Keith had returned to work just like any other. It was a cold rainy day but a normal day. The rain hit the window of Keith's office as he once again sat at a desk to review notices and other paperwork. More members had joined his elite squad to cover the vast amount of responsibilities that his squad would undergo. Between guarding the royal estate and the Queen, maintaining order, and following the instructions of the Queen it was too much for just the five of them to handle. His squad had grown from five elite members to fifteen. With this number he was confident that they would all do their jobs well and efficiently. He entrusted Oscar to be the one in charge whenever he was not around. Therefore, whenever Keith was escorting the Queen or at Nile Doc's side, Oscar was the next to report to.

Emilee quietly entered the room dawning her usual stern stare. Keith took his glasses off of his face and began to rub his eyes.

"Morning Emilee," he mumbled through his hands.

"Sir, the Queen requests an audience with you," she replied disregarding the nonchalant vibe that Keith was trying to give off.

"Alright, I guess I'll go," he replied getting up from his chair and putting his glasses back on.

Emilee escorted Keith to the Royal estate where Historia was waiting for him. He and Emilee entered the office room where Historia had prepared instructions for him to follow.

"My lady," Emilee proclaimed kneeling before her.

"Hey Historia, how's it going," Keith asked sitting in one of the chairs.

Emilee eyes widened in slight irritation at how Keith addressed the Queen. It was like daggers on Keith as she stood up. However, her stares were proven worthless as per usual.

"Morning Keith, I'm doing well thank you. How have you been? It has been some time since the last time we have been able to chat like this."

"Come to think of it, it has been a while hasn't it?" Keith replied reflecting on the last time he was able to share a moment with her.

Emilee didn't say a word as Historia sat in a chair at the end. She grabbed a hold of a few papers and neatly stacked them together. It had become clear that she had been busy composing plans and data for upcoming developments. Now that Wall Maria had been reclaimed, it was time to take back what was once theirs. Historia had decided to bring Keith into her development plans. Because of his position he was one of the very few that were able to proceed with the plans in the absence of the Queen.

Historia had tasked Keith with overseeing the development and full rehabilitation of Wall Maria and the villages within. He was tasked with the opportunity to devise several teams that will handle several of the districts. In doing so he would break up members of his own squad to ensure that everything will be under control and go as planned.

The first step in redeveloping the land was preparing it for farming. Wall Maria was once known for its farming which enabled everyone within the walls to have a comfortable food source. At the same time construction would be underway to repair the villages that have been damaged due to the titans. Once everything has been reinstated, residents can once again return.

"Do you have any questions?" Historia asked.

"No, everything seems to be pretty straight forward. I already have several people in mind for this project. But, are you really sure that you want your personal elite squad to oversee this project?"

"I am most certain that this is what I want."

"But what about your protection."

"Keith, are you forgetting. I am more than capable of handling things myself. I will be fine. Right now I need you out there."

"What if the walls are attacked again?" Emilee asked.

"When that time comes we are more than prepared to handle it."

Keith and Emilee returned to the others with the proper orders. After the consultation with Historia, Keith's elite team were picked and separated to each district to maintain order and to ensure that everything was going according to plan. Keith himself decided that it was best to station himself within the action as well. After talking it over with Robin, the two of them decided it was the best for everyone for the family to remain within Wall Sina and for him to proceed to Wall Maria.

Keith returned home late that night after his shift and was greeted by Robin preventing him from going inside. Keith cocked his eyebrow in curiosity as she continuously stepped in front of him.

"Alright, what's going on here?" He asked getting fed up with Robin's actions.

She looked back behind her a little uneasy.

"You know how Lana was throwing up the other night?"

"Yeah, I tried to get her some water."

"Well, you know how she hasn't been feeling well for a while?"

"Sure? Where is this going?"

Robin peeked over her shoulder and cracked the door open slightly. She quickly turned back.

"I took her to see Isaac. She's pregnant Keith."

Keith's eyes widened. He didn't know quite what to say he was excited and amazed. He was eager to go and congratulate her. Robin was quick to press her hand on his shoulder as he had begun to make his move. He looked over at her and she only shook her head solemnly in response.

According to Robin, after they had returned from the appointment Lana was mortified at the thought of her being pregnant. She didn't like the idea of becoming a mother and was even terrified. Lana had locked herself in her room since her return and refused to come out.

Keith quietly entered and peered into her bedroom. He could see her curled up on her bed holding onto a pillow. He didn't make a sound and decided it was best to let her be.

"So who's the father?" Keith asked.

"Are you really that dumb?" Robin replied with a tone in her voice while trying to keep her voice down.

"What? It was a serious question."

"You're either blind, or a complete dumbass."

Keith shrugged and sat at the table.

Robin leaned in closer so that she wouldn't say it too loudly. "Captain Ackerman from the Survey Corps. Her squad leader."

"No fucking way," Keith proclaimed leaning back shocked.

Robin rolled her eyes and sat at the other end of the table. She informed Keith that Lana had made the decision to not inform Levi, or at least right away. Robin could understand why after everything that has gone on. She didn't want to drop this information on him so soon. She made Keith promise to keep it a secret and allow Lana to share the news for herself. Keith promised but felt guilty. He knew that if her were in Levi's shoes, he would want to know no matter what the circumstances are. However, he remembered that he and Lana didn't exactly leave on much of a good note. According to Lana, they had an argument on the way to Shiganshina and hadn't spoken to each other since. He felt kind of bad for the two of them. He wanted only the best for both. Granted he didn't know Levi as well as he knows Lana, but he knew him enough to want him to be happy for once in his life.

Before the reconstruction can occur, the titans that still remained within the wall needed to be dealt with. It was going to take some time to deliberately hunt them down. There was no telling how long it was going to be before they could actually start repairs. Keith and his team had joined the Survey Corps to participate in the titan clean up alongside a few Garrison soldiers.

It was early in the morning as Keith and the others approached the Survey Corps base. Their numbers had grown slightly due to the continuing popularity. Keith was happy to see newer faces surrounding the veterans. Hange and Levi stood before the door waiting for their arrival. Hange had a smile on their face as they were eager to see Keith once again.

"Aberdeen!" they proclaimed and approached Keith.

"Commander!" Keith responded with a salute. "I'm eager to be here and assist you. My team is well equipped and ready whenever you are."

"Fantastic, but there is one thing I need you to do first."

Keith was curious and didn't respond. Hange stared at him with fierce energy as the rest of his team stood on guard behind him. Something was going through their mind, but Keith couldn't quite put a finger on it. Hange was a strange individual, but an enthusiastic one at that. Anything could happen with them which made it hard for Keith to pin point what Hange had in mind. As Keith was fixated on Hange he neglected to notice Levi making a move. Out of the corner of his eye he had begun to realize that Levi was no longer standing by the door. He quickly snapped at the brief sound of metal behind him. He turned and was faced with a blade being swung towards his side. Keith reacted and on instinct and had formed a bone to counter. He swung his arm around and forced the blade out of Levi's hands quickly before he could react. Keith continued by pulling out his pistol and aimed it at Levi who had his hands held up in surrender.

His eyes locked as Levi was focused and calm. Keith was distraught and was unsure as to how to act. What was going on right now looked like an act against Military Law. Keith had every right to arrest the two of them right then and there for attacking him. However, it was Hange's shrill yell of excitement that Keith began to piece everything together.

"Incredible, the reflex, the structure, magnificent. I want to see more, I need to see more!" Hange yelled.

"Seriously! You couldn't have just asked. You had to go through this whole thing for that!" He turned back to see his squad stand down.

"Using your power at your own will is one thing, but having pure instincts takeover is an entirely different process. I can assume that with your instincts you can do things a lot faster than if you were really trying to do it."

Keith never thought about it, but with what Hange was saying it was bound to be true. Hange was a person of research to begin with. He trusted that they knew what they were doing and presumed that it was all for a matter of science.

Keith was debriefed along with others on how they would proceed with the titan annihilation within Wall Maria. It was plain and simple, find a titan and slice its neck. Several groups were dispatched throughout the month to take care of the remaining titans within the walls. Keith took notice to members of the Garrison within the troops that were to be sent. It was nice to see all of the factions coming together in a form of unity.

In Keith's absence, Robin's sister Alexandria had decided to stay with the family to assist in Lana's pregnancy. As much as Keith disliked Alex's smug attitude, he was wanting to make sure that everything was going to go well for his family. While he has been gone, Lana kept to herself for the most part and only came out to grab food.

Meanwhile Keith was hard at work ensuring that things were maintained. The titans were eradicated and reconstruction was underway. Keith had stationed himself in Shiganshina were everything started. The now covered hole was breath taking. To think that this was where everything started for these people. He would often stand on top of the wall and gaze out into the horizon. He wondered what it must be like on Rhea. The changes that had to have happened in the last ten years. He remembered the giant wall that they had found upon their arrival to Paradis. The wall the divided them from the world beyond the sea. At this rate, he wondered if it was possible for him to return to Rhea one day. To maybe see the others that he had left behind.

Five months finally passed as Keith was eager to finally return home for some well needed time off. Slowly people had started to make the districts livable again. Meanwhile there were surrounding villages that had already people moving in them and making a new future.

His house stood right where he left it. It was pristine and pleasant, until he heard the yelling that was inside.

"Let me see what you have?" he recognized as Lana's voice.

"A knife," Sebastian replied.

"NO!"

"Why does he have a knife," he whispered to himself.

Keith chuckled and opened the door to see Lana firmly holding onto Sebastian's hand. She had the knife out of his hand and placed it on the table.

"How many times most your mother and I tell you, no knives."

"Daddy!" Sebastian ignored her scowling and ran towards Keith. Keith was excited and eager to pick his son up. He lifted him up and rested him on his hip.

"Did you miss me?" Keith asked him with a warm smile.

"Yeah!"

"Keith you're home!" Lana sounded slightly relieved.

"Seb, were you running around the house with a knife?"

"No," Sebastian replied and gave him puppy dog eyes.

"Liar, and I know a liar when I see one. No knives understand?"

Sebastian nodded and Keith put him down. He looked around and could tell that Robin was not home at the time. However, when he looked over at Lana he was quite surprised. She stood straight allowing Keith to be able to see the prominent belly that has grown due to her pregnancy. She was even wearing one of Robin's old dresses. Her dark black hair had also grown considerably as it had become shaggy and longer.

"Where's Robin?"

"She went out with that annoying sister of hers."

"Thank the heavens. I'm glad someone else has the same sanity I do. I love Alex to death but I can only handle so much of her."

"She is a bit of a know it all that's for sure."

"You…look great by the way."

"Thanks that's what everybody has been saying."

There was an awkward silence for a moment or two.

"How…how's Levi?" Lana asked breaking the silence.

Keith was kind of surprised that she would ask about him, but it really shouldn't come as a surprise at all.

"He's fine I think. Or at least from what I could tell. The guy is a little hard to read some days."

"Tell me about it, but once you get through that first couple of layers you can see that he really means well and is really a great guy."

"You haven't told him about anything yet have you?"

She shook her head.

"He has to know sooner or later. And I'm not just saying that for him, I'm saying it for you. You need to confront him at some point."

At that point, Lana had informed many people except those within the Survey Corps. It seemed like Levi was the only person she didn't want to tell. Keith began to refuse and accept the idea much longer.

Keith sat within his office and reviewed some of the work that had been brought to him before he was scheduled to head back to Shiganshina. There were many letters on his desk that were just normal reports on some mindless matters. At this time he wasn't on duty and therefore did not wear his uniform. However that didn't stop people from coming in to speak with him. Emilee had entered the room and saluted upon her arrival.

"Sir, there is someone here who would like to speak with you."

"Ok one, I am off duty and two cut the crap Emilee you know how much I hate this official stuff. Bring them in or whatever."

"Funny, I've also pictured you as someone who really doesn't give a shit," came the voice of Levi as he entered the room.

"Ackerman? What are you doing here?"

"The Commander wanted me to present this to you while I had business to attend to. This is a letter directed to Lana from the four eyes."

He gracefully took the letter from Levi and placed it on his desk. Keith looked back at Levi who was about to leave, but something in him was wanting to make him stay. After speaking with Lana, it was now or never. He decided to break his promise and do what he felt was right.

"Ackerman," Levi turned and respectfully waited to hear what Keith wanted. "Emilee, could you please give us a moment."

Emilee saluted, left the room and closed the door behind her so that the two of them would be able to have a conversation in private.

"When I was stationed in Shiganshina with you, I noticed that you would often talk about Lana."

Levi averted his gaze, "I guess I did. What's your point?"

"You still care for her, don't you?"

Levi was silent and continued to avert his gaze. Keith waited to hear what he had to say as Levi closed his eyes for a brief moment to think.

"I do, I care a lot about her."

"And it's to my understanding that you two had an argument before she left."

"What does this have to do with anything?" Levi sharply responded.

"Listen, if you care for her as much as you say that you do then you need to hear me out. Lana talks about you just as much as you talk about her."

Keith watched as Levi began to move his jaw around subtly in frustration. It was a touchy subject for him and Keith knew it.

"If there is anything you need to know, it's that she…"

"What that she regrets leaving, that she wants nothing more than to go back to the things that they were, that…she loves me."

Keith didn't know how to respond to Levi's sudden outburst. He never knew that the guy had it in him to lose his cool like that. To Keith it was very much unlike him.

"Well, what I was going to say was none of that. Just take a second to calm yourself down."

Levi leaned himself up against the wall and folded his arms on his chest. He was silent and fixated his eyes to Keith.

"Lana's pregnant, with your child."

"I don't believe you."

Keith was a little frustrated at this point and let out a sigh.

"Look, believe me or not but what I'm saying is the truth. You should see her at least once while you're in town, even just to hear her out. Listen, why don't you come over to my place for dinner and see for yourself," Keith paused and looked back down at his letters. "The cards have been dealt Levi, now it's up to you to make a move."

"Fine."

Once Levi had agreed and left the room, the tension subsided. Keith then began to realize what he had just done. He slammed his head on his desk with every little bit of regret. He was about to let off what he though was going to be a bomb in his own home.

With the letter from Hange in hand, he tried to act calm and collected when he returned home. Robin was making soup for dinner as Lana was sitting at the table. Sebastian was drawing on some papers on the floor below. Keith removed his fogged up glasses as he kept glancing back at Lana. He decided to break his awkwardness and give Lana the letter to start off. She opened it with gladness at the sight as Keith quietly walked over to Robin.

"That reminds me Robin. We're going to be having a guest tonight," he said as he removed his scarf and jacket.

"A guest, alright," Robin replied with annoyance.

Keith leaned in closer to Robin as he realized that Lana was too enthralled with responding to her letter than to listen.

"I screwed up," Keith whispered.

"What do you mean," Robin replied.

Keith shushed her, "I screwed up big time," he continued and sat in the chair at the end of the table.

"Keith, what did you do?" There was a loud knock at the door. "That must be our guest," she continued raising her voice more.

Keith got up from the chair and took in a deep breath. He cracked the door to see Levi standing before him. Keith was skittish and was unsure of how things would play out. He turned around biting his lip with an apologetic look on his face. Lana stared back with her green eyes shining bright as she was eager to see who was on the other side. Keith mouthed the words sorry to her as he pulled the door fully open to let Levi in. He closed his eyes and cringed, waiting to hear what would happen.

"What are you doing here?" Lana asked loudly as she saw him.

Keith opened his eyes and glanced over at Robin who wore a face of disbelief as to what he had done.

"I was invited by Captain Aberdeen. It seemed that he had something he wanted to share with me." He walked into the room and removed his jacket allowing Keith to take it from him. "It appears that there is something interesting that I should know."

Keith nervously closed the door and went over to his seat. His eyes were darting back and forth between the two of them. When Lana tried to make eye contact with Keith, he only looked away and tried his best to avoid any confrontation.

The meal was awkward and silent. The tension in the air was thick as everyone refused to speak a word to one another. The only person who did not seem to falter at the tension was Sebastian who was eager to eat his favorite stew. Even Robin refused to even look at Keith in the eye. He could tell that she was indeed very mad at him. He was not looking forward to the lecture he may receive later in the evening.

Eventually Levi broke the silence. However, Lana only replied to him with short answers. The situation was getting worse and worse, and Keith was afraid that things would lead to a full blown argument. He looked over at Robin who was getting fed up with the tension. The two of them tried to lighten the mood up and change the topic.

"So how are things going to the redevelopment plan guys?" Robin asked.

"Fine," Levi responded.

"Very good actually. It won't be much longer until Shiganshina is back up and running like before. Right Levi?"

"No comment."

"Has Hange spoken of any expedition plans?"

"No," Levi replied.

"Right," Keith said looking over to Robin.

The situation wasn't getting any better no matter what they tried. They were running out of options. However, it wasn't until one little accident that the situation turned. Sebastian had mistakenly knocked over his second helping of stew causing it to spread across the table. Both Keith and Robin responded immediately and began cleaning up the remnants of Sebastian's meal. However, the poor boy began to tear up at the sight of his favorite food being wasted.

"It's alright Sebastian, it was an accident," Lana proclaimed sweetly to try and calm the boy.

There was a brief moment of silence followed by Sebastian's chipper voice, "Are you sure mister?"

Keith looked up to see that Levi had given Sebastian his remaining stew.

"I'm not hungry, you can have the rest."

"Thank you! Look Aunty he gave the rest to me!"

"He sure did," Lana replied with a smile.

Later in the evening the four adults were sitting with one another while casually talking. The mood had lightened up a lot more since the little accident. Lana even went as far as apologizing to Levi for not informing him sooner. Things were going to be better from here on out. Keith and Robin decided to turn themselves in for the night to allow the two to have some privacy with one another.

As they sat in their bedroom Robin punched Keith in the shoulder.

"What was that for?" Keith proclaimed wincing in pain.

"You idiot. You screwed up big time alright!" Robin shouted.

This was the lecture that Keith was dreading to hear, but he was going to hear it at some point.

"But you did a good job," she quietly continued.

Keith was alarmed by the sudden change. He was not expecting her to say that.

"Excuse me!" he proclaimed.

"Look, I know that Lana had made you promise not to tell him and everything, I made the same promise. But, it broke my heart to see her like that. That man in there is like her rock. She cares very much for him and you know it."

"The same goes the other way too. Although it doesn't look like it at first, he cares deeply about her."

"They need each other but they are both too idiotic to see it. Thank you Keith, you really did do a good job."

Keith began to reflect on something that he had thought of once before. He never really had spoken to Robin on the matters, but he was feeling lucky at the moment.

"Hey Robin, have you ever thought about leaving Paradis and perhaps one day travel to a different land. Like maybe Rhea?"

"Rhea, as in the place you're from?"

Keith looked up at her from the bed as he had begun to feel slightly emotional, "Yeah."

"Well, I suppose it never really has crossed my mind. Why, what makes you think that we'd be able to do it?"

"At the rate that things are going right now, we just might be able to cross the ocean a lot sooner than we think. I mean the biggest threat we have right now are the Marleyans but they haven't made an attempt at anything over the last few months. I just want you and Sebastian to be able to see what it's like beyond the walls. To be able to see the things that you're missing out on, the things that I grew up with."

"Keith," she quietly stated.

"Look, I know that I had a bit of a shitty past. I mean Lana has had an even darker history than I. Let's face it, we're both some cliché story book character who escaped their harsh realities into something more. But the point is, is that no matter what I've been through I still think of Rhea as home to me. I want to be able to one day show you and Sebastian that."

"Yeah, let's do that," Robin replied quietly again.

She quietly approached him and embraced him in a kiss. The future was looking bright for them.