#Levi | Ex-soldier

[bittersyllabub]

Most likely all will be written at some point but for now in the main story, dear readers, what excites you? Curious to your thoughts?  ( ु⁎ᴗ_ᴗ⁎)ु.｡oO

[mr-president]

manic pixie dream girl x the ex-soldier boy she was written to save

[catboycruncher]

Fear&Hunger Acrylic charms interest check

[bittersyllabub]

Ahhh my favorite part is his bigs round ears !

LITTLE LEVIATHAN...! I HAVE A FAVORITE IF IT ISN'T OBVIOUS

[jeankirsteinsgirl]

The AOT Guys on Your Period

a/n: I'm on my period rn and its so awful and just wanted to imagine what the aot guys would be like when reader is on their period <33

CW: fem reader, pure fluff, periods (duh), slight mention of blood

Jean:

Literally the sweetest

totally watched a bunch of youtube videos and listened to podcasts about the "female experience" so he can try to understand what you're going through

"I'm right here baby, I'll lay with you as long as you want" then proceeding to let you be the little spoon all night long

gives you the best back rubs when you're cramping to soothe your muscles

Puts on your favorite movie to distract you

Lets you cuddle into him while watching said movie and strokes your hair the entire time

just the most gentle ever.

soft delicate touches, he's scared of accidentally hurting you when you're on your period

Would stop by the store after work to get you flowers and chocolate becuase he knows it's a rough time for you.

Your favorite kind of flowers of course (he knows all of your favorite things bc he's so thoughtful)

Constantly compliments you because he knows you feel disgusting

"No baby I mean it, you're so beautiful like this"

"There's no better feeling than having you lay on my chest"

"I can't believe I have the most beautiful girl in the entire world"

His big strong hands rubbing little circles on your belly omg

Would run you a hot bath for your cramps (see soft jean for more ;)

bought you one of those stuffed animals that you heat up for cramps and was so excited to give it to you.

Literally smiling like a 5-year-old when he told you he had a surprise for you and got so excited when you like his present.

only calls you babe and baby because he doesn't wanna accidentally hurt your feelings by calling you by your name

looks like a big teddy bear, is a big teddy bear

snuggles all the time

always worried about you

would definitely be one of those guys with an "i love my hot girlfriend shirt"

Eren:

Likes to joke about you being on your period when you're off of it but is always super considerate when you're on it

"Ts okay babe I'm right here" while he kisses your forehead to make you feel better.

Drapes a blanket around you on the couch to make sure you're comfortable

brings you food from your favorite restaurant to make you feel better

knows what you order of course, he pays attention

Frowns and acts all tough when you call him a cutie pie

"I am not. I'm just being a good boyfriend- I'm tough okay"

sure

You have ex fuckboy Eren totally wrapped around your finger

He's literally at your beck and call, not because you asked him to be but because he's so in love with you that he just wants to do all the sweet cheesy things with you

Would never admit all the cute things he does for you in front of his friends

Used to be a firm believer that getting kicked in the balls hurt more than period cramps until he met you and you changed his ways

lets you hold his hand and squeeze it when you're in pain

If you get nauseous he stays up with you all night, telling you little stories to distract you

Reluctantly holds your hair back when you throw up

Gives you his clothes to sleep in because they're looser and more comfy.

Adores seeing you walk around in his t-shirts and pajama pants becuase they're so big and it's so cute

the next time he wears them they smell like you

Would offer to rub your back but can't do it without getting horny so he doesn't :(

"Hey a real soldier isn't afraid to get blood on his sword that's all im saying..."

Levi:

Just like Eren in the way that he acts super tough most of the time, even more than Eren.

Rarely calls you cute names like "baby, honey, sweetheart" but totally does when you're on your period

The fact that it's so rare for him to do this makes it even more special when he does

Makes you blush every time

Would hold your hand as often as possible, rubbing little circles into it with his thumb

Not a fan of PDA but would hold your hand in public and let you kiss him on the cheek

If you're feeling especially emotional that day he'd put his arm around you and rub little circles into your shoulder with his slender fingers

Shows his affection in the most subtle ways

Would go grocery shopping bc you were out of food and come back with a stuffed animal he thought you might like from the store

"Yeah whatever, 'ts not a big deal just thought you might think it's cute"

You would wrap him in a bear hug and he would secretly blush, determined to maintain his "tough guy" exterior

Would'nt pick up food for you but would cook for you instead

Your favorite food of course

Doesn't get horny easily like a teenage boy so he could give you a massage whenever you wanted wherever you wanted

would offer to get things for you so you don't have to leave bed

Loves being the big spoon and would be wrapped around you all night

Like I said earlier, when you're on your period he tries to subtly be more sweet (he thinks you don't notice)

speaks so much more softly to you when you're on your period

is just more gentle in general

you're so needy for him both emotionally and physically and you'd want to be wrapped around him all week

and he'd let you

Armin:

Ik I said Jean's the sweetest but I changed my mind its Armin

THE CUTEST EVER

super smart so never had the misconception that periods were a walk in the park

knows all about hormonal cycles and how things would affect you differently

"I got you some dark chocolate, it's really good for soothing the cramps because of the high concentration of magnesium which eases the uterine lining so-"

"Thank you Armin" is all you'd say and giggle at the research he put into helping you

Constantly touching you, not in a sexual way but in a romantic, protective way

Holding your hand, arm around your shoulders, forehead kisses, cheek kisses, his hand on your knee when you're sitting down.

Constantly checking in on you making sure you're okay

always asking you to tell him how you're feeling and what specifically was wrong, kind of annoying but very endearing.

Would sit with you and watch whatever you wanted all day as long as it made you happy.

Would bring you whatever you want. Coffee? picked up. Blanket? on your lap. Heating pad? Plugged in. Takeout? Ordered already.

Genuinely the most thoughtful boyfriend

does everything you want before you even have to ask him it's like he reads your mind

Lets you lay on his chest and fall asleep, not moving until you wake up on your own even if his arm is asleep

Whispers sweet nothings in your ear when he thinks you're asleep but sometimes you hear them

"You're the most beautiful girl in the world, I'm so lucky to have someone like you"

"Watching you sleep takes my breath away every time"

CEO of cheesy love-sick boyfriend

Reiner:

Acts like Levi on the outside is actually Armin on the inside

Always so worried about you all the time, ESPECIALLY on your period

hates seeing you in pain so does whatever he can to make it better

constantly reminding you to take advil

one of those boyfriends who thinks drinking water will make it better "Just try it babe it can't hurt. It works, I saw it on TikTok"

Totally captivated by you

actually thinks you're really pretty on your period bc he loves seeing your natural beauty

picks you up to carry you to bed so you don't have to walk

Gets you flowers as often as he can to remind you how much he loves you

clueless about periods but very enthusiastic!

"I was talking to Armin and he said vitamin C was good so I got you a bunch of oranges from the store!"

thanks babe...?

Always calls you babe or baby, sometimes princess

you're mainly princess on your period, he wants to make sure you feel special

adores cuddling it's like his favorite thing ever and is so excited when you want to cuddle more because you're on your period

loves feeling how small you are against him and smelling your hair as you're curled into his chest

so possessive

would buy you things constantly

his love language is definitely gift-giving and physical touch

smothers you with hug all. the. time.

not opposed to period sex

would share a hot shower with you to ease your cramps

he'd wash your body for you and kiss the top of your head and your shoulders

would kiss every inch of your body to make you feel beautiful

the most protective boyfriend in the aot universe I said what I said

looks like a big scary grizzly bear on the outside but is a teddy bear on the inside just for you

[onigiri-dorkk]

My other fixation has been Final Fantasy (both 7 and 16!), and today FF7 Ever Crisis just released video of young Angeal, who looks so much like Levi -- so I ran to make an edit of Levi as a Shinra SOLDIER... Ex-SOLDIER. Hehe

I adooooored making this. I have always always always wanted to see Levi in FF7 graphics and Angeal was the literal perfect canvas to bring that to life at long last! (I know we got the graphics from the AOT ride? and I loved that, but my love for FF7 still made me crave this)

Enjoy!

Here is my reference image, as well as other shots of Angeal that brought this excitement <3

And bonus is this FF7 x AOT Rivamika crossover art I did so long ago!! I really manifested young Angeal’s design!!

[shinjisdone]

apologies

A small Yandere! Levi x reader fic inspired by @yanderes-galore 's fic!

You believed it better to be alone - now that you've seen the glint in his eyes whenever he steadies the gun. But at least you thought yourself special enough not to be aimed by it.

character: Levi Jořdán from Fear and Hunger 2: Termina TW: yandere behavior, guns, angst, Levi shoots your legs, assault, violence, blood, physical restriction, hinting at un-al*ving oneself, nonconsensual and forced kisses, hypocrisy, typical fear and hunger angst

Your breath got caught in your throat and was let out as a sharp gasp as you slipped on your own blood. The handle was so close to you, slipped off your fingers and your shoulder banged against the door. It barely budged and you wondered if he had locked it beforehand.

Again, your hand reached for the handle, nails scratching against the wood, the sharp lock of his pistol ringing through. You heard a clang as your narrowed eyes focused on the exit, then a shift of clothes as Levi put the weapon back into its place. "I'm sorry," Somehow you heard him clear despite your throbbing head. His footsteps grew closer but you felt too afraid to look his way. Your gasp quickly turned into a shriek of pain, having you snap your eyes towards your legs, leaving you know choice, but to look at him and how he grabbed your calve. Levi looked anything but sorry.

"It had to be - I mean, I couldn't just let you leave, not outside." Now on his knees, he scooted closer, his green overall soaking with blood but he barely paid attention to that. His dark eyes stared at your sweat-drenched face. "It's the middle of the night, it's gotten so late...you are safer here, you know you are." Once more you sucked in a deep breath as his other cold hand grabbed a hold of your bleeding limb - with a grunt, you took all the strength that remained and kicked your foot against his stomach - momentarily he stopped and wheezed - before reaching for your leg yet his hold slipped once and twice from his and your bloodied self. Hands pressed hard into the skin, nails digging deep into the flesh. Levi only apologized once more at your cries. You kept on squirming, kicking like a helpless child.

A last cry, so loud Levi feared the monsters and the others heard, left your tight throat burning at his harsh pull. With a swift movement, he crossed your legs and sat his weight on them. "I'm sorry. I really am." Dry and shaking lips parted as he forced himself to take a deep breath. As stiffling as the air in this shack was, it was the only comfort he could find in this unwanted situation, since you refused to offer it. Still, as he opened his eyes he gazed at you with nothing but pity and affection. "But I can't let you leave."

You talked about the dangers. The macabre parasites and monstrosities lurking outside, inside, wherever you stepped foot into this messed up place. You saw the pain in Levi's eyes as he witnessed his hometown and it made you pity him. Perhaps you shouldn't have, then you might not be here lying in your blood.

Now he kept you away from the others from the train as if they were just as brutish. People he was so skittish around.

Only when the mere mention of you fearing the voices and what they might make you do to him made the guy raise his weapon, did you start to doubt him. So naive that you were that an ex-soldier could have any string of sanity left.

Your heart felt heavy and even more so as he scooted closer and put his weight on your chest. His muddied and cold hands cupped your face when you began to tear up. "Please," Levi shook his head with begging eyes, "Stay here. It's better this way."

"And once we turn?" Finally you managed to croak out through tears and snot, "What if that trickster man is right?" Once again Levi shook his head and cooed, wiping your tears. You sobbed louder, from the fear and pain. "...It'll be alright," He lied with a shaking voice and drew his face closer. "No one can get us here, not the monsters and not the others. A-And if we do turn, well...we still got my gun."

Biting your tongue, you sobbed and swallowed your snot. Despite the stickiness and the blood, he seemed unbothered by it as he wiped it away, smiling faintly. Not being able bear to look at it anymore, you stared into his darting eyes with a silent plea that there still was hope - hope for him to snap out of whatever frenzy he was going through or hoping that this was another dream by this so called moon god. Levi stared back with the same intensity. Each second felt like being burnt alive and you were just praying to wake up. Slowly, you could feel his breath fawning over your face, his palms still cupping them firmly. His gaze stayed burning, fervent, as it lowered more and in fear you squeezed your eyes shut. Levi did the same, softly, as he pressed his lips against yours. They were dry and timid, barely moving an inch yet when he felt no resistance, he pressed harder.

The kiss was broken slowly and coldly but Levi wanted to remain close. His breath hit your face as he kept on staring. "Sorry," He whispered, "I just really like you." He let his fingers crawl to your temple, clasping your face more firmly, a dry chuckle escaping him. "You've gotta understand, we wouldn't stand a chance. The other's won't either." Levi's chuckle broke into a crooked grin as he sniffled. "The bullets I got left couldn't fully take your legs off so how could we stand a chance at this festival?" He only shook his head but his smile widened. "Only a bit of time left...can't we spend it together? I like you, I'd rather spend my last moments with you."

Levi ignored your sobs as he leaned his lips down to yours again and again and again.

[cosmicjoke]

How "Attack on Titan" Advocates Through Levi and Jean the Superiority of Remaining Human over Becoming a Monster:

There’s an idea presented early on in “Attack on Titan”, which revolves around the concept of needing to become a monster in order to defeat monsters.

At its earliest suggestion, we hear it from Armin, and it’s obvious what it means within the context of fighting titans. Titans are, after all, literal, giant monsters that go around eating people.

But of course, later on, this idea becomes much more complex, what it means becoming more vague and abstract, just like “AoT” itself.

We again hear Armin speak about it with Jean, and also Levi speaking about it during his monologue to the 104th, during the Uprising Arc.

But what I think people tend to misinterpret and misunderstand about “AoT” is that the story very clearly advocates against this idea, and instead promotes the opposite, which is the idea of maintaining our humanity in the face of a cruel and merciless world.

And I think the two characters that it demonstrates this most powerfully through are Levi and Jean. That also makes sense to me, as Levi is the character that perhaps has the largest impact and influence on Jean and his development.

Delving first into Levi and how he demonstrates and, ultimately, I think, proves how “AoT” wants its audience to understand that it’s better to retain our humanity than to become a monster, it’s necessary to talk about Levi and Erwin.

Levi admires Erwin and, indeed, thinks of Erwin as a superior human being to himself. I think, initially, Levi even seeks to emulate him.

The reason Levi admires Erwin and considers him superior to himself, the reason he trusts so much in Erwin and his vision, is because Erwin is able to remain detached from all sentiment in the performance of his duty. He’s able to remain hard-hearted, to make cold and calculating choices and decisions, divorced from any, personal feeling. This is a quality of Erwin’s that Levi both admires, but important to note, is also repulsed by. We see Levi remark several times throughout the story about Erwin’s “creepiness”. He seems often unsettled by Erwin’s lack of emotion and we also see Levi express disgust and ambivalence over several of Erwin’s plans which generally involve sacrificing human lives in order to succeed.

The reason Levi ultimately admires this quality in Erwin, though, and why he believes it makes Erwin superior to himself, is because he believes that ruthlessness in Erwin is built upon a foundation of altruism.

He believes Erwin’s intentions are pure and selfless, and that Erwin himself is a good man.  That he only behaves coldly because he genuinely cares about people and prioritizes them above all else, and that a certain level of detachment is necessary to succeed in his goal of bettering their lives.  Levi himself thinks that Erwin’s ruthlessness, his ability to remain detached and unpersuaded by personal feelings, is a necessary quality, excusable because Erwin utilizes it in order to achieve a better world, by securing humanity’s victory over the titans. 

This is an important distinction to understand, that Levi sees Erwin as a good and compassionate man, but one who is able to detach himself from emotion when a particular circumstance calls for it. So we know that Levi doesn’t view compassion as a weakness. He wouldn’t trust in Erwin if he thought he was a heartless man.

He sees Erwin as superior to himself because Erwin doesn’t struggle in the same way as he does to remove his personal feelings from his choices

And we see this struggle, and ultimately, this inability in Levi to detach himself from feeling, from compassion, and to let that compassion influence his choices, again and again and again, from beginning to end of the story.

He comes across at first as a cold and efficient soldier, able to cut down titans with greater precision and ease than anyone else. His demeanor seems to speak to a cold, unfeeling personality, his lack of expression adding to the effect.

But then, to fly directly in the face of his initial appearance as a cold and efficient killing machine, he turns around and shows exceptional compassion and kindness and a deep ability to empathize with others, tragic even in how affected he is by their pain and suffering.

We see this seeming contrast in Levi’s very first appearance in canon, when we first meet him cutting down titans and remarking upon how ugly they are, expressing disgust when he gets their blood on his hands.

But the very next thing we see Levi do is comfort a dying soldier, grasping his blood-soaked hand without hesitation and listening to his dying words, promising the man that he won’t let his death go in vain. Promising that he’ll use his sacrifice to fuel his own strength and determination to rid the world of titans. We then see Levi ask Petra, in an almost childlike way, if she thinks the soldier heard his vow before passing away, seeking Petra’s reassurance that he was able to bring the man some comfort before his death.

So, it’s shown to us immediately what kind of person Levi actually is.

Levi is all heart, unable and unwilling to abandon compassion toward others, even in the face of a cruel and merciless world.

Again and again we see this, and we see Levi’s attempts to emulate Erwin and his ruthlessness failing as a result.

For example, during the Female Titan Arc, when Dieter begs to be able to go back to retrieve his friend’s corpse, and Erwin and Levi tell him he can’t, and begin to walk away, despite Deiter’s anguished protests. Dieter accuses them both of being heartless, and then decides to strike out on his own to retrieve Ivan’s body, in the process leading a group of titans to the retreating Survey Corps, endangering their lives.

Despite Levi appearing earlier to be deaf to Deiter’s despair, and despite Dieter’s reckless actions endangering the whole group, causing them to have to abandon the bodies they were able to recover, including those of Levi’s squad, and despite his own unkindness toward Levi in accusing him of being heartless, rather than scolding Deiter or showing any sort of anger toward him, Levi instead gives Petra’s badge to him and tells him it belonged to Ivan. We see through this that, despite before walking away with Erwin from Deiter’s emotional breakdown, again, attempting to emulate Erwin’s professional detachment from the situation, Levi was never actually closed off or deaf to Diether’s pain; that he was in fact deeply affected by it, and he’s ultimately unable to keep himself from trying to comfort Dieter by giving away his own memento by which to remember Petra and saying it belonged to Deiter’s friend.

Again, we see Levi’s great humanity in these moments, which is directly at odds with the idea presented, of having to become a monster in order to defeat monsters.

Levi views his own sentimentality as a hinderance to his ability to perform his duty and be a good soldier. Again, it’s why he both admires Erwin, but is also, at times, repulsed by him. Because he views Erwin’s ability to detach himself and not give into emotion as a necessary and positive quality in a leader, while at the same time, such detachment and lack of emotion rankles against Levi’s own nature. It feels wrong to him, to ignore another person’s suffering, and he’s unable himself to do so.

There are numerous other examples of Levi being unable to detach himself or remain emotionless throughout the story, but for now let’s move on.

We see again Levi’s attempts to be more like Erwin during the Uprising Arc, which I think he expresses most openly during his monologue to the 104th. He talks about being willing to take on the role of a “lunatic who kills people”, as long as it means nobody else ever has to take on that role themselves. Now this is important, because we see expressed here a foreshadowing of Levi’s decision during the RtS Arc, of letting Erwin rest, of his unwillingness to let Erwin become a monster for their sakes.

Levi wants to be more like Erwin because he wants to keep others from having to become monsters. He wants to help others preserve their humanity.

Levi grew up in an environment which forced him to do bad things in order to survive. He had to learn to kill and steal and be violent just to make it from day to day, and yet, that’s what makes it all the more remarkable, and what serves as a true testament to Levi’s compassionate nature, that instead of becoming bitter and vengeful and wanting to give the world back the same cruelty and unkindness he was forced to endure, he wants rather to prevent it and shield others from the same sort of experiences and from having to resort to the same extremes he did in order to keep living. He wants to be able to promote kindness and compassion, rather than violence and cruelty.

Again, he thinks at this point in the story the only way to achieve that is by taking on the role of monster himself and, again, being more like Erwin, cold and detached. But there’s an inherent contradiction in that belief and in Levi’s own goals. The very reason Levi is so determined to prevent others from having to become monsters and engage in violence themselves is because of his own compassion and kindness. He doesn’t want to see other people suffer. He isn’t okay with other people suffering. And he isn’t okay with inflicting suffering on others. It’s that very fact about himself that Levi doesn’t quite realize makes him a superior person.

We see this demonstrated in the aftermath of Levi’s and Hange’s torture of Sannes. Levi is visibly disturbed and upset at the orders he’s just had to carry out. We know this because we see how it’s discombobulated Levi’s normally very sharp awareness. He forgets entirely the reason they were torturing Sannes to begin with, which was to extract from him the information about who the true heir to the throne was, that being Historia. We know he forgets, because he forgets to inform Historia herself of the information they’ve gathered, and then when he does remember to tell her, and she initially refuses to even consider taking the throne, he lashes out in frustration and anger at her selfishness. Levi loses himself in this moment to his own discomfort, preoccupied as he is with the realization that he’s had to cause suffering in another human being.

We see here, again, Levi failing to be like Erwin, failing to remain detached and unaffected by human suffering.

He talks about being a monster, or a lunatic, but just as we’ve seen from the beginning, Levi is truly anything but. He’s a deeply empathetic and kind person who again and again is unable to turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, no matter the cause. As he says, he's willing to "play" the role of a lunatic, but Levi is never able to actually become that. He's never able to do anything but play-act, to pretend at it. And when moments arrive in which he's actually faced with another beings torment, again, the facade of that role drops away, and we're left with who Levi really is, a kind and compassionate man.

And still, Levi thinks Erwin is the superior person, because Erwin’s detachment is in service to the greater good and he can make choices toward that end that Levi himself struggles with.

Only soon Levi, along with the audience, finds out that’s not actually the case.

Erwin’s ability and willingness to remain emotionless, it turns out, was never in service of any such altruistic or selfless goal, but rather in service of Erwin’s own personal and selfish dream.

We find out that as a result of this years long detachment and the secret, personal motivation underlying it, Erwin is in fact ridden with a sense of deep guilt and remorse, but still unable, despite that guilt, to willingly abandon his dream.

Ultimately, he needs Levi to make that decision for him.

Erwin, whom Levi had considered to be a stronger and better man than himself for being able to make the “hard choices”, is too weak morally to do the right thing on his own, even as he very desperately wants to.

And here I think we see the first, clear demonstration of how “AoT” wants its audience to understand that sentimentality and compassion are not, in fact, a weakness, but rather a strength, and that it’s better to retain ones humanity, rather than allowing oneself to become a monster.

We realize that, all this time, it was actually Levi who was the superior one. That you don’t defeat monsters with monstrosity, but with humanity. That being a monster isn’t what makes you strong, but being human. Levi is stronger than Erwin, not in the physical sense, but in the moral sense, and that strength finds its roots in the purity of his heart and intentions. He never betrays what he feels is right, not for anything, and that’s how Levi lives with “no regrets”, as he says. Whatever the outcome of his decisions, Levi is able to have no regrets because he knows in each of those choices, he chose what he genuinely believed to be the correct and just course. Erwin’s ability to make the “hard choices” and remain detached from feeling never made him the embodiment of the Survey Corp’s ideal, rather, it was Levi’s inability to abandon his humanity is that made him the true embodiment of that. Because, after all, what does the SC fight for but humanity itself?

We see Levi’s continued humanity play out when he’s forced to make his decision atop that roof, of whether to give the serum to Erwin or to Armin. He chooses, ultimately, not to give the serum to Erwin because, in alignment with his earlier statement about wanting to prevent others from having to become monsters, he refuses to let Erwin become a monster for them. That encapsulates Levi’s strength. His unwavering resolve to do what he believes is just and right, no matter what.

Erwin was a good man. We see this I think most clearly when he promises the family of Dimo Reeves that his true killer will be brought to justice. He isn’t without feeling or sentiment. But he was in danger of becoming that way, of becoming a “devil” as Floch calls him, and Levi refused to let that happen. He refused to let Erwin’s humanity be sacrificed for a cause. And, again, it’s because of Levi’s own, great humanity that he refused it. He couldn’t condemn a fellow human being to further suffering, or to monstrosity. That refusal to waver in his morality, that refusal to betray his own beliefs and heart is contrasted directly with Erwin’s own weakness and inability to stay true to what he knows is right, and is meant, I think, to demonstrate once more why compassion and kindness are in fact what makes a person strong.

And we know this choice rooted in compassion is ultimately the right choice, and that the narrative wants its audience to see it as the right choice, (unlike what some of the characters in the story, or even some obtuse readers/viewers insist upon) because it leads to humanity’s eventual salvation. Armin, through his own innocence and purity, is able to convince Zeke to get off his ass and actually help stop the Rumbling, something Erwin would have been incapable of as a result of his own, tainted psyche and guilt in relation to his dream.

It’s more than implied that forcing Erwin back into the role of Commander, when his psyche was already breaking down as a consequence of his guilt, would have resulted in Erwin becoming a true monster, willing to do anything and foregoing compassion entirely in pursuit of victory. And if you need an example of where that would have led, look no further than Zeke or Floch, both characters who indeed abandoned any sense of humanity in favor of succeeding in their ideological goals.

There’s a reason the narrative frames Floch and Zeke in a negative, villainous light. We’re meant to see their abandonment of humanity as a bad thing, just like we’re meant to see Erwin’s detachment from feeling as bad, with the way it pushes him to the precipice of madness and drowns him in self-hatred. Again, the implication is that, were he forced to continue on in that role, he would have eventually fallen to the same folly and monstrosity that gripped Floch and Zeke.

That brings me to Jean, and how he, like Levi, also serves to demonstrate the importance of retaining ones humanity in the face of a cruel world.

Jean’s humanity is, in fact, directly contrasted during the raid on Liberio with Floch’s lack of humanity. And I’ll get into that soon.

But first it’s also necessary to go back and talk about what it is Jean learned from Levi and how that influences Jean to retain his humanity moving forward.

I’ve spoken before about how Jean is initially very judgmental toward Levi and even views him as being a bad person for killing other people, right up until the moment Jean himself is forced into a position of kill or be killed. He learns that judging others for their actions without understanding the context is bad, because you can very easily end up in the same position and having to make the same choice. He learns that he and Levi aren't so very different, that Levi doesn't kill because he wants to, but because he has to, and that being forced into a position of having to kill and being willing to kill doesn't in itself render someone without compassion or feeling, or indicate their morality, or a lack of morality. And, in fact, I think, Levi and Jean actually share some very core characteristics with one another. I think both of them are, in truth, the most morally strong characters in "AoT". Even still, in that moment of having to kill, Jean hesitates, and in doing so, forces Armin to take on the burden of becoming a killer for him.

Jean thinks, in the aftermath, that Levi is going to scold him for his failure to do his duty and so he apologizes to him for judging him and vows never to hesitate in taking the killing shot again. Jean expects Levi to chastise him, and maybe even gloat about his own correctness in killing, but instead, Levi tells him that he can’t say whether Jean was wrong or right for hesitating to kill, that he only knows that his failure to do so put all their lives in danger, but that Jean is entitled to and must decide for himself going forward what he believes is the correct course of action in any, given situation.

Jean’s earlier assumption about Levi being a bad person because he kills other people is proven wrong. We see that Levi, in fact, takes no pleasure in and doesn’t at all want to kill people, or even influence others toward that course of action. Indeed, again, as Levi later states in his monologue, he wants to prevent other people from having to become “lunatics”, from having to commit violence, and in that speech, it’s also clear to me that Levi laments the fact that the members of the 104th have, as he says, been exposed to too many abnormal things, forcing them into situations where they have to make those sorts of decisions at all. Again, Levi has grown up in a world that’s taught him that his survival and the survival of others often depended upon his willingness and ability to take life, but that doesn’t mean he views killing as a good thing or even that he tries to justify it. Levi applies no moral judgment to the act of killing. He doesn’t call it right or wrong, and he doesn’t attempt to influence Jean to see it in any, particular light either. Instead, he encourages Jean to form his own opinion and, in the process, to retain his humanity. Again, I think this speaks to Levi’s own humanity, that even though he knows certain situations and circumstances require violence to gain a favorable outcome for himself and those he cares about, he doesn’t attempt and doesn’t want for Jean to specifically learn that lesson or embrace violence or killing as a solution to every problem. Levi would rather have a world in which nobody ever had to kill at all.

I think this is further borne out in regards to the situation with Marlo and Hitch, and how Levi allows Jean to again choose for himself what his path is going to be, whether he’s going to become mercenary, or if he’s going to retain a more humanistic approach and avoid violence where he can.

Remember, Levi is going to let Marlo and Hitch go without harm, telling them he’ll leave them tied up and free to go once he and his squad clear out. But Jean intervenes and asks Levi if he can be allowed to deal with the two of them. This interaction between Levi and Jean is really important, I think, because it shows that Levi trusts in Jean to make the best decision for the situation. This is coming off of their earlier interaction when Levi told Jean he would have to choose for himself what he felt was right and wrong. Again, remember, Levi didn’t scold Jean for failing to kill, and didn’t attempt to guilt trip him over endangering their squad, either. He allowed Jean to maintain his sense of compassion without derision.

Marlo and Hitch don’t pose any physical threat to Levi or his squad at this point, and I think Levi’s initial decision to let them go without harm is also demonstrative of how Jean’s earlier assumption about Levi being a bad person for killing was wrong. Levi only kills when there’s absolutely no other option. He doesn’t kill indiscriminately or for any reason other than preservation of himself or others. Killing isn’t something Levi has grown desensitized to or unfeeling about. He isn’t a cold-blooded or ruthless killer or murderer. He only kills when a failure to do so will get him or others killed.

And so I think it speaks volumes that Levi agrees to let Jean “take care of” Marlo and Hitch. Jean’s wording here would seem to indicate that he’s planning on killing the two of them, but I’m certain that Levi understood in that moment that that wasn’t what Jean was doing or planning at all. He looks at Jean and tells him okay, and lets Jean take Marlo and Hitch off into the woods. I’m certain also that if Levi believed that Jean truly intended on killing Marlo and Hitch, he wouldn’t have allowed it.

Instead, I think Levi understood that Jean needed to test for himself whether his earlier hesitation to kill would always result in a bad outcome, or if there were truly moments when showing mercy and compassion could still work out to the benefit of both parties. If there was any hope for his moral beliefs to survive in a cruel world. And that’s exactly what Jean does. He trusts in his instinct that Marlo is genuine in his declaration of wanting to join the Survey Corps and fight for humanity, and allows himself to be put in a vulnerable position to test whether his instinct is true or false. It pays off for Jean, and for the rest of Levi’s squad, because Jean’s instinct was right and Marlo and Hitch are able to help lead them to the headquarters of the Miliary Police, and to then find out where it was Eren and Historia had been taken.

We see here a clear demonstration of how making a choice of compassion can and does lead to a positive outcome. And again and again we see the same, with Jean allowing his compassion to lead him even in circumstances which, on their face, would seem to require ruthlessness, only for those choices to work out and later bear beneficial fruit. Like Jean wanting to spare Reiner during the RtS arc and Reiner, of course, later becoming a key weapon for the alliance in their attempts to stop the Rumbling. And the same applies, also, to Jean seeming to intentionally miss his shot with the thunderspear against Pieck and Falco, allowing for both of them to, like Reiner, serve as key weapons for the alliance, and in Falco’s case, to become an integral part of their eventual victory.

All of this, as I already mentioned, is directly contrasted with Floch and his intentional murder of civilians during the raid on Liberio. Floch is what happens, what it looks like, when all sentiment is abandoned and we allow ourselves to be purely dictated by logic and cold calculation. It always ends in tragedy and devastation.

This is where I think people always make such a fundamental mistake in their interpretation of Levi’s choice to let Erwin die. People who say it was the wrong choice are looking at it from a perspective similar to the one Floch or Zeke holds, that is, this idea that everything, including human compassion, human connection and empathy, is expendable in the name of “the greater good”. Like Floch and Zeke, they think compassion is a weakness, and that abandoning ones humanity is a good thing. It shows how they’ve bought into the idea earlier presented that to defeat monsters, we must become monsters. And so, they call Levi’s decision “selfish” and “wrong” and say he “doomed humanity” because he wasn’t willing to let Erwin become the devil humanity supposedly needed to attain victory. But to say that requires them to also ignore all of the core themes of “Attack on Titan” itself and the message it tries to convey about the importance of retaining our humanity in the face of a cruel world. By their logic, one would suppose “AoT” is telling the reader/viewer that we have to abandon empathy and kindness in order to succeed and flourish. But of course that’s completely the opposite message that “AoT” tells us. It instead tells us that the only way humanity has any chance of surviving and breaking free of the cycle of hate and destruction it over and over seems to get caught in, is to hold on to our empathy, kindness and humanity. It shows why, through Levi and Jean particularly, and how their refusal to compromise on what they feel is right, their refusal to compromise their morality, is so important. How that empathy, kindness and humanity that they have is what actually makes us strong, what actually makes us better.

[ampheenix]

Marina: an Epilogue

F&H MARINA X LEVI FIC, TAGS: romantic fluff, angst, flashbacks, oneshot

SUMMARY:

“Marina left Prehevil, her ties to it severed by the festival. She would settle down in Valland, in the red lights district of the capital. She would find kindred spirits there. She had a good life, using her occult skills for a living. Though a certain person was always following her…”

Or, what happened to Marina after winning the Terminal festival… along with a glimpse into her memories, and what happened along the way.

Marina had a sneaking feeling her hair had been paler as of late. Her curly locks seemed less silky and smooth, more… subdued, and the bags under her eyes had been growing darker too. 

Every time she came across her reflection in the mirror, it felt like being doused in cold water. No matter how much she powdered her face, no matter how much lipstick she slathered on, she still seemed pale, ghostly and shrouded in a sense of misery.

It wasn’t a good feeling. She’d always been one to take care in her appearance (it started with fear of others realizing her secret, and then she’d soon started finding enjoyment in the process), but as she gazed into the mirror… the fear she could see in her eyes, shaky and brittle… she didn’t like it at all.

In the very least, it wasn’t exactly a shock… after the scarring events of the Termina festival, Marina wouldn’t have been surprised if her hair turned white.

Her hands still started to tremble every time she thought back to just a few weeks ago- sweaty fingers in a white-knuckled grip on the trigger of a trench gun as she would shoot, and shoot, and shoot again with a desperate sense of knowing you’re just an inch from death, clothes drenched in filth that made Marina want to peel off her skin and take it to the laundry-

Marina stopped, nails digging into her fists hard enough to draw blood. She… she a handful of good memories from the festival at least, so it wasn’t all shit (though 99% of it was horrors beyond comprehension).

After all, it was Levi who had taught her how to shoot in the first place, how to defend herself with something aside from a kitchen knife and sanity-sapping spells. A wan smile made its way onto Marina’s face at the bittersweet memories…

At the beginning of the festival, all she’d known about the Eastern Union ex-soldier was that he had hurriedly made his way off the train, in a rather suspicious manner according to Karin (but the journalist had seemed rather biased, at the time).

It was honestly a surprise to find out that they were both the same age, when they met again in the basement of Restaurant Bílý Vůl. Marina was hesitant to approach at first, seeing a young, dishevelled boy in overalls curled up in a ball, and despite all this was rather attractive- even when shaking from withdrawal symptoms.

Marina was questioning her taste within that moment, yet she couldn’t help but extend a hand. And not because she thought him cute, alright- she genuinely wanted to help him out.

Levi… he carried himself with an air of constant paranoia, the deep bruises under his eyes and black marks on his arms a dead-giveaway to his chosen poison. So, when she offered heroin, a momentary ease to his suffering, they became tentative friends.

Levi was rather quiet. All he did at first was constantly scan the area with his gun at the ready, and occasionally glance at her when he thought she wasn’t looking- letting out a small sigh every now and then.

He followed her instructions instantly during battle, with unblinking faith in Marina’s judgment- and with their combined strength, they won every fight they came across.

The disturbing sights of Prehevil’s residents scarred both their minds, and neither of them judged when one found themselves nauseous and losing their lunch after a particularly disgusting foe…. After encounters with things like the fecal hound it was often commonplace.

And if Marina passed him a blue vial and some herbs after a battle, and their fingers touched briefly for a moment, who could blame her for hiding a smile at the pink in his cheeks?

By the end of the first day, when they settled down to rest in the bookshop, Marina couldn’t help but ask about the interaction… and yes, alright, maybe she said it in a rather teasing manner. All-mer forbid a girl flirt in these trying times.

And gods, it was worth it. Marina couldn’t help but let a laugh bubble up at how red Levi’s face turned, but it wasn’t a mean laugh or anything- and Levi could tell, as he buried his face in his hands. He had apologized, stumbling over his words, and she just smiled, shuffling closer…

And then, before she could think about it too much, Marina kissed his cheek. Her lips lingered there for a moment before she drew back, seeing Levi gazing at her complete and utter shock in his eyes, flustered beyond belief.

It was… it was a really nice moment, amidst all the death and gore. Those moments tended to be few and far between, and this had been the sweetest yet.

The next day, Daan had joined them, and he was more blunt and dry in his teasing than was Marina’s style but it was nonetheless effective.

That second night, he had taken a long, slow drag of his cigarette with a small smile, before calling out the stolen glances they were sending eachother- which Marina would vehemently deny (like a lying liar who lies), and Levi would nod along with her with crossed arms.

And the third day… everything went to shit, and Marina found herself at the tower, alone. Her memories are a hazy, fucked up blur from that point onwards.

And all that…

That was in the past now. Marina’s soft smile slowly faded, as she rested her hands on the sink in front of her. After everything that had happened, in the festival…

Gods.

Her grip tightens on the sink.

She had never thought she would win. The first few days after it all ended were spent in a daze, body on autopilot whilst her mind was in overdrive, staggering off that wretched FUCKING train that had brought so much blood and misery.

Winning had never been her intention, she wasn’t the type of person to sell out everyone else and murder them just so she could go free. That was something her father would probably have no qualms doing, but not her.

And all the days after staggering off the train at a random stop in Valland were filled with the sickening weight of guilt and grief, for the friends she hadn’t saved. Marina knew it wasn’t her fault, but… their lost souls still weighed on her.

Marina stared at her reflection in the mirror as she ran a shaky hand through her hair, greasy from neglect.

Tried to pretend she was a normal girl, living a normal life in the red lights district of Valland, who had never seen a town of people scorched by the light of an old god. Tried to pretend that she was just your average occultist who had only the right sorts of secrets, the scandalous ones that make your friends giggle and go “ooh,” and “aah.”

Marina held her piercing gaze on the eyes of the girl in the mirror, a girl who looked tired beyond belief, like she hadn’t truly rested in a long while. And Marina let out a long sigh, like the ones Daan used to do whenever she and Levi did something particularly stupid.

And Marina took a step back from the mirror, planting her hands on her face as she breathed in deeply. In, and out. In, and out…

She’d be okay, as time went by. Marina had to believe that, because what else was there?

When you’re a participant in a festival like that…

Where all you have are the enemies who want you dead, the creepy Bremen soldier who wants to see under your skirt, a doctor who was forced to use his skills to murder instead of heal, and the ex-soldier who you may or may not have been crushing on… that is, before he was viciously slaughtered by a monster right in front of you.

No one walks out of something like that without a few scars.

And… well.

She hadn’t been the only one to walk out, apparently.

A certain someone had followed her to Valland’s capital, though Marina still had no idea who- or what- she was. She, or it, bared an uncanny resemblance to the girl from the festival, the one that was supposed to be dead.

Marina just barely recalled her name… Samarie.

Her face was one of many that showed up in her dreams each night. Greasy black her, sickly pale skin, and swathed in a sense of desperation… the girl who had said she loved her, the girl who had stabbed her father, and the girl who had apparently been a part of the ninth circle (that Marina had only ever heard sick and twisted rumours of).

Marina still struggled to even comprehend her.

And now, a version of Samarie had managed to follow her here, even though the rules of Termina had dictated only one may walk out. So either the black-haired girl managed to break the rules somehow, or she had been replaced by some twisted creature from Prehevil.

Samarie hadn’t been that bad company to be honest, aside from being a tad delusional and creepy. Marina definitely knew which option of the two she preferred, but unfortunately, she also knew which one was more likely- some kind of doppelgänger, no doubt.

Calmer now, she let her hands fall back down by her sides, letting out a deep exhale. Even now, she had a niggling feeling that Samarie was watching her…

Well, could be worse.

She could have jumped down that damn toilet at the beginning of the festival and have rotted there in faeces for the rest of her days, like some idiot. (Shit, imagine if she had done that? She’d never live it down… and she’d never live, period.)

Marina walked out of her cramped bathroom and let herself fall with a “thwump!” on a lumpy couch, courtesy of one of her newly-made acquaintances- she’d met some kindred spirits recently who also studied occultism, and they were nice, she supposed.

All she could do now was wait and see if “Samarie” ever revealed herself, and attempt to scrub her mind of the scarring memories from the festival. She didn’t even want to think about that bastard Per’kele and his twisted games ever again.

And just… hope, that everything would turn out alright.

But she knew one thing- she was never doing rituals in the name of that bastard Rher ever again.

[bittersyllabub]

Would you like to read a fic.

Levi x Marina.

Vote for your favorite dilf. In the comments. *wonk ;)*

<a href="https://archiveofourown.org/works/47264161"><strong>She Wants to Attend Midnight Mass.</strong></a> (1033 words) by <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/users/Bittersyllabub"><strong>Bittersyllabub</strong></a><br />Chapters: 1/10<br />Fandom: <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Fear%20*a*%20Hunger%20(Video%20Games)">Fear &amp; Hunger (Video Games)</a>, <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Fear%20*a*%20Hunger%202%20Termina%20(Video%20Games)">Fear &amp; Hunger 2 Termina (Video Games)</a><br />Rating: Mature<br />Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death<br />Relationships: Levi | Ex-Soldier/Marina | Occultist<br />Characters: Levi | Ex-Soldier, Marina | Occultist, Samarie (Fear & Hunger), Abella | Mechanic, O'saa | Yellow Mage, Daan | Daniël | Doctor, August (Fear & Hunger), Per'kele (Fear & Hunger), Karin Sauer | Journalist, character death - Character, Blood - Character, missing limbs - Character, violence - Character<br />Summary: <p>( A follow-up to my story "It's been a long day, witchcraft is the answer." You don't have to read the whole thing. You can CRTL+F+Search "And that was how" and read past that to get the gist of it. or not read it all, whatever.)</p><p>“Never thought I’d take a girl to church like this.”<br />He's looking at the other ruined stump, the 90-degree cut took more flesh than bone, leaving a jagged fleshless point of yellowly/red hard mass sticking from what had been the elbow.</p><p>Levi and co. go to church.</p>

[humanitys-strongest-bamf]

Angst Masterlist

all angst, no comfort: 💔 hurt/comfort: ❤️‍🩹

hi i think the original post is getting too long and tumblr won't let me save it so this is my attempt at compromising

main masterlist

hcs/drabbles:

�� fighting prior to a deadly battle (dystopian!au) 💔 ➼ forbidden love with levi 💔 ➼ levi being mad about being called Humanity’s Strongest Soldier™ 💔 ➼ levi comforts you after you think he’s sick of you ❤️‍🩹 ➼ levi removes you from a mission 💔 ➼ levi telling you that you’re perfect just the way you are ❤️‍🩹 ➼ meeting at a party on the arms of someone else (ex-boyfriend!levi) 💔 ➼ post-war!levi grieving you 💔 ➼ you grieving levi's death 💔 ➼ you wake up with amnesia 💔

oneshots:

➼ Don't Leave Me 💔

Wanting to focus on his duties, Levi breaks up with you, wanting to wait until after the war to be together. Unfortunately, you don't get to survive until the end of the war.

➼ His Last Hope 💔

After the tragedy that was the 57th Scouting Expedition, Levi is unable to determine your fate.

➼ Just Go ❤️‍🩹

After a fight, you're convinced that Levi's going to break up with you.

➼ Keeping You Safe ❤️‍🩹

You get hurt during the 57th Scouting Expedition and are confronted by Levi.

➼ Purpose

After surviving in the Underground on his own, Levi finds it difficult to continue moving forward.

➼ Stolen 💔

Levi finally decides to confess his feelings to you. However, before he could, disaster struck.

➼ Surprises ❤️‍🩹

You were convinced that Levi was cheating. He instead comes home with a surprise.

➼ Take Me Back 💔

After losing you in battle, Levi mourns you at your grave.

➼ You're Safe ❤️‍🩹

Levi raises his voice, which triggers your previous memories. Aware of your past, Levi helps you through it.

➼ Your Promise 💔

It's the night before the return to Shiganshina. Afraid of losing you, Levi attempts to take you off the mission.

➼ Your Safe Space ❤️‍🩹

You struggle holding back an incoming mood swing. Levi encourages you not to hold it back.

➼ Your Worth ❤️‍🩹

Upset about constantly coming in second place, you request to get removed off Levi's squad, and Levi isn't having any of it.

Last updated: June 24, 2024

© humanitys-strongest-bamf & rydenkat | Do not repost or plagiarize my work. Do not translate or edit without my permission. Do not feed my work into AI. My work is currently posted exclusively on Wattpad, AO3, and Tumblr. Feel free to recommend my works on other social media platforms!

[hangeslefteye]

Aot but survey corps is a mafia family (Marley included)

My shitpost time has arrived :D Feel free to disagree.

Boss:Erwin,he is the the highest ranked person of the family known as the father.He values his family more than anything and wants their peace and freedom.Loyalty is everything to him.

Acting Boss:Zeke,his entire point is to look like the boss to public eye to guarentee Erwin's safety.He would have been assassinated already by now if not for his capo brother Eren's attention.

Counselor:Levi,he only and directly works for Erwin usually spies the underboss and capos in secret.Also he's the icon of the family and very greatly known although only by name.He often visits his old ghetto to make sure his friends Farlan and Isabel are alright.

Underboss:Hange,she rules the capos and takes orders only and directly from Erwin.She's known by her 'experimental' torture methods among the soldiers.Also she has an secret involvement with counselor Levi that can get her killed if noticed.Zeke seems a little too interested in that affair of hers.

Hitman:Reiner,he usually only works for Hange but Erwin can reach out to him aswell.His duty is to kill strayed capos and soldiers.On this matter he killed many of his friends and often wishes to be killed than to kill.Despite his terrible mental health he recently adopted 2 streets kids named Gabi and Falco yet they are unaware of Reiner's real job.

Capo1:Jean,rumors say he has the brightest future among all the capos because of his great leading abilities and understanding of the family.Also very close friends with Reiner but hides it from Hange.He's somehow popular among city's women aswell.

Capo2:Armin,many says he's the smartest capo of them all and Hange will leave his seat to him.On this matter everybody thinks he is rivals with Jean but in reality they are best friends since soldier days and they move up together.

Capo3:Floch,even though his leading abilities are well respected and he is loved among the soldiers he's known to cause unnecessary chaos in the city.He's a big trouble for Hange so he might end up as being Reiner's new target.

Ex-Capo:Eren,once a skilled capo,he betrayed the family and almost got killed.Some say Erwin forgave him while others say Reiner showed mercy but reality is unknown.His whereabouts are also unknown.

Soldier1:Mikasa,known for her incredible fighting skills she's actually quite famous in the city very much like Levi.Only reason she's not a capo already is because she's very individualistic.Also acklowledged by Levi,she was quite involved with Eren but she proved her loyalty by staying with the family.

Soldier2:Connie,he's rather known by his loyalty and selflessnes towards family than skills.He is heavily relied on by Armin and Jean,gets sent off to most trust required jobs.

Soldier3:Sasha,she is greatly noticed for her sharp shooting skills.Hange wants her to be an Hitman but everybody knows her sweet spot for her friends so she's likely to stay as a soldier to protect the family.

Political representor:Historia,she's a young business woman comes from a rich family.Recently she made it into city council and makes sure to bend council decisions for the family's benefit.

Guardog:Ymir,an ex soldier she is,makes sure Historia is safe and keeps the communication between Historia and the family.When needed she handles Historia's dirty work for her and only actually loyal to her, even though she knows she's closely watched by Reiner.

Associate1:Annie,she's an police officer with an everyday life but occasionally she destroys crime evidences for the family.She taught Reiner how to shoot and Eren to fight when they were all streetkids.Known by very little,she got involved with the family in the first place to make sure her favorite capo is out of police's eye.

Associate2:Pieck,she's a popular courtesan that usually seen with the upper society of the city.For enough money she can do whatever to whoever,including 'accidental' coke overdose.

Associate3:Bertholdt,sells hunting equipments in his everyday life but secretly he traffics guns and whatsoever for the family.

Associate4:Porco,he wanted to be a soldier but due to his brother's sabotage he missed the chance of being one.Nowadays he gathers 'taxes' from clubs and casinos for the family.He secretly steals large amounts of that 'tax' and causes discomfort to the owners.

Associate5:Marcel,he is a journalist that works for the city newspaper and he is responsible from family's reputation and public representation.Even though back then he was very protective of his brother nowadays they are known to be in bad terms.Rumors say they both crush over the city's most popular escort.

[bittergirlsworld]

My thoughts on Erwin Smith as a character (very badly elaborated, I fear) after reading again the Uprising Arc and RTS Arc

Been thinking and I don't believe he wanted to know if his father was right or not, because being killed by the government was an answer to this itself; he wanted to prove the "world" that his father was right therefore innocent, so his life was taken for nothing. It explains his mental state and the reason why he saw himself as a first class con man (Isym also describes him as a con man, so it was probably the true about his person) because you need to have insane manipulation skills and a very loose sense of attachment to ascend in a military hierarchy while keeping secret of something this heavy. It surprises no one how much of a mad man he was in his last months. This kind of guilty wouldn't scratch a second thought in a actual evil person but he was not evil at all. He was never flippant about the lives that died under his command; he single-handedly created the formation that cut human losses expedition after expedition, so the argument that he didn't cared about casualties does not stand for too long.

I think it's also never taken in consideration the setting where erwin was made commander: the reputation of the Survey Corps was in flames due Shadis bad admin + public outburst, Shadis was the first commander that left the chair before dies and in the day Erwin assumed, Wall Maria fell; short after, the government sent that mock expedition to "reclaim the wall" that was just population control and it was under his commandership but he didn't had a single say in this matter.

It was crucial to the Paradis rulers that the general public hated the scouts and saw them coming back every expedition dead and broken: it kept them compliant with living trapped within walls and every time someone questioned this (ex: Eren) was just use the scouts as an example of what happens when you venture outside the walls: you either get insane, broken or you die. The SC was part of the propaganda the government used to keep their population alienated and on a leash (also burning books, murder thinkers and revolutionaries; the conversation Kenny has with grandpa Ackerman where he says that they even killed their own to avoid questions on why existed diversity within people [implied in-walls genocide?])

Yes, he was a master manipulator, ruthless and a political genius, orchestrated a coup on his own with two or three allies, the man was brilliant through and through. But I think people get these traits and paint him as someone who slaughters and coerce and that's just not the truth. He was very honest with the adversities that the scouts faced it, from the casualties to the tight budget. Who did he coerced into staying? Erwin is portraited as someone who spent so much time lying to himself that he started to believe his own lies so they became his twisted truth. It was to prove his father, yes, but it wasn't for humanity too? Wouldn't humanity benefit of it? Wouldn't they all be as free as you can be? Wouldn't people stop to die over limited resources, Wouldn't the underground become pointless, Wouldn't land be available? Wouldn't humanity benefit?

Erwin was also a character created to serve a purpose in the story (a foil to the MC, a counterpart to the important captain, a political genius to establish the queen, a inspirational commander to follow, a reliable leader to expeditions, a good soldier when you need to see him fighting, a professional yapper when you need a speech) every appearance of his was very plot driven. He would be more of an inconvenience being alive, so he needed to go now he served his purpose: lead them to shinganshina. He was always meant to die in that roof. Having a presence that feels this large compromise a lot of the personhood of a character. More of a tool, less of a person. He was only humanised when people saw him through Levi's eyes (and this is not a "eruri" comment. See their relationship as soldiers, friends or lovers, the only time Erwin is human, it's when Levi decides to free him).

(On a side note: Erwin was extremely suicidal on his last months alive. He had little regard for his life and physical integrity, going as far as to say "I am replaceable" and "Use me as a bait". Of course, plot wise was crucial that he was present on Shinganshina, he needed to die and also the mission as it was projected would not succeed without him. His last speech, as a iconic as it is, sounds pretty much as a depressed person telling you life is meaningless. He recovers himself, barely, in the second part of said speech when he talks about the fallen comrades, even then, it's a man burdened by guilty talking. When he loses his arm, he doesn't allow himself the pain of it. His answer is that he deserves it.

Doesn't escapes me that in all the manga, almost every interaction Erwin has, people make sure to remark how evil he is, how ruthless and inhuman and cruel, for things he had absolutely no control over. Added with the guilt he already had since a child, his mind was in a state of decaying for decades when the main events of AOT happen.

It hurts more because (and I am aware that's an unpopular opinion) he had absolutely no fault on what happened to his father. Who gives knowledge that can get both of you killed to a child and doesn't even instruct them to keep it shut? His father failed him. He would be offended if people point this, tho. Pixys' reaction to his story shows a bit how outsiders react to it when he tells him.

The most heartbreaking line is when he smiles after Connie tells about his family (which wasn't right of him at all, but then again, he wasn't in his right mind) and Levi says he makes him sick and his answer is a sigh and a "I've been told this since I was a child". That man had such a twisted sense of self that he was miles away to even be considered a shell of a person.)

In a way, I'm glad his character ended as it did. I'm genuinely glad he never reached that cellar. The truth of it all was not only disappointing but cruel and staying alive he would be the one leading them into this unknown hell and the one burdening the blame for all these things out of his control. Prove his father right would be the most pyrric victory ever. As they say, thank you, Levi.

[moo-blogging]

Late night thoughts #122:

Modern AU but also fights titans. You caught a bouquet at a wedding, joked that you would agree to anyone. People started asking for your contacts, you gave them gladly. Levi, feeling brave after a few drinks, asked you to be his gf. You said yes :)

Never in your wildest dreams that you would attend a wedding in the scouts' camp, but Erwin made it happened. After seeing deaths of comrades, a few scouts wanted to leave the military and get married, stealing what little peace and normalcy they could before things go wrong. Erwin allowed them to have a group wedding ceremony in the scouts' camp as a farewell and blessing to the newly weds.

Everybody helped decorating and setting up for the wedding, pooling what little money everybody had to help your soon to be ex-comrades. The brides looked so very beautiful in the white dresses while the grooms dressed in their best clothes. You had meat and beer, what you normally wouldn't have. Everybody was happy, drunk, and lived a normal life for once. You were not soldiers, but friends celebrating life together.

And then, it was the bouquet tossing session. You were pulled to the front of the hall together with other girls. Giggling and nudging each other playfully, you hid yourself in the middle of the crowd. You had no intentions to catch a bouquet. You were not even in a relationship. As the brides threw their bouquets, the girls squealed with delight and rushed forward to snatch a bouquet. You were watching, amused. Suddenly, one of the bouquets bounced off a group of girls' waving arms and landed into yours.

The girls froze for a moment before they shrilled in glee. You were hugged by different girls, shook hands and congratulated. One of the brides announced that you had caught a bouquet and urged the boys to ask for your number or ask you out. Jokingly, you promised you wouldn't say no.

You walked back to your seat next to Levi, sharing the table with Erwin, Hange, Moblit, Nanaba and Miche. Erwin and Nanaba congratulated you, you grinned with embarrasment. Levi sat very quietly next to you. He was in his best suit. His suit looked clean and new but you knew he had it for years. He got it when he first joined the scouts. He wore it to his friends, Isabelle and Farlan's funeral. He was just very good at taking care of things. And even after a few bottle of beer, he still managed to smell good. Sitting next to him, you tried your best to swallow as quietly as possible. Not just because the food was nice (it was), but also because Levi sat so close to you in such a formal event.

A few boys younger than you came to ask for your number, and you gave it to them. A few started texting you immediately, but you waved at them instead, indicating that you saw their messages. Hange was joking that you might get a boy home tonight. Levi cleared his throat. He uncrossed his arms and took a long sip of his beer. He might think this is childish, you thought.

"Y/N," Levi called to you.

Startled, you cleared your throat too. "Yes, Captain Levi?"

"You said you wouldn't say no to anyone, yes?" He looked you at with such intensity his eyes bore into yours.

Swallowing, you nodded, "y-yes. I mean-"

"Be my girlfriend."

"What?"

Levi shifted his position, sitting straight, "Be my girlfriend. I want to be your boyfriend."

Head spinning, thoughts jumbling up in a mess, you agreed. Is this even real? The Captain Levi is now your boyfriend?! You were sure you were drunk and you made it up in your head.

But the applause and cheers from the table confirmed it was real. Miche patted on Levi's back while Erwin lifted his glass as a toast to you. You felt your face burning and you bit your lower lip to hide your stupid grin. Levi was looking at his lap, unsure how to react.

"You should make it official." Erwin suggested, "like a kiss on the cheek."

Embarrassed, you quickly leaned in to peck Levi's cheek. Instead, your lips landed on his soft lips. You both pulled away immediately. You hid your face in your palms, your face burning up so much you felt that you could burn your fingers. The whole table was laughing and cheering.

Someone tapped your shoulder, "may I have your number please?"

Levi snapped, "she's taken now. No more numbers!"

The younger scout scurried away and shared the news with others. You did manage to bring a guy home tonight.

[peachymilkandcream]

Kingdom of Ash and Greed|Part 6|King Levi x Evelyn

WARNINGS: noncon/dubcon, big age difference, kidnapping, slavery, violence, power imbalance, implied somnophilia, forced pregnancies, mind breaking, yandere behaviour, yandere themes, etc.

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Levi leaned back lazily after his escapade in the closet with the maid. It was just what he needed to think with a clear head before setting to work on strategies once more. He wanted to conquer the Northern Kingdom by the winter, since his soldiers wouldn't be able to withstand that severe cold. Frustration had made everything seem impossible, until he finally cleared himself of that stress by using a warm body.

"Your Majesty." The guard kneeled down in front of him.

"What is it. What could you possibly have that would justify interrupting me at this time?"

"A thousand pardons Great One, you see, I saw one of your maids leave the castle gate. When I questioned her she claimed that you had sent her out to collect wild flowers to torment the captive princess."

Levi's eyebrow rose. "Torment? I didn't send for any such thing."

"She claimed it was to give the ex-princess a taste of the outside life before ripping it away, forgive me sire, it seemed like something you would think of."

His temper rose with each word. "I could behead you for such stupid actions. Tie you up like the pig you are and roast you."

The guard bows his head lower, trying to seem even more reverent.

"But." He pauses and sits back down. "I'm a merciful king and will let you go. This once. Where is this maid you speak of."

"I left her at the front gate Your Highness, she promised she stay put until I checked with you."

Now it rose more. "Idiot! That's exactly what she wanted! To leave her unattended and escape!" He takes a deep breath to keep himself from going off the deep end. "Summon my guards. Tell them to comb the surrounding area, and get my horse." He starts for the stairs.

"Where are you going sire?"

"To check on a royal cunt."

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Evelyn had started to run since she got through the tree line. Barreling through the forest at top speed to try and escape.

No doubt Levi had discovered her missing by now, sending all of his thugs after her. She had to cover a lot of ground very quickly, if she even had a chance at making it home.

Her quaint little kingdom seemed so far away now, burned down and hollow without the life in it. She would come back, give her father and mother their spark back and teach them how to rally the kingdom and defeat their enemy once and for all. She had seen inside his lair, she knew enough that together they could rise above this tyranny.

They would all be free!

She kept running until she was too exhausted to anymore, sleeping in a hollow burrow for the night, praying that no one would find her.

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It had been two days since Levi had left on his hunt for Evelyn, she would almost be back in her kingdom by now.

While in theory that wasn't the end of the world, there could be a secret passage to another kingdom he hadn't conquered yet hidden in the walls of that crumbling tomb of a civilization.

The dogs searched non-stop for their master's mistress, picking up her trail stronger one moment and weaker the next. The pace was infuriating, but if he wanted to track her right he needed to have patience for once.

It was no different from his own conquests, playing the waiting game to let his prey slip up. This would be no different.

And then the dogs started barking.

================================================

Just as the towers of her home were insight Evelyn heard the dogs far behind her. The horses hooves hitting the forest floors with great big thuds.

They had found her.

For faster travel Evelyn made the split decision to break from the tree line, bolting towards the ever closing in walls surrounding her home. She could take the servants door in, taking her in the belly of the castle while Levi searched, keeping her hidden until they left so she could be safe.

"Stay right where you are!" The crude and nasty voice of a soldier rang out behind her, and furious hooves pounded ever closer.

Pure adrenaline kept her going, her feet pounding on the grassy hills and onto the stone as she leapt over the crumbled section of wall and disappearing in the stone of her home.

"Search the grounds! Don't let that bitch escape!" Levi's voice was angry and ruthless. Armored feet clanked around the stone, before she heard the great wooden doors of her father's house open.

Distracted while guarding their king, Evelyn took the chance to sneak out of her hiding spot and bolt towards the servant's door, climbing quietly up the wooden stairs until she was above her father's Great Hall.

She climbed the rafters until she could see down into the room, the ceiling long since crumbled away with the battering it had taken.

Levi stood before her father, just as proud as before, bit with a touch more anger.

"So. I mercifully give you your pathetic lives and you steal from me."

To Evelyn's surprise, her father drops to his knees before Levi. "I never would steal from our merciful ruler oh Great One. Your servant wouldn't dare throw you generosity away. Please, tell me what I have done to displease you so that I may atone for my actions!"

Levi scoffs. "Your brat of a daughter escaped two days past. My soldiers and I saw her making a line for this castle. Now I'll only ask once. Where is she?"

"I don't know, honest and true oh Levi the Magnificent! We had no idea my daughter would attempt to spit in your face. Please I beg you to believe me!"

Levi pauses a long moment. "At least you're consistent. Very well. I'll take your word. However, I assume you wouldn't mind if my men inspect every inch of this dump then?"

"But of course my lord, please. You must be weary, sit, only allow me to inform my servants to let you roam freely so they won't give you any trouble, and unlock any doors."

Levi sits in the offered throne. "As you wish. But if my men even see a hint of rebellion, I'll take your whore wife and tie her up in my streets."

Evelyn's father nods profusely and hurries away.

Evelyn stares down at the man who has been holding her captive, his strength, pride, and commanding presence. She should like to see him brought low, brought to the point her father is now.

She had to find her father, and tell him he didn't have to be a slave any longer.

[b0n3s-is-gay]

Could you write Chubby!Levi x f!reader ? I mean imagine him with curves like his face is filled out , his cheeks are chubbier , his waist is getting plumped without forgetting his cute rounded tummy (fluff)

OML- ANON THAT'S SUCH A GOOD IDEA!!! (I wasn't given a lot of context on how you wanted it but I subbed)

I love you the way you are

Tags: Fluff, chubby Levi, Insecure Levi, Established relationship, tooth rotting fluff, post war

Synopsis: While Levi is sitting around your shared home, he starts to remember his glory days of being Humanity's Strongest Soldier. He feels as though he's failing them, Failing his pasted friends, and failing you. so you show him how much you love him and how his comrades would love how he is now.

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I looked out from the kitchen of our small home by the cemetary and saw my boyfriend, Ex-Soldier and Captain Levi Ackerman, looking at a book. I wiped the flour off of my hands and onto a towel to come and stand behind him. He was just staring at one page, a page with a picture of a group of people.

"Heya Lev's, what are you looking at?" I asked while wrapping my arms around his shoulders. Levi just looked at me, his eyes held sadness and guilt but his face didn't show it. He nodded as he looked back to the picture, I peered over his shoulder and looked at the picture. It was a picture of Levi and his past friends.

There was Isabel and Furlan on one page and on the other it was a group picture of all the soldiers that were both under his command and his comrades. Erwin stood behind him while me and Hange stood on his right and left. His past squad stood infront of him while saluting. I looked at his face and saw that he wasn't looking at his comrades or squad, he was looking at himself.

"What's on your mind Levi? I can't help you if I don't know what your thinking about..." I whispered to him as I turned his wheel chair around to face me. His eyes were looking down at his book still. He had his fists in a ball while he shook.

I watched him peer up at me, his cheeks were a bit wet with tears. I grabbed his full cheeks and held onto them as he shook with tears. "I... I failed them. If there was still a war, I wouldn't be able to save them. I can't even fucking stand on my own."

I pulled him out of his chair and sat him on the couch next to me. "Hey now, Levi I'm sure that they'd still love you and care about you. They would be proud that you finally gained and retained some weight instead of working it all off for a war that you have no need to fight in." I cooed as I rubbed his stomach. Levi looked at me as I rubbed his curves and the fat that clung to his bones.

I smiled as I kept going, "You didn't fail anybody. You served your role to Erwin, Hange, The Scouts, and Paradis. You did enough and your doing enough for me. You are amazing, you did your job, you can rest now." I said while kissing his cheeks and rubbing his stomach. Levi grabbed my hand and looked me in the eyes.

"How did I get so lucky with you? You've been with me since the first two and the last two." Levi whispered while kissing my palm. I smilled and held his face in my other hand. He leaned into the touch of my palm. I kissed his chubby cheeks and whispered something only he could hear.

"I love you the way you are..."