Hi! I have written this fic long ago after watching No Regrets OVA and always wanted to share it but translating isn't an easy task. I will update it when I finish editing the other chapters. Please forgive any errors, English isn't my native language.
It had been three months since his friends died outside the walls, since that day Levi has become a true soldier of the Survey Corps. This may not seem a long period for many, but for the Corps, this may be longer than some of their scouts' memberships.
After a relatively uneventful expedition and as he was finishing some of his paperwork, Squad leader Erwin Smith found himself reflecting on the time of the former criminal with them so far. He felt some satisfaction in the progress they have made, the unmatched power of Levi will be a valuable weapon for humanity. Levi was surprisingly obedient to the orders and performed his duties as a soldier without any troubles, surely he continued to speak rudely and only interacted with others when it is necessary and nothing stopped him from expressing his opinion, no matter the rank of the person he was talking to, a thing that Erwin admired about him if he was honest with himself.
Levi also didn't hurt any member of the Corps, except for some minor clashes that usually ended before they started because of the intimidating aura around him. Many were impressed with his abilities that he would have been so popular if he hadn't been pushing people away from him.
Erwin had also noticed that even though Levi didn't hold a high rank, he would reprimand some of the young soldiers when they slack in their work or acted in a way that might expose them or their comrades to danger. He could be physical too, expressing his opinion with a kick or a blow sometimes. Yet he showed great courage and dedication during the fights.
He was always the first one to jump to the titans as if he wanted to slay them all himself. Erwin could not decide whether that was motivated by revenge or a desire to protect others, probably a mix of both!
Lastly, Levi didn't try to kill him, which was relieving. Although Erwin knew that if Levi wanted to kill him, he would have done so when they were on that expedition, at the spot where they found him with the remains of his friends, he was a reasonable person who, while willing to take risks, wouldn't act recklessly. He was careful around Levi after that in case he was only hesitant because of the shock or guilt.
It seemed that Erwin managed to convince him to join, which wasn't surprising. A man with wings like Levi can't be restricted in the narrow environment of the underground or even inside the walls. All you have to do is to open his eyes.
It was Levi's choice to stay with the Survey Corps. Erwin thought that there was no point in forcing people to fight for something they don't believe in, they won't dedicate their hearts, and they will betray the cause sooner or later.
Trust was gradually increasing between him and the new recruit, and if he dared to say, respect too.
However, his friend Mike advised him to stay careful and not trust that shorty altogether. Not until a few days ago, Mike began to diminish his suspicions after the two had worked together in the field.
This mistrust was mutual. Erwin thought it had something to do with their first meeting. Mike, the strongest soldier they had until Levi's arrival nearly lost in his fight against him. He had no doubt that Levi would have won if it wasn't for the fear for the lives of his friends and surely Mike himself knew that too. Levi, on his part, seemed to still hold some grudge against the person who captured him and dipped his head in the mud. It was good to see that these two are beginning to trust each other, especially since they were expected to work together in the same squad.
Erwin had almost finished his work when he heard knocks on the door, punctual as usual "Get in".
Levi entered the office "This is the expedition report, Erwin". He said placing it on Erwin's desk.
The members of each squad should take turns writing the report of the expedition then they submitted it to their leader for review who, in turn, submitted it to the commander of the Corps.
"Thank you. Sit down, I'm almost done".
Levi sat down crossing his legs with the usual expressionless face and the dark circles around his eyes silently waiting for Erwin to tell him what he wanted, and ready to carry out his orders. Because he too had spent some time observing his new squad leader, and this man seemed sincere in his endeavour for the good of humanity and smart enough to make a difference. Levi didn't need much time to find out that many positive changes in the Corps were Erwin's ideas. He had nothing against the current commander and he seemed to be a good man, but he had no doubt that Erwin Smith would make his way in becoming the commander of the Survey Corps one day.
In addition to that, Erwin didn't underestimate him because of where he came from, or how he was recruited, and gave him the same respect he gave to any other soldier.
"Sorry for making you wait. I have finished reviewing the report and I'll take it to the commander. We didn't suffer any loss this time."
"The other squads weren't that lucky".
"Yes, but the total casualties are less than usual and this is progress".
Levi nodded his head, "What do you want from me?"
Erwin smiled thinking about what he wanted to discuss. It wasn't about work, he just wanted to check on him. Despite Levi's excellent performance and his quick adaptation to his new life, he didn't receive the same formal training as the others, and he didn't know the other soldiers well enough while most of them shared years of training and working with each other, and he lost his friends not long ago. Erwin couldn't let the guilt take hold of him. He didn't want them to die, no one could know how things were going to turn out. He can not allow this to stop them from trying to reach their goal but that didn't mean they weren't a little bit unfair to Levi and didn't enquire about how he was doing after the incident, even though the new recruit showed no sign of suffering after leaving that spot. On the contrary, he seemed calmer than most soldiers after a similar experience, except that he had heard that Levi barely sleep at night.
"I was wondering if you'd join the soldiers at their celebration tonight?" Asked Erwin with an ordinary tone that you would use in talking to a friend.
"Is that all you wanted to tell me, or is this your new way of starting speeches?" Responded Levi, and despite his words, there was no true annoyance in his voice.
Erwin chuckled. "Yeah, this is really all I wanted to ask. You don't spend much time with the soldiers off duty and sit alone during meals I think you should attend it".
"Is this an order?" Asked Levi rising an eyebrow.
"If you want to keep an eye on me just spit it out. You don't have to cover it".
If Erwin didn't trust him enough still and wanted to keep him close, it's fine, but Levi hated to be tricked or manipulated.
"Not at all. It isn't an order. Actually, you can consider it an invitation if you want. You don't have to stay but I recommend it. You may find the atmosphere of these parties entertaining".
Erwin felt he needed to add "I also think you've noticed that I no longer see a need to keep an eye on you".
Levi had noticed. For that reason, he was slightly annoyed by Erwin's question.
"Is that so? What makes you so sure that I don't want to kill you anymore?"
"Do you? We both know you had a lot of chances of killing me, but you didn't?" Erwin answered smiling.
Levi didn't reply and studied him for a minute before speaking.
"What's so entertaining about this celebration anyway? The anniversary of the king's coronation who only cared about the filthy nobles. Why would the soldiers celebrate something like that? And they're only gonna spend their time fighting for food and get disgustingly drunk". The previous tension was completely dissolved.
"It isn't about the royalty as much as it's about those soldiers' need to celebrate. You're right that some recruits go a little too far, but they're not on duty and given the fact that the Survey Corps always live under the pressure of action and losses, I think they deserve to have some fun".
Erwin thought that the king doesn't deserve to be celebrated too. Many people lived in terrible conditions, not to mention the secret activities of the royal government to kill anyone who opposed or sought knowledge as his father, but on such occasions, the government was more generous to the common people. That rare generosity would even extend to include the Survey Corps, they could provide a decent meal of special food and drinks once a year.
"I don't have a real taste for drinks, but I mostly enjoy the company. I'm sure everyone will be happy with your presence, too." Added Erwin.
"Tch, Alright I'll come. I don't enjoy drinking that much although I never get drunk. I suppose there will be good quality black tea, too. I'll see you there." said Levi as he was getting out of his chair and left the office.
To be continued
