Hello! Another update for you! Note of warning, depictions of sexual violence and such ahead. Nothing overly graphic, but it's still there.

My hand straps puddled against the floor as I unwrapped them, wincing as bruising blossomed over my knuckles. Once again, I'd gotten carried away. It was just so easy to do once faces began appearing on the punch bag: his, my own, Jack, various Titans, the nuns. Still, gnarled hands weren't exactly going to help me as a Scout in the long term. Idiot. I massaged the bruising and gathered the abandoned tape, chucking it into a nearby bin as I headed out, mopping myself with my towel. Training later in the day suited me. Less noise, less people. But now, time for a shower, a cup of hot tea, and then maybe some more team planning. Petra mentioned being available for a fresh set of eyes. That would help.

The corridors were quiet. Most would be at dinner, on patrol, or attending other duties. Without the days' hustle and bustle, the stone corridors were a little eerie in all honesty. So quiet that the shuffle of my boots sounded thunderous. Letting my fingertips drag along the rough walls, I enjoyed the slightly icy touch. It was soothing. As I came to an open window, I paused to take a long breath of the evening air. Clear night. It would be a cold one. I perched on the sill and put my head to the glass, the chilled pane pleasant against my flushed skin. Small moments. That was what was important.

Conversation bubbled towards me from the far end of the corridor, a door creaking open before it smacked off the wall.

"I'm serious, cut it out."

"Y'don't need to play the tease."

Whoever they were, they sounded like they were stumbling around, likely colliding with the walls. But only one voice sounded tipsy. I stayed hidden on my perch. Was there an "on leave" night I hadn't heard about? Or had some new rookie decided to break into the wine supplies and make a mess? The first option seemed the least headache inducing, so I hoped for that. But within a few paces, I could tell I wouldn't be that lucky.

"Jack, fucking go to bed you idiot."

I didn't recognise the female voice, but she sounded understandably 'done' with Jack's attention. It wasn't an on leave night then. Jack wouldn't be part of one of those for a long time yet, between ongoing punishments for his mission stupidity and just the usual scheduling, this was definitely him having stolen booze. Idiot. Jack Sente, my damned foolish old squad-mate – would he ever learn?

Since our disastrous mission, I had avoided Jack to be honest. I had no inclination to small-talk with the idiot that nearly got me and the Captain killed. By this point it seemed likely that Captain Levi had given Jack a talking to already, but I hadn't had my own chance. Then again, judging by the way Jack wavered on his feet, talking right now wouldn't do any good. Soused. Completely out of it. Within ten paces I could smell the wine on his panted breath, the dusting of pink along his cheeks and nose clear enough too. I assumed he was wallowing over being punished or something – it seemed unlikely he would be celebrating anything.

Glassy eyes lingered on the girl with the long blonde hair. At first I worried it was Isla, but then the height was all wrong. No, I didn't recall her name. But clearly Jack did, and he was keen to know more.

He leaned close, looping an arm round her waist. "I don't fancy my bed all alone. Come with me?"

"Get the fuck off me." She wriggled, but as much of a moron as he was, he was also pretty strong. Clearly she needed some help. And clearly I was the only one nearby. Dammit.

I got off my perch as he slammed his lips into hers. As unpleasant as it clearly was – judging from her grimace and ongoing grunts of objection – it provided a moment to get hold of the slimy prick. I grabbed the back of his collar, unhooked his clasping fingers from her coat and flung him back, whilst keeping her upright as we stumbled.

She panted and clung to my arm, wiping her face roughly before looking at me in confusion. Shock would potentially set in. I gave a small smile and made sure she was steady on her feet before I glanced at the idiot across the hall, but he was still trying to figure out what had happened.

With a quick look, I didn't spot any injuries beyond bruised lips. That was bad enough of course, but at least he hadn't got any further.

I stepped into her eye-line, blocking the sight of Jack. "Hey, you're safe. He's down."

"Asshole." She snapped, glaring through my chest, not aiming the anger at me as her eyes misted and her jaw clenched. She breathed hard through her nose. "I kept saying no."

"I heard you loud and clear, he just didn't want to. Asshole, indeed." I only touched her shoulders to keep her upright. As her eyes landed on me, she blinked and the anger faded back to confusion. "Can you do me a favour? Before you go to report this, can you find someone to come give me a hand getting this ass to the cells?"

"R-Right. It's Sanshi, right?"

I nodded.

She sniffed. "Th-Thanks, if you hadn't–"

"Not worth thinking about. Don't give him that space in your head." I squeezed her shoulders lightly and let go, hearing Jack managing to get up. "Go let someone know, okay? I'll keep hold of him."

"Right. O-Of course."

"You did nothing wrong." I smiled at her before going to Jack and looming. "He's the only one at fault."

She ran off, muttering another thank you, a small whine at the end of her voice as the tears took over. Poor kid. She looked maybe eighteen, at most. It wouldn't take her long to find someone, hopefully someone a bit taller than me, but numbers alone would help.

"Stay down Jack, don't make this any worse." I did my best to keep my voice calm. I wanted to yell, to kick him in the stomach, spit in his face and slap him into next week. How dare he. We all served together, we fought together. How dare he taint that comradery. But I needed to try and keep him calm as well – if he lashed out too soon, I couldn't guarantee he wouldn't manage to overpower me.

He groaned and looked up with bleary eyes. "Robyn?"

"Yeah, Fuckface. Now stay down."

"Where's–"

"She's gone, well out of your reach."

He glared. "The fuck is up with you? Jealous or something?"

"She said no, you asshole. She wanted nothing to do with you."

"Bullshit." He snorted, leaning back and tilting his head. "Y'girls are all the same. Saying no when you mean yes."

"Grow the fuck up." I hissed, hating that I knew exactly where things might have gone if I hadn't happened to be in the right corridor at the right time. This cretinous shit would have ruined her life.

He started to move, to get up.

I snarled. "Stay. Down."

"Or what?" He snorted, trying again before I shoved him onto his arse. "God dammit, stop it you crazy bitch. It's cold down here."

"Might help clear your head."

"Shit, calm down, would ya? It was just a bit of wine." He ran a hand through his dark hair. When his eyes landed on me again, the smugness had returned. If it ever left. A lopsided grin tumbled into place. "Good evening, Robyn."

I raised a brow. "If that's intended as charm you're an attempted rape too late. Not to mention me having known you since training, you slimeball." The words wouldn't reach him, but venting was helping keep the want to throttle him at bay. "You've got about as much charm as three day-old dog shit."

"Wow, someone is jealous." He cackled. "All pent up that I never paid you attention, huh?"

My teeth clenched against wasting words. It didn't matter.

He patted his leg. "Well c'mon, lap's open now."

I glanced towards the corridor door, willing someone to come back through. Where the heck had the girl gone? Hurry up or I'm going to be forced to introduce this idiot to my boot between his teeth.

"Looks like you gotta be done for the day, workin' hard as ever huh? If y'ain't careful you'll end up lookin' more butch than half us fellas!"

I blinked at him and looked him over. "Right, because that's my concern."

He snorted. "Oh c'mon! Got no time for me anymore because you got your own team, while I got grounded?"

I made to step back, needing another pace of space from that rancid breath and bitter bullshit. But he suddenly moved, swinging his leg, knocking mine out from under me. Shit! I landed hard. Elbow cracking off the stone, hip aching from the fall. Dammit. Fatigue had slowed me down, I guess. I tried to roll, to get up and pin the bastard. But he was that bit quicker. His knee pressed into the small of my spine, one hand pinning both of mine behind my back while the other made a show of grabbing my ass then slowly working up my side.

He sneered. "All bending over for the Captain but got no time for your fellow soldiers?"

"Time for what?" I gritted between my teeth, well aware of what he meant, but trying to keep him distracted long enough for someone to arrive. "And I ain't doing shit for Captain Levi. The fuck are you on about?"

Jack made the dumb move of hauling me upright, but it wasn't much better as he slammed me against the wall face first. My head throbbed, my cheekbone burned and my lip soon tasted of iron. He pushed me into the wall, leaning forward all the time.

His breath wafted against my ear. "Time for us. You used to make such eyes at me in training. C'mon, admit it. You want this. You're gagging for it."

"For you to fuck off? Yes. For you to be anywhere near me otherwise? No chance." I had no idea where he had gotten this impression from but it wasn't based in reality. I guess it didn't matter. He was drunk and an idiot, but I wouldn't placate him much further. "Let go Jack, or I will make you. I just want to go to my bunk after a shower. Or two."

"Inviting me to the shower now? See, you're a fuckin' tease." He laughed heavily, wine soaked breath wafting over me as he swooped in and slathered his greasy lips along my throat and shoulder.

Ew.

His hand snaked upwards, grabbing my jaw and pulling me into an awkward kiss. Shit. Now, within this half of a second, I can honestly say two things happened at once. Firstly, I bit down on his tongue as hard as I could. It was the only defensive thing I could manage. My mind reeled with the fact this imbecile had ever had more than a passing glance from myself – he had plenty of girls to play with from our class and elsewhere. He wasn't half bad to look at, it was his damned shitty attitude that always made me think of him more as a cretin than a fellow Scout. And secondly, I thought, how hard can I kick him in the balls without actually causing permanent damage. Then again, do I care?

He shrieked and lunged back, clasping his mouth as his tongue likely seared in pain. I slouched from the wall, breathing freely again as I bared my effective teeth and wiped my mouth on the back of my hand, utterly revolted and ready to knock his head clean off his shoulders.

"Wake up you moron, this isn't happening."

"Stupid bitch." He panted, spitting blood to the side. "If you'd just stayed back everything would have been fine."

"Like I was gonna let you take advantage of that gir–"

"But no, you had to look good for your precious Captain, right? Had to be the saviour. Hah."

Oh, he meant on the field.

Save a guy's life and what do you get? His hatred apparently.

I rolled my eyes and lunged, trying to get him pinned again. But he ducked, and shoulder barged me into the wall a second time. Shit. Brute strength forced the air out of my lungs. My head whacked off the stonework. My sight popped with black spots and my ears rang. But before I could even drag in a breath, his hand sealed round my throat and his foul mouth was back on mine. His tongue shoved into my mouth, and in the same second his knee rammed in between my legs. Pain streaked along my spine. I kicked out fruitlessly. Panic. Pain. Help! Dammit get off me. Fuck you. I clawed at his arms, but he ignored me, moaning into my mouth. I tried to bite down again but he moved too quick, ducking out of the kiss, slamming me back again.

"I'll show you how to take it properly." He laughed, kissing along my jaw, biting at my shoulder, my vest's small straps doing little to avoid his teeth making marks along my skin. I clawed at his face, his other hand undoing my belt and trousers.

"J-Jack!" I gasped as he gripped tighter, throat burning with a lack of air, sight dulling.

"Shh. Take it like a good little wh–"

Finally. My knee made contact with his ribs, my fingers ripped into his lips and eyes and he stumbled back.

I slumped to the ground, choking and coughing. Everything ached. My skin itched. My eyes stung. My heart thundered. He hadn't got past the second button thankfully, but that wasn't the point. He wanted to. There had been no intention to stop without being stopped. The bastard. Suspicions confirmed.

On my hands and knees, I tried to get up. Move. He's not done yet. Move!

Scrambling to my feet, I kept my eyes on him, but he was on the floor, cradling one half of his face. Down. Helpless. For now. I snarled and kicked him in the stomach till he flopped to the ground, face down, wheezing. I grabbed one of his arms, set my knee to the small of his back and pinned him tight.

"B-Bitch! Breaking my a-arm!"

"Not yet." I hissed, hair falling out of it's tie, sticking to my face via sweat, tears or even blood. I wasn't sure. Main thing, he was stuck.

My back was on fire after his knee attack, and between my legs wasn't much better, like it had been cut open. Dammit. My arms shook, my breathing rattled. But I had him.

"Someone!" I called out, unable to wait for someone to find us. Adrenaline worked for the time being, but soon enough I'd burn through that and he might get a second wind. I swallowed hard. "Someone! Help!"

LEVI POV

Headed for his chambers after dinner, Levi paused as he heard running steps and worn wheezing. He raised a brow, fully expecting to find someone late for dinner, making a ruckus about getting their rations before things were cleared. Instead, one of the newer cadets stumbled into view. Her wide, panicked eyes latched onto him and she tried to form words, pointing behind herself with urgency.

"Sir… Jack Sente… Drunk... Asshole…"

"Breathe, cadet. I'm well aware of Sente's personality issues. What's he done specifically?"

"Attacked me." She gasped. "Sanshi helped, is keeping hold of him in a corridor back there. Please. Dunno if he'll stay down or not." She coughed and started to lead back the way she had come.

Levi nodded, and they ran along the corridors, the girl doing her best but clearly still enduring shock after her horrible experience. Sente would be kicked out of the regiment for this, on top of his other recent issues, but for now that wasn't Levi's priority. Had Sente come across anyone else that night? Had they yet to be found? Or had he managed to over-power Sanshi? Unlikely. Unless she had been over-working on the punching bags again. He sped up.

"Someone! Help!"

Sanshi's voice echoed from the next doorway.

Levi looked back at the panicked cadet. "I'll handle this, go to the infirmary to be seen to, ask someone to come give me a hand and someone else to inform the commander."

"Sir!"

One job done. Another, lay in wait. Levi wondered if he would manage to keep his temper in check enough to avoid actually killing Sente. But it would depend what he saw when he passed through the door.

He flung it open and skidded through, seeing the two of them about halfway down the corridor. Thankfully, Sanshi seemed to have Sente pinned. But as Levi approached, at a light jog now, to avoid seeming overly panicked, a headache formed behind his eyes. He grit his teeth. Sanshi sat there; panting, arms straining to hold Sente in place, her hair partially tied back and partially pulled free in a frazzled mess. Bruising littered her shoulders, and the back of her neck, scratches lightly bleeding as well. Like she had been thrown against the wall. Or several. One strap of her vest was torn, hanging from her shoulder, and her belt lay open, along with at least two buttons of her trousers.

She must have heard the door, and his approach, but her eyes didn't lift yet. She just stared down at Sente's shoulder blades, probably doing her best not to vomit – assuming Levi's deductions were correct in how she had got those injuries.

"Sanshi?"

"S-Sir." She winced and peered over her bruised shoulder. No doubt she would be displeased it was Levi, likely worrying herself over foolish things like needing to be rescued. That wasn't what this was. She had it handled. There was nothing wrong with needing help. But that wouldn't be how she saw it.

Shame radiated from her, despite the weary smile she pulled into place. "Captain."

"A cadet brought me, said Sente attacked her." Levi cleared his throat. "Care to elaborate?" He couldn't help how his eyes lingered on her bloodied lip, badly bruised cheekbone, and then her shoulder where the vest had been ripped. Dammit, Sente must have gone berserk.

She swallowed, eyes tightening against the pain. Bruising had begun to form along her throat, no doubt Sente had gripped her there at some point, perhaps when he threw her against the wall. Levi stopped himself. Just find out from her, idiot.

"Sir, I w-was–"

"Maybe wait till you've had your throat looked at." He amended, her voice scratchy and hoarse. "I can take it from here, Sanshi."

"Captain Levi!" Sente wriggled. Sanshi bared her teeth and dug her knee deeper into his back. She was well trained. "This c-crazy bitch attacked me! Just like her Dad in the mess-hall, she just totally lost it! I didn't do a damn thing!" He squealed like a pig.

"Shut it." Levi snarled, before standing beside Sanshi's shoulder, tempted to lightly touch for an attempt at comfort but withholding. Between the bruising and what had just happened, the last thing she needed was unwarranted touch. "Let go, Sanshi. I can detain him."

Sente wriggled. "It's not–"

"Silence." He spoke calmly, but with an edge sneaking into place. "At this point Sente, you're drunk on duty, Sanshi clearly has bruises on her neck, her shoulders, lacerations as well, and other signs of being man-handled by someone and you're the only one nearby. Along with that is a separate report from another cadet. So shut up. You can give your side later. Assuming you don't slur."

Sente grumbled against the flooring.

Sanshi let go and stumbled back a bit, righting herself and leaning on her knees. No doubt the adrenaline would have dipped, leaving her in a cold wake. As long as she stayed at the surface, that was all he hoped for. Levi took note of her appearance one last time, for the sake of his own report. She had clearly had some trouble with Sente, and perhaps Levi would have found a very different scene if she was not so skilled in hand-to-hand. He tried not to think of the 'what if'.

He sighed, placing a boot against Sente to ensure the idiot kept his warning in mind. "Best to get it fresh I suppose. In as few words as possible, Sanshi. Please, explain. Did he attack you as well?"

"Yeah." She winced and felt at the back of her head, but Levi had the vague hope her hair tie may have cushioned things enough to avoid anything more than a bruise. "He decided I was gagging for it and decided to give me it, despite my refusal." She coughed again, harshly and placed a bruised hand over her throat.

Levi's temper flared under his skin. Yes, the evidence had been there, but her confirmation made it so much more real. Yes, he had his own reasons to be affronted by someone attacking Sanshi in particular. But the fact anyone had attempted this on the Scout's base sickened him. For all the danger they faced beyond the walls, the base was meant to be a safe place, a home. And now a rat had violated that safety.

Levi cleared his throat. "So, to be perfectly clear, Sente tried to violate you?"

"Gave it a shot, sure. Didn't get far." She straightened with a small grunt, and redid her trousers.

Non-chalant and pragmatic; it impressed Levi as much as it unnerved him. What the hell had she endured in her life to be so blase about this situation? The shock would hit at some point, he was sure. Hopefully she had someone on the base she trusted enough to confide in.

She wiped blood from her lip. "He didn't intend to stop, had to pin him and call for assistance. You know the rest."

"Your injuries?" He asked, moving his eyes to Sente afterwards, finding the blossoming bruising across her skin hard to ignore. She would be black, blue and purple by the morning. A map of the Sente's brutality.

"I'll get patched up in a second, sir." She coughed. "At least I stopped the shithead earlier. Small mercies." She swallowed hard and scraped the hair back from her face.

Levi's previous unnerved feelings deepened to cold disbelief. In the wake of being attacked, almost violated and threatened by a comrade, she was mainly glad to have been in the right place at the right time? His eyes returned to her as she rubbed her fingertips against her temples, the moonlight washing through the windows, turning her skin silver where it caught. Astonishing. As ever.

"You're glad it was…" He shook his head. "Ridiculous."

"I try." She smirked and cracked her knuckles, soon looking like they regretted it as she waved a hand and swore.

The door opened again, and a flustered Petra appeared with a nurse close behind. They both baulked at the scene. Sanshi waved before she leaned against the wall, still trying to take a breath without coughing.

Sente wriggled feebly as Levi wrenched him up, hands held tight behind his back.

Sente whined. "This is all bullshit, sir! She's just talking crap! Like I'd go for her slutty ass–!" He quickly shut up as Levi pulled his arms tighter.

"Ral," Levi clicked his tongue. "Escort Sanshi to the infirmary, she needs checked out."

For once Sanshi didn't argue, between the throat bruising and her other injuries, she likely felt like she had gone a few rounds with a Titan. Petra dashed over and put Sanshi's arm around her shoulder, helping Sanshi head for the doorway, her knees only partially cooperating. Once again, she had been failed by her comrade Sente, which was bad enough, but even worse, Levi was only there to mop things up afterwards. It wasn't his job to babysit anyone, he knew that, but it didn't help the nagging sting in his chest.

He watched them go for a few paces, before calling over. "If you're up to it Sanshi, meet me in the commander's office afterwards, to give a statement."

"Yes, sir." She kept moving, raising her other arm in a wave without looking back. "Th-Thank you, sir."

"I didn't do shit." He sighed, marching Sente in the opposite direction, towards the cells.

The cretin kept wriggling, kept babbling half-baked excuses. But the truth was clear. Between the double reports from Sanshi and the other cadet, the physical evidence, and the fact Sanshi had no reason to lie; Sente was done for. What a waste of a survival statistic. Levi barked orders at a couple of cadets returning from patrol, ordering them to get the cells open and some shackles prepared. They did so, scattering.

Sente dragged his feet. "Fucking shackles? This is insane."

"No, this is protocol. You attacked a fellow Scout, two, in fact. And you're resisting capture still, so no, this is entirely by the book. Perhaps reread it while you're waiting for due process."

"Fucking…" The sleazeball hung his head, muttering about stupid systems, crazy bitches and it not even having been worth it.

Every word simmered under Levi's skin. It would be simple to let it loose, to kick the cadet to the floor and beat him to a pulp. Levi had done worse to the same type down in the Underground, the sort that took liberties with the Corner Girls and brothel workers. The bastards saw themselves as superior. Like the women and men there only existed for their amusement. Not even human. Levi couldn't count how many teeth he'd kicked out, how many ribs he must have cracked or eyes he must have blackened. But that wasn't how it was done in the upper lands. No. Here there were rules. And as much as Jack Sente seemed to be bitching about them currently, Levi wondered how grateful he would be for them, if he knew the extent of what punishment could be down below. He smirked. Whole other world. And in those brief moments, shackled by protocol and 'decency' Levi almost missed it. Almost.

By the time they reached the cell doors, a guard waited and the tell-tale clank of shackles could be heard from down below. Sente wriggled harder. Levi practically threw him down the stairs, rather glad Sente failed to right himself in time and toppled down at least five of the cold, stone edges. Before he could get up, Levi pushed him onto his back and slammed the readied shackles into place. Clunk.

Sente panted, looking between the iron on his wrists to his superior officer. "Sir… Sir, please listen to me. Surely Robyn's recent record speaks against her reliabilit–"

At the best of times, Levi couldn't stand to hear another Scout's reputation being questioned, but even more so when it was in the wake of such sordid actions on behalf of the accused. And beyond that, because he wouldn't hear of Sanshi's conduct being questioned due to her actions towards her father, another man who used her for so long, with so little justice given. No. It would not stand. And so his boot connected with that flapping jaw and he dragged the groaning mess of Jack Sente to the open cell, flung him inside and loomed over him as the rat lay in a crumpled heap.

"This isn't fai–!"

"Don't you think it's ridiculous that we humans still find ways to fuck each other over, when we have something like the Titans to be dealing with? I do. I think it's fucking disgusting. You want me to consider her record? Right. I'll do that, and at the same time, I'll consider yours. Seems you've forgotten very quickly that not once, but twice that 'crazy bitch' as you call her, saved your shitty life. Twice. So as much as you want to cast doubt on her word, or the other cadet's, consider that. You're only here, to whimper against this floor, because Robyn Sanshi saved your life."

"I didn't do anything!"

"Yeah? Then I guess I didn't fucking do anything either." He struck Sente across the cheekbone hard, knuckles burning in that familiar and satisfying way.

"Why the fuck do you care so much?" Sente panted, keeping his head down, shivering. "Y'actually fucking her or something?"

Levi grabbed the filthy hair and wrenched Sente onto his knees. "Ah right, because the only reason to treat people decently is if you're sticking your dick in them, huh?"

Sente struggled. "I m-made a stupid mistake!"

"No, you felt powerful, didn't you? Ignoring them saying no, taking what you wanted. You were getting off on it."

"And you aren't?" Sente glared.

Levi grimaced. "Like I could feel powerful, knowing shitheads like you manage to sneak in here under my nose, and I don't fucking know about it until a victim manages to get away. How the hell could I feel powerful like that? Nah. I'm just being a stupid human and lashing out. That's all. No power in it. Just tired, weary fucking rage." And he threw Sente to the ground again, kicking him over and leaving to lock the cell. He nodded to the guard. "Give this shithead some water to sober up, but that's it. Food might make the hangover less painful, but I see no reason to help him in that area. If he tries anything, says anything, report it."

The guard glanced through the bars. "He attacked a fellow Scout?"

"Two of them, but don't go giving him any extra punishment." Levi sighed and smoothed himself down. "I likely already went too far."

"I'll politely disagree, sir." The guard nodded and kept his head down, jaw tightly set.

Levi headed back up the stairs, giving the guard a pat on the shoulder before he left. Next stop, Erwin's office for Sanshi's statement. And hopefully, a quick drink. He trudged along the corridor, noting the scuff marks and odd droplet of blood where Sente's nose had leaked along the way. Someone on cleaning duty would get it. Levi almost managed to convince himself of that, before seeking the upper floors and passing the information onto the current cleaning team. A mixture of con-artists, a smuggler and three pick-pockets. But they got a good shine on the windows.

He knocked on Erwin's door, heading inside once the order came. The room was lit by the desk lamp and a couple of others, burning low but steadily. A set of papers already sat drying on the desk, recently sealed with a wax Scout crest at the bottom.

Erwin didn't look up as he spoke. "Cadet Hane has already given me her statement. She has been escorted back to her bunk, and given tomorrow off. Do you know where Sanshi is, presently?" He set his quill into the ink pot when he finally looked up and saw Levi's expression. He clasped his hands and sat back. "That bad, hm?"

"The bastard had half undressed her and beaten her black and blue, so yeah, pretty bad." Levi poured himself a glass of whiskey and downed it, refilling the glass with ice and holding it to his knuckles. "He's in a cell, shackled, and being guarded."

"A little worse for wear?"

"Might've taken a stumble down the cell steps." Levi shrugged and leaned against the bookcase by the desk. "Animal. I'll give a full report on what he said after the fact, but it's safe to say he's not done himself any damned favours."

"Denying anything occurred?"

"Mm."

Levi closed his eyes, hating how clearly he saw Sanshi's weary smile and the nonchalant dismissal of Levi's concern. Like it was normal. To be expected. Levi's mother had acted the same, so accepting, so careful around him to keep him calm. Like he was the victim, rather than her. Like she had already handled it, and now had to help him through the trauma. He didn't need help. Nothing had happened to him. And similarly, he hadn't done anything either. Always that bit too late. That bit too weak. Watching from the sidelines, a helpless and pointless witness.

"Levi?"

He blinked and looked towards Erwin, who had his own drink swirling in his hands by that point. Erwin took a sip and went to the window, standing just beside Levi.

"Hane wasn't sure she wanted to press charges, but I advised she think about it tomorrow, perhaps talk to Sanshi in the morning. She seemed more concerned about the regiment being poorly reflected on than anything else. Do you suppose Sanshi will think the same?"

"I doubt it." Levi pressed the chilled glass against his hand harder. "She'll want Sente as far away from here as possible."

"Oh? Glad to hear it."

Levi snorted. "If only to keep the others safe."

"What do you mean?"

"Just wait till she gives her report, you'll see what I mean."

ROBYN POV

I held onto Petra and we moved away from the Captain, and as we passed through the door, I heard him sigh. "I didn't do shit."

The resignation caught me off guard. And as I glanced back, I saw his anger cool to a strange kind of regret. And then we left. When the Captain had approached, I figured that was it. I'd never be anything but a victim in his eyes ever again. But he didn't immediately take over, he was careful, gentle even. But without a hint of patronisation. He had to pick a side; did he respect me or not? Like me or not? Then again, I guess you could dislike someone and respect them. Could you? My head was swimming.

Petra moved carefully. "Put more weight on me if you need to."

My ribs and back twinged and so I did as I was told.

She sniffed. "Fuck, Robyn I can't believe this. Jack's always been a creep, but I never thought… I didn't think he'd…"

"We often don't, until they do." I winced and paused, closing my eyes and shivering. Shit. Don't do that. The sensation of his hand clasping my throat became very vivid for a second. I breathed slow and deep. "He'll be dealt with. Stupid bastard."

We got moving.

"You're walking weird still, did he hurt your leg or something?"

"Probably just jarred my back. Rammed his knee between my legs." I swallowed. "I don't like to think it, but tends to indicate he's done it before, knew how to subdue me."

"Shit…"

"Yeah. Fuckhead." I paused at the top of the stairs, feeling the scratches from the wall nip along my shoulders and back of the neck. My throat still burned from the harsh grip, my head swam from the knocking about. My lip nipped from where it had split, and my lower body ached dully. I'd be a patchwork doll of blue, blacks and purples by morning. Damn, I just wanted to sleep. Adrenaline dipped further and the pain flared.

I groaned. "Fuck, really starting to pinch now."

"What is?" Petra hurried me along, calling out to nurses. "Stay awake if you can, Robyn."

"I think my head's fine. Just… everything else. Ow." I nodded, groaning as we reached the infirmary and I was led into a small room with a nurse. The bed was soft, but covered in leather. Good, I wasn't going to get any white sheets dappled in red then. I was encouraged to lie down. "Can I sit up? Or I'm gonna be out like a light."

"I'll hold her." Petra said, sitting by me, doing just that. "So… So what were you doing before?"

As I was examined, we talked about nothing really. I explained my training and how the team was going, she babbled about dinner and how Oluo had managed to bite his own tongue again instead of the stew. He was going to end up with a bad habit. With her help, I stayed awake after the longest day ever, getting every cut cleaned, a couple of stitches on my lip, and some bandaging for my neck to discourage me from moving it too much. Then a nurse insisted I be laid down, so she could ensure no actual damage had been done between my legs. Petra held my hand from beyond the curtain. Thankfully it was nothing but bruising. I sat back up and wriggled back into my trousers.

Petra stepped back inside the curtain once I was dressed, holding a fresh vest in her hands. "Figured you didn't want to be only partially dressed for the commander's office? This was spare in the cupboard."

"Yeah, thanks." I tugged the torn one off and the new one on, chuckling at it's bagginess. "To the commander… Better get it done whilst it's fresh." I got up and let her stay close along the way, but I was able to walk by myself now thanks to the painkillers. "Sorry I interrupted your evening."

"Don't be stupid." Petra shook her head. "You doing okay? Saw you shivering. I can go get a jumper from your room or something?"

I sniffed. "Nah, think it's just nerves. Bastard kind of blindsided me."

"No wonder." She stepped ahead and knocked on the door, the commander's voice giving permission to enter. Seemed like I was becoming far too regular a visitor to this room for a low ranking rookie. We headed inside.

Petra lingered until I was in the chair. "Sir, can I bring back some hot sweet tea for Robyn? To help with the shock?"

I winced. She didn't have to mention that, did she?

Commander Erwin nodded. "Please do, Ral. Thank you."

"Anything for you, sirs?"

"Bring a set for simplicity." He gave a polite smile and Petra headed out, closing the door behind her.

The Captain stood against one of the tall bookshelves, arms folded, eyes focused on the desk. He looked calm like before, but I was sure I saw bruising along his knuckles. I looked away when his gaze flickered to me. My eyes went down. Dammit don't do that. You've nothing to be ashamed of. Jack attacked you, you're not to blame here. I dragged my eyes back up.

Commander Erwin set aside his paperwork, leaning on the desk, hands clasped under his chin like usual. "Sanshi, let me begin by apologising for what's occurred."

"I…" Sincerity shone out of his blue eyes. I swallowed. "Thanks, it's uh… I don't think that's on you, sir, but thanks."

He nodded. "Have you been treated at the infirmary?"

"I have, sir. Nothing but a few bruises." I regretted the lack of jumper, knowing the bruising was becoming more evident by the second, at least the neck ones were covered by bandaging. "Can we just get on with it? I'd like to press all possible charges, keep the shitty sleazeball maniac away from anyone else."

The Commander nodded, glanced to the Captain, and took a fresh page. What the little look between them was about, I had no idea, but I assumed it had been my language.

I laid it out as clearly as I could, accepting the tea from Petra when she had returned, and slipping on the jumper she offered at the same time. She was too sweet. The tea also helped. I spoke easier after a few sips and the shivering soon stopped. By the time I had finished the full report, I was on my second cup. The Commander had asked for a few more specifics as we went, ensuring the report was as damning as possible.

A knock sounded and in shuffled a nurse. She nodded to me and handed the Commander a slip of paper. A medical report. Oh. I guess my consideration of what was 'fine' or not, had to be questioned these days. Fair enough. As much as pride bristled, I couldn't really argue.

The Commander read it carefully and landed his eyes back onto me. He didn't say it out loud, but his eyes were rather clearly questioning 'a couple of bruises, huh?'

I sipped my tea.

He set the report aside. "Sanshi, I had been organising a cadet to be our representative for a visit the current training core group, the… 104th Cadet Corps. Would you be willing to do this?"

A sudden need for me to be travelling and not on active duty for a few weeks. How convenient. I didn't need leave, I didn't need more than a good night's sleep for goodness sake. I was fine.

"Sir." I chuckled. "I appreciate you dressing it up as me doing you a favour, but that sounds a lot like giving me leave with a bunch of kids."

He smirked. "Sharp as ever, Sanshi. Perhaps it is that, but you'll need some time to recover anyway, and this would in fact be very helpful at the same time."

"I don't need to recov–"

"Sanshi, we don't have another mission for at least a month, and with your written strategy I'm sure your new team will be alright. At least from what Mike and Captain Levi here have been telling me, your training with the team is going very well."

I set my tea aside. "Glad to hear it. Thanks." I nodded to the ever-stoic Captain and adjusted my posture, lower back aching dully. "I appreciate the honesty sir, but as long as it's actually going to be of some benefit as well as me taking a damn holiday, fine. But only if you insist."

"And I do."

"All right, I dunno what the heck the nurse put in that medical report, but fine, I'll take a holiday with some brats."

I couldn't help but simper at the Captain, and I saw him fight a small smirk of his own.

Okay 104th kiddos… I'm on my way.

Thanks for reading!