Alright yall – which one of you didn't wish my team the luck they so needed last week and caused their first loss? Ugghh. *dramatic wailing* Our undefeated record destroyed, while we were wearing red on red even! Maaaannnn. I'm still reeling about it and it was a week ago.

(Side note for my non-football readers, this lamenting will only last until after the super bowl. But until then, football is my life and yall may as well just buy yourselves a Mahomes jersey.)

As for the story, soooo confession, this chapter is actually ALL brand-new material that I wrote just this week, and made the last updates Saturday night. Needless to say, that's deadline pressure I haven't felt in a LONG time, considering I'm 20+ chapters ahead so never really need to scramble for Sunday content, and that really was a treat because wow. One week goes fast when you've got five thousand plus words to write and edit in a weeks time. It's just that after reviewing the current arc and those that follow it, I found areas here that really needed to be tweaked, and lo and behold, this entire chapter was born because…well, it really needed to be. Yall will be reading it and just be like, so wait…this wasn't in here before? Hahaa, yeah. I'm not perfect, so that's why I really try to edit and catch these things before they go live because once it's posted, I can't really go back and say insert this event here!

Anyhow, I hope yall enjoy it, and as always, thanks for your support, your encouragement, and for being my awesome readers that make this journey such a treat :)

…

...

It was extremely early – early to even the most disciplined of soldiers that were required to report for duty almost every sunrise – but today was not an ordinary day, so it couldn't be helped. Levi put on his boots, hours before the sunrise, where the halls were still quiet and still, and he barely contained a large yawn that only served to remind him of how exhausted he still was.

He had stayed up late into the night with Petra, until they had prepared and organized as much as they could muster before their sheer exhaustion got the best of them, and not surprisingly, he had eventually carried Petra back to her room because she had fallen asleep at his desk again. Unlike any of the previous times he had carried her back to her room, where she would wake up and almost smile as he carried her so simply because they both knew she could walk just fine, last night she was apparently so tired that she didn't even stir when he picked her up into his arms.

It seemed that under the right circumstances, Petra was apparently a rather sound sleeper, which admittedly surprised him.

In the past, all it had taken was a few light taps on her bedroom door and she had always woken up without issue, sometimes waking before he even knocked because apparently just his footsteps approaching from down the hall had been enough. On the whole, he would consider it safe to say that everyone on his squad was a relatively light sleeper – but with how Petra remained asleep as he wrapped his arms over her back and lifted her up so he could carry her, the changes in light as they moved out of his office, down the dark hall and into her room; the fact that setting her down on her bed and readjusting her body across the mattress, hell, even going as far as to take off her boots for her because it was obvious that she wouldn't be waking any time soon, only served to confirm just how fatigued she truly was.

In hindsight, her exhaustion had made sense, and Levi couldn't help but trace his fingers over her forehead, pressing her bangs aside as he watched her for a long moment in quiet reflection. It had been over a week now of her waking up for training, then rushing straight into his office the second she could, only to further apply her already exhausted mind and body into a project that had so little to do with the Special Ops squad, until she, quite literally collapsed from exhaustion. She wasn't used to such a demanding, impractical and stressful environment, and even still she had risen to the challenge even though it had taken everything she possibly had to give.

Perhaps some part of him had felt wistful as he set a blanket out around her – the only one he could find considering he had thoughtlessly laid her out on top of her other blankets – because in the morning he was leaving, and it seemed he had unknowingly missed his chance. He had planned on thanking her, having already thought of what he wanted to say to her hours before hand – intending to point out that he recognized she went far above and beyond her basic duties and that he was both impressed, and truly appreciated her remarkable work ethic. He wanted to remind her that whatever the outcome of their meeting was, good or bad, she had given it her all and made him proud, so by extension, she should be proud of herself as well.

What was more, he wasn't sure how long he would be gone because these types of meetings tended to be on the rather inconsistent side. Sometimes a collaboration hearing would last for a mere few hours at best, and other times they would meet off and on for days while details were debated and numbers adjusted. At the very least, of all that he had wanted to say to her, he had wanted to give her a proper goodbye. He had already talked to Eld and had given him a long list of tasks and training routines that would keep the Squad cared for in his absence, but with Petra, it was different.

It wasn't business or unmet demands that he wanted her to see to – not a goodbye that was merely a kind of damage control as he requested she watch over his paperwork for him. No, a simple 'Goodbye,' or 'I'll see you when I get back' just didn't seem sufficient for her anymore. He had spent every moment of his waking hours with her for so long now that he knew full well he would come to miss her company, and soon, and he…wanted to tell her as much.

She had asked him so long ago what she meant to him, and it had been impossible to put into words. Even now he wasn't sure how to articulate such a thing, but he found that certain things – certain things he could name, and he thought that telling her now, letting her know his thoughts intentionally before he left might give her enough time to think them over, to evaluate perhaps any unsorted questions within her own mind – without the pressure of him being so close to her all the time and making her feel unintentionally cornered.

He wanted to tell her that while he was away, he would miss her cheerful smile, her laughter that came so easily, her insightful conversations and her raw determination and focus. He would miss her sensitivity and her graciousness. He was well aware that he was lacking in the social graces, and yet she tolerated him and never belittled him for moments he didn't quite fit in with everyone else, or moments he perhaps outright embarrassed her with his guarded and standoffish mannerisms that came off as crass or demeaning.

As much as he had wanted to impart those things to her, he couldn't bring himself to wake her up for that alone, perhaps feeling a little silly even thinking about doing such a thing because he was certain that in her sleep deprived state, she likely wouldn't even care or remember. For all he knew, she might have found his musings to be boring or irrelevant; after all, they had been working so professionally without a single glance out of place for so long now, it stood to reason that their dynamic may have shifted yet again, to something more platonic in nature. As much as he may have wanted to deny it, perhaps Petra truly was more comfortable in a close, confident sort of coworker relationship, rather than the unstable sort of something that they had had before.

Even still, he had wanted to tell her that maybe, perhaps he was wanting something different with her.

Not a relationship of course. Not anything serious or anything binding but just…something not so closed off, perhaps?

He wanted to be close with her. He wanted to feel that warm trust that Petra had once regarded him with. He wanted to see that smile again – the one he had seen before at the banquet; the shy, beautiful one that brought a rosiness to her cheeks and a hesitance to her gaze as she watched him nervously for approval because it was his approval alone that she was seeking. He wanted her attention. He wanted her devotion. It was selfish, he knew, but he wanted it just the same.

Damn, he wanted to kiss her again.

And not because he had fucked up either, but simply because he could.

But.

Without Petra's permission. Without Petra saying that she also wanted those things. Without Petra confirming that it was okay that things were changing between them and that it was okay for him to cross those lines with her, well, there was nothing he could do.

So, he had planned to tell her - tell her in a way that gave her time to think and time to come to her own decision while he was away so it would be fair and not pressuring to her, but she had fallen asleep and it seemed almost like a bad omen, because she had always woken up every time before, and yet this time she remained perfectly asleep. It was as though fate was telling him flat out that Petra would forever be out of his reach because he had already fucked up more than his fair share with her and had run out of chances to fix his past mistakes.

So, regardless his musings, regardless how he had hoped such a conversation might have gone with her, he had simply left her room and allowed her to sleep. He had gone back to his room, and went to bed.

He was certain that he had fallen asleep, but whether or not he had rested, that was another matter altogether. Even still, rested or not, it wouldn't be long at all now until Erwin and Four Eyes met him near the Compound door, so after making his bed and packing his things, Levi left his room and tried to mentally prepare for the long trip ahead of him. He carefully made his way down the hall, walking more from memory than sight considering it was well before sunrise and the hall was practically pitch black.

In truth, he wasn't exactly looking forward to the meeting considering the heavy subject matter and the fact that their goal was to effectively secure more gas than any other faction in the military, in a time where everyone's materials were in short supply - a considerably uphill battle as the Scouts had always been lacking support, and were now seeking exclusive privileges on the account that they were the only faction to fight the Titans head on. Their chances were slim to none, but Erwin had taken on even worse odds in the past, and had somehow still found a way to come out on top, so Levi supposed it wasn't a complete waste of time.

Luckily, his part was extremely minimal throughout the collaboration, in that his mere attendance was required. It would be Hanji and Erwin that would do most of the talking, and Levi supposed that even in the event that there were questions asked of him specifically, be it his opinion or observations regarding the gas shortage, he had been working knee deep in those same numbers with Petra for countless hours on end, so he supposed he was as knowledgeable as he could be on the subject and would share a different perspective than Hanji or Erwin, who spent most of their hours behind a desk.

Levi made his way into the large open room of the Compound, where his squad would always gather and converse before the day's tasks began. It was strange, how silent and still the room was without their laughter and bickering. It was still dark, hard to make out much of anything, and Levi had to walk more slowly to ensure he didn't bump into any of the set out tables and chairs, but as he made his way further into the room – a soft glowing light, a single lamp, had been lit near the door, and it grabbed his attention.

At first glance he could see the outline of a feminine figure and for a moment he could only assume that Hanji had beaten him to the room so now they would just be waiting for Erwin to join them, but as he focused on the silhouetted outline, he realized that the figure was simply too small to be Hanji, and Levi found himself squinting because there was no way that it was actually-

"Levi, good morning." Petra's soft voice seemed to echo across the empty room, and Levi actually stalled in place, shocked to his core because it was her voice and her form, and yet some part of him had been so certain she was back in her room, sleeping peacefully because she of all people had certainly earned the rest but-

"Petra you…" Finally finding his voice, Levi made his way across the room more quickly, not so worried about bumping into things thanks to the soft glow of the lamp she had lit, and he found himself setting his bag on the floor as he shook his head in question, a sort of alarm running through him because for Petra to be up like this, his mind was racing. He walked toward her, his voice urgent as he spoke and his hands coming to rest on her hips as he watched her for any signs of distress, looking her up and down in concern, "You are…you're exhausted Petra, why, what – what are you doing up? Is everything okay? Did something happen?"

At his numerous questions, there was a soft chuckle that left her lips because it was obvious that he had the wrong idea, and Levi felt his eyebrows draw together in confusion because after looking her over she seemed…fine? So, what was she doing up then?

Her eyes seemed to glow in the gentle, flickering light and Petra gave him a soft, pensive smile, "Levi, you're going on your big trip today and I…well, sorry, I guess it's kind of silly now because it comes with the territory of being a Commanding Officer, but I wanted to…" she rocked in place nervously, and due to the soft lighting of the room Levi couldn't quite see her well enough to be certain, but even still he would have bet a large sum of money that she was blushing heavily, "Well, I wanted to wish you good luck, and to see you off, if that's – well, if that's okay I mean. I know you've been working really hard and office work isn't your favorite sort of thing, but I know this means a lot to you, and to Erwin, and it's a really big deal for all of us Scouts, so I wanted to cheer you on and tell you to do your best!"

Levi blinked at her words. After working so hard with him, after collapsing at his desk yet again – she had somehow managed to wake up only a short few hours later, just to say goodbye? Levi shook his head, a sort of chuckle leaving him as he mentally chided himself because he really should have known. Of course Petra would want to wake up if only to do that one simple thing, because that was simply her nature.

Feeling a sudden warmth in his chest, Levi released his prior hold on her and crossed his arms, "Cheer me on? And in what context?"

He wasn't sure what she meant, he doubted she knew what she had meant, and had intended to turn her words against her in a playful sort of taunt, but instead of Petra's eyes going wide as he had expected, she merely gave a determined smile and nodded haughtily, "Like this." She took a single step back and clapped her hands emphatically, causing Levi to blink from the sheer surprise of the energetic and unexpected display, "Yay, Captain Levi! Yay for his book smarts and tenacity! Yay, Captain Levi! Humanity's Strongest and most studied! Three cheers for Captain Levi!"

As Petra gave a sudden sort of 'cheer' for him - he wasn't sure whether to laugh or groan, and he merely watched her in growing confusion because what the actual fuck. His mouth was slightly open and he made a face, "This is…terrible. I think I'd-"

"Captain, I'm not done!" Petra gasped sharply, reprimanding him in sheer offense as her previous clapping came to a sudden end. She crossed her arms bitterly with a smirk, and now he groaned, "Fuck, there's more?"

Petra nodded seriously, "I may or may not be making this up as I go, but you're the one who asked, and since you're being such a good sport about it, now there's a second verse."

A low, heavy sigh was heard as Levi watched her flatly.

"Proceed."

Again, Petra began clapping just as dramatically, and Levi shook his head in unwitting amusement as her terrible sort of cheer picked up just the same, "Yay Levi-"

"I thought it was Captain Levi."

She paused in thought, "Well this verse is more personal in nature. You know, hits home for the common man. Your title would ruin its sincerity and relevance."

"Ah."

Again the clapping resumed, "Yay Levi! His violence is only outmatched by his glare! Titans beware and mortal men stare at the greatness that is our Captain Levi!" At the end of her cheering, she did a jazz hands sort of finish, and Levi quirked an eyebrow in dread, fearing that there might just be another verse three that followed, and eventually Petra gave a shrug and giggled at his perturbed, cautious sort of stare, "That's all I got, but I've got to say it was pretty good. I'll have a few more versus lined up for when you get back; I think you'll be impressed."

He snorted and rolled his eyes, "Oh. I can hardly wait."

"But did you hear that last part even rhymed? I think I've got a knack for this."

"No, you really don't."

"Well you're the one who asked about it."

"And after hearing it, I'm sorry I did."

Petra's eyes narrowed, though there was a smile pulling at the edge of her lips, "You know, you really are no fun Captain. You take everything so seriously and respond to everything like you're so damn cool; you're no fun to tease at all."

Levi gave an amused 'Hmph' and nodded toward her, "Teasing? That's what all that was? And here I thought you got up to cheer me on and help me get a jumpstart to the day."

At his words, Petra's expression seemed to warm as she watched him contentedly, and she turned around toward the table behind her, speaking as she did so, "I did in fact, and that-" she shuffled for a few moments, before turning back toward him and pressing a metal cannister into his hands, "Is exactly what this is for."

Levi looked down at the object Petra had handed him, feeling a warmth from the metal container and already knowing what it was as Petra spoke softly in confirmation, "It's nothing special – just a thermos of coffee to help shake off any sluggishness resulting from the early start. I know you're tired and I didn't think you'd find the time to make yourself a cup because we've been hitting the books pretty hard these last few nights. Don't worry, I promise I didn't do anything to it – Scout's Honor."

At the strange sort of vow – was that supposed to be a pun or a bad joke of sorts? – Levi made a face, though Petra missed it and continued undaunted, "Granted I personally wouldn't be able to drink it because it's way too strong for me, but I'd like to think that it's up to par for your standards, Captain. I hope you enjoy it."

Looking at the coffee in his hands, realizing Petra would have had to get up likely before even he himself had, just to brew the coffee for him, Levi found he wasn't quite sure what to say. He nodded lightly and set the thermos down on the table, his eyes focusing on Petra as he was reminded of all he had wanted to say to her the night before and not wanting to squander the presented opportunity.

"Petra I-" as he spoke, he watched her green eyes widen at his troubled expression, and she watched him in growing concern as he struggled to find his words. It was strange, he realized in a sort of mental stupor; he had so much to say, so much to tell her, so much to be grateful for – and yet he was just so taken aback by everything – her thoughtfulness, her kindness and gentle spirit, her horrible sort of sing-songy cheer and just the fact the through it all she had wanted to see him just once more before they set off - eventually he gave a heavy sigh, "Well for starters, you make sure to tell Eld that I'm issuing a late start for you and the rest of the squad today. You also worked very hard, and while I can't sleep in, that shouldn't stop you. Hell, at least one of us should get some proper rest now that it's all said and done, right? I want you to make sure that you get back to bed after we've left Petra; you've earned it and need to recuperate. Don't try to force yourself up either – sleep it off until you're truly rested, and that's an order."

Hearing his words, Petra gave a shy nod, well aware that his command was granted specifically with her in mind and she smiled at his confirmation of a job well done, "Oh, well, uh, yes sir. And thank you, Captain. I appreciate it; I'm really just glad I could help."

He nodded and looked around the room in attempts to sort his thoughts further, mentally debating where, or how he should start. He had never been well versed in discussing his personal thoughts, let alone his own emotions, and the last thing he wanted to do was look foolish and cause Petra to laugh at him when he was trying to be sincere.

He took a breath and tried to ignore the frantic sort of pounding in his chest, "There's actually something else I wanted to say Petra, before I left, I mean. We've been spending a lot of time together as of late – especially as of late – in getting ready for the meeting, and you should know that…" he took a step closer toward her, finding himself staring into her wide emerald eyes and almost losing his train of thought outright because the way she watched him, so ardently and with such gentleness and understanding in her eyes – he almost chuckled as all his building anxiousness left him at once.

He felt absolutely stupid, but for a different reason entirely. His sudden nervousness just wasn't necessary, because it was Petra he was talking to. Petra, who was so understanding, so gracious, so very kind and doting, Petra, who always seemed to assume the best in him - he didn't need to worry about coming across the wrong way with her because of all people, she seemed to accept him for the man he was, flaws and quirks and insults and all.

He raised a hand toward her as he spoke, as if outright moving in slow motion. He was about to bring her closer to him, whisper in her ear and tell her all the things that he had been thinking about; telling her that he really didn't agree with her request over a month ago now, that he wanted to tear down those boundaries and come what may between them – but out of his peripheral vision, Erwin and Hanji appeared at the end of the hall and Levi gave a deep, bitter and mournful sigh.

"Morning Levi! Oh, and you too Petra? What a surprise, good morning! Did you come to see us all off? How thoughtful! What a great way to start off the day! Erwin, isn't that just the sweetest thing?"

God, fucking Four Eyes talked too damn much. Levi ground his teeth together in aggravation, now feeling completely idiotic with his hand all but hovering midair; having neither successfully brought Petra toward him, nor having said even an ounce of what he needed to - having done none of the things he had thought about previously and aggravated all the more by Hanji's overwhelming cheer and their unintentional interrupting him at a rather crucial moment.

He clicked his tongue and placed his previously floating hand down onto Petra with a sort of pat, tapping her shoulder a few times as though congratulating her for something, and he mentally grimaced when Petra slowly looked down at her shoulder in obvious confusion, then back toward him in concern because…did he just pat her, like a dog?

"Uh…Captain?" she asked quietly, and Levi looked over his shoulder toward Hanji and Erwin, scowling when Hanji gave a wave with both hands as they eventually came to rest a few feet away. Levi's eyes narrowed at the display. It had been ten seconds, and she was already annoying him; who fucking waved with both hands like that? Why? It wasn't necessary; was she trying to irritate him?

From in front of him, Levi heard Petra take a breath, and he mentally groaned as she asked in clear concern, "Captain, you said…that there was something you needed to tell me, before you left?" she paused, looking toward Erwin and Hanji and giving them an acknowledging nod as she continued, "Was it something you had wanted to say privately or…?"

Levi glared as he watched both Erwin and Hanji give a knowing sort of smile, and he dropped his hand from Petra, defaulting to crossing his arms across his chest and shaking his head balefully, "No. I had wanted to say thank you for your hard work this past week. Your data will help us in the upcoming meeting, and you served the Scouts well and faithfully. You have my appreciation."

At that, Levi watched her stoically.

Petra found she didn't know what to say, and remained silent.

Hanji had almost laughed, but due to the sheer palpable discomfort that was settling over the room, decided against it and could only watch the couple in question.

A long, long – painfully long – silence filled the room, and when it became clear that Levi was in fact done speaking and that Petra still had no idea what to say in response (if her mystified, what the hell stare meant anything) Erwin cleared his throat intentionally and held out a hand toward her warmly, "Levi is right, Petra. If I understand correctly, you have been tirelessly assisting him out of your free will and using all your personal time to further our cause, and that speaks volumes. I've said it before, but it stands to be repeated – your devotion to our future is notable Mrs. Ackerman, and I truly appreciate your sacrifice."

Petra gave a few collecting nods and shook his offered hand, "Thank you Commander, and honestly, I actually enjoyed it more than anything. I've found that I appreciate looking at data, and so if that skill can in turn be used in a way that ends up helping the Scouts in the future, then that's just the icing on the cake."

As she spoke, Levi had moved to grab his things and took a step toward the door, "Oi Erwin, Four Eyes, let's get a move on. Mike should already be waiting for us at the stable so we need to get going."

At Levi's stern sort of announcement, Erwin gave Petra an apologetic smile, "Well, duty calls I'm afraid. I'm not sure when we'll be getting back, but I'll try to return your husband to you as quickly as possible, alright?" he paused and looked toward Levi flatly, his voice more pointed as he spoke, "Anything else you want to say to Petra before we go, Captain? Any last-minute wishes or responsibilities that need to be cared for?"

Levi's blue eyes merely narrowed in challenge as he watched Erwin, and he set his jaw tightly, "No. My squad doesn't need me to micromanage them; that's why they're all elites in the first place, dumbass."

Erwin's held up a hand in correction, because it was clear the grumpy tyrant had missed his point completely. "No, Levi I was…" Erwin groaned and took a collecting breath, "You know what, never mind. After you, Captain."

Levi nodded with a huff and opened the door. He gave a single nod toward Petra then walked out without another word. The Commander followed after him, equally as silent, with Hanji in tow only a few steps behind.

"Yikes. Is he always this pleasant in the mornings?" the Scientist asked Petra with a shake of her head, and the ginger gave a shrug as she walked her toward the door.

"Sometimes better, sometimes worse. You get used to it, though I suppose that's not necessarily a good thing." she responded simply and paused at the doorframe, not wanting to outright follow them to the stable and overstay her welcome. Hanji gave her a large grin and wished her well, then walked after her male comrades, taking larger steps to catch back up and join her departing team.

Petra watched the trio walk down the path, and she gave a wave, speaking up so she could be heard clearly, "Bye, guys! Travel safely! Do your best; we're all counting on you!"

There was a mirthful giggle from Hanji, a thanks from Erwin, and from Levi, a mere flick of his hand in a sort of upright wave over his shoulder, not even having been bothered enough to turn around.

Petra gave an amused shake of her head at the dynamic team and shut the door behind her, eager to inform Eld of the Captain's updated orders, because she desperately wanted to get back to bed and put this strange morning behind her.

...

...

It had taken a mere five seconds after Petra had closed the door and retreated back into the Compound for Hanji to start talking again.

"Sooo." She began in a sort of casual tone, her gaze falling squarely onto Levi as they walked down the dirt path, "Did you guys get in a fight or something?"

Though he was trying his damndest to ignore her, because it was too fucking early for Hanji, he could feel her stare and he rolled his eyes in muted annoyance.

"No."

"You sure? Then what was with the chilly atmosphere back there?" she responded with a sort of chuckle and gave him a teasing slap on the back, to which he gave her a murderous glare, but before Levi could formulate an actual response, Erwin nodded his head subtly.

"I will say, that was a rather…callous way of saying goodbye to your wife, Levi."

"Callous?" Levi repeated with irritation, not pleased that he was suddenly the focus of their conversation because what the hell did they know about it. He had wanted to give her a 'proper' goodbye – hell, he had wanted to talk with her last night, just to make sure that he thanked her properly. Of course, that hadn't gone at all like he had expected, and while it left him feeling perhaps a bit hollow, he had come to peace with the fact that he would just have to talk with her when he got back.

Granted, he hadn't expected her to be there, waiting for him. Regardless her exhaustion, she had somehow woken up before him, just to see him off. That alone spoke volumes, but as if that wasn't enough to show the depths of her devotion, she already had coffee in hand, coffee that she had made for him specifically no less. He supposed he had forgotten just how thoughtful Petra could be, and it only solidified the fact that he needed to tell her and speak his mind, because she needed to know the depths of which her kindness spoke to him. Regardless, when the moment finally presented itself of its own accord, he just couldn't quite find the words he had been so confident in last night, and found himself fumbling and stuttering when presented with all the good that Petra was to him, because she had taken him by surprise yet again.

Levi had been…perhaps, considering kissing her, knowing full well that it broke Petra's request to keep their physical relationship contained, and that alone caused him to stall in place indecisively considering he would be outright repaying her kindness with complete selfishness on his part, but he figured that maybe, she'd forgive him and cut him a little bit of grace considering he would be gone for a few days at least and he knew it would mean something to her. But as he struggled to find his words, struggled to speak his mind and struggled to make good on his desires to hold the woman who was just too fucking good for him, Erwin and Hanji had walked in and that had been that.

There was no way he would do such a thing in front of his own peers, no way he could speak the words that even he struggled to come to terms with – especially not in front of fucking Four Eyes who always had a comment about everything - and the hand that he had lifted to pull around her neck, the hand that was intended to help close the distance between them and brush through her amber locks, had – rather lamely he could admit – fallen on her shoulder instead.

Hanji merely gave a half snort sort of giggle and rolled her eyes, "Oh, sorry – I'm sure for you Levi, that pat on the shoulder was a smoldering sign of appreciation and probably really screams the 'I'll miss you' vibe for someone of your social caliber, but for all us non-hermits, that was pretty painful to watch." The Scientist adjusted her glasses and looked down at him with a grin, "You couldn't have even tried to be a little more personal when saying goodbye to her? That was awful, Levi."

At her words, Levi merely scowled at Hanji's half joking sort of teasing, because they both knew full well that beyond her light tone and deceptive, easy going smile…she was only half teasing.

Levi's expression darkened all the more, "…It's fine."

Erwin gave a quiet chuckle as he watched Levi's mood darken considerably, and he shook his head, "I don't know, Captain. Petra has always been rather selfless, always putting the wellbeing of others before her own. Self-sacrifice just comes so naturally to her, and whether intentional or not, you reap the benefits of that selflessness more than anyone else."

Levi looked up toward the Commander and watched him flatly, "I've been her Captain for over five years now Erwin, going on six. I'm already aware of all of that. Do you have a point in all of this, or are both of you just super fucking conversational at the ass-crack of dawn?"

"Just this. Petra's been helping you with your workload for months now, spending every moment of her free time to help prepare us for the collaboration simply because you asked her to - and after working sunup to sundown relentlessly, today she is up hours before she needs to be, just so she can see you off. You don't think your casual, arms distance response to her was a little cold? Maybe a little hurtful and dismissive, after all she's done for you lately?"

Levi scoffed, more than irritated at his peers chiding and trying to brush it off because this was a lousy way to start their journey and he was tired of being scolded, "So she was up early today, big fucking deal. Maybe she was up to take an early shower and saw me down the hall, maybe she was cleaning her gear – just because she was up doesn't mean that her entire morning revolved around seeing me out the door. Besides, I greeted her, said what I needed to say, end of story. Stop assuming Petra's intentions and get your nose out of my damn business."

Erwin shrugged innocently, "Very well Levi. I suppose it could have been her going about her day and it was all a simple coincidence. I suppose there's no real proof that she went out of her way with you specifically in mind, after all." Erwin paused and looked down the path blankly as he spoke, "Just one question for you, Captain."

"What." Levi barely held back a growl and brought the thermos up to his lips, taking a sip of the robust coffee and missing the slight twinkle of amusement in Erwin's passing glance.

"That coffee you've got there – who made it?"

There was a sort of choked cough that came from Levi as he seemed to have swallowed the liquid the wrong way, and Erwin smirked as Levi swore softly to himself and fell suspiciously quiet.

…

End of Chapter

…

Oh my gosh guys – am I seeing this number correctly? Is this chapter twenty-eight? Holy mother of Gandhi, I am LONG winded. And still going strong, because I still am writing this out bit by bit and still working to bring this story to one I can call complete and we've got a long way to go before we get to the finish line. I still think that 70ish chapters is a fair estimate, so we're about a thirdish of the way done here?

In terms of where I am in written out material, I'm probably about chapter 50ish? That sounds right to me? Its hard to say, because I don't necessarily write sequentially, so I've got what is written out step by step in the plot, then a section here or there that I really like, then parts near the end - so I'm making progress to be sure, but it's a little bit of a jigsaw moment and hard to pinpoint in chapter order. Either way, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter because again, it really needed to happen and I hope you enjoyed Petra's horrible attempt at cheering on Levi, and as always - Erwin. I flipping love Erwin because he is so soft spoken, and yet brilliant and goes for the kill in such simple ways. Poor Levi never stood a chance haha.

I'll sign off for now, get my jersey on, do all my game day rituals, and hope that the gods of football smile down upon my beloved Chiefs today.