Chapter Sixteen ~ Sacrifice

Levi's Prov.

Nicholas Lovof loomed over me like a dangerous dark cloud. His overstuffed gut protruding over his expensive looking leather belt, his white dress shirt straining, the buttons threatening to burst with the sheer mass of his middle. His short stubby legs carried him heavily, his arms looking too small for his body as he ran his meaty hand through his thinning dark hair. His small pig-like eyes, dark and malicious as he sneered down at me.

I glared up at the man through my lashes, my mouth pulled into a snarl as I bared my gnashed teeth, a growl rumbling through my chest. I could feel my eyebrows... hell my whole body twitching in fury. I thought that bastard Erwin said Lovof was no longer an issue? That he had been picked up by the Military Police and dealt with according to his crimes? I grumbled as I leered at the fat bastard who stood in front of me.

"Thank you boss, I will be taking my leave now. Levi, Miss (L/N), do enjoy yourselves without me," Kenny cackled as he sauntered out of the grand room, shutting what sounded like two heavy doors behind him, his stench still lingering in the air.

Lovof stared after the man, chuckling darkly as he brought his gaze over to (F/N) and myself, "You seriously thought you could get away eh?" He rumbled, wiping the sweat from his forehead, "Pitiful really. Oh well, now you will get your comeuppance for your incompetence."

I glared up at the man, my whole body quaking as I tried to struggle against the arms that held me. I glanced back at the man who held me, my eyes widening slightly before I turned my gaze back to the pig in front of me, "What you asked me to do..." I paused, Wait! I can't tell him that, I can't tell him I couldn't continue the job because of (F/N). He'll kill her for sure.

"Hmm... Continue!" Lovof growled, standing beside her, his meaty hand resting on her bare shoulder. Her whole body quaking at the contact.

"I couldn't continue the job because of Furlan and Isabel. They died on an expedition and my point of view changed!" I said truthfully, shaking my head, my eyes never leaving the bastard.

"Well that still doesn't excuse you to not carry out a job I paid for you to do. Now I am facing a court marshal..."

"Boo-fucking-hoo!" I growled, my eyebrows curving dangerously over my eyes, "You'll get just what you deserve for stopping people from going to the surface! People like you should be fed to the titans!"

Lovof smiled manically, his eyes widening as he spoke, "That maybe so, but I can get you to come through for me, after all, this little one has been asked to testify against me, isn't that right my dear?"

My eyes trailed over to her swollen, wide, (E/C) eyes, "I don't know what your talking about!" she growled, her voice cracking slightly.

"Feigning innocence will get you nowhere!" He hissed, smacking her hard across the face. My eyes shot wide open as I struggled harder against the arms that held me.

"Keep still Levi, or you will blow my cover," He whispered in my ear, his blue eyes burning into the back of my head as I felt him silently unshackling me. I stopped struggling as my eyes flew over to (F/N), blood dripping from her mouth as she spat the blood out.

"Do you know what I am going to do Levi? Maybe I will just have you kill her instead. Once that is done, I will kill you and then I will go after Erwin Smith myself," He chuckled, running his hand down into her hair, picking up a tendril and sniffing it. I blanched, there was no way he would get me to do that! Never! Not even if he threatened to throw me off Wall Maria and hand feed me to titans! I would never harm her again!

"You are a very beautiful woman. It's such a shame that you will die along with this pathetic wretch today," Lovof said as he ran his fingers down the length of her jawline. I chewed my lip furiously, Oh how I wanted to rip this man's fucking head off.

(F/N) wrenched her face away from his fingers, "Stay away from me," she hissed, her eyes solely focused on me as she sat back up. Lovof paid no mind as he grabbed her chin in his grasp, his mouth marred in a sneer.

"So what, pray tell, are you doing with this rat?" he asked, his voice soft yet raspy, glancing down at her with bright, dangerous eyes.

"Why should I tell you?" She growled, glaring as best as she could at the man.

Behind me, he moved onto the second shackle as I flexed my wrist, one shackle down, once the next is off I will kill you!

"Fair enough, Gabriel," he muttered, shrugging and clicking his fingers.

Gabriel stood from his seat and trudged over to me, his boots clicking on the marble. He came to stand before me, his eyes cool and assessing, "You got him?" He asked the man behind me.

"Yes I have him."

"Good!" He smiled, swinging his leg and kicking me straight across the face. A grunt left my body as I collapsed on the material covered ground, my head pounding harder than before. My eyes trained on her horrified face as Gabriel continued to kick the shit out of me. 'Don't do it' I mouthed to her, hoping she wouldn't cave into this torture display. I scrunched my eyes shut, trying to block out the pain coming from my abdominal region as the man brought another blow to my ribs, shattering the bones in my chest. I coughed and wheezed, every breath feeling like ten kicks to the crotch as I fought for oxygen.

"STOP!" (F/N) screeched, the whole room echoing with her panicked scream.

I groaned, my eyes still closed as I listened to her sobs, "Stop... please leave him alone... I'll tell you..." she cried. I could hear her shuffling, as if she were trying to crawl over to me. Gabriel stepped away from me, dealing one last blow before he stepped to the side.

I could hear the smile in Lovof's voice as he stopped her in her tracks, his heavy footfalls standing beside me as he kicked my shoulder with his shoe, "Good girl."

"I am his Lieutenant. His second in command in Levi squad..." she whimpered. I opened my eyes a fraction, her head bowed. Her beautiful (H/C) hair framing her swollen face. I closed my eyes again, pain searing through my head and ribs.

"And how did you come to gain so much intel on myself and my activities?" He questioned, his eyebrows raising slightly.

(F/N) bowed her head and sighed lightly, her breath shuddering, "I gained intel on you from sources in the Underground," she lied, however it was a very good lie, "Not to mention the fact that while we were struggling to fund expeditions, your movements were getting bolder, your wealth growing, doesn't take a genius to work out that it was you embezzling the Regiment expedition funds."

"Hmm... even so, why would Levi go to all this trouble to save a brat like you? Not to mention your reaction to a simple beating. I believe there is more to it, CONTINUE!" he shouted, sidestepping away from me as Gabriel came closer to me.

The last shackle fell away from my wrist, my eyes snapped open as I jumped to my feet, catching Gabriel by surprise as I dealt him an uppercut to the jaw. His body flying across the room into a tall mirror, the glass shattering and falling around his crumpled body. He groaned as he tried to lift himself up, but was swiftly cut down as a goliath of a man sank his foot into his rib cage. Lovof stood there, his eyes wide in shock as one of his 'guards' took down Gabriel, shackling the unconscious male.

His small beady eyes darted around the room as his guards took their duster jackets off, exposing the true identities of the Scouting Regiment's finest. Section Commander Erwin stepping around me as he eyed a shocked (F/N). His brows sinking further down over his eyes as he brought his scowl to the fat, frightened pig, "Nicholas Lovof, you are under arrest for your crimes against the Scouting Regiment and for attempted murder of two of our officers," His voice carrying over the room like a thunder clap. Despite my dislike for the man, I had to give him his dues, he definitely knew how to gain everyone's attention.

"But...how?" he questioned, his eyes wide with fear.

"You're not the only one who had a backup plan. I sent for Erwin before I came to the Underground, requesting his help..." I muttered, crossing my arms over my chest as I glared at the fat pig.

...

I stood in front of Erwin, his face pulled down in a frown as I explained the details of the up coming rescue mission. His index finger stroking his lips as he hummed thoughtfully, the dull light only making his electrifying eyes glow more intensely.

"You know this Kenny will betray you once you enter the residence," he muttered, his eyes settling on the ground below.

"I know he will, but for now I am counting on it. It is the only way I can get to her and bring her home," I mumbled, handing him a slip of paper and a cream envelope, "That's the address for Gabriel's residence. No doubt once I am captured, they will move us above ground. You should be able to follow, then you will have your man."

"And the letter?" The blonde asked, his frown deepening when he saw the name penned on the front.

I sighed, bowing my head, "Only give it to her if something happens to me. If I have to, I will make sure she comes out of it alive. She is all I care about," I murmured, pain lancing through my heart, "I will sacrifice myself in order for her to live. Leave me there if need be, just get her out safely. Promise me that."

The tall blonde nodded, resting a large hand on my shoulder, squeezing it tightly before taking the letter and shooting up to the roof top where the rest of his regiment squad were lying in wait.

...

Lovof stood there shocked as he eyed me with a panicked expression. He took a step back from (F/N) as I glanced up at the blonde Section Commander. He nodded once, a malicious smirk etching on my lips as I cracked my knuckles and stalked over to the frightened pig. He backed away from me, nearly tripping over his feet as he tried to get away. (F/N) stood on shaky legs, her eyes meeting mine as she ran to Erwin's outstretched arms, burying her face into his chest as I stalked Lovof. That should be me holding her! But first I have to deal with this piece of scum! I thought as I stood in front of the pig.

"You are going to pay for everything!" I growled, throwing a punch into his meaty face. His nose cracking under my knuckles as he screamed, blood trickling out of his snout. He fell to the floor with a thud, sliding back on his arse as he tried to crawl away from me. I sighed, pacing up to him quickly, stopping him with a kick to the face. His whole face crumpled as my boot came into contact with his jaw, the crunch echoing off the walls.

"For sending Furlan and Isabel to their deaths!" I paused, launching my foot into his overstuffed gut, "For everything you put (F/N) through!" Another kick, his screams loud and pained, "You will get back!" I hissed, stamping down on his chest, saliva flying out of his mouth, "Tenfold!"

My voice dangerously low as my eyes sparked threateningly. I continued to deal deadly kicks to the man's abdomen, a purple bruise becoming evident through his sweat slick shirt. I heard a faint chuckle from the pig as he wiped his disgusting mouth along his sleeve, I had to be careful. I was dealing with a hog that was backed into a corner!

"Is that so?" he chuckled darkly as I threw another kick into his abdomen, hoping to silence the fucker. I sighed and crouched down to his level, grabbing him by the roots of his thin, greasy hair, "Yes it is, you worthless fucking pi..." I grimaced, my eyebrows scrunching up as I felt a sharp pain rip across my chest. I glanced down at a small handle of a knife protruding out in the middle of my chest, crimson blood soaking my pale shirt, I could already feel my breathing getting laboured. I dropped the man, a gasp tumbling out of my mouth as I fell to my knees next to him.

"LEVI!" Erwin shouted as Lovof stood, cackling and kicking me to the side. I rolled over, the knife sinking further into my flesh. I glanced over at Erwin, luckily he had (F/N) crushed against his chest so she didn't see what had happened, his eyebrows arched in shock, his mouth held agape. I winced as I rose up to my knees, glaring at the overstuffed pig. A clatter rang across the room as a pairing blade skidded across the marble, bumping me on the thigh as it came to a stop. I grasped the handle, turning to the cackling hog and sliced the blade upward, straight across his fat belly.

His laughter promptly stopped as he gazed down at his stomach, his eyes budging as he spewed up a fountain of blood. The man's overstuffed gut ripping open, his internal organs spilling out of the large gash, splattering on the white marble floor. I felt a few droplets of blood glide across my face as the heavyset man crashed to the floor, dead, blood pulsing out of the wound. The puddle grew, soaking into my sodden trousers. I glanced down at my own shirt, the front of it stained with my own blood. Oh shit! I winced as I pulled the blade out of my chest and dropping it onto the floor with a sharp clatter, placing my hand over the wound. Warm, sticky blood coating my fingers.

"Levi? Are you okay?" Erwin asked, stepping forward, a timid looking (F/N) by his side. His arm wrapped around her.

I turned to face them, my eyes flitting to her face. Even though it was bruised and swollen, she was still the most beautiful woman I had ever met. The way her (E/C) eyes gleamed, the way her (H/C) shined in the sunlight, her kisses, her touch. How she ignited feelings within me that I thought were long since dead. I wanted to remember all those times with her, her laugh, her smile. The way her hair fanned out when slept, the way she complained when it was cleaning duty, the way her voice would go low and sexy as she tried to seduce me. Everything about her, I crammed into my mind as I fell beside the dead pig, landing heavily on my back. All my muscles screamed at me as I tried to move, my legs falling from their arched position, my mouth slack as I tried to take in decent gulps of oxygen. My lungs burned, my heart raced, my eyes watered, my ears rang. I'm going to die... but it was okay, I saved her from her tormentors. She would live on with out me. Find herself someone new, get married, have children, grow old and then she would come up to join me, where I would be waiting for her.

A sob caught in my throat as I pictured her standing beside me, dressed in white, a smile on her peach-tinted lips as she said 'I do', pressing her soft lips to mine. A flash of light and she was standing beside me, her large abdomen protruding over her trousers as she brought my hand to her stomach, a small kick against my hand as I stared up at her in awe, another flash and I was throwing a little black haired girl with (E/C) eyes up into the air, her mother laughing beside me as I smiled down at my little family. A tear ran down my cheek as I realised this was something I would never be able to have with her.

(F/N)'s screams ripping through the air as I struggled to breathe, closing my eyes as the life I could have had flashed before me.

Reader's prov.

Lovof laid dead next to a dying Levi. I could barely see, however it was enough that I could see the crimson blood soaking through his shirt. I wrestled myself out of Erwin's hold and ran over to the stupid man. My heart dropping out of my chest, my legs a blur yet I still felt like I was moving too slow. How was I supposed to get to him, to save him if I couldn't even run fast enough! How could he do this? Stupid fucking idiot! I skidded to a halt next to Levi, crashing to my knees as I placed my hand onto his chest. His panicked steel blue eyes resting on mine as he clawed at his chest. His fingers brushing against his collar, he couldn't breathe...

I ripped his shirt open, his pale body stained with his blood as it continued to pulse out of the small wound. I shredded the shirt in half and pressed it against his chest, his eyes squeezing shut as he bit his lower lip in pain, a groan erupting from his throat.

"Stay with me Levi! You are going to be just fine!" I ordered, for the first time in what seemed like an age, my voice not quivering. I glanced at Erwin, who was ordering a frightened looking soldier to go and find Hanje and the medical squad who were stationed just outside.

Levi's hand grabbed mine tightly, a tear falling down his cheek from his scrunched up eyes, his long eyelashes fanning across his paling cheeks, "Keep your eyes open Levi! Look at me! Stay focused on me!" I ordered, tears springing to my swollen eyes as I pressed on the blood-soaked shirt. Fuck! It's not working! I panicked.

"(F...N)" Levi stuttered, his breathing accelerating as he squeezed my hand in a vice-like grip. I turned to him, my eyes meeting dulling steel blue eyes. He was fading, shit!

"HANJE! HURRY UP!" I shouted, tears falling down my cheeks as I turned my gaze back to him.

"There's... no point... brat..." Levi chided, coughing up blood, "I'm... so... sorry... I wasn't... quick enough."

I placed my hand against his cheek, stroking his cool, soft skin, "Shhh... don't talk. You will be okay," I whispered, my tears dripping onto the marble floor. The blood from his chest pooling on the ground, slowly growing in size. My mouth opened to say something but I couldn't bring myself to say it. I couldn't tell him what he wanted to hear. Because I wasn't ready to say goodbye. I refused to say goodbye, because he would be okay.

Levi coughed, his lips coated in crimson blood, his teeth stained with the blood flooding into his mouth, "I...love...you..." he murmured.

"NO! DON'T YOU DARE! YOU DO NOT GET TO DO THIS TO ME! YOU ARE NOT LEAVING ME HERE! YOU SAVED ME NOW LET ME SAVE YOU!" I shouted, thumping him on the shoulder, "YOU DO NOT GET TO LEAVE ME HERE! I LOVE YOU! DO YOU UNDERSTAND! I WILL GO TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH FOR YOU! BUT I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO DIE LIKE THIS YOU FUCKING SHORTARSE MORON!"

Levi sighed, chuckling despite the effort, "I...thought I... told... you not to... call me short!" he whispered, his lips turning blue as his eyes rolled back into his head.

"NO! LEVI!" I shouted, shaking his shoulders violently, his hand falling limp in my grasp, "NO! YOU FUCKING MIDGET! DON'T YOU DARE! YOU... YOU BASTARD..." I cried, pounding his chest as Hanje came crashing in with her supplies.

Her face fell as she glanced at the man in my arms. His face ashen, his whole body limp as I cradled him to my chest. My sobs wracking through my frail body violently as I placed my lips against his icy ones. They were no longer warm with life, only cold with death. His kiss no longer felt welcoming, his lips no longer moved against mine so passionately, and they never would again. A blood curdling sob escaped through my lips as I pressed my forehead into the crook of his neck, my eyes squeezed shut as the tears flowed freely, "I love you... I am so sorry Levi," I cried, running my fingers through his hair.

"(F/N) move!" Hanje ordered, trying to push me out of the way.

"NO!" I cried, holding Levi tighter to my chest, "I won't leave him!"

Hanje sighed, pushing me off him and laid her ear to his chest, "Right, Erwin you deal with her while I try and save humanity's strongest!"

Erwin nodded, dragging me kicking and screaming off Levi... wait... did she say she was going to save him? "How can you save him? He is dead!" I screamed, trying to wrestle my way out of his grip, "Erwin! Let me go!" I hollered, turning and slapping him straight across the face. He didn't even flinch as he continued to drag me away from the man that I loved.

"No he isn't. He is just unconscious from the blood loss, however if you don't let me work he will be very soon!" she informed as she called for her assistant who helped carry Levi out of the room. His hand falling down by his side, his fingers spread as if he were still holding my hand.

He's not dead... I thought, my eyes drying as I glanced at Erwin's ashen face, his eyes, for once, dull and lifeless as he stared after the soldiers carrying Levi away. I brought my head to his chest, releasing all of my pent up anger on him. Thumping my fists against his chest as he held me close, allowing me to release everything onto him. Please just let him live... I can't live without him... was the only thought going through my mind.