The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the threadbare curtains, casting long shadows across the room. I lay in bed, my body aching from the day's exertions, but my mind refused to quiet. Beside me, Evelyn's warmth was a comforting presence, her steady breathing a stark contrast to the tumultuous thoughts racing through my head.

I turned to look at her, drinking in the sight of her face relaxed in sleep. The moonlight softened her features, making her look younger, more vulnerable. It was in moments like these that the weight of our situation truly hit me – the constant danger, the looming threat of death or worse. And yet, here she was, by my side despite it all.

"Evie," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know we just got back together, but there's something I need to ask you."

She stirred slightly, mumbling a sleepy "Hmm?" in response. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. The words I'd been turning over in my mind for days now, weighing their implications, their potential consequences.

"When this is all over – if we survive this mess with the Female Titan and whatever else is coming our way – I want you to marry me."

The silence that followed was deafening. I held my breath, waiting for her response, only to realize that her breathing had deepened once more. She had fallen asleep.

I let out a quiet snort, equal parts relieved and frustrated. It was just like Evelyn to fall asleep at such a crucial moment. Part of me was glad for the reprieve – it gave me more time to consider if I truly wanted to take this step, to bind myself to her in a world that seemed determined to tear us apart. But another part of me, a part I often tried to ignore, ached for her answer, for the promise of a future beyond the constant fight for survival.

Sighing, I settled back against the pillow, my arm instinctively tightening around her. The warmth of her body against mine was a comfort I'd never thought I'd have again, and I found myself savoring it, committing every detail to memory. Who knew when we'd have another moment like this?

As sleep finally began to claim me, I made a silent promise to myself. I would ask her again, when the time was right. When we weren't on the brink of another life-or-death mission. When I could look into her eyes and know that her answer, whatever it might be, came from a place of certainty rather than the desperate need for connection in a world gone mad.

For now, I would hold her close and pretend, just for a moment, that we were two ordinary people with ordinary problems. That the biggest challenge we faced was deciding what to have for breakfast, rather than how to stay alive for another day.

~

As the first light of dawn began to filter through the window, I stirred awake, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. The events of the past few days came rushing back – the failed expedition, our narrow escape, and the stolen moments of peace we'd found in each other's arms.

Evelyn was still nestled against my side, her head resting on my shoulder. The sight of her, vulnerable and unguarded in sleep, sent a pang through my chest. How many more mornings like this would we have? How long before the harsh reality of our world tore us apart again?

I pushed the dark thoughts aside, focusing instead on the warmth of her body against mine, the soft sound of her breathing. These were the moments I needed to hold onto, to carry with me through the battles to come.

"Evelyn," I murmured, gently shaking her shoulder. "Time to wake up."

She grumbled incoherently, burrowing deeper into the blankets. "No," she mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow. "Five more minutes."

I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. Even in the face of impending danger, some things never changed. Evelyn had always been a nightmare to wake up, even back in our days in the underground.

"Come on, brat," I said, my tone gruff but affectionate. "We've got work to do."

Evelyn hugged her pillow tighter, her eyes still stubbornly closed. "That's not a very nice way to talk to your girlfriend," she mumbled, a hint of amusement in her sleepy voice.

I snorted, amused despite myself. "Since when have I ever been nice?"

With a resigned sigh, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, wincing as my injured leg protested the movement. The pain was a constant reminder of our precarious situation, of how close we'd come to losing everything.

As I dressed, I could hear Evelyn finally stirring behind me. The rustle of sheets and her quiet curses as she fumbled for her clothes brought a sense of normalcy to the moment, a brief respite from the chaos that awaited us outside these walls.

"Shit, I'm late again," Evelyn grumbled, her voice still thick with sleep. I turned to see her hastily pulling on her boots, her hair a tangled mess around her face. "I probably won't see you again for the next two weeks."

The reality of our situation hit me anew. Two weeks. Two weeks of not knowing if she was safe, of wondering if our plans would succeed or if we'd be walking into a trap. Two weeks of pretending we were on opposite sides when all I wanted was to keep her by my side.

"Evelyn," I said, my voice low and serious. She paused in her frantic movements, her eyes meeting mine. "Be careful out there. Don't do anything stupid."

A ghost of a smile played on her lips. "You know me, Levi. I'm always careful."

I scoffed, remembering countless instances that proved otherwise. "Just... come back to me, alright?"

Her expression softened, and for a moment, I saw a flash of vulnerability in her eyes. She crossed the room in two quick strides and pressed a fierce kiss to my lips. "I will," she whispered against my mouth. "I promise."

And then she was gone, leaving me alone in the room that suddenly felt too big, too empty. I sat heavily on the edge of the bed, my injured leg throbbing in time with my heartbeat. The weight of our mission, of all that was at stake, settled over me like a heavy cloak.

Two weeks. It might as well have been an eternity.

As I made my way out of the room, I caught a glimpse of myself in the cracked mirror hanging on the wall. The man who stared back at me was not the hardened soldier the world saw, but someone softer, more vulnerable. Someone who had found something to live for beyond mere survival.

I straightened my cravat, schooling my features back into their usual impassive mask. There would be time for softness later, I promised myself. For now, humanity needed Captain Levi, humanity's strongest soldier. And I would be damned if I let them down.

With one last glance at the rumpled bed, a silent promise to return, I stepped out into the hallway. The old castle creaked and groaned around me, a fitting backdrop to the weight of responsibility settling once more on my shoulders. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever secrets waited to be uncovered, I would face them head-on.

For humanity. For my comrades. For Evelyn.

~

Evelyn's Perspective:

The bustling streets of Stohess were a stark contrast to the quiet of the abandoned castle I'd left behind. Merchants hawked their wares from colorful stalls, the air thick with the scent of fresh bread and spices. Citizens hurried about their daily lives, blissfully unaware of the looming threat that hung over us all. As I approached the Military Police headquarters, my mind raced, rehearsing the cover story I'd prepared for my absence.

I adjusted my circular sunglasses, a nervous habit I'd developed to hide the storm brewing in my eyes. Jake was waiting in our shared office, and I knew the interrogation was coming. Every step towards the Military Police headquarters felt like walking a tightrope, one wrong move away from exposure.

The imposing building loomed before me, its pristine facade hiding the corruption I knew festered within. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges ahead, the weight of my dual loyalties heavy on my shoulders. My hand brushed against the concealed knife at my hip, a comforting reminder of the skills I'd honed in the underground.

Pushing open the heavy doors, I made my way through the familiar corridors, nodding to fellow officers as I passed. The click of my boots against the polished floor echoed in the hallway, each step bringing me closer to the lies I'd have to tell. My office door creaked as I opened it, revealing Jake already immersed in case files, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Jake drawled, not looking up from his papers. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost in those underground tunnels you're so fond of."

I rolled my eyes, dropping my bag on my cluttered desk. The familiar scent of ink and parchment filled my nostrils, grounding me in the present. "Sorry, got caught up with some... personal matters," I said, the lie tasting bitter on my tongue. "Anything exciting happen while I was gone?"

Jake finally looked up, his blue eyes sharp with suspicion. "Oh, you know, just the usual. Petty theft, bar fights, the occasional murder. Nothing we can't handle." He leaned back in his chair, studying me intently. "You want to tell me where you really were, Evie?"

I felt my heart rate quicken, but years of living in the underground had taught me how to keep my composure. I met his gaze steadily, forcing a casual shrug. "I told you, Jake. Personal matters. Nothing for you to worry about."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Right. And these 'personal matters' wouldn't have anything to do with a certain short, grumpy captain, would they?"

I threw a book at him, my cheeks flushing despite my best efforts. "What? Am I not allowed to see my boyfriend? I stayed with him last night," I grumbled, turning away to hide my expression.

Jake chuckled, easily dodging the projectile. "Alright, alright. Just remember, we've got work to do. Can't have you mooning over Levi all day."

I shot him a glare, but there was no real heat behind it. Jake had been my partner for years, and despite his teasing, I knew I could trust him. Or at least, I hoped I could. In this world of secrets and lies, it was getting harder to know who to believe.

As we dove into our investigation, poring over reports and piecing together evidence, I felt a familiar rhythm settling over us. This was what we did best – working together, solving puzzles, bringing criminals to justice. For a moment, I could almost forget about the looming threat of the Female Titan, the weight of my secret mission.

But as the day wore on, my mind kept drifting back to Levi, to the Scouts, to the dangerous game we were all playing. With each passing hour, the anxiety grew, a constant knot in the pit of my stomach. I knew that soon, very soon, everything would change. The carefully constructed facade I'd built would crumble, and I'd have to face the consequences of my choices.

As Jake and I worked, I discreetly gathered information about Stohess's layout and security protocols, masking my actions under the guise of routine police work. Every scrap of intel could be crucial in the coming days, and I was determined to be as prepared as possible.

"Hey, Evie," Jake's voice broke through my concentration. "You okay? You seem... distracted."

I looked up, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just tired. It's been a long day."

He nodded, but I could see the concern in his eyes. "You know you can talk to me, right? If something's bothering you?"

For a moment, I was tempted to confide in him, to share the burden of the secrets I carried. But I couldn't. Not yet. "I know," I said softly. "Thanks, Jake."

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across our office, I gathered my things to leave. The weight of the day, of the lies and half-truths, settled heavily on my shoulders. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new dangers. But for now, I had a rendezvous to keep.

"Don't stay too late," I called to Jake as I headed for the door.

He waved a hand, already engrossed in another file. "Yeah, yeah. Say hi to the comander for me."

~

Levi's perspective:

The days crawled by with agonizing slowness, each one blending into the next in a haze of preparation and anxiety. My mind inevitably drifted to Evelyn, wondering what she was doing, if she was safe. The urge to reach out to her, to hear her voice and know she was alright, was almost overwhelming. But I knew I couldn't. Any contact between us now could jeopardize everything we'd been working towards.

So instead, I channeled my restless energy into cleaning, scrubbing at imaginary dirt spots until my hands were raw and aching. The physical pain was almost a relief, a distraction from the constant worry gnawing at my gut.

A knock at the door jolted me from my spiraling thoughts. Before I could respond, Hange burst in, her usual manic energy somewhat subdued.

"How's it going, short stuff?" she asked, plopping down in a chair across from me.

I glared at her, but there was no real heat behind it. "Fantastic. I love sitting around waiting for shit to hit the fan."

Hange's lips quirked in a small smile. "Always the optimist, aren't you?" Her expression grew serious. "Two more days, Levi. Are you ready for this?"

I set down the cleaning rag, flexing my aching fingers. "Does it matter if I'm ready or not? We don't exactly have a choice here."

She nodded, her eyes distant. "I know. But this plan... it's risky. So many things could go wrong."

"You think I don't know that?" I snapped, the fear I'd been trying to suppress bubbling to the surface. "Every time I close my eyes, I see all the ways this could end in disaster. All the people we could lose."

Hange reached out, placing a hand on my arm. The gesture was so unexpected, so uncharacteristic of our usual interactions, that I found myself frozen in place.

"We're going to get through this, Levi," she said, her voice uncharacteristically gentle. "We have to."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Two more days. Two more days of waiting, of worrying, of hoping against hope that we weren't making the biggest mistake of our lives. Two more days until I would see Evelyn again – if we both survived long enough for that reunion.

As Hange left, I found myself staring out the window, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink, a beautiful sight that seemed at odds with the darkness of our situation.

"Be safe, Evelyn," I whispered to the fading light. "Just be safe."

~

The carriage jostled as we made our way through the bustling streets of Stohess, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the cobblestones. I shifted uncomfortably, my injured leg a constant reminder of our recent losses. Beside me, Erwin sat in silence, his face a mask of calm determination. But I knew better. The tension in his shoulders betrayed the weight of the mission ahead.

"Remember, Levi," Erwin said, breaking the silence. "Your role is to remain on standby. We can't risk drawing attention to ourselves before the plan is set in motion."

I clicked my tongue in annoyance. "Tch. I'm well aware of the plan, Erwin. You don't need to treat me like a fresh recruit."

The corners of Erwin's mouth twitched, almost forming a smile. "I know. But your tendency to act on instinct has gotten us into trouble before. We can't afford any mistakes today."

I turned my gaze back to the window, watching as we passed by a group of children playing in the street. Their laughter seemed to mock the gravity of our situation. "You don't need to remind me," I muttered.

As we neared our destination, Erwin cleared his throat. "Levi, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

"About your current relationship with Evelyn... are you sure it's wise to pursue it again after last time? Unless, of course, it's more of a casual arrangement between you two."

I felt a flicker of irritation at his words. My relationship with Evelyn was complicated enough without Erwin's meddling. "That's none of your damn business, Erwin," I snapped, my voice low and cold.

Erwin held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not trying to pry, Levi. I'm just concerned about the potential impact on our mission. Emotions can be... unpredictable."

I clenched my jaw, fighting back the urge to lash out. Erwin wasn't entirely wrong, but I'd be damned if I admitted it. "Focus on the mission, Erwin. Leave my personal life out of it."

Erwin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I don't doubt her skills or her commitment. But love can make people do irrational things. I just want to make sure you're both prepared for what's to come."

I clenched my jaw "Evelyn and I are both professionals. Whatever is between us won't interfere with our duties."

Erwin nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "Very well. I trust your judgment, Levi. Just... be careful."

I turned away, unwilling to continue this conversation. Erwin didn't understand. He couldn't understand the connection Evelyn and I shared, forged in the darkness of the underground and tempered by the horrors we'd faced together. She wasn't just some passing fancy or a distraction. She was... everything.

The carriage came to a stop, and I was grateful for the distraction. As we stepped out onto the street, I scanned our surroundings, my body tense and ready for action despite my injury. The bustling city life continued around us, oblivious to the danger that lurked beneath the surface.

We made our way to the predetermined meeting spot, a small alley tucked away from prying eyes. As we rounded the corner, I caught sight of a familiar figure leaning against the wall. Evelyn.

My breath caught in my throat as I took in her appearance. Gone was the MP uniform, replaced by her signature red blouse with a black ribbon tied around the collar, leather trousers hugging her curves. Those damn circular sunglasses perched on her nose, hiding her expressive eyes from view.

"Morning, fellas," she said, pushing off the wall and sauntering towards us. "Alright, I've got a small team together and fed the rich locals some bullshit about staying indoors due to a military training exercise."

"Good work," Erwin said, his tone all business. "Any complications?"

Evelyn crossed her arms, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "Not until Nile shows up, anyway."

I stepped closer to her, my eyes roaming over her face, searching for any signs of doubt or fear. "You're sure about this?" I asked, my voice low enough that only she could hear. "There's still time to back out if you're having second thoughts."

Her lips curved into a small smile, and she reached out to straighten my cravat. "Worried about me, Captain?" she teased. "I thought you knew me better than that."

I caught her hand, holding it against my chest for a moment. "I do know you," I murmured. "That's why I'm asking."

Evelyn's expression softened, and she squeezed my hand gently before pulling away. "You know me, I like to live dangerously," she said, her tone light but her eyes serious behind those damn glasses.

Erwin cleared his throat, reminding us of his presence. "If you two are quite finished, we should get into position. Evelyn, brief your team one last time. Make sure they understand the importance of discretion."

Evelyn nodded, her demeanor shifting to one of professional focus. "Right. I'll get on that."

As she turned to leave, I caught her arm. "Evelyn," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Be careful out there."

She flashed me a grin, all confidence and bravado. "Always am, short stuff."

I watched her walk away, a mix of pride and worry churning in my gut. This mission was dangerous, more so than any we'd undertaken before. And yet, seeing Evelyn in her element, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we could pull this off.

I watched as Evelyn briefed her team, her voice steady and confident. She was in her element, a natural leader despite her unconventional background. Pride swelled within me, tempered by a bittersweet realization. In another life, perhaps we could have had a normal existence – a home, a family, a future untainted by the specter of war and loss.

~

Evelyn's perspective:

I strode towards my team, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was it. The moment we'd been planning for, the chance to finally capture the Female Titan and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that had cost us so many lives.

As I approached the group of MPs I'd assembled, I couldn't help but smirk at their nervous expressions. They were good soldiers, but they'd never faced anything like what we were about to do today.

"Alright, listen up," I called out, my voice carrying the authority I'd cultivated over years in the Military Police. "This is not a drill, and it's not your typical operation. We're dealing with a Titan shifter here, someone who can transform at will and cause massive destruction."

I paused, letting that sink in. One of the younger MPs, a kid barely out of training, visibly gulped.

"Our job is to provide backup and crowd control. We need to keep civilians out of harm's way and be ready to assist the Scout Regiment if things go south. And trust me, there's a good chance they will."

I glanced over at the kid with the rifle, noticing how he was holding it like it might bite him. "Oi, kid," I called out, "who the hell taught you to hold a gun? Your grandma?"

The poor boy flushed red as I strode over, taking the rifle from his hands. "Here," I said, demonstrating the proper grip. "Now don't go shooting yourself in the foot. We've got enough problems without friendly fire."

As I handed the rifle back, I looked each of them in the eye. "I know this is scary. Hell, I'm scared too. But we've got a job to do, and people are counting on us. So let's show these Scouts what the MPs are made of, yeah?"

A chorus of determined "Yes, ma'am!" rang out, and I felt a swell of pride. They might be green, but they had heart.

"Alright then. Get into position and stay alert. Remember, discretion is key. We can't tip off our target before it's time."

As my team dispersed, I caught sight of a messenger running towards us, his face flushed with exertion. My heart leapt into my throat. This was it.

"Ma'am!" he gasped, skidding to a stop in front of me. "The target has taken the bait. She's following Armin now."

I nodded, adrenaline surging through my veins. "Good work. Get back to your post and stay ready."

As the messenger darted away, I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I caught Levi's eye across the square, and we shared a brief nod. No words were needed. We both knew what was at stake.

I made my way to my position, blending in with the crowd as I kept my eyes on the entrance to the underground passage. Armin appeared, looking nervous but determined, with Annie close behind. My breath caught as I saw her hesitate at the entrance, her body language screaming suspicion.

Come on, Annie, I thought. Just a few more steps.

But she didn't move. The tension in the air was palpable as Mikasa and Eren emerged from their hiding spots, their faces set with grim determination.

Annie's voice carried across the square, tinged with a mix of sadness and resolve. "You know, Armin, it was nice that I could be a good person for you. Looks like you found me out, but I'm going to gamble too. And here's my wager."

Time seemed to slow as Annie raised her hand to her mouth. No, no, no!

Armin's signal flare exploded into the air, and I sprang into action. "Now!" I shouted, rushing forward with the rest of the team.

We converged on Annie, my heart pounding in my ears. "We got you now, bitch," I snarled, reaching for her arms.

But Annie was laughing, a chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine. As my fingers brushed her sleeve, I saw her twist the ring on her finger, revealing a tiny, sharp pin.

Oh, shit.

The world exploded into chaos.