Mirage

A/N: As a writer, do you sometimes get the feeling when you have this perfect scene or story on your mind, but you don't want to write it yourself? Like, you just wanna read it or see it being acted out, but there's no way you could ever get what you want so just cry and take up the courage to write. That sucks, really. But don't worry, while I'm still on a daze with Levihan, I'll try to finish this. For myself and for all the readers who are thirsty of stories about this amazing ship. Love y'all.

Summary: Humanity's strongest soldier had secrets of his own. So when the woman he loved died, he turns on another for pure companionship and comfort. But a night of mistake has its consequences. Levihan.

CHAPTER TWELVE: RAVENOUS

Blood is thicker than water, so goes the trite adage that is as old as the world itself. Family and home are what keep a person's emotions intact, it is where a person seeks refuge when his or her life has been battered by numerous problems and dilemmas. The path of life is always lashed by numerous thunderstorms and trailed by thorny roses that will prick you dead when you make a wrong step, but no matter what happens, the family is always there as aid and support.

Hange knows this. All throughout her seemingly endless journey, her family had always been her rock when she could hardly contain herself.

Her mother was a sweet, caring, and loving woman who have seen her during her weakest, but still supported her nonetheless. The father she profoundly looked up to was a man of versatility, compassion, and dignity. The elder brother she grew up with is a smart man with a passion for his studies, just like she did. But no matter how busy their lives have become, they always move as one unit, always by each other's sides.

She pressed her hands against her pounding temples and felt the lump that had formed on her throat. Biting her lip, Hange closed her eyes and let her mind wander.

She missed them so much.

It had been too long since the last time she saw them, maybe for a year now or so, as a lot had been happening in the Corps and they had been going through mission after mission. They just endured every passing day without seeing their families, and never even having the chance to visit them.

That is one of the cons of being a soldier – you get deployed in different areas, not knowing when you'll die or if you'll still live to see the smiles of your family members again. It was painful, but knowing that they're safe inside the walls and far away from the horrors of seeing the Titans, it was enough to fuel their purpose to fight and risk their lives protecting those dear to them.

It was the life they chose, anyway.

It was Hange's decision to become a member of the Survey Corps.

A thing that not everyone knew, Hange's father, Nathaniel Zoe, was a soldier who worked for the Survey Corps too. During his time, he was considered as one of the finest soldiers to ever live, with uncountable kills attached to his name. But before becoming a soldier, he was a doctor. After every battle, he treated those who were injured and are already struggling near death. That's why he was considered an asset to the Scouting Legion.

But all that changed when the man lost his right leg and severely injured his left during one fateful encounter with a Titan. He almost died that day and hardly recovered due to an unaccounted blood loss, although he miraculously survived. But in return, he was stripped off his identity as a soldier and he never managed to walk again.

That was the first time she saw her father crumbling and terrified. She also saw the fear in her mother and brother's eyes, and she swore that one day he'll avenge her father. She joined the Survey Corps as a woman seeking for retribution, with the same goal to kill every Titan living, to wipe them all out.

It's funny looking back how things have changed since then. Sure, she still had the same hatred for them lurking inside her heart, but it was curiosity that drove her to those creatures. Why are they here? What is their purpose?

Her disabled father had clearly expressed his disapproval of her enlistment to the Corps and still does up until now. She lost count of the number of times he asked her to quit, and she'll admit, if her purpose for joining was still the same as her initial one, she would've granted her father's wish and leave the Survey Corps. But right now, she had another goal.

Hange sighed, her melancholic thoughts now clouding her mind. Resting her right hand on her lower back for support, the pregnant woman dragged herself up from the chair and moved towards the bed she shared with Levi, tugging the folded letter with her. She laid down on the bed, tucked pillows against the headboard, and then leaned in her back.

Once she was comfortable with her position, she opened up the letter she had in her hands and read the contents once again, a frown now marring her face. It was her father's handwriting.

'My sweet pea.'

'I hope the letters that we send you every month have been reaching you there in the Headquarters.'

The letter began. She could feel the bitterness in the words, and she didn't have to wonder why. The last time she replied to one of their letters was five months ago, a day before she married Levi. Although in her letter, she never mentioned about her pregnancy but she had told them about her marriage and she knew it shocked the ever loving hell out of them but she intended to inform them later so they wouldn't have to bother to come. It wasn't a real wedding, after all.

Or rather, she married not because she wanted to, but she was just forced by the consequences. She never sent a single letter after their wedding because she was still an emotional wreck and she didn't want to burst her feelings into her letter.

Hange continued reading.

'I'm sorry if until now we still couldn't visit you there. My legs are still an inconvenience, you see. And there were a lot of people getting sick in our village and I needed to monitor their condition. Your Mom is fine, but she also misses you. Good news; your brother's wife just gave birth to their third child. It was another girl, now we have a lot of girls in our home. All we are missing is you.

'We miss you darling. We haven't seen you in ages. Your Mom's been worrying about your health. Have you been pressing yourself into your research lately? I'll send a letter to Erwin and ask him not to put too much paperworks on your back.'

'I'm still deeply sorry we couldn't attend your wedding. Regards to your husband, by the way. I hope the bastard is taking a good care of you, or else, I'll have you taken away from him as soon as I knew he'd been treating you badly. But knowing the kind of girl that you are, I figured you wouldn't choose someone who doesn't love you. So I know he's the right guy. I want to ask, is a child on the way? Am I to become a grandpa again anytime soon?'

'I know you're busy, but please do take time to reply to one of my letters, my dear. You haven't written a letter in months.'

'We miss you, Hange. I hope to hear from you soon.'

'And one more thing. Whenever you get out of the walls, be careful out there.'

Dad.

Hange bit her lip before gently folding the letter and pressing into her heart. She didn't notice that tears had started streaming down her cheeks while she was reading. She took off her glasses then wiped the tears on her face and on the sides of her eyes.

Gazing upon the window, she saw that the sun had just set, the sky's hue was a combination of crimson and purple. She could hear footsteps echoing along the hallways of the veterans' quarters, probably the higher soldiers just finished from their training. She knew Levi is now on his way to their room. Not wanting her husband to see her current emotional state, she shrugged off her feelings in the meantime and composed herself.

At that exact moment, the doorknob turned, revealing the short man she called her husband. Levi's shoulders were slacked, and beads of cold sweat were running down his forehead. His face displayed the usual scowl as he panted lightly.

The dark-haired Lance Corporal just looked her in the eye, then gently closed the door behind him. He walked towards the table, slipped off his dirty Survey Corps jacket and flung it gently on the chair. Unfastening the straps on his body, his gear landed on the floor with a loud thud.

Levi picked it up and placed it in a corner. He had his back from her when he took off his button-up shirt, revealing his lean and muscled back. He immediately disposed of the dirty clothing and tossed it into their laundry bag.

The man turned and faced her. His washboard stomach glistened pink from the sweat and Hange swore she felt her cheeks burn and her hormones turned up a little.

She tried to compose herself and stray her prying eyes on his naked body. Hange decided to look at his face and suddenly noticed her husband's weariness. "Tough day in the field?" she asked, her voice a little low.

The man snorted. He flung his muscled biceps into the air to flex. "No, it's those idiot new recruits. Someone broke a few bones during training," he let out a soft groan he felt some pain in his own muscles. "Such weak filth."

"That's not really news. Injuries in training happen everyday," she sat up. "Maybe you were just pressing them too hard. Or they were afraid of you. Lighten up a little, comrade. The new recruits might shit their pants with their Captain's attitude."

Levi glared at her but she could see the slight humour in those grey irises. He walked towards their bed and sat on the front edge. "Hah. Maybe," he simply uttered.

Hange trailed her eyes on his sexy, muscled back and bit her lip. She saw the never-fading lines brought by the 3DMG gear, but there were also a few marks that Hange was sure didn't come from training and fighting the Titans. The scars looked old, and their irregular shapes seemed like they were lashed by something.

She moved a little closer and noticed that Levi's eyes were closed. She was kind of reluctant at first but she wanted to ease her husband's tension a little. Without much thought, she moved behind his back, her swollen belly pressing against his skin. She mildly pressed her palms against the muscled planes of his shoulders. Hange started massaging them, gently at first.

Levi's eyes cracked open at the unwanted touch, but once he felt her caressing his muscles, he let out a sigh then closed his eyes once again.

Hange smiled to herself as she continued massaging his shoulder. "Feel good, soldier?"

Levi groaned in response when she pressed the most painful spot. He didn't speak a word but Hange could tell that what she was doing was having some effect on him.

Her gentle but sometimes firm caresses persisted and she traced her hands against his lower back, putting on some pressure. She felt the satiny feeling of his sweat-pricked skin and she marvelled at the feeling of his muscles under her fingers.

She leaned in forward and inhaled his hair, he smelled of woods and sweat, but there was something more. A scent that Levi only has, like a personal brand of perfume that only he could create.

The intoxicating combination of his scent sent her flying and swirling; enthralling and enticing all at the same time. With her mind now cloudy with desire, she hastily wrapped her arms around his naked body and buried her face on his nape.

At the sudden movement, Levi's eyes fluttered open. He could feel Hange tracing light touches on his abs and he swore his senses are turning up. He could feel the hotness of her touch against his skin. She nuzzled on his nape while she continued her grasp on his body.

Levi was completely lost. His motors are already running.

He moved fast and faced her, tilted her chin then slammed his mouth into hers.

This wasn't the usual kiss that they occasionally shared, the sweet little peck that sometimes turns into a hot one. But before they get into anything, Levi always pulls back.

It wasn't gentle, his lips were hot and demanding. Hange gave it her all and poured herself into the kiss, devouring him like no other. They both sought for dominance and when Hange couldn't keep herself in par with Levi's strokes, she gave in and let him control the kiss, his tongue searching in all directions.

Hange laid down on the sheets, pulling Levi with her as she tumbled on the bed but created small space in between them to accommodate her large belly. His palms and knees landed on the mattress with a soft thud.

The man didn't waste time focusing on her lips. He trailed down a few flaming kisses down the column of her throat, nipped lightly on her shoulder blades. The woman let out a breath as her fingers dug into his scalp.

She wanted him bad. Her sex hormones were turning up and she couldn't do anything about it. It took her all the courage to hold herself from jumping on her husband but right now, as the man continued kissing her bare neck, she just bit her lip and wished that her craving for his touch would finally be satisfied.

Hange could feel his hands as he lifted her shirt up, trailed his fingers through her skin, then cupped one of her breasts through her bra. Her breasts were larger, but they were tender now. But the feel of his calloused hands kneading her chest somehow made her forget all the pain she felt. She let out a loud moan when he started caressing her other breast.

But much to her disappointment, his caresses halted. His hand moved again, but this time, his palm landed on top of her belly. Levi looked up and met her eyes, his irises glassy with desire that she knew mirrored her own. "Am I hurting you?"

"W-What? No…." she croaked out.

His face looked uncertain as he gazed back at her rounded belly. "Do you want this, Hange?"

She thought about it for a moment. If she says no, she knew Levi would immediately stop and she would not have her cravings satisfied. Over the past months, they have maintained the civil and casual relationship, occasional talks and banters, a few kisses, but she knew that once they started becoming intimate with each other, there's no turning back.

But right now, she didn't care. She took her glasses off then placed it on the bedside table. She wrapped her arms around his neck and dragged him to her face. "I want this," she whispered, her breath hot on his face. "I want you. Make love to me, Levi. Please,"

He bit her lip. A flash of hesitation passed in his eyes but it only lasted for mere seconds. Without much ado, he crashed his lips back to hers and kissed her again, gently this time. Hange traced her fingers on the planes of muscled back. She spread her legs and wrapped them around his hips.

His kisses were becoming demanding again, getting themselves heated up, but then suddenly….

There was a knock on the door. "Levi? Hange? Are you there?"

Levi immediately pulled back, his eyes widened. He untangled himself from her body then stood up from the bed. He was panting hard, but tried to control his breathing. The man trailed his fingers through his wet hair before heading towards the door.

Hange sat up and tried to compose herself. She tugged the shirt she was wearing down and arranged her dishevelled hair.

The door opened, revealing Mike's grinning face. The brawny man leaned against the doorframe and peeked inside, biting his lip when he saw Levi's angry face. "What took you so long to answer? Were you two doing something naughty in there?"

"Not your goddamned business. Keep your nose busy with other people," he hissed. "What do you want, Mike?"

"Well, it's already dinner time and Erwin noticed that his favorite couple weren't present so he asked me to call you two up." Mike crossed his arms before his broad chest. "Save what you're doing for later and hurry up. You're like some horny teenagers."

Levi glared at him. "Shut up you asshole, get the fuck out of our room,"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say you midget." Mike waved them goodbye, then left. Levi slammed the door behind him.

Hange was sitting on the edge of the bed,. She had put on her glasses again and arranged herself, and now had the letter on her hands. Levi stared at her before noticing the folded paper.

"What's that?" he asked, his forehead crossed.

"Ugh, this?" she raised the letter in the air. "It's from my Dad." She smiled.

Levi saw the sadness in her smile despite her attempt to somehow cheer up. "What's in it?"

"Oh, nothing. Just my Dad asking how I was. He sends his regards, by the way," Hange sighed. She opened one of the drawers of their nightstand before standing up. "Let's go to the cafeteria, I'm starved."

Levi held her wrist. "Not unless you tell me what's bothering you first,"

Hange met her eyes and saw the sincerity in those grey irises. She didn't know if it was right to ask him of such a ridiculous thing, but she missed her family terribly and she wanted to see them. "I want to visit my family,"

He narrowed his eyes. "You know you can't, traveling is bad for the baby,"

"I know that. I never said I'll do it, I just really want to visit my family but I know I can't," she sighed. "I haven't written a single letter to them after our wedding. All they know is that I'm getting married, but they didn't know that I'll be marrying you because I got pregnant."

"Then why didn't you tell them?"

"I was afraid. I didn't know what to say."

His forehead crossed at her words. "Then why can't they just visit you then?"

"We live in a faraway village inside the interior of Wall Sina, in one of the villages surrounding the Royal Capital of Mitras. My father has a few consequences in him, and I had told them that I wouldn't want them to visit me here because it's way too risky for both my parents." Her voice almost cracked, but she tried so hard not to burst in front of Levi.

He contemplated her words before letting go of her wrist. He turned his back from her. "I'll try to ask Dr. Cameron if it'll be wise let you travel that far. But if he says no, I'll have my word that you're not leaving. We'll visit them with the baby once you give birth. But if he says yes, I'll ask Erwin permission then we'll borrow one of the carriages of the Survey Corps and I'll take you there myself."

Hange gasped, clearly taken aback by his words. Levi's actions had been one surprise after another and she didn't know how to feel about it. "Y-you would do that?"

"Why wouldn't I?" when Hange didn't reply and just stared at him wide-eyed, Levi continued. "We'll talk about this later. Let's head off and answer Erwin's pleas. I thought you were starved, anyway?"

A/N: This chapter wasn't supposed to end up like it did but I hope it still went out fine. Thank you for reading! Give me a review, please!