Thank you to the guest that mentioned liking how I was writing the changes in Eren after being traumatized as compared with some other similar fics you've read. I avidly believe that trauma doesn't redefine who you are as a person but is rather something that temporarily keeps a person from coping with what has happened in a healthy way. Different people have different levels of resilience and from what I've seen in the manga and anime, it looks as though Eren is exceptionally resilient. Of course, this trauma I'm writing about is also exceptional so I believe even he would have his limits. At any rate, thanks for your input, I'm glad you seem to be liking that aspect of the story. :^)


Admittedly, Levi was perhaps not the best man for the job in this instance; he did not have formal training on the human psyche (obviously his training was more centered on the purpose of his job: killing titans). On the other hand, he had comforted his dying comrades on more than one occasion and doubting his ability now would be useless. He had two purposes that motivated his desire to speak with Eren: 1) To comfort him/let him know that Levi was there for him and 2) to resolve any unanswered questions. The extent of his abilities were of little importance so long as those goals were met.

"Listen up, brat. I don't know what was going on in your head down in that hellhole but know this: what happened to you down there was wrong. Yeah, the experiment called for a little pain, but not any more than necessary and that piece of shit will rot in prison for what he did. If I have anything to say about it, he'll be executed."

The storm of anxiety that was written all over Eren's face seemed to settle a bit after hearing Levi's words. He had half expected to be blamed for what had happened; hell, even he blamed himself to an extent. Some part of himself could not help but point an accusing finger-if only he had been stronger or smarter, he could have escaped. No matter what he thought, he found relief in hearing that the corporal did not share those sentiments.

"Yeah…I could tell that something was wrong right away. I did fight, you know! I would feel so angry and it was only when my titan powers stopped kicking in and the wounds were unbearable that I was unable to lash out." Maybe I am weak, but that didn't stop me from fighting.

Levi nodded. "That was your body trying to protect you. If you had kept expending all that energy, you would've died, plain and simple. It's thanks to those actions that you're alive now, so there's no use regretting them."

Levi's bowl had been emptied about halfway by this point; Eren's nearly untouched meal was now receiving a few small bites and Levi interpreted this as progress. The two fell silent as Levi wanted to give the boy some time to eat while he was able, so he took his time finishing his own bowl and then set it aside to be washed later. In honesty it bugged him to leave dirty dishes, but they were already low on water so he felt obligated to endure this annoyance for the time being. Eren appeared to be finished as well and while he had leaned over to stack his bowl with the other, Levi noticed some rice on his face. With the kerchief that he made a point to keep on his person at all times, Levi absentmindedly reached out in an attempt to wipe off the rice. The resulting flinch felt by Eren caused him to fall back on his elbows, his eyes were wide but he was not looking at Levi.

"Ah yes, we need to talk about that." Levi relented, tucking the kerchief back in his pocket.

"I'm not trying to do that!" Eren met his eyes. "Honestly, I'm not afraid of you or anything…it just happens whether I want it to or not…"

"…You're really not afraid of me?" Levi was certain that nearly anyone else would be terrified of anyone and anything after living through what Eren had. In fact, he doubted that anyone else would be able to live through it. Eren shook his head. Levi would never admit it aloud, but he admired the boy greatly for pulling through an event that could have easily been his downfall. "Do you trust me?" he questioned further. Eren nodded and positioned himself back to how he had been sitting.

"Good." Levi leaned back and put on a casual façade. "Just so you know, I've already decided that it's going to be me who's going to help you get back to your normal self. No one else is going to have a say in what you do. Not even your little friends."

Eren's eyes widened. "Huh? But-"

"Did I ask for your opinion?" Levi's gaze was deadpan, more in tune with his usual self. "I don't care if you want to talk with them or whoever else, you had better make damn sure that I know about it. If I'm gunna be responsible for you, you bet your ass I won't let some snubby little shit I know nothing about fuck up any progress we make."

Eren's initial shock took a moment to die down before he could process what was being said. He couldn't help but conclude that everything the corporal was saying, even if being said in a snide manner, was because Levi cared for his well-being. Eren's body hurt; his arms, his legs, everything was aching him. He was still hungry but could no longer eat without the risk of being severely ill. He could scarcely blink without reliving some of the horrid moments that had occurred just meters below his feet. Amongst all this suffering, however, at this moment and under these circumstances, he was able to crack a smile at his superior officer. It was the first that had graced his face for what felt like ages, and it came surprisingly easily.


[Back at headquarters] Irvin had checked the barracks, he checked the cafeteria, the bathrooms and everywhere he could place he could think of that the soldiers would congregate. No sign of Böse. He often stopped to ask any nearby soldiers if they had seen him, but to no avail. It was becoming increasingly obvious that the man had never returned in the first place. His bunk had been untouched, and none of the personal belongings that he had brought to the outpost had been returned. Desertion.