Alright- this is the reunion some of you have been looking for. I apologize if it's a little OOC- it's really hard to write the emotional moments and keep people in character. Please review and tell me your thoughts! :)

And I'm doing mailbag first, because I feel like it! :)

Also- you guys all owe Magician Irono a hug, because they inspired me (with needed prodding) to update. :P

MAILBAG

Firelass19, Chapter 12

The simpleness... is beautiful. You know, I really enjoyed this chapter for some odd reason. It had no major events; yet, I feel that it is very... relatable. Just needing a moment to take a breather. However, I feel like this is the calm before the storm...

Really? Thank you- I was afraid it was too dry or boring; as for the future- we'll see. ;)

FeminineFerocious, Chapter 12

This chapter was cute, Levi going all soft xD It's nice to see a break from the heavy stuff, it's important for the story to slow down a little sometimes and let the audience breathe, and in this chapter i felt like i could relax, and not worry about Eren hurting himself... for now...

Loving the fluff too, update soon!

Thank you! :)

The Levi squad scrutinized the new recruits with sharp gazes, looking up and down the ranks with seriousness. They knew not all the new recruits would survive.

"Opinions, anyone?" Levi asked, keeping his voice low. His squad was beside him, Eren in particular standing next to him, craning his neck and surveying the faces eagerly.

"They look like a bunch of greenhorns, Sir." Auruo said, voice lacking any amusement.

"Of course they look like green horns- they are greenhorns. But they have potential."

Eld nodded wordlessly, agreeing, while Gunther surveyed everyone intensely instead of speaking.

"Eren? Any thoughts?" Levi queried.

Eren's mouth had gone dry. "They're… nearly all from my squad…."

Levi raised his eyebrows, looking surprised by the news. That just might complicate things.

"You'll be allowed to speak to them at dinner, if you wish." he said, tone measured. He wasn't sure if he wanted to risk Jager being triggered, but he couldn't exactly keep the boy from his old squad mates. He could, however, let Eren choose if he wanted to speak to them or not.

Eren nodded, swallowing, and Levi turned to Squad Leader Mike. "Get the brats through orientation and into the barracks, then bring them to the dining hall."

Mike nodded, turning to fulfill his orders, and Levi could see the uneasy look in Eren's eyes. He knew the boy was feeling overwhelmed right now, because he'd learned to how read the book that was Eren Jager.

He jerked his head to the side. "Jager. Walk with me."

If the rest of the Levi squad knew that Levi wasn't simply going to tell him that his old squad being here was no excuse to lose focus, they said nothing. they knew that Eren was often with Levi, and they knew their superior was somewhat… gentler… when it came to dealing with Jager, they never spoke of it out of respect for Eren.

Levi waited until they were out of earshot from the rest of his squad before he spoke. "How do you feel? About them being here?"

Eren shrugged. "I-I'm kind of glad, I guess- but they're going to ask questions."'

Levi frowned, cocking an eyebrow. "How would they know about what happened these past few weeks? They haven't been here, it's remained strictly confidential…."

"My sister is in the squad."

Levi nodded. "And?"

"She- she'll just know, she's overprotective and she has a way of just knowing when I'm broken."

"You're not broken, Jager. You're healing."

Eren nodded, before he ran a hand through his hair, letting out a breath. "Right. I know. I just… I don't know if I really want to tell her or my friends about what happened…."

"Then don't. She'll respect your decision not to tell you- and if she doesn't, I'll speak to her." Levi said firmly, turning to look at the boy he'd come to think of as a friend more than a subordinate. "You don't have to answer to anybody but me, Jager. If they make you uncomfortable or overwhelmed, you have my permission to leave. If you start to get overwhelmed I'll call you over to my table- make it look official, like I'm giving orders. Sound good?"

Eren let out a long breath, nodding. "Yes. Sounds good." truthfully, he was still anxious about being questioned about everything that'd happened recently, but Levi had considerably lessened that anxiety. Still, he knew he wouldn't be completely at ease until he was done doing… whatever it was he decided to do about telling his friends of his recent issues.

He took a deep breath, turning and heading to the stables to finish his chores. By the time he was finished, dinner was being served, and he quickly washed up before steeling himself, taking a shaky breath and stepping into the dining hall.

As soon as he did, he was ambushed. he nearly attacked, but he was enveloped by the familiar scent of something he couldn't quite place, and caught a glimpse of a red scarf…. He relaxed into the arms, smiling and allowing himself to return the embrace slightly.

"Mikasa." he'd forgotten how much he missed her counsel, her company, just having her around in general, actually.

Mikasa pulled back far too soon for his liking, dark eyes surveying his face anxiously. Though she said nothing, he could see all the worry in her eyes.

Have you been eating? Have you been sleeping? Have they been treating you well?

Eren wordlessly looked away for a moment, not able to answer her right now in front of everyone…. Hell, he wasn't even sure he'd be able to answer her when they were somewhere private.

"Eren! Hey Eren, c'mon, we saved a spot for you!" Connie shouted across the dining hall, pointing. Eren smiled, relieved for the distraction, striding over. They'd saved his customary spot on the bench, and he took a seat between Armin and Mikasa.

Armin smiled over at his friend, sliding him a plate of rations. "It's good to see you again, Eren. Have they been treating you well?"

"Yeah. It's nice here." Eren said dully, though he knew he sounded unconvincing and tired- that was what worry did to people. His routine- his neat, orderly routine with Levi had been disrupted, and it made him anxious, which was compounded by the fact he'd have to tell his friends he'd tried to kill himself while they were gone….

Eren wordlessly took a bite of his food, wanting an excuse to be silent.

"You look tired." Mikasa speculated.

Eren laughed. "Yeah. Turning into a titan does that to people." he said good-humoredly, trying to deflect the question.

Armin frowned. "They've been experimenting on you? Have they hurt you at all?" his blue eyes were spattered with concern.

"No." Not nearly as much as I've hurt myself.

"It's actually really nice here- clean, orderly- everything's on a schedule. It's challenging and exhausting, but I like it." Eren smiled- a genuine smile, this time, as he was telling the truth. He really did feel safe here.

"Do they feed you a lot?" Sasha demanded, half-eaten bread falling out of her mouth as she practically inhaled her soup.

Eren couldn't help but laugh at the familiar sight. "Yes, they feed us plenty." he grinned when Sasha's eyes began to glow with happiness.

"I could care less about the food. Are the beds any good? The ones at training were uncomfortable as hell." Reiner spoke up, looking interested.

The dungeon had been particularly uncomfortable and musty, but sleeping in Levi;s room was much better.

Eren shrugged. "I can't say. I've never slept in the barracks."

"Where do they keep you, then?" Connie asked, looking confused.

"Ah… they're supposed to keep me in the dungeon at night…." Eren admitted. He wasn't ready to admit he actually slept in Captain Levi's room, as he was afraid his friends would get the wrong idea.

Everyone fell silent at the information, suddenly growing somber.

"Are you sure they're treating you well, Eren?" Armin asked, voice low.

Eren laughed. "Yes, they're treating me fine! I have a bed down there, and blankets, it just gets a little damp sometimes. Everyone's really nice, and Captain Levi genuinely cares about his men." his eyes were sincere, as he yet again believed what he was saying.

Still, they were getting too serious for him to be comfortable. Eren looked towards the end of the table, eyes landing on Jean. He sucked in a breath. "Oh my god…."

"What?" Jean growled, looking rather sleep-deprived and tired.

"All these days have passed, yet you still look like a fucking horse."

The entire table burst out laughing. Jean rolled his eyes, though secretly, he was kind of happy- he'd missed the banter he and Jager had had. Because of that nostalgia, he'd let Jager get away with being a dick this once.

The table descended into less serious conversation, as everyone fell back to the chatter they'd normally have in training. Eren was informed as to what'd happened in his absence, and of Annie's joining the military police.

Still, as the candles burned down and people began to retire to the barracks, Mikasa and Armin stayed. Despite Eren's best efforts, Mikasa could see the slight pallor to his complexion and the slightly strained look on his face when he smiled, and Armin had a gut feeling something was wrong with his friend.

Eren stood, nodding to his friends. "You two wanna go for a walk?"

Armin nodded, falling into step beside his friend with Mikasa on his other side, as they headed for the courtyard.

The moon was nearly full, and the silver light bathed their faces and lit their path as they walked.

"Eren. What's going on. I can tell something's bothering you- are you not well?" Mikasa's voice broke the silence. Eren stopped walking to find both Mikasa and Armin looking at him apprehensively. He'd known he wouldn't be able to keep it from them, but still, it was going to be hard to tell them….

"A few weeks ago, I tried to kill myself."

There was one beat of silence, two…. Eren looked over to find himself staring at a tearful Armin. "Eren…. I'm so sorry…." the blond choked out.

"It's not your fault, guys." Eren forced a smile- it hurt him to know his news was hurting his friends with the news.

"I… I was just hurting, I guess, and scared…. I messed up pretty bad, everyone had been calling me a monster, and I just figured I'd stop myself before I really hurt someone…. I failed, though. I'm really glad I did."

Mikasa had thrown her arms around him, then, burying her face in his chest. She was shaking.

"I thought I lost you at Trost, Eren… I will not lose you again." she choked out, eyes burning with determination.

"I'm not planning on dying anytime soon, either. Captain Levi's been helping me deal with the issues I've been facing, and I've been doing a lot better. I just got really nervous because you were here, and I knew I'd have to tell you…."

"Is Captain Levi kind to you, Eren?" Mikasa asked quietly.

Eren was caught off guard by the question,but he didn't hesitate to answer. "Wha… of course. He's been a friend to me when I needed it most."

"Has he tried being intimate with you?" Mikasa's voice hardened, as she realized someone might possibly be trying to take advantage of Eren's emotionally vulnerable state.

"I- no! We sleep in the same room, but the Captain's never tried to be intimate with me…." Eren was both embarrassed and horrified at the thought.

"You sleep in the same room!?" Mikasa's eyes widened.

"You told everyone you slept in the dungeons!" Armin piped up.

"Yes I did! I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea, like you are now!" Eren stepped back, blushing deeply.

"I don't care what he is, Eren- if he tries to take advantage of you, I will end him…."

"Captain Levi is the only person who managed to save me from myself!"

The conviction in Eren's voice startled both his friends into a moment of silence.

"Captain Levi had taken time to meet with me and discuss how I can cope without hurting myself. He's been there for me in the dark times and the good ones, and he makes sure I'm doing well. It's like I said at dinner- he genuinely cares about our well being. He's one of the best officers I've met."

Armin nodded slowly, accepting the fact that Captain Levi was, in fact, helping his friend.

Mikasa still looked wary, but she seemed to accept what Eren was saying as truth.

"I believe you, Eren. But if you ever need to talk and Levi isn't available- we'll be here."

Armin nodded resolutely, tears still glistening in his blue eyes.

Eren found a lump growing in his throat- he was both relieved and moved his friends would not only accept him without criticism, but offer their counsel to him if he needed it….

"Thank you. Thank you both… so much…. I've missed having both of you by my side." he admitted quietly, voice growing husky as he blinked back emotion.

"It's no burden, Eren- you'd do the same for us." Armin assured him.

"R-right…." Eren nodded, wiping his eyes on his sleeve hastily. It was growing very late. "I-I should really get to bed. Don't worry- I'll be here waiting when you wake up in the morning. I sleep in Captain Levi's room, so if I need anything, it'll be taken care of."

Mikasa wordlessly nodded- still, Eren was surprised when both friends enveloped him in a hug before departing. He could barely see for a moment, as he felt their arms around him- everything was blurred by the happy tears swimming in his eyes.

Eren quietly strode into Levi's room to find the man in bed, reading a book by candle light. Still, Levi set the book aside, looking up when Eren came in.

"How did it go?"

Levi was ready to deal with a sobbing teenager if he had to, but he couldn't help but find himself hoping the news had gone over well.

Jager sniffed, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. "It went really well, Levi." he said quietly, sitting down on his cot and beginning to undo his boots with shaking hands.

"I think… I think I'm gonna be okay, Levi." Eren stuttered out, looking up with tears of joy running down his face. He gave his captain a watery smile. "I'm gonna be okay."