Thetwilight casts long shadows across the cabin's worn floorboards as I sit by the window, my reflection ghosting against the darkening forest landscape. I trace the mysterious tattoo on my forearm, its intricate lines a stark reminder of a past I can't remember. With a heavy sigh, I drop my hand. Why do I even care? I need to focus on my future, not the past.

I stand, stretching my stiff muscles. The cabin creaks around me, settling into the approaching night. It's been hours since Levi and I arrived at this isolated safehouse, and the silence between us has stretched thin and brittle. I know I should apologize for my earlier outburst, but the words stick in my throat.

My gaze drifts to the small table where Levi sits, hunched over a stack of papers. His brow is furrowed in concentration, the dim lamplight casting deep shadows across his face. Even now, after everything we've been through, I find myself marveling at his presence. Humanity's Strongest Soldier, they call him. But to me, he's just Levi – infuriating, enigmatic, and impossibly dear.

A floorboard creaks beneath my feet as I move towards him, and his eyes flick up to meet mine. For a moment, we just look at each other, the air heavy with unspoken words.

"You should eat something," Levi says, nodding towards a plate of food he'd left out earlier.

I hesitate, then sink into the chair across from him. The food is simple – bread, cheese, some dried fruit – but my stomach churns at the thought of eating. I pick at it halfheartedly, more for something to do with my hands than out of any real appetite.

The silence stretches between us, thick and oppressive. I can feel Levi's eyes on me, patient and unwavering. Finally, I can't take it anymore.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "For earlier. I was being a bitch."

Levi's eyebrows raise slightly – the closest he ever comes to looking surprised. I forge on, the words tumbling out now that I've started.

"You're my best friend and the man I love," I say, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I'm sorry if it seems like I'm pushing you away."

Levi sets his teacup down, his movements deliberate and controlled as always. "Tch. You don't need to apologize, Evelyn," he says, his tone softer than usual. "I understand."

I nod, feeling some of the tension drain from my shoulders. A small smile tugs at my lips as I add, "Besides, you'd be lonely sleeping in bed all by yourself."

The ghost of a smirk flickers across Levi's face, there and gone in an instant. "Brat," he mutters, but there's no heat in it.

I lean back in my chair, suddenly feeling restless. My eyes roam the cabin, taking in the sparse furnishings and the shadows lurking in the corners. "Do you think this cabin has a spooky basement?" I ask, only half-joking.

Levi looks up from his papers, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. "Is that really what you're thinking about right now?"

I shrug, standing up to stretch. "Just trying to keep things interesting. It's either that or dwell on the fact that we're essentially in hiding because some shadowy organization might want me dead."

"Not funny, Evelyn," Levi says, his tone sharp.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I know, I know. It's just... sometimes I feel like if I don't laugh about it, I'll start screaming and never stop."

The admission hangs in the air between us, raw and honest. Levi's expression softens almost imperceptibly. He pushes back from the table, standing in one fluid motion.

"Come here," he says quietly, opening his arms.

I don't hesitate, crossing the distance between us and burying my face in his chest. His arms wrap around me, strong and secure, and I feel some of the tension leave my body. We stand like that for a long moment, just breathing together.

"We'll figure this out," Levi murmurs into my hair. "Whatever's in your past, whatever's coming for us – we'll face it together."

I nod against his chest, not trusting my voice. When I finally pull back, I see a question in Levi's eyes.

"What are those papers you've been poring over?" I ask, gesturing to the table.

Levi's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. "Files," he replies. "Erwin wants me to put together a new squad."

The words hit me like a physical blow. A new squad. Because his old one was gone, wiped out in a single, brutal moment. I can see the weight of that loss in the set of his shoulders, in the tightness around his eyes.

"Levi," I start, but he shakes his head.

"Don't," he says quietly. "It's fine. It's necessary."

I nod, knowing better than to push. Instead, I move to the small bookshelf in the corner, running my fingers along the spines of the few volumes there. Most are military manuals or history books, but there's a small collection of novels tucked away at the end. I pull out a worn paperback, its cover adorned with an ominous-looking house silhouetted against a stormy sky.

"Well, if we're going to be stuck here for a while, might as well make the most of it," I say, holding up the book. "How about a ghost story?"

Levi raises an eyebrow. "You and your horror novels," he mutters, but I can see the hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

I settle onto the floor in front of the fireplace, slipping on my reading glasses. As I open the book, I glance up at Levi. "Sure you don't want to join me? I could read aloud."

He shakes his head, turning back to his papers. "Someone has to do actual work around here."

I stick my tongue out at him, earning a soft "tch" in response. As I begin to read, I can feel some of the tension in the room dissipate. The familiar rhythm of words on a page helps to ground me, pulling me out of my own swirling thoughts.

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the cabin's worn wooden walls, dancing in sync with the howling wind outside. I sat curled up on the threadbare couch, a dog-eared horror novel balanced on my knees. The words on the page blurred as my mind wandered, unable to focus on the fictional terrors when my own life had become a living nightmare.

A sharp rap at the door jolted me from my reverie. I tensed, my hand instinctively reaching for the knife hidden beneath the cushion. Old habits die hard, even in supposed safety.

"Evieee! Open up, it's just us!" Hange's sing-song voice carried through the door, followed by a muffled thud and a yelp. "Ouch! Eren, watch where you're stepping!"

I relaxed, but only slightly. Closing my book, I padded to the door, keenly aware of Levi's watchful gaze following me from his position by the window. I opened the door to find Hange's grinning face, with Eren and Historia huddled behind her, looking cold and miserable.

"Sorry to interrupt your romantic evening together," Hange chirped, pushing past me into the warmth of the cabin. "Levi, you got those files for Erwin?"

I rolled my eyes at Hange's insinuation. "Romantic? Please. We're about as romantic as a pair of ODM gear blades." The sarcasm dripped from my voice, masking the complicated tangle of emotions I felt whenever Levi was near.

Levi's signature "tch" echoed from across the room as he moved to retrieve a stack of papers from a nearby desk. "Here," he said, thrusting the files at Hange. "Now get out. It's late, and I don't need you lot making a mess of things."

I turned to Eren and Historia, both looking like drowned rats. "Come on, I'll show you to your rooms. You look like you could use some rest."

As I led them down the narrow hallway, I could hear Hange's excited chatter fade behind us. "Perfect! Erwin will have all these sorted out and will send your new squad over in a day or two. Oh, and Commander Dox isn't happy about Evelyn being placed in the Scouts' custody. He'd rather have her back at work."

I froze, my hand on the doorknob to Eren's room. Commander Dox. The name sent a chill down my spine, memories of his cold, calculating eyes and barely concealed disdain flooding back. I turned, catching Historia's concerned gaze.

"You okay, Evelyn?" she asked, her voice soft and hesitant.

I forced a smile. "Fine. Just tired. Here's your room, Eren. Historia, you're next door. There are extra blankets in the chest if you need them."

They mumbled their thanks and disappeared into their respective rooms. I leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The thought of returning to work as an MP, under Dox's thumb, made my skin crawl. But being stuck in this "creepy murder cabin," as I'd dubbed it, wasn't much better.

I made my way back to the main room, where Hange was still chattering away to an increasingly irritated-looking Levi. "Good," I interrupted, my voice sharp. "I'm glad he's pissed off. Dox is an angry prick."

Hange turned, her eyes gleaming with interest behind her glasses. "Oh? Do tell, Evie. What's the story there?"

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Nothing to tell. He's just an ass who thinks he owns me because I was under his command. Though I'd rather be back at work as an MP than sat in this creepy murder cabin in the middle of nowhere."

Hange laughed, the sound grating on my already frayed nerves. "It's not that bad! I'm sure Levi can think of a few ways to keep you entertained," she said with a wink.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "Hange, I swear to god—"

"That's enough," Levi cut in, his voice low and dangerous. "Hange, you've delivered your message. Now leave."

Hange held up her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I know when I'm not wanted. You two lovebirds have a good night!" With that, she ducked out the door, narrowly avoiding the book I hurled at her retreating form.

The silence that followed was deafening. I could feel Levi's eyes on me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. Instead, I busied myself with retrieving my book, smoothing out the crumpled pages.

"You shouldn't let her get to you like that," Levi said finally, his voice softer than before.

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "She interrupted my reading. I was just getting to the good part where the protagonist discovers she's actually been dead the whole time."

Levi raised an eyebrow. "Sounds cheerful."

"It's cathartic," I replied, settling back into my chair. "Sometimes it's nice to read about someone else's existential crisis for a change."

As the evening wore on, I felt exhaustion creeping in. A yawn escaped me before I could stifle it, catching Levi's attention.

"Go to bed," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I considered protesting, just to be contrary, but another yawn overtook me. "Maybe I'll sleep right here by the fire," I mumbled, sinking deeper into the chair. "Then I don't have to listen to your snoring."

Levi scoffed. "I don't snore."

"How would you know? You're asleep."

Levi's eyebrow twitched, the barest hint of amusement crossing his features. "Suit yourself," he said, turning towards the bedroom. "Just don't complain when your back aches in the morning."

I watched him go, a familiar ache settling in my chest. It was always like this with Levi – moments of closeness followed by carefully maintained distance. I understood it, even respected it. In our world, attachments were dangerous. But that didn't make it any easier.

As the fire died down to embers, the chill of the night began to seep into the cabin. I shivered, pulling my thin blanket tighter around me. The creaks and groans of the old structure seemed amplified in the darkness, every shadow holding the potential for danger.

Just as I was considering admitting defeat and retreating to the bedroom, I heard soft footsteps approaching. Levi's familiar silhouette appeared in the doorway.

"This is ridiculous," he muttered, crossing the room to where I lay. "Come on."

Before I could protest, he'd scooped me up, blanket and all. I let out a surprised yelp, instinctively wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Levi! What are you doing?"

"Preventing you from catching pneumonia and becoming even more of a pain in my ass," he grumbled, carrying me to the bedroom.

He deposited me gently on the bed, and I immediately burrowed under the thick quilt, relishing the warmth. Levi hesitated for a moment before climbing in beside me. I held my breath, waiting to see if he'd maintain the careful distance he usually did.

To my surprise, I felt him shift closer, his arm draping over my waist. I nestled back against him, savoring the solid warmth of his chest against my back.

"I was starting to get cold," I murmured, a weak attempt at justification.

"Tch. Just go to sleep, Evelyn," Levi replied, but I could hear the fondness beneath his gruff tone.

As I drifted off, wrapped in Levi's protective embrace, I allowed myself a moment of peace. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, more questions about my past, and the ever-present threat of our enemies. But for now, in this quiet moment, I felt safe.

The peace was short-lived. In my dreams, I found myself running through endless corridors, pursued by faceless figures in military uniforms. I could hear the thundering of my heart, the rasp of my breath as I searched desperately for an escape. Just as I thought I'd found an exit, a massive, skinless hand burst through the wall, reaching for me with terrifying speed.

~

Levi's perspective:

The faint light of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a soft glow across Evelyn's sleeping form. I'd been awake for hours, unable to shake the restlessness that had plagued me since our arrival at the cabin. As I buttoned my shirt, my eyes fell on the small velvet box sitting on the nightstand. The weight of its contents felt heavier with each passing day.

A muffled whimper drew my attention back to Evelyn. Her brow was furrowed, body tense beneath the sheets. Another nightmare. They'd become more frequent lately, though she rarely spoke of them. I debated waking her, but before I could decide, she jerked awake with a strangled gasp.

"Bad dream?" I asked, keeping my voice low and steady.

She nodded, running a shaky hand through her tangled hair. "The usual," she muttered. "Being chased, Titans, you know the drill."

I felt a flicker of concern, quickly masked. "Get dressed," I said. "We've got a long day ahead of us."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, a hint of defiance in her eyes. "You're not my boss, so I'm going back to sleep," she declared, flopping back onto the pillows.

I could feel my irritation rising. "Evelyn," I said, my voice carrying a note of warning.

She sighed dramatically, throwing an arm over her eyes. "Fine, fine. Give me five minutes."

I left the room, heading to the kitchen to start breakfast. As I cracked eggs into a pan, my mind wandered to the challenges that lay ahead. Keeping Eren, Historia, and Evelyn safe while uncovering the truth about the Reiss family was no small task. And then there was the matter of Evelyn's past – a puzzle with too many missing pieces.

The smell of coffee filled the air as Evelyn shuffled into the kitchen, dressed in her usual white shirt and leather pants. I wordlessly handed her a plate of eggs and toast.

"Thanks," she murmured, taking a seat at the small table.

We ate in companionable silence, the tension from earlier dissipating. It wasn't long before the sound of approaching footsteps signaled the arrival of my new squad. Eren's eager voice carried through the open window, followed by the excited chatter of his friends.

I stepped outside to greet them, issuing orders to clean the cabin and surrounding area. As I turned back to the house, I caught sight of Evelyn slipping on her circular sunglasses.

"I'm going for a walk," she murmured as she passed me.

I gave her a sharp look. "Don't go far," I warned. "We don't know who might be watching."

"Because I'm so damn interesting to watch," Evelyn retorted, sarcasm dripping from her words.

I watched her go, a mixture of frustration and concern churning in my gut. She was stubborn, reckless at times, and it both infuriated and impressed me. With a sigh, I turned back to supervise the cleaning efforts, but my mind remained on Evelyn.

After about fifteen minutes, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over me. "Eren," I called out, "you're in charge. Make sure everything gets done properly."

"Yes, sir!" Eren replied, a determined glint in his eye.

I nodded and then set off in the direction Evelyn had taken. The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds. I moved silently, years of training allowing me to navigate the uneven terrain without making a sound.

It didn't take long to spot her. She was standing in a small clearing, her back to me, head tilted up towards the canopy. I paused for a moment, struck by the sight. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves cast a pattern of light and shadow across her form, making her seem almost ethereal.

A twig snapped under my foot, betraying my presence. Evelyn whirled around, her hand instinctively reaching for her knife. Her posture relaxed slightly when she saw it was me, but there was still a wariness in her eyes.

"I told you not to go far," I said, coming to stand beside her.

Evelyn crossed her arms, a familiar stubborn set to her jaw. "I haven't gone far. If you wanted to come with me, you could have just said so, instead of following me like some stalker," she retorted.

I felt a flicker of irritation at her words, but it was quickly overshadowed by a deeper concern. "You know why I worry," I said, my voice low. "There are people out there who would love to get their hands on you, Evelyn. We can't afford to be careless."

Evelyn shook her head, a dangerous glint in her eye. "Maybe it would be a better idea to use me as bait then? Let them take me and then I beat them all black and bloody and get the answers we need."

The idea sent a chill through me, though I kept my face impassive. "That's not an option," I said firmly.

Before I could react, Evelyn closed the distance between us, pressing her lips to mine in a fierce kiss. "Stop worrying," she murmured as she pulled away. "You'll give yourself a headache. You know I can handle myself. You trained me to be a badass, after all."

A smirk played at the corners of her mouth. "I'll fight you right now if you want to get all hot and bothered. Show you how much I've improved working for the MPs."

The challenge in her voice was impossible to ignore. In one fluid motion, I swept her legs out from under her, pinning her to the forest floor. She let out a surprised yelp, quickly followed by a grudging, "Show off."

I allowed myself a small smirk. "You were saying?"

Evelyn's response was to grab a handful of leaves and throw them in my face. I recoiled, momentarily blinded, and she used the distraction to flip our positions, straddling my waist with a triumphant grin. "Hmm, looks like I win this one. Or perhaps you just like me dominating you," she teased.

I growled low in my throat, pulling her down for another kiss. This one was deeper, more passionate, filled with all the words we couldn't say and the emotions we struggled to express.

When we finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Evelyn smirked. "As much as I like rolling around on the ground with you, don't you have a meeting with Erwin in Trost to get to?" She stood up, brushing leaves from her clothes. "We can roll around on the ground later if you're so inclined."

As she turned to leave, I felt the weight of the velvet box in my pocket. I was tempted to call out to her, to pull her aside and finally ask the question that had been burning in my mind for weeks. But the moment passed, and I watched her walk away, the words left unspoken.

~

The ride to Trost was uneventful, but my mind was far from quiet. I replayed the morning's events, analyzing every word, every gesture. Evelyn's nightmares, her reckless suggestion of using herself as bait, the tension that seemed to simmer just beneath the surface of our interactions – it all pointed to something brewing, a storm on the horizon that I couldn't quite see.

Erwin was waiting for me in his office, his face grave. "I've been doing some digging into the Reiss family," he said without preamble. "Sadly, I haven't come up with much. However, I did manage to learn one thing: Evelyn's fake parents, the ones the Reiss family picked for her, are in fact top agents from the interior police. Their location is still unknown. Maybe the Reiss family had them killed for their failure."

I absorbed this information, my mind already working through the implications. "So, we're no closer to understanding why they took her in the first place," I said, frustration evident in my voice.

Erwin nodded. "It seems the Reiss family has gone to great lengths to cover their tracks. But every secret has its weak point. We just need to find it."

He leaned back in his chair, fixing me with a piercing gaze. "We shall continue on as normal, training Eren to use his titan abilities while keeping him, Historia, and Evelyn safe. But I need you to be vigilant, Levi. Watch for any signs, any clues that might lead us to the truth."

I nodded, understanding the unspoken message. Trust no one, question everything. It was a familiar mantra, one that had kept me alive in the underground and served me well in the Survey Corps.

As I left Erwin's office, my mind was already spinning with plans and contingencies. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders – not just for the mission, but for Evelyn, for the future we might have if we survived this mess.

The sun was setting as I rode back to the cabin, casting long shadows across the landscape. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were on the precipice of something monumental, a turning point that would change everything. The question was, would we be ready when it came?

I arrived back at the cabin. Evelyn was sitting on the porch, a book open in her lap and her reading glasses perched on her nose. She looked up as I approached, a wry smile on her face.

"The kids are squabbling again," she said by way of greeting. "Well, mostly Jean and Eren."

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. Some things never changed. "I'll deal with it," I muttered, but before I could move towards the door, Evelyn caught my wrist.

"Hey," she said softly, her eyes searching mine. "Everything okay? You seem... tense."

For a moment, I was tempted to brush off her concern, to maintain the stoic facade I'd spent years perfecting. But looking into her eyes, I found myself wanting to let her in, just a little.

"Just... a lot on my mind," I admitted. "Erwin's investigations, the training, keeping everyone safe..." I trailed off, unable to voice my deepest fears – that despite all our precautions, I might still lose her.

Evelyn's expression softened, and she stood up, her book forgotten. "We'll figure it out," she said, her voice filled with a confidence I wished I could share. "Together."

As she pulled me into an embrace, I allowed myself a moment of vulnerability, burying my face in her hair and breathing in her familiar scent. For just a moment, I let myself believe that everything would be alright.

But as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest, I couldn't shake the feeling that this moment of peace was just the calm before the storm. Whatever was coming, I silently vowed to be ready. For Evelyn, for humanity, for all of us – I had to be.

To be continued...