IMPORTANT:
- This story adapts to the original plot, and it's Levi-centered.
- Based on the anime, the "No Regrets" OVA, and the manga.
- Rated M+ for violent language and also, sexual content.
- Last but not least, just wanted to say I'm forever grateful to Isayama sensei for this magnificent story and characters (all credits to him).
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Everybody has a life behind what we've seen and, in Levi's case, there's a lot more than just cleaning...
CHAPTER I
Introduction
"I don't remember him saying this was urgent" Connie said while riding beside him. He yawned absolutely nonchalantly as Armin led the march at a slow pace.
"When someone tells you it's important, always assume it's urgent, you idiot" he replied, looking at him disapprovingly "You shouldn't have drank that much last night if you wanted to come with us".
"C'mon Jean, give him a break" it was Armin who stepped in this time, without turning to look at them "We knew they'd want to hold a banquet to welcome us… most of us" he seemed a bit dispirited this time.
And with good reason. The reception seemed to be a friendly one but the tension around was undeniable. All thanks to some officers and politicians' distrust; those that got to live after the Rumbling and most were fanatics or simply assholes.
"It's Sunday, mate" his friend pointed out, with a bright smile "That's why I didn't worry too much last night and I wanted to celebrate that my mother is back to normal, so chill out" well, to be honest, he knew Connie had been hoping for it but tried extra hard not to think much in case it hadn't work on her.
Jean sighed, understanding that was reason enough to be happy; had he been in in his place, he might have been in worse conditions, so he just decided to let him be.
"I wonder who's the person the message is for" Armin commented out loud, to no one in particular "Neither this initials nor the address seem familiar".
Jean and Connie exchanged a conspiratorial look, unable to restrain a smile. They'd made some guesses about that the night they last saw Captain Levi, before taking the ship back to Paradis.
"I'm sure that's for his girlfriend" Connie said with dreamy eyes and a somewhat mellow smile as he hugged the neck of his horse, laughing like the fool he sometimes was "Look at Armin, dude! He's the shyest of us all and now has one, who's not at all friendly so, at this point, anything is possible to me".
The alluded didn't turn to them but briefly looked down; he surely blushed at the comment because his ears got red.
"I thought we were simply having fun while joking about it but seriously man, how?" he uttered, raising an eyebrow at the playful expression on his friend's face "I know how amusing is to picture such thing but hardly believe it to be true. Don't you think it wouldn't have been better to come here himself if it that were the case?" this time, he asked this to the blond.
"Well, the Captain isn't the most responsive or demonstrative person, but whoever this is for, I'm sure, will understand" Armin replied, focused on the road "As for not doind it himself, I suppose he prefered staying away because he no longer wants to be involved on anything war-related" Jean remained silent, recalling how bad the man had been after the fight "Think about it… Being who he is, it'd have been impossible to avoid being dragged into Paradis politics or new military situation, where he'd have been glorified, had a privileged position and fortune, but we all know those things don't mean much to him".
"I'm sure you're right. If he had to choose between that and a peaceful life, I too daresay he'd go for the second one" he granted, seeing his point "But then, what about that letter?"
"It could be a farewell" Armin offered, shrugging "Maybe a note of condolence for someone, like the soldiers he was forced to kill in the forest, or his lawyer, who knows".
"In any way, this is all so strange and mysterious. Just like him" he commented and Connie's smiled broaden after looking to both self-sufficiently and mouthed the word girlfriend. Jean snorted, sarcastic and skeptical.
"Dude" his friend exclaimed, a bit exasperated "You're the perfect gentleman and all but that doesn't mean we all would act the same. Remember, we're talking about the Captain here; he may not have known about it or never cared, but he was incredibly popular. I remember Sasha, more than once, complaining on being pestered with questions about him from other cadets and rookies that joined the Legion after the Reiss incident and Shiganshina... like, interested in the man as in romantically speaking, you know".
"Shut up, you idiot" a blushing Jean replied at Connie mocking of his gallantry.
"Alright guys, we'll find out very soon" Armin told both and beckoned them to stop "We're here".
The group dismounted and tied their reins in front of the house where that address had taken them. Strangely, the three approached there somewhat nervous, almost as if they were being watched by man himself, making sure they did things right.
Armin looked at them and then turned to knock on the door of a two-story old house, humble in appearance, but still nice.
When the door opened, the three got surprised at the sight of an older-looking woman, of wavy, short, gray-hair, and a couple wrinkles on her face, who was watching them intrigued. They weren't wearing uniforms since this was no official business, so she obviously had no idea who they were.
Jean looked at her, trying to control a smirk at Connie's bewilderment and disappointment. He was probably trying to explain the current situation to his own head; and it wouldn't shock him to find out that he'd try to tell himself that this was the girlfriend's mother, or worst, that the Captain liked much older women.
"Hello gentlemen, how can I help you?" the lady asked while looking at them, one by one. She was clearly a well-mannered person.
"Uhmm, good morning, madam. We're sorry to come here this early but we wanted to ask you if, by any chance, you know Captain Levi from the old Survey Corps?" Armin inquired, just as polite.
The woman's face hardened, and her gaze turned into a suspicious one. A clear sign that his question had put her on the alert, making her uneasy.
"Who are you?" she asked, on the defensive.
"I'm sorry, we should have introduced ourselves first" Jean intervened, tilting his head in her direction, and hinting his friends to do the same. He then stared back at her "My name is Jean Kirstein. These are Armin Arlert and Connie Springer" he pointed to one and then the other "We're former members of the last Special Operations Squad, under Captain Levi's command".
At this piece of information, the woman relaxed, and surprise was the only thing inside her eyes; that and something else he'd probably describe as hope. She said nothing, so he continued and assured her they came in peace.
"We arrived at Paradis two days ago, and he entrusted us one final mission… so to speak" the tallest explained "Do you know anyone by the G.G. initials?"
"The Captain, he... is he alive?" the lady asked, visibly astounded.
"I'd like to answer that, but we need you to reply to our question first, madam" this time, Armin picked up the conversation and bowed, showing respect.
"Those are my initials" the woman confirmed with no smile but her previous hostility was all gone "I'm Griselda Green".
The three sighed with relief, glad to at least have found the right person.
"Thank you. That's great to know" the blond said and held out the missive with both hands.
The woman, Griselda, stared at him quite alarmed and then looked past them, making sure no one saw what was happening.
"Please, do come in" she asked to the three very kindly and stepped to the side to let them in.
The woman offered them to take a seat in what appeared to be her sitting room, where they saw several little piles of books in different places, which led him to think she probably lived there on her own.
The three young men sat on the couch, and he noticed Armin was still holding the letter after the lady retired to the kitchen to get them something to drink, giving them some time to discuss what was happening.
"Well, at least I'm glad we've been saved from a beating" Jean felt quite cheerful about it, just like Armin but he also seemed intrigued. Connie was stupefied "Can you please try changing that stupid expression on your face?" he told him with an irritated sigh "You look like you're about to start crying".
"But... but…" he mumbled, holding his head with both hands "We all know the Captain lost his mother when he was a kid, so this lady cannot be that, right? But if that's not the case, how could she possibly be his girlfriend? She's like twenty-five years older than him!" he said in dismay and pretended to cry.
"Shut up, you fool. She may hear you" Jean tugged his ear and scolded him "You're making such a fuss for not finding the woman of your dreams in here" this time he just frowned at him.
"But dude…" his friend was still whimpering, disappointed for the real situation not being the one he'd pictured in his head "We all know the man's more than an unorthodox person, but I never took him for being into older people" he pouted and then covered his face with both hands, dramatically.
Just when he was about to elbow him, he noticed Armin looking straight ahead and his face was incredibly red from embarrassment. Jean followed his gaze and knew he'd find Mrs. Green standing there, beside the chair in front of them while carrying a tray. She observed them completely expressionless, and the only thing Jean could think about was how mad the Captain would be if he ever found out about this.
"We're so sorry, Mrs. Green" Armin apologized for the three of them and looked down. He did the same, and since Connie wasn't staring because he was still covering his face, he trod on his foot. He looked around and lowered his head immediately after.
Suddenly, the lady began to laugh as she approached to join them and offered them their beverages and they all accepted her hospitality.
"I can see you've been trying to figure who I was" she said, thankfully taking this as a joke, not an offense. Armin and Connie drank from their glasses right away, out of nervousness but Jean only held it in his hand. He wasn't that thirsty.
"Please, forgive us" Jean apologized again, glaring angrily at Connie, who at least had the decency of bowing to try excusing his blunder.
"I'm sure you're going to be glad, Mr. Springer, because I can assure you that your guess is incorrect" Mrs. Green said with kindness, and the idiot blushed, ashamed. The woman turned to Armin and finally got the letter in her hands "Would you mind giving me a minute, please? I may be able to share further information with you, but that depends on what says in here" she told and the three nodded and waited.
They watched her open the envelope carefully and to their surprise, aside from a note to Mrs. Green, it contained another missive inside, one she left on the vacant space beside her. It was barely smaller than the other, and apparently not addressed to anybody because it was blank on the outside.
The three remained silent as she read. It was then, just to distract himself with anything, that Jean took the glass to his lips and sipped his drink, marveled at the taste of her lemonade. He drank to the last drop and left the empty drinking vessel on a side table, next to them.
He looked back at the lady, who'd just finished reading and was now staring at them.
"I'm happy to know he managed to survive" the woman said, her countenance showing true relief "But before I begin, I'd like to thank you for all that you've done for us" this time, it was her who bowed with sincere respect, dumbfounding them.
"We were doing our duty, Mrs. Green. That's all" he decided to step in, in view of Armin's sad expression, surely thinking about Eren, and Connie's mutism after his previous slip-up.
"You fought for the people, and not just us in this island. That says a lot about the kind of honor you have despite your youth. So, it wasn't just duty" she replied, and dedicated them a proudful smile "I can see why the Captain is now trusting you with this last mission".
"It's important, isn't it?" Armin said, focused and attentive. It wasn't surprising how he always seemed to know more or intuit it.
"What Captain Levi asks of me here is to take you somewhere, to see a relative of his. Someone who should decide whether to stay here or meet him there" she explained, giving a brief glance to the other letter "I'm afraid I cannot tell more for now because it's not for me to say. I'm sorry, gentlemen".
A relative? Now this part was really confusing. To all except Connie, who's moronic smile returned to his face, and he knew he was fantasizing again. Only Armin seemed a little worried.
"Does he say in there how we can do that?" he enquired, slightly leaning forward "Sneaking someone inside the ship isn't hard. The problem lies at Customs; once we dock at the port, there are certain documentation to show".
"According to the letter sent to me, he stated that he'd taken care of that" Mrs. Green nodded once and then smiled, both enthusiastic and serene. However, her countenance suddenly changed to a more serious and circumspect one "What I need to know now is if you're willing to continue" she asked, looking at each one "This is a delicate matter to him, and requires absolute discretion".
"I'm definitely in" Connie jumped, addressing her for the first time, full of eagerness as he stood and performed the military salutation that they haven't seen in so long "Is the least I can do for him" of course, he was thinking about how the man saved his life.
Jean knew he was very curious about this relative, but he also knew that his friend truly meant that. Armin followed Connie and stood up as well, smiling firmly as he nodded in silence, and the three people stared at him, waiting.
"If anyone deserves a little peace and help, that's the Captain" he imitated his friends and got on his feet, with a solemn nod "Terrifying and all, he's a good man".
Mrs. Green looked at them with gratitude and determination, tilting her head towards the three when she got up. He noticed she may not have been blood-related to him, but the lady undoubtedly esteemed the soldier.
"Thank you, gentlemen" she said "If you don't have other commitments later, I could take you there tonight" she stated, awaiting their response.
All three looked at each other and knew the answer. It was Sunday and Historia had invited them to a more private lunch at her home, to meet her child, but aside from that, there was nothing else on the agenda.
"Tonight suits us well, Mrs. Green" Armin confirmed.
"Alright. Then, I'll wait for you at six o'clock and we'll head there" the lady indicated as she walked them out "Oh, and try not to dine" having said that, she shook their hands and bid them farewell.
By the time they arrived at Mrs. Green, only a few minutes before schedule, he could have sworn that she'd been thrilled and ecstatic to see them, like the kind of joy you get when you make sure you haven't been hallucinating. After that, she'd led the march with Armin alongside her; who'd been trying to answer all the questions she'd bombarded him with about the outside world.
"Sasha would have liked this place" Connie, riding beside him, interrupted his train of thoughts "It's very similar to the place she grew up" his friend observed their surroundings, to the incredible small forest they'd entered around seven minutes ago.
"You're right" Jean conceded, contemplating the colors up in the sky now that the sun was beginning to set yet there were still a couple rays of light coming through the trees "It looks like a good place if you want tranquility and a little privacy so, it makes sense for a relative of the Captain to live in here. Must be a hermit, like him" he joked.
"Do you think this person might be just as intimidating?" his comrade asked, laughing nervously at his comment.
"What? Have you given up on the girlfriend thing?" he mocked him and smirked at his horrified face. Jean could almost read his mind, now surely full of pretty women "If you're so obsessed with it, why don't you find one for yourself, man?"
Connie rubbed his chin, lost in his thoughts for a moment, considering his words. Yet when he was going to continue the conversation, the lady's voice interrupted them.
"We're three minutes away" she announced, and both forgot about their recent subject of discussion.
They got to an area where the trees got thicker and so, the environment darkened although that helped locating the house they were heading to; the lights coming from its windows were easy to see.
It wasn't a fancy place, but it gave the impression that it was spacious on the inside. And now that they were closer, the illumination coming from it allowed them to see a humble stable in the backyard. To where Mrs. Green was taking them first.
"It's a nice home" he commented to the woman, who was now guiding her horse, asking them to do the same and follow her "Although, it looks pretty lonely".
"There are people who enjoy a place like this, Jean" Connie stepped up, with a knowing smile "Mr. Braus said his ancestors lived like this for a very long time and they'd have continued to do so if Wall Maria hadn't been breached".
"I know, I know" he admitted as he handed over the reins of his horse to the lady "It's just that it's different for me. I've lived in the city my entire life and the noise, well, you get used to it but here is so quiet..."
"This is a place where you find peace" Armin muttered, looking around at the house and closed his eyes to listen better to the subtle sounds of nature, where some animals took refuge and others got livelier. When he opened his eyes, there was once again that look in his eyes, the one that told him he had something in mind.
"Alright gentlemen, it's time" Mrs. Green said, after tying Connie's horse and beckoned them to follow her.
They all followed, and Connie was now smiling expectantly as he tried to see through the windows, but the curtains prevented him prying.
When they got to the front, the woman lagged behind, so they'd knock on the door; she'd fulfilled her part in this task, and it was their turn to carry out their mission now. The three looked at each other and nodded, prepared and Armin did the honours. Oh boy… his mind exclaimed at the realization that they were so close to get into a house that belonged to a relative of Captain Levi, and that was a little scary.
The blond moved decisively and stepped back, waiting in between him and Connie. They all heard a couple of steps coming from the other side, followed by the clicking sound of the knob as the door finally opened.
It can't be! he screamed on the inside, recalling one morning at the hospital, so long ago.
"Good evening, Officers" said the woman, with a kind, honest smile. She seemed very glad to see them "Please, come in" she moved to the side and only then he noticed something else that left him speechless.
The three young men walked in, but Jean suspected they were probably in the exact same state he was; functioning but beyond doubt, flabbergasted.
"Thank you for bringing them, Gris" Jean was the last to enter so he got to see the grateful smile, but also a little nervousness in her eyes. Still, he continued his way, following his friends.
Am I delusional? he asked himself, unable to believe that Connie had been right all along. He glanced at him and noticed how the idiot realized his assumptions were real, because his face now showed a struggle between shock and utter hyperventilation, as well as happiness. Jean on the other hand was still processing the image of the not so huge belly, but evident pregnancy.
Jean saw her standing in front of them, Mrs. Green beside her, and she was talking. The way her mouth moved led him to believe that but there was no sound to hear, which he thought ridiculous; the woman wasn't going to prank them or anything. He shook his head, trying to recover from the impression and it was then he finally heard everything.
"They don't seem to be able to hear you, dear" the older lady addressed her, and judging by her expression, she seemed to be having quite some fun.
"Come on, Gris. It's not funny" she said, embarrassed "I haven't even greeted them properly yet" she complained, a little concerned as she approached them "Please, help me take them to the couch".
From one moment to the next, the three began walking in line as Mrs. Green guided them inside the living room: a cozy, well-organized and very clean space. Why isn't this surprising, he snorted for himself, sarcastically. There were two couches, facing one another, only separated by a tea table where there was an opened book on a corner.
He felt a couple hands pushing him gently to one of them, and later he just knew he was sitting on the left side of the comfortable piece of furniture. He peeked on the woman, just to reassure himself it was the same person, and she certainly was. She looked somewhat different without her hospital attires and the glasses, but she was just as pretty than back then, or a little more in her current state.
Perhaps he was assuming wrong, but he'd bet his life that the father of her child was that frightening, clean freak that used to be his boss. Ironically, he wouldn't have even guessed that years ago, when he'd been in the same room with the two of them and suspected nothing.
His eyes followed her until she took a seat on the other couch in front of them after leaving a tray with three glasses on the tea table, waiting patiently in silence for them to go back to normal. Mrs. Green joined her, exchanging an I told you this was going to happen kind of look, and he also got to perceive the trust and fondness between them.
Jean looked back at her eyes, unexpectedly connecting with them and he felt like a teenager all over again when he noticed her smiling with the same kindness he remembered, knowing she was probably thinking about the same situation. He turned to his friends, ready to share this discovery but both were still digesting all. Maybe this was easier for him because he'd seen her before, he had no idea, but he hoped for some answers, reason why he cleared his throat loudly and nudged Connie beside him. Sadly, given his stupid behavior, he immediately regretted it.
"Wow, Miss. You really don't disappoint, not at all" the blabbermouth said, embarrassing all three of them though that at least helped Armin to react. He seemed as ashamed as he was "You see?" Connie continued, turning to him and then to the blond, with a smug smile on his face "I told you we'd find the Captain's girlfriend".
Double shame in less than a minute. Thank you, Connie! Jean took his left hand to his face and covered it, fixing his eyes on his shoe, and wanting to punch him. But he stared right back at the woman when he heard her nervous laughter.
"To be honest, I am not" she said, and then blushed a little. Jean watched her looking down at her hands, and he followed the same direction. When he glimpsed a small shinny object around her finger, he comprehended her reaction "My name is Elia, and I'm his wife".
"What?! Oh, no… here they go again with the shock!" he heard Mrs. Green complaining, rolling her eyes in exasperation as she got on her feet and stood right before them, to give one sonorous clap near their faces to stop a second collective emotional disrupture.
"His... his… Captain Levi's wife?" Armin stuttered, his eyes fixed now on the ring and then her belly "But how? It's true that he didn't have to tell us about his personal life, but you can tell when someone… right?" Jean imagined he was trying to find a logical explanation, and he got it because Armin almost always did. He knew so when his eyes widened in understanding "Nobody knew…" he gasped.
"You must be Mr. Arlert, right?" she asked politely, to what his friend simply nodded, amazed "The truth is that we have been together a few years now, but we decided to keep it secret, for safeness. There are several reasons as to why but, you'll comprehend once I tell you part of our story" she explained. He saw her taking a deep breath, getting ready and then, she continued "Everything started the day Trost was attacked..."
My apologies in advance for the grammar mistakes but I just wanted to share my humble story with you. This is my present for Levi, and for all who have wished him some happiness.
To anyone who's heart is touched or enjoys reading it, I can only say THANK YOU!
Namárië