#section commander hange zoe

[shewolfofficial]

when aot ends next year are people still going to post a picture of them saluting like how it was planned years ago in the community for when the show ends? or is it just me??

[pourpasserlamelancholie]

[amywritesthings]

silver underground. / chapter 19.

( Read on AO3 )

Pairing: levi ackerman x f!reader (attack on titan / shingeki no kyojin) Word Count: 5.3k Summary: flashback nine - also known as the calm before the expedition Warnings: mentions of death, anxiety, mentions of betrayal, unhealthy coping mechanisms, fighting, sexual themes

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CHAPTER 18 - FLASHBACK: NINE

Nights turn into years.

The Scouts, to your surprise, take you in as their own. 

They don’t question the nature of your connection with Captain Levi.

They don’t even ask about your time in the Underground City. 

All they’re curious about is the now — the living, present air that surrounds you; the sun that's finally giving your skin a healthy glow; the comradery that’s kept this group alive longer than any of the Interior betting pools imagined.

Together.

That isn’t to say living with the Scout Regiment has been a breeze.

The surface is almost just as tough as living in the Underground but with more light. Fighting titans is difficult and all-around terrifying, but the Special Operations unit is an otherworldly beast fit to take them on. 

At the lead of Commander Erwin and the collaboration between Levi and yourself following close behind, there are more victories in bringing people back to their families than catastrophic losses in numbers.

In terms of discovery, however, the Scouts are lacking in their mission to find anything substantial:

The villages still crawl with titans.

Breaching the forest in order to continue forward proves to be a point of no return Erwin can’t figure out by strategy alone.

The injured trek back to the Walls is always humbling. Over and over, you’re expected to deliver new information to the desperate — and oftentimes ungrateful — people behind the Walls. 

They berate you in the streets, throwing food rations and calling you and the other good-for-nothing Scouts crude names.

You’re taught early to ignore it.

(You aren’t willing to explain to Petra and the others that you and Levi have dealt with much worse at much younger ages.)

Anyone with the Wings of Freedom quickly becomes a communal punching bag, but at least no one dies.

Maybe the runts of the litter get eaten — maybe the cocky ones perish, the reckless ones break their necks, the terrified ones kill themselves — but at least no one you know dies.

(You’re okay with not discovering what’s beyond the forest, if it means none of the Special Operations squad dies.)

It isn’t long before you’re introduced to someone who becomes a constant in your life:

Hange Zoe, Section Commander — Levi’s first friend in the Survey Corps.

And, as it stands, they seem pretty hellbent on becoming yours, too.

Hange is a wild-haired, glasses-wearing individual that prides themself on their extensive titan knowledge.

Just like Levi, they stumbled head-first into your life and never left. 

They appears one foggy afternoon a few months into your Scout Regiment career. Their first day to headquarters was a memorable one.

You never anticipated the sheer amount of words that could come out of one person’s mouth. One lengthy monologue after the next, Hange caught you up to speed on the titan research program — whether you cared or not.

The Special Operations team was more than happy to trap you with Hange at the mess room table for hours so that they could be spared.

(According to Gunther, enduring their rants is just considered Special Ops hazing.)

Jokes on them: you were happy to listen, because Hange reminds you so much of Isabel.

It’s bittersweet, sharing meals and traveling with someone just as excited about the world as your young friend had been. They marvel at the little things that surround them, their smile as joyous and free as the late redhead that you once shared a cramped Underground City bedroom with.

Hange acts as though they’d known you their entire life.

They treat you as if you’d always been a friend, a very good friend, and you don’t shy from kindness the way Levi does. 

Levi, on the other hand, acts like a malevolent cat in their presence, but Hange takes it in stride.

You know Levi well enough to know it’s all an act — Hange is just as much his favorite within the Scouts as they are yours.

You’re not one to believe in fate, but many a night staying up talking to Hange about a future they see feels like your life, this strange life, was meant to be. 

That, through the comradery of the Scouts, you can learn to trust again, to laugh again, to reinvent yourself again — and not hang onto Levi’s every movement like his shadow.

You create your own space within the Special Operations squad; one where you are praised for your quick thinking, ODM maneuvering, and fearlessness in battle. 

You grow your own friendships. 

Hardships.

Inside jokes.

Celebrations. 

Bonds forged by strength and by trauma.

(Your own shadow.)

“Oi, where’s Levi?”

You had been busy reading reports in your former bunk room, now morphed and redecorated into your Lieutenant’s quarters.

It’d been a few hours since the last short-term mission ended — you had nearly gotten your ass handed to you by an eight-meter titan with a particularly animated body. Where most titans walk slowly, aimlessly, this one had a frenzied mission. A desire to run.

According to Hange, they're calling them Abnormals.

They’re a new type of nightmare that only keep showing up more and more every trip outside the Walls.

“Hello, earth to James,” Hange sing-songs as they wander in.

You glance up, distracted.

“Hmm? Where’s Levi?” you repeat. “I don’t know, why?”

“Because you two always have a sixth sense on where the other is,” Hange reasons, flopping down in the chair across from you. “It’s freaky.”

“The person who talks to titans is calling me freaky?” you ask with a smirk playing on your lips.

“That’s when you know it’s the truth,” they reply, not skipping a beat. “What is that whole thing about, anyway?”

“What?”

“Sorry, let me rephrase. I never asked: Levi came into the Scouts, right? In all his grumpy glory. Then two months later, you joined us.”

You squint as a response to Hange’s presented puzzle.

“That guy is a hard nut to crack. You must have some kind of special sauce to get him to trust you so fast. Unless…”

The others still don’t know.

Well, they know — they know Levi is incredibly protective of you.

They know you look to his guidance before anyone else.

They know the two of you often disappear to spar.

(Surely they must know where you are almost every night but are too afraid to speak up. It doesn't hinder Scouting missions in the morning.)

“We knew each other before the Scouts,” you finally confess, and Hange’s eyes blow wide with the validation.

“I knew it,” they tell you, snapping their fingers. “The Underground City, right?”

You nod, folding the map in two. “Kids that grow up there stick together.”

The shift in Hange’s expression is almost comical, bordering on conspiratorial.

“Ah-ha. So you two have been fighting alongside one another for a long time. This puts my theory of a weird cranial connection to bed. It’s just childhood friendship.”

You have to try not to smirk. “Yup, just that. No conspiracies needed.”

“Well, that’s one mystery down.” They gesture to their bare neck with their index finger. “I’m still trying to figure out the deal with that, though.”

“Huh?”

“You know, the deal.” They lean over the table to blatantly point at the silver necklace peeking out of your button-down ivory shirt, its pendant sitting against your sternum. “With. That.”

Right.

The necklace you never took off. The necklace you care for with a delicate touch. The necklace that you sleep in, bathe in, fight in.

“It’s just a necklace.”

“Sure.” Their glasses slide down the bridge of their nose. “Just a necklace.”

You laugh, turning your report face down on the table. “Sounds like you don’t believe me.”

“I don’t.” Hange smirks. “I’m supposed to be observant, remember? Well, I have deduced in my observations—”

“Ooh, a deduction,” you tease.

“—that it has importance. So what gives? Does that have something to do with a certain someone?”

Too close to him. 

You roll your eyes, sliding your hands from the table’s surface to lean back in the wooden chair.

“How come you wanna know about it so bad, then, if it’s just a necklace?”

“I said it isn’t just—”

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh, now you’re twisting my words.”

“And you’re about to lose your glasses,” you tell them, and they push the center up their nose in short defiance. “What’s the reason you’re so interested all of a sudden?”

Hange groans in the pale torch light, sliding down into their seat in dramatized agony. “Be-cause I saw a titan almost snap that thing in half and you went totally berserk.”

“So?”

“So! I saw how fast you sliced that thing up!” Hange chuckles. “Like you had a personal vendetta against the damn thing. That was supposed to be my new test subject, y’know.”

You chuckle low, burying your chin in the mouth of the emerald green cape around your shoulders. Under the fabric you hold the tiny gemstone, running it between your fingers with admiration.

“Titans should learn not to touch my shit, then.”

“Hey, shitheads.”

The deep voice makes you sit taller, lips parted with a greeting that never quite comes to fruition. 

Hange stays hunched over the table as Levi steps into the room. His hand grips tightly around the circumference of a steaming tea cup.

“Hey, Levi,” Hange greets in return. “James was just telling me all about how you two knew each other before the Scouts.”

Levi shoots you a look, and your brow quirks. Nothing too big. His shoulders relax a fraction of an inch.

“Did you tell Four Eyes how I used to always win at spars?” He drops down in a seat at the table, draping his arm over the back.

“I would never lie to poor Hange like that.”

“It wouldn’t be a lie.”

“Would, too.” You gesture to Hange. “Section Commander, would you believe me if I said he won every fight?”

Hange squints. “I’d have to observe for myself.”

Levi smirks, his lips covered by the tea cup. 

You groan, leaning over the table to plead your case. “Hange, you’re supposed to say yes.”

“Not without proper evidence!” Hange refutes.

You scoff. “Some friend you are.” 

“See, Levi? She said I’m a friend,” Hange adds, pointing to you. They lean back. “One day you’re going to say the same thing.”

Levi snorts. “Sure, when I’m shitting myself dead.”

Hange squints at the raven-haired man. “Why is it always shit jokes with—”

“James.”

It’s neither Hange or Levi that says your name.

You turn to see Eld standing at the doorway of the kitchen.

He seems… uncertain of how to approach your bedroom despite how the door is already open for wandering company. 

He shifts in his stance, clearing his throat.

“Commander Erwin wanted to speak with you,” Eld informs you, eyes flickering over your face. 

The smile you have from your conversation with Hange begins to slowly fall. 

“Something up?” Hange asks.

Eld ignores them, staring at you instead.

You turn your chin to Levi, but the captain doesn’t react. He continues sipping his tea in silence.

“Now?” you ask.

“Now,” he confirms.

You catch Hange’s eyes before pushing the chair out. “Alright, fine.”

It isn’t like Erwin to summon people, much less you. If he has something to say, he usually does so by seeking out the person in question himself. 

Sending Eld only means that he may be discussing matters with the rest of the Levi Squad on an individualized basis.

Maybe it’s to debrief from the short mission a few hours ago.

Maybe he’s looking for counsel on the strategy map you’d been pouring over before Hange and Levi swung by.

Whatever it is, it doesn’t leave you with a great feeling in your gut.

Up the stairs and down a narrow corridor sits Erwin Smith’s office. He has the door slightly ajar, the room illuminated solely by half-lit candles. 

You knock your knuckles against the wooden slab.

“Commander?”

Erwin is sitting at his desk with pages of letters, diagrams, and what you presume to be Hange’s crude drawings of the titans they had captured three months prior. His dark emerald trench coat hangs loosely from the chair’s back.

His piercing blue eyes lift, staring straight at you.

“Come in, Lieutenant.”

You were never a fan when he called you that.

Lieutenant — it was a fake title to keep the masses from ever questioning your spot on the Special Operations squad, same with Levi. 

Citizens never questioned it. Military Police, however, were never a fan.

Yet when Erwin said it, it always followed with something you wouldn’t enjoy hearing. Like you were being chastised for something before you knew the crime you’d committed.

“Is something the matter?”

“Not explicitly, no,” Erwin tells you, dropping his gaze to his papers briefly before glancing back up. “Close the door, please.”

Great.

Something was wrong.

You roll your eyes, closing the door. Your back stays pressed against it, arms crossed over your chest.

Maybe Levi became close with Erwin throughout the years, acting as his right-hand man through the thick of battle, but you had no interest in crowding his flank.

You didn’t like the method to Commander Erwin’s madness. It often went to great lengths at the cost of others; casualties be damned so long as the mission was successful.

You’re certain that’s why the public hates all of you.

Erwin, however, does not cater to the public’s opinion of himself, not when he can keep pushing towards the forest no one can quite yet conquer.

“I need you to be honest with me, Lieutenant,” he sighs, pushing his papers to the side.

You quirk a brow, staying put against the door. “I didn’t eat the rest of the potatoes, if that’s what you’re about to accuse me of.”

The blonde smirks, albeit briefly. “No, it has nothing to do with food rations.”

For a moment, the two of you stare each other down. You clench your jaw and neutralize your expression as he tries to decipher you well before the inquiry is asked. 

It’s a game of mental chess.

You won’t give him the satis—

“Lieutenant, what is your connection to Captain Levi?”

You pause. 

This question sounds like a layered spring trap — step too close with a simple answer and Erwin has the potential to drown your words in assumptions and claims.

Your heart beats a little faster. 

“You already know my connection to Captain Levi, sir.”

“You don’t need to sir me,” Erwin says, like the casual coolness of the statement will somehow ease the tension cinching your shoulder blades together. “And I never heard it from you, not directly.”

“Because you stuck my face in some mud and talked over me the day you made me think my business partners were dead,” you reply with little tact.

Erwin can’t help but smile at the snip. It’s annoying how he takes everything in stride.

“Yes. I didn’t give you much choice to explain yourself then, so I will ask you now.”

He locks eyes, and you can’t escape.

“What is he to you?”

Everything stills.

You don’t like where this is headed.

Although you spent plenty of nights in Levi’s bedroom, sometimes even switching it up to linger in yours, you both had been so careful to keep the relationship out of sight and out of mind.

You clench your jaw tighter. “Levi Ackerman is my former business partner, just the same as Isobel Magnolia and Furlan Church.”

“And?”

“And?” your brows knit. “And he is… a friend. Family.”

“A very close friend,” he surmises with a thick brow raised in question. “One you would move mountains to protect, yes? Even if you could not be beside him?”

The implications of his words instantly make you distrust the Commander’s intentions with this conversation.

While you feel close with the Scouts within the Special Ops squad, there is no mistake to be made: only one name rings true as your top priority.

And it isn’t Erwin. It isn’t Hange. It isn’t Petra, or Oluo, or Eld, or Gunther.

Fear grips your heart. 

Like a cornered animal, you speak out of turn.

“Are you implying you have a plan to split us up?”

To move you to another squad.  

It’s the first idea that pops into your panicked brain.

A captain and a lieutenant on one team didn’t really ring fair — not when you could lead up your own squad.

You don’t want to.

“Is that what this is? To gauge whether or not I’d be willing to transfer? To finally move me to some other squad so I can lead alongside Levi Squad?”

“No.”

“Because if the intent of this question on whether or not I would hurt someone that would try to separate us, Commander, then you are sorely mistaken to think that I would be alright with—”

“James,” Erwin coos, voice deceiving soft when he lifts a palm. “I have no intentions to separate or reorganize Levi Squad.”

You realize what you just blurted. 

What you’ve revealed.

You gave him all of your cards, tossing them clear to the desk in front of you.

Fuck.

You close your mouth, afraid you’ve done something horrible wrong.

Erwin gives no sign of winning the upper hand in his expression. He does, however, keep his brow gentle.

“Something new came to my attention while you were on your mission,” he tells you with purpose in an effort to calm the tension in the room. “An opportunity to navigate the forest in full with the potential to eliminate the predicted death rate. Eighty percent to forty. Slashed in half.”

You stare, choosing your next words very carefully.

“The forest is untouchable.”

“It is.”

“The last strategy didn’t work.”

“I know, Lieutenant.” He leans back in his chair. “It’s a risky mission. One that requires the best Scouts I have at my disposal. I believe, if we use my new formation, then we can pierce through the forest and find our way on the other side.”

You try to connect the dots eons away from one another. 

If Erwin wanted to give you a job, then why didn’t he just say it?

“...you know I’m willing to go, Commander,” you tell him, brows knit.

“I know you would be,” he replies, “but Captain Levi is not willing to take that risk.”

Your blood runs cold.

What?

Your chin juts abruptly to the left, head tilting as you try to process what he’s saying between the lines.

He knew you would say yes to the risky mission. You’re happy to take the risky missions.

But Captain Levi…

“What does Levi have to do with this?” you ask before you can help yourself.

“Levi came up with the strategy to breach the forest in conjunction with my formation, but he requested that I not allow you to join us.”

Erwin rests his palms against his ribcage, lacing his fingers together. He sighs through his nose, contemplating. 

“You see, now, why I wanted to know what your relations were to him.”

That ice-cold stream in your veins quickly shifts to molten.

He went behind your back?

“Levi wouldn’t do that,” you murmur, but you're not certain when you speak.

(Because it wouldn’t be the first time, you realize; deep in your gut.)

“He did,” Erwin corrects. “He has. An hour ago, to be exact.”

While you were talking to Hange?

“I’m good for the mission, Erwin,” you tell him, using his first name despite how you feel about familiarity with him.

“I know you are, James,” he replies with less formality. “And I’m willing to bypass Levi’s wishes if you want to join us on the expedition beyond the forest.”

Your mouth dries up.

Everything feels… nauseating.

There is a betrayal festering in your belly, one you cannot ignore in front of Erwin.

You have to go.

You have to find Levi.

“Permission to be excused?” you abruptly request. “I think I need to speak with Captain Levi myself, but rest assured I am going on that expedition.”

“Excused, Lieutenant,” he signs off, staying seated.

You never rip open a door so fast in your life.

Your boots echo down the corridor, face hot with embarrassment and worry.

Why would he tell Erwin not to let you go?

Why would he do that behind your back?

You round the corner, headed straight for his bedroom. When your hand jiggles the knob, it’s locked shut.

Then you continue further down the hall to the next room on the opposite end.

Your room.

Levi continues to sip tea slowly at your table, reading over the map you had folded up with mild interest. 

Hange is nowhere to be found. 

Good. It’s easier if they’re gone.

“Ackerman.”

The abruptness of his last name has him as still as a statue.

Only his gray eyes flicker up past the cup, pausing in his sip. Your lip curls as you force the words out of your mouth.

“We’re sparring.”

Levi sets his tea up on the tiny saucer below. “Excuse me?”

“I said we’re going outside and fucking sparring, Captain,” you snarl. “Let’s go.”

Because you can’t yell at him.

Not here, not when there’s a possible audience in the echoing hallways.

You hear the wooden chair scrape across the floor, and slow boots step out into the hallway with you. You don’t look back. 

Down the stairs, around the foyer, and out of the headquarter entrance you go — with every step, the more upset you get.

“This night has gotten dramatic,” he calls to you once he reaches the mouth of the sparring ring. “What did Erwin have to say?”

You turn on the heel of your boot, remaining silent.

You want him to say it first. To confess.

(You want him to prove that Erwin is lying.)

He doesn’t.

He just waits, infuriatingly patient.

“You know what Erwin had to say,” you seethe. “How could you?”

He blinks twice, inhaling slowly through his nose.

Then, he shrugs off his uniform jacket and hangs it by a nearby tree branch. He rolls up his sleeves to his elbows.

“I need you to make sure Hange doesn’t get eaten by their next test subject," he flatly explains.

“Oh, so we lie to each other now?” you ask. In a cascade of pops to your left hand, you crack your knuckles.

“James—”

Too late.

You throw the first punch, and he dodges it easily. His gaze hardens.

“Sloppy,” he comments.

Hurting Levi isn't your goal, but you don't know what else to do with this rage. This is the only way you can properly express the uncertainty festering in your belly.

Levi gets that.

He doesn't judge that.

To quell your budding panic attack, he'll easily deflect your advancements and tire you out.

(He's the only one. He's always been the only one.)

“You have some fucking nerve," you bite, nostrils flaring. "You wanna know what he asked me before he told me about your little forest plan?”

You kick him, and it happens to land.

You’re fairly certain he gave you a freebie.

His brow quirks, so you continue.

“Erwin asked me what we were.”

That seems to pause his defense, though he easily pushes away your next punch.

“And?”

“I told him we fuck.” The whites of Levi’s eyes grow. “Every single night under everyone’s noses — on every surface of his precious little headquarters —”

“You didn’t.”

“Yeah, asshole, I didn’t. I’m lying. Kind of like you lied right to my face.”

“I didn’t lie to you about the plan.” Levi throws a half-hearted punch for good measure. You deflect. "Can't lie if I didn't tell you about it."

“Shut — up.” You snap, throwing another hard hook at him.

Like lightning, he deflects. When he grabs your wrist, you struggle to rip your arm out of his grip. Levi drags you into his chest, keeping you trapped against him, the air heavy between you.

Panting through your nose, you work through your fury and hurt by staring him down.

“I’m going.”

His eyes narrow. “No.”

“What the fuck has you so scared, Levi?” you beg, and he falters for a moment. “We promised we’d be at each other’s sides, so what gives?”

Levi considers your words, searching your face. He keeps the mask up, not allowing you in — which hurts.

“You saw one today, right?” he murmurs, low and dangerous. “An Abnormal.”

The creature's wild, deranged grin still lingers in your mind’s eyes. How it ran at you on all fours, unlike any titan you’ve ever seen before. It was terrifying, but you don’t have to tell him that.

He's seen them, too.

“According to our intel, that place is crawling with Abnormals. The forest floor is a suicide pit. That’s why we can’t push on.”

“So?”

“So?” His brows knit. “If we push in, then that means they may run the other way. They may sense we have a titan held captive here. I need you to stay with Hange and Moblit while they experiment on that freak to make sure they’re safe.”

Deja Vu hits you.

“I’m going,” you robotically repeat as you work through why this feels so familiar.

“You’re not, I — did you not just listen to me, shithead?”

“I’m going,” you repeat once more, convincing yourself more than him.

Levi eases up on your wrist, panting.

"This is a waste of time.”

He pushes you away and turns a heel, heading back towards headquarters.

“Hey," you murmur.

The abrupt jolt of violence is what you need to wake up: to realize you’ve had this conversation before.

“Hey! I’m talking to you!” you shout after him.

He doesn’t look back.

A humorless laugh leaves your mouth before you launch into your final plea.

“You’re always so quick to walk the fuck away.”

That gets him to stop.

His eyes, wide with his own budding fury, stare back at you, so you continue to speak. 

“The second you think my life is in danger, you shut me out. It's textbook Levi. You stop thinking of me as a viable teammate and more like someone you should babysit.”

Levi’s nostrils flare. “James.”

“No, you listen to me, you piece of shit,” you angrily snap. “You sidelined me back in the Underground City on our last job, and look what happened. It failed. We lost everything. You got taken to the Scouts. Isabel and Furlan died.”

“Stop.”

“Countless times you’ve chosen Eld and Gunther to join you on camp watch when we’re beyond the Walls. You’ve never once asked me to take the hard watches.”

“I was avoiding the look of favoritism,” he growls, gritting his teeth.

You keep going with a small, humorless laugh. “Oh, I see right fucking through you, Levi Ackerman. The countless times you’ve put me with Petra or Oluo? With Hange and Moblit? What’s the excuse you always, always, use?”

He turns his cheek, but you push your hand against his face to turn him back to you.

“Protection, that’s right. I have to protect people. I always have to fucking protect everyone while you play martyr. Humanity’s Strongest, right?”

His eyes turn to slivers of anger. “Don’t.”

“That’s what they’re calling you behind the Walls," you mock. "Captain Levi, Humanity’s Strongest Soldier, always willing to do the hard shit. You don’t give a damn that I’m worried sick over not having your back. It's only about your fears, never mine. Now you’re escalating it to, what, forbidding me to go on missions with you, too?”

“You fought an Abnormal for the first time today,” he quickly argues back, under his breath to keep control of his volume. “What did you say in your report? An eight-meter titan almost got you? You were lucky to escape, right?”

You can’t help but scowl. “Yes, but—”

“But, what?" he challenges with a hiss. "You wanna go back out to the den where they all shit together? Was one not enough for you today?”

“That’s what Scouts do, Levi,” you argue, rounding him as he starts to walk away again. You walk backwards, keeping in time with his steps. “We know the risks.”

“You’re not going.”

“You don’t have a fucking say in that.”

“I do.”

“Levi, no you don’t. You don’t own me,” you seethe. “Why do you think you can just order me around to sit back and watch you fight these things without me? Why don’t you trust me to fight beside you for once? Why—”

“Because if I lose you this time, then that’s it!”

He shouts, unlike himself. The volume surprises you as much as it does him.

You freeze, eyes growing wide and mirroring his own.

The echoes bounce off the trees, rustling the wind.

“I lost you when we were kids,” he confesses with a slight crack to his voice, exhausted. “I lost you when the job went wrong — James, please, I love you so goddamn much and I will lose my fucking mind if something happens to you.”

Your expression unravels, softening in his broken plea for absolution.

“Yeah, I leave you out and I am sorry if that hurts your feelings, but if I don’t have you to come home to — then what the fuck is this for?”

He is out of breath, as if a giant weight has lifted.

The emotion is far too much for him to handle.

He’s grasping at straws to hold him steady.

“Nothing will happen to me.” You see a flicker of grief pass over his stern face. “Levi, I’m not going anywhere. Hey…”

You near him, pulling his face towards you by cradling his head in your palms.

He closes his eyes, breathing sharply through his nostrils as he tries not to relax into the moment.

“You don’t know that,” he protests under his breath. “The forest is dangerous.”

“But if I have you watching my every move, how could we lose? Fighting right by your side and never leaving it,” you remind him, running a thumb gently along his cheekbone. “Remember when I promised you I wouldn’t die on you?” 

He scoffs, but you duck your chin to meet his eyes.

“Y’know, the first night you…”

“Yeah, yeah, I remember,” he interrupts.

You can’t help but smile. "Yeah?"

"Yeah, shithead, of course I do," he deflates, opening his gray eyes to study you. A light shade of pink peppers his cheeks. "Not exactly a night I could forget."

You continue caressing his cheek, knowing how much it can soothe him.

He fights it, but ultimately he relents.

Releases.

"I won't die on you," you repeat, firmer this time.

"I know," he exhales. "Because if you died on me, I’d drag your ass out of wherever shitty afterlife they stick you in and bring you back myself.”

You believe him.

For a moment you both stand here in the dark, coming down from the adrenaline.

After a minute passes, you speak softer.

"We'll clear the forest."

"I know."

"And we'll be able to return to the Walls with the first update in years."

"I know."

“And then when you're done meeting with the Commander, I’ll be waiting in your bed—”

Levi’s eyes snap open from the outwardly bold suggestion. “James—”

“—with a dozen apologies in a dozen different positions—”

He presses a hand over your mouth to muffle the other dirty things you want to say before they turn into giggles.

He kisses the back of his hand and shakes his head.

“You’re a fucking nightmare.”

Eventually he lets go, and you press a chaste kiss to his lips.

“I mean it. We’ll come home.”

A moment passes, but Levi eventually pulls your forehead to rest against his.

“Yeah. Right home.”

.

Author's Notes:

CHECK OUT THIS AMAZING FLASHBACK ART THAT @ariessential CREATED! I have it saved to my desktop so I can admire it while I'm writing. I'm obsessed.

Happy holidays to those who are celebrating this weekend! Next chapter is the final flashback. I am sure you all know where this is headed, so all aboard the pain train. Your reblogs, comments, and engagement with this story keeps this engine going. Thank you, thank you.

deleted scene 02. :: an alternate version, aka the first draft, of that forest moment in chapter nine.

[levi501ackerman]

Silly | Hange x Reader Fluff

masterlist

I have this in my head but I'm too lazy to write so bullet points it is

You didn't know anyone in Levi squad most of them came from the southern cadet corp. You are from the north. They all knew each other and to them you were the new one.

You met them along with Captain Levi in a hide out cabin.

They were all very nice and welcoming. You remained reserved and barely spoke.

You roomed with Sasha and Mikasa. They're the ones that hear you talk the most. You felt the most comfortable around them and Armin.

You cleaned well and you were helpful with Eren's titan experiments. Captain Levi took a liking to you. He thought you were intelligent, quiet, respectful and didn’t complain.

While doing an experiment you see a woman you've seen many times along with a man talking to Captain Levi. She and the guy lept down the cliff to pull Eren out of his titan form. You saw this as an opportunity.

"Excuse me, Captain, who's that woman you were just talking to?"

"Section Commander Hange Zoe." Levi said.

You look at her pulling out Eren and screaming.

"Will she be around us, a lot?" You asked politely.

"Why?" Levi asked, you blushed then turned away.

"Just curious, thank you, sir." You walked back to your post seeing Hange pulling Eren all the way out.

"L/N," you looked over your shoulder giving your attention to Levi. "The tea you made last night was good. Please make some tonight."

"Thank you, yes sir."

You made the tea and you made sure to do it perfectly knowing your Captain actually likes it.

While at dinner with everyone you ate your soup and you are in your head like you usually are. You thought of story ideas and some books you've read.

Along with the rest of the table, you laughed at a joke Connie told.

You knew Sasha will always take your left overs and so you passed your bowl of soup to her.

"You're the best! I love you!" Sasha exclaimed.

Later Levi squad are in their rooms and Levi and Hange are talking about tomorrow’s schedule. About an hour later Hange decided she should go to her squad’s hide out cabin.

Levi stays seated at the dining table sipping his tea and rereading plans.

As Hange passed the stairs, you muster out a “Hi.” She turns to you on the stairs and smiled.

“Hi there!” Hange said.

“Section Commander Hange Zoe, right? My names Y/N.” You said descending the stairs and extending a handshake.

“Yes Y/N! Ive heard of you, its nice to formally meet you.” Hange shook your hand and noticed how short you are.

You can’t help blush, but you’ve been wanting to talk to her, so you try your best to continue to conversation. “Your glasses are really cute, they suit you.”

“THANK YOU! I’m practically blind without them!” Hange said beaming. You boldly take them off her face and hold out your hand.

“$100 and you get them back,” you said deadpan. Hange bursted laughing and you laugh too, happy she liked your joke. While you both are laughing you offer her glasses back. “Here.”

“Oh I’m grateful you dropped your ransom.” She put them back on her face..

“Yeah I don't need them since I can see better than you.” You shot back. Hange laughed more, her smile bigger, and because of her contagious laugh and energy you join. She pushed your shoulder playfully.

“Who even are you?” Hange rhetorically managed to ask through her red face and teary eyes starting develop. You feel satisfied that she is enjoying conversing with you.

Levi heard all this from the dining room and is in disbelief that you were saying all this considering you rarely joined conversations. It’s late and he's ready to send you back to bed.

“You’re funny, I can see why Levi picked you to be in his squad,” Hange smiled ear to ear.

“She’s more talkative than usual.” Levi said behind Hange and it made Hange jump. “What’s the reason you’re down here?” He asked.

“I’m sorry Captain, I just wanted to get a drink of water then I ran into section commander Hange and wanted to introduce myself.” You said genuinely.

“Get your water and back to bed. We have early hours tomorrow.” Levi remembered that you were respectful and not a trouble maker like Jean and Sasha.

“Yes, sir."

“You keep chatting to Hange, she might piss herself.” He said.

“Piss for me.” You said while looking into her eyes. Hange cackles throwing her head back then puts a hand on your shoulder holding herself up from doubling over. You giggle then gradually laughed harder. To the point where you both are laughing silently.

Levi stood there with his arms crossed watching this play out. He's confused where this witty side came from. He's wondering how your stupid line is causing you both to cry from laughing.

You're pleased that you're making this extremely cute woman laugh at everything you say. Both of your energies are causing you both to find everything funny.

When you both start calming down. Hange glanced at Levi's expressionless face, she couldn't contain her laughter, causing you to giggle a little more.

"Okay, you go back to your cabin" he said with a slight amusement in his tone. He began pushing Hange toward the door. "You, off to bed."

"It was nice to meet you," you said wishing you could talk to Hange more.

"Goodnight Y/N! I'm glad we officially met!" You feel so satisfied with the outcome as you walk to the sink.

You replay the conversation in your head. You grab a glass and start getting water from the faucet. Hange enjoying your company and having her laugh with you makes you elated. You notice your heart beating out of your chest.

You chug the water and and then refill the glass to take upstairs. You spot Levi standing with his arms crossed, as you turned to start heading upstairs.

"You're secretly weird, aren't you?" Levi asked and you didn't know how to answer it. You couldn't tell if he was mad or wanted a certain answer.

"I'm sorry Captain for the late night disturbance, I'm heading to bed." You said strolling pass him.

"What's with the formalities when you just told a commander to piss for you?"

Megan's Note: Finals is over I can write more! I just wanted to get this out cuz I had this idea of a reserved reader with a silly side and just wanting to make hange laugh. I've been thristing over hange these past few weeks lol. Anyways hoped you enjoyed. There's not enough Hange x reader out there I'll make more lol <3

I've also thought of a Reader in Wonderland. They fall in and meet Hange as the Mad Hatter, Armin as McTwisp, and I haven't thought more into it except basically she gotta fuck Hange, fuck Levi in order to escape. Idk Im just horny going on 2 weeks of being single and I want Hange's strap.

I also have a vampire AU in mind but its dirty af and smutty? Lmao

masterlist

[claryshifts]

Making American Horror Story DRs "Safe"

I'll update this with each season I watch! Most of this will focus on one of the "Evans" bc I know a lot of yall horny bastards wanna hop on him (real) Each section will have an "ultra safe" paragraph and a "safe as possible?" paragraph. idk -Murder House: Option One: The house isn't possessed or whatever you want to call it. Hell, you don't even have to live in it. Though Tate has problems with his mom (that adds a lot to his character, so I'd still 'keep that'), he's never had terrible thoughts of doing what he did at that school or any other gross things. I personally would still 'script out' the self-harm. Wouldn't want my partner to suffer that Option Two: If you still want that ghostly experience, then sure, by all means, live in the haunted house. but maybe cut out the satan part... Also script the ghosts don't have shitty timing (they don't bother you in the bathroom or when you're sleeping, for ex). If you want Tate as a ghost and not alive, still, don't date a ghost mass yknow what  😭  😭  BONUS: instead of tate, date violet 🥰🥰 -Asylum: Option One: You can live a nice quiet life with Kit. it's the 60s though, so if you're fem/poc/lgbt/etc, keep that in mind. whenever I go to a reality in the past I script I don't get bored without technology lol Option Two: have fun at the asylum, ig, boo. If you want some edgy lore, pls don't script you're a psycho killer or something omg 😭. Script none of the people in charge inflect punishments on you. If you really wanna get freaky in that musty place, script you don't get caught... and that its not all musty... -Coven: I got a lot to say bc I think Imma make a script for this too haha Option One: no scary demon devils or whatever. Uh, Kyle isn't treated like a sex object???? Nothing bad happens to Nan (she deserves better). If Kyle has to die (that sounds so weird to say) for your lore or whatever, don't purposely give him a traumatizing experience. this isn't a fan fic,, that's your REALITY. Honestly you could just script you're a silly little witch hanging out in New Orleans and call it a day. Madison isn't annoying af. No Axe Man. LaLaurie being Queenie's "slave" was deserved but maybe just script her 'out' altogether... Option Two: Okay, so you want the drama. Have the drama! Still no demon devils though cuz that does NOT sound fun. Script you and the people you care about are all safe from harm. If Kyle HAS to go through that terrible experience (I'm his biggest defender as you can tell), at least keep Madison and Zoe away or at bay bc seeing them fight over a guy who can't even say "food" and OBVIOUSLY can't verbally consent was so uncomfy, for me at least. -Freak Show: Option One: no scary clowns. The "freaks" aren't treated like shit. Neal Patrick Harris doesn't show up with his puppet??? No one is trying to make money off of the freaks. None of them are murdered or harmed. Option Two: Ig if you still want the plot they still have to be treated pretty shitty. Still would apply everything else though, as well as the fact nothing happens to you.

-Hotel: Option One: Ok look James March. Wonderful man. Make him NOT a serial killer omg. If you get with him I'm convinced a relationship with him would be straight up Morticia and Gomez uishfuihfjsf I want him so bad. Anyway, if he's your man keep the countess off your back, if you keep her there at all. I wouldn't recommend making yourself a ghost bc idk WTFFF that would mean for you spiritually. You could be sexy March's sexy human partner. Or the countess' partner. Anyone's partner. but alive. Um no 10 commandment killings of any sort, and no vampire children???

Option Two: ngl idk how else to put this?? idk if there should be an option 2 ;-;

Currently on Roanoke! this season is so boring I might not write anything for it

[violentvaleska]

𝑨𝒃𝒚𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ ʳᵉᵃˡⁱᵗʸ

ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ: ʟᴇᴠɪ ᴀᴄᴋᴇʀᴍᴀɴ x ғᴇᴍ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

sᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ: ᴛʀᴀɪɴɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴀɪɴ ɪs ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʙᴜᴛ ᴘᴀɪɴ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴜᴍɪʟɪᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ʟᴇᴀʀɴ ɪᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀʀᴅ ᴡᴀʏ.

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs: ↫ ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴏᴜs ɴᴇxᴛ ↬

ғᴀɴғɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀʟɪsᴛ

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴏɴ ᴀᴏ3

ᴛᴀɢɢɪɴɢ: @xiernia @ajmiila02

ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ɢᴜʏs ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇʟʏ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴛs, ᴋᴜᴅᴏs, ʟɪᴋᴇs ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇʙʟᴏɢs ᴏɴ ᴀᴏ3 ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴜᴍʙʟʀ! ɪ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ ɪᴛ sᴏ ғᴀʀ, ʟᴇᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴅᴇᴀs <3

"Thank you for agreeing to this, Faye." Erwin Smith's voice has a sinister undertone to it, making you swallow as he and his Section Commander stare at you with intensity. You liked the name at first, thought it was pretty even, but somehow after a month you got tired of it. It doesn't really feel like it belongs to you, and the frustration of not remembering anything still haunts you. While your dreams continued with vivid images of your past, none of it was of any use to the Survey Corps.

After your recovery, still with no memories or anything else, Commander Smith decided it would be best to discuss your future plans. You knew it would come to this, they would never have let you just stay with them. You sit in his office, fingers fidgeting nervously as you give him a small smile, not in the mood to talk to him any further. You've felt shy and insecure around him lately, doubting yourself for most of your stay here. Of all the other soldiers you've met, Section Commander Mike has been the nicest to you. His weird habit of sniffing you hadn't stopped yet, but you got used to it and found it a bit funny. His subordinate Nanaba, on a good day, would show you around and tell you all about the Titans she knows. Hange Zoe, another Section Commander, was nothing but a little creepy lately. They wanted to examine you after hearing from the Captain that the Titans hadn't attacked you. You like their attitude towards the cold man, though. Speaking of which, Captain Levi avoids any form of contact with you, for which you are grateful.

"We have discussed your matter. Not only in the Survey Corps, but we also spoke to General Zackly." You have heard that name before, he surely must be in a leading position. "He thinks it would be a good idea to recruit you. We can't condemn you for something we're not even sure you've done. You have no home to return to, and so far you are in good shape." His words hit you hard, pulling you into a reality you wish you didn't have to face. You do not want to be a soldier, a puppet in the hands of these men. Erwin seems to connect the dots, furrowing his brow at your obviously desperate reaction.

"Of course we can't force you. But where are you going, Faye?" You bite your lower lip and let your eyes wander through the higher-ups. Mike gives you a thumbs up, probably to reassure you of your decision, while Hange seems giddy at the thought of you joining the regiment. Captain Levi doesn't spare you a glance, his eyes fixed on the window, a cup of tea in his hand. You notice the odd way he holds it, fingers around the rim instead of the handle. You shake your head and meet Erwin Smith's eyes again.

"I don't know." The silence is uncomfortable, you feel ashamed to be so clueless, but can they blame you? "You can always change your mind and leave the cadet corps. Your recruitment lasts three years, after which you choose a regiment". He explains casually, making you wonder what the other regiment might be like. You nod your head and straighten your posture to appear at least a little more confident. "I'm going to join the cadet corps." There is a certain edge to your voice, an uncertainty that makes Levi's gaze shoot daggers at you. The truth is, he still believes you left the safety of the walls of your own accord. How you managed to get past the guards and survive out there for so long is still a mystery to him. Sure, he can see why four-eyes is so infatuated with you, or why Mike likes to look at you for longer than necessary. You're an attractive young woman who seems to have outsmarted the titans. Having you as a soldier could be of immense benefit, which is why Erwin so desperately wants you to be his obedient subordinate. Levi observes you closely, the way you behave and carry yourself. He notices how your freshly washed hair makes you look healthier, your skin still pale from lack of sunlight. You are truly beautiful, and you draw your comrades under your mysterious spell. Male and female alike. Erwin's next words quickly snap him out of his thoughts, causing him to tear his eyes from your form.

"Levi and Mike will train you. It may take another week to clear things up with Commander Shadis. You have a lot to learn." While Section Commander Mike approves the idea with a quick smile, Levi slams his favourite china onto the table, almost breaking it in half. His tea spills over the edge and burns his fingers, but he could care less.

"There's no way I'll be in charge of her training! I've got enough to teach my own troops." The small Captain complains, anger burning in his belly. You look at him and scratch awkwardly at the back of your head. Sure, you don't want him to be your teacher either, but you wouldn't dare complain about it so openly.

"Levi, it's only for a few days. Why don't you let them train with your new cadet, Miss Hansen? I'm sure they'll get along fine." Erwin encourages, not noticing the black-haired, grumpy man rolling his eyes at him. You think it's the first time you've seen them interact like this. Captain Levi's lips form a thin line, obviously fighting with himself to control his next insults.

"Whatever." He spits, his teeth clenched as he crosses his arms in annoyance.

"Well, now that that's settled, we'll get you a place in the women's barracks and a uniform." He promises, a confident smile on his lips, while his deep eyes gaze at you with what looks like adoration for you. Shuddering at the thought, you look elsewhere, realising that this was probably all he wanted from the start; you to stay close. Your case is special after all.

━━━━━━━༺ - ༻━━━━━━━

A week later, you are bruised and beaten, your skin covered in blue marks from where the Captain struck you. You've spent most of your time training with his squad, and only had the chance to learn from Mike three times in the last few days. He is a busy man, always at the Commander's side. Captain Levi's squad is not too bad, they are good individuals and you get on best with a girl called Emma Hansen. She's seventeen, graduated from the cadet corps only a month ago, and has been under Levi's command ever since. The other members are Eld, his second in command, the twins Lars and Luca and a woman called Vanessa. She's not very talkative and stares at you like Levi. Training with them wasn't so bad if it wasn't for their Captain. He has been on your back for the past few days, putting you through a hard and unforgiving process.

You find the ODM manageable and learn that you seem to be good at it. Fighting, running and riding aren't for you. The faster your stallion, Sonne, gets, the more fear you feel. Sonne may be a sweetheart and seems to enjoy the way you stroke her head, but her speed is something you can't quite grasp yet. Running wasn't a problem at first but combined with countless rounds of parkour and chasing your new comrades, you'll soon be tired out. You hate combat. Wrestling with Emma isn't a bad thing, she's thoughtful and restrained, giving you tips on how to improve. Your other sparring partner, Luca, is a little harsher with his moves, but he would always help you up after your failures and motivate you to keep going. And then there is your Captain. It feels strange to call him that, to feel the pressure to show him respect. After being officially accepted into the military two days ago, thanks to Commander Erwin's connections, you've had to tone down your insults towards the dwarf. At first, you used to curse him whenever he tried to pin you down or make you run another lab. But now? You've heard that he likes to punish those who disobey and disrespect him, and you're certainly not going to play with his temper like that... or so you thought. Today is your last day of training with the scouts, something you've been looking forward to.

You need proper training, and while you've learned a lot from the Scouts, Captain Levi's way of teaching is simply unorthodox and mostly humiliating. In the cadet corps, you would at least be able to learn with other beginners. Erwin Smith made sure that you got a place in the southern trainee programme, exactly where Eren Yeager is supposed to be enlisted. The thought of meeting him makes you nervous, wondering if he might be the key to your lost memories. You have also seen him a few times in your dreams; a boy with brown hair and the greenest eyes you have ever seen. "Is this freedom?" He would ask no one in particular, spreading his arms with a broad smile on his innocent face. Perhaps Eren is your little brother? Or maybe a family friend. You'll find out sooner or later, you can be sure of that. While sparring with Emma, you notice someone appearing behind you, clutching your hips tightly. You instantly stop your movements, stiffening at the unfamiliar touch. Just as you're about to turn to find out who's burst your bubble, the man begins to speak, causing your cheeks to blush. Section Commander Mike towers over you, a small smile on his lips, and you look up at him in amazement.

"You're moving your hips too much. Keep them steady, it will give you an advantage." He explains, his hands guiding you into his preferred position. "Don't lean your body backwards, your opponent could easily take your balance away." With that, he moves his hands to push your back a little further forward, his touch never leaving you. This catches Levi's attention, a frown creasing his pale face.

"Oi. Stop touching her like a bitch in heat. Fucking disgusting." The captain complains and leaves Eld, his poor sparring partner, to come over to you, Mike and Emma. You glare at him, roll your eyes and mutter a "you're one to talk" under your breath. Unfortunately, the little man heard you and shoots daggers at you with his cold, stone-like orbs. Mike holds his hands up in defense, a look of annoyance on his usually calm face.

"I was just trying to teach her." He shrugs and crosses his gangly arms over his chest. "Besides, it's my duty to train her too, you know?" The Section Commander argues, but Levi is quicker to point out that he was "too busy" and had to do everything himself.

"Pf. Whatever." The blonde brushes the Captain off and turns his attention back to you. "Faye, I came to tell you that I will accompany you on your way to the southern division tomorrow." Your face instantly lights up, for you believed that the Captain would accompany you. That makes the journey seem a lot less torturous.

"Thank you, Section Commander, I really appreciate it." The way you smile warms his heart a little and he hums in appreciation. Levi scoffs at the sight, glaring at both of you before clearing his throat. "Mike, don't you have a section to lead, or something?" The taller one turns his attention back to Levi, raising his eyebrows at the man. "You want to get rid of me that fast, hugh?" He jokes, grinning at the Captain. "You interrupted our training. With all due respect, get lost." Rudely, Levi turns his attention from the Section Commander back to you and his subordinate, who has been watching their discussion with parted lips and rosy cheeks. Emma feels slightly out of place. "Of course, shorty." Mike insults, turning his attention to you and placing his big hand on your shoulder. "I'll catch up with you at dinner," he promises, leaving you alone with the Captain. Your eyes follow him for a while, confused by his kindness. Of all the people you have had to deal with, he, Nanaba and Emma have been nothing but subtle with you.

"Tch, silly girl. Stop drooling." Levi pulls you slightly out of your trance, cold eyes nagging at you, frustrating you. "I wasn't drooling. I was lost in thought." You bite back, imitating his sour expression. The way Levi treats his comrades is what you dislike most about him. Harsh, unforgiving and disciplinarian. Whenever you disrespect him, punishment follows. Cleaning, extra training or public humiliation is his way of "teaching" his subordinates. "Lost in thought? Got a death wish, idiot? If you daydream outside the walls, you are not only a danger to yourself, but to your squad as well". Feeling your hands clench at his words, your features darken. “Who said I was going outside the walls?” You ask in a provocative manner, noticing how his squad falls into silence at your question. "There are other divisions, and as a cadet I can choose my preferred division, can't I?" You feel Emma stiffen at your side as Levi approaches, stopping just in front of you. His heavy breath hits your skin and you can see that dangerous glint in his eyes, the one he has before he attacks. You know what's coming before it happens, but you're still not quick enough to move away from his outstretched hand. A yelp escapes you as he grabs your collar, pulling you closer to face him.

"Sometimes, Faye, we don't get to choose. Do you think the Commander would accept you joining the garrison, or better still the fucking MPs? You are here because you fucked up, now you have to make up for it." Spit hits your face as he hisses at you and you feel a rush of panic as he pushes you back, causing you to stumble and land on the ground, mud soaking your white trousers. "Not that you're good enough to join the military police anyway." He comments, looking down at you with disgust. Most of the other troops have stopped their training just to look at what has happened, and you are instantly ashamed. Hot, angry tears fill your eyes as you brush them away and stand up as quickly as you can. "Pathetic. Stop crying, soldier, and be a man." He turns and motions for his troops to follow him. You start to walk behind Emma when the Captain stops and looks over his shoulder, directly at you.

"Tch. Not you, brat. Get cleaned up, I can't stand looking at your filthy ass anymore."

Dinner is less strenuous. You've been starving for hours and are grateful for the steamed potatoes and fresh bread. Nothing special, but the food regulations make you feel lucky to get something at all. You decide to sit in your usual corner; away from the others and to yourself. You've been avoiding Levi since noon and don't feel like sitting with his troop. It would only lead to more humiliation for you, that's for sure. When Mike suddenly sits down on the bench opposite you, a shiver runs down your spine and you jump a little. You didn't expect him to be here so soon, he hasn't even eaten yet.

"Hey. I heard the Captain gave you a bit of a hard time. Don't take it personally, he's like that with literally everyone." He tries to reassure you, but you just cringe at the memory.

"He pushed me. Nothing big." You play it down, looking up from your plate to meet his eyes.

"So, about tomorrow. When and where should I meet you?" You ask, trying to change the subject so that Mike doesn't intrude any more. "Right. At the stables at 6 am. We should arrive around noon." He stops to take a sip from his cup of water and swallows a heavy gulp. "Make sure you pack all your things. Erwin also wants you to continue your dream journal. You should send him monthly reports." You groan and roll your eyes, not really understanding the whole dream journal thing.

"But they are useless." You remind him and cut into your potato, hoping to convince him that they are of no real help. "They are amusing, though. I can't believe you dreamt of Levi in a wheelchair. That's hilarious." He laughs a little and takes a bite of his bread, smiling at the thought of mankind's strongest being unable to walk. If that happens, they can forget about humanity. You, on the other hand, don't laugh as you swallow at the thought of this dream.

"It felt so real, though." You whisper, shaking your head in frustration, wondering what it could have meant.

"Don't worry your pretty head about it. Trust me." You smile a little, blushing as he winks at you. Mike is a flirt, attractive too. But somehow it feels like getting close to him would only bring you pain. And you were right.

[hanszoe]

Scenes of Sheltering From Rain Vol. 06

Originally published on au Smartpass on 2014/4/3 Included in Attack on Titan: Short Stories with the special edition of volume 20 on 2016/9/8

Translated by @hanszoe

Not checked for consistency with original. There is a serial difference between the original Smartpass release (7) and the physical release (6) due to exclusion of the original 5th serialization involving Nile and Nick.

Vol. 06

Nanaba & Hansi Zoe

That day, cold rain had been falling continuously since the morning.

When even a Scout becomes a veteran the amount of paperwork to do increases. Stacks of paper in front of her eyes, Nanaba stifled a sigh.

Erwin and Micke, they’re handling more work than this. I need to get it together.

Nanaba was a veteran soldier who had survived expeditions outside of the walls for more than 5 years.

On the other side of the glass, fogged up from the temperature difference with the outside air cold with the rain, Nanaba recognized the staggering of a familiar figure, and stood up in surprise.

“....Hansi?!”

“‘Taking a walk to clear your mind’, how can you say that when you don’t even have any rain gear, really?”

“I told you, today the reactions of the samples were weak, so… They were so cute, though…”

Nanaba had caught Hansi wandering outside who, rather than having gone on what you’d call a walk, looked like a corpse which had crawled out of its grave. She was drying off their body which was in such a state.

Normally, Nanaba wasn’t in the position to take care of others to this extent, but there was a closeness between them as same veteran soldiers. By just going outside of the walls and returning alive, a certain bond is born between soldiers.

“Goodness, you’re at least a section commander, aren’t you? Getting wet in the rain and staggering around, it sets a bad example.”

“A… section commander… That’s right, I’m currently acting as a section commander.”

Nanaba removed the cloth she had been drying Hansi's head with, and Hansi, whose hair had become even more disheveled than usual, had an expression as if they were hanging their head.

“Awfully sentimental, aren’t you?”

“Ah… a little.”

Hansi returned the cloth that they had been drying their wet body with to Nanaba, and walked over to the window.

“Rising in rank in the Survey Corps, isn’t that just surviving for a long time?”

“That’s… true.”

Finding it difficult to guess what Hansi meant, Nanaba furrowed her brows. 

Hansi had turned away from her, and was following the water droplets flowing down the outside of the window with their eyes. 

“In other words, it’s that upon the deaths of our many comrades, we have these positions. Being a section commander… sometimes, I’ve thought that kind of thing.”

“...Yes.”

The water droplets flowing down the glass almost looked like tears flowing down Hansi's unseen expression, hidden behind their glasses, and Nanaba straightened up.

“That’s true. But… for that reason, us veterans have things that we need to do.”

“Huh?”

“For the sake of our comrades who died too… the veterans are the ones who need to pull ourselves together, and to lead the younger soldiers. At the very least, so that the number of senseless deaths doesn’t increase.”

Nanaba gathered her resolve, and struck Hansi on the back.

“So, Hansi, no matter how far we are inside the walls, you shouldn’t let others see you in a pitiful state. You’ll worry the soldiers of the fourth section, and other soldiers will think of you strangely.”

“...You're right.”

Hansi removed their glasses and wiped them with a shirtsleeve. They put them back on, and when they turned back around their eyes were full of their usual inquisitive spirit. 

“Maybe I was a little too careless, well, I’m going right back to my research. Data on titans when it’s raining, that’s really important information!”

“Ah! At least put on rain gear!!"

Whether Hansi was listening to Nanaba’s words or not, they rushed out of the room, and were running off down to the far end of the corridor. 

Standing on the many dead, is that the veterans’ position?

Closing the door, Nanaba thought over Hansi’s words. 

I need… to get myself together too. Those who passed away, and my own surviving life, to prove that they weren’t for nothing.

Among the sound of the incessant rain hitting the roof and window, Nanaba nodded slightly, and returned to her work.

[dreamingon-forever]

Happy Birthday, Four-Eyes

OMG I'M SO LATE BUT I'M STILL ON TIME FOR HANGE'S BIRTHDAY, SO HERE IT IS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR HANGE, THE MOTHER FIGURE AND HEART OF THE SCOUTS!

At first I had another idea for the ending, but seeing Brave Order's Twitter post, it completely shifted the story. So hopefully you all enjoy it!

PS. Black Tea is Fine will be out by the weekend. I'm sorry for the delay, but I got irl things that distracted me and delayed my writing.

AO3 Link: 💜

"-substract from recreation budget?" Nanaba suggested in a hushed voice.

"No. We're already at a low with them and I don't think we can go lower unless we want troop morals to waver. It's not up for debate." Erwin's authoritive voice answered.

Muttering and disgruntted murmurs filled the usually empty room.

"I know! We can deduct from the cleaning budget! We'll make due with what we have for a while longer. We can stretch out the soaps a bit if we add water or-"

"No one is fucking touching my cleaning supplies." Levi interrupted as he made himself known to the room. A dozen frightened eyes turning to him from his unexpected appearance.

"Ouluo! You're bleeding!" Petra shrieked as she turned to her companion, who'd bitten his tongue out of fright after having his captain catch him suggesting the budget cuts on cleaning supplies.

Instead of answering or addressing the preposterous suggestion, he turned his attention to Erwin, who was sitting at the head of the table, a bemused smile on his lips.

"What's everyone up to at this hour? Don't you all have fucking things better to do than gossip or putting my cleaning supplies on the chopping board?" He grumbled, taking a seat on an empty chair next to Mike.

Having made sure that no one had followed after the newcomer, Nanaba closed the door behind her before settling back down in her seat. "We were discussing what to do for Hange's birthday. Our budget has been slashed more than usual so we don't have much to go on. So we're wondering where we can cut some spending for a small party."

"Tch. That's stupid. Why we putting money on a measly birthday above something that can actually help the corps?" Levi grumbled, to which everyone else in the room threw wary glances across each other in silence. It was not unexpected that Levi would come to this conclusion, which was why he wasn't originally invited to the conversation in the first place. It'd been two years since he'd joined the corps, and a year since Erwin had been elected as the new commander. Despite having been forced to work closely alongside the bespectacled brunette, he had made his distaste towards his fellow comrade quite obvious since the start. Despite Hange's many attempts at becoming close to him or getting to know him, he always brushed her off and complained about her annoying presence.

"Well... Hange's been putting more effort than most into trying to find a way to defeat the titans. Whether it's on field or off doing research, she's been tirelessly trying to find an answer for us. We just thought it'd be nice to show her some appreciation for what she's done so far." Erwin said carefully.

Rolling his eyes, Levi scoffed. "All that effort to simply throw our men to their graves. All her bullshit about titans have caused our men to die for nothing. We haven't gotten anything out of her shitty obsession other than making headquarters stink of decay and unidentified corps."

A heavy silence fell over the room at his words. While it wasn't entirely wrong that Hange's overly enthusiastic views towards titans had caused some deaths along the way, it wasn't as if Hange wanted that outcome either.

"You're wrong, sir. Section leader Hange Zoe is very much self aware of the dangers and consequences of her actions. She plans out everything thoroughly and is by far the most caring person I've met. The time she puts into her revisions and plans is beyond anything we've done outside the walls, and if there's a reason we might win against the titans, it's because of section commander Hange Zoe." A young man said, standing out of his seat. His face red in embarrassment over the attention, but his eyes piercingly dark as he spoke of his team leader.

"Moblit... please calm down..." A young girl with red hair pleaded from his right, gently pulling at his sleeve to come back down next to her. But he refused, continuing to stare down at Levi.

"And you might be the new second in command in the Hange team?" Levi guessed. "You know her last one lost his life after she went chasing after a titan instead of following protocol like she should've, right? If you're willing to blindly follow that shit-head then maybe you deserve his same fate."

"Levi, that's enough." Erwin's voice boomed, his face one of displeasure. "We're here to celebrate Hange, and whether you personally like her or not, it doesn't stop the fact that everyone else in this room feels like they want to do something nice for her. A birthday is meant to be to celebrate and thank an individual for making it another year- for being with us for another year. And we all here are thankful that Hange is still with us, helping humanity out for the most part. So if you don't want to be part of it, or have nothing nice to say about it, then I have to ask you to please leave the room immediately."

With a tch, the man got up and left the room.

The aftermath and loss of that day's expedition was probably the worst one Levi's experienced. Only a third of the troops that set out made it back, with most of the survivors being badly injured and/or missing limbs that probably meant they'd no longer be able to serve the corps. No one talked, no one looked at each other, and no one dared to look behind them. To where they'd left their fallen friends and soldiers, their lifeless bodies unable to be retrieved. Even the commander fell silent as he led them through the silent crowd.

That evening the castle was silent. And even the dining hall usually full of life and laughter was void of activity. And Levi, out of habit, decided he was better off cleaning the halls to distract himself from thoughts on the heavy loss they went through.

He was just on the landing of the west side of the third floor when a horrendous stench composed of something like a mixture of decay and dried blood seeped through the walls. Pulling the cloth tighter around his nose, he followed the smell until he was standing in front of a door. A particular door he tried his best in avoiding on purpose.

Of fucking course.

"Oi, Shitty-glasses." He barged into the room, not giving the resident even a heads up about his intrusion. "Why the fuck is your room stinking up the fucking place?"

But instead of the hyper and loud version of the fourth section leader he expected to come into, he was met with complete silence. Her messy ponytail facing him unmoving as she continued staring at something in front of her. Her silence and lack of enthusiasm so unnatural it starting causing Levi to worry about whether she was alive or not.

"Am I a bad person, Levi?" She finally asked. Her tone hushed and void of streght.

"Huh? What bullshit did you fall upon this time?" Levi grumbled, throwing a disgruntled look at the mess of papers on the floor beneath him. It started to seem like his plans on just cleaning the interior halls would no longer be the case.

Just as he started picking up some of the discarded paper, Hange spoke up again. "Did I lead everyone to their deaths? Erwin entrusted me with planning out today's expedition and... Maybe you're right... maybe my experiments are useless... Maybe that's why Erwin always disapproves of them despite being nice to me about it. But I kept pushing and pushing to capture a titan and do some experiments on them... I deviated from the plan... and I... all those innocent lives...." She fell silent. And if he strained his hearing enough, he was sure he could hear her silently sniffling.

Levi carefully threw a look towards the brunette, unsure of how to respond to her sudden emotional outburst. Despite his distaste towards her, it seemed the expedition did a number on her too. And the guilt she seemed to be feeling seemed like something he couldn't ignore. "Erwin trusts you." Was all he said.

A snort met his words. "Hah! Wrong judgement on that... I know everyone questions my methods, I know the way people talk behind my back about me. But I never paid mind, thinking I would prove them wrong someday. I thought Erwin would come to see my brilliance one day too. But I think instead I just proved how wrong I was all along. And maybe... maybe you were the only one who saw through all of that. You were always the one to advise Erwin and everyone against my ideas... I was stupid... If only I'd listened to you."

He stayed silent. A strange feeling of shame filling him from hearing the brunette's confession. Sure, he'd brashly spoken multiple times about how bad her ideas seemed to be. And he had indeed badmouthed her for being a lose canon ready to explode and destroy everything in her path just for the sake of needing to quench her curiousity. But he wasn't aware his words had hurt her in any way before.

The usual vibrant individual that had a hard time staying still and silent for longer than two seconds was suddenly the complete opposite. And it was throwing him off. It made him feel guilty somehow.

"You stink. Clearly you haven't washed since our expedition. Go take a bath." Levi responded in the only way he knew how to answer. "I'll set up the tub for you."

Hange stayed silent, eyes still downcast to whatever had been occupying her attention the whole time he'd been there.

When Levi came back, he was surprised at seeing the woman slouching over the table. Seemingly worn out from the day's events she had finally succumbed to her fatigue.

"Tch... fucking Four-Eyes..." He grumbled. But seeing as there was no other way around it, he took his jacket off, carefully placing it on the bed so it wouldn't get soiled before going around and picking the sleeping form up. Hange whimpered a few times, but otherwise didn't stir much. As he carried her to the tub, he couldn't help but take a peek at her face. And his heart stopped for a moment when he came to notice the trail of tears that made their way down her cheek. In his state of shock, not having paid mind to his surroundings, he ended up knocking a bottle of ink down, covering her desk in black.

"Shit." He swore, snapping out of his stupor as he continued carrying Hange towards the bathtub.

"Oi, Shitty-glasses. You going to undress yourself or you're going to make me do it?" But her lack of response combined with the silent tear still hanging on her lash was enough for an answer. Carefully and with the most respect, he stripped her off her clothes, peeling each soiled layer one by one until she was completely bare in the tub of warm water. Having thoroughly washed her hair and face, slowly her eyes fluttered open as he started scrubbing at her legs. A surprised look on her face as she noted the state they were in.

"Ah, you're up. Continue scrubbing yourself. I got to clean the mess you created." He grumbled as he handed her the sponge. "And make sure to scrub well. I will throw you back in if I see as much as a speck of dirt on you."

Closing the door behind him, Levi let out a tired sigh. Why was he suddenly feeling sympathy towards her? She knew what she got them all into. She understood her nonsense brought death to their comrades which she never seemed to show a care or remorse towards. So why did he suddenly feel like he was in the wrong? That he had this need to care for her? Shaking his head, he went onto cleaning the ink off the table. Luckily the pot seemed to have been almost empty, so except for a few splotches here and there, everything seemed to be clear of ink. Moving a few of the clutter away, his gaze suddenly landed on an open book. Curiousity getting the best of him, he let his eyes wander through the lines of writing, only to feel his face contorting into one of confusion.

Anabelle Haste, 21. Killed trying to save Lauren Bell, 19, who died by being eaten by a ten feet titan.

Edward Crown, 18, Ethan Bret, 18, Emma Krist, 16, all killed together by being caught off guard at the rear of formation.

Thomas Heist, 17, Morgan Heist, 17, twins. Both died together trying to help carry the corpse of their older brother Peter, 18, back.

The names of their past comrades and their deaths continued flowing throughout the whole book. Each line detailing their ages and the people they were closest to. Followed by where they lived and small trinkets Hange had been able to scrape from their personal belongings if possible.

And then his heart dropped as he went back to the beginning of the book. The first two names imprinted on the page being of his two best friends.

Isabel Magnolia, 17. Died alongside Furlan Church, 18, during their first expedition outside the walls. Both were from the Underground, but were very promising in their abilities using the ODM gear. Isabel loved the yellow dandelions we had growing around the pond near HQ, this one was found in one of the books she was reading. Furlan dreamt of owning a tea shop with his best friend Levi. I found this coin on his desk.

Feeling his eyes sting from unshed tears he hadn't realized were forming until then, he quickly wiped them away as he heard the door open behind him.

"Thanks for the bath, I didn't realize how much I needed it unti-" Hange stopped as she came into view of Levi holding her familiar book in his hands.

"Oh..."

"What the fuck is this, Shitty-glasses?" Levi questioned, pointing to the leather bound book. His face contorting to one of anger and confusion.

Seeing as there was no way out of it, Hange sighed, flopping onto her bed in defeat. "Where I keep names of our fallen comrades."

"I can fucking see that much. But why do you have it?"

"Because... It's sad just forgetting them. They all had dreams before them but gave up their lives for our cause. We all dedicated our lives to fight off the titans, and letting their memories go as if each of them were disposable is not something that I can bring myself to do."

Levi stared at the woman. "And you wrote down each of their names?"

Slowly Hange nodded. "Yes... I try tracking down those close to them, try to figure out their age and how they died. We can't afford to send each of them off in a lavish manner, but at least keeping their name and sacrifice alive is something doable on paper. I'm hoping someday when we can all defeat the titans, we can use this record to build a proper memorial for all our comrades."

Silence fell over them as Levi continued staring at Hange's deflated figure.

"I... I was doing the same for the comrades that we lost today but... There's so many of them, Levi. So many lost and so many I can't name or put something personal about them because they all died along their friends. There's no one to retell their story, or nothing to showcase what they loved or even that they existed. I'm just... so tired. And to think this is all because of me and my decision to go after some stupid tit-"

"It's not your fault." Levi interjected. His voice ringing against the silence of the night. "They flanked us. We weren't aware they had huddled near the east side because some meddlesome treasure seekers sneaked out to get some valuable off the corps of our comrades... None of today's loss were because of you. So don't take blame over something other fucktards did, Shitty-glasses. Our comrades died on their conscience, not yours."

At his words, Hange's eyes widened. Her brown eyes staring right at him as her mouth hung agape.

"Fucking close your mouth, you look like a fucking fish." Levi threw at her, turning to the book at hand to avoid her piercing gaze. A few minutes of silence passed as Levi continued flipping through the pages, small recollections of certain comrades coming to mind after glossing over their names.

"Chase Piercer, 21. He died after hearing the cries of the treasure seekers. He was the first at the scene and flared us to get help. He died along with Nathan Feekle, his boyfriend, 20." Levi said, opening the book to the most recent page, where half the slots were empty. Confusion clouded Hange's brown orbs as she glanced up at him, not sure what he was getting to. It wasn't until Levi took the ink pot and a feather pen to her that she realized what he'd meant. Excitement and curiosity flared in her chest at the information her companion had just given her, a newborn sense of purpose filling her once again.

Having watched the woman scribble down their names in her most neat handwriting, he pulled out something from out of his jacket pocket. "And these... these were their wings of freedom. They each have their names at the back of them. Add them next to their names."

And with a brilliant smile, Hange threw herself at Levi, enveloping him in the warmest embrace he'd ever gotten. "Thank you, Levi... Thank you so much."

A birthday is meant to be to celebrate and thank an individual for making it another year- for being with us for another year. Erwin's words rung back at him.

"Happy birthday, Hange!" The room exploded with activity as the brunette entered the once darkened commander's office. Candlelight immediately illuminating the table full of delicacies usually unattainable with their budget, while her friends and closest companions threw themselves at her.

"What is all this?! When did you all get the time for this?" Hange laughed as she spotted what could only be Moblit's drawing of Hange smiling next to a titan on the wall behind Erwin.

"We thought you needed a little break. As well as a thank you from all of us for the efforts you've put into helping us defeat the giants. No one does it like you, Hans." Nanaba said, wrapping her best friend in a tight hug.

"Right. We also needed an excuse to get something more palatable than charred carrots." Mike commented, earning a slap on the head from Erwin.

Throwing her head back in laugher, Hange smiled. "I appreciate all of this... Thank you. I too have grown tired of charred carrots. That's probably why i don't have much of an appetite lately."

"Tch... that's probably also why your eyesight is so shitty, Four-Eyes." An unexpected voice commented, causing her to swiftly turn to the corner of the room, where Levi stood in solitary, avoiding the center stage of the celebration.

"Levi! You're here too!" She cheered happily, quickly letting go of the blonde as she made her way to the unexpected guest.

"You're the last person I'd expect to be at my birthday celebration." Hange teased, to which Levi rolled his eyes at.

"I was forced to attend. Besides, I need to keep an eye out and make sure you guys don't get the place too dirty." Hange let out a snort. "Of course, that's the reason." She said with a peek of her tongue at him. But they didn't get to talk much more as Nifa immediately grabbed onto her section leader's hand, leading her to the desserts which she and Petra had spent all night making.

"Petra decorated this one so prettily! I tried to do it too, but seems I'm only good at baking, so I left the decorating to her."

The rest of the evening went by without a hitch. Funny stories being told, with the members becoming more and more lively as the night went on from the alcohol consumed. Even Levi, who usually detested and flat out refused to drink anything other than tea, decided to join in for the night.

"I'm just sorry we couldn't get you anything nice, Hans. We tried scrapping up some money but could only really afford to get you a few nice stationary." Nanaba lamented as Hange opened her gift.

Hange shook her head, smiling from ear to ear. "No, I'm already thankful enough having you all here with me. I love it, thank you."

But Erwin interrupted, gently coughing to get everyone's attention. "Actually, I think we all missed a present. There's one under the table we all seemed to have glossed over."

Confusion engulfed the room as everyone exchanged confused glances with each other. Although the brunette's excitement blinded her to the mayhem behind her, causing her not to notice her companions' confusion.

The gift was neatly wrapped, perfectly pressed with nothing out of line in a bright yellow colour. As Hange opened it in anticipation, a particular individual watched her closely in silence. His heart beating out of his chest as he watched the birthday girl's expression.

Hange's eyes narrowed as her brows furrowed in confusion. Her silence causing everyone in the room to fall into expectant anticipation as well. "I... I don't know what to say." She whispered just above a whisper.

And for a second, Levi's heart dropped. Did she not like the gift? Did he guess wrong? Had he ruined the mood? It was his first time gifting someone, and he didn't know whether he'd done the right thing or not.

But his doubts were quickly eased when Hange's excited shout filled the room.

"A MICROSCOPE! HOW THE HELL DID YOU GUYS GET A MICROSCOPE FROM?! IMAGINE ALL THE TESTING I CAN DO WITH THIS! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!" She shouted in glee, hugging the metal contraption to her chest.

While the others looked on in confusion, Erwin threw a knowing smile to Levi. Causing his face to pink from embarrassment. "Shut it. Unless you want the rest of the night to go to waste." He grumbled. And luckily for him, the older man didn't test him as he chuckled and headed back to join his friends.

The night winded down later than expected. And by that time, half their friends had already passed out, while the other were dealing with a terrible hangover. Hange told everyone she would stay behind and clean up, and Levi being Levi, was already going to do so, so they both ended up cleaning up the mess.

For the most part they were silent, focusing on their tidying duties as the aftermath of the party started leaving their systems. Until...

Splat.

A wet substance of mass hit him on the face. His surprise only lasted a second as Hange's laugher followed. "Your face! I've never seen you so defenseless before!"

"Oi... you're really asking for it now." Levi grunted as he started chasing the brunette around the room, a broom in one hand, the other with a rag. By the time Levi chased her down, it was already daybreak. Tired and out of breath, the two laid on their backs to the wooden floor as they stared up at the ceiling above them.

"Thank you, Levi." She softly spoke up after an elongated silence.

"Huh? What for? Chasing you around with a rag?"

A snort followed his words. "No... For celebrating with me. For giving me the names of those missing soldiers. For comforting me when I felt lost. For being my friend... and for the microscope." She said.

He froze, unsure of how to answer.

Sensing his predicament, she slowly turned on her side so she was looking at him. "Don't deny it. You're the only one that would actually go out of your way to get me one. You're the one who's always getting sponsorships and gifts from the public... it's not out of the realm of possibility for you to reach out to someone to make one."

Throwing a glance at the woman next to him, he sighed. closing his eyes. "Fine. It was me. But it's so that you owe me from now on." He answered. And as expected, Hange giggled at his response.

"I already owe you a lot. Just add it to the list of favours you can get out of me for the next ten years."

This time, Levi turned fully to her, his eyes catching her curious brown ones. "It's not just me you're helping with the microscope, Four-eyes. You're using it to help everyone as you study titans and their origins. Thanks to your experiments, we can become stronger. I will ask for your continued support." He said.

With a smile, Hange nodded. "To defeat the titans... let's work together to get rid of them."

And at seeing the bright morning light illuminated in her irises, he couldn't help but smile as well. "I'll hold you to that. Happy birthday, Four-Eyes."

[shmackhaystack]

The Queen and Her Levi- Chapter 1: The Debt

King!Levi Ackerman x fem!reader

Description:

"All my life I have never known what it was like to love someone, if anything, really. Until I met you, and everything changed, you brat."

"Reader" has a name, if you don't like it, then change it to your own, the world is your oyster.

Will contain VERY mature and triggering content. Viewer discretion is advised and minors please DNI.

Posted on Tumblr April 2024, also on Wattpad. If you would like to message me please feel free! I would appreciate and encourage any feedback, as well as messages if you are wanting more! Hope you enjoy.

Prologue here!

Next chapter here ;)

[word count: 3.4k]

Chapter 1: The Debt

Levi woke up in the master bedroom of his castle within wall Sina, alone, as usual. A lot of the time he has occasional women who he decides to use for the night, whom he sends away after getting what he sent them there for. Most of them fall in love with him and wish in their heart they could marry him and become his queen. Their wishes were always just dreams, though, Levi did not care much about who he slept with nor what they wanted. He was frustrated, only feeling like he needs the pleasure of sex but feeling nothing more emotional than that. 

Most of the time he wishes he could feel like sex meant something to him, but it never did. 29 years old and he never felt anything. Was it his mind? Does he think it's something messed up in his brain that he thinks he could never feel any different when it comes to some girl in his bed. Who knew, and who cares. He had a kingdom to run.

He thought he was alone, in fact, most of the time he preferred it, but he turns to see a girl in his bed. Ah, of course. It was the handmaiden who he ran into after an all-nighter of paperwork and research, he was honestly disgusted with himself. 

"Why are you still here?" he says, to blonde haired girl who he doesn't remember the name of.

"Sorry... I was just leaving" she responds.

"I thought I told you to leave right afterwards-"

"Sorry, your Grace, I just thought-"

"Thought what?" he snaps, with a more passive tone than usual. 

The girl looked at him with fear, as he stared her down and gets up to put his clothes back on and get in the shower. She doesn't say thing, too petrified to answer. She knew it didn't mean anything, she knew that the King didn't give less of a rat's ass about what she felt. He didn't even look at her as he got dressed. She attempted not to cry as she got up, put on her handmaiden dress and walked out, without a single glance from the man who was just inside her the night before.

Levi took his daily morning shower and got dressed into his fancy clothes, ready to put on a show to those he couldn't give less of a shit about. 

"Morning, your Grace!" says the Military Police guards who watch his bedroom door every night.

He doesn't respond. He walks by with his casual stoic expression that engrains everyone's mind every once in a while.

As he walks by people to get toward his office, he sees all of them looking and bowing to him as if he was some sort of God. He wasn't a God, he was just a man. A man who somehow managed to become the King of the life as we know it. As if everyone knows, this is the only life in existence, nobody around him knew if there was life beyond the walls or if this was it. If they were stuck in a nightmare that was impossible to escape. 

Levi always dressed professionally and casually, except for when he was in his Scout uniform, he was a clean and professional person anyway. Nobody would ever see him look his worst, nobody would ever see him cry or look like he's been defeated, he refused.

As he walked to his office for his meeting with Commander Nile Dok of the Military Police and Commander Keith Sadis of the Scout Regiment, he runs into one of his closest colleagues, Section Commander Hange Zoe. 

"Leviiiiiii!!!" Hange says with passion. She didn't bother to call him 'your Grace' or 'my King' because it didn't matter to her. Whatever she says to him, he wouldn't punish her anyway. 

"Huh?" he says without looking at her. "I got somewhere to be."

"With Nile, right?" she responds. He actually looks at her with confusion. Hange shouldn't know about his meetings with commandments she has nothing to do with. 

"Yeah, about that," she continues. "It's about Dan Reiss."

The thought of that name made him fuel with rage, but he hides his anger deep inside him. Everyone he is surrounded with knows that he can visibly get angry, almost furious like he is about to murder everyone around him, but he stays calm this time. 

"What happened now?" Levi questions with a sigh. 

He knows all too well the name of Dan Reiss. A nobleman who is particularly rich within the walls. He has two other brothers as he knows, but never met them at all. Dan Reiss was the only Reiss who actually had a relationship with King Levi. They didn't make much of a friendship, but they had a particular type of business relationship after all. Reiss' money was scarce for a long time, and with his power hungriness, it became almost nonexistent. 

Dan Reiss is an alcoholic, and gambler. He spends most of his days drinking or playing poker at the local village next to his estate, without a care of the world towards his caretakers of his land or even his only daughter. He believed that his money and status would save him from anything. Though, when it came to his relationship with the King, he didn't have much luck anymore. 

"So, yeah" Hange laughs. "He's absolutely bankrupt! All the money he owed you is gone, I think?"

He looked at her with furious rage. Why did this man get to him so much? He was a nobody. Levi had all the money in the world yet this man continues to aggravate him to his limit. Maybe it was the reason that Dan Reiss had claimed numerous times that he would pay him back, and that he would help the kingdom with the constant famine and poverty that lies within it. Not to mention the orphans that continued to roam the street unwanted, the thought of all those kids out there with no family makes his blood boil. There was plenty of men and women who owed him money, but he didn't give them a second glance. For Levi, his anger was all put towards Dan Reiss. He kept betraying Levi at every turn, and Dan was going to pay for it. 

Levi gathered up all of his closest comrades and guards to his office. He didn't care about what he had to do that day with other political business that he secretly couldn't care less about. He was ready to storm Reiss' front door and make him pay for what he owes. 

Erwin Smith, commander of the scout regiment. Hange Zoe, section commander of the scout regiment. Hange's assistant, Moblit Berner. Nile Dok, commander of the Military Police, and all of his closest guards had agreed to accompany Levi on his trip to Dan Reiss' estate. 

Dan's estate was within a safe haven village of wall Rose, it took about half a day to ride there on a horse. Levi still didn't understand why he chose to pursue this man. It wasn't much for him anyway, Levi was rich, the most powerful man in existence for all that everyone around him knew. He didn't need to pursue anybody, maybe it was fate, because it led him to something he never thought he would ever be led to. 

It took longer than expected to arrive at Dan's estate. Levi with his many guards and colleagues arrived on the land of Dan Reiss's estate. With roughly 20 some men surrounding the estate, with Levi and Erwin at the front. Levi's eyes looked more upsetting than usual, which makes Erwin look at him in curiosity. Even Erwin didn't understand what Levi's motive was. Perhaps Levi was done with people taking advantage of him.

He stops at the front of the estate. Putting his hand up to let his men know to halt. He looks up at the estate to see the man himself looking at all of the royal men at his doorstep. Surprised, and drunk, Dan Reiss gets up from his seat on the porch deck of his estate, absolutely shocked to see the King himself with his men glaring at him on his property. 

He walks towards the men, stumbling and not being able to see clearly. He stands there without saying anything.

"Lord Reiss!" Erwin Smith says loud enough for everyone on the land to hear. "May we have a moment?"

Levi says nothing, he just stares the poor man down with his familiar stoic glare. Dan is terrified, though can sense why Levi and his men are here at his doorstep. 

"Your Grace!" Dan says with excitement. "Wasn't expecting ya!" 

Levi stops his silence. "Reiss, you and I both know that this isn't a friendly visit. Why do you continue to defy me?" 

Dan is absolutely terrified at this point. He knows why Levi is here. His gambling addiction has finally gotten the best of him. He used all the money he meant to sent to the King to use for himself. He doesn't even try anymore, he knows that him and his power are now gone. He expects execution. He expects a brutal beating from Levi until his brains are on the ground. He drops his glass of whiskey that he poured 5 minutes before they arrived. He gave up.

"I know why you're here, King Levi" Dan says quietly. 

"Do you now?" Levi says. Erwin and his men look at Levi and expect the worst. Levi walks toward Dan while he sits there defeated. Dan is ready for Levi's wrath, he doesn't expect any less of him.

"You owe me a debt." Levi continues. He pulls out his knife from the sheath stationed on his right hip, damn, it was sharp. 

That is when a girl he had never seen before walks out of the large house, with a basket of fruit to harvest. She looks at Levi and all of his men with confusion, wondering why the hell they are at her doorstep confronting her father. She continues to look at these men, and looks at her father as if she's asking a question without words, but looks right back at the King.

Levi's eyes widen. He did not expect to see a young girl during all of this confrontation that was about to be violent. She is wearing a casual dress, a pink and white layered outfit that seems to be soft silk fabric. It looks like something that would be worn when doing yard work or handling cattle. He doesn't take her eyes off her as she looks with confusion at him and his men. She puts down the bucket and looks right back at her father.

"What the hell is this?" the girl says. 

"Go back inside, honey." Dan responds. 

The girl doesn't do what she's told, she continues to look back at all the men who look like they are from the royal side of town and glares at them. 

"I'm sorry?" Levi interrupts, "Who is this, Reiss?"

Dan Reiss hesitates to respond at first, but knows that he is screwed either way. "Your Grace, this is my daughter, Asuna. She manages most of the work around here."

Levi sits there listening to every word. His eyes do not leave the girl in question. She looks back at him, not with lust, but with disgust. He isn't used to a girl looking at him like that. He wasn't used to someone not looking at him with fear or desire. Most of all, he wasn't used to being fascinated by a girl he has never seen before. 

Few seconds after she walked out of the house, another young man comes from behind the estate with a rake and some yard supplies. He stops in shock and quickly runs up to Asuna and stands next to her in a protective stance. 

Asuna had emerald green eyes that glowed in the sunlight, her dirty blonde hair was put up in a side braid that went down past her shoulders. The bags under her eyes made it look like she didn't get much sleep. She must be working nonstop on the estate and the land that came with it. She must be too overworked while her alcoholic of a father sits back on his ass and drinks day and night. She was a short girl, Levi guessed that she was slightly shorter than him. 

Dan stops and turns to his daughter. "Honey, I really think you should go back inside," he continues. "This isn't something you want to see." 

"You got in more trouble, didn't you? What the fuck did you do?!" she shouts at him. "And who the hell is this?"

Levi is shocked at her boldness, her strength, he doesn't think anyone had disrespected or stood up to him like this before. 

"You better watch your mouth, girl!" Nile Dok shouts at the girl for her defiance. "You're talking to the ki-"

"Nile- stop" Levi cuts him off. "If the girl wants to act that way then let her, it won't do her much good anyway." He smirks at her. She immediately backs off and continues to glare at this so called King of the Walls. 

Asuna didn't need Nile to finish his sentence, him about to say that she was speaking to the King gave her the answer to her question already. She realizes her mistake and quickly backs off, refusing to give eye contact any longer to Levi or his men. Though the expression on her face showed that she was more angry than scared. She denies her father's wishes for her to go back in the house, she just steps back and stands next to the unknown boy who appeared shortly after her. 

"Your Grace," Dan speaks up. "If you're going to arrest me, chop off my head, torture me, because of my poor actions, please, just do it already." He pleads with an almost crying emotion to his voice. "Just don't hurt my daughter." 

Asuna looks at her dad with a silent plea, tears forming in her pretty green eyes. The unknown man who stood next to her put his arm around her as she attempted not to cry, she didn't want to look weak. She was taught by her father and others in her life to be strong. Despite her external strength, deep inside she doesn't know what to do at this point. If this raven haired man who stormed her property was the King, then there was nothing she could do to change her father's fate. Levi doesn't take his eyes off her, almost feeling sympathetic for her feelings. Is he really about to take this poor girl's father away from her? He didn't know why, but he was infatuated by her, the way she defied him and kept looking at him with a glare, he had to be honest, he was slightly attracted, most would say turned on. 

Levi contemplated quietly, looking back at Erwin with a look that Erwin was all too familiar with. Levi was asking him without words on what he should do, but this was on him. He needed to make a decision now. Was he about to kill Dan Reiss in front of his daughter? For the first time in a long time, he was unsure what to do. 

"Dad?" she cries. Dan turns to look at his only child and gives her a soft smile. "It's going to be okay honey," he replies. "Be good, okay?" 

And with that Dan walks down his porch stairs and towards Levi and his men, preparing for the worst and sighing in defeat. Asuna turns around, hugging the man who stood next to her as he held her, she didn't have any wish to see what is about to happen to her father. He was a good man, except very flawed. The fact he is the oldest of the Reiss sons who came from a noble family life with a good amount of money. He became careless towards his estate and grew socially distant from his daughter and workers as the years went by. He became a struggling alcoholic who owed debts to countless merchants and noblemen, and eventually, the King himself. 

"Wait." Levi suddenly speaks. Dan, Erwin, Hange and all of his guardsmen look at their King in confusion and shock. Dan stops in his tracks, Erwin and Levi both glare at each other as Levi smirks back, he knew Levi better than most, almost every time he could tell what he was about to say or what his next action would be, but this time, he hadn't the faintest clue. 

Asuna turns around, wiping the tears from her face as she looks at Levi patiently waiting on what he is going to say. He turns his back to Erwin, then to Dan, then lastly, to Asuna. 

"Asuna, right?" Levi asks with curiosity. She looks at her dad in confusion for a couple seconds, took a deep breath and responded.

"Yeah." she replies. Some of the guards gasp as her response, mainly on how she responded first of all. Almost everyone responded to Levi as 'Your Grace' or 'My King'. Most people would consider not saying that to him as an act of defiance, and deep down she knew that. But the disgust that she felt towards this man fueled her with every inch of her being. Knowing that he was about to take her father away from her, the only family she really had left as she knew it, she didn't care at this point, she just wanted him to say what he was going to say and get on with it. 

"Okay, Asuna. How old are you?" Levi questions. 

She was surprised at this random question, secretly trying to find the true motive on why he was asking how old she was. She holds her chin up high, without losing eye contact with him, and doesn't say anything. Though deep down, she was terrified. 

"She's nineteen, Your Grace." Dan answers for her. Making her cuss him out under her breath. 

Levi doesn't say anything, he just looks down at the ground and sighs. Everyone awaited for him to respond. Erwin, still looking at him, still doesn't have the fainted idea what is on his mind. He sat there for almost a minute and stayed lost in thought. He knows what he wants to do, and knowing that he is the King and can basically do whatever he wanted in the world, he was going to do it. Suddenly, Levi looks back up with ease and looks right back at the pretty girl, then right back at Dan Reiss. 

"Reiss, I never liked you." Levi begins. "I always hated how you continue to push my buttons despite knowing all too well what it would cost you. You want to know why I traveled all this way today? I was going to kill you. I was going to make you pay and finally rid myself and my kingdom of your impulsive habits. You continued to defy me and my people, maybe you just want to be punished. Not sure. But now I realize killing you may be too kind for you, and for that, I will pardon your crimes and debt that you owe me."

Dan's eyes widen with shock. Did the King really just pardon him for his crimes? After everything he did? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Everyone else looked with shock and confusion. Levi wasn't the type of man to forget those who have wronged him, nor was he the type to travel half a day for no cost whatsoever. Finally, he speaks up.

"I will pardon your crimes, and your debt, if you give me your daughter's hand in marriage."

And just like that, everything changed for Asuna Reiss. 

AN:

[3500 words :0, good lord I really went overboard haha. Thank you for reading, it means the world to me. Honestly I am really proud of myself for finally writing it down and showing it to everyone. &' yes, her name is Asuna. It has nothing to do with SAO or anything I have just always loved the name I think it is very beautiful and unique. Yes, she has dark blonde hair and green eyes. This is mainly meant to be a Levixreader story, so if her features don't match with yours then feel free to change them to your own! In fact, I encourage it. I just think it's easier if the girl has a name. Some may think that this story with Levi as a king may be kind of dumb, but I believe the story in my head is actually very sweet and touching, especially if you love Levi Ackerman as much as I do, not to mention this story very brutal but what's the fun if its not? I'll make sure to include trigger warnings when the story gets dark! 

- Kat

[hbnjhgv]

Strongest AOT Characters s1-s3 (only based on strength as a human. Not as titans. Also based only on odm skill and killing titan strength

Levi Ackerman (humanities strongest soldier)

Mikasa Ackerman (extreme skill ranked top of her class, incredible judgment)

Miche Zacharius (cannonicaly 2nd best only to Levi and only died because he was scared and confused about the beast titan and the fact that it was able to talk. Also, seeing that he was only 2nd best to Levi means that he has extreme skill when it comes to killing titans and being a soldier.) (my fave character)

Erwin Smith (Commander)

Hange Zoe (Section commander and skilled at odm)

Reiner Braun (ranked 2nd in his class and shown to be skilled at odm. Also noted to be reliable and brave)

Sasha Braus (literally took down a titan with only a bow and arrow with her bare hands and no help)

Eld Gin (was second in command for Levi squad and hand-picked for Levi squad. Was also put in charge by Levi of protecting Eren and leading his squad when Levi had to leave. He was also considered a veteran of Levi Squad which shows that he has survived multiple titan encounters and was able to make a plan with Oluo and Petra without even talking to each other and almost killed the Female Titan) (I love him sm)

Oluo Bozado (multiple titan kills and was able to make a plan with Eld and Petra without even talking to each other and almost killed the Female Titan) (was also handpicked by Levi to be in his squad)

Petra Ral (Hand picked by Levi to be in his squad and has one of the highest titan kill counts in the series with 58 kills. Also, able to make a plan with Oluo and Eld to kill the female titan)

Gunther Schulz (again handpicked to be on Levi squad and in one scene even though Erwin didn't fill him in with the secret behind the expedition he was able to guess Erwin intent of the mission)

Eren Yeager (able to trust his comrads and even though we don't see a lot of him using odm gear you can still tell how skilled he is when he does use it) (also ranked 5th in his class)

Thomas (trusted by everyone and is very determined. Also, extremely strong mentally and physically)

Jean Kirstein (ranked 6th in his class and is shown to be a great leader and can make good plans to kill titans and made a plan about Bertolt and Reiner when Armin started freaking out and the plan was actually good)

Moblit Berner (great skill and great leader, while also keeping his cool and able to keep Hange under control as much as he can)

Armin Arlert (extremely inelegant and able to make a good plan and trusted by his teammates)

Nannaba (extremely skillful and has great ability, strategy, teamwork, and determination)

Nifa (great at following orders, good teamwork and determination)

Connie Springer (takes advantage of his small frame to move very quickly and might be a natural genius at combat skills)

Henning (extremely strong and a good leader. Can keep his cool and is trusted by his teammates)

Abel (very smart and a good teammate. Loyal and determined while also being caring and knowing how to react correctly to different situations)

Bertolt Hoover (Good instruction follower and loyal)

Historia Reiss (very loyal and caring while also being skillful and graceful on odm gear)

Yumir (good physical strength)

Gelger (good at controlling his emotions and knowing how to handle situations)

Keiji (good at following instructions and great help)

Lynne (can keep her cool very well and is helpful while also staying focused)

[roseofdarknessblog]

Regulus (Hange Zoe x Reader)

Word count: 2 935

Disclaimer: english is not my first language, I apologize in advance for any mistakes

Info: she/her pronouns for Hange’s character

Summary: Getting lost while stargazing could be pretty easy. Mainly, when you search the night sky beside a special someone. Falling for the Titan-obsessed Section Commander wasn’t even a little bit hard. The trickiest part was gathering the courage to finally tell her. And maybe, just maybe hearing the response you were hoping for.

Regulus

Some nights it was really hard to sleep. Almost impossible. And today was one of those nights. You spent some time with the patroling Scouts, had some tea with them, and had a good chat, but then you eventually wandered away from them. There was a specific person you were looking for.

You found Hange sitting near the camp, her back leaning against a big solid rock. She was alone, just as you hoped. You were itching to have some alone time with the Section Commander the entire day. Both of you had a tremendous amount of work the last couple of days and barely saw each other.

At first, it was okay, you were even glad because talking to Hange was absolute mayhem the last few weeks. You were terrible at hiding your crush on the Titan-obsessed scientist.

„Would you like some company for whatever you’re doing here?“ you asked with an innocent smile, stopping just a few steps away. Hange would never send you away, you were sure of that.

„To be honest, I was expecting you much sooner,“ she said, surprising you with those words. Even more, when she didn’t even look at you. Her beautiful brown eyes were carefully fixed on the little notebook in her hands.

„Why’s that?“

„You seemed too anxious to actually lay down and sleep.“

„Interesting observation,“ you muttered, sitting down next to Hange. Summer had always been your favorite season. To be more specific, it was the summer nights that held some unique kind of magic you were so fascinated with. „But it’s true. I am too anxious to actually ever try to go to sleep.“

„Wanna talk about it?“

You shook your head, bringing your knees to your chest and resting your chin on them. The moon was brightly shining right above your head, but the stars were still pretty visible. It was nights like this one when you actually felt the worst. When everything seemed so peaceful, while during daylight your life was in danger almost nonstop. Most of the time you wished that the night would never end. Then everything could be much more beautiful and safe.

„And what’s keeping you up?“ you asked after a moment of silence, while you watched Hange scribble some notes in her notebook. She was surely planning a new project or experiment. „Any interesting new ideas?“

„Actually, no. It’s something completely different this time.“

„Oh, really?“ you laughed at the enthusiasm in her voice. Hange was smart in ways you weren’t. And that was okay. You still loved to hear about everything science-related she so loved to talk about. To about anyone, who showed just a slight interest in hearing her out. „And are you...“

„Of course, I’m going to tell you!“ she blurted out without even letting you finish the sentence.

Something about Hange’s voice and the way she was talking and explaining stuff always made you feel at ease. You could close your eyes and relax for hours while enjoying all that she had to say. And she clearly loved such a companion.

„I remembered how my father used to take me out during summer nights to watch the stars. He always knew so much about them.“

„From where?“

„He had a lot of books and taught me how to read them even before I went to school. Mom was very proud, she loved to read as well and always had a book with her wherever she went.“

„We had a couple of really old books at home, it was a heritage from my grandparents. But I’ve never actually read them.“

„What were they about?“ You shrugged, leaning your back against the rock as well. The night was hot, but a fresh breeze was making sure that the air didn’t become too unbearable. „That’s a shame. You should never pass up a chance to read a good and interesting book. Or even just skim through it.“

„Well, maybe I should take your advice.“

„Definitely,“ she laughed, handing you her notebook. It surprised you at first, but you carefully reached for it, brushing the tips of your fingers against Hange’s warm skin. It was such an innocent little move, but it made a shiver run down your back. As if nothing happened, she continued talking. „Anyways, he loved to tell me all about different constellations, their meanings all stories bound with them.“

„Do you remember any of them?“

„All of them,“ she said proudly, clasping her hands behind her head. „But I’ve never told them to anyone.“

Hange’s handwriting was hard to read sometimes, but her little illustrations on the sides of the pages made up for that. Tiny little stars, some of them connected into different shapes. You loved to stargaze but never knew a whole lot about the stars. Their beauty was enough for you, even without additional pieces of information.

„These constellations...“ you said, pointing to her drawings. „Did you draw them from memory or...“

„No, look up,“ she said, pointing to the night sky. Although you could hear the quiet chatter from the nearby camp, where the other Scouts were settled, you only paid attention to Hange. „See those stars over there? It’s called the Ursa Major, otherwise known as the Great Bear.“

You tried to follow her finger, which outlined a similar shape as you saw in her notebook. If you looked hard enough, you could make out a shape that looked like some sort of animal, but it wasn’t even close to a bear.

„Who named it like that? A person who never saw a bear in his life?“

„If you close one eye and tilt your head a bit, it looks like a bear.“ You shook your head, leaning a bit closer to Hange, to have a better look at what she was trying to show you. „See there? The body, legs, tail...“

„I don’t know, it looks like some sort of a drunk deformed bear.“

„Ha! That’s what I said to my dad when I was little. He laughed at me for a while, then admitted that I was right.“

„I’m glad we see the world in the same way,“ you said without thinking, leaning even closer to Hange until your arm bumped into hers.

Before you even knew it, Hange slid her arm around your shoulders and pulled you closer, so you were looking in the exact same direction. You could feel your whole body tense up, while the Section Commander kept talking and trying to convince you, that it truly looked like a bear.

But concentrating on her words was more and more difficult with every passing second. Mainly because of her arm still around your shoulders. It was a pleasant feeling which made you feel calm and safe, but at the same time, your whole body filled with thousand other different emotions.

Being close to Hange was driving you crazy more and more with every interaction the two of you had. At the same time, her closeness and touch were all you craved most days. Mainly when everything got too quiet at night and you suddenly had nothing to do. No place to hide from your worst thoughts.

„Okay, let’s try a different one then. It’s not that visible right now, but if you look really closely...“

„What am I looking at?“ you wanted to know, subconsciously leaning even closer to Hange and resting your head against her shoulder. It took all your courage, but when Hange didn’t seem to pull away, you relaxed a bit. At least on the outside, internally you were screaming and freaking out like an actual teenager you were a long time ago. „Another animal?“

„It’s the Leo constellation,“ Hange explained, tilting her head upwards. But before you could follow her lead, she pulled you down by your shoulders, making you lay down with your head in her lap.

All the air in your lungs got suddenly caught on its way out, making your heart skip a few beats. Startled, you tried to sit up immediately, but when one of Hange’s hands slipped in your hair, her nails slowly sliding over your scalp, you stayed put. Taking a deep steadying breath, you fixed your eyes on the sky again.

„You were born at the beginning of august, right?“ she asked, while already knowing the answer. That’s why she didn’t wait for your response, while her delicate fingers were still innocently playing with your hair. „So you are a leo as well. You should know how to find your own constellations.“

Trying to say something was almost impossible. You were sure that if you opened your mouth, no sound would come out. Or if you tried to speak, your voice would shake for sure.

„Do you see that bright star?“ Hange pointed above her head, waiting for you to say something or at least nod silently. „That one over there.“ Your eyes were searching the night sky for the star she was pointing at.

„That one?“ you asked almost too quietly, lifting your own hand. Hange’s fingers gently wrapped around your wrist, moving your hand a little to the right.

„Yeah, exactly. You know what’s it called?“

„No idea.“ Even if you knew, Hange’s hand still holding your wrist made you forget even your own name.

„That’s the Leo’s heart, the star is called Regulus. Or even Cor Leonis sometimes,“ she explained patiently with a burst of excitement in her voice. You could really tell that she was enjoying lecturing you about this topic. „It’s the twentieth-first brightest star in the night sky.“

„And what is the...“

You forgot what you were saying when Hange let go of your wrist and her hand gently landed on your chest. She looked down at you, smiling a little. Her rich brown eyes reflected the smile on her lips even more visibly. You tried to stay calm, but your heart had a mind of its own, it started to pick up speed until you were certain Hange could feel it too.

The smile on her lips grew even wider.

„And you know what’s the best part about it? Regulus appears as a singular star when in reality it’s a quadruple star system made out of four stars that are organized into two pairs.“

It was surely interesting, all of what she was saying... but all you could concentrate on, was the heat rising to your cheeks, while your heart still refused to calm down.

„Why are you freaking out? Isn’t this why you came here?“

„What?“ you blurted out, furrowing your brown. „I’m not... I’m not freaking out.“

„So you’re completely relaxed now?“ she teased you, stroking your cheek with her other hand. „In that case, you should go see a doctor when we return home. Having such a high-resting heart rate is not healthy.“

You could feel yourself blushing and were sure, that Hange saw it even in the dark. But a genuine smile finally made its way to your lips. She was right. This is why you came here. You wanted to spend time with her and maybe finally break down the walls separating the two of you.

Hange liked you as well, you were sure of it for a couple of weeks now. But it seemed that she was just as shy in approaching you in this matter. You both focused on work, trying to hide your true feelings. And that only led to more sleepless nights in your case. You spent long hours staring into the ceiling, thinking about how different those moments would be if Hange was there beside you.

„I think you know why my heart is pounding like that,“ you finally said, daring to tuck a few strands of hair behind her right ear, carefully fixing her glasses as they slid down her nose a little.

God, she was so beautiful.

In that moment and every other as well.

During everything she was doing, literally anytime.

You were never in love before. Not truly in love. With Hange it all felt so different even now when the two of you weren’t together. But when you looked at her and studied the structure of her face, her joyful eyes, and her bright smile, that painted rays of sunshine all over her face, you could see your whole future. The life you wanted and wished for.

Being a Scout was good... for now. After years of hard training, you were happy at where you ended up. But life had so much more to offer. And you wanted to experience that as well, best with somebody you truly loved.

With Hange.

„What did you mean, when you said that this is why I came here?“ you asked, while your fingers still lingered over the soft warm skin of her cheek.

„You wanted to be alone with me.“

„Yes.“

„Because you wanted to tell me something?“

You shrugged, gently grabbing her chin and bringing her face closer to yours. With her hand still right over your wildly beating heart, you brushed your lips over Hange’s mouth, waiting for her response. It took her less than a second until you felt her return the kiss. A pleasant wave of excitement and warmth washed over your entire body, making you feel something like never before.

Something you weren’t even sure existed. Until now.

„I think this is better than a thousand words,“ you whispered, still just a mere distance away from her lips.

„I really much agree with that,“ she said just as quietly as if she was scared somebody may hear her. „Was it that obvious that I like you? Or did you just shoot your shot and hoped for the best?“

„Maybe something from both of those options,“ you smiled again, longing for her lips once more. For even just one last kiss. „I think I love you. For a few weeks now, actually. And it was driving me crazy, that I wasn’t able to say something. To let you know how I really feel.“

Being friends with Hange was one thing. It was never hard or complicated, her truly friendly nature drew you towards her from day one. And it really was only friendship at the beginning.

The first time you noticed, that you started to feel something more, panic set in. You truly freaked out, because falling for Hange... You never saw it coming, so all of those feelings knocked you off your feet and left you avoiding Hange for a couple of days. You hoped, that being apart for some time would solve this... problem?

No, it wasn’t a problem.

Just something you never knew you were looking for, until you got to know Hange Zoë.

Your whole life was flipped upside down, torn into tiny pieces, and then put together once again, this time truly magically.

„Good, I was looking for ways to tell you something very similar. And now I’m glad that I wasn’t the first to confess,“ Hange said, tasting your lips again for a short while. For just a glimpse of a moment that felt like a whole eternity. „Nonetheless... I love you,“ she whispered into your skin, planting tiny kisses along your jaw, which made you smile again.

You felt relief and happiness like never before. Being a part of the Scouting Regiment meant never knowing when you were going to die. Making friends and getting close to people was necessary, but really hard. Throughout the years, you’ve lost a lot of people closest to you.

Maybe that’s why you were so afraid of falling in love. Losing friends was one thing. But losing somebody you wanted to have a future with...

You weren't sure your heart would be able to take such pain and suffering.

„I want to spend my life with you, Hange. I want to wake up next to you every morning for the rest of my life and fall asleep holding you in my arms every night.“

„I wake up at dawn every morning, so I can go to the lab and get some work done before breakfast.“

You expected something sweet in response, maybe another kiss. But the words that came out of her mouth were just so typical for Hange. Not everybody liked her sense of humor, but it never bothered you. Quite the opposite.

„Okay, I’ll settle for falling asleep with you in my arms. I hate waking up early,“ you mumbled, asking for another kiss with puckered lips.

„I’ll teach you how to do it.“

„You’ll teach me how to wake up early?“ Hange nodded, biting down on her lower lip with a cheeky grin. „Well... I’ll be happy to give your method a try,“ you assured her, still asking for a kiss.

And Hange gave it to you.

And then at least ten more, before she started to talk about the stars again.

She had many stories and suddenly wanted to share all of them with you. Every single one of them, even those about stars and constellations you’ve never heard about. But just until the moment Hange described them to you in a way no one else would be able to do. With such whimsical details and words full of the purest magic. With one of her hands tangled in your hair, the other still resting on your chest, feeling you're once again calmly beating heart.

At that moment, you were safe and loved.

There was no point in worrying about how the next day would turn out.

At that moment, it was only you and Hange.

And that felt just right.

[quills-of-freedom]

Hange Zoe Relationship

Aesthetic, Vibe & Various

🤪

👽

🤎

💦

🖖

🤝

🫀

👩‍🏫

🦸‍♀️

🧗‍♀️

🦉

🪶

🐬

🦠

🪴

🌰

🎢

☄

♟

🎭

Hange is an extremely focused, dedicated and loyal person to her job. It’s pretty rare you’d get some one on one time - but she always makes sure she does indeed get that special quality time with you, now and again.

That’s not to say she won’t squeeze in little visits here and there; because she will. Just… don’t expect her to stay too long, most of the time.

Hidden under her distracted and “crazy” persona, is a caring and very thoughtful individual. Expect her to think of you when she sees something she’d know you’ll like. She’ll probably buy it for you too, for next time she sees you.

It’s the little things like that and the effort she puts in to make you feel loved and wanted, that makes up for the lack of her presence.

Ideal dates:

When Hange does have some spare time, her most favourite thing to do with you is either snuggle up in bed with a book, just reading in a peaceful, comfortable silence OR she’s quite partial to a nice long walk to clear her head, relax and just talk to you about whatever flies through that fast-flowing mind of hers.

She’s pretty fond of the theatre, she likes critiquing the structure of the script and stage directions. …And she loves the ice-cream there. Not to mention she’s a thrill seeker. Rock climbing, roller coasters and skydiving all get her to her happy place.

She’s not huge on PDA, but she doesn’t mind if you initiate it. Hold her hand or peck her on the cheek as much as you’d like. Just dont expect full on make out sessions in the movies. She has a reputation and a sense of professionalism to keep. She’s a soldier. And a damn good one, too.

Modern AU

Modern AU probably wont surprise you that she’s probably working in a lab of sorts. Medical or testing, even teaching. Whatever it may be - anything that arouses the mind, that’s what she’ll be doing.

I could also see her working as a CSI, cleaning up and figuring out crime scenes. She’s good at it too.

Hange loves all gadgets and widgets. Always has the latest phone/tablet/software and owns a drone too.

Likes to take her gopro out for adventures. Probably has a youtube channel (she doesn’t really show her face) and talks over her footage.

“So, here I am scaling that little doozy of a ledge. I was around 300 ft up by that point and - wait for it… Haa! There’s goes my foot! Almost got me there, nature huh?” *laughing*

NSFW

Hange is a dom/sub switch. She’s also pan. She owns strap ons, vibrators, cock rings… you name it she’s got it.

Very sexual. She’s pretty loud too. Her genitals are extremely sensitive and she can cum pretty easily and it won’t be long until she’s calling out your name again soon after.

Can be a pretty rough dom, if she’s horny enough.

Sex with her gets messy. She squirts and gushes.

Gets hysteric too. Pulls her own hair if you tease her too much, writhing on the bed.

Kinks

One of her Kinks is being as full as possible. So that’s toys in every hole. As well as you if you’re male bodied.

She has a love/hate relationship with teasing. God she’ll absolutely loathe you for it, but it’ll give her the best, earth shattering orgasm of her life when you finally allow her to.

One of her more dominant kinks is praising you while having you tied up, totally at your mercy while she has her way with you. She’ll be rough too.

Aftercare

Aftercare with the section commander is one of the best, without a doubt. She’ll hold you, cuddle you and kiss you. Especially if she’s on a hormonal come down from being a rough dom. She’ll kiss and nurse and markings she’s left.

As we know, Hange isn’t the cleanest of people. She doesn’t mind falling asleep in cum soaked sheets.

Will massage you if you had done a lot of work in that sex session. She’ll praise you too. You fucked her so good.

Dates 10/10

Thoughtfulness 9/10

Affection 7/10

Sex 10/10

Aftercare 8.5/10

Anyone would be lucky to have this queen as their so. She’s mind blowing in so many ways. ❤

[yahoo201027]

September 5: Happy Birthday to the high-standing veteran member of the Scouts and the Former Section Commander-in-charge of the Fourth Division, who was the 14th Commander of the Survey Corps after Erwin’s passing, and someone who obsessed with research, mostly on Titans, the Attack on Titan character of Hange Zoe.

[amywritesthings]

silver underground. / chapter four.

Pairing: Levi Ackerman x F!Reader (Attack on Titan / Shingeki no Kyojin)

Word Count: 4.2K

Summary: Day 97 - Better known as the first day you reunite with Section Commander Hange Zoe, who has their own plans to recovering your memory.

Warnings: Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Memory Loss, Eventual Romance, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Flashbacks, Friends to Enemies to Lovers, Nonbinary Hange Zoe, Angry!Levi, Other Additional Tags to be Added As the Story Progresses

( Read on AO3 )

Previous Chapter. / Next Chapter. | Masterlist.

CHAPTER FOUR.

There is something therapeutic about cleaning.

Clearing stubborn dust in every corner and pesky grime from the floorboards brings a sense of accomplishment — a sense of control, to your day.

It's not what you thought you'd be doing in the midst of preparing for your first official training session with the military, but Petra Ral claims this is how the Scouts indoctrinate all the new recruits.

A rite of passage, so to speak, to learn how important it is to mind your space.

(She's quick to mention you've already completed said rite in another life.)

Petral Ral, better known to you as the girl from Erwin's file, is a devastatingly perky and short redhead with stars in her eyes. Despite the harrowing business of being a Scout, she speaks like she's on the most incredible adventure of her life.

A novel-quality crusade.

She greets you with such excitement upon your arrival with Erwin Smith that you can't help but feel relief that this is your intermittent handler. You don’t remember Petra, not in the way she hopes you will, but she parades you around the rendezvous castle like it's your first day.

Because, according to her, she's just repeating history: she was the one to do this just a few short years ago.

Before you get your hands on military gear and weapons, Petra first offers you a broom and dust pan. "Scrubbing down the common room mess space is first priority," she supplies, holding up her own broom. "You might want to take a cloth to keep your hair out of your face. When you're done with the mess space, you can start on your room. You hold a broom like this, and—"

"Petra," you start, and she waits patiently for your reply. "I'm not braindead, just blank. I remember how to clean."

"You do?"

"Yes," you reassure with a breathy laugh, holding the broom handle with a half-assed sweep of your arm. "Ta-da."

She squeaks in embarrassment, bringing her gloved hand to her mouth.

"Gosh, I'm sorry! This really is just like old times! I'm getting deja vu just looking at you."

"In a good or bad way?"

"Oh, good. Definitely good. You were so fun back then," Petra reassures with a bright grin. "But go, go, go — I'll see you for lunch!"

So you're here some odd hours later, scrubbing down the common room mess space and clearing your swirling mind.

You don't know where Petra's gone, but she can't possibly be far.

This is nice.

Quiet. Manageable.

Tirelessly flinging cobwebs from the ceiling corners, you wipe a hand over your shining forehead and draw a short sigh. This place is looking good. Beyond an improvement to what you first faced upon entering this seemingly abandoned castle.

At least you remember how to make a room spotless—

“Ahh!”

A shrill shriek from behind breaks your peace.

It’s so loud that the broom handle fumbles from your hands and clangs to the floor.

“There she is!”

Startled, you turn to address the danger head-on.

A person with wild brown hair and a military uniform stands in the door of the hallway, fingers folded tightly together at the center of their chest. The Scout crest at their breast distorts by how hard they press their folded palms into their body, like they’re using every ounce of willpower not to—

Too late.

Their arms swing wide as they near. Before you can open your mouth, your body’s being squeezed into a tight hug. 

“And look — all limbs intact! Wow, talk about a lucky break, huh? I thought for sure we’d be seeing a missing appendage or two.”

For good measure, they back up just enough to pick up your hand from the wrist. Tugging the eye glasses from their forehead, they squint and lean in to observe the remaining bandages.

You should say something.

What do you say?

“Uh — hi?”

Nailed it.

Belatedly, the preoccupied person flashes a look back to your face, considering in a haze.

Then the dots connect.

“Oh, right! Duh. Maybe no missing limbs but you’re missing memories. Allow me to re-introduce myself: Hange, Section Commander, at your service.” They smile wide. “Captain Levi told me where you were staying, so I thought maybe I’d make a visit.”

Wait.

Captain Levi knows where you’re staying?

(Why does it always have to circle back to him?)

“And when you weren’t there, I asked around — Petra knew!”

“Oh,” you reply lamely, embarrassed that you can’t match their elated energy. Hange doesn’t hide their excitement, so you cannot hide your hesitance.

Maybe the surprise touch has something to do with it, but this encounter already feels different. As if Hange is a long-awaited crisp breeze on the first day of Spring. You find yourself wanting to hug them again, to see if the spark lingers.

“Yeah. Commander Erwin gave me over to Petra for the week. I haven’t seen the Captain.”

“Oh, you haven’t? Color me a little shocked.” Hange drops their arms from you to wipe some strands of hair from their face. “Well? Any new discoveries since you first woke up?”

“A few,” you admit, bending to pick up the broom lying on the ground. “Commander Erwin got me to remember a little bit about where I came from and how, uh… being in the Scouts was kind of my whole life.”

“Part of the job description,” Hange bemuses before mimicking Erwin’s deep voice for the salute. “Dedicate Your Heart — every artery and then some.”

The endearing attempt at imitating the commander makes you snort despite yourself, and you sweep one final pile of dust into the pan.

“At least you feel familiar. The Commander and the Captain were like blank slates.”

It’s as though you’ve said the most magical thing to the Section Commander's ears. Their smile now bursts into a grin.

“Ch’yeah, I’d say you and I got into some wacky adventures in our day. Of course, only when you weren’t so busy in the corner with Levi.” The grin falters if only for a fraction. “Though I must say, I’m really surprised he wasn’t the first.”

Your brows knit. “The first what?”

“The first person that you would remember — at least, in feeling.”

“Everyone keeps implying that,” you tell them, crossing the room to settle the broom against the frame of a bookshelf. “Except the one time that I saw him, which was the first day, it sounded like he hated me.”

“Hated you?” Hange blurts. “Captain Levi hating you is about as true as me hating titans.”

You blink. “That… comparison escapes me, Section Commander.”

They lean in with a flippant shrug. “Hange, please. And I don’t hate titans at all. They’re incredible, fascinating, the thing I think about all the time.” Heat rises to your face. Hange doesn’t let up. “I think he’s just a bit grumpy since — well, I don’t know if I’m allowed to tell you.”

Eyes widening, you step closer to the other person.

“No — do. I wanna hear it. Seriously, living in the dark about this whole thing is probably a hindrance to remembering anything at all.”

“Hey, that’s what I said.” Hange laughs. “Still in sync, even when you’re not You!"

They pause for a moment, holding up their index finger.

"Actually let’s shelve the Levi debacle for a bit, because I thought maybe I could give you something and see what you think about it.”

“Give me something?” you repeat.

“Don’t get too excited. It’s not like a gift or anything.” They reconsider, slipping a hand into the breast pocket of their uniform jacket. “Well, for you, it might be.”

It’s a small and flat brown box, only a few centimeters tall and not very wide.

Hange holds it out for you, nodding down to it — take it — and you meet them in the middle.

Nothing sparks while holding the box, and it takes every ounce of your curiosity not to give the thing a preliminary shake to hear what’s inside.

Your fingers pry the top lid off—

And it hits.

Like a lightning strike to the heart, you drop the lid to the floor, hand limp.

Silver — unassuming, dainty, but very obviously a necklace. There is barely anything special about the fragile jewelry, but emotion swells and threatens to choke you up and out. From the bottom of the chain dangles a small gemstone, swirling in stormy gray color. It looks well-loved, worn, but still manages to glimmer in the soft sunlight peering in from the open windows.

The pad of your index finger brushes along the smooth surface.

A drop of water splashes on it.

(Are you crying?)

Glancing up to look at Hange confirms that you’re not only crying, but sobbing.

Streams of tears drag along your cheeks as you let out a broken breath, confused yet relieved. The bottom half of the box drops, too, joining its sister on the floor as you clutch the necklace to your chest. 

You can’t explain any of this, but you know.

You know this is the one thing you subconsciously hoped to see, to feel, one day.

“You kept it.”

The blurted sentence is barely above a murmur.

Hange draws an inhale through their nose.

“When Captain Levi brought you in on horseback after your accident, I was the first to receive you,” they explain, softer this time. You watch them through a watery lens. “There was little to no time. Your uniform was torn to pieces. When the doctors were preparing you for the emergency surgery — you’d lost a lot of blood while traveling, and we weren’t sure how deep the cut wounds went — I took that necklace off of you in hopes that one day I could give it back.”

Your heart swells with an overwhelming gratitude you can’t quite place into words. Hange nears cautiously and places a comforting hand on your shoulder.

“That necklace went everywhere with you. In all our years of serving together, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you take it off.”

“It’s important to me,” you reason with certainty. Hange nods with empathy.

You don't even realize what you're saying, but it comes from the heart.

“...I’ve had it since I was a kid. This was the only thing I owned in the Underground. Before I joined the Scouts, I didn’t even own my own clothes. They were — they were stolen. Everything was stolen. I had nothing. Nothing except this.”

With trembling fingers, you try to unhook the clasp and fail. Twice. Hange tsk-tsk’s with their tongue and drop their hand to close around both of your hands.

“C’mon, you big softie. Let me?”

You sniff and nod, pushing hair away to give them an avenue to your neck. Hange easily situates the chain around your neck and secures the clasp. The cold chain presses to your body like a weighted blanket.

Your shoulders slack with its comfort the minute you can press the gem between your thumb and index finger.

“There. Feel better?”

“Loads,” you admit in a sigh, wiping your eyes with your free hand. “Sorry for the outburst, Hange, it just—”

“Hey, happy to help. Look! You remembered something.”

They’re right.

Something so small brought such a visceral emotion to the forefront.

Rolling the gemstone between your fingers, you forcefully smile in return. What you say next rolls right off your tongue. “You know... you’ve always asked me where this came from, and now I’ve accidentally divulged that story. Talk about a dirty trick, Hange.”

“Whoa, I—” They start but reconsider. Hange doesn’t give it away immediately, but the section commander’s surprise is palpable the longer your words linger in the air. “Damn, you remember that?”

You do.

Clear as day, in fact, with the way they’re looking at you right now. Sitting right in this very room — you were both at the table situated in the corner, though it's now crowded by four chairs you've scrubbed vigorously clean. When you blink towards them, you can see the silhouette of Hange's frustrated hands flying high into the air. You're leaning back in the chair, tipping it with the heel of your boot pressed against the table's edge with a laugh.

“Oh, c'mon! Stop being such a tease and tell me about it already. It’s just a necklace!”

“That doesn't sound right,” you tease, grinning ear to ear as you absently roll the gemstone between your fingers. “If it's just a necklace, then how come you wanna know about it so bad, huh?”

Hange groans in the pale torch light, sliding down into their seat in dramatized agony. “Be-cause I just watched a five-meter titan almost snap the damn thing in half."

“So?”

“So! I saw how fast you sliced that thing up! You went totally berserk, like you had a personal vendetta.”

You chuckle low, burying your chin in the mouth of the emerald green cape around your shoulders.

“Five-meter titans should learn not to touch my stuff, then.”

“Hey, shitheads.”

Except that last part is something you hear with your own two ears, now, in the present.

A deep voice unlike yours or Hange’s.

Your heart skips a beat. You turn your chin to acknowledge it.

Levi Ackerman stands in the door frame dressed with a similar green cloak you wore in your vision. He’s wearing the same Scout uniform as Hange, but with a pressed white shirt and a flare of his own cravat nestled at the neck. His black hair falls over his eyes, shoulder pressed into the door frame, but he doesn’t look at you.

His eyes land directly on an all-too giddy Hange.

“So much for telling me that you arrived,” he mumbles.

Hange gives him a one-shoulder shrug. “Oh, you know I couldn’t help but find her for myself. The Commander caught me up to speed in a letter.”

“I would argue that that sort of information should remain out of letters, don’t you?” Levi asks as he nudges a boot into the room to join the conversation.

“Too late for that!” Hange sing-songs, pulling you into their side. “We were just catching up.”

Levi’s brow raises by a centimeter on his forehead. “...catching up.”

“Yep! It seems like I’m top of the team leaderboard for most memories. Amazing what happens when you try to work with victims of memory loss.”

It feels like a direct jab to Levi’s effort — or lack thereof — but he doesn’t react to it.

Not yet, anyway.

Because a whole world of awkwardness comes to a head when his eyes flicker to your face, then down, and stop.

Hange says nothing, but you feel it — their hand curled around your arm grips tighter.

Your chin drops to see what he’s staring at:

The necklace between your fingers.

When you stare back up, you’re certain Captain Levi has changed an entire shade of pale.

“—anyways!”

Hange’s voice cuts through the heavy silence as they squeeze you one last time into their side before letting go.

“I gotta go check in with the Commander. You two have fun catching up, alright?”

They pass with a bounce in their step, but not before stopping at the captain to all-too-whimsically point out the obvious.

“Look, Levi, she’s cleaning!”

He doesn’t have a snarky comeback this time.

Hell, he doesn’t even say goodbye to Hange when they exit, leaving the two of you to a room full of uncomfortable air.

If you so much as breathe in longer than a second, then it threatens to suffocate you.

Three whole months of nothing, and now?

There’s no excuse.

“You missed a spot,” he finally tells you, gesturing to the back left corner.

“Huh?” you mumble, turning to observe. “I haven't gotten to that part yet.”

“Sure.”

That’s all he had to say?

This was the big reunion everyone waited for?

Subconsciously your other hand raises to your necklace in order to tuck the jewelry into your gray button-up.

“You never visited me a second time.”

“I did,” he corrects, and your eyes narrow.

“I never saw you.”

“You were asleep.”

Your stomach flutters with butterflies. “Wait, really?”

“Do you think I care enough to lie?” When you blink twice from how biting his tone is, he sighs to himself. “Yeah, I visited.”

Although you probably shouldn't believe him, you do. The sigh is as much of a surprise as his confession. Like he's resigned to chip a part of the wall he builds between you.

So you speak with honesty, too. “I’m sorry I missed you, then.”

His brow twitches.

“Why?”

“Because contrary to the nature of our first encounter, I’ve wanted to speak to you.”

At first he says nothing, opting to merely study your expression. You try to remain confident, chin up and expectant.

“Did you remember something?” he asks.

“Yeah." He doesn't react. "I have been remembering bits and pieces, but…”

You venture to a chair to your left at the newly-cleaned table, sitting with a short huff. It feels nice to get off of your feet.

“...that’s all they are. Bits and pieces to bigger outlines, bigger pictures, that I don’t have."

"Sorry to hear that," he tells you, evidently not sorry at all.

Your brows furrow as you lean forward, taking the time to really look at the shorter man this time. "Except something weird happens every time I talk to someone. Specifically Commander Erwin."

"Which is?"

"The commander is pretty hellbent on mentioning your name every time we have a conversation."

Levi’s stare hardens. “Right.”

"In fact, Hange just now mentioned you.” You pause. “Aren't you curious about what they say?"

"No."

The word leaves his mouth too fast. You realize instantly that it's a lie. You press on.

"They tell me that you know me."

He scoffs. "I already told you that, dumbass."

"No you didn't."

"I did," he argues. "In Trost."

"Your twenty-question crusade three months ago is not the same as just telling me how I know you," you snap right back. "This isn't some acquaintanceship. They act like I know you incredibly well. Better than I'm supposed to know Hange or Petra or Erwin. And they all refuse to talk for you."

“As the shitheads should.”

This conversation is running in circles and getting nowhere.

Whereas Levi sticks to his conviction, your shoulders deflate.

"Captain..." You begin to stand, voice softening. “Captain, I want to—”

“Excuse me,” he abruptly states, turning on his heel to walk to the hallway.

By the time you stand at full height to follow after him, he’s already shut the door behind him.

.

.

.

.

.

“Hange.”

Their name is acidic on the tip of his tongue on purpose.

This isn’t a game.

Hange knows, too, because they take their fine fucking time walking down the hallway. Like — if the way they turn on a heel with a pursed smile is any indicator — that they already knew the conversation in that room with you would be short.

Levi can feel his blood boiling well over its limit. His hands are itchy, like they need to be doing something, so he digs half-crescent moons into his palms instead.

Hard, so it hurts.

Pain is one hell of a drug.

“Levi!” they call, feigning ignorance. “How was your talk with—”

“You kept it.”

It, because Levi knows he doesn’t need to elaborate on what exactly they’ve done. Over and over the scene replays in his head: the turn of your chin, your torso, with the glitter of silver in the afternoon sun just between your fingers at the collar of your shirt.

“I don’t know what you mean,” they sing-song, and Levi’s nostrils flare.

“You know damn well what I mean.”

“Oh — what, are you referring to the Lieutenant’s necklace?”

The first card is on the table in full show, and Levi’s all-too certain Hange believes they have a winning hand.

The white cravat at his neck threatens to choke him out when he swallows, maintaining a mere shred of his nonchalance.

“Of course I kept it, silly," they add.

“Why?”

“Even I knew how important it was to her.”

The sentence turns his tongue to lead.

Important.

“When did you take it?” he chooses to ask, pushing through the strain on his vocal chords.

“Before the doctors prepped for surgery, duh. Why? What’s so important about that stupid thing to you anyway?” Then they grin, and Levi knows he’s in deep shit. “Care to finally elab-or-ate?”

Each syllable is annunciated with such sickening clairvoyance that he instinctually turns the other way, opposite of the mess space.

Away.

Away, away, away—

“Oh, come on, Levi!” 

“Not now, Four Eyes.”

“But we just started getting to the bottom of this mystery!”

Too late. Hange’s lanky ass legs get the better of him. They outpace his stalking and eliminate the distance he’d been trying to clear.

For someone notorious for ending fights, he sure didn’t know why he started this one. Levi doesn’t want to be a part of this experiment, this thing, where they treat you like a fragile baby bird waiting for the moment you’re strong enough to fly on your own.

It’s insulting.

You were — are — more than that.

“There is no mystery,” Levi sours.

“Oh, please,” Hange groans. “I may not have perfect vision, but I’m not blind. You looked like you witnessed a titan trying to learn how to tap dance.”

“Fuck off.”

“Y’know, you’re going to have to tell her eventually before someone else does.”

So they did have a winning hand.

Levi abruptly stops walking to finally face the taller person. Hange’s tone remains in a sing-song, but their smile all but disappears. 

“Excuse me?”

“We all knew her, Levi. We know her,” Hange corrects. “Perhaps not as well as you, but things are going to start slipping out.”

“Not if you keep your damn mouth shut.”

“Why?” they challenge, crossing their arms over their chest. “I’d actually quite like my friend to fully remember me someday.”

“They won’t be honest memories, then,” Levi argues. “Just whatever shit you put in her head so you feel better about it.”

“What a pessimistic way of looking at it.”

“It’s our reality.”

Hange sighs in that way that Levi hates: saddened, like they know something he doesn’t.

He’s heard it countless times before the scientist made a devastating, truth-shattering discovery.

“Then I suppose you don’t want to hear that it helped.”

Levi turns into stone.

Hange pretends to be interested in the cuticles of their nails, tone light and airy. “Oh, didn't you ask? Or are you still pretending she’s a tree with legs in HQ’s yard?”

“You’re lying.”

“Now that’s just hurtful.” The smile returns. “Look, Levi: the minute she took a look at that necklace in the box, it was like she came back to us. Even if just for a moment, I swear, it was her. I’m no cranial injury genius, but I like to think that the more she interacts with things that are important to her, the more memories it may trigger.”

The sharp pain in his palm returns.

Had he been holding that fist this entire time?

Things that are important to her.

Even without its origins spelled out, the necklace meant something to you. You wore it under your uniform just as you always had before the accident. Close to the chest, its meaning hidden from most of the world.

Maybe Pyxis has the right idea to drink on the job, because Levi’s one more bad day from breaking open a cork just to taste something a little more bitter than what fate’s allowed.

(What memories came back to you?)

He could ask.

He could play stupid just to see if Hange’s telling the truth.

He’d rather get swallowed whole, but it’s better than turning around and asking you.

“What did she remember?”

Hange, thrilled that he’s taken the bait, leans in to keep the conversation private. 

“She told me that the silver necklace came with her from the Underground.” Oh. “She’s had it since she was a kid.” Oh, shit. “Said it was the only thing she’s ever owned.” Shitting shit. “Sounds like the exact same story she told me when Erwin made her a Scout — the whole fend-for-yourself mentality, the crappy childhood, blah-blah-blah. We don’t need to dive back into all of that.”

No, he doesn’t.

What he needs is to take a breath, but his lungs stopped working twenty words ago.

Hange is waiting for the gotcha right on the tip of their tongue, a years’ long question in the making, but he refuses.

Can’t — because those are your secrets to tell, not his.

“Is that it?” He asks, feigning neutrality.

“You sort of interrupted the epiphany,” Hange grins, “but yeah. That’s all. Nothing’s stopping you from turning around and hearing it for yourself, you know. I’m sure it’ll make you feel a hell of a lot less crummy if you do.”

Yeah, it probably would.

Because your memory’s coming back, with or without him.

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has sent me anons about this story! I'm having so much fun writing it. I appreciate your likes and notes xo.

[104teaghlach]

ssatxr​:

Midnight spun just as Hange did, slowly getting more and more tense as she seemingly inspected the other. “8-845? I was put back farther than I expected…” Was all she could mumble–not before Hange loudly, from her perspective, went ‘Hello?’ in her ear! She immediately flinched back, her feet clinking against the ground–those were Lupine, too, and the tail to boot as it puffed out.

“Of course they work, they’re my ears! Would you like it if I took you’re ears and did that? Certainly not!” It was a little funny, the 19 year old scolding this older woman on what would be common sense. “Or do they not teach Humans manners in 845?” As annoyed as that sounded, her…vocabulary was odd too.

Hange blinked a couple times as she stared at the young girl. She had many features that were rather odd, and the way she dressed. How had someone in such...odd clothes gotten into the headquarters of the Scouting Legion to begin with? How had she made it all the way to Hange’s office no less?

“Well, manners aren’t really a taught thing, you see. We kind of just pick up on that through watching others, or trial and error. I suppose that now I’m learning through the latter.” She exclaimed, still watching each unique feature on the girl. “So, who are you exactly? And how did you even get here?” She questioned, walking back over to her desk and moving some stuff around. It looked as though she was making even more of a mess than there already was, but really it was her own odd way of organizing.

“Oh, well, speaking of manners. I guess I should introduce myself first. I’m Section Commander Hange Zoe of the Scouting Regiment. I do studies on Titan physiology, as well as any other experiments I have the time for in hopes to better understand our natural born predators.” She said, turning and sitting on the desk with a small notepad and a smile.

[micheswife]

Miche as Hanji's older brother.

pic credit: me.

If you have read the trivia section of Miche from AOT wiki, then you know that there was a familial connection intended between him and Hange, atleast in the initial panels.  Ever since I read about it, I can't help but notice that they also look similar in some aspects. At the time of season 1, Hanji must have been around 29 and Miche around 40-42 (estimations). So I decided to write about an innocent and energetic 10 year old Hanji, and a 22 year old protective elder bro Miche, watching her shenanigans and keeping her from setting the world on fire. 

Warnings: None, just some sibling love. 🌻

"Oye, slow down!" Miche yelled as his cousin ran after a beetle, almost getting up from his seat. It was always something new with her, and he could never predict. 

Hanji stumbled and fell on a haystack with a soft thud, too slow to catch the insect. She watched in awe as the beetle flew away, leaving her covered in soil and hay. Miche pouted watching his little cousin fail, but he knew something else would distract her in no time. Besides, there were tons of unfinished projects and "ongoing experiments" back in her room. A majority of them would just end up as breeding places for mosquitoes, but he wouldn't be around to deal with it. 

"You are one curious soul, aren't you, glasses?" He whispered, more to himself, as he walked her back home. She needed a bath but Miche knew better than telling her to do it. That chore would be something for his aunt to handle. 

"We will go out again, I have to catch it!"

"Hanji, no! You are not supposed to get out after lunch."

"So you will not take me?"

"No." 

She fell silent for a couple of minutes before saying,

"We could sneak-"

"No!"

"You are boring…" she trailed off, pouting as she turned to face the other way. She really did not comprehend the absurdity of her actions, or demands. Following a baby bear into the forest, stealing gunpowder, trying to disassemble her father’s gun and the most outrageous of them all, asking Miche to let her see a titan. It all began when he decided to mess with her by saying that the scouts had captured a titan. It was just one of the many silly, made-up stories he would use to keep her occupied when he did not have to energy to watch over her. Bad decision, it had been two years since then, and his cousin had not let it go. 

"But you have one in that building!"

"Yes, we have two now, but you are not allowed to see them."

"You can't help me sn-"

"No!"

"Lameass…"

He would chuckle everytime she tried to insult him. Although a little odd, his cousin was the only bit of innocence in his life. He dreaded the day she would realize just how cruel the world was.

"What would you do if I went outside the walls and never returned?" Miche asked her, fastening his cloak to return to the headquarters.

"Why would you not return?" Hange inquired with a mouthful of food, showing no signs of worry.

He sighed, knowing that it was hard to get a straight answer out of her.

"Just a wonder." He shrugged.

"I would miss you then." She didn't even look away from her book as he left the house, expecting him to come home despite what he had just hinted. It barely help that Miche painted the outside world in a completely different light than the horrendous mess it really was.

She was also well aware of his capabilities, he was strong but this time was different. The expedition was going to take place in a completely untouched territory, and death rates always hit the roof whenever that happened. Doubtful about his survival, Miche left praying for her well-being and cheer. She was bright, intelligent, happy, and everyone believed she had the potential to do something great for mankind.

Hange sat back reading her novel, thinking of farfetched ways to breath life into her fantasies. She knew her cousin would come back next month, maybe he would let her check his odm gear then. And she was right, he returned, covered in injurues, but alive. He never allowed her to examine his odm gear, too scared that she would disassemble it too, which was exactly her intention. 

It was no big deal though, one day she would get her own odm gear, and she would use it catch a couple of titans too. She would see the world for what it was, but it would never be enough to extinguish her enthusiasm. She was special.