I-I-I-I-I need a minute, cold water to the face.

Darius Zacklay. She knew there weren't any fancy speeches that could sway his opinion. That opinion, that rested on the kid's detriment, or help to humankind. She sat in front of her top men, Nile directly to her left. Zoe reflected that Levi called him Nule. To his face, and behind his back, so he really covered all angles with that little insult.

She was going to let Nule handle it to a point, because his opinion was always the most widely shared, as a past and soon to be present, commander. And he was no doubt going to be backed by the Merchant Association, and possibly the Wall chauvinists. Both of these groups she had historically not gotten along with, more so with the wall people, because, possibly, the wall mounted cannons could've helped in Wall Maria's case. Her brother's, by association.

"So," Zoe said, as soon as her cup of tea was set in front of her, very obviously pushing it aside, and clunking a heavier cup on the table, making sure the men saw the alcohol, taking a good time to pour it before sighing heavy, and rolling her eyes. "what do the masses influence today?"

Nule gazed at her alcohol, not looking very amused, but it was his fault that he'd taken leave to care for his child. And here she was, usurping his position, as well as his alcohol. With a good amount of bravada. Though, technically, it was Pixis', having just caught him in their suddenly shared 'morning walk', telling him Nule's plan. She'd heard it the night before, just between the two of them, but now, it was time for the popularity contest to show again in his favor.

"Eren Yeager poses a serious threat to the-"

"Ahhhh, no; don't fuck with me, Nile, I know you can wheedle on about the king, but please. To the point." While her leadership skills had considerably increased, Zoe was still a woman, and her stature was nothing incredibly imposing. One of her previous captains had actually laughed, thinking that Nile Dok had brought a prostitute to the meeting room. Of course, this had been during her first year in any power position, and she'd still had, what LEvi called, her cutsie curls, as well as her dress being a bit tighter.

"Fine: The crackpots in the Scout Regiment," Nule's start was heralded by chuckles of agreement. "want him. And his powers pose a threat to the King, and residents inside Wall Sina."

"An uprising could be orchestrated," A captain said, leaning forward.

"Which, is why, we will kill him before that happens," Nule said.

"And if they do, by some miracle, win?" She asked.

mutters of dissent, and a couple hissed curses under their breath, rolled around

Nule's mouth gaped for an instant, then he let his hand fall, uncurling from a fist, speed broken so he wouldn't slam it to hard, "We have to keep an eye on him. That's what. And we'll win, of course we will."

A sergeant raised his hand for a brief second before saying, "Nile, you were with the REgiment before, yes? Doesn't Erwin have a good relationship with Zacklay?"

"Yes, but as you know, he takes facts, more than evaluating relationships."

"But at the worst," A different captain spoke. "if they have him, how will we keep up?"

Zoe sat forward, "I'll go with them. If they take Yeager. Report back every three days."

"And they'll agree to that?" Nile asked.

"I trained with Captain Levi for a good stretch of time. He'll agree. As well as Erwin, due to my benefit."

Nile grimaced, speaking quickly, "And if you die?"

"Nile, I didn't know you cared about me like that."

His look soured considerably, "Of course I don't want you to die, Roth, I do respect you to an extent."

"And I as well," she said, conceding with a tiny smile. "But, as we know, the Central Government has been sending some of us into Titan Territory. While not explaining this, it's provided me with practice, and I am fairly sure that Nathan, Jay, and I are the only ones who were top in our training class."

Nathan nodded, a smirk on his face, Jay's confidence hidden like hers was, at points. She actually had to display it now, so it was quite a feat. And Nathan was a borderline monster in the field, brutality unmatched, whether to soldiers who messed up, or Titans. Same with her, to a lesser extent, as she had been known to deliver stanch punishment to a subordinate who didn't follow command, followed out by Nathan. There wasn't supposed to be mistakes; they were elite, and if the day ever came to them facing Titans, a single mistake could cost all of them their lives.

"So; if the Scout REgiment succeeds, I will be there, if their failure results to lose control over everyone. And of course, Levi-"

"Rivaille?" Bernard sat up a bit straighter, the title used for respect, she was sure.

"Yes. Levi has given a suitable threat, and we all know about his skill level."

Murmurs of agreement flooded over the table. Even Nule nodded.

"But still, Nule-Nile," She waved her hand rapidly to brush away the mistake she made with Nile Dok, out of everyone, seeing Nathan's cheeks suddenly balloon and he fell forward, face red.

A good majority of the table was laughing as quietly as they could, but when Nathan broke, his loud laugh shuddering out, it shifted up another stage. Nule's gaze locked in one direction, waiting till the laughter was gone, though Nathan was wheezing, a hand over his stomach. The fairly large, handsome red-head waved his hand, hardly able to speak, tears streaming down his face, but a semblance of a sorry was managed.

"Anyways, Nile," she said, very careful with her pronunciation of his name, talking louder as Nathan gave a bark of laughter clapped his hand over his mouth to really shut himself up. "You'll give your statement, and if worst comes to worst…"

"Then you'll offer to go."

"Exactly."

"And command?"

"I suppose...I'll go back to being second." It was much better than being first. She couldn't handle the pressure, even if she'd only been at this for six months at the most. Fuck trying to get a handle on it, being proactive, some shit like that. She'd much rather be elsewhere.

Nathan kept pace to the side of her, "That was your plan from the start, wasn't it?"

"Are you referring to me not backing Nile's plan at all? And giving my support to the Scouts when Levi was finished beating the shit out of that kid."

"You know, Commander, you're a hell of alot craftier than people give you credit for."

"Thank you, Nathan."

He chuckled, hands behind his head, cracking a large smile. "A lot cuter as well, when you're not stiff as shit, at those meetings, yea, Zoe? Maybe you should stay, and we could go out for a drink, or something. I'm totally into your skill level, doesn't turn me off," he said, just as Levi turned the corner, obviously having heard it, leveling a cold look at Nathan. "You in for it?" Nathan was oblivious to it, as usual, his confidence lightyears ahead of hers.

And she didn't sleep with subordinates, although Nathan was, as the females said, a hot piece of ass. Also, an absolute bee when it came from bouncing from woman to woman. Along with the fact that this advance was another indicator that he didn't take her as seriously as she'd like. So.

"Oi, Zoe," Levi spoke, removing her from the awkward moment, just due to the fact she still could hardly operate when someone tried to do anything out of her job description. For example, drinking, food, or clothes; she couldn't operate around some people. "Just over here."

Zoe attempted to say something, but Levi's boot tapped once against the floor, and she looked away from Nathan, pointing over her shoulder at him. "I've gotta-. Go, over there, um-"

"What, no answer?" Nathan asked, smile still confident, and she wondered how he could do it.

"Captain," Levi's voice was harsher now. "Maybe you should consider how appropriate your conversation is with your Commander."

Nathan cut his eyes to Levi, smile dropping into a sneer. "Really? I don't think it's your business." Zoe knew how Nathan had boasted once, drunk, of course, that he could beat out Levi in the battlefield, and honestly, she didn't think that was correct. "Zoe, it's up to you, yea?" His smile was genuine, actually inviting, and she'd might have been swayed by it in any other condition, and if Levi hadn't invited her along with him.

Levi stepped up, ear right next to her head, his arm going around her waist once, then resting light on her lower back, pushing her away. Zoe risked a glance back, and his arm went around her waist again, but she still saw dumb amazement on Nathan's face. Especially when Levi leaned close, made to whisper in her ear, hand squeezing at her hip.

"You wanna fuck him, fine," he breathed. "but I'll be watching. And then I'll fuck you better than him, won't I?" As soon as he turned the corner, he practically spun her into the wall, a sharp little yelp falling from her lips, his head tipped down, the expression mirroring the earlier one, when he was kicking Eren. "Won't I?"

"Yes, Levi." She nodded, leaning up to him, but he twitched away. Zoe felt fairly injured. "What?"

"Come on."

He walked away, letting her follow him. Erwin was walking from the other direction, Hanji bolting ahead, almost hitting Levi. He jerked away, lip pulling up in a sneer, hissing something about shitty, and then a more audible 'four-eyes' as she got closer. His commander raised a brief hand in greeting, stopping to let her soldiers out, and they halted as well.

Levi gave them both a fairly annoyed glance, "Hurry up," he snapped, before walking into the room, heavy oak door slamming after him.

She resisted an eye roll, looking to the men, "Station 4 at either ends of this hallway, as well as increasing guard on the stairway. No one gets on this level without me knowing, are we clear? Consult with Nathan and Nile," one of the men gave a snort, the misnomer obviously broadcast in a wide radius, "if you need anymore instruction."

Sharp nods, and they jogged off. She opened the door, just as Levi sat, scaring the kid again. Mike stood by the window, heralding her appearance with a short nod, though Zoe was fairly sure he'd smelled her. Or whatever he did. It was all very murky, and she wasn't looking to probe deeper, amused by Levi's position on the couch, arm stretched out.

"So, Eren," Levi started, cutting his eyes to the kid, as Eren held his position, leaning away from him.

"Yes?" Eren stammered.

Levi tipped his head to him, asking, "Do you resent me?"

"No," his response was still stumbled over, Levi obviously inspiring a good amount of fear. "I realize it was all an act you had to put on."

"Good, then," Levi looked away, eyes closing, before he looked over to her, patting the space still left on the couch.

"You could've held back a bit," Hanji said, alcohol swab landing in a nearby bin, tugging something out to rest on her palm. "He lost a tooth. See?" The cloth was open now, a single, bloody tooth resting there.

"Don't pick it up," Levi's frown was back in place. "It's disgusting."

"This is a valuable sample."

"Eren, wasn't that preferable to getting dissected," He timed it perfectly, tugging her down to rest beside him, "by these guys?"

Zoe scoffed, "I vouched for you people."

"You people?" Levi looked at her, hand shifting off his lap, instead onto hers.

"I'm not like them," Hanji said, and Levi's attention was on her, frown unwavering as she leaned close. "I wouldn't kill Eren." Zoe picked her head up, frowning as Hanji definitely omitted the dissecting part. "Eren, let me see inside your mouth."

Eren took a beat, then leaned forward, opening his mouth for Hanji. The woman made a surprised noise. Zoe tipped forward, wondering what it was, and even Levi moved, though his treatment of Hanji was hardly kind. Especially when it came to his interest in her field studies.

"It's already growing back," She said, words slow, brows knitting up briefly.

"Well," Levi moved Eren's head so he could look himself. "you can go write a report about that."

Hanji started. "Ah! I actually do have-OH, I almost forgot, Commander Erwin, may I-" She was already backing towards the door, just as one of her squad members peeped in.

"Of course," Erwin said, raising a quick hand as a send off.

She was already gone, and Levi gave a short huff, eyes raising once to the ceiling, then back on Eren. "What position were you in, in your Cadet class?"

"Top Ten," Eren said.

"And you weren't going to join the Military Police?" Zoe said, expression twisting up, so she made sure it even looked like a joke.

Eren shook his head wildly, and Erwin laughed, Mike even turning around for that. Levi's hand shifted, sliding slow over her inner thigh, shaking his head. Erwin's chuckle was the last to remain.

"Thank you for your addition, as well, Commander Roth," Erwin gave her a nod. "Even for a low Scout Regiment Commander-"

"Really, Commander Smith? You're older than me, altogether a better Commander, strategies leagues ahead, and you've been serving for a longer time, so, please. I'm at this level because Nule-"

Levi twitched, hand tightening on her thigh, clearing his throat, whispered curses following it. Erwin looked confused, as well as Eren, and Mike's face was fairly pink, gazing out the window to avoid eye contact otherwise. She shook her head, waving her mistake away again, hating Levi for repeating it to this point, the shit head, she was going to be calling Nile that for the rest of time.

"I'm sorry," Levi said, as he sat still, face impassive again. "I just thought I'd never hear you say it."

"Yes, well, it came up during a meeting."

Levi's eyes were wide, and he stared forward, drumming his fingers on his leg as he fought a smirk. Erwin tapped his watch, nodding towards Mike, then Eren. The tall man walked fast, waving his hands to get Eren up.

"Where-?" Eren tried.

"Rest, and then, tomorrow, you'll be leaving with Squad Levi. Sorry for it being so sudden, I lost track of time." Erwin's smile was short. "And the Military Police are-" he was cut off as Nathan bulldozed his way in, Nile at his side. Levi looked away from them, shoulders shaking for a moment, and Nile didn't seem happy to be in the room with Erwin and Levi, Mike blocking him from being too rough with Eren.

As soon as the door was closed, Levi turned to her, "You did?" he whispered. "How did he look?"

Zoe bit her lip, then responded, "Fairly let down."

"Fucking amazing, Zoe. Perfect, yea?"

"Oh," she flushed, looking around, happy that only Erwin was there, knew that was the reason Levi's mouth was taking another direction.

Erwin waved his hand, smile large. "He's usually lulled by time spent with you, so. Not very different."

"Hey." Levi's expression fell, and he narrowed his eyes. "Erwin, I thought we had an agreement."

"Oh, has he?" Zoe said, knowing Levi was a stretch more comfortable with Erwin than anyone, so there had to be good stories somewhere.

The tall Commander seemed to be in a good mood, though his calm demeanor usually translated in two ways. He pulled up a chair, and Levi narrowed his eyes further, till he peered out between a small slit. Still, Erwin situated himself, not perturbed in the slightest by Levi's gaze, brushing himself off, in a way that amused her, a bit odd, which didn't sway her attitude, as all this realization was doing was confirming rumors. Rumors being that Erwin was a strange guy.

"Well, let's see. While he might think he conceals emotion well, I fully notice his mood changes after we've been in Wall Sina. His cleaning criticism is a touch less harsh, and when I say a touch less, I mean he doesn't make new recruits piss themselves."

Levi rolled his eyes up and away, pressed close still. Erwin recounted a stint, over 3 solid months in Wall Sina (a good time after Wall Maria's destruction), where most of her time was spent in his room. She remembered him actually outsing a, then fellow, squad mate out of the house shared, just due to the amount of noise he was forcing out of her. The last straw had been when the woman caught them on the couch, though it was more of her aversion to Levi's refusal for any modesty.

Erwin counted the number of months they'd been in Wall Sina, totaling it to three years, just barely. Levi was still glaring at him, but it was lessening, his body relaxing into hers, a sharp smile touching his lips when Erwin mentioned something, conversation dwindling to outright lewd, Levi's mouth as filthy as usual . The Commander asked them when it'd all began, after sitting through another shit joke, because even he hadn't been able to wring it out of Levi. Which was amazing, because Erwin knew more about him than she did, a result of 6 years at each other's sides.

Levi shrugged, receding back into silence, hand tensing on her leg. His foot moved, slow, measured, like a cat's tail.

"What?" Zoe asked. "Why are you clamming up?"

"Nothing," Levi stood. "Zoe, let's go, yea?" His eyes flicked to Erwin. "I suppose the full details will be given at a point."

Erwin gave a nod.

"Watch your constipation, Erwin," Levi said, walked, opening the door for her, and Zoe turned as soon as he closed it, putting herself in his way. He avoided her eyes, trying to step around her, but Zoe shifted, hand still stationed over his abdomen, keeping him in front of her. Finally, he halted his efforts, head bowing, one of his hands closing around hers, meeting her eyes.

"I just; I was pretty awful to you. Shit, all the stuff I said; Only excuse I have is that, maybe, I was growing up. And all that-," he murmured, almost flinching. "And, Zoe, I'm no good, just in general. I'll be away, and you'll be…. Someone else would be better."

"And who's that?" She asked, eyebrows raising.

"I dunno, the redhead," he rolled his eyes as he said it, "fuck, I don't know, you're supposed to figure this out yourself."

"No, I mean," she took a large breath, realizing she'd never said 'I love you' to his face, just thought it so much that it'd been commonplace. "despite all the shit that you do, if I had the choice, when I'm alone, I'd rather be with you, I suppose." She fidgeted, wondering why it was harder for her to say it, hoping she wasn't red, twisting her fingers in a old habit she thought she'd shirked, along with the panic attacks. "So. Yea." Her eyes wavered from his.

Her heart gave a jump, and she wondered where he'd been after her brother had gone out to die. Wished he had stayed with her, held her through everything, but Levi didn't like doing that, or having that done to him. He was a firm believer in sticking it out, carrying the load by himself, be strong for everyone who couldn't, which was a huge contrast to the attitude he'd had 6 years had concerned himself only with Isabel and Farlan. And she didn't know what happened to them, veering from the worst case.

Levi's fingers drew soft up her arm, and she looked up to him.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Levi, how many people have you heard say they'd willingly spend more time with you after 3 years?"

"Erwin. Sometimes Mike, Hanji, but I don't want to spend anytime with four-eyes. And then, in the underground-yea."

"Well, I suppose you can add me to that list."

"I don't have one."

"...And there's the reason why. It's a saying."

"I know, I just want to annoy you."

Whatcha mean, I ain't romantic? I bought you flowers, so what they plastic? We could fuck for hours, so what I'm nasty?