- If you hate me. I understand. Idk the definition of update sometimes. I'm really sorry but I made this chapter a bit longer then usual. It's technically two chapters in one. If you wanna know what Soul looks like, it's the cover of the story. If it's TOO lengthy let me know, got any concerns, let me know. uhmmm. yeah. Guess I won't waste your time anymore here. I don't own AOT. And btw, I don't use anything from the manga really. I don't want to spoil it so most of the things occurring are my made up things. Actually all of it is, in case that wasn't clear. P.S to those who watch FMA *hint hint*

Don't worry this will all make sense after you read.

I don't own the photo of Soul either. Oh and listen to sad anime music while you read. That's what I do when I write.

Eren gives Soul to Mikasa to handle the bathing problem. Although cruelly put, Levi was not wrong about her needing a bath. Armin and Eren go out to get her something to wear.

"I thought he'd be much more angry then that." Armin sighs.

Eren simply walks with his arms behind his head as he looks into the clear sky. "Maybe you buttered him up."

Armin's eyes widen. "M-me?! But I didn't do anything."

"You weren't against it and that might be enough."

The two get to a more active market with stands selling food. They walk over to the one that is selling clothing. "What do you have for little girls about yay high?" The man looks at Eren's hand as he holds it in the air and then looks at Armin and raises an eyebrow. Immediately they become confused and worried by the old man's thoughts. He bends down under the stand and pulls out a purple dress. It's clearly too big for her.

"What about boy clothes?" Armin asks.

The man exhales brashly before putting away the dress and digging a bit more for another outfit. He eventually pulls out a button down shirt with a pair of worn out pants and suspenders. The size appears right. Eren grabs them and nods. "We'll take them."

The seller rips the clothes away from Eren and furrows his eyebrows. "Aren't you forgetting something buddy?"

"What?"

"My payment."

Armin raises an eyebrow. "What payment?"

"Does the Scouting Legion live under a rock or something. It's called equivalent trade. The science of understanding, controlling , and collaborating goods. However, it is not a fool proof art; it is impossible to get something with nothing. If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is the Law of Equivalent Trade, the basis of all markets. In accordance with this law, there is a taboo among merchants: human trafficking is strictly forbidden - for what could equal the value of a human soul...?"

Armin and Eren remain in their spots, trying to connect the dots. It isn't long before Eren simply gives up. "What the hell are you talking about?!" He then turns to Armin. "What are we doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"This isn't our place. We don't belong in this world trying to get through markets. We belong outside of the walls, killing titans so girl's like Soul never have to experience anything like Shiganshina ever again." He turns and looks at the clerk. "Fuck you and your equivalent exchange!" That being said, he storms off and Armin follows.

"It's called equivalent trade!" The merchant shouts behind them. "Hmmm... Equivalent exchange. I kinda like that. It rolls off the tongue..."

Armin strides behind what appears to be an angry Eren. "B-but... the clothes."

"Screw the clothes."

_back at the house_

Mikasa sits on the couch with Soul wrapped in a towel. She is giving Eren and Armin a blank glare. "So why don't you have the clothes?"

Eren's frustration had suddenly disappeared after seeing how dissatisfied Mikasa looked. "Well... you see. I couldn't stand being out there. I feel useless."

"You had one job."

"But my job should be protecting..."

"You don't feel useless." Levi's voice suddenly enters the room. He has descended the stairs and is approaching the scene. "You got comfortable. It was your first time interacting with the district locals within the wall. You don't like the idea of comfort because you know it's false. Whoever thinks the security or even life here is real, they are damn morons. But some times certain things need to go before titans. Like eating or clothes on a naked 4 year old."

"I'm 9!"

"Shut up. I bet you'd be so focused on killing titans you would go without eating."

Eren looks at the ground awkwardly. "Well... I would probably eat."

"My point. So go out there and get it something to wear."

Armin steps in. "But we don't have anything to give."

Levi nods. "Ahh... The Law of Equivalent Trade."

Armin gasps and he and Eren share glances before whispering, "he knows it."

This causes Levi to sigh in annoyance. He walks over to the wall and grabs a scouting regiment cloak that is on a hook. He throws it over the little girl and wraps her in it. "Ok listen here brat. Walk next to me. You walk to slow, I'm kicking you. got it." She nods frantically and stands next to him.

Mikasa stands up. "Levi what are you..."

"Eren come with me." That being said he walks out of the door, Soul on him like a shadow. Eren follows quickly behind him. Mikasa and Armin only send each other curious looks. Eren walks behind the two. Levi walks with a purpose while Soul shuffles next to him... barefoot with the wings of freedom flowing on her back. Without warning Eren scoops her up in his arms and carries her next to Levi.

"So where are we going?"

"A location."

Eren narrows his eyes at the vague answer but doesn't push for details. They are taken to a house closer to the wall. Levi knocks on the door three times. It opens revealing an old lady. She is wearing a white dress and her grey hair is tied into a tight bun. She smiles brightly when seeing Levi. Don't let the age fool you. She is clearly up there in years but is standing as straight and strong as the next 20 year old woman. "It's good to see you. I didn't expect you'd be back this soon." Her eyes are blue and her smile is blinding with one silver tooth. She has sky blue eyes and catches sight of Eren holding Soul. Her expression is inexplicable. Part of her is worried while the other half is excited.

The four end up inside of the house, sitting down. Levi leans against the wall and stares out of the window at the sky. "So Eren, it is?" Eren nods. "I'm Ava. I didn't even know Levi had friends. He never brings anyone around to meet me."

"They're not my friends now can you get the clothes please."

It's the first time Eren has ever heard Levi use the word please. Ava laughs and walks over to a basket under the window. "So what's your relationship with Levi?" Eren asks. Eren stares at Ava's back because he knows Levi is giving him the 'I will kill you' look.

"The two of us lived in the underground city. He was such a little boy back then or more like a little trouble maker."

Levi rolls his eyes. "Like you're one to talk old lady."

"I guess you're right. You couldn't be a pansy living down there, that's for sure. I had to teach him to man up. After a few solid lessons, he knew his way around."

"Not that I needed them..."

"You know damn well you needed them. Now go around that hill and get me some water." A bucket is suddenly tossed in his direction and he catches it just in the knic of time.

"Eren go get some water from the well."

"No." Ava states plainly. Although she doesn't yell, the authority is in her voice. "I told you to get it. He is our guest." Without further debate, Levi walks out of the door, but he makes sure to give Eren a death glare before exiting. Eren fearfully gulps down the thought of what Levi will do to him later. "Come here darling." Soul runs over to Ava. "What's your name?"

"I'm Soleanna."

"That's very pretty. Lets try these clothes on you." Ava strips Soul of the cloak and towel. Eren awkwardly averts his eyes to a stain on the wall. "He came by here once already today, you know."

Eren's eyes widen at this statement. "Really?"

"He doesn't tell anyone about me. He normally sneaks in visits when he has time, but keeps me seperate from his work. That's why I was so surprised when I saw you."

"Why'd he come by earlier?"

"He talks to me when he feels bothered, but there was a sudden gap in his visits recently. I thought maybe things were going better for him. Helping him was easier when he was a kid though."

Eren considers this, but doesn't speak his thoughts. "Thank you for helping us."

"It's a pleasure for such a close friend of Levi's. He's talked about you. He doesn't even realize it half the time. When he's not trying to, he does. I'm really glad I finally got to meet you." Eren looks up at her and she is spinning Soul around and tying her long hair into pigtails with a white ribbon. Soul is now fully dressed in a brown shirt with well fitting shoes. As a finishing touch to her outfit she throws the forest green cloak over Soul's shoulders. "Today he told me that he's risked his life for you and things like that. He's such a confused child."

"He... told you that today?" Now Eren is really suspicious. Levi's memory is gone. It's not impossible that he knows about Ava but she couldn't have been living in this house before Annie attacked. And today he mentioned something that he did just as he confessed his love... His memory can't be... But why would he lie?

The front door opens and Levi walks in with the full bucket of water. He places it next to a bed and walks behind Eren's chair and leans against the wall. Ava lets go of Soul. "OK. All done."

Soul turns around and smiles. "Thank you." She then runs back to Eren and sits on his lap. Levi steps up slightly to study Soul's appearance. His face contorts when he sees a strand of hair way out of place. He licks his finger and attempts to smooth it down.

Ava's eyes widen at the sight. Sunlight shines just through the window onto the small group. Soul's face is crinkled with a smile as Levi slicks down her brown hair with his thumb. Eren is grinning at Soul while she sits in his lap and all three sport the wings of freedom. It's the first time Ava has seen Levi willingly with smiling people since Farlan and Isabel. They're like a family. Her insides become light with joy and her eyes tear up.

Eren looks at her when he hears a sniffle and immediately becomes worried. He puts Soul down and rushes to her. "What's wrong?"

"Oh its nothing," she smiles, sniffing and wiping away her tears.

Although Eren never turns around, he can hear Levi's footsteps on the floor behind him. "She's just softhearted. It's not everyday she has company. One way or another that's not our problem. We need to get back."

Eren looks at him this time and nods. "Thank you again for your help."

"I'm always here if you need me. Or just want to talk."

"Thank you Ms. Ava."

"Call me Mama-Ava."

"Ok... Mama-Ava," Eren says awkwardly. Levi walks out of the door first, followed by Soul. Just as Eren is about to make his way out, Ava grabs him. She shoves an extra set of clothes into his arms for Soul.

"Please take care of Levi. He needs you by his side. Promise you won't let him fight this battle alone. You're all he's got left."

He looks into her deeps blue eyes. "I promise. Besides he's got you to." Her smile disappears quickly but he doesn't notice and jogs away to catch up with the other two. Ava knows that Levi has never brought anyone to see her for her own protection and now that he has, her life will forever be at risk. This, he himself was already fully aware of. That is why Ava knows how important Eren is to him. He took a risk, that not even with Petra had he bothered taking. The child was only an excuse. He could have gotten clothes from anywhere else.

Ava smiles and tries to get one more look in the distance despite them being long gone before closing her door.

Soul skips in front of the two. Eren looks at Levi. "She's really nice. Thank you for taking us there."

Levi goes around this statement completely. "We're leaving early tomorrow so get some sleep."

"To clear out Trost?... Again."

"Yes. I highly doubt there's anything over there but the reports are clear."

"I want to go!" Soul spins around. She looks hopefully at Eren. "Can I come."

Before Eren can even answer, Levi speaks. "No! You'll just be in the way. You're too young."

"But I want to kill titans to. Those monsters killed my family."

"I already have one suicidal idiot on this team. I don't need another. You're not going. End of discussion."

She pouts angrily and turns around. Eren feels sorry for her, but she really needs to wait until she is the appropriate age to start training. They get back to the house and Erwin is sitting at the table with Jean while sipping from a cup. He looks over at them and smiles. "Welcome back. Where'd you guys go?"

"To the market to get the brat some clothes," Levi growls.

"Right," Erwin nods. "The kid. Come here." He smiles at Soul and she feels more comfortable walking towards him. "What's your name little girl."

"I'm Soleanna."

"Well aren't you adorable. She has your eyes Levi.

"Shut the hell up."

Eren tries to hide his embarrassment after realizing what Erwin is referring to especially since her eyes look nothing like Levi's. There is a crash behind him and he turns to see Hange run into the house. "Hi everyone!"

She sends Eren a daring glare and throws her arm over his shoulder. "You up for another go?" Her eyes suddenly travel to Levi. His glare is expressionless but deadly. "Um... we'll talk later. So who's ready for tomorrow. It's be a while since we've been in the field."

"I'm ready!" Jean stands up. "I hate being here. It's boring and pointless."

Eren grunts. "Never thought I'd hear you say that."

"I just need a good night's sleep." He continues. "Where is Mikasa by the way?"

"She went down to the prison with Armin to talk to Ymir. They think if there's anything happening in Trost, she would know."

Jean stands up and stretches. "Well that settles it. I'm going to sleep."

"Like hell you are," Levi hisses.

"What?"

"Who ever is in this house, get down stairs now." Although he barely yells, a ruckus is heard coming down the stairs. Connie and Sasha fall atop one another.

"I made it first!"

"No you didn't, I did!"

"As if, potato girl."

"Hush it, shaved head."

"What kind of name is that?"

Levi closes his eye impatiently. "Shut up." All noise is immediately halted. "No one is sleeping until this house is clean. There is dust floating through the air. I can taste it."

"How can...?"

"Shhhhh," Sasha shushes Jean's dumb statement and Levi continues.

"If I see anyone not working, you're sleeping outside." He looks down at Soul. "That includes you." She takes a step back but attempts not to show fear towards him. "I'm not going to assign any tasks because this place is so filthy I shouldn't need to."

"How's that memory coming along?" Hange randomly asks.

"What memory." That being said, he walks away from the others and up the stairs.

"Don't worry cap. We'll have that medicine for you in no time." She then puts a hand on Eren's shoulder. "How about you sport? How are you holding up in terms of his memory loss."

"I'm making what I can out of it I guess, but the sooner we can get that herb the better."

"I'd say you need to wait a while. In terms of priority that is very last on the list unfortunately." Hange sees the sad look on Eren's face and attempts to change the subject. "We should get started."

Eren nods and grabs the broom. Connie and Sasha are fighting over the mop. Soul has a sponge and is scrubbing everything but the ceiling. She really wants to gain Levi's affection but it seems Eren was right. He really doesn't like anyone. Despite that, he doesn't appear to be a bad person. Eventually, Soul makes her way up the stairs and by this time she is sweating. She wipes away the sweat and works her way into a room, scrubbing the walls and the floors. After about 5 minutes she makes it half way around.

"What are you doing in here?"

She turns around to see Levi standing in the door way. His appearance has slightly changed. He is wearing a scarf on his head, a scarf around his neck, and white gloves. In his right hand is a spray bottles and in the other is a cloth. He has somehow lost a bit of influence in her eyes with this attire. "What does it look like I'm doing?"

He doesn't answer. He simply walks further into the room and runs a finger down the wall. She watches him intently as he studies the contents of the wall. He then closes his eyes. "Not bad."

Her insides warm up and she goes back to scrubbing. "Growing up in the underground city must have been tough."

"No."

She tries her best not to let her annoyance show on the surface. Soul gets to her feet and drops the sponge. "Please teach me how to be stronger. Teach me how to defend myself. I'm sick and tired of needing to be protected and taken in by everyone. For fucks sake, I turn 10 in a few weeks."

"Watch your mouth." The two are silent at this statement. The orange glow of the sunset shines in the room between them.

She looks at the ground and pouts, her two pigtails dangling. "I want to stand on my own two feet."

"You are."

"I mean on my own!" She starts to raise her voice.

Levi throws a knife on the wooden floor with a clatter. She jumps back in surprise and looks up at him. "True strength is having the pride to accept the help from those who offer it. It has nothing to do with being on your own and if you think it does, you're already digging your own grave."

She bends down and picks up the weapon. It has a wooden cover over it. "W-what's this for?"

"Use it. Practice. I can't make you stronger. Only you can do that. You can do it heartlessly, like me. You can do it stupidly like Connie. Recklessly like Jean. Or you can be like Eren and..." Levi pauses for thought. "No. Never mind. Don't do anything like that moron."

She unsheathes the knife and sees engraving in a language she doesn't understand. Without noticing, there is a tear running down her face. Levi turns around and walks to the door. Before leaving he says, "I chopped a man's penis off with that by the way."

Although she wants to be horrified by this, Soul can only giggle and Levi leaves her.

Levi walks back down the stairs and sees Eren sitting at the table drinking something. "I see you're taking a break."

At the sound of Levi's voice, Eren leaps a few feet into the air, startled. "No. I just. Uhm..."

"What are you drinking and why?"

"Hange offered me some tea to drink so I took it because I'm pretty parched."

Levi raises an eyebrow. "Where the hell did she get something to trade tea. We can barely afford water. Are you..." Something leaps in his head and he smacks the cup out of Eren's hand and onto the floor. It smashes with a crash spreading tea everywhere. Levi grabs his shoulders and looks into Eren's eyes calmly. "How do you feel?"

Eren's eyes are wide. "Uhm... awkward."

The front door opens and Hange steps a foot in. When she sees Levi's eyes on her like daggers she quickly turns around and dashes out of the house. Levi shakes his head and sighs. "Why are you such a fucking idiot, Eren."

"I didn't know that..." His speech is halted when Levi places his hand on the back of Eren's head. His breath is caught in his throat as he looks at Levi's face. The captain's eyes are looking straight ahead into Eren. "Uh..m..L-Levi."

The shorter male turns on his heels. "Take a shower. You are done for the night. There's no saying what the effects are from whatever it is that Hange gave you." Levi walks across the room and Jean walks in. "Horse, clean that mess on the kitchen floor." He is somewhat shocked by the sudden statement and Levi walls out of the door.

Eren can only look at him as he leaves. He slowly walks up the stairs trapped in his thoughts. It'd be great if Levi's memories came back but winning is love all over again seems like it can also work. Eren gets into his room and shuts the door. The air has started to become a bit more chilly lately. The sky outside is dimming now. He'd been cleaning for at least 2 hours. Mikasa and Armin never returned and Eren assumes everyone else managed to escape the house alive for the time being. He grabs his towel and walks to the bathroom.

He is in the shower for at least 45 minutes but really only spent 10 minutes of that actually washing. The rest of the time a compilation of his thoughts in his head. He exits the bathroom with only a towel around his waist. On the way out he runs into the Mikasa. She has a towel in her arms and the two stare at each other in silence for a few seconds.

"So how did the talk with Ymir go?"

Mikasa looks off to the side, extremely annoyed. "She claims she doesn't know anything and thinks her case should be justified simply because Reiner attacked her."

"Can't believe that muscled shit is still alive," Eren grunts

"Berthold as well. Colossal and Armored titan."

"Tomorrow will be dangerous. Where is Soul?"

"In my room sleeping on the floor. Get this, when I found her, she was in the back swinging a knife."

"What? Where did she get that?"

"She says Levi gave it to her and wouldn't let me take it away."

"Wouldn't let you?" Eren knows well enough that if Mikasa really wanted the weapon from the girl, she'd been able to get it away from her herself.

"Ok, I didn't bother. I figured he gave it to her for a reason and maybe it's a good thing. Maybe she needs it for security."

Eren nods. "I get what you mean." He walks past her. "Get a good sleep tonight."

"You too."

He dresses himself and lays in his bed starring at the ceiling. He tries his best to recover everything that happened today. Ava is such a nice old lady and she has Levi in check. Levi likes people like that. That's most likely why he kept her around. Eren yawns and rolls over, dozing off fairly quickly.

Eren is waken well before the sun rises by Mikasa. He gets dressed in his gear. There is a ruckus outside and he peeks out of the window to see Erwin next to a carriage. There are four men loading things onto it. Eren looks up into the sky and the crescent moon illuminates the navy blue. When he has fully prepared, he makes his way down stairs. Connie, Jean, Hange, Armin, and Mikasa are in main room standing around. Sasha is still half asleep and leaning on Connie's shoulder.

Eren walks over to Mikasa. "Sleep ok?"

She nods. "Could have been worse I guess."

"What about Soul. Where is she?"

"Still asleep. She was pretty much out after practicing and exerting so much energy last night."

"You think she'll be ok here alone?"

"There's food in the cabinets and we shouldn't be gone all day. Beside, she's used to be alone and on the streets. She'll be fine."

After a few minutes, the group goes outside and equips their 3DMG. There are 10 horse waiting to be mounted. Horses now a days are quite disposable for the Scouting Legion being that they've been so easy to breed lately.

An hour passes and the sky is a much lighter blue as the sun rises.

Erwin sighs brashly. "Where is he? Not once has he ever been late."

Eren is somewhat worried as everyone else is. They were scheduled to depart almost an hour ago but there hasn't been any trace of Levi all morning. Everyone checked a different location already and were not able to find him. "Where might he be?"

"I don't know. He normally goes off on his own before we got outside the walls but he is always back with questions needing to be asked. I did ask him once but he didn't tell me."

This causes Eren's eyes to widen and he makes a mad dash to the East. By the time he reaches his destination closer to the wall he is out of breath. This eyes focus on what he was initially looking for, Ava's house, and what he sees makes him throw his hands over his mouth with a gasp. Levi is on one knee, saluting in front of a pile of ashes that was once Ava's home.

Eren takes more steps closer to him. Levi is aware of Eren's presence but doesn't care enough to turn. Eren drops sorrowfully to both knees and looks at Levi. The lance's face is as expressionless and focused as ever. He doesn't shift in the slightest, looking into the smoldering ashes. "Who... who did this? Why!"

He remembers Ava's words. "Please take care of Levi. He needs you by his side. Promise you won't let him fight this battle alone. You're all he's got left." Eren's eyes tear up and he whispers, "she knew..." She knew someone was coming after her. Taking another look at Levi Eren is unable to hold it in and starts to cry. He punches the ground and the tears drip onto his hand. He feels a gentle hand on the back of his head. Eren turns slightly and sees a slight shadow covering Levi's eyes as he too looks down now.

"You don't need to be strong for me so stop crying." He stands up. "Thank you for coming to get me. There's no saying how long I would've been blinded."

"Levi," Eren stands up over him. "You're not blinded. You can cry..."

Levi turns swiftly, the wind blowing his hair to the side. "There's no point in spilling tears. She wouldn't have wanted that. After this occasion I'm spilling blood." He walks away and Eren can see the sparkle of a single tear.

Swiftly they walk back to the house.

Erwin leaps when seeing Levi and walks right past him to Eren. "Where'd you find him?"

Eren doesn't have the voice to speak and he ignores the question. Levi hops on a horse. "Screw the details. We've lost time and need to head out now. Everyone mount up." The order is taken as if he'd never been away. With the usual process, the horses are led out of the gates and into Trost.

When they come to the planned point, everyone leaps off of their horses.

"Alright. We're going to go by the plans discussed yesterday. Eren, Mikasa, Armin, since you guys missed the meeting you can... Armin, is something wrong?"

Everyone looks at him and sees that his eyebrows are contorted. "Yeah...I just thought I saw a box move." He points to a lone box on the carriage. There is no movement now but everyone is somewhat suspicious by his speculation. He's the smart one. They all look at the crate curiously. Levi hops onto the carriage and surprises everyone. With one swing, he kicks the box onto the ground. It falls the few feet and smashes into pieces only to reveal a little girl.

"Soul!" Mikasa yells.

"What are you doing here?" Eren shouts angrily.

She is clearly somewhat sore from the kick and drop but still gets to her feet. "I told you I wanted to come."

Levi bends down. "You wanted to come because you want to kill titans, right? Well how will you do that with no gear, no weapon, and no experience. If anything you have put your life and the life of everyone else in more danger. You're completely useless and It's like giving the titans a free meal."

Mikasa steps up. "Levi..."

"So now you're going to do whatever I say. If you see a titan you run. Run into a building, not straight. If there are no titans you keep your ass in one spot where someone can see you. There's no way we can take you back right now because those gates have a specific time they will open again and that time, isn't now. Got it?"

"Y-yes." There are tears streaming down her face and Levi stands and turns around. Eren can tell that he is extra on edge after what's happened.

"Ackerman, keep an eye on your brat. Green squad, take the east. Red squad, go west. Blue hit the middle. I will assist all three. Scan the district and kill titans. If Reiner or the tall one is spotted shoot off a red flare and engage. Remember, you're not fighting for your survival, but for the survival of humanity. Your own life is the last you should be worried about."

Everyone salutes to him, even Erwin. "Yes Captain." And take off with their orders.

The only ones left are Armin, Eren, and Mikasa. "You three, take care of her and try to figure out a way to get her back over the wall."

He takes off at that statement.

Mikasa furrows her eyebrows. "What the hell is his problem?"

Armin shrugs. "Well she did sneak in soooo, that could be it."

Eren bends down on one knee and looks at Soul in her eyes. "Of all days. Of all times. Why did you have to pull a stunt like this. You've been with us for a day. He doesn't even really want you here. Just please try to be on your best behavior, then maybe we can keep you."

She looks at the ground, eyes red. "I'm sorry."

Mikasa walks over to her with 3DMG. "No point in apologizing now." She secures the multiple straps on Soul as well as she can. Luckily she is wearing the pants and not the skirt this time.

"You're not going to try and get her to use that are you?"

"What's the harm? In a really bad situation this can be a last resort."

"Or you can not put it on her so she can just run faster."

"Shut up, Eren."

He doesn't debate with her because there is no such thing as winning an argument with Mikasa.

There is a loud crash and all four of them look around.

"Where?" Armin says.

"I don't know. I can't tell which direction it came from."

Eren looks at Soul, but she is no longer teary eyed, nor does she appear to be the slightest bit scared. She actually looks angry. "Damn titans."

There are fast footsteps heard through the air. "Which way?!"

As soon as Armin yells this there is an explosion right in front of them. The horses on the carriage go wild and scramble dangerously. A titan has kicked the slide of a building clean off while running. The group are given on a split second to defend from the 15 meter deviant after managing to dodge flying boulders. It smells them and runs their way. Mikasa grabs onto Soul and screams, "EREN!"

Not having time to hesitate, Eren bites his thumb, drawing blood and changes into a titan. He grabs the titan by its head and tosses it through 5 buildings with a monsterish roar, the head still in his hand. He flings the disembodied head to the side and turns around, looking down at his friends and an extremely terrified Soul. The sound of 3DMG is heard and Levi is on Eren's shoulder.

"Isn't it a bit early for you to change, big guy."

Soul stumbles back, tears in her eyes. "H-he's a titan. He's one of those monsters." She turns to Mikasa. "Why are you idiots just standing there! Kill it!"

Mikasa tries to calm her. "Soul, listen. He's one of us." She reaches out her hand and Soul takes out her knife, slicing through Mikasa's hand. She flinches back.

"Get away from me. How could you people? You're from Shiganshina like me! They killed our... Or was that a lie and the scouting legion is in some type of conspiracy involving titans." Eren steps forward. "Stay away!" Soul takes off running. Mikasa stands, ready to take off after her but the hook from a 3DMG slams into the ground in front of her. Levi swings down.

"Let the brat go."

"But!"

"You're injured. The titans can smell you now better then ever. Going after her is a pointless death wish."

"But we can't.."

"She doesn't trust us. There isn't enough time to get her to trust us. She wouldn't go back with us and with the amount of time i'm explaining things to you, we'd have to look for her. There's just no time! Now listen to me." Suddenly there is a lot of steam surrounding them. They look to their left and see Eren is unconscious on the ground. Levi sighs, "and there he goes." He takes out a black flare and fires it into the sky.

Armin looks up at it. "Retreat?"

Levi looks at Mikasa. "Do you think you can make it over the wall with that injury?"

She nods, not even looking down at all of the blood gushing from her hand. The more time passes, the messier it gets.

"Ok, good. Tell the others the clearing attempt was a failure. Meet again later to re-plan."

"What about Soul?"

"What about her?" He walks over to Eren and scoops him up in his arms. He begins to slowly walk towards the wall. "She won't last two hours outside the walls so just forget about her."

Mikasa glares at his back. "That's something you're used to, isn't it?"

For a second she sees him falter and stop walking but he starts up immediately again. Some part of her wishes she could hear his thoughts right now while the other half is glad she can't.

He shifts in the bed and eventually sits up. The room is dark and cold. He looks around and sees Levi asleep in a chair. 'Has he been there all day? How long have I been out? Thanks a lot Hange for drugs that make me crash like that.' Eren gets out of the bed and lifts Levi, putting him in the bed instead. His face is pale and his entire body is freezing. Eren walks into the hall and down the steps. He enters the kitchen where Jean and Mikasa are sitting.

"Oh..." He doesn't really know what to say to them.

"Well I'm going to sleep. Night," Jean yawns.

"Night," Mikasa returns. He walks up the stairs.

Eren takes a seat. "Why are you still awake?"

"Can't really sleep." She looks down at her bandaged hand. "It hurts and the doctor is out of medication. She cut pretty deep."

"Can you move it?"

"Not my thumb right now."

"Where is she?"

Mikasa looks down and shakes her head, unable to answer him.

His eyes widen. "You guys left her."

"Levi wouldn't allow it and it's not like he wasn't right. Going after her was a death wish."

Eren doesn't speak. He knows she is making up excuses so she doesn't feel like she did the wrong thing. She wouldn't even wish death by a titan on her worst enemies. He gently places his hand on top of hers. "I hope that you can sleep better. I'm going to go back up."

Eren makes his way back up the steps. As he is about to go back in his room Levi is walking out. The two both stop and look at one another. The gaze only lasts a few seconds before Levi starts walking again. Eren grabs his wrist. "What."

Eren pushes him back into the room and closes the door by pinning him against it. "It wasn't your fault."

"Get the hell off of..." Eren halts his speech when he puts both hands on Levi's face and pulls his head up into a kiss.

Eren repeats it, tears forming in his eyes. "It wasn't your fault."

"What."

Eren kisses him again. "All of it. You're doing what you need to as a leader so stop beating yourself up. None of it is your fault."

Levi pushes him off angrily. "Than whose fucking fault is it? Ava is dead. Soul is dead. Petra is dead. Farlan is dead. Isabel is dead. The only people not dead are the ones that should be!"

Eren wraps his arms around Levi's head, embracing him into his chest. "I'm not dead. Humanity is not dead, but I'm afraid that you're dying inside. You're not the strongest soldier. alive You're the weakest, so stop trying to fight alone all the time. It's not your fault. It's everyone burden to bare, so let it out."

A full minute passes as they are in this position. Levi finally lifts his arms and grabs Eren's back in a hug and Eren can feel the front of his shirt start to dampen where Levi lays.

LLL- well the more reviews the better. (faster updates) ^_^ im lying. Idk when I can update just lemme know what you think.