Enjoy!

While I let my body settle, Levi took some sketches of the podium. Well, he tried, and then I redid them once my hands had stopped trembling. Give that man a blade and he is unstoppable, I've never seen someone so skilled on gear, or at making another human being feel small, but hand him a pencil and paper? Useless. So I sketched the podium, and we hid from another newborn Titan which ambled past without a care. It had been about six hours since the last one, but we theorised it couldn't always be that frequent either or else the plains would have been far more busy with Titans than they had been. Unless Hanji's weapon was pulling its weight that much. We would have to set up patrols in the area, a research team to hide out in the clearing and check how often they appeared. And of course to start contending with how to stop the cycle itself.

Clearly the podium was important. It was right below the light, which hovered above the centre of it and never deviated. Even when flickering and flaring with the coming of a new Titan, it was always in the centre at the same height. So the podium would likely be our key. But the podium was also clearly ancient and very powerful, at least, it bloody felt powerful when it was dragging me through that strange white-lighted hellscape of images, noise and that terrifying girl's laughter.

We noted everything down, every tiny detail I could recall, including the way I had seemingly seen through Levi's eyes as he spoke to Petra.

When I spoke of it, he had grown quiet, not upset but thoughtful. No doubt he was looking back on that day, had he even realised its significance until now? Maybe not. But after a few minutes he came back to himself, with a small smile on his lips, it was a good memory, even if it highlighted a loss. She had been important to us, in so many ways.

And then we noticed the marks on my skin. I had thought beyond the shivering and sudden drop in adrenaline, I had been fine. But the darkened effect to my veins had taken hold, much like when we had experimented and trained the phrasing – except a lot more extensive. The webbed effect spread from my heart and travelled all over my body, leeching across my chest, back, legs, arms and neck. It hadn't quite reached my face, but it looked like it had likely been heading that way. And the effect had become more heightened over my heart, glaring out at us when we opened my shirt to check. I prodded the spot and it wasn't tender, but it did feel cold, very cold. Barely a minute Levi said I was attached to that thing. How long would it be before those marks caused noticeable damage? Then again… We didn't know what it had done to my insides…

Eventually we left the clearing and the gloom of those strange trees. We found another thicket nearby and set up camp in the canopy. It didn't seem likely that Titans would be born at night – the only Titans we had ever seen move under moonlight were the strange ones the Ape Titan had created. Still, we were being cautious. With another couple of days riding we would likely be able to head back to HQ where we could hand in our report. Or at least find out where Hanji was. If she was within Maria, we would head to the main HQ. If she was still down by the shore, we would resupply and head out with the next patrol. Either way, she had to know what we had found as soon as possible. No doubt she would have theories and ideas faster than anyone else.

It was hard to know where all this new information would take us. Finding the basement and those journals had been such a huge step forward to knowing about our world, but with that came all the threats from beyond the sea. Or rather, the one big threat. Throughout me and Levi's travels, we had only ever found that same crest on the shipwrecks, and any that hadn't had a crest at all had been far older looking ships anyway. It really did seem that we were only contending with Marley nowadays because the rest of humanity had torn itself apart. So foolish, and yet entirely expected. I wanted to hope for not having to destroy Marley. There would be as many innocent civilians over there as there were here, just people living their lives, not in charge, not deciding to attack other peoples at all. No. We couldn't do what our predecessors had. We wouldn't hide from the truth, but neither would we reach out in war.

Right?

Surely Queen Historia would agree. Hanji too. Right? Please?

It ended up being another week of riding before we made it back to the patrol post by Maria, who then told us that the Commander had headed back to the shore encampment two days beforehand. Of course. Typical. So we rested, resupplied, and headed out with fresh troops the next day. The ride to the shore was a lot faster that time, a well maintained route having been established in our absence, with posts every mile or so with markers at the ready. Every now and then a green signal would be floating along the skyline, simply informing anyone coming or going that all was well. And so I enjoyed the sights a little, allowed myself a bit of relaxation and simply drinking in all this space we had reclaimed for the Eldians. The farmlands had been creeping further and further beyond even Maria by that point, well maintained and guarded of course, but as Titans were drawn to Hanji's weapon anyway, it was pretty damn safe.

The only real threat right now, was those across the water. They had been sent packing at Shiganshina and we hadn't seen sign of them since, which was lucky due to our dalliances with the damned White Cloaks, but still, the Marleans wouldn't wait forever. I assumed they were waiting for the snows to hit and then recede – they hardly wanted to get stuck in the middle of a blizzard and then linger for months on end, right? Whatever counter-attack they were planning, it would spring eventually. Unless of course the Cloaks had also attacked them, to keep the peace here on Paradis. Maybe. It was possible. Though I hated to think of our island being sullied by the representation of those beasts.

I still had to deal with a couple of beasts myself. Where my attackers were being held was something else to find out, but first I would focus on giving Hanji our findings. Duty first.

And then?

Revenge.

"You're finally back!" Hanji's voice peeled through the air as we approached the gates of the camp. It was hidden from the concrete landing site, but within range. Presumably we were intending to ambush any landing parties there. She was jumping up and down by the gate, looking every bit my excitable friend and not a stitch of the refined Commander I knew she also was. Perhaps being outside the walls allowed her to indulge in her more wayward ways a bit more.

I waved and dismounted to step into her hug, holding her close and then standing still when she held me at arms length and gave me a proper look over. "You look healthy!"

"What were you expecting?"

She raised a brow at me. "Hey, I'm allowed to worry about you, your track record for looking after yourself isn't stellar these days. But I'm glad to find you strong and healthy, kiddo." She tapped the end of my nose and nodded towards Levi who was helping tie up the horses. "How was he?"

"Good. No issues at all." I grinned and looked around the camp, it was already looking well established, as if we had been here for months instead of weeks. "How're things around here?"

"No sightings yet. We thought we saw a ship a week ago, but it turns out it might have just been a very big fish. Or something called a whale. Artlet thinks he found something about them in an old book. Anyway, all peaceful so far."

"Glad to hear it." I brought out the stuffed notebook and her eyes flashed with intrigue. "We have a lot to show you…"

Levi came over and sighed. "Can we at least get some tea? And show us to our tent as well?"

"Feeling lazy, Captain?" Hanji snorted and led the way. "Though I suppose you must have had to head out here immediately once making it back to Maria? Apologies, must have just missed you."

"Mm." He hitched his bag higher. "Had any Titans this way?"

"Not one sighting actually, any that were in this area have headed for the walls or we've already dealt with."

"Good." He immediately relaxed a bit more and his shoulders eased. After such a pleasant ride here, and minimal encounters on our own travels, perhaps my Captain was waiting for that elusive other shoe.

We made ourselves at home in our tent, with proper cots and everything. They had pushed two together for us, and Hanji winked on the way back out as she let us unpack. Things would quickly pick up pace once we shared our findings, so for a moment I sat on the edge of our bed and watched Levi unpack his things. Methodical. Careful. Levi. And when he turned, sensing my quietness, he looked me over. But of course, he only found me calm and content. So he smiled and stepped in when I held my arms out, allowing me to hug him round the middle and simply breath in the calm tranquillity.

"Holding it together, Ackerman?"

"Mm, very much so, Captain." I stood and then looped my arms around his neck. "I love you."

"As I love you." He kissed me and I tangled my fingers into his hair.

On the road we had indulged in so much closeness, so much intimacy, and yet I only wanted more. So greedy. But we had work to do for the time being, so eventually, I managed to detangle myself and move away to smooth down my uniform. All the while he watched. And from the look in those stormy eyes, he was revisiting as many of our star-studded nights as I was.

"Captain Levi?" A cadet called from outside, both of us taking a moment to collect ourselves before he responded.

"Yes?"

"The Commander is waiting for you in her tent, she said to let you know the tea had started brewing."

I pursed my lips against the laughter. Hanji knew us too well.

Levi rolled his eyes. "Very well, we shall proceed there now. Thank you, Cadet."

"Sir!"

I stepped in close and fixed his cravat. "Now, now, Captain, composure."

"That would be so much easier if you weren't so damned tempting." He sighed, kissing the end of my nose.

"Says you." I winked and moved away, stepping out into the sunlight.

We showed Hanji all of our notes. And by the end of it I think her head and her heart were fit to burst. Not only had we found fairly damned good confirmation we were only having to deal with Marley from across the water, but we had found the source. Research could begin. Attempts to end this madness. Real progress. Real tangible steps towards actual freedom.

As we sat there in the aftermath of scribbling, discussing and marvelling, she sat back and put a hand over her bolo-tie, the one she had inherited from Erwin. She had tears in her eye but they didn't spill. She drew a shaken breath and released it in a shaky laugh. And then she reached across and took my hands, before doing the same to Levi.

"Thank you. Both of you."

Levi smirked. "No problem, Glasses. Not like I only did it for you."

"Oh my god, one moment without sass, please?" I laughed, going round and hugging her close. She was shaking all over. I suppose every bit of her was reeling – between the over excited scientist, the eager squad leader and the daunted Commander, she was being pulled in every single direction. "We can do this, Hanji."

"Yes. Yes of course we can. My goodness…" She took a moment, holding me close, and then she wiped her eye and gestured for me to sit down. "Now then, not that I wish to put a dampener on your return but there is something I need to discuss."

Well that didn't sound good. I readied myself. "Okay."

"It's regarding Eren…" She glanced towards the tent's opening and then back to us.

Levi folded his arms. "The hells wrong with the brat now?"

Hanji sighed. "It's the threat of what might be across the water. I think it'll help him to know we have the only viable landing site covered, here, but… His mind is restless, anxious, paranoid even. Perhaps speaking to you Robyn would help, I'm not sure."

"Alright," I got up from my seat. "I'll go speak to him."

"Take Levi."

I paused, confused by the suggestion. Levi wasn't known for his ability to comfort most people, and while I had seen that side to him very clearly, Eren certainly hadn't. But Hanji was nodding slowly. Clearly there was more needed here than me giving Eren a shoulder to cry on.

We left together, but there was no sign of him around the camp. Eventually I asked for Armin and Mikasa and we were pointed in the direction of the mess tent instead. At least they might know where he tended to wander alone, if he had ended up in a fresh spiral.

As we entered the tent, the first thing I saw was Mikasa asleep on the table, head just shy of her food, Jean's gaze occasionally scanning over her like he expected her to suddenly vanish. Connie was across from them, eating normally enough, but even he seemed run down. Armin stared at his food, sat on the other side of Mikasa, zoned out until Connie spoke and jolted Armin back to reality. No sign of Eren. Considering how high spirit they had all been when we left, something very bad had occurred in our absence.

Levi touched the small of my back and nodded. He would get some tea for us, I had to head over there and start scraping these broken pieces back into place.

I sat across from Mikasa and Armin, once again the blonde jumping about a foot in the air. Presumably very little sleep had been had by any of them.

Smiling felt odd with them being all so drained, but it seemed a good place to start. "Hey guys, how're you–"

"You need to go to him, Robyn." Mikasa blurted, suddenly upright and staring. Her eyes were pinked round the edges, dark bruising beneath and a sunken look to her cheeks. Her hair was all over the place and that uniform was clearly a couple of days old. A general sigh went round the others at the table. Not only was sleep in short supply but apparently so was patience.

"Well, funnily enough I've been looking for him, assuming the 'him' is Eren?"

She nodded and swallowed hard. "Right now. Please, you have to."

"I will, I promise. But right now I'm looking for some insight into what's been going on. Where even is he?"

"But he needs you right now, probably a couple hours ago actually." Her voice was rough, lingering between yelling and sobbing but also dulled. She even sounded annoyed that I hadn't been here, despite knowing I had been on a mission of my own.

"Mikasa, I'm sorr–"

"Don't." Armin snapped, suddenly looking very annoyed at Mikasa as he interrupted my apology. "You were on mission, she knows this, there was no reason for you to return early. I sincerely hope you didn't."

I looked between them but they were set on glaring at each other. I was officially out of my depth, but clearly Hanji hadn't been getting anywhere, and Levi would lose his rag with them very quickly with all this half-talking going on.

"Armin, hey, look at me?"

He did so, expression softening, eyes similar to Mikasa's but the bruising so much worse. Less crying but also less sleeping. "You're right, Robyn, apologies, that was rude. Welcome back. How was your expedition?"

"It was uh… Fine, thanks. Lots to report, but don't worry we'll get to all that. Right now I just want to know what's been going on here. We finished our work and returned, nothing early about it. I uh… Okay, c'mon, why're you so angry with Mikasa? And why does everyone look so worn out?"

Armin drew a long breath, shooting Mikasa another look when she did the same, about to continue her blurting no doubt. She caught the look and closed her mouth, looking down at the table, bashful. Armin cleared his throat and nodded to me. "I'm glad the trip went well, looking forward to hearing all about it. As for here… Well Eren's kind of lost it about the other settlement, about our enemies. Makes sense, no doubt about it, it's a worrying situation. But Mikasa here has been indulging his spirals while I've been trying to drag him back out of them. None of us have slept much no, you're quite right to notice as much, but he keeps wandering off. Half the time I don't know if he's really here or if he's wandering his Father's memories yet again, searching for some answer to it all. Some magic fix."

Mikasa flinched. "He's not looking for a magic fix, he's not an idiot."

"Right now that's exactly what he is." Armin gritted out. "He's exhausting us and himself. If we had a sudden sighting of a ship, I can't be sure he'd even be able to shift with me in order to pacify an attack."

"He'd rally." She frowned. "You know he wouldn't stay away from a fight for–"

"He wouldn't do more than shift and fall over." Armin rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "He's gone to the detention tents, the ones actually fixed to the nearby rock faces. Cells of sorts."

I shivered. "He's imprisoned himself?"

"Yup. Along with the paranoia of what's over there, he no longer trusts himself. We tried reasoning with him, tried training, all kinds but… I dunno, something got into his head about it all and he won't be reasoned with. At least not by us."

Mikasa nodded. "Right, which is why Robyn needs to go to him right now!"

"No, she needed the context, and she can head over as she pleases. I agree that Robyn will likely be able to do more than we have, Eren's been asking after you a lot Robyn." He added with a small smile and a nod. "Please don't think I'm downplaying how much you'll help, but I am a little sick to the back teeth of Mikasa pretending this is somehow your responsibility. It isn't. And it isn't fair to pretend that it is."

I blinked. "I uh…"

Mikasa glared at Armin with such venom I expected her to reach out and slap him. "Just because you've given up on him."

"Just because you've given up on yourself." He snapped back, a flinch going round the table this time. "All this pacing and pouting over the idiot who won't even look at you when you walk into a room."

"He's lost." She sniffed and looked down again, fury melting to weary worry.

I cleared my throat. "Guys..."

Armin sighed. "I was too harsh, sorry. Look, no one has given up on Eren, Mikasa. The problem is, right now we all need to make sure we look after ourselves as well as each other. So like I said before, sit down, eat something and then go to your bunk. You'll do Eren no good by being this unhinged!"

I tried to interject again but he just shook his head at me.

"No Robyn, ever since we were kids she swept it all under the 'look after Eren' bracket and now it has really got to the point that she's going to hurt herself. And him. Right now what we need to all do is take a god damned breath... to band together. And I cannot do that if she turns into a lunatic."

This harsher side to Armin was surprising, but I suppose it wasn't all that unexpected that he ended up with more of an edge. He had taken on so much lately. Too much perhaps.

But she listened. She nodded, sniffed and slowly ate her food. Jean looked relieved. Connie as well, his shoulders relaxing into a slump.

I leaned across and touched the back of her hand, smiling warmly when she looked to me with such shame radiating from her. "I'll go across as soon as I've had some tea, okay? I'm just wrapping my head around all this, I don't want to leave Eren alone in the dark any more than you do. Rest up, I'll let you know absolutely everything that goes on, okay?"

She nodded and tucked her scarf closer. "Thanks, Robyn..."

"Well this looks cosy." Levi drawled from behind me, holding out a tea to me when I turned. He sat beside me and looked around the table. "So Jeager's causing a big issue for you all? Just shake or nod, can't be bothered listening to you snivel."

Nod.

"And you're worried, yes?"

Nod.

"But you can't do anything because he's being an obstinate brat?"

A pause, but an eventual nod.

"Then consider how we feel Ackerman, coming back into this having worked our asses off for the past however many weeks, to only come back and find a bunch of teenagers whimpering about what might happen. Demanding we talk to the worst sniveller of them all. Give us a moment to catch our breath, why don't you? Getting your bearings on a situation, or approaching it methodically doesn't mean anyone has given up on anyone else. Understood?"

Another pause, and a confused glance to me before a small nod and blush.

"Now either eat that or head straight for a shit, take a shower, then go the fuck to sleep. And clean that damned uniform, it's a disgrace." He sipped his tea. "Understood, cadet?"

Nod.

Mikasa finished most of her plate, stood and dipped her head before scuttling off. I hope she got some real sleep and some real peace in that head of hers. I was glad we hadn't had any sign of this trouble on the road, or else coming back early would have definitely been on my mind. And then we might not have found the Source.

Levi then continued. "Springer, looks like you could do with some more sleep too, Artlet as well. Ensure you rest enough, it's all well and good soldiering through the exhaustion, but when it comes down to it I don't want you passing out when I need you most. Then you're just sleeping targets. We don't know what's coming across that water, or from what we found, we need you lot ready and prepared for anything."

They nodded in unison.

"I'll let you know if there's any big issue with Eren, I promise." I added in with a small smile to them both, each seeming slightly calmed by this. They would do as ordered, but now they could do so in the knowledge that they wouldn't be kept out of the loop either.

Levi then nodded to Jean. "Seems like someone remembered to wash and get some decent rest at least."

Jean pinked and dipped his head. "Commander Hanji was pretty persuasive."

"And you're not as much of an idiot as this lot." Levi nodded and leaned over his tea. "I appreciate you giving the credit elsewhere Kirschtein, but take the compliment, you've done well to be at least bloody conscious and ready to serve while this lot wallowed."

I winked at Jean as he continued to blush harder. No he didn't want to take that credit Levi, because in his head he probably felt like a lazy ass getting the appropriate amount of rest etc. and while he wasn't, and in no way should he be scolded for basic need upkeep, I could appreciate feeling awkward about it.

Armin finished his meal and got up, but he paused and looked to me with unease in his eyes. "One other thing, Robyn."

"Mm?"

"Eren… I just want you fully informed, okay? It feels like telling-tales on him, but it has to be said. Or else you won't fully grasp how bad he got."

I braced myself and nodded, I was listening.

Armin sighed. "Before we moved the prisoners, Valerie and her men, to a proper cell back at Maria, Eren uh… Well he tried to kill them."

I jolted. My body felt cold all over, and I stared into my now rippling tea. The words fell against my mind and tricked through my heart. It ached. Eren knew how much that closure meant for me. Why would he..? The betrayal stung.

My throat pinched. "Why?"

"Said he had to finally do something right, to keep the fight going or… Or something like that. I don't know. You'd be better off asking him. We stopped him though. There's more questioning for them to go through anyway, and of course the Commander intends for you to enact any sentence that's agreed on." Armin nodded, the look in his eye telling me he knew exactly how dark that path might become.

I dipped my head. "Thank you for telling me."

Levi shook his head. "Fuckin' mess…"

Once we were left alone at the table, I focused on enjoying my tea, or rather, I tried to. Cradling it in my hands, the warmth spread through me inch by inch, soothing as it went. The swirling steam rose up, tickling my nose, clinging to my hair as I sipped, and the dark liquid rippled gently away from where my lips made contact. Heat slides down my throat, lingering in my gut and acting as fuel for my fire. So many mornings I had gone through this ritual, so many mornings I'd clung to this warmth, and yet in that moment it felt vital. I drummed my nails against the mug and smiled at the gentle notes. It wasn't so long ago that these same hands would have been blotched as they healed from a scrubbing session. On and on I would rake that brush over my skin, never content, always spotting another fleck of blood, or stain to obliterate. My teeth would snap together as the soap bubbles became tinged by my guilt. Finally the water would hiss loudly, the evidence slowly circling the drain before sliding out of sight, but never fully out of mind.

I couldn't let that happen to Eren. He couldn't endlessly cycle through mistakes and would ruin him.

If I did let it happen, then it might also happen to Mikasa.

Dominoes lined up in my head and I finished the last of my cup, focusing on that fire and using it to hone everything else. This was the edge of everything; one side held recovery and regrouping, a hope for the future and all we had yet to accomplish. On the other side? I set the cup down and stared at its vacancy. On the other side was an endless plummet, down and down we would tumble, losing grasp on anything until eventually we would smack into the coldness below. The Cloaks. The Marleans. They would thrive while we struggled.

Dammit. No.

"Ready?" Levi asked, finished his own cup.

I nodded. "Absolutely."

We headed over, each step feeling heavy as it coincided with my heartbeat.

Levi walked alongside. "One step at a time. He's not yours to save."

"I know. Remind me of that as needed." I glanced at him and we shared a small smile.

"Of course. Just stay with me all right?" Levi murmured, and as we paused outside the correct tent his fingers grazed my cheek.

"Together." I leaned into the touch but then frowned as a realisation bubbled into place. This kind of apprehension must have been something Eren experienced whenever he was approaching me during my six months of guilt-riddled wallowing. I bit my lip.

"Brat? What is it?"

"We shouldn't expect Eren to willingly leave the cells right away."

Levi raised a brow. "How so?"

"He'll fight us, not want to talk to us... I know he was asking after me, but he's gonna keep trying to push us away and try to deal with it himself." I sighed. "It's what I kept doing when he tried to bring me back... When he tried to talk me out of that dark place for six months."

"What, you think he's punishing you for that?" Levi tilted his head. "The kid's a pain in the ass, but I don't see him as that malicious."

"Not consciously anyway, no. But Eren can be even more stubborn than me at times."

"You're a terrible influence sometimes." Levi winked and then nodded to the tent. "Not gonna make progress out here either way. Shall we?"

I stepped through and found myself surprised at how far in the space went. They really had built into the rockface. The space was as cramped feeling as you'd expect of cells, with even the general aroma of damp and stone. I paused. A set of keys lay cast against a wall opposite some bars. Eren had clearly come down here, locked himself inside, done the shackles up and then flung the keys away through the bars. It was impulsive and yet so methodical at the same time. So much darkness was shrouding him, I just had to hope I was capable of leading him out of it like he had with me. Now I could finally try to pay him back.

My footsteps seemed so loud all of a sudden.

Huddled in the corner of the cell, shackles tightly around his wrists and ankles, digging in as I see a little blood on his skin where the metal shifted, followed by small streams of steam. He wore only his trousers and shirt, having already rid himself of his straps, jacket, boots and socks. All the signs of being a soldier gone, left with only a prisoner. Those bright green eyes stayed low, downcast. My heart grew heavy at the lack of light to be found. Then I swallowed hard as I realised his mouth was moving. I couldn't hear the words, but occasionally he shook his head, gritted his teeth and continued.

I looked at Levi but in that moment there was just as much shock in his face as I felt in my bones. I don't think even he can bring himself to berate Eren right now, and in all honesty I have no idea where to even begin. I can't get him out of those shackles, I can tell that for a start, and the way his legs are already pushing himself back against the stonewall as though trying to escape us, I know we won't manage to drag him out either. This wasn't him punishing me or anyone else but himself.

"E-Eren?" I hated the stammer that escaped but as my voice reached him he flinched, shaking his head, legs still scrambling back. I approached the bars slowly, sliding down to rest on my knees. "Eren can you hear me?"

"Leave." He whispered.

I swallowed, hands still shaking as I smelt the rust of the bars when I leaned my head against them. "Listen to me, this... this isn't the answer. Mikasa and Armin... They're so worried. We all are. Please."

"No."

"Eren–"

"No! I have to keep looking for the key, and if by doing that something's triggered or some shifting shit goes wrong, I have to be contained. It all has to be contained. None of it makes any sense. I… I have to be in here, or it'll just fall apart out there." He gulped and winced, like his throat was bruised.

So the cell was also a means of him controlling things, not only himself, but his fears. Alright, that made sense. I had clung to the idea of a solid cell when the phrasing had made me feel so vulnerable and unstable.

Then he sighed and shrugged. "I'm glad you're back though. You might actually do what's needed."

I blinked. Do what's needed. He really expected his Titan side to act out that badly? Paranoid was what Armin had said, I had assumed it was about the enemy, but apparently it was about Eren himself too. He trusted nothing. Except maybe my ability to put him to my blade. Though in all honesty I don't know why… Oh. I looked back to our mission to the Underground – Kenny made me hurt him, after my own blackout allowed that first. Of course Eren thought I could hurt him. I already had. Shit.

And then he sighed, sounding so weary. "I know this is bullshit, I know it must seem damned self-indulgent and pointless, but I genuinely don't trust myself out there. The Marleans could reappear any second, with all their better tech and better understanding of the Shifter power…" He sucked in a breath, tears dewing his eyelashes.

Levi clicked his tongue. "Whilst I'm glad to know you're mature enough to know when to trust yourself Jaeger, you're being a dumbass."

"Captain..." Eren swallowed. "Please–"

"Snivelling..." Levi pinched the bridge of his nose. I had no idea what to expect, and very curious to know where he was going with this, so I stayed quiet. My Captain would do whatever it was he thought was best for Eren. Or maybe the regiment.

Eren gritted his teeth. "Captain, I know how much this'll disgust you. I already know how pathetic I am, it's been highlighted and drilled into me. No need to waste your breath. I can't trust myself not to hurt the regiment in here, so just–"

"All the more reason for you to get out of here." Levi spoke quietly, but the sternness remained. He picked up the keys and held them out, the soft jingle odd in the tense air. "When the only people able to trust you is everyone but you? That's when you need to face this shit, brat. It's when you learn to trust your team, your regiment, your Squad. Your family."

Seemed like Levi might be tapping into his own recent need to rely on others.

Eren stared at the keys.

Levi continued. "If you can't trust yourself, trust the rest of us. Trust your childhood friends that are currently getting all bent out of shape over their worry for you, trust your Commander who can't decide whether to push you or mother you, trust your friend Robyn who is no doubt teetering between concern and impatience. Hell... Trust me if it makes a difference."

Eren uncurled a little. His eyes remained uncertain though.

Levi stayed still, keys held aloft. "I was assigned to monitor you, yes? To be in charge of your life, correct?"

A shaky nod.

Levi nodded. "I beat you to a pulp in front of that courtroom to save your life, whilst knowing you knew the lengths you had to go to in order to prove yourself, yes?"

Slow nod.

"Robyn stood beside you and never once looked at you like a monster, correct? Mikasa and Armin have been by you since the beginning, right?"

Nod and gulp.

"You trust us?"

Nod.

Levi kept the keys in place. Eren stared. It was probably only a minute of still silence, but it felt like hours. But then he moved a little, he inched forward, unsure, unsteady, but moving at least. Quite often, these days especially, it was hard to know whether to think of Eren as a man or a boy, an adult or a child, and yet right now clearly he felt that same confusion. Only worse. He couldn't be certain whether to think of himself as human or not, as Titan or Soldier. Aid or hindrance. We had to help him figure it out, we had to help him find himself again.

Those green eyes shone with tears, but they didn't spill. "How do we deal with all the–"

"Look at me." Levi interrupted and Eren did as told, bottom lip wobbling. "Our enemies across the water have better tech, yes, you're not wrong. But we have better instincts I reckon. While we've been fighting for our lives, thinking we were the last of humanity, they've just been scheming. We have sharpened instincts like they can't even hope to have. The cycle is something we've learned more about on our travels, so you need to be out there to learn that information. And the rest… Well, just trust that I and Robyn know who you are. Like the rest of them do too. You act out? We stop you. You start to act strangely or in a way that concerns us? We stop you. Simple. Rely on that."

I smiled softly when those green eyes looked to me. "Eren, you know he's right. And I'd hope you know I agree with everything he's said."

Levi stayed perfectly stoic as Eren got onto his feet and took a shaky step forward. He reached for the keys. He hesitated, he gritted his teeth, he even looked back to that corner he had been in. But then he breathed. He looked at us both and he swallowed hard. He took the keys.

Levi stepped back from the door. "If you can't trust yourself, fine. We can work on that as a team, but in the meantime trust everyone else."

A pause, an unsure glance at me, a weary look to Levi, and finally a nod.

Levi gestured to the lock. "Then get your ass out of that cell."

Once Eren had stumbled into the open I pulled him into a tight hug. He hesitated, his past indiscretions still at the forefront of our connection, but he eventually hugged me back, a sob running through him. Levi relocked the now empty cell.

I'd talk to Eren about almost killing the prisoners once he had some real rest. He was like glass at that moment, I didn't want to cause him to shatter. Slowly he made his way out into the compound beyond, Levi giving a few orders on washing, sleeping and getting some 'damn food'.

As we're left alone in the gloom, I took Levi's hand in mine and squeezed. "You were great."

"I was a Captain." He shrugged, but I see that smirk and know he's pleased with himself. Even if only a little. "Shall we?"

Cya next time!