Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan) and write this for your enjoyment only. This story takes place after episode 25 of the anime where the Survey Corps, Military Police, and citizens of Wall Sina are still recovering from the chaos and destruction caused by Eren and Annie. Like before, I recommend reading the previous fics in my saga to better understand this one. Enjoy!

A Gift or a Test?

"Eren? Are you awake? It's time to get up now…"

Eren groaned as he heard the familiar words from the exact same person who spoke them to him only months prior and opened his eyes to find Professor Zoe Hanji leaning over him. If his head wasn't throbbing so badly, he would have laughed at the irony of finding himself in the exact same position as when he was brought to the professor for treatment after being beaten by Levi at the trial that determined his fate months ago.

"Zoe? Is that you?" he managed to ask after the throbbing in his head subsided.

The professor laughed. "Of course, Eren. Who else would Commander Smith trust you with after you practically incapacitated yourself in your fight with Miss Leonhart?"

"I see…" Eren said slowly as he tried his best not to scowl in annoyance at the professor who seemed to have made a joke at his expense. He was sure the woman didn't mean it that way; Hanji was simply a very honest and straight-forward person who just needed to practice a bit of tact when dealing with others; she was a science officer, after all, not a doctor, even if she was the closest thing he had to one since no ordinary doctor could effectively treat him. Eren was sure that Hanji was the only person other than his father who could understand his unusual abilities and physiology. Contrary to what the professor thought, Eren did know that his father had something to do with him being a titan-shifter even if he could not clearly remember how it happened, the reason being his blurry memories of the experiments Doctor Jaegar performed on him when he willingly transformed into a titan for the second time to protect Mikasa and Armin from a firing squad.

Upon sensing the youth's embarrassment, the professor immediately apologized for her insensitive comment. "My apologies, Eren, I didn't mean it that way. The commander has entrusted you to my care because he feels that I am the one best qualified for the job. I'm sure you know by now that no ordinary doctor can treat you or be aware of any health conditions you may have other than myself since your physiology is no longer completely that of a normal human's."

Relieved that the professor wasn't as insensitive as he thought, Eren sighed. "It's ok, Zoe. I understand. The last thing I remembered was hearing Mikasa trying to tell me something before everything went dark. What happened after that?"

Hanji raised an eyebrow and pushed her glasses up her nose before answering "Well, I'm sorry to say it, but you had to be moved to the MP Headquarters infirmary because you were bleeding quite badly since the corporal had no choice but to sever your limbs to free you from your titan's body and it was quite obvious you were too tired and weak to do it yourself after your fight with Miss Leonhart; you likely passed out from pain and exhaustion, just as you did after your trial."

"WHAT?!" Eren cried as he looked down at himself to confirm what the professor had just told him. His arms and hands were perfectly formed but when he pulled his blanket away from his body, the youth found to his horror that his legs below his knees were actually missing. Why he didn't feel it enough to notice before was beyond him.

Hanji quickly grabbed Eren by the shoulders and shook the boy in an attempt to keep him from panicking. "Whoa, calm down, Eren, I promise you will be fine! Your legs are still regenerating themselves and will be back by most likely tonight. You've nothing to worry about; this isn't the first time you've lost limbs that came back, don't you remember?"

Eren let out a sigh of relief as he realized that the professor was right. In his panicked state, he had briefly forgotten that he was a titan-shifter and could regenerate practically any body part he lost whether it was a tooth or a limb. He could also probably grow another head if he ever happened to lose the one currently on his shoulders although he'd rather not see that tested if possible. "You're right, Zoe, I'm sorry. I just forgot and panicked, that's all. Thanks for reminding me…"

Hanji smiled as she let go of Eren and took a seat near his bed. "It's ok, you've no need to apologize; I would probably panic too if I was in your place. You may not realize this, but you are in much better shape now than when you were brought in. Corporal Rivialle carried you here himself even though you were practically bleeding all over him since you were unconscious and incapacitated from having your limbs severed. He told me he greatly regretted having to do it but could think of no other way to free you and he couldn't very well leave you as you were."

Eren nodded. "I understand, Zoe. I know how unpleasant it must have been for him since he cannot stand blood and filth so I'll make sure I apologize and thank him the first chance I get."

The professor let out a soft laugh. "That's what I like about you, Eren! You're always more concerned for others even when you're the one hurt most. I'm sure the corporal would appreciate your gratitude but you need not apologize for bleeding all over him since he was more concerned for your well-being then the cleanliness of his clothes when he brought you to me. But enough about that, you must look alive because you'll be having visitors soon!"

Eren was about to ask what Hanji meant when there was a knock on the door as if on que. When the professor opened it, the youth was surprised as well as delighted to see his dear friends Mikasa, Armin, and Jean who brought him food, flowers, and gifts just like they would for any sick friend confined to his bed even though this wasn't exactly a public hospital where visitors can casually see him as they pleased since he was still supposedly a prisoner. But fortunately for him, Hanji and Levi managed to convince the higher-ups to allow Eren the company of his closest friends so long as it was under their direct supervision. But the professor trusted them not to do anything rash so she had no problem giving her charge time alone with his friends.

After the trio made their way into the room, Hanji turned to Eren and said "Well, I guess I should be going since I'm pretty sure you must be bored of being around me by now. I've got some work to take care of so have fun, you all. Catch you later!"

"Yes, thank you for everything, Zoe, you're the greatest!" Eren called after her. The professor said nothing but winked at him before leaving and closing the door behind her. Eren could not keep the look of joy and gratitude from showing on his face as he realized the favor his superiors have done him despite the damage he and Annie had caused to the city from within Wall Sina. Making a mental note to himself to thank Hanji and Levi later, the young man finally greeted the friends he had not seen since his battle with Annie.

"Mikasa, Armin, Jean, thank you all for coming!"

Upon hearing the liveliness in her foster brother's voice once more, the raven-haired girl smiled and took the seat that was previously occupied by the professor as she greeted Eren.

"You're welcome, Eren. How are you feeling now?"

"Much better even though I don't remember everything that happened after I passed out. Would you guys mind filling me in on the details?"

Mikasa looked over her shoulder at Armin and Jean who seemed to hesitate before Armin finally spoke. Since he was supposedly the strategist of the group, it was probably best to let him explain everything to their bed-ridden friend and he knew it so the blond boy ran a hand through his short hair and took a deep breath before beginning.

"Well…"

SSSSSS

A little later that evening after his visitors left, Eren was sitting up in his bed thinking about what they told him. It wasn't hard for Armin to figure out that he chose not to kill Annie out of pity upon seeing her cry, even knowing that she had killed many of their friends and comrades as well as taking him hostage during their last expedition beyond the walls. Not that he regretted sparing her life for he had many questions that Annie may be the only one who could answer such as her reasons for doing what she had done as well as why she tried so hard to capture him alive. Plus Eren was sure his superiors would want to know if Annie knew of other titan-shifters like themselves living from within the walls and plotting against humanity. That takes first priority over all else so it was likely that Annie would also need protection from those who would want to kill her for revenge over their lost loved ones and there was no shortage of such people. But at the moment, neither killing or getting information out of Annie was possible as long as she is sealed away; the only choice was to wait for her to awaken, if ever.

Eren sighed as he looked down at his now fully-formed legs that returned as Hanji had promised. He had been looking forward to this since he found out they were missing when he woke up earlier but now that he had them back, there still wasn't much he could do since he practically had nowhere to go. After all, Eren still hadn't forgotten that he was a prisoner once again after performing yet another great service for humanity by siding with them against the titans for the second time; the irony was simply too much and if it wasn't so pitiful, he'd laugh.

Not knowing what else to do, Eren prepared to lie down and go back to sleep even though he knew it was unlikely that he will be able to since he had already slept for almost a week when he suddenly heard a knock at the door. The youth was startled because he knew that it was already past curfew for Mikasa and the others and Professor Hanji had likely retired for the evening as well so who could be wanting to see him now? Curious, Eren got up and answered the door and was surprised when he saw none other than Corporal Levi Rivialle, who was out of uniform and clad in more casual clothing and holding a small box in his hand. Was the corporal actually here to pay him a visit and offer him a get-well gift like all the others? Eren certainly wasn't expecting anything like that from Levi of all people but then again, he also didn't expect the corporal to offer him comfort or love advice the night before they and the rest of his troops returned to the walls after failing to complete the mission they had set out to accomplish and leaving titan territory with heavy casualties.

"Good evening, Eren" Levi greeted politely "May I come in?"

After recovering from his surprise, Eren nodded. "Yes, of course, sir" he answered before stepping aside and allowing his superior to enter. As soon as Levi was inside, Eren quietly shut the door behind them.

"Good evening, heichou, and thank you for allowing me the honor of a visit. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Levi shook his head. "Actually" he began "I wanted to see if there was anything I can do for you." Before Eren can ask what he meant, the corporal offered him the small box he was holding in his hand. When the boy took it and looked at him curiously, Levi simply said "A gift from the commander; he wanted you to have it as small reward for a job well done. While the citizens may not as be as appreciative, we of the Survey Corps are grateful for what you've done, Eren. Go on, open it."

"Yes, sir, I'd be honored" Eren answered as he opened the small box. When he saw what was inside, his eyebrows rose in interest as well as curiosity. It was a straight razor, like the one he often saw his father use to shave his beard when he was a child. And while it appeared to be an expensive and high-quality blade, Eren was confused as to why the corporal would offer him such a gift since he had not yet reached the age where he would be needing it. Granted, he did have a few hairs along his jawline but they were so fine and barely noticeable, certainly not worth the trouble of shaving.

Upon observing Eren's confused reaction, Levi asked "Well? What do you think?"

"Well, honestly, I don't know what to think, sir. And it's not that I don't appreciate it but I'm curious as to why you would give me something like this since I'm sure it'll be a few more years before I even have any use for it."

"You may be right, Eren. But it wouldn't hurt to get a head start now, would it? Since your father is not here, I can show you how to use it if you'll let me. It may also be a good idea to learn now since there's no guarantee you'll be able to find anyone who can spare the time to teach you when you finally do need to know. So what do you say, Eren?"

The youth hesitated for a bit before consenting. The corporal did take the time and trouble to pay him a visit as well as bringing him a gift and so he didn't want to offend him by refusing. Not to mention the times Levi saved him from certain death and capture so Eren supposed that this is the least he could do for his commanding officer.

"All right, sir, please show me then."

Eren wasn't sure if he was imagining it, but he thought he saw the corporal's lip twist slightly in a ghost of a smirk before saying "Good. Now let's get over to the mirror and bathroom sink; we'll need to wet your face with a bit of warm water and lather it with some cream first."

The youth obeyed as he turned and headed straight to the bathroom with his superior following close behind. After placing the box with the razor on the bathroom counter, Eren wetted his face with a towel dampened with warm water as Levi had instructed and after he finished, reached for the can of shaving cream that was in the mirror cabinet above the sink. While the Military Police clearly distrusted him, Eren was grateful that they were still courteous enough to offer him a comfortable room and bathroom with everything he would need to maintain his appearance. After taking the can, the youth was about to spray some cream into his hand when Levi stopped him.

"Please, allow me…" he said simply.

After another moment's hesitation, Eren gave in and handed the can of shaving cream over to his superior and watched as Levi sprayed the cream into his hands and lightly rub them together before gently patting the rich foam all over his face. Eren couldn't help but realize the irony of how the same hands that nearly killed him a few months ago was being incredibly gentle with him now. The youth had never shaved a day in his life but knew he would eventually have to if he didn't want to sport a beard but never thought he would be learning to do it so soon. But Eren supposed he should be grateful that the corporal was taking the time to show him a skill that he would certainly need when he got older in place of his missing father.

After the lower half of his face was covered, Eren heard Levi say "Now pay attention to what I do. You may not be able to see much but you'll still be able to feel and imagine what I'm doing so that you'll be able to do it for yourself from now on."

"Of course, sir, go ahead." Eren answered quickly as he tried to avoid swallowing the cream that was near the corner of his lips.

Upon receiving his subordinate's consent to continue, Levi took the razor from the box, turned on the sink slightly, and rinsed the blade beneath the warm water before bringing it to Eren's face. It was fortunate that he and the corporal was roughly the same height so that Levi would not have too much difficulty positioning the blade at the correct angles to use it effectively. The youth tried his best to relax as his commanding officer started to skillfully shear off the fine hairs on his cheeks and along his jawline. From the way he did it, Eren figured that Levi must have had a lot of experience since he always preferred to be clean-shaven himself. In addition to his strong dislike for untidiness, the corporal also abhorred facial and body hair, finding them highly unattractive as well as unclean. And in addition to making him keep his surroundings clean, Levi also made sure Eren minded his appearance when going out in public even if Eren himself did not always care if he looked less than perfect.

After a few moments of awkward silence, the corporal spoke. "Eren… do you remember what I told you the night before we returned to the walls?"

After asking, Levi made sure to take the blade away from Eren's face so that he could safely open his mouth to answer. "Yes, sir, I may not look like it but I do have a very good memory."

"I see…good…" The corporal continued as he rinsed the cream off the blade before bringing it to Eren's face again. Every time he spoke, Levi took care not to say anything that would startle the boy and get him nicked or cut by the blade. There was someone he wanted Eren to see tonight and it simply would not do if the boy was to show up at her door with an unbecoming facial injury. "I remember telling you that we never know how a battle will turn out or what the future will hold so I feel that I should tell you this now in case I may not get a chance to later…"

Levi took the blade away from Eren's face and paused again to wait for the boy's answer.

"Yes, sir, I'm listening..."

Bringing the blade back, Levi went on. "I realize that I may have been hard on you at times..." he began gently "But it was never out of anger or regret that I saved your life; I am your commanding officer. It is my duty to protect and keep you sharp so that you will survive and help us win the war against the titans. Do you understand, Eren?"

"Yes, sir, I do. And I do appreciate it. But would you mind if I asked you a question?"

"Go ahead…"

"This razor… it isn't really a gift from Commander Smith, is it?"

"Very good, Eren. You've become more astute. And you're right; it's not a gift from the commander, but from me."

"A gift, sir? Or a test?"

"And what makes you think that, Eren?"

"Well, sir, I thought a razor like this would be an unusual gift to give someone like me. I'm sure you know I don't really it need at this point in my life. I also know that most men would not allow another to shave them unless they really trust that person because the shaver is holding a sharp blade to their face and throat and one wrong move could result in painful injury, intentional or not. So in summary, I believe you wanted to test my faith in you, not just with the razor, but on the battlefield as well."

Upon hearing his subordinate's revelation, the corporal actually looked pleased. "Excellent, Eren! It looks like I have succeeded in making and keeping you sharp, no pun intended. And yes, it does mean a lot to me knowing that you trust my abilities and intention to protect and guide you. So the answer to your question is that the razor is both a gift and a test."

"But why test me in such a way, sir? If you wanted to know if I really trusted you, you could have simply asked me."

"I could" Levi agreed "But it would not have been as interesting plus I wanted to prepare you for tonight."

"I don't understand, sir. I thought I'm not allowed to leave MP Headquarters until the higher-ups decide what to do with me."

"Technically, you are not. But the professor and I feel that you should straighten things out with Mikasa if the two of you are going to be working together more effectively in the future."

Eren had to put a lot of effort into keeping a grin from forming on his face. "Is that an order, sir?" he asked sheepishly.

Levi snorted "It can be if I make it. Would you like me to?"

The youth shook his head, apparently getting the message. "No need, sir. I understand perfectly."

"Good. I take it you have some decent clothes to wear?"

"I do, courtesy of the professor."

"Good" Levi said as he used the damp towel to wipe the residue cream from Eren's face before gently putting some aftershave cream on him "Then my work here is finished. I don't care what you do or how late you stay out as long as you carry out your objective. Just try to be back before the MPs notice your absence, all right?"

"Yes, sir. Have a good night. And thank you…"

"My pleasure, Eren. Good night and good luck; I believe you'll be needing it, my friend…"

Eren didn't know what Levi meant by that last sentence but decided not to pursue it and after his superior took his leave, the youth quickly got dressed in a casual dress shirt and slacks along with the new shoes Hanji had provided for him. Before finally leaving his room, Eren took one last look at himself in the mirror and ran a hand down his hairless jawline, noticing how soft and smooth his skin felt, the aftershave cream giving it a pleasant cologne-like smell. If Mikasa finds it as pleasing as he did, then it looks like the corporal had done him yet another favor after all.

Smiling, Eren thought Thank you, Heichou…for everything…

A/N: So here is my fifth story; what do you think of it? I intended it to be a simple, but clever test of trust and loyalty between two men who are more than a commander and his subordinate. I always saw the relationship between Eren and Levi as that of brothers since Levi seems to watch out for Eren as such. Since he is such a complex character, I hope my readers find my take on him to be IC and convincing enough. I also chose not to include the scene with Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and Jean talking about Annie since that is pretty much already explained in the anime. I also made Levi taller then he actually is so that he could shave Eren effectively while standing I plan on writing yet another continuation for my 'Devotion' saga but my next one might have some smut so I will probably have to post it separately in the 'M' rated section. Please look forward to it!