* 

(Levi's pov:)

Holding both our teas I make my way down the hallway, back to my office while hearing the soft chattering downstairs. I placed my trust in my squad with Eren for the time being, wanting to watch over Akira. She's always been getting Eren out of trouble, or going out of her way to help with anything he struggled with. Seriously she puts others before herself, especially with the event that just occurred.

She could've been severely injured, or she would've died if it was a full transformation

With my thoughts sinking further in I shook my head, approaching my office door. Thankfully leaving a small crack, I place my foot through the door, swinging it open gently. Once I was in I lean my back against the door, closing it before making my way over to her. 

"Here is your--"  stop mid sentence, seeing her resting upon the desk. 

Making my way over more quietly I get a better angle before my eyes widen, taken back by the sight before me. Laying our tea upon the desk discreetly, I walk around to her side, kneeling down to her level. Her raven hair messily sprawls across the desk, strands covers her left eye like curtains. Covering her scar that trails down from her temple, to beneath her cheek. Her soft breath fans against my face, seeing a little bit of drool rolling at the corner of her pale pink lips. Her rosy cheeks lifts her soft heart shaped face, as the candlelight contrasts beautiful across her olive skin. 

My eyes lull halfway with a soft smile,"Seriously, you're such a dumbass," I murmur softly, reaching my index finger over brushing her hair away from her eyes. "Stubborn too..."

A soft smile drifts to my lips, seeing how vulnerable before me. To be honest, I'm falling more for this woman. I'm really new to all this, but she's such a patient woman. She actually has put up with my bullshit, and sometimes I would give her the cold shoulder.

Yet, she remains with a smile.

She groans softly seeing her gentle face contort  slightly in pain, before relaxing into a soft peaceful expression. Glancing at her paperwork sprawled across this side of the desk, I sigh deeply wondering if we should leave it for tomorrow? Standing up I gaze upon the woman before me, not knowing how lucky I was. Making my way back to my seat I quickly finish off a few more papers, drinking my tea slowly and quietly.

~Knock~Knock~

Lifting my head with questioning hum, my eyes glance down to see Akira softly snoring. Getting up more quietly I make my way over to the door, not wanting to wake her up after finally getting her to sleep. Twisting the knob slowly I open it only to reveal the brat, seeing him look rather nervous.

"What is it? It's late," I question bluntly, pushing myself out the door and closed it behind me. 

He gestures to his right, "Well I went to properly apologise to Corporal Akira, but....." he tries carefully to word his explanation. "....she wasn't in her office, so...."

My held in anger finally starts to show, narrowing my eyes upon the kid.

"Listen Eren, you can't take Akira's kindness for granted," I sharply spoke up, causing his eyes to widen. My voice was still quiet, but more bitter. "Yes, she forgave you so easily. Despite the circumstances that it wasn't intentional, I'm okay with that. We're slowly getting somewhere, but....."

"Captain I--"

".....you need to realise that she can't always protect you," cutting him off, I fold my arms resting my back against the cold brick wall. Even though I know she's the type to take it in, than standing up sometimes, I still wanted to keep her out of harm's way. "....she's done alot for you, so understand that you can't always look to her for help if you're in trouble. Got that?"

Fear flickers behind his eyes, before nodding timidly.

"Yes, sir,"

Clicking my teeth I angle my head to the side, before closing my eyes.

"Go get some rest now, before I lecture you some more," my voice lowers deeply, wanting the day to be over. The young teen nods before walking quickly down the hallway, allowing me for a moment to take some time to recollect my thoughts. Raking my fingers through my hair, I push from the wall and opened the door quietly.

Walking side I gently close the door behind, before walking over to check on her. She was still resting upon the desk, only to see slight discomfort in her face. In deep thought my eyes rest upon the papers, wondering if I should just finish for the day. Not that I can't sleep, but I wanted to at least rest for a bit. Bending down to her level, I gently caress her soft cheek finding how beautiful she sleeps.

Finally coming to a decision, I lift her limp body up before pulling her to my arms. My right hand snakes beneath her knees, before my other carefully holds her head lifting her. Her head falls against my chest gaining full control of balance, before making my way towards my bed. Placing my knee against the edge of the mattress, it creaks beneath while laying her down gently. My fingers curl beneath her jacket, peeling it off slowly before hanging on the chair beside me. 

She murmurs softly, rolling her head to the side.

Softly smiling I then went down and took her boots off carefully, not wanting to wake her up. Luckily they were easy to take off, making it rather easier to place her in bed. Lucky she took her straps off earlier, seen it was rather causing her discomfort. Once I was done I pull over the blankets to her shoulders, seeing the way the light contrasts against her exposed collarbone defined her features beautifully.

Walking back to my desk I blew the candles out, only leaving one beside my bed on.

Throwing my jacket and boots off placing them neatly at the chair, I undid my straps before peeling the blankets sliding in beneath the fresh sheets. I don't usually sleep, so this was the first since we got here a few days ago. 

Shifting to my side my eyes rest upon her gentle face, as the candlelight casts a warm glow complimenting her skin. Her hair sprawls prettily across the pillow, as the red tinge at the ends of her hair grew more of warmer toner against the little light we had. With a heavy sigh drawing from my lips, an arm wraps around mine tugging me forward.

Her eyebrows pinch together, groaning in her sleep.

My cheeks warm up with how close we were, but her hold was strong that I didn't want to fight it. Shuffling myself closer to get comfortable, I pull her to my chest while pushing my arm beneath her wrapping around her securely. Her body was soft, and warm, I just feel this comfort with her.

"You seriously make me nervous," I sigh deeply, brushing a few strands from her eyes. 

While running my fingers through her soft locks, a gentle rhythm of her breaths and heartbeat were making me sleepy. A lock delicately rests between my thumb and index, tousling it to a more wavy strand. Soon sleep starts to put me in darkness, allowing my hold around her, to be comfortably snuggling beside her.

Placing a chaste and tired kiss against her temple, I soon drift to sleep.

//

NEXT MORNING - Akira's pov:

A soft chill breeze dusts across my cheeks, causing my nose to scrunch in response. The sound of the morning birds echo distantly, making me groan rolling over, I tug the blankets around me. 

Wait? Why am I in a blanket....?

My eyes flutter open slowly only to find my nose grazing someone else's nose, seeing the most handsome sight before me. His tousled raven strands fell over his eyes, while his soft breathing was gentle. I must've passed out completely last night, and troubled him again. Yet, my headache was finally gone, feeling more refreshed and at ease with the pressure.

A smile dawns upon my lips, admiring him peacefully sleeping.

Soon my eyes widen before checking beneath the blankets, if my clothes were off. Thankfully they were on, but when I turn to Levi I notice his bare muscular shoulders exposed, feeling my cheeks warm up in response. Still feeling shy and nervous, I decide to bite the bullet and reach over to brush away the strands away from his eyes softly.

"You feeling better?" a husky voice broke the still air, causing my heart to leap out of my chest. With no words to stammer out, his hand grabs and interlaces mine with a gentle squeeze. He tiredly brought my hand to his mouth, feeling his lips brush over my forehand and presses a tender kiss.

"Hmm...." humming softly, he flutters his eyes to meet my gaze. ".....my headache is gone, I feel much better. Thanks.....Levi."

My hair falls over my eyes for a moment, realising how much of a mess I really am now.

Blowing the strand it falls back down, leaving me to sink into the pillow not wanting to leave at all. My body was comfortable as it is, and I wanted to lay here a little longer. He clicks his tongue lifting himself up, exposing his top half causing my face to bury into the pillows. My heart picks the pace, earning a small grunt as the mattress shuffles. Soon I felt the pillow sink on either side of me, making me peer through seeing him hovering above me.

"What? You sick now?" He raises an eyebrow, when I shook my head with a flustered expression. Swallowing thickly he lowers himself, carefully not to crush me as our noses graze against each other. He soon pecks my lips for a moment, before placing another but more longingly. 

My eyes were wide for a moment, slowly fluttering closed sinking into his touch.

Our lips move slowly feeling the morning drowsiness sinking in, as my body felt heavier like I was succumbing to sleep again. His lips move so slowly and lovingly, he could put me in a trance.

He soon pulls away gazing into my eyes, "Today seen you're feeling a little better, how about you take it easy?" he suggests, but I shook my head.

"No, I have a few things to finish up with," I decline the suggestion, knowing it would be nice to do so. But work was first thing, as my body was a lot better. "Besides.....I slept while I was meant to be signing some work."

He shifts his body before resting beside me, leaning on his elbow.

He reaches over and pinches my cheek, "You're the reason I didn't finish my work too," he scolds me playfully, earning a small pout while scrunching my nose. "Seriously, I had to take your tired ass to bed...."

"Well, I'm sorry, you didn't have too," I stare up at the ceiling, feeling already guilty about that. "I'll leave--"

"No you don't, dumbass," he pulls me, caging me in his arms causing me to squeak in response. My back presses against his firm chest, while my breath hitches in my throat in surprise. He swept my hair to the side, feeling his warmth breath fan against my nape. Feeling his heavy breathing, my heart rate was picking up.

"But Capta--,"

Lips brush against the shell of my ear, "It's Levi.......and remember you're mine....." his husky morning voice got the best of me, making me lose focus on anything else but the way he made my heart burst. ".....and mine alone."

Nervously sweating not use to this, I gave into his warm comforting arms allowing my eyes to close hazily.

"Okay........" a smile curls upon my lips, enjoy his warmth. "......I'm yours."

//

A DAY LATER - AKIRA's OFFICE

My sketch book rests beneath my fingertips, while I finish one last paper to sign. Seriously Eld just came early this morning with a small pile of paperwork, with the court stuff from almost a week ago. Placing my head into the papers, Levi told me he needed to go into the nearest district to pick up a few things with Gunther and Oluo. 

He asked of me to watch over Eren, and entrusted Petra and Eld to help me out. 

Well, technically, Hanji has Eren covered too, so I wasn't too worried knowing they are serious when something occurs. She specifically asked me to watch over him, to continue experimenting and figuring out about his transformations. Hesitating at first, I relaxed at the thought of getting everything finished. 

~Knock~Knock~

"State name and business!" I call, lifting my head up.

"Lena Hoffmann, letter from the Commander himself!" She calls, allowing her in instantly. Knowing Erwin, it must be something important or urgent, if he just sends me a letter. She walks up to me in a rush, before passing me the letter.

"Do I need to attend to anything?" I question, when she nods.

"No, apparently it's been dealt with," She informs me, causing me to tilt my head in confusion. Peeling the letter open, I began to read over it. Slowly my eyes drag along the words, before my heart sank feeling my head spin with a mixture of relief, and guilt. Lena glances at the letter, then back to me.

"Is everything alright?" 

Tears of freedom coats my cheeks leaning back in my chair, placing the letter down for a moment. 

"He's.......he's been held accounted," my voice breaks, causing Lena to lift the letter.

*

Corporal Akira

We have informed the courthouse about Peter Walsh's actions, as he conceded to his sexual assault upon you and will be dealt with. Thankfully we don't need to make it public, knowing you would rather keep things quiet. We've gathered one witness, but they will remain anonymous for now. With finding out this has been going on for longer, he will receive the punishment he deserves after the allegations he pursued. Hope this allows you to feel more at ease, and I'm sorry for the horrible traumatic things he's placed upon you. Hope this clears things for you.

Commander Erwin

*

"Akira.........was there something you weren't telling me?" She questions, making me realise she didn't even know at all. Barely no one knew the things Peter has done to me, yet I have the marks to prove he touched me. It haunted me, feeling violated as a woman and soldier.

A heavy pause falls, before facing her more seriously as stray tears roll down.

"You deserve to know......what the meaning behind this letter is," I lift my eyes to meet her concerned auburn ones. Gathering the courage I tried for years, I needed to bite the bullet and move on. "Ever since I was.......just a cadet at my early days, this man has been........."

My throat began to grow numb, the more I spoke about it. I held a hand out, telling her to give me moment to swallow, as more tears wanted to stray down. 

"....he's been doing things.....that I didn't want to do," choking out the words, flashes of the painful moments he inflicted upon me. "A few times I was too weak, to even stand up........he claimed my body like......it was his own......."

"Akira......"

Blinking away the tears, ".....I fought back sometimes, but a few times I thought people were witnesses....." my voice cracks even more. ".....but Peter covered it up, saying it was defense purposes with training.......other times he would lie continuously......"

Lena pulls a chair towards me, and sat down taking my hands in hers.

"....my back has the proof.....scars........wounds........" resuming my testimony, feelings the scars throb against my back even they were healed over. "......I know I'm strong, but......sometimes they would get you at your weakest. Yet, when I was promoted rather quickly to corporal, he started to become more violent towards me. He was always jealous for no reason, saying I was gifted. So he wanted to control that......"

"Asshole," She mutters, while I chuckle through my tears.

"Yes.....he was, he seriously manipulated me.......degraded me......" my shoulders were feeling more heavier. "....He tried to r-ra--" 

Cutting off my words, I hung my head squeezing my eyes tightly.

"Did he?"

Shaking my head, "No.......he didn't get too, I was just thankful someone came in at that very moment," I wipe my tears, feeling bad enough telling her all this. "Soon after three years, I thought he was finally done. Done with everything, but........."

My hand drifts to the very scar, he managed to display so everyone could see.

".....he managed to leave this last scar behind," my voice breaks, taking a few deep breaths. My assistant just sat there processing everything, before realising I was free from that man. She squeezes my hand gently, causing my relieved eyes.

"You survived......you managed to surpass that lowlife," She spoke up, expecting a lecture for not telling her. "Why didn't you tell anyone? Nanaba? Your brother? Miche? Levi?"

Shaking my head, "It's shameful, I can't risk any of it......and it was my own burden,"

"Well you have me that now knows, and that scar......" She gestures to the scar upon my face. "......I think you look like a badass, hmmm?"

Chuckling softly I nod, "I guess you can say that," even though it reminded me of the past, I didn't want to resurface. "Anyway......thanks for giving me the letter, but there's still some work to do...."

Suddenly arms embrace me warmly feeling my eyes slowly widen, never having this kind of acceptance before. After the filthy things he did to me, she wasn't at the very least disgusted? Or even embarrassed to have a weak Corporal?

"We all have our flaws, our dark pasts....." She broke the silence, holding me closer making me sink into her arms. "......but it doesn't make me think any less of you, as my Corporal. You were once my squad leader, and now we rose higher. We did this, because of you.....because of your strength. I'm proud to have you as my Corporal.......Akira."

Finally returning the hug, faint tears start to well before sliding down freely.

"Thank you Lena......it means so much,"

//

LATER THAT DAY - TRAINING GROUNDS

Basking beneath the warm sun after a few hours in the dark of the castle, my pencil scrapes along the rough sketch paper trying to get a paper view of my comrades. My eyes lift up to see Eld and Petra, training together while Hanji was busily making herself useful helping Eren. Her crazy bursts of laughter and excitement, made me a lift a gentle smile upon my face.

Glancing back at Eld, I gently draw the wisps of his blonde hair.

Adding smaller details in his pupils, I learnt more on how to draw eyes more and more. Learning ways to proportion them correctly, and even without coloured pencils available, I still could make out who they were. 

A thud came from Petra and Eld's direction, seeing one of them on the ground after a quick attack.

"Always make your stance firm, Petra!" I call out. "With a lighter body, always make sure to have both feet in control, so a taller and heavier person won't take advantage!"

She coughs harshly from the wind knocked from her lungs, before shooting a thumbs up in the air, "Will do, Corporal!"

My eyes trail back to my sketchbook with a soft smile, feeling the afternoon warmth coax over my skin. I'm almost done with Levi's squad, all I need to do is Eld and Petra and I will be done soon with these guys. Simply shading in around the collar of his jacket, as loose strands of my falls over my eyes. 

"Ah ha, great job Eren, we're getting somewhere!!!!" Hanji's distant cheers, echo down the valley still keeping my eyes upon the portrait in hand. Once I was soon almost done for a moment, I could feel someone's presence behind me. Closing my book, he sits down right beside me upon the crates where I sat. 

"How did your trip go?" I ask softly, turning to see him look rather tired after a big day. He ran his fingers through his raven locks, with a heavy sigh drawing from his lips.

"Stocked up on a few things, the streets were busy as usual," he shuffles closes,