Chapter 11

"Under Zeke Yeager's commands, we shot our superiors. We're the Anti-Marleyan volunteers and our goal is to free all Eldian's." Yelena says, putting down her cup of tea. The words knock the air out of Levi's lungs. He feels the shock running through his veins.

Zeke?

Levi clicks his tongue, feeling the anger boiling in his blood. "Oi, big blonde." Levi says, glaring at Yelena. Even as they sat down, she clearly was taller and bigger than Levi by a lot. "You're telling me that shitty ape titan who killed my squad and majority of my comrades… wants to help us?" Levi asked, standing up from his chair. Bloodlust covered Levi's eyes and his body was yearning for blood to be spilt. Yelena met Levi's eyes with no fear. "Call me pessimistic, but I find it hard to believe after the blood on his filthy titan hands." Levi growled. "Levi…. Let's hear them out." Hanji puts a hand on Levi's shoulder, trying to calm him down. "Zeke has always had the interests of Eldians from the start. Even now, he is playing double agent to gain Marley's loyalty and trust from deep within the ranks. Zeke is our hope, of both the Eldians and the people whose countries have been colonized by Marley." Levi scoffed, fingers threatening to punch the teeth out of Yelena.

"I know you find it hard to believe, but it's the truth. Zeke sent us, as part of his plan. He wants peace." Yelena says. "We can't just trust someone who murdered and massacred thousands of our men, Yelena. You have to give us more than that." Hanji said. "Which is why we'll stay here and provide you with Marleyan knowledge, intel and weapons to help Paradis until you can trust us." Levi and Hanji's eyes widened.

"It's the only way for you to eventually trust us, so we will surrender and help Paradis, in any way that we can." Yelena says, glancing at Onyankopon. "What do you say, Hanji?" Hanji and Levi exchange glances, unable to decipher if this was a trap or a blessing in disguise.

"Corporal's been grumpier than usual." Sasha whispered, peeling a potato. Connie and Jean nodded. "He's usually quite calm as long as we don't piss me off but the other day I handed him my paperwork a day late and he almost chewed my head off." Connie whispered, stirring the pot as he gestured to Sasha. "I understand Corporal getting mad at you idiots, but he even got mad at me! He just looked at my face one morning and said 'Jean, your face reminds me of a horse today." Jean exclaimed, confused and annoyed.

Sasha and Connie laughed. Rosaria continued cutting the potatoes, not giving a response. All three of the younger kids raised an eyebrow and gave each other glances. "Captain, you're quite close with Corporal Levi. Do you know what's bothering him?" Sasha asks. Rosaria blinks, looking up from the chopping board.

Well, we haven't really talked since our conversation that night so I wouldn't know what's bothering him.

"My guess is Zeke and the Anti-Marley volunteers. I'm sure you guys can agree with Corporal that trusting Zeke is a stab in the back to our dead comrades after all the blood he spilt." Rosaria answered honestly. The Scouts were still deciding how to go about this secret plan of Zeke's and how much they could trust the Anti-Marley volunteers, not to mention the Marley soldiers who were currently locked up behind bars as prisoners.

"Captain Mike and Nanaba died in the hands of Zeke." Connie said, eyes suddenly downcast into the pot of soup. "Not to mention my entire village…. And my mother is still laying on her back as a titan back in our house." Sasha and Jean exchange worried glances. Rosaria was informed that Ragako village was turned into titans during the breach of Wall Rose when Zeke used his spinal fluid to infect the residents of Ragako village. Though the exact method and how it worked wasn't clear.

"All our comrades who died at the battle of Shiganshina and Commander Erwin… Zeke is responsible for their deaths. How can we suddenly be asked to trust that asshole and believe he is here to help us?" Jean yelled angrily. "At least for now, the Anti-Marley soldiers have been cooperative and have quietly agreed to be watched over by the Scouts." Sasha answered.

"They've been pretty cooperative with intel on Marley's military and are helping us with research and technological advancements, especially with our 3DMG and Anti-Personnel gear. They just submitted designs for new uniforms for us too." Rosaria said, placing the chopped potatoes into the soup. "I heard there's a good number of Marleyan chefs and wine onboard. Oh god, I wonder what Marleyan food tastes like." Sasha drooled.

"Hm, having Marleyans work for us sounds like a good idea too. No such thing as a free lunch in this world, right?" Rosaria nodded to herself. Sasha smiled. "I wonder what kind of Marleyan food there is. I bet they eat meat every day-" A kick at the door stops Sasha mid-sentence. "Oi, brats. Who's in charge of laundry? My uniforms are all dirty and crumpled-" Levi growls, voice angry and annoyed until his eyes meet Rosaria's. Rosaria blinks, putting down her knife. "Well?" Levi asked, crossing his arms as he gave a hard look each to Sasha, Connie and Jean.

"I-it's me, Corporal. I-I'll redo the laundry immediately!" Connie admitted, fearful of Levi's intense glare at him. "You better, Connie or I'll make you run laps around the base." Levi replied, annoyed; before his eyes glanced at Rosaria. "Rosaria, in my office now." Levi announced as he swiftly turned his back and walked away. Rosaria blinks, unsure of what to respond. "Don't make me wait, Captain. I don't have all day." She quickly grabs her crutches and chases after Levi.

Levi walks at a fast pace back to the tent of his makeshift office, one he was sharing with Hanji and other higher-ranking members of the Scouts. Levi turns around, noting that there was still a large distance between where he stood and Rosaria, who was dragging herself with the help of her crutch. Rosaria catches Levi's annoying glare and she bites her lip, trying to quicken her pace. She takes bigger steps with each leap, closing the distance between them until her crutches catch on a small pebble on the sandy beach. Rosaria gasps, feeling herself lose balance as she topples over. She closes her eyes, waiting for the impact - but when it doesn't come, she opens her eyes to find familiar grey eyes. Levi catches her in the nick of time, a hand on her waist; and he's suddenly reminded of how small it was, and the other hand on her back.

Their faces were inches apart, breaths touching each other. Neither seems to move as they're suddenly brought back to a trip down memory lane in which their passionate exchange in a carriage took place. It takes a few seconds before Levi pulls her to stand and clears his throat. "Watch where you're going, brat. Do you want to break your ankle again?" Levi asked. Rosaria gulped, holding on to her crutch. "S-sorry…" Levi opens the flap of the tent and holds it up, waiting for Rosaria to go through.

She then walks in, finding it empty. "Oh, Hanji and the others aren't here. Where are they?" Levi pulled the chair out and gestured for Rosaria to sit. She hesitantly sat down, putting her crutch away. "Negotiating with Yelena and the others. They're gathering the notes in preparation for an audience with all of the upper military, and the Queen to discuss this." Rosaria nodded. Levi pushed the chair further in for Rosaria before returning to his own seat and sat down. As the two sit down, an uncomfortable silence ensues and Rosaria finds herself speaking first.

"So… what do you need, Corporal?" Levi narrowed his eyes. "How's your ankle?" Levi asked. "Recovering smoothly. I should be out of my cast in another three weeks and ready for therapy." Levi folded his fingers together and sighed. "With the recent arrival of our friends from Marley, it's likely more scouting ships will be sent to Paradis and things will get even more dangerous from here on." Levi said. He's waiting for a response from Rosaria but she stares back at him, confused - as if saying 'of course I know that, isn't that why I'm here?'. Levi blinks. "As such, as your commanding officer, I'm ordering you to return to HQ until you are fully recovered and ready for battle." Levi says, his face stills neutral.

Rosaria furrows her eyebrows and opens her mouth in shock. "W-what! You can't do that! I-I'm perfectly capable of carrying out my duty right here - where I am needed the most, especially during this uncertain time when all hands are on deck!" Rosaria yelled, clearly disagreeing. Levi was prepared for her reaction and immediately replied. "You can barely protect yourself, Captain. You can't even wear gear and defend yourself if one of the Marleyan decides to attack you. You're clearly a liability to us now." Rosaria takes in an angry breath and slams her fist into the table.

"This is ridiculous. I may not be able to use gear but I am still clearly capable of shooting with a rifle if the need arises!" Levi rolled his eyes. "You can barely stand without a crutch, Rosaria. The enemy would have killed your first before you could even adjust your aim." She bit her lip and glared at Levi. "It's still unreasonable to demand me to go back to HQ when I am needed here! There's still mountains of paperwork and squads to oversee, especially now when you and Hanji are too busy babysitting Marley soldiers and the volunteers!" Levi clicked his tongue.

"That's an order, Rosaria. It's not up for discussion." Rosaria gaped. "Pack your things and prepare the handover to your next-in-command. A carriage will be prepared for you in three days." Levi said. He could see the anger and hurt in Rosaria's eyes. It seemed like it was more and more common for her to look at him with such pain nowadays. Still, Levi didn't back down. His heart didn't waver. He was doing it for her, for her own safety. He didn't mind being hated, all he wanted to do was make sure she was safe - away from harm's way.

"Corporal, please - you can't do this!" Rosaria pleaded, standing up from her chair. Levi grunts, glaring back at her. "Don't behave like a brat, Rosaria. I'm your commanding officer and you obey my orders, understand?" Rosaria wasn't buying his shit. "Oh, so now you decide to act like my commanding officer? What happened to that sense of responsibility when you made out with me in the carriage back to Trost, huh?!" Rosaria yelled. Levi's eyes widened, finding himself at a loss for words.

"This and that are two different things." Levi warned. "Really? Because I think that's bullshit. You're using my injury as an excuse to send me away, aren't you? You're trying to get me transferred now?" Levi's eyes widened, confused. "I never said that, Rosaria. You're misunderstanding the situation." Rosaria scowled, gritting her teeth. "Really? I'm misunderstanding the situation? You're the one who made me believe you were a good person and made me fall in love with you, then you make a move on me and I returned your feelings; and then you just decide to not address things between us and lie to me about how you feel and play the 'romantic feelings are complicated in the military, Rosaria' card. But now you want to suddenly take an interest in my safety here and order me to go back to HQ?" Rosaria scoffed. "What are you trying to play here, Levi? If you're trying to send me away, at least have the balls to tell it to my face." Rosaria threatened.

Levi stood up from his seat, anger boiling in his blood. "That's enough, Rosaria. An order is an order." Levi yelled, meeting her angry glaring eyes. "Pack your things and take your orders like the soldier you are, Captain." Levi walks away, his back now facing her.

"Use that tone on me again, Captain; and I'll make sure I honour your words and actually transfer you out of my sight once and for all." Levi threatens, walking away.

Rosaria sat in a chair plopped on the soft sand, her toes dipping into the sand and letting the sea brush against her skin as it came and went in waves. It was dark now, the sky now replaced with a dark black hue with tiny sparks of bright stars over the sky. She stared at the stars, feeling the gentle breeze of the sea against her cheeks and the ticklish caress of the sea against her toes.

Rosaria had very much decided that she liked the sea despite having no knowledge of it. It seemed big and vast and unknown, but it brought a sense of adventure and calmness to Rosaria. She loved the gentle breeze of the sea, how it tickled her toes as the waves came and went across the shore. She loved discovering the odd little things along the shore, like these 'seashells' that Armin calls them. She even developed a habit of collecting different ones every time she had the time and placed it in a little glass bottle with sand back in her tent. Recently, they even discovered little sea-animals inside the vast sea, such as little reddish-white creatures with antennas like a cockroach and tiny eyes on top; they were usually the size of her fingers, or reddish creatures with hardened skin like a titan and sharp claws and even walked on shore sometimes before diving right back into the sea.

The memory brings a smile to Rosaria's lips. She remembers Levi glaring at the red creature who so casually walked up to him with its tiny legs and 'clicked' its claws, teasing him. Rosaria had never seen Levi grab his blades so fast before, not even in action - and then proceeding to slice the thing as if the creature was the armoured titan himself. The split-in-half corpse of the creature that caused Levi's face to churn in disgust and pale almost five shades was another sight to behold though. Rosaria made a bet that she was sure Levi excused himself after to puke, away from public eyes. Who would have thought humanity's strongest who didn't even flinch when faced with multiple titan shifters could be afraid of a tiny creature with claws?

"Smiling at the sea in the dark of the night alone, Rosaria?" A voice chirps. Rosaria turns her head, looking up at the source of the voice. "Did you find a funny creature while you were out here? Oh! If only I could capture that red thing with claws and experiment on it! It really intrigued me!" Hanji said, plopping down on the soft sand beside Rosaria. "Levi's face was priceless when he killed it. What money I would pay to see that face again one more time…." Rosaria said, laughing almost. Her voice is filled with giddy and happiness before it slowly dies out, her eyes staring blankly at the sea again. Hanji tilts her head.

"What's wrong? Did one of those tiny reddish finger-like creatures with whiskers and antennas and two small circle eyes on the top bite your toes?" Hanji asked. Rosaria shook her head. "It's not that…. Just…." Rosaria meets Hanji's eyes. "Say, Hanji-san. You've known Levi for a long while now, right?" Hanji laughed. "A long while? I've known him since he was a fresh recruit picked up by Erwin! Scrawny little thing was rude as heck!" Hanji picked up a seashell and casually brushed her fingers along it as she talked.

"Damn, that feels like lightyears ago. Levi was so different then compared to now." Rosaria tilted her head, confused. "How so? Was he less violent than he is now?" Hanji scoffed. "Ugh. Compared to when he first joined, he's like a calm old man in retirement now! He used to pick fights with all his superiors and never obeyed protocol! I was sure he even broke a captain's arm because the captain raised his voice at him." Rosaria laughed, shaking her head. "Well, it's kind of expected after everything he's been through. Levi lost his family after his first expedition after all." Hanji says, eyes suddenly downcast to the sand in memory of Farlan and Isabel.

"He lost two of his friends that he was close to while he was in the Underground. They were like family to him since all of them had been orphans." Rosaria swallowed thickly. "Levi came back alone on his first expedition. Since then, he's sworn to the Scouts and Erwin, trying to find meaning to their deaths and the countless comrades we've lost since then." Hanji sighs, placing the seashell on the sand. "Levi's actually a sensitive soul. He tries to hide it…. But it's pretty obvious if you're close with him. I'm sure you've noticed it too." Rosaria subtly nodded.

"He cares a lot. He doesn't show it… but whenever someone's life is in danger, he doesn't hesitate to jump in and save them. The same goes for when someone dies. It hits him the most because he hates unnecessary deaths and grieves in silence." Hanji stares out at the calm sea. "Which is why he's not suited to be a commander, he's too caring and avoids sacrifices. Erwin's words." Rosaria glances at Hanji. "What about you, Hanji-san?" Hanji turns, raising an eyebrow. "Are you suited to be a commander who can command your men to die and sacrifice their lives?" Hanji's eyes widened. It takes her a few seconds before she smiles.

"No, I don't think I'm suited for being commander either. I'm more of a researcher, that's why I joined the Scouts in the first place. I'm not suited for politics and strategy, although when forced to I can adapt easily to fit that role. Erwin…. Heck, he should have chosen Armin, he's way better at these things than me." Hanji admitted. "Well, I think you're doing a good job leading the Scouts, Hanji-san. I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit. We've managed to come a long way with your leadership after all." Rosaria replied.

"Well, Levi has to take credit as well. He's the one doing the bulk of the work and scaring the MPs off during meetings so I can put in a few words. Being the only woman at the table has never been easy after all." Rosaria nodded, agreeing. "So…. What's going on between you and Levi? He's been scarier than usual. Trust me, I even got punched by him the other day. Usually, he just grabs me by the collar and threatens me!" Hanji exclaimed.

Rosaria sighed. "I'm not even sure I know what's going on in his head." Rosaria says. Hanji quietly scans Rosaria's calm face. "I can somewhat guess what happened…." The words make Rosaria flinch and she gapes her mouth open. "Like….?" Rosaria paled, unsure what to make of the situation. She had never been scared of fearful of Hanji despite the difference in their ranks, but given the brief inappropriate relationship she had with Levi - Hanji had the right to send Rosaria away to bury things under the rug like usual military scandals. "Hah, don't look so scared! You think I'm going to send you away, don't you? Please! I'd pay for Levi to get laid! You don't know how hard I've been trying to set him up for years now!" Hanji said, rolling her eyes.

Rosaria paled. "W-we never had sex! T-that's different!" Hanji laughed. "So, something along those lines happened then?" Hanji asked. Rosaria sighed. "Kinda…" Hanji nodded. "Then? Why is Levi so grumpy? I imagine he should be smiling like he just received clean bedsheets after getting laid by an actual woman in god knows how many years?" Rosaria coughed. "W-we never had se-" Hanji corrected her. "Okay, then a heated make-out session?" Hanji's question brings a blush to Rosaria's face. Hanji smirks, further confirming her theory.

"Wait, don't tell me he's bad in be-" Rosaria cut her off. "We REALLY didn't have sex!" Rosaria yelled. Hanji laughs, watching Rosaria blush in red. "Okay, I believe you. Don't have to yell it for the entire Scouts to hear!" Rosaria mentally thanked the gods because they were far enough from the tents for anyone to hear her outburst. "Levi's been… distant since then. I tried to talk to him, address things… but he just, apologised and said 'romantic feelings are complicated. Especially in the military.' and he's trying to transfer me away." Hanji gaped. "What?! I don't know about this!" Hanji said. "He ordered me to pack my things and go back to HQ. He's using my injury as an excuse and saying that I'm a liability to the Scouts now because I can't even protect myself."

Hanji calmly processed the words. "Well… it seems like it does make sense since you're still injured and I imagine it's extremely inconvenient and risky to be outside the walls, especially now with the addition of our Marleyan friends and enemies." Rosaria sighed. "But Hanji-san, you have to admit I'm needed here! We're under-handed! Especially people in leadership like me who can take over for you and Levi when both of you are off to negotiate with the Anti-Marley volunteers!" Hanji nodded. "That I cannot deny. Your role and responsibilities are extremely important and a big help to us, even if you cannot fight at the moment." Rosaria nodded furiously. "See! Even though I can't kill a titan at the moment, it doesn't mean I'm a liability right, Hanji-san?" Hanji nodded again. "Yes, and the more I think about it…." Hanji puts a finger on her chin.

It seems odd and unnecessary for Levi to go through all this trouble for one person. If Rosaria was fatally injured and missing a limb, yes I'd agree sending her back to HQ would be the best choice; but she wasn't. She's injured, yes… but she is still fully capable of shooting a rifle, albeit with bad aim, and it wasn't like we had titans to worry about out here right? And yes the Marley prisoners are a risk, but a low one considering they're all behind bars and the volunteers are constantly being watched closely. In addition, Rosaria is a critical member of the scouts, one who is still valuable even though unfit to fight. Even Erwin fought in the battle of Shiganshina when he lost an arm, didn't he?

Hanji blinks.

Didn't Levi try to stop Erwin from leaving by threatening to break both of his legs? Could it be that Levi is… being overprotective here?

Hanji thought about it over and over again.

Had Rosaria successfully found a spot in Levi's heart for him to act this way? To go so far as to prioritise her safety before her duties, or even his own duties as Corporal?

Hanji felt goosebumps down her spine. Was it from happiness or fear, she couldn't tell. Though she did know that Rosaria was more than a subordinate and close friend to Levi now and it was unlikely that Levi himself even knew it.

But would it be wise to let Rosaria leave and go back to HQ like this? She did say that Levi was trying to have her transferred… but I don't think that's the case.

"You said Levi is trying to have you transferred? That's why he is ordering you to go back to HQ?" Hanji asked. "Yes… I mean, why else? Isn't that what usually happens when a scandal comes out in the military?" Rosaria replied. "Well… yes….but it's not like anyone knows about this. I mean I know about it now but it's not like I'm going to send you away. I'm actually pretty happy that there is proof that Levi isn't gay." Hanji admitted. "Don't you think that Levi is sending you away for other reasons….?" Hanji asked.

Rosaria looked dumbfounded. Hanji sighed. Although she was pretty sure she was right, it wasn't really wise for her to spill the beans and let Rosaria hear it from her mouth. Shouldn't this be something that Levi would have to admit himself since it is their business and not Hanji's? "If you think that's the case…." Hanji says. "I do agree and think that we really cannot afford to send you back to HQ during this vulnerable time." Hanji half-lied, smiling. "I'm sorry but your duty as a soldier must really be prioritized here. With you gone, there'd be a gap that no one would be able to fill. You've had years of experience being in leadership in the Garrison and you take care of the cadets really well. We really don't have the time to train anyone else and bring them up to speed like you already are." Hanji explained. "I'll have to deny Levi's orders to you to be sent back to HQ, unfortunately." Rosaria gaped, gripping Hanji's shoulders.

"R-really? Hanji! That's great news!" Hanji laughed. "Yes…. well. I'll explain it to Levi tomorrow morning. He won't be glad about it that's for sure…. Yes, I'll need Jean to be my human shield just in case things get ugly." Hanji's face contorted into concern. "With that said, I am concerned about your health and safety. How much longer till you take off your cast?" Hanji asked. "Three weeks or so." Hanji nodded. "Then, there's therapy…. We do have medics on base but I'm afraid they're not as qualified when it comes to providing aftercare and therapy to an injury like yours. There's still your burns to look at as well." Rosaria blinked. "Ah, what about having a qualified doctor come here? To oversee my therapy. That way Levi would be more willing to let me stay, right?" Hanji processed the words.

"I mean, with proper therapy, I should be able to speed up the healing process and be back in action faster. Then, I'd be able to fight and protect myself and I won't be a liability anymore." Hanji nodded. "Well, that does sound right…. But I'm not sure if I'd be able to find a doctor who would be willing to travel all the way outside the walls for the Scouts." Rosaria smiled. "Ah, I know just the person. He's actually…. overqualified for something like therapy, but he'd be willing to do it for me. In fact, I think he'd be overjoyed. We'd have to ask for a carriage and some soldiers to escort him to our base here though." Rosaria said. "That should be easy to arrange. I'm sure the Scouts back in HQ would be thrilled for a little adventure instead of routine work." Hanji stood up and stretched her back.

"I guess that's settled then. I'll prepare the paperwork for the necessary arrangements first thing in the morning… after I have that conversation with Levi." Hanji was not looking forward to being punched by Levi at all. "Yes, thank you Hanji-san." Rosaria nodded. "By the way, who's this doctor that'd be so willing to help you?" Rosaria tapped a finger on her chin. "Ah, he's an important childhood friend. We're practically family. You might know him, he's a well-known doctor in Wall Sina." Hanji blinked.

"Well, I look forward to meeting him in person then."

Author's notes:

I've been taking some time to sit down and think about the ending of this story. I was going to wait until the final chapter of the manga to see if Levi survives, but knowing Isayama…. He's gonna kill off all our favourite characters *cries*. I've also been reading a lot of fan theories and rumoured leaks of the ending and I still have no idea what Isayama has planned as usual. In my head, If Levi was alive I'd give this story a happy ending; but if he's dead... I have to give it a sad ending and my heart is fighting with my head. I'll be going back to my excel sheet and rearrange my notes now :')

As always, please leave a review as it keeps me motivated!