A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my two (2) followers on tumblr (chenzie . tumblr . com) and Aquamarine Jay for singlehandedly saving my exceptionally shitty Monday. Hope you like it :D

"You did really great, Eren! How do you feel?"

Eren smiled in exhaustion at the scientist through the steam rising up from the disintegrating titan arm between them. "Thanks Hanji. I'm a little tired but nothing more than I'd be normally."

"Great! We can stop here for today then," she grinned widely back, turning her attention to the quickly disappearing titan relic, trying to look if anything was different about it.

Meanwhile Armin ran up to the young shifter and took down his pulse. Eren looked over his best friend's head to smile confidently at the man scowling in the background. They made brief eye contact before Levi frowned deeper, striding over. As soon as he was close enough, the alpha's hand shot up to connect with the other's forehead despite his protests.

"You're hot."

Eren bit his cheek in a vain attempt to stop himself. "...Thanks."

Levi could hear Armin snicker quietly and narrowed his eyes at the both of them. "I'm serious, brat."

Eren sighed deeply, rolling his eyes. "Levi, I'm fine. I'm always overheated after a transformation. It will go away soon since it was only an arm."

"I sure hope so," Levi mumbled back.

"Don't worry, Captain," Armin spoke up with soft smile. "This level of fever isn't something even a pregnant beta couldn't manage without any trouble."

"See?" Eren said, a slightly accusing tint to his tone, gesturing to the blond beta.

The mates stared at each other for a moment before the alpha shook his head and walked off in Hanji's general direction.

Eren sagged in relief as soon as his Captain was far enough. "God, between him and Mikasa, I can't catch a break," he whined. "I'm honestly not sure which one of them is worse."

Armin put on a concentrated face as if this was some difficult problem that was in a dire need of solving. "I'd say Mikasa is worse. She doesn't have a reason to hold back even in front of other people."

"But I don't sleep in the same bed as Mikasa every night."

"You what?!" Armin spluttered in shock and Eren only gave him an incredulous look.

"You honestly didn't think we slept together? Seriously? After all this?" The boy vaguely gestured towards himself.

Armin covered his face in embarrassment. "Please, don't make me think about this. I did my best to keep the images away..."

Eren smirked, tempted to add in a few more details but when he imagined saying something out loud, the embarrassment overtook him as well and he could feel the heat coming up to his ears. He never spoke about the... intimate parts of his relationship with anyone and it honestly didn't seem to him like that would ever change if he had any say in it. "Well... it's not like we sleep together every night!"

"Eren, shut up, you're only making it worse!" Armin nearly shouted, absolutely mortified.

The high pitched squeak caught the attention of the two officers talking nearby at the table set up for their convenience. Their heads simultaneously turned in that direction and they were graced with the sight of the two friends, both flaming red, resolutely looking away from each other.

They both blinked a few times, wondering what that was about before shrugging it off and returning to their conversation from before.

"So..." Hanji repeated what she was saying before, "from what I can see, Eren's regeneration time is a bit slower than it used to be. We'll probably have to test it out a little more." She sighed, knowing Levi won't be happy about that. She was not happy about it herself, since contrary to popular belief, she didn't enjoy hurting her subjects – be they human or not. And especially when she was as close to them as she was to Eren.

Levi scowled but looked more resigned than anything. "You won't be cutting anything off, right?"

Hanji shook her head widely. "No, no. It will be the same as today, only in several different places to see if the regeneration rate depends on the location. At most the cuts might be a little bigger or deeper but nothing that couldn't normally be treated with a few band aids."

Levi let go off a shaky sigh, "Okay, if he doesn't mind."

Hanji smiled gently. She couldn't help it in the face of their relationship. She didn't comment on it though. She valued her life – and these were her third glasses only this month. She quickly realized that Levi didn't appreciate it when someone pointed out his cute side.

"Great. We'll start with that next time."

"And what about the transformation?"

Hanji brought one of her hands up to her chin, thinking deeply. "Well..." she started carefully after a while. "Judging from the fact that even though it took him a few tries, he did do it in the end, and the arm looked the same as always from what I could see, I'd say the problem wasn't technical. I think that he can transform just fine - or at least his libs can and I honestly don't want to risk a whole transformation just yet. My guess is that maybe he was subconsciously scared to transform and that caused that he couldn't."

Levi looked back at his mate, who was now animatedly talking with Armin about something while absentmindedly rubbing at his stomach, and then back at Hanji in confusion. "Why would he be scared? He's never been scared to transform."

The beta didn't know whether she was supposed to laugh or gape at her friend in disbelief. "Captain Levi, sir," she started slowly and carefully, as if talking to a child. Levi wasn't amused but she didn't give him time to retort. "Had you ever been scared when Eren transformed?"

The alpha gave her a look like it was obvious. "Of course not, he can handle it."

"Your trust in him is beautiful but were you scared today?"

Levi opened his mouth to answer in negative but then frowned deeply and shut it again. Because he was scared. "But he didn't say anything."

"Of course he didn't," Hanji smiled. "For one, I doubt he actually realized it himself. And two, even if he did, you were freaking out enough for the both of you." Hanji ducked quickly, prepared for the incoming smack this time. "But seriously, maybe you two should talk about this properly."

"What?" the alpha questioned, a little skeptical.

"Levi, did you two actually sit down after this whole... situation and talk about it? I mean, not about the practical stuff, but your feelings."

The man made a face and Hanji could only roll her eyes at him.

"I know these talks are awkward and all, especially between the two of you, but they are important. And they actually help things. It's healthy to let it out once in a while. Even though he knows you're worried and you know he hates being doted on, talk about it. Talk about how you're feeling and how he's feeling and you'll be surprised at how much better you'll feel. Moreover, you'll probably realize a lot of things about the other and yourselves, too."

"What are you, a damn relationship adviser?"

Hanji grinned in satisfaction at successfully getting through to him, even though she knew he won't put her advice to use anytime especially soon. "Nope, just a good friend. By the way," she looked over Levi's shoulder over at Eren and Armin, who was currently showing the other the notes he took during today's experiments, "Erwin is looking into the backgrounds of your squad. I think he suspects there are more enemies here."

"So that's why it's taking him so long to give the go ahead."

"Yep. But don't tell Eren, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't take it well. I bet Erwin will try to keep it from him until the last moment. You know how he was with the female titan."

Levi turned his head, staring at his mate. A few seconds later, as if sensing his gaze Eren raised his head and their eyes locked, green with grey. After a moment Eren smiled gently and Levi almost smiled back. Instead he looked at Hanji and flatly stated, "He can handle it. He won't like it, but after the Female titan he's much more aware of the possibility."

"Levi..."

Hanji started warningly but Levi interrupted her, "I won't tell him. At least not until I hear something concrete from Erwin but sooner or later I'll have to tell him, if only to be careful around the others."

The beta sighed in relief. "Good."

They were silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Okay," finally Hanji called out loud, so the two others could hear her as well. "Guys, come here, we gotta have a little debriefing!"

Armin and Eren jumped before scrambling to run over to their superiors, sitting down opposite of them.

As soon as she had everyone's attention, Hanji started. "So... We didn't really do much today but I think we managed to get a solid base to build on. Armin, can I see your notes?"

"Oh, sure!" Armin jumped at being suddenly addressed so directly by the woman but immediately handed over the notes to her.

Hanji quickly scanned them with her eyes nodding in approval. "Pulse quick but within norm, short term and long term memory seems intact. Reactions good. Logical thinking good."

Eren gaped as she listed all the positive results Armin apparently got. "When did you test all that?" he whispered to his friend.

"While we were talking. There are ways to check without you even noticing," the blond whispered back.

"No whispering during class, children," Hanji reprimanded teasingly and snickered when they jumped away from each other. Levi only rolled his eyes at how all three of them were behaving. "Anyway, everything seems fine but of course I call for an examination just to make sure; if we can squeeze that in today, that would be great.

"I'd like to have the next session as soon as possible but I don't want to put any more stress on Eren than I have to, so I say we should postpone it a few days."

"Um, Hanji," Eren said with hesitation, even raising his hand. When all eyes turned on him he continued. "I really am fine; we can continue tomorrow." He looked up at her with silent determination and hope.

However Hanji shook her head resolutely. "No. For one, there is more physical stress on your body as indicated by the slowed downed rate of your regeneration." She put two papers in front of him, one obviously from today and one a little older, and pointed out a number on each of them. Eren assumed they were times. And indeed, the one from today was a bit higher than the other one. "And two, you probably don't realize but there's also incredible pressure on your mind as well. You have to rest as much as you can since you can't overdo it in your condition," she finished sternly.

Eren was ready to protest but he felt a soft kick to his leg under the table. His head shot in his mate's direction to give him an accusing look but his will to fight died immediately when he noticed the alpha's expression. 'Complain any more; I fucking dare you,' it seemed to scream.

Eren didn't want to push his luck. Moreover, remembering the promise that Levi always had the last word during the experiments so there was really no use arguing against him. The omega deflated and opted to only sulk silently in his seat.

Hanji ignored the exchange, shifting her attention to future possibilities. "So next time, I would like to check out the changes in regeneration properly if you're okay with it, Eren."

Eren nodded before giving Levi a questioning look.

Levi rolled his eyes in return. "I won't shut down every little thing, brat; don't go fucking paranoid on me."

The omega sighed in relief before jumping in surprise when Hanji slammed her hands on the table, turning to Levi. "See?! This is the result of what I was talking about! Communication!"

Levi sent a kick her way this time but yet again, Hanji jumped away before his boot could make friends with her shin.

"What were you talking about?" questioned Eren suspiciously, looking between the two of them.

"Nothing."

"Levi will tell you as soon as you retire for the evening."

Levi glared at Hanji viciously and Hanji grinned in victory. Eren won't drop it now until Levi spills. After that, with the thought nagging at them, it was only a matter of time when one of them cracks and starts sharing. It will do them good to have a good talk between them, what with all the stress lately. Hanji felt accomplished.

Armin watched the random exchange with wide eyes and couldn't help but feel like he didn't belong to this little family gathering. He felt left out. But then again, did he really feel the need to be all buddy buddy with the Captain? Sure, he was mated to his best friend now, but Armin could admit he was still kind of intimidated by the man. So maybe he was okay being left out for the time being...

"Anyway," Hanji cleared her throat. "We'll see how you look after that and how much time we'll have, but I'd like to try out your motoric ability with your titan arm, preferably both of them next time, too. But it really depends on the situation so we might have to push it back."

"Are we working with a time horizon so that we will get to the point of attempting a full transformation?" Armin asked curiously. He felt a little guilty for thinking this way but he couldn't help but wonder about the effects Eren's pregnancy might have on the complete titan.

Hanji looked at him, contemplating. Finally she sighed, taking off her glasses to polish them. "Honestly, I don't know. I'd like to try, but the risk is too high and really, just watching the changes in the basic functions is fascinating enough in itself. I have to say we'll see how everything goes."

The other three nodded in agreement. There was a moment of silence before Eren asked curiously, "If I can ask, what did you decide to do about the reports?"

Hanji and Armin exchanged a glace before shrugging simultaneously. "We're going use our imaginations."

"So you're going to bullshit it for months."

Hanji grinned, shrugging again. "You could say that. Luckily I have Armin and I have to say, his imagination and insight are quite excellent."

Armin blushed, mumbling a quiet thank you and Eren beamed at his friend proudly.

"Just be careful to keep it believable," Levi warned seriously.

Hanji petted his hair – or tried to before her hand was slapped away. "Aww, don't worry, you big bad alpha, we'll make sure to keep your cute little omega off the radar."

This time Hanji had to dodge not only the irritable alpha's attack, but an embarrassed omega's as well.

Armin watched calmly from his seat at the table as Hanji ran screeching from the two mates who went chasing after her and thought that he could suddenly understand all too well why Moblit always looked so worn out.

That evening, after Eren was cleared by Hanji as to not having sustained any damage from the experiments, ate dinner and catched-up with his friends, he retired to his room in the basement. He sat there leaning against the wall, pondering what Hanji had said earlier that day.

Was he really that mentally exhausted? He didn't feel like he was. Sure, there was a lot of stuff going on and the fear of wrong people finding out about the baby certainly wasn't helping things, but he didn't feel as if it was particularly hard to deal with or anything.

His pondering got interrupted by a yawn and Eren thought that maybe, just maybe he was a little more tired than usual lately but he was sure it was just from the difficult training Levi demanded from his squad. He should go to sleep early for the next few days to get his energy back.

But no today. Today he had to wait for Levi. He had to talk to him.

He waited almost an hour more until the alpha finally finished his work, showered and came down to the room. By this time Levi was more than ready to collapse into bed and die for a handful of hours at least while cuddling with his mate and, by extension, his child.

He was not ready to be bombarded with questions as soon as the door closed after him.

"So what was that with Hanji today? What about communication? What did you two talk about?"

Levi was so not ready for this.

Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, there was a completely different kind of conversation taking place.

"So, you were right, Armin."

Armin let out the breath he was holding ever since he entered the Commander's office. "There really weren't any records then, sir?"

Erwin shook his head, staring down at the papers spread out in front of him. "No. Absolutely none up until 5 years ago. Of course, some of them could have been lost with the fall of Maria but it's highly unlikely that all of them would be. There are three explanations I can think off but one of them doesn't seem very likely as in that case the records would come up in Sina, and I just can't figure out any kind of reason for someone to deliberately, completely destroy them but then leave them be."

Erwin straightened up, reclining in his chair. "So... I'm inclined to believe your suspicions. Well done."

Armin's face lit up at the praise. "Thank you very much, sir."

Erwin smiled at the enthusiasm of the young beta. He seemed so genuinely happy to had been off help that the Commander felt like he could trust him with his own findings. The boy was very bright and willing to sacrifice anything for the wellbeing of his closest friends and Erwin honestly couldn't think of a single reason not to tell him. "However," he could see Armin's face fall a little at the prospect of bad news, "while I was at it, I checked all of them. And even though you were correct, there turned out to be one more."

"One more?" the beta's face scrunched up in worry and concentration. "What do you mean?"

Erwin opened his mouth to answer but was interrupted by a knock on his door.

He frowned at the door wondering who it might be. Armin's eyes nervously flickered between the alpha and the door.

"Come in!" Erwin called after a few seconds of rising tension as he quickly cleared all the papers on his desk away.

The door opened immediately to show a very restless looking soldier. The boy saluted stiffly before elaborating. "Commander Erwin, Commander Nile Dawk just arrived and he's asking to talk to you."

A/N: Behold, a cliffhanger! :D

Shameless self-promo time
Again, a link to my tumblr (chenziee . tumblr . com) because I need Validation. But really, I ended up using it to bitch about life more than I originally intended so I can't blame you if you run away cringing ^^;;