IMPORTANT:
- This story adapts to the original plot, though it's Levi-centered.
- Based on the anime, the "No Regrets" OVA, and the manga.
- Rated M+ for violent language and also, sexual content.
- Last but not least, just wanted to say I'm forever grateful to Isayama sensei for this magnificent story and characters (all credits to him).
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Everybody has a life behind what we've seen and, in Levi's case, there's a lot more than just cleaning...
CHAPTER I
Introduction
"I don't remember him saying this was urgent" Connie said, riding beside him whilst Armin led the march at a slow pace "Ugh... my head hurts" he whined right before yawning and rubbing his eyes.
"First of all, when someone tells you it's important, always assume it's urgent" he looked at him disapprovingly "And secondly, of course it does. It's called being hungover. You shouldn't have come with us".
"Are you kidding me?" Connie exclaimed, enthusiastically "I wouldn't miss this for the world!"
"C'mon guys, keep it down" it was Armin who stepped in this time, without turning to look at them.
"Yeah, chill out" the fool said, as though the blond had addressed him only "Besides, it's Sunday, mate" his said while stretching his arms, with a big grin on his face "I didn't think Historia would have her there. Never thought I'd see my mom again, let alone a human".
Jean sighed. To be fair, Connie had been dying to confirm what Eren said for three long years, so it was easy to understand the joy of seeing her was enough to be happy and want to celebrate. Had he been in in his shoes, he might have been in worse conditions.
"Yeah. That was nice of her considering how traumatized your mother surely was, having no family and no home when she came back to normal" Armin commented, somewhat worried "To make her the housekeeper of her residence..."
"I know, right!" Connie agreed, merrily yet he suspected there was more to it. The woman was either protected by their former colleague that was now queen, or used as leverage by the Government behind her "I never thought they'd want to hold a banquet to welcome… well, most of us".
"I'd hardly call that a welcoming banquet, dude" he pointed put, automatically making sure his hoodie covered him enough.
"At least it turn out friendly... sort of" the blond tittered, then sighed.
And with good reason. The reception had seemed like that, but the tension around had been palpable thanks to the presence of some officers and politicians, high ranked Yeagerist, that got to live after the Rumbling; mere fanatics or plain assholes that considered them nothing but traitors.
"In any case, we all were treated fairly enough" his friend said, shrugging "I don't agree with it but it's understandable that only us have a special permit to move around. Reiner and the others are Marleyans after all".
"Indeed. This mission would have been nearly impossible otherwise" the blond uttered ans looked up with resignation "Still, we need not to drag anybody's attention, okay?"
"But we have Historia on our side, don't we?" Connie asked, scratching his head.
"Even more so, you idiot" he blurted out, shaking his head.
"We shouldn't tempt our luck. The more we go unnoticed, the better" Armin said to no one in particular as he discreetly observed two other travelers passing by and not giving a damn about them "I'm just glad we'll finally solve the mystery" he then glanced towards them to point to the road on the left.
Jean and Connie exchanged a conspiratorial look, unable to restrain a smile. They'd made some guesses about that the night they last saw Captain Levi, before taking the ship back to Paradis. The three of them had actually racked their brains trying to figure it out, but nor the initials or the address said anything.
"I tell ya guys. It's for his girlfriend" Connie assured with dreamy eyes and a stupid, mellow smile as he hugged the neck of his horse, giggling like the fool he sometimes was "And no, don't come here saying that's ridiculous 'cause we got Armin to prove nothing's impossible. He's the shyest of us all and has one already. Not the most ladylike, but a girl is a girl".
The alluded didn't turn to them but briefly looked down; he surely blushed at the comment because his ears got red.
"I thought we were simply having fun while joking about it but seriously man, how?" he uttered, raising an eyebrow at the playful expression on his friend's face "I know how amusing is to picture such thing, but to be true... Don't you think it wouldn't have been better to come here himself if it that were the case? It's been three years, dude!"
"Maybe, maybe not. The Captain isn't the most responsive or demonstrative person, but whoever this is for, I'm sure he trust that person, who'll surely understand" Armin replied, focused on the road "As for not doing so himself, I suppose he prefers staying away" remaining silent, the three were most likely recalling how bad the man had been after the fight "Think about it… No one here knows how badly injured he was, so had he returned, and despite being a traitor like us, who'd dare to challenge or imprison HIM? And if it was the other way and they wanted to use him in their politics or new military situation, be given a privileged position and fortune... that's just not him".
"True. The man just wants to be free of all of this" he granted, believing he'd earned that more than any of them "But then, what about that letter?"
"It could be a farewell" Armin offered, not quite convinced though "Or a note of condolence for someone, like Varis' family, or maybe Hange's. Or a message for his lawyer, I don't know".
"This is all as strange and mysterious as the man himself" he scoffed, and Connie's smile broaden after looking to both self-sufficiently, mouthing the word girlfriend. Jean rolled his eyes, skeptical.
"Dude" his friend exclaimed, a bit exasperated "You're the perfect gentleman and all but that doesn't mean we all act the same. Remember, we're talking about the Captain here. He may not have heard about it or never cared, but he was incredibly popular. Sasha used to complain quite often on being pestered with questions about him from other cadets and rookies that joined the Legion after the Reiss incident and Shiganshina... interested as in romantically speaking, you know".
Right when a blushing Jean had been about to reply Connie's mocking of his gallantry, he was interrupted.
"Alright guys, we'll find out very soon" the blond told both and beckoned them to stop "We're here".
The group dismounted and tied their reins in front of a two-story old house, humble in appearance, but still very nice. Strangely, the three approached there somewhat nervous, almost as if they were being watched by Captain Levi himself, making sure they did things right. Armin looked at him, then Connie before getting closer to knock on its black door.
When the door opened, the three got surprised at the sight of an older-looking woman, of wavy, short, gray-hair, and a couple wrinkles under a pair of dark, big eyes studying them intrigued. But since this was no official business and they weren't wearing their old uniforms, she obviously had no idea who they were.
Jean looked at her, trying to control a smirk at Connie's bewilderment and disappointment. He was probably trying to explain the current situation to his own head; and it wouldn't shock him to find out that he'd try to tell himself that this was the girlfriend's mother, or worst, that the Captain liked older people.
"Hello gentlemen, how can I help you?" the lady asked while looking at them, one by one. She was clearly a well-mannered person.
"Uhmm, good morning, madam. We're sorry to come here this early but we wanted to ask if you, by any chance, know Captain Levi from the old Survey Corps?" Armin inquired, just as polite.
The woman's face hardened, and her gaze turned into a suspicious one. A clear sign that his question had put her on the alert, making her uneasy.
"Who are you?" she asked, on the defensive and ready to shut the large piece of wood in their faces.
"I'm sorry, we should have introduced ourselves first" Jean intervened, tilting his head in her direction, and hinting his friends to do the same. He then stared back at her "My name is Jean Kirstein. These are Armin Arlert and Connie Springer" he pointed to one and then the other "We're former members of the Special Operations Squad, under Captain Levi's command".
At this piece of information, the woman relaxed, and astonishment was the only thing that prevailed in her eyes. Well, that and something else he'd probably describe as hope. She said nothing, so he kept talking, assuring her they came in peace.
"We arrived at Paradis two days ago, and he entrusted us a mission… so to speak" the tallest explained "Do you know anyone by the G.G. initials?"
"The Captain, he... is he alive?" the lady asked, visibly astounded.
"I'd like to answer that, but we need you to reply to our question first, madam" this time, Armin picked up the conversation and bowed, showing respect.
"Those initials are mine" the woman confirmed with no smile but her previous hostility was all gone "My name is Griselda Green".
The three sighed with relief, glad that at least they had found the right person.
"That's wonderful to hear" the blond nodded and held out the missive with both hands "This is for you then" the lady immediately stared at him, slightly alarmed as she looked past them, making sure no one saw what was happening.
"Please, do come in" she said to the three very kindly and stepped to the side to let them in.
Ms. Green offered them to take a seat in what appeared to be her sitting room, where they noticed several small piles of books and clothes in different places, which led him to think she probably lived there on her own.
The three young men sat on the couch, and he noticed Armin was still holding the letter after the woman told them to wait 'cause she'd get them something to drink, which gave them some time to discuss what was happening.
"Well, at least we'll be spared from a good beating" Jean felt quite cheerful about it whilst the blond just seemed much intrigued. Connie on another hand was stupefied "Can you please try changing that moronic expression on your face?" he told him with an irritated sigh "You look like you're about to start crying".
"But... but…" he mumbled, holding his head with both hands "We all know the Captain lost his mother when he was a kid, so this lady cannot be that, right? But if that's not the case, how could she possibly be his girlfriend? She's like twenty-five years older than him!" he said in dismay and pouted.
"Shut up, you fool. She may hear you" Jean tugged his ear and scolded him "Stop making such a fuss for not finding the woman of your dreams in here" this time he just frowned at him.
"But dude…" his friend was still whimpering, disappointed at the real situation for not being the one he'd pictured in his head "We all know the man's more than an unorthodox person, but I never thought he was into older women" he protested and then covered his face with both hands, dramatically.
Just when he was about to elbow him, he noticed Armin looking straight ahead and his face was incredibly red from embarrassment. Jean followed his gaze and knew he'd find the owner of that house standing beside the chair in front of them while carrying a tray, and the only thing Jean could think about was how mad the Captain would be if he ever found out about this.
The blond looked down to apologize and so did he, but given Connie wasn't staring because he was still covering his face, Jean trod on his foot. He squealed as he glared at him but then looked around and lowered his head after getting what was that for.
"We're so... so sorry, Ms. Green" the blond stuttered.
All of a sudden, the lady guffawed as she approached to join them, to offer them their beverages.
"I can see you've been trying to figure who I was" she said, thankfully taking this as a joke, not an offense. Armin and Connie drank from their glasses right away, out of nervousness but Jean only held it in his hand. He wasn't that thirsty.
"Please, forgive me" Jean looked daggers at Connie, who at least had the decency of bowing to try excusing his blunder.
"I'm sure you're going to be glad, Mr. Springer, because I can assure you that your guess is incorrect" Ms. Green said with kindness, and the idiot blushed, ashamed. The woman turned to Armin and finally got the letter in her hands "Would you mind giving me a minute, please? I may be able to share further information with you, but that depends on what says in here" she told and the three nodded and waited.
They watched her open the envelope carefully and to their surprise, aside from a note to Ms. Green, it contained another missive inside, one she left on the vacant space beside her. It was barely smaller than the other, and apparently not addressed to anybody because it was blank on the outside.
The three remained silent as she read. It was then, just to distract himself, that Jean took the glass to his lips and sipped his drink, marveled at the taste of her lemonade. It was so delicious that he drank to the last drop before leaving the empty drinking vessel on a side table, next to them. Then looked back at the lady, who'd just finished reading and was now staring at them.
"I'm happy to know he managed to survive" the woman said, her countenance showing true relief "But before I begin, I'd like to thank you for all that you've done for us" this time, it was her who bowed with sincere respect, dumbfounding them.
"We were doing our duty, Ms. Green. That's all" he decided to step in, in view of Armin's grateful but sad expression, surely thinking about Eren, whereas Connie kept his head down, after his previous slip-up.
"You fought for the people, and not just us in this island. That says a lot about the kind of honor you have despite your youth. So, it wasn't just duty" she replied, and dedicated them a smile full of pride "I can see why the Captain is now trusting you with this last mission".
"We're all ears, Ms. Green" he assured, focused and attentive.
"What Captain Levi asks of me here is to take you somewhere, to meet a relative of his. Someone who should decide whether to stay here or go to him" she explained, giving a brief glance to the other letter "I'm afraid I cannot tell more for now because it's not for me to say. I'm sorry, gentlemen".
A relative? Now this part was really confusing. To all except Connie, who's idiotic smile returned, and he knew he was fantasizing again. Only Armin seemed a little worried.
"Does he say in there how can we do that?" he enquired, slightly leaning forward "Sneaking someone inside the ship isn't hard. The problem lies at Customs; once we dock at the port, there are certain documentation to show".
"According to this letter, he stated that he'd taken care of that" Ms. Green nodded once and then smiled. However, her countenance suddenly changed to a more serious and circumspect one "What I need to know now is if you're willing to continue" she asked, looking at each one "This is a delicate matter to him, and requires the most absolute discretion".
"Oh, I'm definitely in!" Connie jumped, addressing her for the first time, full of eagerness as he stood and performed the military salutation that they haven't seen in so long "Is the least I can do".
Jean knew he was very curious about this relative, but he also knew that his friend truly meant that, probably thinking about how the man saved his life. Armin followed Connie and stood up as well, smiling firmly as he nodded in silence, and the three people stared at him, waiting.
"Of course I'll help the Captain" imitating his friends, he got on his feet, and nodded with solemnity "Terrifying and all, he's a good man".
Ms. Green looked at them with gratitude and determination, nodding towards the three once she got up. He noticed she may not have been blood-related to him, but the lady undoubtedly esteemed the soldier.
"Thank you, gentlemen" she said "If you don't have other commitments later, I could take you there tonight" she stated, awaiting their response.
All three looked at each other and knew the answer. Historia had invited them to a more private lunch at her home, to meet her child, but aside from that, there was nothing else on the agenda, so sneaking wouldn't be hard.
"Tonight suits us well, madam" Armin confirmed.
"Alright. Then, I'll wait for you at six o'clock and we'll head there" the lady indicated as she walked them out "Oh, and try not to dine" having said that, she shook their hands and bid them farewell.
By the time they arrived at Ms. Green, only a few minutes before schedule, he could have sworn that she'd been thrilled and ecstatic to see them, like the kind of joy you get when you make sure you haven't been hallucinating. After that, she'd led the march with Armin alongside her; who'd been trying to answer all the questions she'd bombarded him with about the outside world.
"Sasha would have liked this place" Connie, riding beside him, interrupted his train of thoughts "It's very similar to the place she grew up" his friend observed their surroundings, to the incredible small forest they'd entered around seven minutes ago.
"You're right" Jean conceded, contemplating the colors up in the sky now that the sun was beginning to set yet there were still a couple rays of light coming through the trees "It looks like a good place if you want tranquility and a little privacy so, it makes sense for a relative of the Captain to live in here. Must be a hermit, like him" he joked.
"Do you think this person might be just as intimidating?" his comrade asked, laughing nervously at his comment.
"What? Have you given up on the girlfriend thing?" he mocked him and smirked at his horrified face. Jean could almost read his mind, now surely full of pretty women "If you're so obsessed with it, why don't you find one for yourself, man?"
Connie rubbed his chin, lost in his thoughts for a moment, considering his words. Yet when he was going to continue the conversation, the lady's voice interrupted them.
"We're three minutes away" she announced, and both forgot about their recent subject of discussion.
They got to an area where the trees got thicker and so, the environment darkened although that helped locating the house they were heading to; the lights coming from its windows were easy to see.
It wasn't a fancy place, but it gave the impression that it was spacious on the inside. And now that they were closer, the illumination coming from it allowed them to see a humble stable in the backyard. To where Ms. Green was taking them first.
"It's a nice home" he commented to the woman, who was now guiding her horse, asking them to do the same and follow her "Although, it looks pretty lonely".
"There are people who enjoy a place like this, Jean" Connie stepped up, with a knowing smile "Mr. Braus said his ancestors lived like this for a very long time and they'd have continued to do so if Wall Maria hadn't been breached".
"I know, I know" he admitted as he handed over the reins of his horse to the lady "It's just that it's different for me. I've lived in the city my entire life and the noise, well, you get used to it but here is so quiet..."
"This is a place where you find peace" Armin muttered, looking around at the house and closed his eyes to listen better to the subtle sounds of nature, where some animals took refuge and others got livelier. When he opened his eyes, there was once again that look in his eyes, the one that told him he had something in mind.
"Alright gentlemen, it's time" Ms. Green said, after tying Connie's horse and beckoned them to follow her.
They all followed, and Connie was now smiling expectantly as he tried to see through the windows, but the curtains prevented him prying.
When they got to the front, the woman lagged behind, so they'd knock on the door; she'd fulfilled her part in this task, and it was their turn to carry out their mission now. The three looked at each other and gulped, but they instinctively pushed the blond to do the honors.
Oh boy… his mind exclaimed at the realization that they were so close to get into a house that belonged to a relative of Captain Levi, and that was a little scary.
Armin moved decisively and stepped back, waiting in between him and Connie. They all heard a couple of steps coming from the other side, followed by the clicking sound of the knob as the door finally opened.
It can't be! he screamed on the inside, recalling one morning at the hospital, so long ago.
"Good evening, Officers" said the woman, with a kind, honest smile. She seemed very glad to see them "Please, come in" she moved to the side, to let them in.
The three young men walked in, but Jean suspected they were probably in the exact same state he was; functioning but beyond doubt, flabbergasted.
"Thank you for bringing them, Gris" Jean was the last to enter so he got to see the grateful smile, but also a little nervousness in her eyes. Still, he continued his way, following his friends.
Am I delusional? he asked himself, unable to believe that Connie had been right all along. He glanced at him and noticed how the idiot realized his assumptions were real, because his face now showed a struggle between shock and utter hyperventilation, as well as happiness. Jean on the other hand was still processing the image of that time he'd thought the Captain had harassed her after tending him, telling himself he'd imagined such thing, but now it made total sense if they were together already!
Jean saw her standing in front of them, Ms. Green beside her, and she was talking. The way her mouth moved led him to believe that, but there was no sound to hear, which he thought ridiculous; the woman wasn't going to prank them or anything. He shook his head to recover from the impression and it was then his ears finally worked.
"They don't seem to be able to hear you, dear" the older lady addressed her, and judging by her expression, she seemed to be having quite some fun.
"Come on, Gris. It's not funny" she said, embarrassed "I haven't even greeted them properly yet" she complained, a little concerned as she approached them "Please, help me take them to the couch".
From one moment to the next, the three began walking in line as Ms. Green guided them inside the living room: a cozy, well-organized and very clean space.
Why isn't that surprising, he snorted for himself, sarcastically.
There were two couches, facing one another, only separated by a tea table where there was an opened book on a corner. He felt a couple hands pushing him gently to one of them, and later he just knew he was sitting on the left side of the comfortable piece of furniture. He peeked on the woman, just to reassure himself it was the same person, and she certainly was. She looked somewhat different without her hospital attires and the glasses, but she was just as pretty than back then, when he wouldn't have even guessed a thing despite being in the same room with the two of them.
His eyes followed her until she took a seat on the other couch in front of them after leaving a tray with three glasses on the tea table, waiting patiently in silence for them to go back to normal. Ms. Green joined her, exchanging an I told you this was going to happen kind of look, and he also got to perceive the trust and fondness between them.
Jean looked back at her eyes, unexpectedly connecting with them and he felt like a teenager, all over again, when he noticed her smiling with the same kindness he remembered, knowing she was probably thinking about the same. He turned to his friends, ready to share this discovery but both were still digesting all. Maybe this was easier for him because he'd seen her before; he had no idea. Wanting some answers, he cleared his throat loudly and nudged Connie beside him. Sadly, given his stupid behavior, he immediately regretted it.
"Wow, Miss. You really don't disappoint. Not at all" the blabbermouth said, embarrassing all three of them though that at least helped Armin to react, who seemed as ashamed as he was "You see?" Connie continued, turning to him and then to the blond, with a smug smile on his face "I told you we'd find the Captain's girlfriend".
Double shame in less than a minute. Thank you, Connie! Jean took his left hand to his face and covered it, fixing his eyes on his shoe, and wanting to punch him. But he stared right back at the woman when he heard her nervous laughter.
"To be honest, I am not" she said, and then blushed a little. Jean watched her looking down at her hands, and he followed the same direction. When he glimpsed a small shinny object around her finger, he comprehended her reaction "My name is Elia, and I'm his wife".
Wi...wi...wi...fe? His wife?
"What?! Oh, no… here they go again!" Ms. Green got on her feet and stood in front of them before giving one sonorous clap near their faces to prevent a second state of shock.
But as soon as she did, a noise came from the second floor, apparently heading towards the stairs to rush down, but out of the blue and before he could tell what it was, the thing completely vanished.
"What the..." Jean muttered, looking at his friends but realizing none had payed attention to that. Maybe he'd imagined the whole thing? It wouldn't be rare given this huge bombshell.
"His... his… Captain Levi's wife?" Armin stuttered, his eyes fixed now on the ring "But how? It's true that he didn't have to tell us about his personal life, but you can tell when someone… right?"
Jean imagined he was trying to find a logical explanation when he turned to him, yet he merely shrugged in response, forgetting about the stupid noise when the blond's eyes widened in understanding.
"Nobody knew…" he gasped.
"You must be Mr. Arlert, right?" she asked politely, to what his friend simply nodded, amazed "The truth is that we have been together for some time now, but we decided to keep it secret, for our safety. There are several reasons as to why but, you'll comprehend once I tell you part of our story" she explained.
He saw her taking a deep breath, getting ready and then, she continued.
"It all goes back to the day Trost was attacked..."
My apologies in advance for the mistakes but this is my present for Levi, and for all those who've wished him some happiness.
Thanks for stopping by!
Namárië