LLL- I'm not even going to make an excuse for the late update. Everyone already knows. But I promise you that the next chapter will be up tomorrow. So you can expect it. It absolutely promise. If you want, then I would recommend at least reading the last chapter to catch up since I took so long. If not then there is a small recap under this. If you have lost interest then I completely understand. I do no own AOT.

Previously in this fic... Christa is in danger. Reiner is still missing. Ymir is a prisoner. Armin was raped. Levi killed Military Police Soldier. The cure to memory loss is an herb in a forest outside of the wall. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin found a 9 year old girl named Soleanna and she joined the scouting legion sort of... Levi took Eren and Soul to an old friend's house named Ava. Ava died. Soleanna sneaks into carriage during mission. She gets frightened after seeing Eren is a titan, cuts Mikasa and runs off. Levi leaves her beyond the wall.

Levi feels something brush against his back and the metal springs of the bed squeak. The entire bed shakes and then settles again. He doesn't bother opening his eyes because it's the third time this has happened. After about five minutes he is ready to dose off, but again, the bed shakes and makes noise. He sits up aggressively and looks over at Eren. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Yes, the moron ended up sleeping with him... next to him. How this came to happen? Even Levi isn't fully sure of.

"I don't know," Eren says. He sits up and looks down into his lap. It's clear that he himself is not enjoying his sleeplessness. He sighs. "I'm sorry for keeping you up. I'll go to my room." That being said he slides over Levi and out of the bed. He only takes two steps before Levi feels a ping in his heart. Impulsively he grabs Eren's wrist. Eren looks back but Levi isn't looking his way.

"You don't have to go. Everyone has a hard time sleeping every now and then and for all we know it could be a side effect of the drug that Hange gave to you." Levi's voice is a low whisper.

Eren turns around completely and walks back to the bed. Levi still doesn't look him in the eyes and he sits on the edge. Levi feels his heart leap but he doesn't show it. He doesn't want to turn his head either. No good will come out of doing that. But he can't sit here silent while Eren is looking at him either. That'll just look weird. Or worse, obvious. "Levi."

He turns his head. Shit. Levi finds himself face to face with Eren and their lips are connected. Eren places his cold hand on the back of Levi's neck. He is struggling between the action of punching him in the face or sticking his tongue down his throat. Before he can actually make a choice Eren pulls out. "Thank you. You need to sleep so I'll go to my room." Now Eren stands and leaves. Levi watches him go and plops down, his mind and heart confused. What should he be focusing on? What shouldn't he be focusing on? Eren. That's the answer. Now he struggles to go back asleep

After tossing and turning the entire night, the blue light peeking through his window signals his time to wake. Despite this he hasn't slept a wink. He doesn't even debate the morning sun. Right now everything in the world pisses him off. Levi takes the time to dress himself before walking down to the kitchen. Already awake is Mikasa. She looks the way he feels. He leans on the counter.

She doesn't even look at him. "Couldn't sleep last night?"

"How could you tell?" he states sarcastically.

"You look terrible."

"And you're one to talk." She doesn't respond and takes a sip of the water in front of her. He sees her bandaged hand and thinks back to Soul. He shouldn't have left her but for the safety of the team it was the best thing to do. "Go talk to Erwin today about going to the same doctor that saw Armin."

"I don't want your sympathy."

"Well I'm you captain so you'll have to deal with it."

"That doctor is out of town." His patience has always been short with Mikasa so he walks out of the kitchen to the front door. Just as he puts his hand on the knob he hears the legs of the chair scrape against the floor. He turns to see Mikasa standing. "Why did you leave her like that! You're better then that."

"Would you rather the entire team die or a little girl you met two days ago. More lives would have been at risk. She did it to herself. If you want to find her then go over the wall yourself and look for her but you're not putting the lives of the people of this team in jeopardy. The brat is dead. Let it go."

Footsteps can be heard trudging down the stairs and Eren appears. "What's going on? I heard yelling." He senses the tension in the atmosphere and regret shows on his face. Even he looks dead. Did anyone in this house get sleep?

Levi walks out of the house without another word. He must now put together plans for a second trip to Trost. He also needs to explain the loss of Soul and think about the herbs for the medicine. But is that even worth it? He doesn't need them and he knows it. His memory is fine. When he'd waken up chained to that bed, he remembered everything. It's probably because of how hard Erwin hit him over the head. But there's still something he needs to do. Something that would be ruined if people knew his memory was back. Talk spreads like wildfire so he can't risk losing his secrecy. The hardest part about that is not taking Eren and ravaging him where he stands. He has done so many cute things. So many stupid things. It takes a lot of control for the captain to keep his composure.

He makes his way to the prison where Ymir is being held. She is leaning against the wall asleep. He doesn't have the patience nor the consideration a wake up. "HEY Freckles!" She jolts awake and blinks her eyes in an attempt to clear her vision.

"W-what?" Her voice is full of sleep and fatigue. "What do you want? I answered questions yesterday."

"You're a prisoner. You don't have a schedule."

She rolls her eyes. "Good to see you too Levi."

"Have you ever been to a forest with large trees and a clearing in the middle?"

She squints her eyes. "Why?"

"It's a yes or no question. You are not subject to explanation. Now answer."

"Yes."

"Why were you there?"

"Reiner took me there. We ingested the herbs in the clearing."

"What do they do?"

She raises an eyebrow at his immediate yet random questions. "Keeps our human sides in tact. Gives us better control of the our titan power."

"How did you stumble upon what it does?"

"I don't feel obligated to tell you that."

"I will kill Christa."

"You wouldn't dare!" Her yell echos through the prison.

"I really have no patience right now so I'll do what it takes to get what is necessary."

"Ok. I don't know how they knew the herbs purposes. Shifters have a titan element and a human element. The only thing that keeps the human element in tact are our memories. If we can't stay humans then we will lose our intelligence and go on a rampage. But..."

"But?"

"There is a chance that the herb will be too powerful and we get sucked in by our human side and forget that we are titans. We fall into the flow of things. That's what started to happen to Reiner at some point but he is stronger then most. He fought the human soul."

Levi is now thinking. He needs to get the herb. Eren will have better control. Hange can stop testing on him and if everything Ymir is saying is true then Reiner is probably in this spot as well. There are a lot of unanswered questions such as why Eren's father would have sought out such an herb to begin with but first thing is first. Helping Eren.

"Why do you want to know, Captain?"

"It's properties can help bring my memories back."

"Why are you lying?"

"What?"

"I feel like your memories were never gone."

"What you feel isn't important." Levi turns and starts to walk up the stairs.

"Do you know how to get there?"

"Yes."

"How? The doctor told you?" He halts in his steps and turns to look at her. She has a cocky knowing smile on her face.

"How do you know that?"

"The herbs are in a secret location. Only titans know where it is."

"How do you know?"

"How did he tell you he knew the location. You did ask him, didn't you?"

"He said he was with Dr. Jaeger."

Ymir's laugh is maniacal. "And you believe that a doctor who works in the inner walls went outside of Wall Rose where titans are roaming to get an herb that has no use to himself. C'mon Levi. Even I thought you were smarter then that." He hates to admit it but what she is saying makes way too much sense. He has trained himself not to show his emotions on his face but he is pissed.

Levi walks closer to her and bends down on one knee. "Tell me what you know."

"I will tell you what I suspect."

"Start talking."

"Suspect that he lied to you about being with Dr. Jaeger and there's more to the story. Despite that, he wasn't supposed to open his mouth at all. Who else knows about the herbs?"

"A few people in the military police."

"And how long has this been public knowledge?"

"I don't know. 5 days maybe."

"Then I can bet he is dead."

"Wrong. The doctor worked on Mikasa yes..." Levi's words come to a stop as he remembers Mikasa's words this morning. "He's out of town."

"Wow," Ymir sighs. "Out of town. Where do you think his vacation spot is?"

Levi stands up slowly. "What the hell is going on?"

"I will show you where the herbs are?"

"What makes you think I want to trust you."

"Admit it Levi, you don't trust anyone. And if I lie to you then I know that Christa's life is on the line. Do you think I'm as dense as the rest of the scouting regiment? I know where the herbs are. I can help you."

"What's the catch for you?"

"I can get out of this prison and rejoin the scouting regiment."

"Why would you want to rejoin us?"

"For the same reason you'd risk your life and trust to get those herbs. For the one I love."

"Don't speak out of turn."

"But am I wrong? You don't want those herbs for your own memory and I know it."

"What you think you know is irrelevant. You will lead me to these herbs or tell me everything you know."

"Does that mean you believe me?"

"It means I have no other choice."

"Ah. You're desperate."

It is taking most of his willpower not to stab her right now. "You say the doctor is dead."

"It's a hunch. And him being 'out of town' only increases that factor."

"Who do you suggest killed him?"

"Someone who knows about the herbs. Your memory. Titans and everything else that has occurred."

"In that case, you're a candidate."

"Someone who hasn't been locked away underground with someone watching her almost every second."

Levi leans against the wall next to her, getting another headache. "Then who do you think it is?"

"It has to be someone in the military police right? Not only are they aware of everything the scouting legion does but they call some of the shots as well."

"You don't suspect anyone in the scouting legion?"

"No. Any traitors in the scouting legion have already shown their true colors. I would think that you guys are clean." She turns and looks him. "What do you think Levi? What are your speculations? I know you have some but you're only making me speak."

"Your input helps."

"I'm touched."

The two sit in silence for a few minutes and Levi sighs, standing up. "Who has your keys?"

"I think Hange. Are you planning to release me already? Maybe you do have a heart."

"I do. It just belongs to someone else right now."

"I know how you feel," she sighs.

He walks out of the dungeon, expecting sunlight to hit him in the face. Instead he is welcomed to grey clouds scouring the sky. He makes his way back to the house. No one is in the kitchen. He walks up the stairs and hears struggling in Eren's room. He doesn't even rush to get through the door, already knowing what he'll be met with. "Hange why can't you...?"

To his surprise Hange isn't wrestling Eren to take medicine. Instead he is brought to the sight of Mikasa standing on Eren's back while Armin is yanking on her arm. They all turn their heads and look at him, clearly surprised. "What are you idiots doing?"

"Eren called Mikasa a bitch."

"No I didn't!" Eren chokes out from what's left in his lungs while the titan killer is on top of him. "I said she was acting like it."

"What's the difference!" She screams utop him, putting more pressure under her foot.

He tries his best to act as if the scene isn't there. "Where is Hange?"

"How would we know?" Mikasa growls.

"I saw her with Erwin earlier," Armin grunts, still yanking at Mikasa. "But I'm not sure where they were going."

"Ok." That being said, he turns back to the door.

"Wait! Levi," Eren yells. "You can't leave me here."

"Yes I can. You guys sort this out on your own." That being said, he leaves the room. He already knows that Mikasa won't cause Eren any harm no matter how bad she wants to. They are just fighting like the siblings they are. Levi walks down stairs and to the front door. As soon as he opens it he is face to face with Hange and Erwin.

"Levi, we were looking for you." The chief says.

"Same. Hange. Give me the keys to Ymir's cuffs."

"What? Why?"

"Don't question, just do as I say for now. I'll explain later."

"Levi, the Military Police Captain requests your presence."

"Who the hell is that?"

"Some kid who works behind the scenes I guess. I've only seen him twice. He works as the kings dog as far as I'm aware."

"Why does he need to see me?"

"He wouldn't disclose that information."

"Then I won't disclose my presence. Hange. Keys." Levi holds out his hand and the metal clanks as Hange drops them in his palm. "Erwin. That good asshole doctor that treated Armin. Where is he?"

"I don't know. I haven't talked to him since that event."

"Find him. There's a possibility he is dead."

Without giving them the opportunity to ask questions, Levi is gone out of the door. He makes his way to a few destinations grabbing clothing and gear. He heads down into the underground prison where Ymir sits. She smiles upon seeing how prepared he is. He doesn't bother saying a word to her before unlocking her chains. Her arms fall to the ground with relief and she stands weakly.

"These should fit you," he states. She takes the clothes from him. "Change into them now." Levi doesn't really care about what he body looks like. She strips down and puts on the uniform. She takes about 10 minutes to get all of the straps on and secure. When she does, she stands in front of him.

"So what now?"

"You don't leave my side. There isn't much justifiable reason as to why I released you so any move that even appears false can have you killed on sight."

"Yes, Captain. Where is Christa? Is she safe?"

"She has been under the watch of the military police so in all honesty, I don't know."

"Can I see her again?"

"No. That caused a lot of trouble last time."

Ymir sighs but doesn't argue with him. The two walk out of the prison together. As they reach the house Levi stops walking. In the distance he can see the entire structure surrounded by military police. "What's going on?" Ymir asks.

"Hell if I know." Levi turns on his heels and as soon as he does, he is faced with more military police.

"Fancy seeing you here."

The voice is familiar. The face is familiar. Levi knows this guy. He has tan eyes and dark red hair. "What do you dogs want?"

"Nothing more than an audience."

"Was bringing the entire military police necessary?"

"We needed to get your attention."

"Where is my squad?"

"Inside."

Levi stubbornly walks back to the house. Internally, he has no problem with slicing every last one of these guys but he controls himself. Inside, the scouting legion is sitting around the table, surrounded by military police. "Levi! How are ya feel...?" Her speech stops when she sees Ymir in full uniform. "What's going on? What's she doing here?"

"She's with me. No more questions."

The legion stand together as they are faced with the captain of the Military Police. "Captain Levi and others. You are being placed under arrest for treason against citizens within the wall."

"Again," Jean sighs, plopping into a chair.

"You don't have the authority to do that!" Armin shouts.

"Oh, but I do." He throws out papers that he was holding and they float to the floor. "This is a plea signed by the King putting the scouting legion under the control of the military police."

"Who the hell are you!" Eren says, stepping up.

The redhaired male tilts his head. "So you haven't told them about your childhood friend, Levi? I'm hurt."

"Shut the hell up."

He turns his attention back to Eren. "I am Luca. Captain of the Military Police. I will leave the history to Ackerman over there. He might neglect telling you, so I'll give him a head start. We were in the same training squad as teenagers. Of course it didn't really count since his spot in the scouting legion was guaranteed."

"Cut the shit. Why are we being placed under arrest?" Levi growls.

"For the death of Dr. Grant. He was found cut up in an alley by the knives from 3DMG that only the scouting regiment has possession of. On top of that he had a bad run in with you and you were the last patients he had. He is on of the best doctors within the walls at this moment. Which one of you killed him and why, I don't know. But that was the last straw."

"You don't have proof of that."

"The fact that your knives were used is enough. On top of that, I got word that one of my men were killed by the Captain of the Scouting Regiment and another was circumcised to oblivion."

"They committed a crime."

"But you do not take matters into your own hands with men who are under my jurisdiction."

"Your jurisdiction is shit."

"I am in charge of the scouting regiment now. My word is law. There will be military police stationed in and around this house until I voice otherwise. Good day." Luca turns on his heels and begins walking out. In a flash, all of Levi's anger explodes and he yanks a sword out of the 3DMG that Ymir is wearing. He is upon Luca in a flash but in the blink of an eye Luca has pulled his own sword and blocked the attack. A number of guns are now being pointed at Levi. "Stand down men. I am in no danger. If Levi really wanted to kill me, I'd be lying in a puddle of blood right now. He is more skilled then me after all. But he's not stupid so he wouldn't make that move." His voice lowers. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. I think you've lost your edge. What are trying to do Lance? Scare me?"

"No need. You were shaking in your boots when you walked through the door."

Luca laughs and lowers his knife, turning again. "Thanks for the entertainment. I must say that you never bore me Ackerman. Good day."

With that, he leaves the house with the Military Police on his heels. Hange runs to the floor where the papers are thrown as soon as the door shuts. She skims through a few of them. "What! They are forbidding us from using 3DMG for a full year."

"What do they expect us to do?" Mikasa complains.

"We aren't allowed out of the walls without at least 15 Military Police and we can't regulate any missions. Everything needs to be done by them."

Levi begins to make his way up the stairs when a hand slams on his shoulder, stopping him. "And where are you going?" He looks back to see Erwin, clearly pissed.

"Don't take your anger out on me. You'll regret it."

"Levi, I want answers. Now!"

"You think I know what's going on?"

"I mean Ymir. Why is she out?"

"Because I have some business with her."

"What business you plan to conduct while we're under such strict watch?"

"You should just be happy that I even got her. If not, she'd be in the hands of the military police and who knows what would've happened. I'm going to my room. The only person following me is Ymir." He trudges up the stairs without answering anymore questions. In the room Ymir sits in a corner. Levi stands at the window, looking out. He can see Military Police standing at every corner, monitoring the house.

"So you knew that brat?" Ymir asks.

Levi says nothing, truly not in the mood to talk. He wants to burn something down, like the entire setup of the Military Police. Those men are a complete joke but to see Luca was not something he had expected. Luca, the feisty boy who was competing to be in the top 10 when Levi was a trainee. One day Levi'd told him off and ever since then the two have been enemies. Levi hadn't seen Luca since graduation day and truly hadn't thought much of it. The kid was a power hungry brat who wanted nothing more then to rule every district. But to see that he has actually made it so far up bother's Levi deep down inside. He needs to do something before this gets out of hand.

"Levi..." Ymir calls.

He turns around. "What!" He is face to face with Eren. He hadn't even heard him enter. Ymir simply shrugs her shoulders. "What are you doing here. I said I didn't want anyone following me."

"I'm having trouble reading you."

"Then stop trying. I'm not a book."

"You wear the same expression all the time but you always find a way to fix things,so you must be thinking about it. What are you thinking?"

"Nothing."

He turns back to the window, feeling sick to his stomach. There is too much going on for him to be distracted by his feelings for Eren. Too much for a leader of the scouting regiment to have anything in the way of his thoughts. Nothing can block him. Nothing can happen. "Please. Talk to me." A pressure wraps around his stomach and something soft and warm nuzzles into his shoulder. He looks down to see Eren hands locked together as he embraces Levi into a back hug. With his past practice, Levi is able to keep his voice leveled when speaking. "Leave."

"Not yet. Let me stay like this for a little bit." Levi can practically hear Eren's heart beating. He restrains himself by not grabbing on to Eren's hands and squeezing them. He wants to let him know. But there's too much to do. Too many people save.

Levi yanks Eren's hands from around him. "Let go. Get out."

"But Levi..."

Levi turns around. "I'm not the same person that loved you. I don't remember any of it. Now get out of hear. I said I want to be alone."

Eren looks hurt but doesn't debate any longer. He stands and walks to the door. Just before he leaves the room, he stops, not facing Levi. "The Military Police said that I need to go with them. They are taking me away from the scouting regiment. I don't know what they'll do to me or how long I'll be away. I think it might be a good idea."

Levi turns around sharply. Not understanding what he's hearing. "Then can't do..."

"Yes. They can. And they have. They have the authority. Mikasa is going with me. This will be the last time I see you for a while Levi. I hope I haven't caused you too much trouble. Take care of yourself." With that he exits the room, shutting the door behind him. Levi is left staring at a panel of wood. Ymir observes the scene with a smile.

"Ya know Captain. You almost had me fooled. I thought you cared too much for the scouting regiment and weren't rewarding yourself enough. But I was mistaken. You are selfish. You can sit here and try to make it seem like you are pushing him away for the sake of humanity or some bullshit but you are just doing it for yourself. For your own well-being."

"What the hell do you know?"

"All of it!" Ymir stands up. "I've done it! For Christa and I regret every step. But never will I turn my back on her again and watching you just now put the same taste in my mouth as when I was with Reiner. Levi, I don't know what's up with your memory but I'll tell you this, if you let go of Eren now, you might never get him back. Are you really ready to take that chance?"

Levi looks out of the window, not wanting to look her in the face. He might punch her out. "Yes."

_Time Skip_1 Year Late_

Eren and Mikasa both left the Scouting Legion the day Eren said his supposed farwells. Levi, Erwin, Armin, and Ymir met with Military Police often, loosening their restriction step by step. Eventually Ymir fell into the loop of things with the legion again, gaining their trust. She often visited Ymir, voluntarily being one watch. The others continued with simple duties such as wall watch. They were permitted out of the wall twice, but they were only practices to prepare for the big event in a year. The plan to go and get the herbs. Hange demanded many times to see Eren but was constantly denied. The only thing the regiment could do was sit impatiently and wait for answers. Of course they worked to keep themselves in shape during the time period, but finally the day has come. After a whole year, it is the day that they will go outside of the wall on the official mission.

He walks slowly to his destination. The sun is just rising in the sky and the morning air is brisk. The wind blows Levi's hair as he walks. Today is the day that they go out for the mission. It seems that even after a year, he still hasn't managed to put his emotions behind him. He walks to the pathway of the place where the house used to be. Ava's home.

As he approaches, he sees something white on the ground. He reaches it and kneels down. They are white roses. He touches one of the soft pedals as the wind blows and then looks around. He didn't put these here and there's only one other person who would have. Not wanting to let it make himself late with destractions, he leaves the site.

He returns to the house where Ymir, Armin, and Erwin are waiting for him and they begin walking to the gates.

"Man, I'm tired." She complains.

"No one told you to stay up all night," Levi growls.

"Sleeping is for losers."

Erwin sighs. "Ymir, I will feel no remorse when you are eaten by a titan."

"Same," Armin comments.

"Cmon guys," Ymir whines, walking with her arms behind her head, "be a little less brutal."

"What do you even do when you stay up all night?"

"Think about Christa."

"Yeah. Just go jump in a titan's mouth," Armin sighs.

"Wow coconut, you've got a way with words."

"Stop calling me that."

"Sure, whatever." She walks slightly ahead of the group. They have gotten used to each other by now. They are the highest in command in terms of the scouting regiment.

Levi has become used to the atmosphere, but still thinks and worries about Eren. Letting him go only helped less than he'd expected. Eren being away didn't erase the way he'd talked to Levi. Touched Levi. Loved Levi. The thoughts stayed with him even more since Eren wasn't around. Not killing titans as a distraction really proved to be an issue.

They can see the large preparations for the exploration. There are many horses and a large varieties of Garrison, Military Police, and Scouting Legion, not to mention carriages of who knows what. As the four walk through the group each soldier salutes to them. Armin has risen quite high in the ranks over the year, only being one below Levi. Ymir is the only one unranked. They get to the front and stand across from Luca.

He moves the hair out of his face with a devilish smile. "Well it is great to see you all. Are you prepared to depart?"

"We are ready. Are you?"

"Not quite. I'm waiting for my right hand to arrive."

Ymir rolls her eyes with a grunt. "You tell us to be on time but you...!"

"And here he comes now."

The sound of hooves can be heard behind them and getting louder as someone approaches on a horse. The majestic animal prances past them and next to Luca. Levi's breath is caught in his throat. Upon the horse, sitting as strong as a chief is a whole year. His hair is tied into a ponytail. Luca takes the time to admire Levi's expression before looking up and speaking. "Hey Eren," Luca calls. "Taken care of what you need to?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Good. Then we can head out. Just make the call."

Eren takes the horse to the front of the group and looks at everyone. "Alright! Listen up! This is an expedition that can have no mistakes! You must go out of this wall with everything you've got and the good humanity in your intentions! Do not step out of the plan unless given an order by me! Now is not the time to shit your pants! We will eradicate the titans! Now lets go!" At those words the gates start opening and the group jogs out carriage by carriage.

Levi looks at Luca. "We weren't briefed that Eren would be leading this."

"Oh," the young male smiles, "he's not leading. Just assisting."

Levi is stuck in expressionless awe as he looks back at Eren. It doesn't even seem like the same person. Where is Mikasa? What has happened to him over these past months? He looks... heartless. At that very thought Eren turns and make eye contact with Levi. The captains heart races so uncontrollably that it pisses him off but he doesn't show it on his face in the slightest. He expects some sign from Eren in their visual exchange. I smile, or even the light that is in his eyes, but Eren turns away, giving him nothing. The only thing in his eyes were a black fire that Levi has never seen before. A year. Levi really hadn't thought he'd see Eren again but now he has and he needs to do something.

LLL- So as I mentioned above, I will definitely, no undoubtedly update tomorrow. You can look for it if you want. I don't have a specific time but it will be there. Review, even if you hate me. I understand your upsetness. For those who stuck around. Thank You. Sorry about the typos. This is a lot of work to edit and I barely have time to write it.