Hello! Sorry about the delayed upload, this morning was a write-off. Anyway, enjoy!

ROBYN POV

In order to regroup and figure out what the next part of the process was, we had to find somewhere to hide. We selected some new members for a new Levi Squad. Beyond that, we needed people we could trust to protect both Eren and Historia. So we headed into the wilder parts of Rose; I, my Captain, Mikasa, Armin, Connie, Jean and Sasha. We would prepare the place for Hanji and Moblit's team turning up afterwards. Surrounded by woodland, we would be able to experiment with Eren's Titan, as well as general recovery for those who had been hurt on the mission against the Colossal and the Armoured. That was, if I could ever actually persuade Mikasa to sit the fuck down.

I went with the brats first – Whoa, when did I start using that word for them? Anyway, Levi would join us in a couple of days, he had a few more things to sort out with the Commander in the city. As much as was possible, we needed intel, without attracting too much attention. Keza was also going to be useful for that, so she was with them, using her ways and getting herself into just the right amount of trouble. As long as it didn't get her hurt, I was thrilled to have her on our team. It almost felt like old times. Though admittedly with less time spent scurrying from basement to basement, or stealing bread from bakeries.

"How's it coming?" Eren asked, popping my personal bubble as I thought myself into corners and peeled potatoes. I blinked and looked down at the pot, taking a second to remind myself where the hell I was and what I was doing. "Robyn?"

"Sorry, kid. Yeah, it's coming along fine. Should be plenty stew for everyone, even if Levi turns up with more of the team." I chopped the last potato and added it to the pot, lighting the hob and getting it heated to a simmer. "How're you feeling?"

"Stronger. Kinda wish everyone would stop pretending I'm made of glass."

I smirked, knowing the feeling well. "We care about you, Eren, that's all. And let's face it, you were kinda put through it out there. Figured out what happened with the swarm yet?"

They had all told me the story, but it still sounded bizarre. It was hard to wrap my head around in all honesty, Eren could maybe control Titans? What? But there was so many things unknown about what had happened. So again, we just needed intel.

He perched on the counter beside me and sighed. "Nah, I can't get it straight in my head. One part of me thinks I must have commanded them somehow, but then I have no idea how that can be possible. An entire swarm? Beyond that, it kinda hints at a level of intelligence I don't want Titans to have…"

I don't think he had quite accepted Hanji's theory of Titans being once Human.

"Well, maybe command is the wrong word?" I washed my hands. The kid frowned. "Maybe compulsion is more like what you did. Avoids them actually having active thought."

He nodded. "Could be. But isn't that just wishful thinking and semantics?"

"We're the Scouts, wishful thinking is our thing." I winked and spread the damp towel out to dry. "Either way, Eren, we'll figure it out. You're not alone… As much as it might feel like that."

"Huh?" He shook his head. "I don't feel alone."

I pursed my lips and looked down for a moment. It would make sense for the kid to be feeling a few doubts, after all, he had been stolen away when surrounded by his comrades. Me and Levi couldn't even be on the mission. Eren was out there with Reiner and Bertholdt all alone. Okay, Ymir was there too, but she was hardly an ally. I'm still not sure what she was, even now. But looking back on what had gone down, it would make sense for the boy to be worried, even if not on the surface level. Be that trusting us, or himself.

He nudged my shoulder. "Hey, I really don't."

"I'm glad to hear that, Eren, but just know… Doubts are all right. But talk to us, okay? Even if it's not me, not the Captain or Hanji. But someone." I nudged back. "You went through a lot out there, and I don't just mean physically."

At first, I was worried he would rebut my words immediately, not really listening. But he didn't. He took it in, the words simmered in his mind for a few moments, and then he breathed out.

"I will, I promise. But right now, I do genuinely feel fine."

"Then I'm glad." I smiled and turned down the hob when the stew began to boil instead of simmer. "Not keen on losing you to some dark inner monologue."

He chuckled. "Nah, you'll keep me right."

"If I can." I winked and then glanced back over my shoulder. "You gonna linger in that doorway all day, Historia?"

The blonde jolted and stepped in from the pantry. She shrugged and looked to the side, probably bored out of her mind, but seemingly still not inclined to talk. I sighed and made a pot of tea. Ever since they returned from the mission, she had been quiet. Be that the trauma, losing Ymir, or something else entirely, I wasn't sure. Of all the 104th, she had been the one I couldn't really get a good read on. Then again, if she was living under a false name and identity, that made sense. But that time was passed. We knew who she was, we had accepted that. Perhaps this was just her true personality coming out? A bit cold, withheld. Fair enough, we all had a right to be ourselves. But she didn't need to sulk quite so much.

She nodded to the pot. "You done the cooking already?"

"Nothing like getting it going early so those flavours can develop." I smiled, doing my best to keep the bitterness down as I recalled it was Eld that had taught me that. Would my cooking ever match his? Then again, did I want it to? Nevermind. Focus. "And hey, she speaks. Congrats on finding your voice."

She shrugged. "Didn't have anything to say."

Eren snorted. "Well you're a lot less annoying like this, gotta say."

I blinked at him, and he shrugged at me. It wasn't like Eren was all peaches and cream but that had seemed particularly harsh. But the girl looked almost relieved. She had this look in her big blue eyes, like she had just woken up.

Eren continued. "You were always so… nice, before. It felt fake anyway, the endless cheeriness and generosity. No one's that nice."

"Welp, there's an outlook." I chuckled, but then held my hands up to his raised brow. "Not that you're wrong."

"You found me annoying?" She looked outside. "Well I guess that's a plus. But that girl's gone for good. No point in pretending to be anything but me now."

"Glad to hear it." I nodded, and she blinked at me next. "I didn't find you annoying, but I barely spent any time with you. I more meant, it's shitty if you feel you have to hide behind a mask. Worst place to be."

She looked me over. "Guess you've never done that?"

"Oh of course I have." I laughed, shaking my head. "As a kid I wore one constantly, only way to survive with Vincent. And after that… Well it's a good idea to generally keep my weird under wraps until I know if folks can handle it."

She quirked a brow. "And you decided we could?"

"Eh, it's the Scouts. Everyone's a bit of a misfit."

"Mm, you have a point."

I grinned. "Goodness, and even a positive comment. She really is coming back to life. Having said that though, Eren, go rest up. Can't have the others accusing me of making you do kitchen duty when you're meant to be–"

"Eren you should be resting." Mikasa entered the kitchen, giving me a scolding look as she set down the bags of flour. Ah shit. Nanny had gone and caught him in the kitchen. Historia shrunk into the background again, eyes always watching.

I found my courage and turned to Mikasa, tilting my head at her. "And you're not meant to be lifting anything, your ribs are still buggered, aren't they?"

She blushed.

I rolled my eyes and started putting the flour away. My own injuries were mere bruising by that point. The Female Titan Mission had only been a short while ago, but considering everything else that had happened, it might as well have been a different lifetime. That felt wrong. Like Petra, Eld, Gunter and Oluo were some far off memory of history; instead of a fresh pain of loss. Same with Nanaba and Mike. Everything was fresh. They were barely buried, or not buried at all. Damn it. So many lost so soon. It felt like the Scouts were losing all their longer-term members. What would they make of all this?

"Guys don't traipse mud in here!" Eren fussed, bringing me back out of my thoughts again. I guess I'm tired today or something, I couldn't focus. "If the Captain gets here and finds it messy, do you have any idea how angry he'll be?"

Oh dear, you've really got him spooked, Levi.

I hoped my Captain arrived soon. Every day he was in the city without us was another day for Kenny or some other shithead to come knocking. Every knock at the door had my heart in my throat. Would it be news of their death? Had someone found Keza and taken her in for questioning? Was Levi being tortured to give up the location of Eren and Historia? Was–

"You call this clean?" Levi's voice.

I spun round and grinned through the open kitchen door, ignoring that small part of me cringing at how openly thrilled I was at his presence. But the others were distracted by their sudden terror. He ran his fingers on the underside of the table and then wrinkled his nose. "I'm fairly sure I left clear instructions."

Eren despaired, and the other's scrambled for cleaning implements. I waited where I was, well aware that Levi had already spotted me and would make his way to me. He waited until the 104th had scrambled away, bickering amongst themselves, trying to blame one another for the shoddy clean-up job. But as the doors all closed, and the lower floor was left abandoned, he came through with a small smirk appearing.

"Miss me, Brat?"

I checked we were alone, which we were, and then threw my arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss. His arms wrapped round my middle and held tight. Bliss. His mouth moved against mine and warmth seeped back into my veins. He was here. He was safe. I wasn't going to get some crumpled piece of paper announcing his death. The table pressed against the backs of my thighs as he walked us backwards, and lifted me to sit there. I grinned against his lips. He missed me too, it would seem. My legs wrapped round his hips and pulled him close, earning a soft groan. His fingers laced into my hair, holding tight, his other hand drifting along my side, kneading at my hip bone and then my chest. I leaned closer, tugging on his shirt, like it would possibly bring him closer. We should stop. Much more and I'd be laid back and fucked next to the potatoes. Normally I wouldn't mind, but with a dozen teenagers kicking around, not the best idea.

I pulled away, panting, his grip on my hip bone tightening. "Guessing you missed me as well then?"

"Mm, you've no idea." He breathed through his nose and straightened back up, smoothing his hair, straightening his outfit. He tucked my hair back when I managed to sit myself upright properly. "I kept expecting to hear news, that the cabin had been found, or… I dunno, something like that."

"Same." I sighed, kissing him chastely before putting my forehead to his. "How're things in the city?"

"A mess. But Erwin's handling it, despite the fact he's only got one." He snorted when I gave him a shove. "Sorry, couldn't resist. He's recovering well, and when he's not taking proper rest he has a Keza looming over him so…"

"He'll be fine."

"Exactly." Levi then looked me over and put a finger under my chin. "How're you doing?"

"Barely bruised."

"Not quite what I meant." His eyes tightened and I smiled softly, leaning into his touch as it moved to caressed my cheek. His voice was soft, soothing. "So much has been happening, it's felt like we've barely had time to breathe."

"Mm, maybe we can do that a little out here. Continue the work of course, but also… breathe." I felt my eyes growing warm. "I miss them so much."

"I know, I do too. Mike… Our Squad… We've lost a lot of people recently."

"They gotta pay." I sniffed and gritted my teeth. "This Beast Titan and the others… The bastards…"

Levi cupped my face. "We'll get them."

"Damn right." I wiped my eyes and hugged him tight. "How about you?"

"Holding it together, though admittedly it'll be a hell of a lot easier with you."

"Mm, how romantic of you."

He held me tighter. "Is that Eld's recipe I smell?"

"It is, you have a good nose."

"You've no idea how bad the MP cooking is." He leaned back and gave my lips a final brief peck. "Glad to be home, Brat."

I looked around. "Not much of a–"

He tapped the end of my nose. "I consider anywhere with you, home."

Heat flushed over my face and I had to look away from the sincerity in his eyes, blazing at me like a freshly sharpened blade. How did he just come out with that kind of thing? Sometimes he was so smooth, and other times so darn awkward. There didn't seem to be anything in between.

Steps approached from the stairs and Levi stepped away, pouring himself a cup from the already made pot, leaving me perched on the table when Armin came in looking for fresh water for his mop bucket. Poor kids, the house was perfectly clean, and now they were restarting.

The reign of the Captain had begun.

It was a few hours later when Hanji arrived with Moblit. Time to get to work. Initially it was just planning, we had to figure out exactly what we needed Eren to try and accomplish in his Titan form before any transformations. Then again, we also had to ensure our boundary was well checked. Titan transformation was hardly a subtle art. Big ol' flash of light. Thunder. A beacon for anyone trying to find a secret hiding spot filled with Scouts. But the pieces were coming together and soon enough we were running the trials. Stamina was our main focus. Once we had that, we could attempt Eren tapping into the hardening ability. If he had it. But one thing at a time. If it came to it, he might simply be able to rebuild the wall instead. Whatever was required of him, I knew Eren would give it his all. He always did. Didn't seem like the kid knew how to live any other way.

And whilst the tests went on, me and Levi did our best to keep Hanji relatively focused. Between seeing the transformation first hand, and being able to interact with a Titan body freely, she was getting a little over excited. But other than those outbursts, everything was running like clockwork. So naturally I assumed something was on the horizon. But I kept that assumption beaten down, doing my best to enjoy this otherwise relatively peaceful time. We had ourselves ready to leave at a moment's notice, and had watches at all times of the day, but amongst that it did feel like we had some space. Some time. Some peace. So much was still to be done, but the biggest lesson of being a Scout was enjoying the slower moments when you could. It was no Winter Season stuck in the HQ with snow all around, but it was similar.

Despite not flaunting it in front of the cadets or Hanji etc. me and Levi saw little reason to hold up too much of a facade. We shared a room properly for the first time. No sneaking around. No late night visits. Just us, in our room. Hanji made some jokes initially, and I was sure I'd heard the 104th kids whispering about it a few times as well. But sod it. I'd almost died in the Female Titan mission, Levi had been seriously injured, and right now we were all on the cusp of becoming enemies of the state – at least that was me and Levi's most prominent theory. So while we could? Me and him were going to enjoy a little intimacy. Fuck it.

It had been another long day of tests, but as Eren's latest transformation took hold I felt coldness creep into my gut. Thin, shorter than the last one by several metres, weak. It was barely able to stand. And in fact, it toppled over in the next moment. He never complained, because of course he didn't, but I knew these tests were taking a toll on Eren's body. After all, despite their maturity and ability to serve in the military, these were still kids. Teenagers. They were still growing. So on top of that, Eren's body was also undergoing the stress of his Titan abilities. We had no way of knowing how it might affect his health. And it seemed like me, Levi and Hanji were all taking that into account in different ways; useful really, as we all have a different perspective on things, but tricky when it came to the arguments it sparked.

"We should stop for the day." I shook my head as Eren's Titan continued to not respond. "C'mon we need to get him out of there."

"You're being too soft on him, again." Levi sighed, not looking inclined to go help at all. His eyes were hard as he looked down at Eren's fallen form, and I knew it was my Captain I was talking to, not Levi. My Captain had to think of the mission, of the bigger picture, of Erwin's ongoing orders. It made sense, and I could respect that ability to look beyond the fact he was talking about a child. But then there was the other part of me, the part glaring.

"I just don't fancy him dying because we got impatient." I snapped and launched my gear, wishing I hadn't been quite so snippy about it, but knowing that we could talk later. Distinguishing myself between Robyn and the soldier was harder for me, and thankfully Levi knew that. I just hoped in a way he could respect it like I respected his lines as well.

"We're done for the day, Eren!" I called, landing on top of the form, the heat already intense as the form began to steam away. But he wasn't out yet. "Shit. I need to cut I think–"

Schlorp.

Eren emerged in a gorey mess of sinew, his real body limp and pale as he remained fused to the Titan by his arms, legs and head. Shit. I went over and tried to pull him back, but it wouldn't give at all, and he was scalding hot to the touch. Mikasa landed next and I tried to get her to help me brace him a bit. But then Hanji turned up with all her over-exuberance in tow and yanked. Rip. Tear. More steam erupted, and as I darted round to see how Eren was doing, I found myself only able to stare. His face. It was torn away, eyes hollowed, skull far too on show. Bile rose up the back of my throat. Thankfully Moblit was on hand to get Hanji back under wraps, and Mikasa carefully began to cut Eren free. They had him. He would be okay.

I stepped to the side and leaned against the nearby cliff. My stomach churned. I had seen countless injuries of course, watched friends being torn in two by the jaws of a titan, or being reduced to a spray of blood. But this was different. This was up close, personal, and for our own means. We were doing this to Eren.

Connie came over with some water for me, holding it out and putting a hand to my shoulder. "He's being taken to rest, they got him on a stretcher. He'll be okay, y'know."

I wasn't sure how the hell any of us were meant to know that, but I believed that Connie believed it. For whatever reason.

"Th-Thanks, Connie. Didn't expect myself to be so prissy about it." I sipped the water. "Sorry."

"Dunno that it's prissy to see that kinda thing and lose your lunch." He chuckled, and then looked back to the steaming corpse of Eren's Titan. I hadn't really spoken to Connie about it all myself, about him supposedly finding his mother in Titan form in his village, but in that moment I could see him reliving it. The spindly limbs were probably something like what he had seen that day.

"Hey…"

He jolted. "Sorry! Was a buncha miles away."

"All good, Connie. We all have our human moments."

He blushed and looked down. "Mm, guess so."

"Go on your patrol with Sasha, okay? If you feel up to it."

"I'm good to go. Though can I ask a favour, Robyn?"

I handed back his water after another sip. "Yeah?"

He looked at me with begging in his eyes. "Can you guys please stop putting Sasha on patrol so close to meal times, she's a pain in the ass when she's hungry!"

"She's always hungry." I winked and he sighed, heading towards his horse, but looking a little less spooked at least.

Back at the cabin, I headed for my shower, needing to get the day off my skin. Eren was being tended to, and apparently he had already healed nicely, his face no longer exposed bone and hollowed eyes. Though it had taken Armin a long time to get Mikasa to breathe normally. No wonder. For a moment I had thought Eren was dea–

I put a hand over my mouth.

No.

It wasn't going to come to that.

We would keep him safe, there wouldn't be a damn stone with Eren's name on it. Not for a long time yet. And then I had to laugh at myself, closing my eyes and facing the shower's falling water, I had no idea how long any of us would survive. It was foolish to pretend otherwise. The hot water ran over me and I breathed in the soapy air.

"Fancy some company?" Levi's voice rumbled through the air, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Sure." I put my hand round the curtain, beckoning him. He stepped inside and joined me beneath the hot water, hugging me from behind, chin resting on my shoulder. I laid my hand over his against my stomach. "You all right?"

"Mm, getting there." He murmured as he kissed along my shoulder. "I'm sorry about earlier. How's Jaeger doing?"

"He's recovering. Already healing nicely, apparently. And… It's okay."

"Is it? You looked horrified." He sighed, kissing and lingering at the join between my neck and shoulders. I traced the lines of his hand, eyes still closed as the water cascaded over us both.

"You have to keep the Captain mask on sometimes, and it's… It's good, in the long term. I'm too quick to worry. Seeing these kids… as soldiers rather than kids, isn't easy for me sometimes."

"Mm, not to mention the lab rat angle, right?"

I hummed. "Yeah..."

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to treat him like some inanimate object."

"I appreciate that." I turned in Levi's hold and kissed him softly. "I'm sure the others do as well. Though perhaps we should hope that Mikasa is never around for your colder moments, hm?"

He shook his head, looking down at me, water running off the end of his nose. "That girl has a freaky obsession with the kid, doesn't she?"

"She cares about him, that's all." I put my head against his chest. "In all honesty I'm glad she can still be so attached to someone, considering everything the girl's lost in her life."

"You're just going around finding common ground with all of them, huh?" He ran his fingers through my hair. "What's next? You suddenly going to be enamoured with potatoes?"

"You cheeky little–!" I squealed as he pushed me against the cold tiling. "Oi, I was having a bloody nice shower before all this."

He smirked and kissed along my throat. "Oh dear, you needing cheered up?"

"A bit, yeah. Some prick just came and ruined my shower." I pouted and he nipped at it with his teeth. Catching onto his u-turn towards playful, I tried to kiss him, but he ducked down, kissing across my chest and down my stomach.

He went to his knees.

I bit my lip. I held my breath. He hooked my leg over his shoulder, and kissed along the inside of my thigh. Fuck. My hand tangled in his wet hair, and he gave a playful nip to the top of my thigh before moving closer and kissing between my legs. Straight away he hit the sweet spot. He always had pinpoint accuracy. It was maddening. I tried to support myself against the other wall with my hand, my legs shuddering as he moved his jaw and his tongue licked deep into me.

"Nngh… L-Levi…" I whimpered.

"Mm?" He moaned against me, tongue moving thirstily against my core. His hands caressed all over my body, kneading at my hip bones, palming my chest, stroking every inch of flesh he could reach. After all the worry and stress, my body melted for him. Every nerve sung at the contact. Pressure built in my belly. Yes. Heat formed with that tightening of nerves. My head fizzed as the moment drew closer. More. Please.

The communal bathroom door opened beyond the curtain. We both froze.

Shit, someone was coming in. We were a known couple, obviously, but this was pushing it a bit. But before I could even think, Levi continued. Oh gods. I squirmed and clamped my teeth over my bottom lip, moans burning, unvoiced, in my throat. But I wouldn't be able to stay quiet if my moment came. I knew it. He knew it. And the threat of whoever it was in the cubicle next to us overhearing, somehow made the heat in my gut intensify.

Damn it body, you're on his side?

I tightened my hold on his hair as the moment edged closer, preparing to unhook my fingertip grip on control. Then suddenly he was upright, holding a hand over my mouth, as his other hand finished his tantalising work. He grinned as I shuddered silently. But my greedy self only wanted more. My mouth fell open as my eyes closed, my hand taking hold of his and commandingly pushing his touch deeper. More. He catches water in his mouth, gargles and spits before letting go of my mouth and kissing me deeply. Fuck, yes. I glare at him and his eyes momentarily widen in playful teasing as his kiss deepens. Both combined turn me to butter. I melted. Voice burning in my throat, wishing it could cry out at my nerves sung. Bliss. I toppled over the edge.

He kneaded me through my moment and finally relinquished the maddening touch.

As soon as his hand was gone, I bit down on his tongue. He gasped, creating a whisper of space and allowing me to enact my revenge. I grabbed his hardness and held tight, it's like fire in my hand and he looked at me with warning. Shaking his head, eyes flicking to the side. I smirked and began slowly stroking. He shuddered. I sped up. His brows raised and his mouth hung slack. A grunt escaped.

That along with his gargling, surely they'd heard something?

"Levi?" Hanji spoke with concern. "You alright in there? You sound in pain. Or you crackin' one out in the shower?" She laughed and I bit my lip, our talented friend almost hitting the nail on the head first try. "Seems a bit odd considering you're sharing a room with Robyn though, you two holding back for some reason? Or you–"

"Shut up Glasses, I'm fine. And it's just some muscle strain, thank you." He said through his teeth, face flushed as I quicken my pace. He braced himself against the wall, hands either side of my head. I held back a chuckle, his breathing was smooth but he was clearly focusing like crazy. I licked at his ajar lips, grinning as he huffed.

"How are things with Robyn?" It seemed odd that Hanji was asking, but then again, they were probably quite close friends under the sniping and snark. They'd known each other a long time. Levi met my eye, and I wondered what he would say if I wasn't here to hear.

"Good… Great." He sighed, putting his face under the water as his moment came. He released, spilling over my hand. I kissed his chin.

"Y'see! I told you, you were freakin' out about nothing." As I stifled giggles and reached for the soap, I heard Hanji's words and looked to see Levi blushing whilst lathering up.

"Thanks, Glasses. Should've known you'd be right." Levi replied, holding my chin gently and kissing me softly.

"Of course she's as nutty as I am, but I'm glad you've got some happiness."

They laughed together. I stuck my tongue out. Eventually Hanji left, reminding Levi not to fall asleep in there.

As soon as the door closed, I sighed and finished rinsing off. "Well that was close."

"Thanks to you." Levi kissed my cheek as I gaped at him. The nerve.

"But it was you that started with the… and you… Ugh!" I threw my hands up as he turned off the water, reaching out to grab his towel.

He wrapped it around his waist and handed me mine. "I thought you liked it when I kissed you there." He whispered into my ear.

I playfully slapped his chest. "And I thought you liked it when I wanked you off."

"You're not a poetic woman are you?"

"Pfft, fuck no." And I head down the corridor towards our room.

Once inside, I changed into my civilian clothes and sat cross-legged on our bed, watching him change and crack open a bottle of wine. Perks. We clinked our glasses and he locked the door. Our routine was simple; but it was the best thing I'd had in a long time. Simple was beautiful.

"So what were you scared of?" I asked, watching the frown take hold as he took a long sip of wine. Would he admit it? He looked at me, considering his answer. I waited.

He cleared his throat. "That I'd very quickly fuck this up."

"Well… That's adorable."

"Shut up, Brat." I held up my hands as he topped up my glass. But there's a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "How am I doing so far?"

"You just topped up my wine glass without prompt and gave me an orgasm in the shower… Pretty darn good."

"So poetic…"

Aand there we have it! Some more canon sturf coming into play. Keep in mind tho, I don't intend for this to end canon-esq. In all honesty, I really disliked the direction things took in the manga in the latter chapters, I felt it lost a lot of the charm, character strength, initial tone and promises made by the beginning/main meat of the story. So it'll be my own take on things. Just making that clear as those details will start to either appear or NOT appear as we continue. Thanks!