Evelyn's perspective:

I woke to the gentle caress of sunlight streaming through the window, its warmth a stark contrast to the cool sheets beside me. For a moment, I basked in the lingering scent of Levi on the pillow, a mixture of tea leaves and soap that was uniquely him. As consciousness fully took hold, I felt a twinge of disappointment at his absence, though I wasn't surprised. Levi had always been an early riser, probably already deep into his morning cleaning routine.

With a groan, I sat up, my muscles protesting from the previous night's activities. A small smile played on my lips as memories flooded back, the passion and tenderness we'd shared after so long apart. It felt right, being here in his room, surrounded by his presence. But as I glanced around at the sparse, meticulously organized space, a pang of uncertainty hit me. Where did we go from here?

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet touching the cool wooden floor. Levi's room was exactly as I remembered it – minimalist and impeccably clean. My clothes from the night before were neatly folded on a nearby dresser, a gesture so quintessentially Levi that it made my heart ache with affection.

As I dressed, I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Levi carefully folding my discarded garments while I slept. It was such a stark contrast to the fierce, battle-hardened soldier everyone else saw. This softer side of him, the one that cared enough to fold my clothes and leave them within easy reach, was a side few people ever got to see.

I approached the mirror, running my fingers through my tousled hair in an attempt to tame it. As I adjusted my collar, I noticed several small marks along my neck and collarbone. "Damn it, Levi," I muttered, a mix of exasperation and amusement in my voice as I fiddled with my shirt, trying to hide the evidence of our passionate reunion.

Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay beyond the door. The last thing I needed was for someone to catch me sneaking out of Levi's room like some lovesick cadet. I cracked the door open, peering out into the hallway.

Just as I thought the coast was clear, a familiar voice called out, "Well, well, what do we have here, hmm? You two finally had that makeup sex then, eh?"

I froze, my hand still on the doorknob, as I turned to see Hange emerging from her temporary room, a knowing grin plastered across her face. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, but I forced myself to maintain composure.

"Alright, yes we did, and yes, we are back together," I admitted, my voice low. "Try and keep it to yourself, though. If Nile finds out I'm having relations with the guy I'm meant to be watching, he'll reassign me to cleaning duty."

Hange's grin widened, if that was even possible. "Oh, don't worry, your secret's safe with me," she said, winking conspiratorially. "Though I have to say, it's about time. The sexual tension between you two was thick enough to cut with a knife."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't suppress a small smile. Hange's enthusiasm was infectious, even if it was a bit much sometimes. As we made our way to the dining hall, she peppered me with questions about Levi and me, her curiosity seemingly insatiable.

"Come on, Evie," she whined, bouncing on her heels like an excited puppy. "Just give me something. Was it good? It was good, wasn't it? I bet Levi's secretly a tiger in the sack."

I tilted my head back and groaned, feeling the heat creep up my neck again. "Yes, the sex was good," I hissed, desperate to end this line of questioning. "Now shut up about it, please."

As we approached the dining hall, I grabbed Hange's arm, pulling her to a stop. "Just... don't tell Jake about it, alright?" I said, my voice serious. "It'll piss him off, and he'll likely pick another fight with Levi. We don't need that kind of drama right now."

Hange's expression softened, and she nodded. "Of course, Evie. I understand. Your secret's safe with me."

~

Levi's perspective:

The warm water cascaded over my skin, washing away the grime and tension of the day. As I stood there, letting the steam envelop me, my thoughts drifted to the woman sleeping in my bed. Evelyn.

The events of last night played through my mind on an endless loop, each memory sending a jolt of electricity through my body. Evelyn's soft skin under my fingertips, her breathy sighs in my ear, the way her body fit perfectly against mine – it was almost too much to bear.

For two long years, I had convinced myself that I could live without her. That the ache in my chest would eventually fade, that the emptiness would be filled by duty and purpose. But having her back in my arms, even for just one night, had shattered that illusion completely.

I stepped out of the shower. Droplets of water clung to my skin, a stark contrast to the cool air that sent a shiver down my spine. I reached for a towel, my mind still lingering on the events of last night. Evelyn's scent lingered on my skin, a reminder of our passionate reunion after two long years apart.

As I pulled on a clean shirt and pants, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My usually stoic expression was tinged with a rare softness - a softness I reserved only for Evelyn. But that softness was fleeting, quickly replaced by the hardened mask I wore as Captain of the Scout Regiment.

Steeling myself, I opened the door and made my way towards the main hall, where I knew my squad would be gathering for breakfast. I needed to keep a clear head, to focus on the mission at hand. Letting my personal feelings cloud my judgment could be disastrous.

As I entered the hall, I spotted Jake engaged in a lively conversation with Eld and Gunther. My jaw tightened involuntarily at the sight of him. I knew he harbored feelings for Evelyn, and the memory of our confrontation the night before still simmered beneath the surface.

I made my way to the main hall, my footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor, my mind still clouded with thoughts of Evelyn. The room was already bustling with activity, the air filled with the clatter of dishes and the low hum of conversation. My eyes immediately sought her out, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, I found Jake sitting with Eld and Gunther, their heads bent close in conversation. As I approached, Jake's eyes narrowed slightly, the memory of our fight still fresh in his mind. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I knew I had to do.

"Novak," I said, my voice low as I took the seat next to him. "I owe you an apology for last night. My behavior was... unprofessional."

Jake's eyebrows shot up in surprise, clearly not expecting this from me. He studied my face for a moment, as if trying to detect any hint of insincerity. "So," he said slowly, "next time I try to ask Evelyn out, you won't interfere again?"

I felt a surge of possessiveness at his words, but I forced it down. Before I could respond, Evelyn appeared, sliding into the seat between us. "Morning, fellas," she said, her voice light but her eyes wary as they flicked between Jake and me.

Jake's demeanor softened as he looked at her. "Hey, Eve. I was about to go wake your ass up."

Evelyn snorted, a small smile playing on her lips. "Good thing you didn't, because I most likely would have punched you," she joked, her tone playful but with an undercurrent of truth that made me smirk.

Jake chuckled, reaching into his pocket. "Here," he said, pulling out Evelyn's circular sunglasses. "You left these on the table last night."

I watched as Jake's fingers brushed against Evelyn's as he handed her the glasses, my jaw clenching involuntarily. But then I felt Evelyn's hand slip into mine under the table, her touch both reassuring and electrifying. She squeezed gently, a silent reminder of where her heart truly lay.

The rest of breakfast passed in a blur of conversation and stolen glances. I found myself hyper-aware of every little interaction between Evelyn and Jake, each laugh and casual touch sending a spike of jealousy through me. It was irrational, I knew. Evelyn had chosen me. She had come to my room last night, had whispered her love against my skin. But old insecurities died hard, and the ease with which she and Jake interacted gnawed at me.

As soon as the meal was over, I excused myself, needing some time alone to clear my head. The forest surrounding our headquarters had always been a sanctuary for me, a place where I could lose myself in the rhythmic movements of ODM gear and forget, for a little while, the weight of responsibility that constantly pressed down on me.

I flew through the trees, the wind whipping past me as I pushed myself harder and faster. The physical exertion was a welcome distraction from the turmoil in my mind, allowing me to focus solely on the next branch, the next swing, the next moment of weightlessness before gravity reclaimed me.

I'm not sure how long I had been out there when I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Landing lightly on a thick branch, I turned to see Jake making his way towards me, his expression unreadable.

"Pretty impressive, Captain," he called out, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "For someone so small as yourself."

I felt my jaw clench at the jab, but forced myself to remain calm. This wasn't the time or place for another confrontation. "Did you need something, Novak?" I asked, my tone carefully neutral.

Jake shrugged, leaning against a nearby tree. "Just thought we could clear the air, man to man. No Evelyn around to play peacekeeper."

I raised an eyebrow, lowering my blades. "Alright. Speak your mind, then."

Jake nodded, his expression hardening. "Okay, here it is. Stay away from her, just like you have been doing for the past two years," he stated, his voice low and intense.

"I don't think that's your decision to make, Novak," I replied, my voice tight with suppressed anger.

Jake pushed off from the tree, taking a step towards me. "Look, I get it. You two have history. But you left her, Levi. You pushed her away when she needed you most. And now, what? You think you can just waltz back into her life like nothing happened?"

I felt my hands curl into fists at my sides, the urge to lash out almost overwhelming. But I forced myself to take a deep breath, to remember the promise I'd made to Evelyn just last night. We were going to do things differently this time.

"You're right," I said, surprising both Jake and myself with my words. "I made mistakes. I hurt her. But that's between Evelyn and me. We're working through it."

Jake's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of understanding passing across his face. "Wait... are you saying...?"

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The hurt that flashed across Jake's face was quickly replaced by anger, his jaw clenching as he processed this new information.

"So, what? You two are back together now?" he spat, his voice bitter. "Just like that?"

"It's not 'just like that,'" I replied, struggling to keep my voice even. "We have a lot to work through. But yes, we're giving it another try."

Jake laughed humorlessly, shaking his head. "You don't deserve her, you know that? After everything you put her through..."

"You're right," I said quietly, surprising him again. "I don't deserve her. But for some reason, she's chosen to give me another chance. And I intend to spend every day making sure I'm worthy of that chance."

We stood there in tense silence for a moment, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between us. Finally, Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"I care about her, Levi," he said, his voice softer now. "I just want her to be happy."

"So do I," I replied, meeting his gaze steadily. "More than anything."

Jake nodded slowly, seeming to come to some internal decision. "Alright," he said. "But I swear, if you hurt her again..."

"I won't," I interrupted, my voice firm with conviction. "I can't promise we won't have disagreements or challenges. But I won't make the same mistakes again. I won't push her away."

Jake studied me for a long moment before nodding again. "I'll hold you to that," he said, his tone a mixture of warning and grudging acceptance. With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more.

I stood there for a while, letting the tension slowly drain from my body. The conversation with Jake had been difficult, but necessary. And in a way, it had solidified my own resolve. I wouldn't take this second chance with Evelyn for granted. I would do whatever it took to make things work this time.

As I resumed my training, my movements felt lighter, more focused. The repetitive motions of swinging through the trees allowed my mind to wander, and I found myself thinking back to this morning, to Evelyn waking up in my bed.

I hadn't been there to see it, having left early for a meeting with Erwin, but I could imagine it clearly. The way the sunlight would have played across her face, highlighting the curve of her cheek and the sweep of her lashes. The soft sigh she always made as she stretched, her body arching gracefully beneath the sheets.

I wondered if she had felt confused at first, waking up in an unfamiliar place. Or if she had remembered immediately, a smile curving her lips as the memories of our night together came flooding back. Had she reached for me, only to find my side of the bed empty and cold?

The thought sent a pang of regret through me. I should have been there when she woke up. I should have seen the sleepy smile on her face, felt the warmth of her body against mine as we greeted the new day together. But duty had called, as it always did, pulling me away from the moments of peace and happiness that seemed so rare in our world.

As I swung through the trees, lost in my thoughts, a flash of color caught my eye. Landing on a nearby branch, I peered down to see Evelyn sitting at the base of a large oak tree, her sketchbook open on her lap. She seemed completely absorbed in her work, her hand moving swiftly across the page as she created something abstract and beautiful.

For a moment, I simply watched her, drinking in the sight of her. The way the dappled sunlight played across her hair, the slight furrow of concentration between her brows, the graceful curve of her neck as she bent over her work. She was breathtaking, and the fact that she was mine again filled me with a warmth I couldn't quite describe.

Then, to my surprise, she called out, "You can come down now, Levi."

Caught off guard, I nearly lost my balance on the branch. Recovering quickly, I dropped down to the forest floor, landing lightly beside her. "How did you know I was there?" I asked, unable to keep the admiration out of my voice.

Evelyn peeked up over her circular sunglasses, a small smirk playing on her lips. "I don't know," she said with a shrug. "I just know when you're about."

She held out a canteen of water towards me, and I accepted it gratefully, taking a long sip. The cool liquid soothed my parched throat, and I couldn't help but notice the way Evelyn's eyes followed the movement of my throat as I swallowed.

"Thank you," I murmured, handing the canteen back to her.

Evelyn looked up at me, her expression growing serious. "I heard Erwin's coming round in two days to discuss this expedition he's planned," she said, a note of concern in her voice. "I don't know what he's thinking. He should focus his efforts on getting Eren ready... I still don't like or trust him."

I sighed, understanding her reservations. "Erwin has his reasons," I said, though I couldn't quite keep the doubt from my own voice. "He sees the bigger picture, even when we can't."

Evelyn snorted, clearly unconvinced. "The bigger picture won't mean shit if Eren can't control his powers," she muttered.

Before I could respond, I felt a drop of water hit my cheek. Looking up, I saw dark clouds gathering overhead, the promise of rain heavy in the air. "We should head back," I said, offering Evelyn my hand.

She took it, allowing me to pull her to her feet. As she stood, her body swayed slightly, bringing her close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from her skin. For a moment, we stood there, our hands still clasped, the air between us charged with unspoken words and barely restrained desire.

Then the skies opened up, fat droplets of rain beginning to fall around us. Evelyn laughed, the sound bright and carefree, as she tilted her face up to the rain. I found myself mesmerized by the sight of water droplets clinging to her eyelashes, tracing paths down her cheeks like tears.

Without thinking, I reached out, cupping her face in my hands. Her laughter faded, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity that took my breath away. Slowly, giving her every chance to pull away, I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers.

The kiss was soft at first, a gentle exploration. But then Evelyn's arms wound around my neck, pulling me closer, and all thoughts of restraint flew from my mind. I kissed her deeply, desperately, pouring all the love and longing I felt into the contact.

When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, I rested my forehead against hers. "I love you," I murmured, the words feeling inadequate to express the depth of my feelings. "I know we have a lot to work through, but I want you to know that I'm all in, Evelyn. Whatever it takes."

Evelyn's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked up at me. "I love you too, Levi," she whispered. "We'll figure it out together, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever doubts and fears still lingered, we would face them together. And for now, that was enough.

Hand in hand, we made our way back towards headquarters, the rain washing away the last of our hesitations and leaving us clean, renewed, and ready to face whatever came next.