything that happened in one sitting?
Elsie led them silently down the stairs. Levi chose to say nothing with Connie around, she knew. In the meantime, he darkly steamed over what Commander Maggath had exposed. Connie fixed his blazer at the last step, keeping a cool expression as Marlian soldiers marched past them.
"I told you I can help!" A shout echoed from the approaching mess hall. Soldiers packed tightly, waiting to be told directions, watching as a small brunette crossed her arms and glowered at an older soldier.
Elsie eyed the argument between Gabi and the soldier before deciding Eren was more important. She continued past and found her way to the basement, having an inkling of an idea of how barracks were designed. This one lacked the cobwebs and stench of Levi's castle and instead comforted visitors with glowing lamps. She refused to check on Connie and Levi.
"...Thirty minutes. Should be long enough."
"I don't know, man. Doesn't sound good to me."
"Don't be a pussy-Oh!"
The two soldiers guarding a locked door instantly stilled at the sight of Elsie. She grinned and confidently strode forward, "Excuse me for intruding, boys, but I'm on official business for Commander Maggath. I don't believe we've met yet."
They eyed each other before one asked, "Who are you?" Who am I?
"The Lady Seer," Elsie said. It sickened her that suddenly she enjoyed the bowing, the widening of eyes before looking hastily to the ground. Returning to Paradis meant being Erwin's snitch. A lackey that he'd toss aside for the greater good. "Bring out the prisoner for questioning. We'll be waiting for the High Priestess to gather herself before leaving."
They nodded with her words, sliding along easily with the truth that they had no reason to question it. The shorter of the duo dug for a chain of keys in his front pocket as the other hosted his rifle over his shoulder, waiting patiently at the door.
Footsteps sounded above. Elsie had a feeling her words only got her what she wanted for a brief second. Maggath probably thought about it more and decided that no, he shouldn't let her take Eren. No, it did not make sense for Elsie to walk out with him. Either way, she made it to the basement. She got them to Eren.
Dipshit number one finally opened the door, disappearing into a darkened room. The door heavily clunk shut behind their forms. Anxiously she pulled at her fingers, looking over her shoulder to gauge the other's reaction. Connie stood near the stairs, watching for intruders.
Levi stepped forward and grabbed her elbow, saying something like, "This is too fucking easy, Elsie. What the hell is going on?"
Connie anxiously whispered, "Hey, guys... How long is this going to take?"
"I mean I just asked for him," Elsie explained innocently, widening her eyes in hopes of seducing him into ignoring everything. A scuffle broke out. A grunt. A moan. Someone slammed into the wall. "And I have this new title, so they have no choice."
"People don't release a fucking terrorist no questions asked," Levi shook his head, not agreeing with her easy explanation. Why couldn't he agree with it? Why didn't she want to tell him? "You're doing something."
"I'm not doing anything," She exclaimed, shaking his hand from her. She scowled. "Freyja, Levi I don't have anything else to say about this. It's just how things are done in Marley."
Bruised and haggard, the first soldier stepped out of the room. Eren! Her heart rate spiked at seeing Eren sagging between him and his comrade, beaten but holding his held head high. His eyes widened and a smile broke his cheeks, exposing his broken front tooth and bleeding top lip. Floppy black hair covered his black right eye, his shirt torn over his shoulder, and loose shorts sagging from his hips. A vibrant blue eye took in his rescuers.
"Elsie!" His smile disappeared and his eyebrows, twisting his head to keep eye contact with Levi as he was carried by. "Captain." A far darker tone.
"Oh shit," Connie said before he jumped backward. Elsie's attention instantly spun to the entrance of the dungeon. A sharp gunshot echoed in the room, dust flying where his feet once were. "That Commander guy is here!"
Levi slung Elsie to the furthest corner, swiping his dagger from his waist and focusing on the staircase. The two soldiers flattened with Eren, holding him still when he craned his neck to catch sight of Elsie.
She clasped the back of her soldier's shoulder and snapped, "Is this more to your speed, Levi?" Where's Eren?
"You fucking did something," His tone implied he'd stab her before the enemy. She kept an eye on the beaten kid.
Connie called, "Any tips, guys?" He stayed close to the shadows.
"Let him come down," Levi lowered his hand and the others silenced, waiting. Elsie's breath misted the back of his neck, her attention flickering between the staircase and the skin of his ear.
Her hands warmed his shoulder blades while she listened to Commander Maggath stomp heavily closer. Her heart stuttered at the thought of who was going to kill him. That was the only way out, wasn't it? He would send guards after them and they would need time to recoup at the port. She couldn't afford to have Pieck transform and chase them - or Priestess Catharina find out.
One hand left Levi to grab the blade gifted by Granfer. She curled her fingers around the handle and held her breath, anxiously waiting for the enemy to appear. Levi's feet spread. Connie crouched. Eren tried to gain his footing between the soldiers, missing a boot.
Commander Maggath came rolling down the steps- thunk, thunk. With a great puff of dust, he landed in a tangled heap before Connie. The younger boy slowly tapped his receding hairline with his boot before curiously peering upwards. Lilac robes flickered before the giant Priestess Catharina appeared on the staircase. She paused, taking in with the room. Her eyes bore the muscle streeks of transforming into a titan. Eren inhaled sharply, silencing the dungeon.
"Elisabeth," She said with irritation and pursed lips. Her dark eyes watched Eren shake the soldiers free to finally stand alone. She ignored the others in favor of appraising Elsie. "Why was Commander Maggath trying to shoot you?"
Elsie safely put her blade away and stepped forward, sighing, "Why didn't you tell me you were a Tybur?"
"So Willy finally told you the truth?" She chuckled, staying on the stairs, and Elsie stayed near Levi. "He's so embarrassed to be related to an Eldian marrying freak."
"I've had a long night, let's cut to if you're going to let me walk out of here or-"
"Or what? Transform and kill everyone around me? I think your friend here has done enough of that," She frowned matronly at Eren as if he too were an orphan in the camp. He bowed his head, shamed, dark hair cutting across his nose. "Are you going to leave?"
"Are you going to stop me?" Elsie rebutted, blocking the Priestess' view of Eren.
Levi shifted and she didn't want it to come to Priestess Catharina laying on the floor with Maggath. But if someone tried to keep her from walking out of here alive with Levi at her side, they were going to be taken down.
"Of course not," Priestess Catharina said, a sad smile following her words. "It's what your mother would do."
Elsie moved instantly, not wanting to see Levi's curious stare, or Connie looking befuddled at this new addition to their team. There was so much to explain and Eren was trying to shake the soldiers off of him. She rubbed her temple.
Levi smacked Eren over the back of his head, "Stop fucking up. Shut up and keep your head down, Erwin will deal with your pathetic ass later."
"Captain- Unk, okay." Eren moaned, curling into himself when Levi once more hit him over the head.
"Thank you, Cat," Elsie exhaled, grasping the Priestess' hand once she stood below her. "I thought you were resting in the hospital wing."
"They can't keep me down for long. I heard Commander Maggath yelling about you so I knew that you were here. Although being friends with the Attack titan was the last thing I expected," She eyed Eren, watching him sadly.
"We need to go," Levi said, staying close to Eren with his side facing Catharina in case she tried anything. He hovered near the High Priestess but kept a safe distance, Connie protectively standing behind Eren.
Priestess Catharina gripped Elsie's hands, keeping her in the basement, holding her in Marley, and said, "If you leave there's no coming back."
"Yes, yes," Elsie was already trying to get around her. Levi suddenly was at her back, encouraging her to push past the Priestess. "I'm not from here so it's not-"
"There's a chance you can return to Andere!"
Levi and Elsie turned at the same time. Her heart froze, feet heavy, disbelief. Don't let Levi know that. She looked at the back of his head before meeting Catharina's eyes. Rage, rage so thick and hot and fiery filled her chest. How dare she say such a thing right when she made it back to him?
"There is no going back," Elsie hissed, clarifying for all to hear. "If Florence never returned then there's no such thing for me. Let's get the fuck out of here."
"Elisabeth," The High Priestess bowed her head, hiding her disappointment, before looking up. She smiled in defeat, flattening herself against the banister to allow Connie and the rest up. "I told you from the beginning that I would never force you to love us. Good luck."
Elsie nodded stiffly, saddened to say goodbye to Catharina. The last piece to her mother. She would never see her mother's portrait or hear Jonas regale her suddenly with a past story. Leaving Marley meant leaving all of her mother behind.
Levi turned around, tired eyes and sharp chin. She knew this would be a later conversation. One that would happen because she refused to return home. Turning her back, Elsie led the way up the stairs and back into the busy hallways of Lakua. Levi gruffly demanded that Eren keep his head down the entire walk.
"Lady Seer!" Gabi waited in the archway of the entrance, crossed arm and watching soldiers bustle with duty. She hustled to keep up with the older women's stride.
Elsie barely glanced at her, "Where's your sidekick? Go look for him."
"He was at the festival and he's missing," Gabi panted. Instantly Elsie halted, meeting the girl's fearful blue eyes. Covered in dirt and with scratches adorning her round cheeks, she'd seen the massacre of Eren. No older than ten. "And Agatha is hurt and I can't find his older brother. No is listening to me!"
Elsie gripped her shoulders and crouched, "I need you to find the High Priestess and she will help you. Hey," She gave Gabi an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "She'll listen. Go find Falco."
Gabi nodded urgently. She raced through the door that Eren and the soldiers blocked, stopping briefly to glance at the boy before disappearing around the corner. Elsie glanced to make sure the others had waited before opening the oak door, rushing down the steps before someone else could make it up.
Gustavo parked the car to the right of the building, crooked and waiting patiently in the driver's seat. He jumped slightly when suddenly all the doors opened to the car. Connie slid into the backseat, assisting Eren when he groaned at bending to sit.
"What is this thing?" Eren puffed, eyeing the roof and the seatbelt Connie helpfully pulled over his lap. "Is it going to fly with wires?"
"No, it rolls on the wheels. It's actually fun once you get used to it," His friend calmly explained.
Levi stood at his door, watching Elsie encourage the guards to tell Commander Maggath that he'd gone to Tybur Manor. Levi eyed their backs as they departed before realizing she stood next to him. The way he looked at her then, it was as if he was still watching the Marley men leave.
Jean stretched in the field they'd left them in. He raised a hand over his eyes when the headlights beamed in his face. Erwin stepped out of the front seat when the car parked, greeting them with a steel expression. He did not appear relieved to see Eren alive. The young boy grinned crookedly between Connie and Levi, bashfully scratching the back of his head.
Elsie left Levi in the car to say, "I'll drive."
It was too easy. No shit. Don't say anything. What could she possibly say? That she has a friendship with a goddess? It didn't make sense. She bit the side of her knuckle while she drove, one hand on the steering wheel. Hange quietly poked Zeke's cheek and said something about the time, to which Hibolt responded they had twenty minutes.
"Do you remember where the ports are?" Elsie asked grumpily. Her reunion with Levi was blackened with her Lady Seer abilities. Would he kiss her before demanding to know everything? Would he still want to be with her?
Erwin cleared his throat, "We're unsure but we didn't travel from another town."
"It must be here," She tutted and turned to glance at the commander. "Why did you go along with Zeke?"
Erwin stared at the passing buildings and said, "Death is promised by titans. This man came with a chance to see the world and to have an unimaginable death. I am certain all those who came agreed knowing how our world came to be is worth dying over."
Hange poked Zeke once more before Elsie parked at the Liberio ports. An hour's drive through the weaving city streets and she'd finally made it to the glistening ocean view. She inhaled the salty scent the moment she stepped out, stretching her legs and looking over to make sure Levi hadn't died or mysteriously disappeared. He checked over Eren before allowing Connie and Jean to take him off the gravel way towards the pier. Their two cars filled the vacant port, headlights giving them a vision of the three large ships gracing Liberio's dark water.
Elsie stopped between the cars, hesitating. Levi leaned his back against the passenger door and crossed his arms. He waited.
"There's a lot I didn't exactly explain," She began when she settled at his side. She watched the team happily walk down the pier to a black boat. One she'd seen in a haze-filled vision before.
The wind lazily toyed with the sails of Granfer's grand cargo ship. Far more fabulous than Pieck and Zeke's raft boat they'd taken. Connie encouraged Eren to keep with his pace, nearly skipping to the wooden panel that led to the platform. Cheers echoed in the darkness.
"Elsie," She braced herself. Inhale. Exhale. Elsie turned her cheek, shy with meeting his grey eyes. "I couldn't give a shit. I'm happy you're with me."
She exhaled, leaning into his warm side, "Yeah, you better be."
Levi grunted suddenly before pushing from the car, "Tell the driver to fuck off."
Gustavo promised to not say anything and she didn't know if it was her gift or just him being a person who didn't care. He nodded his head and waved in farewell, pattering from the Liberio's port with only one of Willy Tybur's cars.
"We are talking about this Lady Seer bullshit in great detail though," Levi kept her at his side, tugging slightly at her hip when she went ahead. A slow pace found itself the most comfortable for them. "When we get back."
"And you have to tell me what you've been doing," Her head titled to take in the expanse of ships on the port. She suddenly found herself nervous to be reunited with the Scout Regiment again. Would things go back to normal? Why couldn't it just be the two of them?
Some sailors loitered around the docks of the ship, laughing and drinking the last of the night away. By now it reached one in the morning, a normal time for Elsie, and from Levi's dark circles he didn't seem to mind being up. Chatter floated from above as Elsie and Levi slowly boarded the black ship.
"And there she is!" Captain Orion Granfer bellowed, a large white smile appearing between his beard. He held his arms out, one with a cup of wine and the other clasping Sasha Braus by the shoulder. "Lady Seer!"
A few cheers exploded from the corner, a chant of her name and then men in burgundy colors were greeting themselves. Granfer's crew that she had delighted by sending the crates of wine. Elsie found herself staring at the Scout Regiment intermingled among foreigners. Sasha, Armin, and Mikasa stood next to Granfer, getting the scoop from Eren. Hange and Hibolt went over the details with Miche, who seemed to have helped them take Zeke to the bottom of the boat.
"They said they were going to kill ya', but I didn't believe them," Granfer said joyously, cheeks red from drinking. A wooden cup found its way into her hands, warm, and more than encouraging to drink from a crewmate of Granfer's. "Zeke's a spiteful bastard. Glad to have you on board, my Lady! Can finally show ya' my sailing skills."
"You are drinks ahead of me, Granfer, hold on," She chuckled, sipping casually at his company. A part of him made her feel more comfortable with returning. She felt the stares on the side of her head, the curious questions they were holding back from asking. "Kill me?"
"We have a lot to talk about," Levi muttered from behind. Going to kill ya'. So that was the original mission. She could see Zeke's lie forming.
Elsie sipped her wine, "Are we leaving now?"
"Of course! Let us start, shall we men? Care to help, Lady Seer?" Granfer released Sasha from his hold, backpedaling to direct a crewmate to remove the tie to the port. "You are always interested in the oddest things."
"Not tonight, dear friend," Elsie finished her drink and placed it on a crate that was being used as a make-shift table. Erwin watched her carefully while he spoke to Armin and Miche, giving them orders that were too good for her to hear. "Where's the shower? I'm assuming you don't live like barbarians on long trips."
"Fully functioning, thank you very much. She is a glory," Granfer whistled. He ran his hand down the banister of his ship, surely there was a name for it but Elsie's education only went so far as to mass and sail. "Down the stairs and to the end of the hall on your left."
Easy enough. She left Erwin to whisper and Levi to darkly stand as Granfer's crew rushed to pull from the port. Eagerness filled her. Finally going home. She couldn't believe it. Returning to Paradis. Just the thought of Levi's castle made her smile and add a pep to her step bellow deck.
Dark and tight, his ship was not so glorious beneath. Elsie felt for the string attached to the flickering lamp. She expected rats and mold in the corner. A refreshed area was not at the top of the list. Clean shower, obviously scrubbed recently, and necessities lined perfectly below a cracked mirror. A work of Levi.
Elsie kept her arms close as she undressed, letting the enhanced ODM gear rest on the raggedy side table. Her clothes weren't as bloodied as she assumed they would be at the end of the night - her plan being to murder all and not use her gift. A gift she barely grasped and considered her own. That last part made things exceptionally easy. Although taking off her gloves, she forced herself to look at her bloodied hands. Willy.
Had his death meant all that much? Now a new successor would be in line and it wouldn't be Elsie. How dare you leave! A part of her wanted to see Marley through the chaos. To change everything and keep Paradis safe. Wasn't that always a choice? But Levi... It never became a question. Her life laid with Levi and not politics.
She washed her hands first, in a bucket of water while the low pressured water warmed. The showerhead appeared tied and taped, a true testament to its durability, and gave enough to wet her hair. She did not miss her bath at Tybur Manor.
A shift in her perception made Elsie freeze beneath the stream of lukewarm water. The tight bathroom held no reason for a shower curtain, just the head, and a side table a good distance away that it didn't splatter. Her ODM gear slightly rocked with the motion of the boat. Adjusting to the ocean, she continued with her hair routine.
She froze once more when the doorknob rattled. She watched it twist back and forth before clicking in release. Levi poked his head through the crack then slid the rest of his lithe body into the steamy room. Elsie squeezed the last of the shampoo out of the tips of her hair, silently watching Levi remove his blazer. His shoulders bunched beneath the fabric, drawing her attention.
His gaze never faltered while unbuttoning the white blouse. Elsie turned her back, wetting her hair one last time for conditioner. Her skin vibrated with the urgency for Levi to join her. His presence in the tight room only made the water hotter. She bit her lip to keep from panting with need. She peeked over her shoulder, more than pleased to see his pants at his ankles and shoes gone. Pale skin for her devour. Muscled thighs flexed when he lifted his legs to kick his clothes away. Levi not caring about his clothes? Scandalous.
"Come here," She whispered, holding out a hand for him to join her beneath the feeble water spray.
Levi entwined their hands and pressed himself to her wet body, his nose sliding along her temple as he gathered her in his arms. She spread her fingers over his shoulder, fingering the scar on his shoulder and pressing warm kisses to his skin. Without thinking she turned them so his back hit the water, stroking his hair caringly.
He hummed, cupping her red cheeks. Their foreheads pressed together, droplets of water dripping between their noses and eyelashes.
Levi murmured, "Don't ever pull this shit again. I fucking get it, I can't live without you. Stop disappearing on me."
She kissed him, swallowing his sentiment in a way that relieved him. Long-awaited his wet lips pressed against her own and she felt like she was home already. He held her steady, water splashing from his shoulders and grazing her face, and her conditioner soaked his fingers but he desperately kissed her as if she would leave in a blink.
She knew Levi. His words weren't necessary for her to understand his love for her. The tightness in his grip when he wrapped his fingers around her forearm. The nip of his teeth against her bottom lip. His slight pant against her cheek when she eagerly licked at his neck, giggling when he tried to tug at her hair but got a hand full of suds instead.
Levi turned her beneath the water and tilted her head back with gentle hands. She watched him beneath her eyelashes as he began at her scalp and washed the conditioner out. Her long blonde hair touched her ass, and when he squeezed the last of it out, he caressed the bottom of her butt. Elsie placed her hands against his stomach, leisurely licking and sucking at his chest in appreciation.
Elsie used the same conditioner for his slick hair, taking her time to run her fingers through individual strands and stand it up straight like a mohawk. Levi chuckled, although he couldn't see her beautiful work, but more over her scrunched nose and concentration on the perfect look. His palms warmed her hips, holding her tightly when she turned them to wash his hair.
When he opened his eyes she said, "I'm sorry. I tried to run back, I really did."
"I know," His thumb traced the slope of her nose, the water beginning to turn cold. "I wish I'd been there."
"I don't," She cupped his wrist. "You would've hated those fuckers."
Levi caressed the structure of her hips, spreading his fingers to delve against her skin. She traced the outline of his titan bite, resting her cheek on his shoulder and soaking in his presence. There was nothing else, no tricky fingers trying to delve between her legs or press her against the wall. They soaked in another's presence and she smiled to herself, feeling a love that she never thought she'd find. Someone who wanted her and not focused on sex? Who understood the need to comfort her after being apart for so long?
She kissed his scar. Levi massaged the back of her neck. Tears of joy mixed with the cold water. She didn't want to leave this moment.