#Farewell Levi Ackerman :“)

[leviraaaaaa]

Farewell, Captain. (Levi Ackerman x injured!reader)

Cw: mentions of blood.

Summary: Levi Ackerman finds you in the verge of death.

-

It was going to rain

You bit down on your lip in worry. This was bad.

The expedition was supposed to be a small, short one. Just to catch a new titan or two for Hange's experiments. Go out, catch them, come back.

It was a small squad, about 15 people only. Section Commander Hange had picked out only a few to accompany. Being Levi's second, and one of the most treasured soldier in the military, usually they wouldn't call you for such simple tasks. The only reason you were asked to tag along was because you were also section commander Hange's assistant, you helped them in conducting the titan experiments. You didn't really mind as you had nothing better to do anyways. And by now, these small expeditions doesn't scare you as much as they used to.

You were ranked at the rear of the formation, along with two more. On one side, Sasha rode besides you, deeply focused. Captain Levi had, for some reason ordered her to come as well, to your joy (Though you suspected it was more of a punishment to stop her from stealing food, since banning her from meals only made the problem worse). You were glad hearing your best friend's coming too as the journey would be far less boring, although Sasha wasn't too enthusiastic. She kept groaning about how hungry she was and how she'd have to wait a couple more hours before she gets some food. (Irritated also because captain Levi had stripped her out of all hidden snacks before setting out.)

On the other side of you were a new recruit. She was in Section Commander Hange's squad, recruited because of her apparent brains in therotical knowledge. But Hange wanted her to have a bit of experience on the outside world too, so there she was. First ever expedition. Poor thing was shaking like a leaf.

Two nights ago, the special operations squad was sent out to clear the area out of any titans, baiting them towards where the trap was set along the South-East abandoned Tsuchou town. So the route was expected to be safe. And though precautions were taken, you and your teammates were much more relaxed, as you rode along, joking and laughing.

Except the new girl. She'd been rigid as stone since you've set out.

Suddenly, the girl closed the distance between you, pulling her horse so near, your legs almost touched. You looked at her, surprised. She'd been keeping noticable distance from you and Sasha until now.

"It's... it's going to rain, won't it?" She muttered quietly, glancing at you from the corner of her eyes.

You looked up and nodded, eyes shifting to the sky. "It appears so, yes."

"How long are we going to go on for?"

"Just a little further. We should be by the traps in about an hour."

The girl's shoulders visibly sunk, her face falling. "Another hour?"

"Hey," you called out softly, noticing the fear in her body language. She looked pitiful. "It's going to be fine. I know exactly what you must feel like but I promise you nothing's going to go wrong today. It's just a short trip, so hang on okay?"

Sasha shot an encouraging smile to her following your words.

She pursed her lips, giving a tight nod. Her hands gripped the reins tighter.

"I know..it's just..it feels so wrong." She whispered. "The sky was fine when we came out, then it turned dark within moments."

You understood. It really had been a good day. Or so it had seemed when the expedition began. Bright blue sky without a single cloud. Then half an hour in, it turned dark, thick black clouds appearing out of nowhere. And wind was blowing so heavy you could barely keep your eyes open, the dust that was getting kicked up by the horses kept flying into them.

It did feel wrong.

You thought about it for a second as you watched the girl gradually shifting further, regaining the distance. Her eyes unfocused, a worried expression settled.

"Sash, think I'm gonna go ahead." You told Sasha.

Sasha immediately started shaking her head but she barely had time to got any words out before you squeezed the horse's sides, telling her to speed up. She did, hooves clashing against the ground, leaving small clouds of dust. You passed through your comrades, ignoring their side eyes.

Breaking ranks was absolutely unpermitted unless in life threatening situations. But when you're favoured by the higher ups and second to none but Levi Ackerman, you get a lot of free passes and unspoken privileges���which, needless to point out, you abused whenever you could.

You speedened up until the familiar figure caught your eye. Nudging your horse, you manurvered it towards him, catching up to him in moments

Levi glanced at you sideways with narrowed eyes, annoyance flashing through his features at your appearance.

"Tch." He clicked his tongue. "Why the hell did you leave your post? Just because it's not an actual expedition doesn't mean-"

"Yeah, yeah" You cut him off, not in the mood for a lecture. Levi's eye twitched, but he didn't say anything. He never did.

If it was anyone else but you, Levi would have taught you a lesson right there. And if it was anyone but Levi, you would for sure at the very least be demoted for speaking in such tone. But though none of you would admit it, the relationship between you and Levi were much casual than it should be between a commanding officer and a soldier.

"It's going to rain, captain." You pointed towards the sky. "I don't like this. Can't we camp out or something? We've cleared out the area two nights ago anyways, there shouldn't be titans around. It'll be safe and we can continue later."

Levi sighed. "Tell that to four-eyes. I tried. They won't listen to me. Keeps saying, 'its not much further'."

You grimaced. When it came to titans, section commander Hange lost all rationality. "It won't be a light rain either. Looks like a fucking storm is coming."

Levi nodded in agreement. "I'll see what I can do." He huffed "You don't have to worry about it. "

"I'll be hella pissed if I get drenched, I swear."

"No one asked. And go back to your damn post, you little pest." He finished sharply, giving you a warning glance.

You obligated, even you knew when to step back. Pulling down on the reins, you slowed your horse down, turning it around to go back to your original spot. Sasha and the new recruit were staring wide eyed.

"You really need to stop doing that. One of these days, captain Levi will just go batshit on you." Sasha shook her head, a grin on her face.

"We'll see." You snorted.

"Seriously, I don't even know why he lets you screw around like this, if it was any of us-"

"Did you ask him about the rain?" The rookies high pitched voice cut Sasha off. She was staring at you, face contorted in anticipation.

"Yeah, kid." You responded gloomily. "Don't think they'll stop unless it actually starts raining."

She didn't say anything, just looked away, distancing herself with her horse again, knuckles taut on the reins.

"She's just scared." Sasha muttered, glancing at her.

"Weren't we all?"

"Don't remind me." She shuddered at the reminder of our first expedition—the one where more than half of us were massacred by the female titan.

You watched the sky with squinted eyes, as the clouds had covered the last rays of the sun, creating an eerie dark ambience, even making you shift warily in your position.

The kid was right, it felt wrong.

Somewhere far away, thunder rolled. Once. Twice. The rumbling sound was almost deafening.

That's when the first drop of rain hit your face. It rolled down your cheek and fell on the ground.

And then the sky crashed down upon the earth.

A curse escaped your lips, completely unprepared for the sudden phenomenon. Surprised yelps from others joined yours. Hastily, you wrapped your cloak around yourself tightly to regain some warmth that you lost.

Oh dear. This was definitely bad .

Within seconds, the world was white. You couldn't see anything. Only faint outlines and blurred green. Somewhere far front, you heard Hange groan and Moblit screaming out to move out to far right to the forest to take shelter underneath the trees.

Despite being half blind, you followed the orders, pulling the reins. You felt the thuds of Sasha's and the new recruits horses match yours.

Then Sasha gasped.

She hissed out your name, her voice terrified.

"Titans." She whispered.

Your heart fell. No.

"What?" You yelled out, praying to God you heard wrong.

"I can hear titans!" Sasha said louder this time, the panic in her tone clear. "From everywhere!"

Damn Sasha and her extraordinary hearing abilities.

"Shit. Shit shit shit!" You cursed out. Why? How? The area was supposed to be clear. Why were they swarming on you then?!

"We have to let the others know!"

"How!? The rain is too thick and loud for the signal guns to be seen or heard! Hell, we probably won't even hear titans come up until they're breathing down our damn necks!" You were losing your cool, the panic settling in.

Scouts did not go out in expeditions when it rained. It was a rule. Never.

But here the fuck you were.

You heard the rookie whimper right beside your ear. Your head turned to see her almost over your shoulders, eyes wide with terror as she heard the conversation, eyes switching from Sasha to you.

"It'll be fine." You said to her, trying to calm down for her sake. But you knew as well, the chances of it being fine was next to fucking zero because Sasha's ears were too fucking accurate. "It'll be fine, just stick close to me-"

The terrified yelps of several people up front cut you off and your blood froze.

A huge, enormous figure standing before you, staring down with wide, hungry eyes. A creepy smile on its face.

You stilled, right there. Your breathing stopped.

No no no.

Not here.

Your horse reacted before you processed it, throwing itself to the side just as the titans feet slammed against the ground just where you've been, sending tremors down the earth. It's grubby hand swooshed over your head.

The mount flailed wildly as you tried to keep balance. You were about to whip the reins and get the hell out of there when another cry pierced through your bones.

From much, much close.

The rookie.

You whipped your head to see the girl running the exact fucking opposite way, the titan following right behind with big, heavy thuds.

You didn't even care where Sasha might be.

She was experienced, she'd be fine.

The kid won't be fine.

In a split second decision, you turned your mount around, grabbing it's neck as it charged in full speed following the titan, speedily crossing it.

You were going in the forest.

Not the wisest decision you've made because you still couldn't see anything except for the outline of the titan behind you, you could crash into a tree any second.

But fuck.

"Hey, you moron! Come back here!" You yelled out to her in frustration and desperation. She didn't even turn around, only speedened up. "That's the wrong fucking way! Turn around!"

You moved, fast as the wind, raindrops stabbing your face like tiny little frost needles, making you wince.

You entered the forest, deeper, deeper.

This was bad.

And then it got worse.

It was the red that caught your eyes. The type of red you could recognize anywhere.

Blood was splattered all across the ground, the rainwater washing it away.

Oh no no no.

The crunch of human bones jolted you awake as you looked up to see the titan that had been the cause of it. You stared. Stared. Stared as it stared back at you.

You looked down, right there on the foot of it, rolling around was the detached head of the girl.

You gazed back up.

And then you saw two more. Slowly, steadily coming out of the forest, disturbingly enlarged organs swinging with every steps.

3 titans in front. 1 in the back.

What have you done.

You had barely turned your gear switch on when the first titan struck, stomping down your horse. Just in time, with the gap of a second from being smashed, you pressed on the triggers, the wires shooting forward, planting to whatever surface they had found and pulling you with it.

It was reckless. Stupid. Using ODM gear when you couldn't see shit. But you were in a forest so hopefully it'll randomly latch onto trees. Or it could fucking slip because of the rain and you could die. But you took your chance, not that you had a choice.

One of the advantages titans had was that they could see clearly in the rain. Their enormous pupils followed your movements, hands reaching out to grab you. You twisted just in time, releasing the wires and shooting them again, using them to swing yourself further and faster.

And you did that. Every time the wires shot out, your heart caught in your throat thinking it'd miss and find nothing to latch onto but fate must've had your back because it didn't.

Until it did.

Perhaps it was the stupid rush of confidence you gained from moving so perfectly, that you had speedened up. That was the downfall. Though one had latched, the other anchor slipped, missing the branch and instead going over it. The moment you realized it, you knew it was over.

The momentum from before and the pull of the wires, you slammed against the trees, hitting your head so hard, you felt your skull crack, the pain ripping through your brain. The anchor that had latched onto the tree didn't bury itself properly and you clashed right against it. The metal hook went straight through your shoulders. And nothing could ever have prepared you for the agony that panged through.

You dropped, back clashing against the ground. You lied there, sprawled and bleeding out, the rain pooling in your eyes, blurrying your already hazy vision from hitting your head so hard. But you watched the titans surround you, an almost giddy look crossing their stupid expressions.

Those little fuckers.

And so you watched, helplessly, as one of them reached out, pulling you up by your legs, your head dangling upside down.

And all you saw was big wide eyes and gaped jaws.

One of the other reached out, wrapping it's fat fingers around your midsections, pulling you towards itself. The one holding you groaned, pulling you back, as if it didn't really want to share. Your abdominal muscles and organs strech to the point you thought you'd split in half.

What a shit way to die, you thought.

You survived Shiganshina, you survived Trost, you survived that damn 57th expedition.

And you were going to die here.

Alone.

While four fucking ugly as hell titans fought about who got to eat you.

'Second to none but Levi Ackerman', your ass.

But your friends, you thought. Eren had yet so much to go, that you won't be there to see. Before you left, when you've said goodbye to Connie and Jean, you smacked both of them in the head, that wasn't a good farewell, was it? Sasha would go hungry during meals because you won't be there to share half your food.

You wondered if captain would be the slightest bit of sad.

Had he noticed you missing by now? Would he miss the little banters and bickerings you had every day with him? Would he be disappointed that you were going out in such a lame way?

You closed your eyes, dangling upside down was not helping your case. Your head was starting to get empty as you felt the blood pool down in your head.

That's good. At least you won't be conscious while you die.

It won't hurt.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four. Five. Six. Seven....one,five, four? Ticktocktickticktocktick-

Then you fell.

It wasn't a gentle drop You hit the ground again, full force. And this time you felt your leg bend awkwardly, a bone snapped.

But it didn't hurt, not really. You were too numb by now.

You felt the ground shook as something heavy impacted. Four times. Followed by loud, gutteral animalistic growls of a titan.

Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.

One. Two. Three. Four.

But it was the sharp metallic sound of a sword clanging was what woke you up.

Your eyes opened and you saw steam.

Ah. Were the titans dead?

But who killed them?

Your head turned sheepishly and you found the answer.

The rain had lessened now, your surroundings becoming clearer and clearer. There was Levi, staring at you with wide, wide eyes, mouth slightly parted. His swords were discarded by his side and he just stood there. Was his hands shaking?

Oh, that's funny. That's the first ever time you've seen captain react that much. He looked funny with such big eyes. Was it because of how filthy you were? You couldn't see yourself, but you knew. You must've been caked in blood and mud. Is that why captain was so shocked?

Your mind was so fuzzy, you wanted to go to sleep. Would the captain mind if you fell asleep here? In this filth?

Levi finally registered the sight. He shifted, still in a daze, and then he dropped, straddling you. Careful enough to not let any of his body weight touch you.

He looked so scared.

"Shit." He muttered. "Shit. Shit, shit, shit. Oi brat—" His hands closed around your arms, shaking you. Your brain felt as if it rattled in your head. "Fuck–can you hear me?"

His hand pressed against your face and he flinched at how cold you were. You only stared at him through half-lidded eyes.

Then, weakly, with all you had, you parted your lips, the words barely audible.

"...Bit late I'm afraid." You mumbled. "You do realize shaking me doesn't actually help, don't you? Unless you want me to throw up or something."

Levi felt his heart hitch.

"You little shit–" he took a sharp breath. Then slowly, carefully, he slightly shifted you holding your hair back to inspect how bad the damage was, and it wasn't a pretty sight.

"I'm a goner, aren't I?" you muttered quietly, wincing when one of his fingers accidentally grazed against the injury. Levi immediately pulled his hand back, his hand stained red.

"Shut up." He hissed, trying to keep his growing anxiety from showing. "You're bleeding like shit. Thats way too much blood."

"I'm aware, can't help it." you groaned when your leg moved a bit too much, "Got it on your clothes too."

"I could care fuck less about it right now, you dumbass." Levi snapped out. The he shifted off of you, kneeling beside. He unhooked the green cloak around him with fast fingers. The green surface was smeared with dark red in places.

Carefully, he pulled you up by the shoulders, cradling you against his chest. You almost cried at the sudden feeling of warmth, and the sharp wave of pain that shot through your bent leg. Tears stinged your eyes. "Knew you cared." You mumbled, an attempt to lighten the dire situation and to ignore the way your whole body ached and how you already felt the lack of oxygen in the air. Levi let out an irritated breath as he used the cloak to wrap around your head to stop the bleeding. His breathing loud and heavy beside your ear. "Can you shut up, you ungrateful brat? I'm trying to save your damn life."

Levi worked so gently, it was unfamiliar. You wondered as your head rested on his shoulder and his hands worked around you, every movement slow and careful, trying his best not to hurt you more.

Ah, so even the harsh captain can be this gentle. And despite emptiness clouding your head, you felt slightly glad. At least you got to see this side of him. This is a nice way to die.

As if he had somehow heard your thoughts, his jaw tightened. "Don't even think about dying. That's a fucking order."

If only the world worked like that.

Levi knew he wasn't doing a good job. His hands shook too much, and it was causing you unnecessary pain. He froze everytime you winced, taking a few seconds until you stilled, then continuing. He was also aware of how dirty the fabric was, with dirt and mud, to press all that filth into an open wound was downright stupidity, but this'd have to do. It's either this or watching you bleed out to death.

"Okay," he whispered quietly under his breath, more to reassure himself than you. He turned you so he could see your face. An absolutely panic stricken look passes him when he sees the tears. "Fuck, Did I hurt you too much? Does it still hurt?"

You sniffled, mouth twitching to a grin. You tried to ignore the pounding in your head. "It's not your fault. You didn't do anything."

Levi nodded, his eyes shifting to your shoulder. "How the fuck did this even happen?" He hissed sharply, seeing the metal anchor buried deep in the flesh. "Even when you get injured, it's in the stupidest ways possible." He thought about it for a second, biting the insides of his cheek. Unsure what to do. Then he sighed. "Shit. It's best to let it stay there. If I try to pull it out, might accidentally tear something. And the bleeding would be too much to handle."

"Nice." You groaned, then all of a sudden, broke into a fit of coughs, blood spilling out with each jolt. Levi's eyes widened at the sight, pupils blown out.

"The titans." You coughed, trying to explain. "Must've fucked up my insides. The grip was too tight."

Levi frustratedly ran a hand through his hair, uncaring of the grime and filth. His face screwed up and eyebrows knitted together, the fear in his eyes wide and clear. Internal bleeding was much, much concerning.

"Captain," the word was a groan. Your eyes were so heavy, begging to go to rest. Would that be so bad? "...I don't think I can make this one out."

"Yes you are." Levi said flatly as he went over your leg. "But if you don't stop talking, I might actually make you a goner." You snorted, the slight action paining you. But it was nice. With him fussing over.

"Come on, we gotta get you back-hey–" he slapped your cheek, seeing your eyes flutter. Gentle but sharp. "Don't pass out, kid. Better keep those damn eyes open. Stay awake. Stay the fuck awake, you hear me?"

His fingers fiddled with your uniform straps, removing the gas tanks and the overall gears. He had to cut down the wire that stuck with hook that was latched to your shoulder since he couldn't take it out. The removal of the extra weight made you feel slightly better.

"Alright," Cautiously, he hooked one arm over your shoulder, the other under your knees. "Brace yourself, this is going to hurt as fuck." Then, though carefully, with one sweep pull, he picked you up. And despite his warning, and the mental preparation, he was right. It hurt like shit. A soft cry escaped your lips. "I'm sorry, just–just hang on." He mumbled, cradling you close to him, adjusting your head so that it rested against his shoulder. He knew it wasn't the most ideal position as it'd be hard for him to move with ODM while holding you like this, not to mention your leg would not probably be in the best state either. But he couldn't think of a better position, your head needed support, he couldn't let any weight on your abdominal muscles either.

Then without moving his arms from beneath you, he reached for the ODM triggers with his hands and pressed his fingers down.

The takeoff was the final push. The jolt as he kicked off the ground and the pain that followed right after was the limit. You knew you were going to die.

"You pretend like you don't give two shits, but you're going to miss me once I'm gone aren't you?" The words escaped you without thinking. You weren't really thinking at all, it's just this urge that took over. But if you're going to die, you wanted to keep talking. You wanted to hear his voice. You wanted him to scowl and snap at you to shut up. So until you can't, you wanted to keep talking. One last bicker. Never in your life had you thought he'd be the one to hear your last words or that his ones would be the last you'd hear. And you didn't mind. At all.

"Fuck off." He responded coldly.

"I'm serious."

"You're serious? Now that's a shocker."

There he went, from one tree to another. You grinned, looking up at his contorted face. He was trying so hard not to panic, his eyes flicking from you to the route.

"Captain."

"Can't you just keep your mouth shut for once in your fucking life?"

"Said life's on the verge of death, so I'd rather not."

"Stop saying shit like that. You're not dying on me."

You sighed. He was wrong. You were indeed dying on him. Despite the warmth of his body pressed against you, you could feel your own temperature lowering dangerously. The cloak he had used as a makeshift bandage to stop the bleeding weren't helping much better either as you felt blood trickle over your eyes. You felt weak, dizzy, disassociated. You could barely remember where you are and where you're going.

"Captain. Thank you for choosing me."

"What?" Levi's eyes shifted towards you, surprised and confused. It was such a strange sight. The bangs he so carefully kept were now all messy and disheveled, some strands sticking to his face with sweat. You returned his silvery gaze.

"Thank you for choosing me. Letting me be a part of your squad. Saving my ass everytime I fucked up. For everything, really. You weren't the nicest, but you have a good heart. And I'm not the best at expressing gratitude but I had to let you know."

"Shut up." Levi hissed through gritted teeth, his voice cracked ever so slightly. The rain had lessened into a drizzle.

"Once I'm gone, there won't be anyone to nag you to go to sleep. Remember to take breaks, won't you?"

Levi wouldn't look at you. He couldn't look at you. But his hold tightened. "Shut the fuck up. Keep talking and I'll drop you." Oh, but you had to keep talking. Your breaths were numbered you could tell. And you wanted to spend them on talking.

"And hydrate. Don't drink too much tea. Stop being mean to Hange and Eren. Let Sasha eat, don't ban her from meals when she fucks up.." the words slurred, your voice becoming quieter with every words and each were punctuated with heavy and heavier gasps. Your eyes closed. The light was too bright for you. And blood was pooling inside your mouth, choking you. "..they care for you. I hope you know that. So be nice every once a while. It won't kill you I swear."

Levi sucked in a breath. "Oi, brat." His voice was so far, so far away. You wanted to reach out and hold on to it, somehow wrap yourself around it. So unlike the usual stoic and dry comments he'd send through your way.. "...I take it back. Don't shut up. Keep talking. Keep blabbering whatever the fuck- Don't die on me, not like this–shit–not like this—" Guess he did care after all. "—stay with me, come on, stay with me.–"

You were fading. Drowning. Floating. But you heard him. His words a broken record, repeating over and over in your brain—staywithmestaywithmestaywithme…

You apologized silently. You would if you could. But the air was choking you and you couldn't stay any longer. You'd stay with his mean ass for life if you had the choice, didn't he know? Didn't he know you dedicated your heart for him?

Oh. Time's out.

Goodbye.

Captain.

(might write a part 2 lol)

[cosmicjoke]

This is it. This is the statue I've been waiting for!

Here's a couple links where you can purchase it! You can either purchase it as a standalone piece, or get it in combination with another statue:

https://www.fanaticanimestore.com/pre-order-lc-studio-1-6-levi-ackerman/

https://www.kaioland.com/producto/attack-on-titan-lc-studio-levi-ackerman-farewell-resin-statue/

[letustalkaboutlevihan]

8) ISAYAMA'S ENDING FOR LEVIHAN

On the manga, Levi was sitting on a wheelchair and he's with Gabi, Falco and Onyakopon

Levi was holding a magazine/newspaper(?) in his hand, but instead of looking at it, his eye was looking at the plane above them... remembering Hange.

In Isayama's draft for this panel, the sketch for the plane was different. But Isayama redraw it to a similar flying boat that Hange protected. Isayama also crossed out the dialogue that says, 'The pain that we feel' and changed it to, 'The story we sought after'

Can't imagine how painful it is for Levi, losing everything and Hange 😢💔 (If only I could, I would give him a hug...)

On the anime, Mappa changed Levi's ending into Levi distributing candies to the children. When he saw a round lollipop, he blinked because he remembered someone.

He remembered Hange and the day they visited Marley with the kids...

Isayama and Mappa were trying to tell and show us that in whatever endings, Levi will always end up thinking about Hange.

Just how can he even forget the person who saved his life? The wounds that Hange treated before might've already healed, but he would always remember her by his scars.

Afterall, Levi spent more of his days with Hange than anyone else. Hange truly played a big and important role in Levi's life 🤧

9) IS LEVIHAN CANON?

Even without statement and confirmation from Isayama-sensei, I firmly believe that Eremika and Levihan are both canon.

There's a lot of evidence that proves their relationships are parallel to each other.

Just like Eren and Hange are both obsessed with Titans. Eren wants to kill titans while Hange wants to learn and study them.

Levi can recognize Hange by her knock while Mikasa can recognize Eren by only sensing him.

When Eren asked Mikasa, "What do you think about me?" Mikasa replied, "You're a family".

When Hange asked Levi, "Maybe we should just live here together. What do you think, Levi?" Levi replied, "If we just run away and keep on hiding, what will we have left?"

Both Mikasa and Levi lost Eren and Hange because they chose to say a safer answer. Had they answered differently and truthfully that time, then maybe they never lose them.

I think that's what really Ackermans are. They are physically strong, but they are not good in expressing their feelings through words. (They only show it through their actions)

When they bid a farewell to the love of their life. They didn't say, "Good-bye," ... But instead, they told them, "See you," / "See you later,"

They believe that they would see them again, in a place where there is no more war, no more pain, no more tears, no more regrets... A place where they can be happy together. A place where they could finally get the happy ending both Eremika and Levihan deserve <3

Bonus:

Isayama himself wrote, "Levihan" instead of writing it as "Levi and Hange" so he would lie if he'll say that he doesn't agree with Levihan ship 💜💚🤭

English is my third language so please forgive me if I didn't get to explain it well. I just really want to talk about Levihan because they mean so much to me 💜💚

Thank you for reading! 😊

[dragonsoulage]

His sweet paramedic...

feat. Levi Ackerman

Levi wounded and hurt from the last battle he ever fought. Just moments after Eren was gone. But what remained was you, his sweet paramedic that always patched him up. Even his heart...

In this short story you are Hanges sister and a paramedic of the Corps. I was in the mood for some angsty, sad stuff after a heartbreaking AoT tiktok, we all know the depression about that right? 🥹🥲

Warnings: angst, sad, spoilers

Wordcount:1,2k

It was over. Finally, finally, it was over. Everything ended when Mikasa moved her blade toward Eren. There was an endless, sad, but loving moment between those two. And you... you had suffered as much as the others. Lost countless comrades and friends—your older sister, Hange. The Moment when she stated it as a sacrifice...and in the end, it was you watching her suicide. It had been hard more than that, for everyone. And yet, you were never alone. You were never left without someone...and that someone was Levi. 

It had been complicated between you two, he didn't want to admit he had feelings. After a long time...and when he figured out he had those feelings, he tried to distance himself. It was always like this, he was never ready to lose those he loved. And this man has already lost more than you could count. You're that sweet, little paramedic. He didn't want to lose you, either. His heart, already filled with sorrow, wouldn't take it. 

No matter how many wounds he had, how many things he sacrificed, he wasn't ready to get too close to the one he adored so much. 

But now, the battle was over. He leaned against that rock, and then he saw a small frame crawling towards him through the fog. It was you, you breathed heavily. Barely able to stand. Crawling towards him, the only one that has always remained in your life

"Levi." your voice was weak, he would have moved to you when he could, but His legs were damaged, seriously injured.

"(Y/N)." He called back to you, his gaze averting in your direction. You were on your knees before you tried to slowly stand up, walking over to him. You let out noises of exhaustion and stumbled over to him before you landed again on your knees, right by his side. Your hair is dusty and disheveled, and your pretty face is covered in dirt. Your eyes...oh, your pretty eyes—are filled with trauma, just like his. 

"It's over..." you spoke, your voice was so thin. It was over, yeah, but it didn't feel like a win. 

His hand stretched out to you, touching your skin on your cheek. Cupping your face with his palm, his remaining fingers marvel at your skin. He saw the big purple bruise that was on the crook of your neck, going to your jaw. You fought like every one of them, although your strength was clearly in first aid. His dark blue eyes are looking at you. The first time, he allowed himself to truly look into your eyes without withdrawing again.

"And you are still standing...remaining." His voice was laced with vurnablity and concern for you. Your own hand instantly went to his, and you laid it on top. 

The wind was slightly hollowing through the landscape, some strands of hair were blown back, so he just kept staring into your beautiful, sad face. Even now, among all this chaos, you are that beautiful, constant thing around him. Always there, yearning for his attention. He always tried to hold back. 

The mist was getting even more, and then you and him heard a noise. Both of you are looking up. And what you saw. 

Your heart couldn't take it, you couldn't even speak. You saw them...your comrades who died, your friends, Erwin and even your sister Hange. Your eyes welled up with tears. 

Your heart shattered to pieces for this last farewell. 

Levi's hand rested on your face while the other showed them the last honor. A rare sight, the stoic captain shed one single tear with a bitter smile. 

The last farewell to his chosen family. 

You felt his thumb stroking your cheek, catching the big tears that streamed down your face. It was the last gift from Eren, the last goodbye he could give you all. 

And then, after this fleeting moment when you could see your sister's face the last time, she had a smile, nodding towards you and Levi. 

Hange never tried to get involved in what was going on between you two when she was alive. 

But she was very well aware that you liked the captain, and that even Levi himself liked you more than he allowed himself. 

But now, nothing of this matters anymore. Hange no matter how crazy she was, wanted you to be happy, wanted Levi to be happy. This was the sign. 

When the mist was getting less, then slowly faded, you turned to Levi, you cried, you cried your very soul out. His forehead leaned against yours.

"Look at me, please look at me." His own voice was strained with the sorrow that was haunting you and him, yet he sounded strong. You looked into his eyes between those raven strands that were like a small curtain in front of his eyes. 

"It hurts, and I am not able to heal it." You explained. Yeah, you were a very skilled paramedic, but not even you could patch up a heart that was shattered into so many pieces. 

"Then at least we knew it was real. They were there, and a part of us. They made us who we are now." Levi spoke, it was serious, but his voice was rough with emotion for the very first time. 

20 Percent of humanity remained on earth, and you...you, his sweet girl, was one of them. 

The death was tragic, and the situation was bitter. The loss was immense, but for once he got lucky, fate was now so kind to not take you away. 

Levi was ready, ready to get closer, to heal together with you. 

"I am nothing without my sister... I barely even breathe." You never saw your own potential at all. Still, some bitter tears dropped from your lashes. Levi pulled your head closer, his nose brushed against yours. His lips are just inches away.

"You don't get it, don't you? You never was nothing, you always was so much more than you gave yourself credit for. 

Otherwise..." He stopped, it was time to say it, right now. Right now, when he already felt vurnable. 

"Life wasn't the nicest to me, to any of us. But it was so kind to leave you here with me. And I don't want you to say you would be nothing, Hange wouldn't want that either...(Y/N)." Levi continued looking at you, right into your very soul. 

"I love you." Levi then let out, his eyes, never leaving yours. Gazing into your orbs. Your pupils widen. Your tears didn't stop, but you then closed this small gap. Your soft, plump lips are pressing in a gentle and sweet way against his. 

With that, he poured all of his love into it, just like you did, as you always did. 

Even when the grief was big, he was the light on the horizon. Just like you were the missing piece, he finally found. 

This sweet kiss sends sparks of hope through yours and his veins. A glimpse of the future that now could be...a glimpse of the love he finally could share with you. 

The kiss on the battlefield that sealed wounds that would take a long time to heal, but they'd remain as memories of what had been. 

[ruanbaijie]

🪻 art

[x] the fallen angel levi ackerman by @babushkahihi // fandom: attack on titan

[x] ❤️‍🩹 дают мне силы жить ❤️‍🩹 by @lososandra // fandom: mo dao zu shi

[x] you look tasty by @crimson-chains // fandom: link click

[x] vampire/ priest au by @anzaitea // fandom: link click

[x] his ass is not looking through that viewfinder by @zephyrine-gale // fandom: link click

[x] painting practice ft ao bing by @yuyu-finale // fandom: nezha

[x] most annoying man vs. world's strongest idgafker!! who will winn!! by @cattnipt // fandom: the apothecary diaries

[x] me when im in a hypocrisy competition and my opponent is lu guang: by @lostgalaxyart // fandom: link click

[x] "the sun sets on this side of my mind" by @yuumei-art // fandom: link click

[x] dongfang qingcang & xiao lanhua by @harocat // fandom: love between fairy and devil

[x] i'll settle for the ghost of you... by @samairuart // fandom: mo dao zu shi

[x] levi by @razelv0 // fandom: attack on titan

[x] levi ackerman by @tsuyanouchi // fandom: attack on titan

[x] jjk tarot cards by @deaddiplodocus // fandom: jujutsu kaisen

[x] dongfang xunfeng by @naughtynanzhu // fandom: love between fairy and devil

[x] come into the water 🩸 by @alieune // fandom: mo dao zu shi

🪻 edits

[x] zhao yuanzhou's farewell by @yichens // fandom: fangs of fortune

[x] iwtv season 1 by @fearwakes // fandom: interview with the vampire

🪻 gifsets

[x] galadriel's green dress by @withered-rose-with-thorns // fandom: the rings of power

[x] you can have my back any day by @emziess // fandom: 911

[x] romeo & juliet act 1, scene 5 by @spicyvampire // fandom: my golden blood

[x] mark started a new challenge by @spicyvampire // fandom: my golden blood

[x] [x] and all the other single colour palette episode edits by @misty-quigley // fandom: interview with the vampire

[x] the heirs of the dragon (but it's just rhaenyra and alicent being girlfriends) by @cressidascowper // fandom: house of the dragon

[x] the will they, won't they between buck and eddie continues by @s4buck // fandom: 911

[x] wenzhou + light by @shenzhiheng // fandom: word of honour

[x] imdb top-rated episodes of the clone wars by @rosamundpkes // fandom: the clone wars

[x] season 2 of severance by @dykefyre // fandom: severance

[x] hyper knife by @luna-lina // fandom: hyper knife

[x] family matters by @luna-lina // fandom: family matters

[x] nah i just, had a lil' bit too much of emperor's smile. just gotta tell you how i feel by @khaotungthanawat // fandom: the untamed

[xmads-omensx]

Sleepy mornings

Pairing: Levi Ackerman X Reader

Content Warnings: none

Tags: @follow-me-down-to-wonderland

Levi had been working extremely hard the past few weeks and had hardly been resting.

You could tell the was exhausted by his appearance alone.

His usually well-kept hair stuck up in places, the dark circles beneath his eyes seemed deeper than usual.

He simply wasn't himself anymore.

Levi was snappier than usual too, which was admittedly something that took you a while to notice, considering his normally grumpy exterior.

One morning, however, you had woken up with Levi deep in sleep behind you, which was odd since you typically woke after him, just in time to bid him farewell as he left for Erwin's office each morning.

His features were soft as he lay there, curled up beneath the duvet with his head burrowed into the pillow beneath him.

Levi snored softly as you brushed a few hairs away from his forehead.

You decided to leave him be, and simply curled back up into his side, falling asleep into a blissful dream.

[starshower1215]

Post-War Levihan Idea [No. 4]

TW: Suicidal thoughts, gaslighting (self-gaslighting)

Levi didn't look when Hange left. He wouldn't meet their eyes, he just touched his fist to their heart and gave them his forgiveness for leaving. He never quite said farewell, not to them, at least, nor did he see what it was that his squad was crying about as the plane took off. Eyes downcast, he said only this: "So long, Hange. Watch over us."

Levihan lenses on. Let's investigate, shall we? Levi doesn't know how Hange died. He never saw them fight, never saw them burn, he has no idea of their last words. In the depths of his wildest nightmares, Hange dies over and over and over. In thousands of ways. Crushed beneath the feet of the titans, knocked into the ocean where they drowned, shredded to bits by their hands, roasted and charred alive as they had been. Had they cried? Had they felt alone in that last flicker of life? Had they smiled, or had they screamed? What had his squad seen, for them to be reacting like that? Levi jolts awake every morning, brittle and half-crumbling beneath the weight of the responses that his mind provides.

But then again, Levi has no clue how Hange died. He didn't see their wounds, didn't watch the light flicker from their eyes. He didn't see the pain. Their last moments in his mind? Unconfirmed. And how does Captain Levi Ackerman document soldiers who are unconfirmed to be alive or dead?

Missing in action.

So Levi is wheelchair-bound, broken, exhausted, falling apart, and alone save for this single soul who went missing. Well, what was it again that everyone kept telling him? Armin, Mikasa, Jean, Connie. Even Onyankapon, now. Oh, yes: "You've done enough to help us, Captain. Rest now, and live for yourself."

So he does. And he chooses to spend his life searching for his lost friend, his Hange.

In the initial idea, Levi was hallucinating once again (this account has been over his hallucinations, but it's not done yet). He's sad and depressed and has nothing to live for anymore, so his Monkey Brain has to design something to keep him going.

He lays in bed some nights, unable to fall asleep, even after Falco came by and made him tea. Even after Onyankapon embarrassed them both by trying to set him to sleep with a story. Even after Gabi sang, albeit terribly, to try to soothe him. He just pretends at that point, afraid to be a burden, until they go away and his eyes pop right back open. The thoughts run rampant, then, when his mind conjures up the ghosts of his loved ones, their bloodied and bruises corpses staring back with empty eyes.

"Wouldn't it be better if I just died, right here? Nobody would have to come by anymore, or see me in this pathetic state, pushing myself in a wheelchair because I can't stand for even a half hour. I wouldn't have to wake up anymore, go to physical therapy, try to feel happy when there's nothing for me to be happy about. We made it to the end, didn't we? Why can't I rest?"

"Why would you rest?" He sees for the first time that Hange isn't there. The voice is a hush in his ear, but still it overtakes the volume of his thoughts. "Hange is missing from you. Where is Hange, Levi?"

He stiffens. "Hange is gone."

"Gone where?"

"Gone..." Levi is baffled into a scowl. He really, really doesn't want to think about that. He doesn't want to cry himself to sleep. "Just gone. Shut up and let me sleep."

But he swears he hears their voice, low and deep in the air. "I haven't been gone that long, clean freak. Don't you remember me?"

Levi jolts, wide awake.

Where is it coming from? The curtains billow, as though disturbed by the sky's cold breath, yet he feels no breeze. Hange's voice comes again. "What have I been trying to teach you this whole time?"

Lightning flashes outside his balcony, then the night is invading. Pressing into his bedroom from every crack in the walls, from the balcony, the slit beneath the door, rushing in like water. It's a typhoon of indigo, speckled with light, and it twists and whirls until it's sunken into the shapes and curves of Hange's body.

He's been here before. "The paths," Levi and Hange both say.

Hange grins. "I didn't know how else to find you."

"But you found me." Levi blinks several times, shakes his head like a dog, but they're there. Hidden in a cloak of night, but they're there. He feels his eyes welling up and he swipes at them quickly. He wants to see.

"I don't think I can stay for long." Their voice reverbrates in the cavern of the bedroom. "But we'll see each other again, won't we? You'll come find me. You always do."

"That's not possible. You're gone."

Hange's gaze softens. "I'm right here, Levi."

A tear slips down his cheek. He can't believe they're making him say it out loud, and he hates how helpless it makes him sound. How small he feels when it's out in the open. "You're gone."

Hange regards him, quiet for once. "You don't believe that. I refuse to believe that I didn't rub off on you. You have more hope than that, Levi. Even in this hopeless world." Their fingers brush his, and he's shocked by the flush of warmth their touch brings. "I know it. I came all this way to find you, didn't I?

"The least you could do is find me, too."

Levi jolts, wide awake.

He stares at his ceiling in a cold sweat. He feels as though he's being torn in two directions. On one hand, Hange was gone. They had to be gone. He'd gone through all this pain, knowing they were gone. To delve back into the past was to undo all he'd fought for since they'd left.

But what if they weren't gone? What if they really were out there, broken bodied and half-alive, but alive? It was difficult to think about either way, but could there be a possibility?

Levi recalls their voice, their touch, their reminder. He turns over his thoughts in his mind one last time, then pulls himself out of bed. He can't stay for long, after all.

Hange is waiting.

-----

At some point, I transitioned into fictional writing. Hopefully that made sense. Anyway:

So, deep down, he knows himself well enough to trick himself. He's always been a hero. He can get up if it means he'll be someone's hero, because Captain Levi is Captain Levi, and who is Levi, if not the person who feeds others when he's still hungry himself?

And to be Hange's hero, when they've saved him so much? When they came to him, warm as a hearth and inviting as a home, like no one ever had before? It isn't even up for discussion. He'll do it.

After all, what did he dedicate his heart to?

End Note: I think in some languages, the verb "to miss" is kind of translated directly like "You are missing from me." The source was likely a delusion, but that in mind, this may just be Levi missing Hange to a big, big extent.

[ackerifle]

season of giving!

yan. fiancé captain levi ackerman x fiancée commander. reader

+ CW. — reverse power dynamics/power imbalance deadlock, forced relationship & forced marriage, coercion; can be perceived as the same timeline/sequel to paying the price in full; not proof-read

the soldiers of the survey corps are only granted leave twice a year: upon receiving ghastly injuries that render them ‘unfit,’ for work, and for the winter holidays. thankfully, today it is the latter. although the official holiday leave allegedly begins today, many — if not all — of the scouts made off the day prior. which you had so graciously allowed, seeing that you didn’t rule the corps with an iron fist; unlike your predecessor who you vaguely remembered writing up those who had fled from the headquarters at 23:59 on the eve of last year.

your comrades in arms were grateful, and those who did not run off the moment you informed them they could leave early were kind enough to bid you farewell and send their warmest wishes. the only requirement you listed was that the cadets clean their areas and barracks before they go, as soldiers were notorious for taking more than a mere few days off. and you’d rather them not return to find rats and roaches in their living quarters. and thus, the scouts could be seen preening and polishing the survey corps’ base throughout the day, up until evening, but the majority of them had left around the afternoon (which made you question how thorough they were).

only the ranked officials and a handful of your squadron had actually departed on the day of, but only because they had paperwork to complete before they could go. all of whom had given their last wishes to you intimately, one at a time. expectedly, the first to greet and first to say goodbye was erwin, who awoke promptly at the crack of dawn to knock on your office door. your section commander had turned in his neatly stacked pile of documents, and a wine bottle with ribbon around the neck (poorly tied, but you could only assume how long it had taken him to get the singular bow to sit correctly with how wrinkled it was, and imagining him re-tying it with a frustrated look brought a smile to your face). you thanked him, and told him to, “not bring alcohol into your office during working hours in the future,” but he was out the door before you could even finish your sentence.

less than a minute later, a far too lively hange opened, no, slammed, your door open. they were already rambling before they could step foot into the perimeters of your office, and you interrupted them to scold their loud tone and impertinent salutations. hange had apologized, waving their hand dismissively, excusing it with a, “there’s nobody in the damn building anyway!” as they dropped their papers — which appeared to be suspiciously bigger than the amount you had assigned them — on your desk, creating a loud thud once settled, and you swore you heard the wood crack. hange had read you like a book, because they quickly defended that they were also delivering moblit’s work, thus why they had such an ungodly amount of files, and not because they babbled and rambled in their notes.

unlike erwin, it seemed hange wanted to do anything but leave, chatting you up with all their newly found research and information on langnar’s journal. and eventually when you ushered them out under the pretense you were required to sift through all of their’s and the other captain’s and vice captain’s paperwork by midnight (which you were), they finally left. but they returned two seconds after the fact, apologizing profusely and throwing an assortment of small gift-wrapped objects at you, then hurriedly rushing out the door and slamming it shut, just as you instructed them not to.

when the sun had finally risen, there was another knock on your door. you had known it was mike when there was a long pause after the knock, and not the typical automated ‘commander, it’s cadet so-and-so,’ and the only form of acknowledgement you had gotten from him after permitting his entry was a subtle nod. mike was thoughtful enough to clip his papers together, setting them aside from erwin’s and hange’s onto what little open space was left on your overcrowded desk. however, the wine bottle caught his attention; it had been pushed to the corner, and he saved it from potentially falling, picking it up with both hands and inspecting it with a sniff. shaking your head with a disappointed sigh, you had asked if he wanted it, muttering something along the lines of how you didn’t drink, and erwin knew that very well. but mike set the bottle down at the center of the desk, responding with a simple, “but levi does.” you dismissed him after that comment, but gave him an honest and genuine goodbye.

as the day dragged on, you couldn’t help but let your mind wander. it was empty, and rightfully so, as you knew this may be the only day happy families could rejoice with their loved ones, reunited after months away before they return scornfully to their duty on the battlefield. perhaps if you cared more, you would have gone home like the rest of the soldiers; but the pursuit for your own life, and needs, and wants, and worldly desires has led you here. back to your office chair, the one you sit at for hours a day so you can placate the curiosity that has since been ignited by the anomalies and inconsistencies in (what is left of) humanity’s history. sometimes, you question if this valiant effort is worth it, it’s been years with little payoff, and you’re starting to think that—

“fuck, is it cold out there.” your head snapped up at the voice, and you see levi standing in the doorway. you don’t recall hearing the sound of the door opening, considering it was quite infamous for creaking anytime someone had so much as breathed near it. his hands are full, papers and all, but a tiny yet neatly sheathed package sat atop of the reports, a pretty ribbon and all to complete it. you catch yourself grinning, which you excuse as being happy that levi has finally turned in his work and not because he’s actually here, and a frown quickly settles onto your lips, “don’t curse, you know i don’t like it.”

he shoots you a look, raising a brow as kicks the door shut with the slight nudge of his boot, “really? because last night, i’m pretty sure you were the one cursing.” levi stops in front of your desk, unbothered by the clutter, and your stare blankly as he sets his paperwork on the empty spot you had just cleared, “screaming, ‘oh my fucking god, levi—”

“okay, enough. and i don’t sound like that.” you critique his voice pitch and horrendous imitation of you, mainly to preserve your dignity and pride, and to stop the heat you felt rise to your cheeks. you placed both of your hands flat on the edge of your desk, pushing yourself backwards in your chair, but with no effort to sit up, you let your head fall back. staring intensely at the ceiling felt much better on your eyes than reading over ink writings, some unintelligible, others with atrocious handwriting, and all too tiresome.

your eyes drop to levi, who has his arms crossed, as if waiting for you to acknowledge his presence, he huffs when you two finally make eye contact, “where have you been all day?” you can’t help but be curious, standing to retrieve the present on top of his paperwork-pile, and sitting back down, “busy. why? did you miss me?” you bite back a scoff.

“hardly, it’s just… odd that you weren’t around.” the box is light in weight and small in size, fitting nicely in the palm of your hand. without moving your head, your eyes wander towards levi, who is already looking at you, urging you to open the gift with the swift motion of his hand.

you must admit his wrapping skills are unmatched to all the presents you received for this year’s annual winter holiday. including the ones that had been shoved into your mail, all of which had difficulty fitting into the thin slot, cascading onto the floor and taking up an outrageous amount of space. most of them had been from the cadets before they left, and the rest were letters from the government, pestering you about legal papers and official business. but levi’s gift was darling, and the bow was certainly tied much better than erwin’s, even if that wasn’t saying much. tugging lightly at the end of the ribbon, and it falls apart in your grasp along with the wrapping paper. the naked box is black in color, and smooth to the touch, so you are careful to slide the lid without denting the box with your nails.

upon opening it, the glint of a jewel catches your eyes. parting your lips with an impressed gasp, you hook your hand under a silver chain, retrieving the necklace from its confines, “do you like it?” of course you do, it is undeniably beautiful. you unclasp the necklace, bringing it up to you and wrapping it around your neck. levi takes long strides to help you re-clasp it, placing his hands over yours and moving your hair aside, fidgeting until it clicks, “yes, it’s very lovely. thank you.”

you hold the centerpiece of the necklace in your hand, eyeing it carefully. the embellishment is the same one that belongs to the center stone on your engagement ring, that is why it’s so awfully familiar. it comes as a mystery to you as to when levi had time to go and buy it, especially when he’s practically glued to your side all day long. it only sinks in now that you hadn’t bothered to get him anything, not that you particularly owed him anything; not when levi decides he’ll take from you whenever he pleases. you feel guilty, even though you shouldn’t, you do. and it doesn’t help your regretful conscience when levi presses a chaste, but sweet, kiss to the crown of your head.

“i never did get you anything. did you… did you want anything for your birthday?” you hesitantly query, almost like it pained you to ask in the first place; because it does. you can only bend your will so much, after all, “marriage.”

eyes wide with surprise, you shut your eyes with a grimace, “can’t you request something more reasonable? we only have a day off, and it’s what?” you raise your head and take a glance towards the window, and a blend of bright orange and yellow hues can be seen illuminating the stuffy room, “late in the evening? the registrar’s office is likely closed by now, if not closing as we speak.” turning your head to face levi, you gauge his reaction, which isn’t immediate, but he seems almost too calm to a response he would otherwise argue with you for hours on end about.

“i went earlier, they don’t close until midnight,” reaching into the pocket of his green long coat (which he hadn’t bothered to take off due to the ill-suited weather), he retrieved a scroll tied with a single red string. he held it out for you to take, and you apprehensively take it, unfurling the paper. the first thing you see is the big bold letters that read, certificate of marriage, you don’t bother looking at the rest, “i filled everything in for you, all you need to do is sign it, and we’ll go before the day ends.”

you’re pretty sure this is far from legal, and it concerns you that he memorized all of your information down to a t. dismayed at your delayed reply, levi places a heavy hand on your shoulder, hand clenching onto your body with such force you think he’s trying to rip your arm from its socket, “lest you need some more convincing, that is.”

[humanitys-strongest-bamf]

"get me a damned matcha" | Epilogue

{{ Chapter 25: June III }} Chapter Directory

SURPRISE

who would i be if i didn't end this with a smutty epilogue

✧ pairing ➼ levi ackerman x fem!reader, college x coffee shop x roommates!au ✧ summary ➼ After you find yourself plagued with misfortune due to struggles in your personal and family life, you find yourself needing to move last minute. As a junior in undergrad with little money and little social support, you considered yourself lucky when you found a sublease that was close to campus and was relatively cheap. Unfortunately, it seemed that your roommate did not seem to be so excited regarding your presence. ✧ content/warnings ➼ fluff, levi and reader moving into a house, smut (minors go away), my farewell to this monster of a fic and i am both relieved and crying at the same time ✧ word count ➼ ~2.5k

“I fucking told you it wouldn’t fit.”

“Shut up before I leave you on the side of the road.”

You huffed in frustration as you crossed your arms, glaring at Levi as he struggled to get one of your larger suitcases out of the car. Realizing that there wasn’t a delicate solution to this crisis, you groaned and crawled into the car from the front, planting your foot on the back of the suitcase to shove it out.

Once you saw that Levi had lowered the suitcase onto the ground successfully, you crawled back out, patting at the skirt of your sundress so that it fell back over you properly and to shake off any dirt that you might have stumbled upon. 

You turned around and looked up at what was technically the cause of all your stress just now. You were finally moving into the house that you and Levi had bought together. You had been saving up for it for a while now and finally got everything settled. Now you just had to actually get everything from your old apartment here, which was just more tedious than it was difficult.

Sighing, you brought your left hand up, running your fingers over the engagement ring to ensure that it didn’t get damaged during the rough movement. It was a fairly simple ring with a small diamond in the center, but it was still expensive and had a lot of sentimental value, so you’d be devastated if something actually happened to it.

You looked over towards your fiancé, noting how stressed he was already looking. Levi was running his fingers through his hair to get it out of his eyes and huffed after finally getting the oversized suitcase out of the car and onto the ground.

It had been roughly five years since you graduated at this point, which translated to 5-6 years living in that apartment on campus. Moving into a house was definitely an upgrade, but you’d be lying if you said that you didn’t feel like you were leaving something behind. 

It was a long time coming. The two of you had gathered too many items for the apartment to store, and with your income steadily increasing as you moved on from being students to working adults, buying a house was the logical next step. Your book had long been published and you were currently teaching at a private high school that focused on humanities—something you appreciated. It allowed you to help nurture that type of creativity. Levi had graduated with his PhD, despite his consistent commentary over whether he’d actually be able to obtain his degree or not. In addition to having his own lab, he got hired on as an adjunct faculty at the university. You weren’t connected to the university in any way, but you could already tell that Levi was the hardass professor that all the students were kind of afraid of, but was actually super understanding once someone actually reached out. He fit the archetype, even if he wouldn’t admit to that himself.

You gave Levi a quick kiss on the cheek, gently patting at his other cheek as you began to wheel the suitcase inside, making sure to balance Marmalade’s kennel on it as you rolled both compartments forward. 

Once you finally made your way in through the door, the first thing you did was set Marmalade’s kennel down onto the ground, opening the gate to give him the option to explore if he was interested.

The house was small, but cozy. It still had that ‘new house’ smell and had a neat wooden interior, although it currently seemed quite empty since you had yet to bring in any furniture other than your bed that you just purchased and set up a few days ago. It was going to be stressful having to furnish in addition to preparing for the wedding that was happening in a few weeks.

Your eyes went wide as you were suddenly reminded of the wedding, realizing that your wedding dress was right behind the suitcase that you just wheeled inside. 

You sprinted as if you were running for your life towards the car, panicking as you saw Levi grab onto the garment bag covering your dress.

“Wait, don’t-!” you yelled out as you rushed in front of him, separating him and the dress.

It took him a second to figure out what had just happened, not having expected you to just emerge from the house and instantaneously throw yourself in front of him to act as a barrier between him and your dress.

“What?” he asked with a hint of irritation in his voice.

You took the garment bag and held it close to you.

“No looking.”

Levi immediately rolled his eyes upon realizing why you were so panicked, thinking that the tradition of not being able to see the bride’s wedding dress was absolutely ridiculous. 

“Am I at least allowed to look when I’m ripping that thing off you afterwards?”

Your face immediately flushed up at his comment, being caught completely off-guard by his incredibly suggestive comment. You were momentarily at a loss for words as you tightly hugged your dress, somewhat burying your face in embarrassment.

Upon seeing the smug look in his eyes, you immediately rushed back into the house, taking your dress with you, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of making you all flustered.

Your wedding was going to be small—with neither of you being that big of a fan of large gatherings—but you were putting every ounce of spare energy you had into trying to make it as special as you could. As a result, the two of you hadn’t really had the luxury of spending time with each other. 

After securing your dress in the walk-in closet of your bedroom, you began unpacking the suitcase that you had initially brought in, taking the top of Marmalade’s kennel off once you noticed that he was now exploring the sunroom at the opposite corner of the house. 

Sighing after you finally put away all of the kitchen supplies, you grabbed one of the glass cups, getting some tap water to drink. You scrunched up your nose at the aftertaste and it just further motivated you to drive out and pick up the fridge you had ordered so you could get filtered water.

You set the glass down, looking out the window above the sink towards the spacious yard that had come with the house. The idea of settling down with Levi was overwhelming, but also very exciting. You had never expected yourself to get this far. If you had asked yourself five years ago what you’d be doing today, it certainly would not have involved buying a house with your fiancé and soon-to-be husband.

You had heard him walking in through the door, but still jumped a bit when you felt him wrap his arms around your waist from behind, resting his chin on your shoulder.

“You done being dramatic?” he mumbled, planting a gentle kiss at the base of your neck.

Tutting in disapproval, you slightly smacked his arm and tried to wriggle out of his grasp, which only prompted him to tighten his hold on you. It was only when you let out a discontented groan that he loosened up enough for you to turn around so that you were facing him.

“Well, I’m sorry if the one tradition I want to follow is for you to not see the dress, but if you’re really so inclined-”

“You’re so stupid,” he cut you off. “I don’t give a shit about the dress.”

You immediately stopped talking as soon as he announced that the topic that was on your mind wasn’t what was bugging him at all.

“Then what are you-”

You understood as soon as planted his lips on yours, stopping any further words that were going to come out of your mouth. He gently moved his lips against yours as his grip on your hips tightened. Wedding planning and finalizing everything for the move had left you two touch-starved and it was driving the both of you nuts.

Pulling him in further against you, your own lips moved in sync with his, going from gentle loving kisses to something a bit more passionate and needy, with your lips parting more once you felt the tip of his tongue running over them. 

A quiet moan came out of your throat as his tongue met yours and his hands squeezed at your ass, lifting you up so that you were sitting on the counter. Your hands went from gripping his shoulder to running down his chest and over his abs, tugging at the bottom seam of his shirt to prompt him to take it off.

“Here, really?” he mused as he planted some more gentle kisses along your jawline towards your ear.

“You started it, asshole,” you scolded, although you were slightly out of breath, and it was difficult to hide just how much you were needing him right now.

“Don’t be so impatient,” he whispered into your ear, his lips brushing up against your earlobe, sending shivers throughout your body. He grabbed at your ass again, prompting you to wrap your legs around his waist as he picked you up, planting more kisses on you as he navigated his way to the bedroom.

Levi gently set you down onto the bed and held himself over you as he began to trail kisses along your neck, groaning once he heard the little whimpers coming out of you. He weaved his fingers together with yours with one hand, and your breath got caught in your throat as you felt his other hand ghosting your inner thighs, making you realize how much of your wetness had pooled onto your panties already.

Feeling this made his pants feel almost painfully tight and Levi felt that he would soon be the impatient one if things kept going the way they were.

Since you were wearing a dress with a loose skirt, all he had to do was push it up so that it was bunched around your hips, his fingers gently trailing over your sex as he pushed your panties to the side.

You shivered as you felt his fingers begin stroking at your folds, occasionally pressing down with a bit of increased pressure as the pads of his fingers ran over your now swollen clit. You were mewling into him as you continued to kiss him, your hips bucking up towards his hand, your pussy needy for his fingers.

He continued to gently stroke you, with his middle finger pressing slightly deeper into your heat each time. You gasped once he fully inserted his middle finger into you, and then again once he pulled away and pressed his index finger into you as well. Levi watched you squirming under him with lustful eyes, your moans sounding like music to his ears. He hadn’t even begun to do anything yet and you were already well on your way to becoming a quivering mess underneath him.

You gripped at his shoulder with your free hand as he began pumping his fingers in and out of you, hooking and spreading them as he relished in the sounds coming from your pussy that indicated just how wet you were getting for him. That, plus the way his palm would occasionally rub up against your clit meant it was only a matter of time before you’d approach your high.

Once he heard your breathing destabilize and your tight hole clenching up around him, he pulled his fingers out entirely, immediately drawing out a whine from you as you looked at him, frustrated that he didn’t let you finish. 

You watched as he lifted your hips and slid your panties down your legs and off you, using his other hand to unzip his pants to let out his leaky and aching cock. He used your slick that had gathered on his fingers and rubbed it over himself before holding himself over you again, stroking the tip of his cock against your throbbing pussy. 

Levi immediately let out a guttural groan at feeling you against even just the tip of his cock. Getting quite impatient himself, he positioned himself and immediately bottomed out into you, drawing out a louder moan of ecstasy to escape from you. He was heaving over you and you were trembling, grabbing onto his shoulders. He hadn’t even begun moving yet, but you were both so touch-starved that he could’ve cummed on the spot if he didn’t control himself.

One of his hands met up with your left hand, weaving your fingers together as he held it down next to your head. You squeezed at his hand as he slowly began to thrust in and out of you, having felt you on him for the first time in nearly two weeks. His thrusts were sloppier and not nearly as methodical as they usually were and it soon became next to impossible to quiet down your moans.

His other hand traveled down to your clit and began rubbing at the sensitive bundle of nerves as soon as he felt you begin to clench up around him. You whined as you felt yourself approaching your own orgasm again, your chest rising up as your back arched off the bed. He buried his face into your neck, doing a mix of kisses and biting as he began losing himself to the feeling of you around his cock.

Levi kissed at your cheek before speaking directly into your ear, his voice low yet winded from the pent up sexual frustration.

“You have no idea…” he whispered, his hand gripping at yours, feeling the engagement ring on your finger. “...how much I love you and the fact that I get to call you mine.”

You always were weak for those words. You cried out, mumbling incoherent words as you felt your orgasm coursing through your veins, your other hand gripping at his arm as you whined and panted underneath him.

He matched your whines with a deep and low groan as he thrusted deeply into you, feeling his cock twitching as he fucked himself through his own orgasm, spilling his warm seed into you.

Even after he came down from his high, he continued to hold himself over you, looking at you with that soft expression you’d never get used to, his hair slightly clinging to his forehead from the sweat that had gathered. You were both breathing heavily and your legs were now shaking around him.

You looked into his eyes, your pupils dilated in the aftermath of the intensity of your orgasm fading away. His gaze into your eyes was intense, but soft at the same time, and his grip on you, with one hand holding yours and the other holding your waist, was strong and unwavering.

Reaching up, you placed your hand around the back of his neck and pulled him into another kiss, holding yourself there for a little while longer this time, before whispering to him as you placed your forehead against his.

“Love you too, Ackerman.”

I know I mentioned grieving last week, but I'm 100% still on that train 😭 This was the first long-fic that I've actually published in SUCH a long time and I'm so happy for those of you that stayed throughout the whole thing! Writing this was def a journey and I'm in love with these two dumbasses and probably will be for a stupidly long amount of time. Goodbye for reals! Until next time 🫡 ~Kat #: @levisbrat25 @gothgril69 @sckerman @berrijam @notgoodforlife @meowjaa @averysmolbear @roseofdarknessblog @bejewelledd @hhighkey @ayame236 @sad-darksoul @velouria17 @kamyru @l1zk4 @layenacreates @lamees004 @whoami-72 @highgoon69 @chaotic-on-main @levishotgf @nube55 @chosos-mascara @heichoucleanfreak @svftackerman @v4mp-wife @moonchild-angel @astri-ackerman @auriuswolve @noctemys @you-always-made-me-blush @raginginferno267 @sugurusdiscordmoderator @jennamelinda12 @noodlejitsu @nalu-trashytrash @creigh-h @gina239 @inseongsbitch

[leviraaaaaa]

-------Masterlist✨------

��(Shingeki No Kyojin)

Levi Ackerman

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Fics🎀

Unwell (fluff)

× Set at a postwar! context. Levi finds you sick and takes care. (I didn't specify a specific romantic relationship between them so one can just read it as platonic friendships)

Just go to fucking sleep (fluff)

× Levi finds you overworking, despite being tired asf.

Farewell, captain (angst) , pt 2 (maybe)

× After an expedition that went wrong, Levi finds you on the verge of death.

The loss of light (fluff)

× blind!reader. Reader loses her eyesight in the battle of heaven and earth. As she tries to adjust in this life without light, a certain someone unexpectedly becomes a part of it.

Birthdays? (Fluff)

× Levi thinks birthdays aren't special. Reader strongly disagrees.

Mornings (fluff)

× Work due? Too bad. Levi needs you more.

Married (fluff)

× You and Levi get married.

Nights (fluff)

× Deadlines can wait. Levi can't.

Denial

× He feels strange feelings. Ones he refuses to admit.

Missed you (fluff

× You get injured and Levi calmly loses his mind a little.

Coffee (fluff)

× Captain Levi's being gifted expensive things by admirers. He's too caught up about you to notice.

Oaths, 5 minute break (angst)

× A story of survival.

I'll follow (fluff)

× But if Levi resigns, what's left for you here?

Insecurities

× How do you make him understand how much he's worth?

Promises (angst. Or just pure pain)

× You're a liar, that's what you were.

So ist es immer (fluff?)

× Chair so close, room so small. You and I, talk all the night long.

Bad ideas

× What a gamble you were playing tonight, to be so close to him when you're under the influence?

There for you (comfort)

× You're overwhelmed and scared. He's confused but holds you anyway.

Besties (fun)

× Oh to be friends with Levi. (Platonic friendships)

Cold outside (fluff)

× Bros shit at showing affection, so he makes you a scarf instead.

All that's left (hurt/comfort)

× You're all he has left.

You and him and them

× You and Levi don't agree on a lot of things. One thing you do agree on, however, is that Eren's an asshole. Hange agrees as well.

Losing you (angst?)

× He can't save you.

Dadvi (fluff)

× Levi being a hardcore girl dad.

Here it is safe (comfort)

× Anxiety attacks are tough. Less tough when he's with you though.

All that you could've been. (Angst)

× He dreams of you every night.

Where the waves fade (fluff)

× Levi finally gets to see the ocean. With you of course.

In another life? (Angst)

× You. You were the one that got away.

The insomniac and the very anti-insomniac(Fluff)

x Teaching Levi the blessings that weekends are.

[shiorihyugawrites]

Diamond Of The First Water

In the aftermath of war, Paradis finds itself in need of powerful alliances. When Emperor Armand of Valoria offers his military aid in exchange for the hand of his daughter, Princess Solina, in marriage, Captain Levi Ackerman is thrust into an engagement that begins as a political strategy but soon becomes something much deeper.

Princess Solina, sheltered from the world and unaware of the realities of love and war, finds herself drawn to Levi—the man known as Humanity’s Strongest Soldier. As they navigate royal customs, public expectations, and the growing threat of Marley, the bond between them deepens into a genuine connection.

But neither Solina nor Levi are prepared for the challenges of a political marriage, the weight of intimacy, and the secrets that lie beneath the surface. As Solina enters a new life with Levi, her naivety is tested, and Levi faces a battle unlike any he’s fought before—the fight to protect his heart.

Can their love flourish in the midst of war, duty, and danger? Or will the forces conspiring against them tear them apart before they can find peace? (Levi x OC)

Chapter Forty Three

The dock was eerily silent despite the gentle crashing of waves against the pier and the occasional cry of a seagull circling overhead. The salty breeze tousled the hair and clothes of those standing at the waterfront, but none of them spoke.

The emperor was leaving. Alone.

His ship, a grand Valorian vessel adorned with the royal crest, stood ready to sail back to the empire, its sails billowing in the wind. But there was no warmth in the sendoff. No ceremony. No farewell of honor.

Only cold, bitter silence.

Solina stood among her family and the scouts, her back straight, chin lifted in quiet defiance, but her heart ached with emotions too complex to untangle. She refused to look at her father, refused to acknowledge his presence as he prepared to leave.

But she could feel his eyes on her. Burning. Searching. Waiting.

He would wait forever. She wasn’t going to look at him.

Levi stood beside her, arms crossed, jaw clenched, a permanent scowl etched onto his face as he glared at the emperor. His hatred for the man was barely concealed, his icy grey eyes cutting into the monarch with unfiltered disdain. He didn’t care about status or power—Armand had betrayed his trust, had used Solina like a pawn, had nearly dragged Paradis into another war. And for that, Levi would never forgive him.

Solomon stood on the other side of Solina, his shoulders squared, his face carefully neutral, but the disappointment in his gaze was unmistakable. He wasn’t angry—anger would have been easier. No, he was disappointed in his father in a way that was far worse. This wasn’t just a betrayal of his ideals; this was a betrayal of the family they had once been.

Soleil and Solandor stood closer to their mother, their faces reflecting their own quiet heartbreak. Solandor’s small hands were clenched into fists at his sides, his lips pressed into a thin line, while Soleil’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears. She had once idolized her father, had clung to his every word, had adored the way he carried himself with dignity and authority. But now? She barely recognized the man before her.

The only one of his children who even moved toward him was Solenne.

The ten-year-old girl hesitated before stepping forward, her emerald eyes conflicted. She loved her father, and no matter what had transpired, he was still the man who had lifted her onto his shoulders when she was little, still the man who had told her bedtime stories about Valorian legends, still the man who had kissed her forehead before bed and called her his little star.

So, despite the tension suffocating the air, Solenne wrapped her small arms around him in a tight hug.

The emperor was still for a moment, as if he wasn’t expecting the gesture, before his hands gently rested on her back.

“Goodbye, father,” she whispered.

His heart clenched painfully at the softness of her voice. “Goodbye,my little star,” he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her red curls.

She pulled away, stepping back beside Soleil and their mother, her expression unreadable.

And then, he turned to Solana.

Lady Solana had not spoken a word since their arrival at the dock. She stood as still as a statue, her gaze filled with a disappointment so deep it made him feel like the lowest man on the planet. Her emerald eyes, once so full of warmth and love for him, now held only sadness. A deep, aching sadness.

She had always been his Rose, the woman who had stood beside him through everything. The woman he had confided in. The woman who had been his equal in ways no one else had been.

And now she was standing there, looking at him as if he was nothing. As if he was a stranger.

It made his stomach twist in a way he hadn’t expected.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came out.

Because what could he say? That he was sorry? That he regretted it? That he wished things had gone differently?

He had made his decision. And he was a man who did not go back on his word.

Instead, he tore his gaze away from his wife and turned toward the scouts.

They stood in a straight line, watching him with cold, piercing eyes.

Hange’s usual carefree grin was nowhere to be seen, her face unreadable.

Eren’s expression was blank, but his clenched fists gave him away.

Mikasa was silent, her gray eyes sharp with distrust.

Armin looked the closest to speaking, but even he kept his lips pressed shut, unwilling to give the emperor any room to explain himself.

Jean, Connie, and Sasha all stood with grim expressions, their stances tense, as if waiting for him to make one wrong move.

And Levi… Levi’s glare was unwavering, his hands resting on his blades, as if daring him to try anything.

Armand swallowed.

He had lost.

He had lost everything.

He gave one last look at his family—at Solina, at Solomon, at his wife, at his remaining children—before he turned, stepping up the wooden ramp onto the ship.

The crew stood at attention, waiting for his orders.

He glanced back one last time, hoping—praying—that Solina would look at him, that she would meet his gaze, that she would give him something to hold onto.

But she didn’t.

She kept her head high, her gaze fixed elsewhere, her expression a mask of cold indifference.

The emperor’s heart twisted painfully.

With a heavy breath, he gave the signal.

The ship’s horn bellowed.

The ropes were untied.

The massive sails caught the wind.

And slowly, the ship began to drift away from the dock, carrying him away from Paradis.

Away from his children.

Away from Solana.

Away from everything he had once held dear.

And as the distance between him and the shore grew, he finally allowed himself to exhale, his shoulders slumping as he leaned against the railing.

He had won the political battle.

But he had lost the war.

The moment the ship drifted far enough from the dock that it was nothing more than a shrinking figure against the endless blue horizon, Solina felt her composure shatter. She had held herself together for as long as she could, forcing her body to remain upright, keeping her expression carefully blank, unwilling to let her father see her break. But now that he was gone, now that there was nothing left to fight against in this moment, the weight of it all came crashing down.

Her breath hitched. Her chest tightened. The world blurred.

And then, without warning, the first sob tore from her throat.

Her hands rose to her face, as if to muffle the sound, but it was useless. The tears came fast, hot, relentless, streaking down her cheeks in silent devastation. She had lost her father today. Maybe not in the literal sense—he was still alive, still breathing, still the ruler of Valoria—but the man she had loved, the father she had adored, the one who had once held her in his arms and told her she was his brightest diamond, was gone. The man standing at the helm of that ship, sailing away without so much as a word, was someone else entirely.

And it hurt. It hurt in a way she had never experienced before.

She felt a presence beside her, firm and unwavering, before strong arms wrapped around her shoulders. Levi. He pulled her against his chest, his grip secure but gentle, as if shielding her from the world.

"It's okay," he murmured, his voice low, steady, grounding. "Just let it out."

Solina buried her face in his chest, gripping the fabric of his uniform tightly as another sob wracked through her. Levi didn't say anything else. He didn’t try to offer empty reassurances, didn’t tell her that everything would be fine, didn’t attempt to force her pain into something smaller than it was. He simply held her, his hand running slow, soothing strokes along her back as she trembled against him.

The others stood nearby, watching in quiet solemnity. No one spoke. Not Solomon, not Lady Solana, not Soleil or the twins. Even the scouts remained respectfully silent, giving Solina the space to grieve in peace.

Solomon’s face was tight with emotion, his hands clenched at his sides. He had never seen his sister cry like this. Solina had always been delicate, soft-spoken, and gentle, but she was also composed, graceful, dignified. Seeing her completely break down now made something twist painfully in his chest.

Lady Solana wiped at her own eyes, struggling to keep her own sorrow in check. She had always known how deeply Solina loved her father, how much she had idolized him. It was one thing for her to be disappointed in him, but for her to be this devastated… it was unbearable.

Levi held Solina through all of it.

Minutes passed, long and heavy. Her sobs eventually softened into quiet sniffles, her trembling eased, but she still clung to him, her body exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the past few days.

Finally, she pulled back just enough to look up at him. Her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, her cheeks damp, but to Levi, she was still the most beautiful thing in the world.

"I’m sorry," she whispered hoarsely, her voice raw from crying.

Levi frowned. "What the hell are you apologizing for?"

She shook her head, exhaling shakily. "For falling apart like this. For… for everything."

Levi’s grip on her tightened. "Don’t do that," he said firmly. "You don’t have to apologize for feeling things, Solina. Especially not for this."

She let out a shaky breath, nodding as she wiped at her eyes. Levi reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, gently pressing it into her hands. She gave him a watery smile in thanks before dabbing at her face.

Solomon took a cautious step forward. "Solina…"

She turned to look at her brother, the weight of everything still heavy in her gaze. Solomon hesitated for a moment before finally closing the distance, wrapping his arms around her in a tight, protective embrace.

"I’m proud of you," he murmured. "I hope you know that."

Solina’s throat tightened. She hugged him back just as tightly. "I’m proud of you too."

Lady Solana stepped forward next, reaching for her daughter hesitantly, as if afraid Solina might still recoil from her touch. But this time, Solina didn’t pull away. She let her mother embrace her, let herself sink into the warmth and familiarity of her mother’s arms.

"I’m so sorry, my love," Lady Solana whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I wish I could have done more. I wish I had seen this coming."

Solina shook her head. "You didn’t have a choice, Mother. None of us did."

Lady Solana pulled back just enough to cup her daughter’s face, stroking her tear-stained cheeks with gentle fingers. "We have each other now. And that’s all that matters."

Solina nodded, blinking away fresh tears.

The scouts, who had remained respectfully distant, finally stepped closer. Hange was the first to speak, her usual lightheartedness absent, replaced with something far more sincere.

"That was… insane," she admitted. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone go up against their own father like that. You have guts, Solina," she said with a small smirk.

Solina let out a small, breathy laugh, wiping at her eyes again. "Thank you, Hange."

Jean let out a slow breath. "You really threw everything away, huh?"

"She didn’t throw anything away," Levi corrected, his voice sharp. "She made a choice. A damn hard one."

Jean nodded quickly, holding up his hands in surrender. "Yeah, yeah. I just meant… damn. I don’t think I could’ve done it."

Solina gave him a small, tired smile. "It wasn’t easy."

Armin crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "But it was the right thing to do."

Eren, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "We’ll back you up, Solina. Whatever comes next, you’re not alone."

Mikasa nodded firmly in agreement. "We’re with you."

Solina exhaled shakily, overwhelmed by the support. She turned to Levi again, reaching for his hand, intertwining their fingers.

He squeezed her hand, his expression unreadable, but she knew him well enough to recognize the silent promise in his gaze.

Whatever happens next, they would face it together.

For now, though, they had to breathe. They had to recover.

And Solina had to come to terms with the fact that her father was truly gone.

…

Three Months Later…

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the fields surrounding the small cottage, its light filtering through the lace curtains of the bedroom. The scent of wildflowers drifted in through the open window, blending with the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea that Solina had left on the bedside table.

Levi was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed, lacing up his boots. He had never been the type to sleep in, no matter how peaceful their new home was. His sharp eyes flickered toward Solina, who was still curled under the covers, her dark lashes fluttering against her cheeks as she slowly stirred awake.

She stretched, her delicate fingers reaching up toward the headboard as she let out a soft sigh. Her gaze met Levi’s, and a slow, sleepy smile spread across her face.

"Good morning, my love," she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep.

Levi grunted in response, though there was a warmth in his expression that betrayed the affection he felt for her.

Solina sat up, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders as she glanced toward the open window. "The sun feels different here," she said thoughtfully. "Softer. Warmer. It’s peaceful."

Levi studied her for a moment before responding. "You like it here?"

She nodded, turning to him with a radiant smile. "I love it here."

The cottage had been Levi’s idea. After everything that had happened, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease at the thought of living in the Ackerman Estate, a property still technically under the emperor’s control. Lady Solana had assured them that it was their home, that she would never allow them to be thrown out, but Levi wasn’t one to leave his fate in the hands of someone else—no matter how kind their intentions were.

So, he had used his own funds to buy a modest but beautiful cottage not far from the estate. It was small compared to the lavish mansion they had lived in before, but it was theirs. No one could take it from them.

Solina had adored it from the moment she saw it.

The stone walls were covered in ivy, the wooden beams sturdy and strong, and the surrounding landscape was full of wildflowers and rolling green fields. Inside, it was cozy, filled with warm light and soft furnishings that Solina had carefully chosen herself. There was a fireplace that crackled in the evenings, a little garden out back where she had begun growing herbs and flowers, and a library tucked away in a small corner, where she and Levi often spent quiet moments together.

It wasn’t the life of a princess, but Solina had never been happier.

Levi stood up, rolling his shoulders. "We should head to HQ soon. Hange’s got some updates on the stone shipments."

Solina nodded, slipping out of bed to get ready. It had been three months since she had abdicated, three months since she had walked away from the title and privilege that had defined her entire life. But those three months had been the most fulfilling she had ever known.

With the support of Levi, the scouts, and Solomon, they had successfully halted all mining and shipment of the ice burst stone to Valoria. No more of it would reach the emperor’s hands. It was a small victory, but an important one.

Solomon, for his part, had been doing everything he could to warn the Southern Continent about their father’s plans. Without his title, it had been difficult—doors that once opened for him with a single word were now closed, and resources that had once been at his disposal were gone.

But he had continued, unwavering.

Still, there was something strange happening.

Solina and Solomon had noticed that, despite their struggles, their cause continued to be funded. Every time they feared they were running low on money, a donation would appear.

It was never signed, never traced.

A mysterious benefactor was supporting them, and neither of them could figure out who it was.

As Solina finished dressing, she glanced at Levi through the mirror. "Do you ever think about who’s helping us?"

Levi didn’t look up as he fastened the last button on his shirt. "Of course. Someone with deep pockets is keeping us afloat. That’s not something I take lightly."

Solina frowned, considering. "But why hide their identity? Why not come forward?"

Levi finally turned to her, his steel-gray eyes sharp. "Because whoever it is doesn’t want to be known. Could be someone from Valoria, someone who doesn’t want your father finding out. Or it could be an ally from somewhere else, keeping their involvement quiet for political reasons."

Solina sighed, crossing her arms. "I just wish we knew."

Levi studied her, then stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder. "We’ll figure it out," he said simply.

She nodded, leaning into him for a moment before pulling away. "Come on. Let’s not keep the others waiting."

They set off for HQ, their boots crunching softly against the dirt path leading away from the cottage. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of early autumn, and the sun cast a golden hue over the land.

By the time they reached the war room at HQ, the scouts and Solomon were already gathered. Hange was standing over a large map, her usual manic energy replaced with something more serious.

"Glad you two could join us," she said, pushing up her glasses.

Solomon glanced up from where he was seated, giving his sister a small smile. He looked tired, as he often did these days, but there was a steadiness in him that hadn't been there before.

"You have news?" Levi asked, stepping forward.

Hange nodded, tapping the map. "The ice burst stone shipments are completely shut down. We’ve gotten confirmation that nothing has left Paradis in over two months. But… we’ve been getting word that Valoria is looking for alternative sources."

Solina tensed. "Alternative sources? There are no other ice burst stone deposits."

"Not that we know of," Hange corrected. "But your father is desperate. And desperate men make bold moves."

Levi crossed his arms. "So what are you saying? That he’s going to start looking for another way to build his weapons?"

Hange nodded grimly. "Or worse—he might try to take it by force."

The room fell silent.

Solina’s grip on the edge of the table tightened. "No," she said firmly. "He wouldn’t. He wouldn’t dare attack Paradis."

"Wouldn’t he?" Jean muttered. "This is the same guy who was ready to wage war on an entire continent."

Solomon ran a hand through his hair. "I don’t think he’d go that far… but we can’t ignore the possibility."

Levi exhaled through his nose. "We need to be ready. We can’t take any chances."

Solina looked around at the faces of her friends, her allies. They had come so far, but the fight was far from over.

She straightened her shoulders, her emerald eyes burning with determination. "Then we do what we must. We protect what we’ve built here. We don’t let him win."

The room was silent for a moment, then Levi reached out, placing a hand over hers on the table.

"We won’t let him," he said quietly.

Solina looked up at him, and in that moment, she knew that no matter what came next, she wasn’t alone.

…

The sun was beginning to set over Paradis, casting long golden hues over the fields as Lady Solana stood in the kitchen of the Ackerman Estate, carefully rolling dough with her hands. A soft smile played on her lips as she worked, the flour dusting her elegant fingers. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering stew filled the air, mixing with the gentle crackle of the fire in the hearth.

She had never done this before—at least, not since her girlhood, long before she was chosen as the Rose Consort and thrust into a world where her every need was met by attendants and palace chefs. But times had changed. She was no longer in Valoria, and here, on Paradis, she had found a new purpose.

Across the kitchen, Solomon stood frozen in the doorway, his jaw slightly slack. He had been raised in luxury, always served meals on silver platters, always surrounded by maids who catered to their every whim. And yet, here was his mother—the regal, untouchable Lady Solana—rolling up her sleeves, cooking with her own hands, tending to the needs of others like a commoner.

“Mother,” he finally spoke, his voice laced with disbelief. “Are you… cooking?”

Solana lifted her emerald eyes, her lips twitching with amusement at her son’s reaction. “Yes, Solomon. I am cooking.”

Solomon blinked, looking between her and the steaming pots of stew simmering on the stove. “But… why?”

Solana let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head as she turned back to her task. “Because the people here need help. The hungry need food, the homeless need shelter, and the suffering need kindness. And if I can provide any of those things, I will.”

Solomon ran a hand through his dark red curls, still struggling to wrap his mind around it. His mother had been a woman of status and grace, never one to sully her hands with manual labor. Yet here she was, preparing meals, tending to the sick, and even sewing clothes for the less fortunate.

“You should help,” Solana added, not looking up as she kneaded the dough.

Solomon scoffed lightly, crossing his arms. “I don’t know how to cook.”

Solana hummed in amusement. “Then it’s about time you learned.”

A giggle echoed from the corner of the room, and when Solomon turned, he saw Soleil standing there, her bright green eyes twinkling with amusement.

“I think it’s good, Solomon,” she said with a grin. “Maybe this way, you’ll finally stop being so spoiled.”

Solomon shot his younger sister a playful glare before sighing in defeat and stepping forward. “Fine. What do I do?”

Solana smiled, gesturing for him to wash his hands. “Start with chopping those vegetables. And be careful with the knife.”

As Solomon begrudgingly began helping, Soleil moved to assist her mother in stirring the stew, while Solandor and Solenne entered the kitchen carrying baskets of fresh produce they had gathered from the nearby market.

It had taken time for the younger children to adjust to their new life on Paradis. They had grown up in opulence, accustomed to silk sheets, golden chandeliers, and pristine palace gardens. Here, everything was simpler—quieter—but it had its own beauty. And despite the initial struggles, they had learned to embrace it.

Solandor had taken a liking to helping out at the orphanage, entertaining the children with stories and games. Solenne had started assisting their mother with her charity work, often spending hours sewing clothes and preparing food for those in need. Soleil, ever the bright and adaptable one, had found comfort in the scouts, growing close to Sasha and Connie, who had quickly taken her under their wing.

Despite the warmth and purpose they had found, there was one lingering shadow that hung over them.

The emperor’s letters.

They arrived every week without fail, addressed to Lady Solana, Solomon, Solina, and the younger children. Each time they arrived, the family would gather in the sitting room, opening the crisp parchment with cautious anticipation.

Solana never ignored the letters. She always read them, but her responses were curt, nothing more than a formal acknowledgment that she and the children were alive. She never entertained his questions, never indulged his longing for reconciliation.

Solina, on the other hand, refused to respond at all.

She could hardly bring herself to read them. Every time she saw his handwriting, every time she felt the weight of his words, it reminded her of the pain of his betrayal. He had chosen war over his children, ambition over family, and for that, she had no words to offer him.

Solomon had initially responded, attempting to reason with their father, to convince him to reconsider his plans. But after weeks of receiving the same justifications, the same rigid beliefs, he had stopped writing back altogether.

Only one of them still maintained a steady correspondence.

Solenne.

The youngest of the siblings had never fully grasped the gravity of what had happened. All she knew was that she missed him terribly, and she wrote to him often.

And the emperor, desperate for any connection to his family, wrote back.

At first, his letters to Solenne had been filled with warmth, asking about her well-being, her daily activities, her new life on Paradis. But over time, the questions began to shift.

How is your mother?

How is Solina?

What has Solomon been doing?

Solenne, in her innocence, didn’t always recognize his true intentions. But her siblings did.

One afternoon, as they sat on the porch of the cottage, Solina gently took one of Solenne’s letters from her hands, scanning the words with sharp eyes. When she saw the questions about her and Solomon, her grip on the paper tightened.

“He’s fishing for information,” Solina murmured.

Solomon, who had been leaning against the railing, frowned. “Of course he is. He knows we won’t talk to him, so he’s trying to get to us through her.”

Solenne shifted uncomfortably, pulling her knees to her chest. “I didn’t mean to… I just wanted to talk to him.”

Solina’s expression softened, and she reached out, pulling her little sister into a hug. “I know, sweetheart. I know you miss him.”

Solenne sniffled. “I just wish everything could go back to the way it was.”

Solomon let out a heavy sigh, running a hand down his face. “We all do.”

But there was no going back. Not now.

The emperor had made his choice, and so had they.

Solina gently smoothed Solenne’s curls and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “If you want to keep writing to him, you can. But don’t tell him too much, okay? Just talk about yourself, about the things that make you happy.”

Solenne nodded, leaning into her sister’s embrace.

Solina exchanged a look with Solomon, and he gave her a solemn nod. They would have to keep an eye on this. Their father was cunning, and they couldn’t afford to let their guard down.

Later that evening, as Solina and Levi sat by the fire in their cottage, she let out a weary sigh, resting her head against his shoulder.

“Do you think he’ll ever change?” she murmured.

Levi was silent for a long moment before he finally spoke. “I don’t know.”

She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the fire and the steady rhythm of Levi’s heartbeat soothe her. They had been through so much in the past few months—so much loss, so much change—but here, in the sanctuary of their home, they had found solace in one another.

Her fingers absently played with the fabric of his cravat, twisting the soft material between her fingertips before she slowly began loosening it. Levi’s sharp gray eyes flickered down to her, watching her delicate movements with silent curiosity. He didn't stop her, but he was studying her closely, as he always did.

When she finally tugged the cravat free and set it aside, her hands moved to the first button of his shirt.

Levi raised a brow. “What are you trying to do?”

Solina glanced up at him through thick lashes, a teasing smile curling at the corners of her lips. “You know what I’m trying to do.”

Her voice was soft, sultry, filled with unspoken desire. Levi's fingers twitched against his knee, his expression unreadable, but his stormy eyes darkened ever so slightly.

“Do I?” he murmured.

Solina hummed in amusement as she deftly undid the first button, then the second, her warm fingers brushing against his skin. “You’re a very intelligent man, my love,” she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his jaw. “I think you can figure it out.”

Levi exhaled slowly through his nose, his restraint palpable. She could feel the way his muscles tensed under her touch, the way his breathing deepened ever so slightly. He had always been in control, always so composed, but she knew the effect she had on him. And she loved unraveling him piece by piece.

His hands finally moved, catching her wrists with gentle but firm fingers before she could reach the next button. “Solina,” he said, his voice lower now, rough around the edges. “Are you sure?”

She searched his eyes, seeing the hesitance there—not because he didn’t want her, but because he was always so careful with her. He always put her needs before his own, always ensured she was comfortable, that she felt safe.

Her heart swelled with affection.

Leaning forward, she kissed him—slow and lingering, her lips brushing over his with the tenderness of a whispered secret. “I want you,” she murmured against his mouth. “I want my husband.”

Levi inhaled sharply, his hands tightening around her wrists for a fleeting moment before he let go, allowing her to continue.

She unbuttoned his shirt completely this time, sliding her hands beneath the fabric to explore the hard lines of his chest. His skin was warm beneath her touch, his heartbeat steady but strong.

Levi allowed her to push the shirt off his shoulders, letting it fall forgotten to the floor. His hands found her waist, steadying her as she moved to straddle his lap, her skirts pooling around her.

Solina cupped his face, tracing the sharp angles of his jaw before brushing her thumbs over the faint circles beneath his eyes. He worked so hard, carried so much weight on his shoulders. But here, with her, she wanted him to let go, to simply feel.

Levi’s hands roamed over her back, his touch firm yet reverent. He never rushed, never demanded—he simply worshipped her in his quiet, unspoken way.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his breath fanning against her lips.

Solina smiled, leaning in to kiss him again, her hands tangling in his dark hair as she melted into him completely.

Tonight, there were no battles to fight, no burdens to bear. Tonight, it was just them.

The warmth between them grew, slow and smoldering, like embers being fanned into flames. Solina deepened the kiss, letting her fingers tangle in Levi’s dark hair, feeling the soft strands between her fingers as he pulled her closer, their bodies pressing together.

Levi’s hands, always so controlled, so measured, roamed over her waist, slipping under the thin fabric of her nightgown. His fingers traced the curve of her back, his touch sending a shiver up her spine. He was always so gentle with her, treating her like she was something precious, something to be cherished. And in moments like this, Solina felt just how much he loved her—not with words, but with the way he held her, the way he touched her, the way his breath hitched when she sighed against his lips.

“You’re trembling,” Levi murmured, his lips trailing down the column of her throat, pressing featherlight kisses along her skin.

Solina let out a soft breath, her hands sliding down his bare shoulders, feeling the tension in his muscles. “It’s not from fear,” she whispered, her voice steady despite the way her heart was pounding. “It’s from wanting you.”

Levi exhaled sharply, his grip on her tightening for a fraction of a second. His control was something she admired, but tonight, she wanted him to let go. She wanted him to give in, to feel as deeply as she did.

Her hands traveled lower, pressing against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. It was a comforting rhythm, strong and unwavering, just like him.

Levi tilted her chin up, his stormy eyes searching hers. “Are you sure?” he asked again, his voice rough, almost hesitant.

Solina smiled, brushing her lips against his in a teasing, lingering kiss. “Levi,” she murmured, her fingers tracing the sharp lines of his jaw. “I have never been more sure of anything.”

Something in him shifted at her words. His hesitation melted away, replaced by something deeper, something more intense. He kissed her again, his hands sliding up her thighs, grasping the soft fabric of her nightgown and slowly, reverently, lifting it over her head.

She shivered as the cool air kissed her bare skin, but it was nothing compared to the warmth of Levi’s touch as he traced every curve, every dip and rise of her body. His hands were calloused from years of wielding swords and maneuvering through battles, but with her, they were nothing but gentle.

“You’re perfect,” he muttered against her skin, his lips brushing over her shoulder.

Solina sighed, pressing herself against him, feeling the heat of his bare chest against hers. “Then show me,” she whispered.

And Levi did.

He worshipped her with his touch, with his lips, with the way he whispered her name like a prayer against her skin. He was careful, always making sure she was comfortable, that she was cherished, that she knew how much he loved her.

And when he finally took her, it was slow, unhurried, every movement filled with reverence and devotion.

Solina held onto him, her fingers digging into his back as he moved with her, as they became one beneath the soft glow of the firelight.

Levi had always been a man of few words, but in this moment, he didn’t need them.

His touch, his kisses, the way he held her afterward, tucking her against his chest, said everything she needed to hear.

They lay there for a long time, tangled in each other, their breaths evening out as the fire slowly dimmed.

Levi pressed a final kiss to her temple, his fingers running lazily through her hair. “Get some rest, Solina,” he murmured, his voice thick with exhaustion and something softer, something tender.

Solina sighed contentedly, nuzzling against him, feeling completely and utterly safe in his arms.

“I love you, Levi,” she whispered.

Levi’s hold on her tightened just slightly, and in the quiet of the night, she heard his low, steady reply.

“I love you too.”

And with that, she drifted off into the most peaceful sleep she’d had in months.

…

Meanwhile, Solomon sat at the wooden desk in the war room of Scout HQ, poring over the various documents, letters, and financial ledgers that had been provided to him. It had been months since he had renounced his title as Crown Prince, and though he no longer held political power in Valoria, he had not stopped working. If anything, he worked harder than ever before, dedicating himself to helping Paradis and ensuring that his father’s war plans would never come to fruition.

The mystery of the unknown benefactor had been weighing on him heavily. Money had been steadily flowing into their cause, funding relief efforts and military supplies. Whoever this person was, they had deep pockets and a vested interest in stopping the Emperor. But why? And more importantly, who?

Solomon exhaled in frustration, rubbing his temples. He had spent the better part of the night combing through documents, trying to trace the origin of the funds, but whoever was behind it had covered their tracks well.

The soft creak of the door caught his attention, and he looked up to see Mikasa standing there. She had her arms crossed, her expression unreadable as she leaned against the frame.

“You’re still here,” she said, her voice quiet but firm.

Solomon straightened slightly, brushing a hand through his red curls. “Could say the same about you,” he replied, offering a small, tired smile. “You usually train at this hour.”

Mikasa stepped further into the room, glancing at the mess of papers spread across the table. “I was about to, but I saw the light still on in here. Thought I’d check in.”

Solomon felt a strange warmth at that. Mikasa wasn’t the type to check in on just anyone. She was fiercely loyal to her closest friends, Eren and Armin, but over the past few months, Solomon had noticed her seeking him out more and more. It wasn’t something he would ever complain about.

“I appreciate that,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “I was just going through these financial records again, trying to figure out who this benefactor is. It doesn’t make sense. Whoever they are, they don’t want to be found.”

Mikasa pulled up a chair and sat across from him, studying the papers with a sharp eye. “Someone powerful, obviously. Maybe even someone from Valoria.”

Solomon nodded. “That’s what I keep thinking, but there’s no concrete proof. My father has plenty of enemies, but few would go against him so boldly.”

Mikasa tilted her head slightly, her dark hair cascading over her shoulder. “Whoever it is, they trust you and Solina enough to keep funding your efforts. That means they’re on our side.”

Solomon exhaled, nodding again. “That’s true. But I don’t like not knowing who’s pulling the strings. I don’t want to be caught off guard.”

Mikasa studied him for a long moment before speaking again. “You’ve changed a lot since I first met you.”

Solomon blinked, caught off guard. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“A good thing,” Mikasa said simply. “When you first arrived here, you were your father’s perfect son. Now you’re something more. You’re fighting for something you believe in, not just what you were born into.”

Solomon chuckled, shaking his head. “And yet, here I am, technically a nobody now. No title, no throne.”

Mikasa gave him a thoughtful look. “Maybe. But I think you would’ve made a great emperor.”

The words caught him off guard, and for a brief second, Solomon didn’t know what to say. Coming from Mikasa, a woman who spoke little and meant every word she did say, it meant something.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, looking down at the papers. “I appreciate that.”

A comfortable silence settled between them for a moment. It was something Solomon had grown to enjoy about Mikasa—she didn’t feel the need to fill every pause with words. She was content just existing in the moment.

After a beat, Solomon glanced at her. “I never asked… why are you so attached to Eren and Armin?”

Mikasa stiffened slightly at the question, and Solomon immediately regretted asking. But instead of brushing it off, she looked away, her fingers lightly tracing the wood grain of the table.

“They saved me,” she said after a moment. “A long time ago.”

Solomon remained quiet, waiting for her to continue if she wanted to.

Mikasa inhaled deeply before speaking again. “Eren killed the men who was going to take me away. When I was nine.” Her voice was steady, but there was a weight behind it. “Since then, I’ve felt like I owed him my life.”

Solomon frowned slightly, processing her words. “That’s… a heavy burden to carry.”

Mikasa shrugged. “I don’t see it as a burden. Eren is important to me. Armin too. They’re my family.”

Solomon nodded slowly. “But Eren doesn’t seem as… attached to you as you are to him.”

Mikasa’s expression didn’t change, but he saw the faintest flicker of something in her eyes. Maybe sadness, maybe frustration. “Eren has his own path,” she said. “I just want to protect him.”

Solomon studied her carefully. “And what about what you want, Mikasa?”

She hesitated. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… do you ever think about what you want for yourself? Not just Eren or Armin?”

Mikasa opened her mouth, then closed it, her brows furrowing slightly. She didn’t have an answer.

Solomon let the silence settle between them again before he spoke. “You deserve to think about yourself too.”

Mikasa looked at him then, and for the first time since she entered the room, she seemed… uncertain.

“I should go train,” she said finally, standing up.

Solomon didn’t press the matter. “Alright. Try not to overwork yourself.”

She nodded and left, but Solomon couldn’t shake the feeling that she was thinking about his words more than she let on.

And despite everything, he realized something—he still had feelings for her. Even if he tried to push them down, they were still there, lingering beneath the surface.

Solomon continued to hunch over the desk, his eyes scanning every detail of the parchment in front of him. The documents were dense with financial jargon, but he had been combing through them for weeks, and he knew what he was looking for now. His fingers traced over the pages, flipping them back and forth between different reports, each one linking back to the mysterious benefactor who had been funding their efforts.

And then, he saw it.

A seal.

His heart skipped a beat as his eyes locked onto the intricate emblem embossed in the wax. He leaned in, narrowing his gaze as he carefully examined the symbol pressed into the paper. It was unmistakable. A lily.

His blood ran cold.

The Lily House.

His mind raced. The Lily House was one of the four esteemed houses in the Valorian Imperial Gardens, and it was led by Lady Darcy, a woman notorious for her jealousy toward his mother. For years, she had simmered in quiet resentment, envying Solana’s elevated position and the prestige of her children. Solomon, as the firstborn son of the Emperor’s most favored consort, had always been groomed for the throne, a fact that Lady Darcy had never been able to accept.

And then there was her daughter.

Dimaria.

Solomon felt his pulse quicken as he flipped through the pages, searching for something—anything—that might confirm his suspicion. And then, at the bottom of one of the documents, he saw it.

A tiny signature, hidden in the corner of the document written in cursive.

His breath hitched as he read the name over and over again, his mind refusing to accept what his eyes were telling him.

Her Imperial Highness, Princess Dimaria of the Lily House.

Dimaria was the benefactor.

He sat back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he tried to process what this meant. It had been months since he last saw Dimaria. Ever since she had been sent away as punishment for her ploy against Levi and Solina, she had all but vanished from the capital. He hadn't thought about her in ages, assuming she had been wasting away in the countryside under the watchful eye of their horse-loving aunt, Princess Alice.

But this?

This changed everything.

Why? That was the first question that slammed into his mind. Why would Dimaria, of all people, be funding efforts that directly opposed their father’s plans? Dimaria had never shown any affection for him or Solina. In fact, she had gone out of her way to humiliate Solina every chance she got. She had laughed when Solina had faltered while playing the harp in front of the imperial family and the scouts. She had orchestrated that disastrous scheme at Levi’s bachelor party, attempting to paint him as unfaithful to Solina before the wedding. Dimaria had always been their enemy, an extension of her mother’s ambitions.

And yet… here she was, secretly funneling money into their cause.

Solomon exhaled slowly, his mind whirling with possibilities. Was this some sort of trick? A ploy to make them indebted to her? Or had something changed in the months she had been away?

He needed to think. He needed more information.

Which is why he spent all night trying to find as much evidence as he possibly could and early the next morning, he gripped the documents tightly in his hands as he made his way toward the common room where Solina and the scouts were gathered. As he entered, all eyes turned to him, sensing his urgency.

"What's wrong?" Solina asked immediately, concern evident in her voice.

Solomon looked around at the faces in the room, at Levi, Hange, Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Connie, Sasha. His throat felt dry as he struggled to put what he had just discovered into words.

"I found something," he finally said, setting the documents on the table. His fingers traced over the seal before he looked up at Solina. "The benefactor... it's Dimaria."

The room went silent.

For a moment, no one spoke, the weight of his revelation settling over them like a thick fog. Solina blinked, as if she hadn't heard him correctly. "What?" she whispered.

Solomon swallowed hard. "Dimaria. She's the one funding us."

Levi's brows furrowed, his expression unreadable as he crossed his arms. "That doesn’t make any damn sense."

Solina shook her head, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "No, it doesn’t. Dimaria has never done anything for me but try to make my life miserable. Why would she help us now?"

"That's what I don’t know yet," Solomon admitted. "But her signature is right here. And the funds trace back to accounts linked to the Lily House."

Hange leaned forward, her sharp gaze locked onto the documents. "So the question is... what the hell changed? Why would she go against your father?"

"Maybe she wants something in return," Armin offered, his mind already racing through possible scenarios. "It could be political leverage. If she helps you now, she might expect something from you later."

"Or maybe she just wants to see your father fail," Jean suggested. " He did ship her off to the country and she and her mother have always been scheming, trying to get more power. Maybe this is her way of getting back at him."

Solina frowned, her fingers tapping anxiously against the table. "I don’t know... if it were just about power, why be so secretive? Why not come directly to us?"

"Maybe she doesn’t want your father to know what she’s up to," Connie said. "If he finds out, she could be in serious trouble."

"Or maybe," Hange said quietly, "she regrets what she did."

Everyone turned to her, surprised by the suggestion.

Solomon tilted his head. "You think Dimaria regrets everything?"

Hange shrugged. "People change. Maybe being away from the capital made her realize something."

Solina let out a slow breath, her emotions tangled in a web of confusion. Dimaria had been cruel to her for so long. The idea that she was now helping them was almost impossible to grasp. But the proof was there, written in ink and sealed with the Lily House's emblem.

"We need to find out more," Solomon said firmly. "If Dimaria really is on our side, we need to know why."

Solina nodded, though her stomach churned with uncertainty. "Agreed. But until we know her true motives, we tread carefully."

Levi, who had been silent for most of the conversation, finally spoke. "If she tries anything, I’ll handle it."

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that he meant it.

As the meeting continued, the weight of the revelation settled on all of them. Dimaria was their benefactor. Whether that was a blessing or a curse had yet to be determined.

But one thing was certain—this changed everything.

~

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[chaotic-on-main]

First One of Many - Levi Ackerman x Reader

The first time Levi Ackerman met your family, it was Thanksgiving. You've been dating for a little less than a year, which means you've been hounded by your family for just as long to bring around 'the new man'. It's not like you didn't want them to meet Levi - it was quite the opposite. You didn't want him to meet them. Your family, as most were, is extremely dysfunctional in the most passive aggressive ways. It was always, 'Oh you look great, did you lose weight?' or 'When are you going to settle down?', never once minding the fact of how rude it was to ask. Levi wasn't the type of person to hold back his disdain so when you both arrived at your childhood home and he acted quite polite, you were surprised. A strong handshake to your father, a small bouquet of flowers for your mother. It was civilized, until your parents and family members started hounding him about marriage and children and you just wanted to die on the spot. Levi, noticing your discomfort and embarrassment, took your hand in his under the table as he answered the questions with grace - never answering directly and deflecting so easily. Only when you were able to bid your farewells and crawl into Levi's warm car are you able to breathe. He takes your hand again, kisses your knuckles, and looks you straight in the eyes before saying, "Next year, we'll only go to my mom's okay?". It wasn't just the fact that he was just as exhausted by your family as you were, it's that he mentioned 'next year' like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

I made the moodboard and wrote the HC for @postwarlevi 's 'Under The Harvest Moon' collab! This was absolutely self-indulgent but kept it x reader for anyone who might relate. Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate! 🦃

[sevendeadlywhispers]

7Seals

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Chapter 15

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•Previous Chapter: Chapter Fourteen

•Next Chapter: Chapter Sixteen

•Chapter List

•New chapters every Thursday

•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!

•Word Count: 3.8k

•Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.

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The rhythmic trot of the horses' hooves reverberated along the silent morning streets as the carriage, drawn by majestic black mares, came to a halt before the imposing gates of the regiment's headquarters. Above, the sky wore a somber cloak of ash gray, devoid of any hint of sunlight.

"Early bird catches the worm, right?" Hange's lively voice chirped from behind me, breaking the serene atmosphere. I turned to find them, clad in their formal uniform, accompanied by Moblit carrying an array of bags.

"Can't let you have all the fun, can I?" I said with a smirk playing on my lips.

"I brought party favors."

"Well, well, well, look at you!" Hange exclaimed, sweeping over me with a critical eye. They seized my arms and maneuvered them, examining the intricate details of my dress.

"It's new, right?" Hange inquired, eyeing the delicate stitching on my sleeves.

"And that lace collar? Pure Wall Sina elegance. Plus, that cinched waist? You're stunning, Iris."

A blush crept onto my cheeks at their lavish praise, a warmth that I couldn't suppress.

"Thanks, Hange," I replied, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips.

"Ah, but it's true!" Hange insisted, their enthusiasm infectious as ever.

"If only you swung my way," they teased, their tone playful yet tinged with a hint of longing.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head at their antics.

"You always know how to make me feel special, Hange."

"Well, what can I say? I have a knack for spotting greatness."

With a playful wink, Hange climbed into the carriage, and I followed suit, settling into my seat beside them. Pulling out a bottle of wine from my bag, I poured two glasses for the ride.

The morning sun cast a warm glow inside the carriage, illuminating the space where Hange's lively voice echoed.

"Anyone would be lucky to have you, isn't that right, Levi?" Hange quipped, their eyes gleaming mischievously as they accepted a glass of wine from me.

Levi?

Levi's entrance was unexpected, his usual stern demeanor softened by the way his hair fell slightly into his face. As he stepped into the carriage, a sliver of sunlight illuminated his features just right, highlighting the rugged edges of his jawline and bringing out the intensity of his sapphire eyes. His hand rested casually on his stomach while his suit jacket draped over his arm.

"What are you two blabbering about now?" Levi's tone was gruff, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he settled into the seat across from me.

"Oh, just how stunning—" Hange began, only to be cut off by Levi's sharp retort.

"Are you seriously drinking this early in the morning?" Levi's disapproval was evident, his gaze flitting disapprovingly between us as he spoke.

As Moblit bid us farewell and closed the carriage door behind him, reality set in that Levi was going to be with us for the next three days. Levi's attention remained fixed on the passing scenery outside, his posture rigid and defensive.

"What brings you here, Captain?" I couldn't help but inquire, a note of defiance creeping into my voice. "Don't you have squad duties to attend to?"

"Eld and Gunther can handle things," Levi replied tersely, his gaze still averted.

"You've missed practice the past few days. You can't just avoid it because of an injury."

"I'm injured, Levi. What do you want from me?" I shot back, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Besides, I've been handling your paperwork in the meantime."

He is so confusing, first, he gets mad at me for wanting to practice now he's upset at me for not showing up. What does he want from me?

Levi's response was a stony silence, but the tension in his posture hinted at a vulnerability that he was unwilling to show.

"What was that Levi?" I asked him as I watched his lips move but barely any sound came out.

"You can still drop by and check-in," he groaned, not looking at me. He crossed his arms and gazed out the window. If I wasn't mistaken, it seemed like Levi was pouting at me.

"Still doesn't answer my question. Why are you here? Hange? Why is he here?" I whined, feeling a tinge of frustration creeping in. "You didn't mention him tagging along."

"Well, you see," Hange began with a sheepish smile, but Levi interjected before they could finish.

"Look, I don't want to be here either. Deal with it. That's an order," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Don't mind if I do then," I retorted, lifting my wine glass in a mocking toast before taking a sip. Levi's scoff was like background noise, a familiar soundtrack to our interactions. His judgment was old news, something I'd learned to tune out long ago.

"Awe, look at you guys," Hange chimed in, seemingly oblivious to the tension.

"Don't start," I muttered, bracing myself for their teasing.

"You guys are matching!" they squealed balling up their fists in excitement.

I caught Levi's eyes scanning me up and down, his gaze making me feel exposed.

"Why are you dressed like that?" he questioned, his tone laced with thinly veiled disapproval.

I glanced down at my black dress, then back at him. His signature white cravat was wrapped around his collar, accentuating his pristine black suit. In my opinion, we were all dressed appropriately for the occasion. What did he expect me to wear? My Scout uniform? The thought made me shudder.

"I know you're not talking to me. Did you forget you're dressed up as well?" I shot back, giving him the same look he had given me.

"This is my normal attire," he shrugged, brushing off my remark.

"At least your hair looks presentable for once."

"Gotta say, that braid is pretty cute," Hange smiled, attempting to diffuse the tension with a playful comment.

"You think my hair is long enough for that?" Hange asked, playing with their hair, attempting to lighten the mood.

I took another sip of my wine, finding solace in the familiar burn as I turned my attention back to the window, blocking out Hange's incessant chatter. But despite my efforts to ignore him, I couldn't shake the feeling of Levi's eyes on me.

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

As the fountain's water danced in the sunlight, I sat on the familiar marble bench, basking in the tranquility of my mother's favorite spot. The garden, a sanctuary of ivy and Iris's blossoms was a testament to my father's love for her, a love that I lingered for. The dedication I craved from a man.

"Hey, Iris," Alexander's voice broke through the peaceful ambiance, his presence sending ripples through my thoughts.

I glanced up to find him standing there, a single rose in his hand, his gaze soft and affectionate. Despite the turmoil brewing within me, his mere presence brought a sense of calm.

"Thanks," I murmured, accepting the flower, its delicate petals dancing along my fingertips.

As he settled beside me on the bench, his touch gentle against my cheek, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of him leaving.

"I'm gonna miss this place," he admitted, his tone tinged with regret. "But most of all, I'm gonna miss you."

My heart clenched at his words, the reality of his departure sinking in like an anchor pulling me down.

"Take me with you," I pleaded, desperation lacing my voice.

His expression softened, but his eyes held a weight I couldn't ignore. "You know I can't do that," he said, his voice heavy with resignation.

Tears welled in my eyes as fear gripped my heart. The thought of him leaving for the Scouts, of facing the unknown without him by my side, filled me with dread.

"But I'll be in the Military Police," he reassured me, his words falling short of comfort. "I'll be right here in Wall Sina with you. Your father said he'd help."

The fragile hope his words offered was quickly shattered by the harsh reality of our situation.

"I'm going with you," I declared, determination igniting within me.

His reaction was not what I expected. The warmth in his eyes faded, replaced by a coldness I had never seen before. It sent a shiver down my spine.

"You know I can't do that to your father," he said, his voice laced with frustration.

"It would be disrespectful."

Standing beside him, I refused to back down.

"It's my decision." I insisted, my resolve unwavering.

His smile came back like it never left.

"Come on, we are going to the market."

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

As I sat lost in my thoughts, the sound of Levi's voice shattered the silence, his presence looming over me like a storm cloud. I glanced up to find him eyeing the nearly empty wine bottle with a mixture of disbelief and disdain. My heart quickened, a nervous flutter dancing in my chest for reasons I couldn't quite fathom

"You polished off this whole thing, huh?" he remarked, his tone dripping with incredulity.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, Hange did lend a hand," I quipped, attempting to deflect his scrutiny.

A grunt was his only response as he exited the carriage, leaving me alone with the remnants of our indulgence. With a resigned sigh, I finished off the last of the wine and gathered my belongings, preparing to follow suit.

To my surprise, I found Levi lingering by the carriage, his hand extended in a rare display of courtesy. My heart quickened at the sight, a rush of anticipation coursing through me. I hesitated for a moment before accepting his help, allowing his strong grip to guide me safely to the ground below.

"About time," he muttered gruffly, his coat draped effortlessly over his shoulders as his warm and gentle touch guided me down the carriage steps.

Once my feet were firmly planted on solid ground, I released his calloused hand quicker than ever. Though his words may have lacked sweetness, in that fleeting moment, his actions spoke volumes, a glimpse of a side of Levi I had never seen before.

As Hange's impatient call echoed across the dock, urging us to hurry, I couldn't help but marvel at her seemingly boundless energy.

"How did she get on there so fast?" I quipped, glancing at Levi who walked beside me.

"While you were in dreamland, we were unloading the carriage," he retorted dryly, waiting for me to step onto the dock before him. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes, though he masked it well behind his usual stoic facade.

Together, we joined Hange on the deck, their excitement palpable as they rambled about dinner plans.

"What kind of dinner do you think your family prepared for us?" she chirped, her enthusiasm infectious.

I froze at her words, a wave of confusion washing over me. Family? What was she talking about?

"Dinner?" I echoed, confusion clouding my thoughts. What was Hange blabbering about now? But Hange's next words sent a chill down my spine.

"Your father invited us to the estate," they squealed, their enthusiasm contagious.

"I'm so excited! Just thinking about the word 'estate' makes me giddy."

For me, the word "estate" echoed in my mind, conjuring memories of a past I had long tried to forget. What had my father orchestrated behind my back? And why was he extending an invitation to my past life?

Suppressing a sigh, I leaned against the railing, watching the ferry pull away from the dock.

"Estate, huh?" Levi remarked, standing beside me.

"Yeah, what about it?" I muttered, my mind racing to make sense of this unexpected turn of events.

"Didn't think you were the noble type," he mused, his tone teasing yet tinged with curiosity. His gaze was fixed on the horizon but I saw the amusement in his eyes.

"Don't get it twisted," I shot back, bristling at the implication. "Just because I grew up there doesn't mean I'm a priss."

Levi's lips twitched in a ghost of a smirk, but before he could respond, Hange's voice cut through the air once more.

"I don't know about that. Rooming with you all those years, it's starting to make sense," they teased, a playful glint in their eyes.

"Alright," I conceded, pushing off the railing and following my steps toward the sanctuary of a nearby bar.

"Where are you going?" Hange called after me.

"The bar," I replied, my steps quickening as I sought solace in the promise of a stiff drink and silence.

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

The estate stood in silent grandeur, its pristine white exterior softened by the tendrils of ivy that wove their way along the brick walls. Before us, my mother's beloved garden bloomed, her beloved irises stood proud, their vibrant blooms a striking contrast against the soft hues of alliums and peonies.

Hange's exuberance echoed through the air as they darted towards the front door. "Wow, Iris, your home is incredible!" they praised, their eyes wide with awe.

Levi's smirk was barely concealed as he observed the scene.

"House?" he remarked dryly, his tone laced with amusement.

A flush of embarrassment warmed my cheeks at Hange's enthusiasm. I hadn't anticipated bringing them here, to this place steeped in memories both joyful and painful.

Who would've thought we'd end up here, at my childhood home?

Standing before the imposing doors, uncertainty gripped me. Should I knock? Or just walk in? It had been so long since I'd been back, and the weight of the past pressed down on me.

When was the last time I'd walked through them? Was it really during the trials?

Levi's impatient voice interrupted my thoughts. "Well, shall we?" he grumbled. "Or are we just going to loiter here?"

Before I could decide, the doors swung open, revealing the figure of someone familiar.

"Lady Iris,"

"Elenor," I replied, returning her smile with genuine warmth.

"Lady?" Hange's incredulous gasp echoed behind me.

With a gesture, Elenor invited us inside the foyer. The smell of freshly polished wood and lavender still spread throughout the place. My mother always loved it when Elenor used lavender to clean, I'm glad she is still keeping her wishes.

"Come in, dinner is almost ready for you," she announced, her demeanor gracious and welcoming.

Turning to my companions, I introduced them to the woman who had been a steadfast presence in my family's life for as long as I could remember.

"This is Elenor," I explained, a pang of nostalgia tugging at my heart.

"She's been with our family for years."

Elenor's vibrant smile was like a beacon, drawing me into its warmth and familiarity. For a moment, all the reasons I had left this place faded into the background, overshadowed by the sense of homecoming that enveloped me. It was a feeling I hadn't realized I'd missed until now.

"Can I get you guys anything?" Elenor asked, her voice carrying a hint of warmth and hospitality.

"Tea, please," Levi requested, his tone softening ever so slightly.

"Right away," Elenor replied, disappearing into the depths of the house.

"Hey, follow me," I said, gesturing toward a nearby hallway.

"I want to show you guys something."

Leading the way, I navigated the familiar corridors until we reached a set of ornate double doors. Pushing them open, I revealed a spacious room bathed in soft, golden light. At its center stood a majestic grand piano, its ebony exterior gleaming in the sunlight that streamed through the windows.

"Wow, what is this place?" Hange proclaimed, their eyes widening in awe.

"This is the piano room," I explained, a nostalgic smile playing on my lips.

"My mother used to play here all the time."

Levi surveyed the room with a quiet reverence, his usual stoicism giving way to a rare moment of introspection.

"It's beautiful," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of admiration.

"Feel free to make yourselves comfortable," I said, gesturing towards the plush chairs arranged around the piano.

"I'll go check on the tea."

As I left them to explore the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share this piece of my past with them. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, I knew that at this moment, surrounded by the echoes of my childhood, I was exactly where I was meant to be.

In the cozy confines of the kitchen, Elenor turned to me with a curious expression.

"Miss? What are you doing here?" she inquired, her eyes searching mine for answers.

"Helping," I replied with a grin, instinctively reaching for the familiar cabinets.

"And who are those dashing friends you brought along?" Elenor pressed, her curiosity piqued.

"Hange is an old friend from training camp, they're a section leader," I explained, glancing back towards the door where they awaited.

"And the boy?"

"Oh, that's Captain Levi."

"The Captain Levi?" Elenor gasped, her eyes widening in surprise.

I chuckled softly. "Yes, the one and only. But don't bring it up, he's not one for idle chatter." I warned, continuing my search for the elusive tea.

"What a humble man."

Elenor's knowing smile warmed my heart as she produced a tin from the cupboard.

"I thought you'd be wanting this," she said, holding it out to me with a smile.

My mother's favorite blend. The tin was still filled to the top, it was like she made it just yesterday.

As I arranged the tea set on the tray, Elenor's inquisitive gaze followed my every move. Her teasing tone hung in the air like a mischievous melody, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

"What do they like in their tea?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.

"He likes sugar when it's there. He normally drinks it—" I started to explain, only to be interrupted by the shrill whistle of the kettle.

"It still has time?" Elenor questioned, puzzled by my sudden rush.

"Levi taught me the perfect steeping process for tea is to never let it go for too long. The moment it goes over time, the whole batch is just ruined," I explained, swiftly removing the kettle from the burner.

Elenor's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Ah, I see. You came to make sure the tea was perfect for him."

I rolled my eyes, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

"Right," I muttered, focusing on arranging the cups and saucers. Elenor's playful demeanor was enough to make me squirm.

"It's not like that," I protested weakly, but Elenor's knowing smile told me she wasn't buying it. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she picked up the tray, her movements graceful and deliberate.

"I guess we'll see then, won't we?" she remarked, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.

With a resigned sigh, I followed Elenor to the piano room, bracing myself for whatever playful banter awaited me. Little did I know, her teasing was only the beginning of a much more intriguing game—one fate only knew.

The moment the door swung open, Ivy's voice pierced the air, a high-pitched squeal echoing through the room.

"Wow, so you're Captain Levi?" she gushed, her excitement palpable even from across the room.

Fuck. Ivy's enthusiasm would be impossible to contain, especially after seeing Levi.

"Iris!" Her voice reached a new octave as she caught sight of me, abandoning Levi's side to rush over to where I stood.

I braced myself for the impending onslaught, hoping against hope that she'd tone down the theatrics. But knowing Ivy, that was wishful thinking.

As she approached, her blond hair tied back with a perfectly coordinated bow, I couldn't help but marvel at how much she'd grown in my absence. Yet, despite her apparent maturity, she still radiated the same boundless energy that had defined her as a child.

"Ivy," I greeted her with forced calm.

In a whirlwind of motion, she enveloped me in a bone-crushing hug, squeezing me with a fervor that threatened to crush my ribs.

I struggled to catch my breath, shooting a pleading glance at Levi, who had risen to his feet at the sight of Ivy's exuberance.

"She's injured. Don't squeeze her like that," he spoke, his voice sharp and commanding. Ivy froze, her eyes widening in alarm as she released me from her grip.

"I'm so sorry, sister. I didn't know!" she blurted out, her expression morphing into one of genuine concern.

"It's fine. I'm fine," I reassured her, mustering a weak smile as I made my way to the nearest available seat, eager to put some distance between myself and Ivy's overzealous affection.

"So tell me all about my big sister!" Ivy's voice rang out, bubbling with curiosity. "What does she do in the regiment?"

"Your big sister is part of the best squad in the Scouts," Hange chimed in eagerly, playing along with Ivy's enthusiasm.

"Is that so? She never mentioned that to me! So are you a captain now?" Ivy turned her attention to me, her eyes alight with anticipation.

"No. I'm her captain; she is my second in command," Levi interjected tersely, cutting off any further questioning.

"Wow!" Ivy's eyes widened in awe. "So you train directly underneath humanity's strongest?" she gushed, leaning in closer to Levi.

But Levi remained unmoved, his gaze fixed straight ahead as if Ivy's presence barely registered to him. He lifted his cup of tea to his lips, his manner as impassive as ever.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation at Ivy's persistent flirting, even though I knew it was futile. Levi wasn't one to be swayed by empty flattery, especially not from someone like Ivy.

As Ivy continued to chatter, I couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at my lips. Despite her best efforts, Levi's indifference to her advances was a small victory in my book. Her charms had worked on everyone we knew since we were children, but Levi seemed immune to her allure.

Maybe he wasn't as unflappable as he appeared, at least when it came to my sister's charms.

And for some reason, that realization filled me with an unexpected sense of satisfaction. It was comforting to know that, even in the face of Ivy's relentless flirting, Levi remained steadfast and unaffected. Somehow, it made me appreciate him even more.

But as Ivy continued to chatter, I felt a shift, a subtle change in Levi's demeanor. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught him glancing in my direction.

Our eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. It was a gaze unlike any other I had experienced with Levi. His usual steely demeanor softened, and there was a warmth in his eyes that took me by surprise.

I couldn't help but hold his gaze, feeling a flutter of anticipation and uncertainty in the pit of my stomach.

And then, just as quickly as it had come, the moment was gone. Levi's gaze flickered away, returning to its usual impassive state.

What are you thinking behind those melancholy eyes of yours, Levi?

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

[thena0315]

LC Studio - Attack on Titan Levi Ackermann's Farewell

Wheelchair Levi Ackerman

$55.00 – $357.00

Pre-Orders are available

Another thing to keep in mind. From another Levi Fan

[taomyou]

The Romance of Reimbursements - Chapter 4

Pairing: Levi Ackerman x Reader Status: COMPLETED Summary: There’s a guy you see every Friday on bus 143, and you think he’s pretty hot. It wouldn't hurt to tell your best friend about him, would it? or, you and Levi take the same bus home from work every Friday, and you fall in love slowly, clumsily, and with all the time in the world to fold as many paper stars as your heart desires. Word Count: 4.6k Tags: slow burn, friends to lovers, modern au, office au, fluff, romance, meet-cute, matchmaking

(A/N: this fic is entirely available on ao3 here if you would like to read it there instead!)

Chapter Navigation Accompanying Playlist

sixty eggs

"Huh? What're you still doing here?"

At the sound of your friend's voice, you turn around and nearly trip. Petra thankfully catches hold of you before your heel can collapse onto itself and injure you. You look at her sheepishly.

"Thanks. And what do you mean?"

"Aren't you supposed to be on your way home now?"

Checking the time on your phone, your expression drops. 3:02 PM.

"I should be."

When Erwin first gave you that thick stack of paperwork on Monday, you thought nothing of it. You stayed an hour later than usual, and Armin dropped you off after you and them all went to dinner together. You figured staying later just meant too much of your afternoon was consumed with Levi and Erwin's abrupt stay in your office.

Then, the same thing happened on Tuesday, only without Levi: Erwin greeted you, handed you your papers, and checked in periodically. You ended up taking the bus an hour later than you usually did.

Then, it happened on Wednesday. That day, the bus stopped running after 8 so you had to get a ride from Petra.

Then, on Thursday, you had to take the bus two hours later than usual, just barely making it onto the last one of the day.

Then, today, you just finished dropping off some papers for one of your coworkers down the hall; normally on Friday, you're out of the building by 2:55 PM to make it to the bus stop with a few minutes to spare.

On Wednesday, somewhere in between all the chaos at work, Hange texted you telling asking you to come over to their apartment on Friday around 5.

For what reason? You had no idea, but anything they had planned surely would've done the trick in helping you unwind after the long week you've had. You'd already been avoiding them over the course of the week to save them the trouble of worrying about how late you've been working, so you'd probably have to deal with some questioning, but that's nothing out of the ordinary for you and Hange.

Petra smiles at you gently, giving you a firm squeeze on your shoulder. "Get home safe, yeah? You've had a rough week."

"I will. Thanks."

You nod at her, returning her smile and then going back to your office to get ready to leave. When the door behind you closes, however, you let that smile drop. Mikasa's on another floor right now, so you're alone while you pack up your briefcase. You check to make sure you don't leave anything important in your office before you're off, and, just like that, you're standing quietly in the elevator waiting for it to reach the lobby. Once you're there, you say a quick farewell to the receptionist before you exit the building and start heading over to the bus station.

Even though it's Friday, you can't help feeling down. Just last week, you were swinging your arms as you walked and spent your week waiting for Friday to catch just a glimpse of that stranger from the bus. Even if you did feel such extreme misplaced excitement/anguish, it was something you looked forward to every week. At least you'll be able to relax a bit during the ride back to your place.

Checking your phone, you frown again. 3:15 PM. The bus you normally take (and the one Levi's on) usually arrives at 3:02, give or take a minute, so you guess you'll just have to take the next one. Looking at the street, you see that traffic's gotten pretty bad, with the noise of cars starting and stopping filling your ears. If your usual bus already came and went, this next one would take forever to arrive.

Before you can check the timesheet to see when the next bus is coming, though, you hear the familiar sound of screeching tires and doors opening. You hurriedly put your phone into your pocket and get your bus fare card from your wallet before stepping on. You say a quick "thank you" to the bus driver after your fare is verified, and turn to look for a seat.

Well, that's a bit awkward.

The entire cart is filled with who you assume are college students, some of whom are already standing and holding onto the upper handles, and you can't see any open seats from where you're standing.

So much for relaxing during the ride.

Sighing, you step a bit further in and out of the center walkway to grab hold onto one of the handles, but before you can do that, you hear your name called out from the back of the bus. You ignore it the first time, thinking it's someone saying something else, but when you hear it the second time, you crane your neck to where the voice is coming from.

Just barely, you can see Levi motioning for you to come towards him. You let a small smile find its way onto your face and rush past the other people on the cart to get to him, apologizing as you pass them. You see him take his backpack from off the seat next to him and put it onto his lap, and he looks at you expectantly.

"Did you save a seat for me?" You ask, pointing at the space next to him. He nods.

If you weren't so exhausted from work, you surely would've burst into flames.

For now, though, you can just tiredly smile in response. Before you can sit, however, the bus starts moving again, and you're taken off balance. "Woah!"

Thankfully, you already had your back turned towards the seat so you didn't bump into anyone, but you stiffen up to brace for the impact of abruptly sitting. You expect to feel a hit to your head when it's meant to inevitably hit the glass behind you, but you're surprised to feel Levi's hand instead.

At the contact, your ears start to heat up. You say your thanks, subconsciously tucking a strand of hair behind your ear before putting your briefcase onto your lap. He takes his hand away from the window just as quickly, only nodding in response to your gratitude, and you fish your phone out of your pocket to make yourself busy, too shy to look at him next to you.

Your shoulders are forced to touch, given the fact that there's definitely way too many people on the bus in the first place, and even with your lack of energy, you can feel the heat coming off of his body. The bus stops more frequently than normal, probably due to traffic, so you end up getting pushed closer every time that happens.

You try your best to ignore it, but the red on your face comes back like it does every time. You get a text from Hange before you can dwell on that, so you silently thank them before clicking on the notification.

Hange - 3:21 PM

Heyyy still coming?

You - 3:21 PM

you didn't really give me a choice but yes

Hange 3:22 PM

Awesome!!!! Can you pick up something from the store on Rose? I forgot to get eggs and butter

You - 3:22 PM

i can just bring some from my place but sure

Hange 3:22 PM

Nope, no need for your fancy ingredients I do need a lot of eggs tho!! Get the 60 pack

You - 3:23 PM

what do you need 60 eggs for?

Hange 3:25 PM

You will find out in time Bring Levi with you to the store too ;)

You look over at the man next to you, wondering if you should bring him along with you; if you remember correctly, the store Hange's talking about is at the same stop Levi gets off at. He seems pretty concentrated on whatever he's doing on his phone, but if Hange said to bring him with you, maybe he's coming over to their place too? He apparently senses your eyes on him because he looks back at you, a neutral expression on his face.

You choose to not say anything to save yourself the embarrassment of stumbling over your words and instead look down and move your phone towards him so he can see what Hange just messaged you.

You're grateful that he gets the cue right away and reads the texts on your phone, and you can just barely hear him hum over the noises of other passengers talking amongst themselves. You see his hand stretched out slightly, almost as if to grab onto your phone, so you hand it to him thinking he's going to get a closer look at the screen. You don't want to look as he does, scared of his reaction if he thinks anything serious about the winky face Hange sent you, but he hands the device to you after a few moments and looks back at his own.

You see that he's opened up a new contact for himself, with what you assume to be his number at the top of the screen. The realization that, yes, the most handsome man you've ever laid eyes on gave you his number, makes your brain short circuit for a second before you realize that he's probably wanting you to text him.

Calm down, he probably only gave it to you out of convenience. You quickly add him as "Levi" and shoot him a message, trying to swat away any bubbling thoughts about him.

You - 3:28 PM

hi

You see him start to type from the corner of your eye.

Levi - 3:28 PM

Hello I don't think I'd be able to hear you over the people around us

You - 3:28 PM

me neither

Your heart relaxes a bit, now with the knowledge that he really did only give you his number to avoid having to talk over everyone else.

You - 3:29 PM

do you know why there's so many people on the bus today? it's normally never this crowded

Levi - 3:27 PM

There's a concert across town Did you want me to come with you to the store?

You lean back a bit into your seat, the hand keeping your briefcase in your lap holding on just a bit tighter. You take a look over at him before answering.

You - 3:28 PM

you don't have to

Levi - 3:28 PM

I have to go to Hange's too, so might as well

You - 3:29 PM

i wouldn't mind the company then

When the three dots don't appear after you hit send, you figure that conversation's over.

You try your best to not make too much contact with Levi, but the bus has remained as turbulent as it did when you first got on, so that's not really possible. You decide that leaning forward and resting on your arms atop your briefcase is the best thing you can do to both hide your face and get some much-needed rest. It also helps that now, your shoulders aren't touching Levi's anymore.

After some amount of time, your breathing evens itself out, your face cools, and you're able to relax yourself a bit. Your shoulders loosen up, no longer as tense from anxiety over work. The bus stops periodically with more and more people getting on, until eventually practically all of them get off at the final stop in the downtown area. The person on your other side has gotten up to leave, too, so you stretch your arms above your head and yawn, thankful for the space.

Even though the seat next to you is empty, though, you can't really bring yourself to move away further from Levi. If you need to, you can deal with the nervousness and jitters after your day is over and you're alone in your apartment to scream to your heart's content.

Now that the bus has made it out of downtown, it's been moving much more quickly on its route. There's no longer as many other people on the bus, so you can see the scenery from the window across from you much more clearly. You usually sat at the other side, opposite of where you and Levi are currently, so you've never been able to really see what the terrain on that side of the road looks like. It's not all that different, really. It's the same buildings, more or less, the same highway, the same turns, but you still feel a bit lost staring at everything.

You hear Levi start to shuffle around, getting ready to stand, so you do the same and prepare to get off. The two of you exit, with you saying "thank you" to the driver before you're out the door, and you're off to go and have a fun little grocery store adventure. Or, more likely, you'd be walking around together silently, but that's fun in its own right.

"Just the butter and eggs, right?" He asks, looking over at you. You nod, and he starts guiding you in the direction of the grocery store. Even though you feel like you're walking pretty sluggishly, he doesn't make any issue of it and matches your pace.

You end up in front of the store relatively quickly, it not being too far from the bus stop at all. You wait by the automatic doors as Levi goes over to get a cart, which you're confused about until you see him put his backpack in it to avoid carrying it around. You sheepishly sneak your briefcase in too once he's close enough, grateful that he thought to take a cart.

You don't really get the chance to come here often, so you don't quite have a good grasp of where everything is, but thankfully Levi seems to and zooms by quickly to get what Hange needs. Neither of you make any effort to talk, but you do feel a bit awkward with the silence. When the two of you reach the self-checkout area, you decide to try and fill it.

"Do you know what Hange has planned for us at their place?" You ask. He glances over at you and shakes his head.

"Not really, they just said it'd be us and Erwin. Moblit and Mike are busy."

You nod awkwardly, not really sure how to keep any conversation going. The mention of Erwin being there unnerves you slightly. You've been fighting off the urge to ask him why you've been getting so much more work than usual, and being so tired at work made it significantly easier than it would otherwise. You know you won't bring anything up at Hange's, but you can't help but feel a tiny bit of betrayal that someone you're apparently closer with now has been consistently dumping you with excessive work.

You hand Levi the eggs and the box of butter, which he scans both of. You go to your pocket to get your wallet, but as you're taking out your card to pay, you look over to see Levi doing the same. Before he can say anything, you speak up.

"Hange asked me to get it, so I'm paying."

He hesitates at that but puts his wallet away. "Fair enough."

You tap your card, press a few buttons to verify your payment, and grab your receipt once that's all sorted out. You figure you can just carry the eggs and butter on you, so you put them back into the cart before wheeling out with Levi next to you.

"Do you know when the next bus comes?' You ask.

"I park here in the mornings before taking the bus, so you can come with me," he replies. "Let me take the cart."

"How do I know you aren't going to kidnap me?"

He looks over at you, completely deadpan. "And what am I going to do? Force you to draft a prenup for me?"

You laugh at that, looking away in embarrassment. "Yeah, sure."

You let go of the handle, letting him guide it now, and he directs you both to a sleek black car parked in front of a floral shop adjacent to the grocery store: Magnolia Floral Company. Your eyes linger a bit at the small shop—it's quite cute, with very classic windows and flowers decorating the front display shelves. Ironically, none of them seem to be magnolias. Checking your time, you see that it's 4:19 PM. Surely, there's enough time before you have to meet at Hange's, and it couldn't hurt to take a small peek before leaving.

"Could I take a look inside?" You ask, pointing over to the shop.

You can hear him reach into his pocket for his keys, the beep from unlocking his car, and you see him open the trunk to put away the eggs and butter. He puts his backpack in too, and hands you your briefcase before starting to head towards somewhere he can return the cart.

"Sure."

You smile over at him before quickly making your way inside the small shop, hearing a small jingle from the bell attached to the door.

"Hi! Welcome!" A girl from behind the counter near the back of the store greets you. She looks a decent bit younger than you—maybe 21, 22—but she seems to be the only one working. She's quite cute, with pigtails and what looks like overalls on. She reminds you a bit of your younger brother. You smile and wave at her in return.

"Hello."

"Let me know if you need anything!" She beams, grinning at you.

"I will, thank you." You nod at her, then turning to look around. You don't really know that much about flowers, aside from the basics like roses and such, but they're still nice to look at every now and again. Walking around, you see that all the floral arrangements look very well-thought-out, with the colors matching and the shapes in them contrasting just the right amount. You crouch down every so often to take a closer look at the ones in colors you especially liked, and everything is just so pretty you can't help but smile a bit. The smell is a bit overwhelming, but that's to be expected with so many different flowers in one place.

You hear another jingle from the bell at the door, and you see Levi come in. Before you can signal him to where you are, though, the girl from the counter speaks up.

"Hey, Levi!" She greets, frantically waving her arms at him. He stays at the front of the shop, but nods in her direction. He finds you quickly enough, tilting his head towards the door.

"Ready to leave?" He asks.

You nod, scurrying over to where he is before smiling and waving "goodbye" to the girl at the counter.

"It was nice meeting you! Come again soon!" She shouts after you.

You and Levi wordlessly get into his car, and you put on your seatbelt before resting your briefcase on your lap.

"Who was that, if you don't mind me asking?"

He starts the car and puts his arm on the back of your seat, reversing out of the parking space. "Isabel's a childhood friend of mine."

You hum in acknowledgement and take the receipt out of your pocket to fiddle with. "She's nice. Maybe I'll come back to get something for my intern's birthday next month."

You spend the rest of the ride in silence, but by the time you reach Hange's apartment, you've made 3 stars from the receipt. You hold them out to Levi, whose hand is on the gear change, and he takes them, silently reaching over you to put them in his glovebox.

You carry the butter and your briefcase while Levi carries the eggs, and you both bump into Hange at the front of their apartment unit.

"Fancy seeing you here!" They jest.

Levi groans. "Can it, Four Eyes."

Laughing, they thrust their keys into your hand. Well, more like their keys were looped on their pinky finger while they carried a huge box, and they awkwardly shimmied their upper body to bring attention to their keys. "Please! My arms are killing me!" They beg. You laugh at them, teasingly "missing" the keyhole to prolong their suffering. You do eventually open the door, and Hange breathes a huge sigh of relief once they're inside and can put the box down next to the door. "Thank you!"

"So, what exactly did you need all these eggs for?" You ask Hange, holding open the door for Levi to come in with his arms full.

"Just wait!" They say, taking the butter and eggs from you and Levi to put on their counter. "Erwin is on his way!"

Almost as if on cue, Erwin walks straight in, your arm still keeping the door open. "I heard my name?" He nods in thanks to you, and you give him a tight-lipped smile in return.

Not now. Maybe on Monday, you can ask him.

Hange claps their hands together. "Perfect! Now we're all here!"

They motion you all over to the kitchen area, where they start setting up a bunch of miscellaneous ingredients. Flour, salt, baking soda—any general baking item you could think of was now on their counter.

"Are you finally going to tell us why the fuck you needed us to buy 60 eggs?" Levi quips. They shush him, continuing to put random bowls and such out, before standing in a power pose in front of you.

"Well, since Astraea's offered to teach me to make random desserts before, I thought I'd return the favor! And I think you've all ordered egg tarts before at some point or another, so I'm gonna teach all of you how to make them!" They declare. "Also, I have a company potluck to attend tomorrow, and I thought it'd be fun for us to make these all together!"

You, Erwin, and Levi all look at one another, then at Hange.

"Do you know how to make an egg tart yourself, Hange?" Erwin asks.

"Nope!"

"Do tell, Four Eyes, how we're supposed to learn from you then?"

"I watched a YouTube video at work on Tuesday! I'm sure I got this figured out!"

✰

Hange very much did not have it figured out.

You, Levi, and Erwin followed along as well as you could with Hange, who very much does not know what they're doing. You're earnestly surprised that any of you three agreed to go through with this, but the need to distract from work is stronger than any sort of embarrassment you could possibly feel from messing this up. That and the fact you already knew how to make egg tarts, so you only followed along when they gave a correct instruction. After about an hour of intense bickering between Hange and any one of the rest of you three, you decided to gently push for Hange to let you teach the steps instead. They surprisingly didn't put up any fight and happily took a seat next to Erwin.

You tried your best to pick up off where Hange left off in their... for lack of a better word, "teaching," and the tarts didn't end up all that bad. You got them into the oven and baked well enough, and even though they were mostly misshapen because Erwin, Hange, and Levi aren't all that experienced in baking, they end up being fine to eat. Levi forced Erwin and Hange to clean the kitchen, save for the small area you needed to keep making tarts to have enough for Hange to actually take with them to their party.

Erwin insists that he doesn't need any to take home, but Hange still shoves a decently large tupperware container into his hands and pushes him out the door before he can refuse the gesture.

"Take some for Furlan and Isabel! I'm out of tupperware, so Astraea can wrap them up for you!" Hange says, now pushing you and Levi out the door, him holding a tray of tarts you and him made and you holding your briefcase.

You and Levi both look at each other before you start walking towards your apartment, Levi then following behind you. You reach into your pocket to get your keys and unlock your door. You step in and take off your shoes, and Levi does the same, closing the door behind him. You walk over to your general kitchen space, pulling out a chair at the dining table for Levi to sit at while he waits for you to wrap up his tarts.

"Sorry I was a bit quiet earlier," you say, reaching for the cellophane and tags from one of your drawers. "It was probably awkward."

He hums. "It's okay. Figured you had a rough week."

"What made you think that?" You start digging through another drawer to find some star tags.

"Erwin complained about some management issue at your firm on Monday during lunch."

God, you hope that it's just a one-off mistake, because you cannot keep doing this.

You move the tray over to where your wrapping things are, and you wrap Levi's half without the star tags and your own with them. You neatly place them all into a plastic bag, and afterwards go over to Levi to give them to him.

"Here you are."

Looking between you and the tarts, he hesitates. "Aren't these the ones you made too?"

You bring your hand up to nervously rub the back of your neck, looking away from him. "If they're for your friends, might as well gift them the nice ones too," you start. Realizing your mistake, your ears heat up in embarrassment. "Not that yours weren't nice!"

You aren't looking at him, but if you were to guess, his mouth is in a sort of half-smile as he lets out what you assume to be a laugh.

"Thank you."

Just like on Monday, the two of you don't bother saying "goodbye" to each other, only exchanging nods as you open the door for him to go. Before he's completely out the door, though, you tap his shoulder to get his attention.

"Yeah?"

You can't really bring yourself to look at him, so instead you keep your eyes on your hand that's keeping the door open.

"Thanks for saving me a seat today. On the bus, I mean. I probably would've lost it if I had to stand."

He clears his throat before replying. "Don't worry about it."

"Good morning!" Isabel greets, waving at him from the dining table her and Furlan are already seated at. Before he sits, Levi grabs a plastic bag from the fridge and takes two of the many bagged-up egg tarts out from it to place on the table. The ones there are tied up with an iridescent twist tie looped through a small star tag.

✰

"Good morning," he grumbles.

"These are so cute! Where'd you get them?" Isabel asks, eyes sparkling as she looks at the treat in front of her. Levi doesn't answer her question, instead going over to the kettle to start brewing a pot of dandelion root tea.

"Doesn't matter. Just try them."

Isabel and Furlan look to each other, but shrug and open up the cellophane. Furlan's the first to take a bite, but once he does, his eyes light up. He hums into the treat, melting into his seat. Isabel does too and has near the same reaction.

"Levi! Where'd you get this? It's so good," says Furlan, dreamily closing his eyes. Isabel gets up from the table to the fridge to get another one, but Levi swats her away.

"You eat too much sugar. I'm only giving you one," he says. She groans, dragging her hands down on her face.

"Why do you have so many of them then?!"

He rolls his eyes before replying. "Don't worry about it."

✰

Next Chapter

[stellar-smth]

Beyond Emerald Shallows

Ch 8/21 wc 36k pirate Levi x Erwin

~ Summary: There is something fascinating, almost alluring, about the stories and myths of Levi Ackerman, Captain of The Lady Kuchel. Feared as a ruthless pirate, he raids, plunders and kills under crimson sails that are said to be dyed by the blood of his victims. The rumours are fuelled by a constant lack of survivors and methods that appear uncommon and unpredictable.

It is not gold or glory he is after—but what else could it be?

Unbeknownst to Erwin, he is just about to find out as he stumbles into an adventure the extent of which he is unaware. To make matters worse, he has his own secrets lurking in the dark that will eventually collide with both men’s lives.

~ Tags: Rated E, 17th-century pirate AU, PotC vibes, Action, Adventure, Blood, Violence, Slow Burn, etc...

Check it out on AO3!!

Dictionary

Chapter 1: Shore Excursion

Chapter 2: Cleaning Standards

Chapter 3: Headwinds

Chapter 4: Featherlight Touches

Chapter 5: Crosstrees

Chapter 6: No Survivors

Chapter 7: Allure of the Stars

Chapter 8: Farewell ~ NEW ~