*

WITHIN TROST DISTRICT - (Levi POV:)

With soldiers piling back in after a long night, it was no later than about three in the morning, as the air was colder than before.

 Though many men strayed back in tiredly in exhaustion, the silence was quite distant and rather cold. The atmosphere was rather off, not feeling an ounce of hope, even though Eren was retrieved. It wasn't new to me. I know that feeling all too well, after every expedition if nothing was changed.

Currently ordering a few men here and there to accompany a few wounded, I noticed a few nurses rushing towards the wagons with haste. My eyes flicker from a few soldiers, to the wagon again wondering what was going on.

I hear the sound of someone's horse approaching, as my head tilts to see Lena coming to a halt beside me.

She swings off her horse and walks up to me, seeing a solemn expression rest upon her exhausted face. With me eager to know Akira's status, whether she was brought back, she sighs rather heavily.

"Shes...........she's in need of a lot of rest," She breaks the dreaded silence. "A few burns, bruises and maybe fractures....we don't know much. However she's well, so she's not gonna die........thankfully."

A wagon rolls in before a few men rush in, making my gaze steadily watch Erwin being pulled up. Taken back by the condition he was in, he was passed out from the amount of blood loss, as his head flops forward. From afar I couldn't make out what had happened, but all I could see was red.

"Captain, please don't worry yourself?" Lena pleads gently, even though she seemed to be on the brink of exhaustion. Everyone else was, but I knew Akira all too well that she fought like hell out there. "She's gonna be al--"

"I can't.....you know that," I say firmly, refusing to loosen up and relax. "Where is she?"

Before she could reply, my eyes meet a pair of familiar ones, as I saw her standing up slowly like she just woken up. Relief washes over me, as I slowly made my way over seeing her take a few steps. Her hand rests against the wagon for support, while she held a pained expression trying to ease the tension gnawing at her.

"Akira......"

Her eyes slowly lift up to meet mine, as her expressions shifts from pain to a sense of longing in her eyes. A mixture of relief and anguish soon settles, but she slowly steps towards me cautiously. It was as if I was an illusion, seeing her hands finally settle around my face seeing if I was real.

My heart tore into two, seeing her like this.

"Levi......tell me....am I home?" She asks, seeing her vulnerable side all over again. "Tell me...."

Her eyes were glazed over with fresh tears, threatening to spill while searching into my own eyes.

Without hesitation I slowly pull her in my embrace, realising she was trembling. What really happened out there, to cause her to react this way? I know we've fought for so long, enduring the painful trauma's we've faced. So what really happened? Was there something, that she truly fears? 

Pulling away slowly, what caught me off guard was seeing that smile again.

"I'm home..........am I?" She whispers, while I slowly brush the strands of messy locks from her tired eyes, to cupping her rosy red cheeks. Wiping away the strays tears with my thumb, her cheeks were a darker hue with sweat aligning her forehead.

Nodding I inhale and exhale deeply, "Yes........you're home,"

Though she tried to put up a tough facade, I could see right through she wasn't okay. Right now, she's emotionally and physically exhausted and rest was in order for her. Seeing the state she was in, her shirt was completed ripped leaving only her chest and half her torso covered. Her hair messily fell, resting upon her shoulders.

"Come on.....let's get you treated," I usher her quietly, not wanting to make her condition worse as it was. 

Lena follows behind knowing where her loyalties lie, not wanting to leave Akira from her sight.

Finally sitting herself down and getting checked out, she was definitely fighting sleep. Her eyes were half-lidded, and loose strands of her hair clinging to her sweaty forehead. The nurses checked on her previous wounds, but the more I took notice, the more my anger boiled inside me. 

Bruises scattered in a blotchy pattern, discolouring around her throat with finger prints.

Lena leaned up against the brick wall nearby, horrified to see the wounds that littered upon Akira's body. Light burn marks, multiple cuts, more bruises than we both anticipated and so forth. 

However her eyes hazily meets mine, with a warm contented smile.

"Stop worrying Captain, I'm fine," She ensures me, while her throat breaks instead. She clears it roughly, only to grimace in pain while rubbing her bruises throat. Finger marks matched the culprit, to the wound that was visible for the eye to see on display. 

"Tch, fine my ass you are," I scoff dryly, while rolling my eyes. 

While the nurse finally treated her wounds all over, I walk over to Akira and threw my good cloak around her bare top half, as I respectfully glance away. She thanks me quietly, seeing her steadily stand on her two feet again. Without warning her knees give way, on instinct I quickly caught her by the hips, giving her support against me.

Her hands rest subconsciously against my chest, not really focusing hard on anything else.

"Corporal, I suggest you go nourish yourself up and rest," The nurse suggest, glancing towards me. "She's clearly dehydrated, mentally and physically exhausted, and overwhelmed. Due to everything that's happened, I'm surprised she's still standing now."

"What could be worse?" Lena asks, out of curiosity.

The nurse sighs, "I guess she won't be able to think properly, and her body is push beyond her limits," She explains softly. "If she doesn't sleep now, she will begin to have sleep deprivation to the point of hallucinations. Best to get her cleaned, eat and drink something and then sleep as soon as possible."

My eyes harden turning to Akira, seeing her fighting sleep right now.

"Thank you, I'll take care of her for now," I assure the nurse, before carefully guiding her out of the room to a distant room we managed to secure, within the barracks. Before I could head off, Lena I assume approaches me from behind.

Turning around slowly she took a small satchel on her side, and passes it to me.

"Please hold onto this, it has somethings of hers from the old castle," She asks softly. "She might want to use this, whilst resting up, when somewhat recovered."

My eyes cautiously eye the satchel, before seeing her avert her eyes from me.

"What's in here?" 

She gives me a knowing expression, but remains quiet for a moment.

"Just a few personal belongings, she tends to keep," She simply replies, before turning on her heel. "Report to me when she's able to speak with me, I trust you'll take good care of her!"

Watching her leave the hallway from where Akira and I stood, my hand lifts the satchel in hand with curiosity. 

The bag was quite worn done, to see discolored patches and fresh stitching already sewed in from it being previously ripped. Akira hasn't seemed to notice much, only resting her head against my shoulder while my other hand supported her lower back.

Quietly I usher to head forward making our way towards our shared room, trying my best to aid her the best I can. Finally reaching the barracks, I click open the door striding towards one of the single beds. The place was spotless after i anxiously cleaned, waiting for her return to make some time. She groans softly as I sat her down, before turning back to lock the door for the time being.

"Hmmm......Levi?"

Meeting her eyes softly I notice a slight storm within them, clouded with nothing but battling with exhaustion.

"What is it, love?" asking softly, I place the satchel down upon the opposite bed. I stood in front of her, when her hands skim down my arms, before interlacing my fingers through her own. A weak squeeze of assurance she's still hanging in there, makes me softly smile.

She falls quiet, before shaking her head.

"Never mind, I'm......I'm gonna go take a shower," She whispers, suggesting it's best to just take some time to heal. 

Assuming that's the case, I hum softly in agreement.

"I'll get you some tea and food, the nurses orders," I inform her, before turning to grab the clothes I freshly folded. Passing them to her, my eyes got a better look into those beautiful eyes of her. Bloodshot and bags beneath her eyes, but she still remained so beautiful. No matter how badly wounded, she was still flawless. She wearily takes the clothes, "They're my clothes for the moment, but I've got fresh undergarments.....tomorrow I'll try and find some fresh clothes for you."

I knew she barely had many clothing, minimising her options, especially when we had a uniform. 

"Thank you.......Levi," She presses a chaste kiss against my cheek, before heading to the bathroom further back. 

Once the door clicks shut, my shoulders soon slump forward with relief. 

Knowing she might take her time, I decide to take my leave and walked out of the office or room, heading down the hallways. A few soldiers walked idly by, addressing me, but continued on. Not sure whether to check in on Erwin, his wounds looked far serious when I saw them. 

It must've been hell out there, but losing an entire brigade of Military police? 

Who were they really dealing with?

*

Placing down two pieces of bread and her green tea down, I could smell that sweet fragrance satisfy my nose from her shower. The door creaks open, seeing her step out looking far better than before. She seemed more relaxed, and her wet hair messily covers her eyes. Out of nowhere my eyes caught sight to my shirt that hung upon her figure, hugging her curvy body, and just covered just half way down her thighs. 

Blood rushes to my cheeks, while I subtly glimpse in her direction.

"Here's.....your tea and food," I gesture, while she walks over. Her feet shuffles across the timber floor, and slowly snakes her arms around my middle without a word. "Baby? You alright?"

She hums into my chest, her hands sluggishly grip my shirt.

"Just......let me hold you," she muffles into my chest.

My eyes slightly widen in surprise, never seeing her be this clingy before. Usually we're both not as clingy, but I guess she thought she would never see me again. My hands drift to her back, rubbing soothingly in circular motions to ease her worries. She hums quietly, before pulling away before taking a bite to eat and drink. At least she was finally eating, and taking some fluids. 

After a while she soon finishes, allowing me to place her cup and plate to the side.

"Alright, now please.......get some rest?" pulling her blankets to the side, while she nods willingly. Placing my hand against the lower of her back, she slowly slips in and pulls the blankets over her. Relief washes over herself, seeing her expression finally find some peace and ecstacy to the soft mattress.

Kneeling down beside to meet her soft haze, a soft smile curls upon those rosy lips.

She reaches out wanting to take my hand, as I gave it to her without thinking about it. Her hands were warm and soft, but barely calloused from her battles out there. She drew small circles along my thumbs knuckle, before takes a quiet but deep breath in and out. Fluttering her eyes shut, she couldn't help but smile.

"Been a while since we were like this," She drawls out, before a small cute yawn escapes her lips. 

Humming in agreement, I shuffle a little forward and pressed my lips against hers. She leans into the warm gesture sinking into me, while I carefully peck her lips once more. She pouts cutely, but I peck her nose again and again.

"Sleep........I'll give you more attention, when you're better," I tease her softly, knowing she might even forget all of this. She was drunk on exhaustion, so it's best if we wait til she's fully rested and well. Her eyes soon flutter shut, while still holding my hand comfortably. After a matter of a few minutes waiting to hear her snoring, she was finally asleep. Her lips slightly part, as her face soon relaxes indicating she's out like a light.

Softly smiling I lean up brushing her hair from her temple, and pressed a warm kiss.

"Tch, such a dumbass," 

Once she was asleep I slip my hand from hers and headed to the bathroom, to collect her dirty laundry. The steam still lingers within the room, with the sweet scent enduring in the hot thick steam. Finding her clothes neatly over the sink, I took the initiative and collected her clothing. However her shirt was ripped beyond repair, and her jeans were completed torn up as well.

"Guess they don't need to be washed," I sigh deeply to myself, turning on my heel to the door.

A quiet thump drew me to take a glimpse down, seeing something fall from her jeans pockets.

Bending down I lift the four items, only for my eyes to slowly widen in realisation. She must've took them from their jackets, which means they never made it that night. All of Miche's squad perished, only leaving her to survive and hold that weight. Striding out the room, I place the small patches of the emblems in her satchel before losing them. 

Still, she concerns me whether she's okay or not. Such a stubborn one.

Throwing the clothes out, I checked the time briefly, knowing it's close to sunrise already meaning I should get some shut eye for a bit. Walking back to my bed, my attention soon drifts back to her satchel. Thinking to myself if I should see what Lena meant before, or not, curiosity got the best of me.

~Knock~ Knock~

Hissing under my breath with a click of my teeth, I turn on my heel towards the door. 

Opening it quietly I push myself outside, as I saw Hanji standing there. She looked like shit, despite how she held less wounds. No matter, she seemed to be deeply concerned while she peers through the crack of the door, before closing it.

"How is she doing?" Hanji asks rather quietly, than being loud and enthused. 

Sighing heavily I nod, "She's fine, just had a shower, some food and now rest," I ensure them, while still feeling unsettled. "How about you, you look like absolute shit?"

They chuckles shrugging their shoulders, "Fine, you know........just a few burns here and there," treating it like a joke, when I raise an unimpressed brow. Not sensing any amusement, they clear their throat. "Well, it's just.......something troubles me......"

"........."

"Has she mentioned anything.......unusual?" She asks me, while I stare at her completely dumbfounded and confused.

"Um.....I don't have the same mind, how would I know?" I question, sarcasm dripping from my voice. Running my fingers through my hair, I gave her a blunt expression. "I don't know what happened, but she's oka--"

"She was abducted....." Hanji informs me, while it took me a few seconds to register what she said. The silence grew heavy, while my eyes calmly meets theirs. ".......there was a reason, but nothing was said on why? Who or what?"

The night crickets echoes in the stillness, while I still tried to process this new information.

"Levi I know you weren't informed, but--"

My feet near towards them, "Why wasn't I informed sooner, about this?" I harshly whisper, gripping their collar firmly but not forcefully. "What would the reason be--?"

"We don't know," Hanji shifts their glasses, briefly seeing bags darken beneath their eyes. "Yet, she still managed to rescue Eren......despite her condition....but I could get a chance to ask her why....so....."

My hand slowly releases her collar, while I take a deep breath in and out.

"It's too late to dwell on it now, we'll discuss at a more appropriate time," I sternly suggest, knowing we're all caught up in conflicted emotions and questions, that will only be unanswered. 

"I agree, just......watch over her please?" She asks softly, voice lacing with worry. "She went through alot, so if she doesn't explain about everything.....just take it slowly."

Nodding in response taking in her request, I agreed with her suggestion.

"Well get yourself damn cleaned up," I hiss quietly, while they chuckle softly.

"Will do, night....Levi,"

Watching Hanji leave down the hallway, my chest felt more heavier than before. Hesitantly my hand reaches for the door, as I make my way inside to rest up for the night. Walking over to bed, I place her things on her nightstand, getting myself comfortable. Slipping my shoes off, my eyes shift over to see her still asleep peacefully.

Sitting down on the soft mattress, my hands run over my face with a heavy troubled sigh.

"Shit, what the hell is going on?"

*

THREE DAYS LATER - (Akira's POV:)

Waking up slowly my lashes flicker up and down, while taking in my surroundings. My memory was fuzzy from time to time, as I must've woken up about three times since I passed out completely. But today my body and mind was clear and beyond awake, even though wounds still loved to remind me I'm still recovering. 

Eyes blurry and heavy to open, a small yawn escapes my lips.

My hair sprawls across the pillows as my head angels to the side, noticing Levi's bed was neatly made and untouched. He must've went on his usual rounds, checking in on Erwin and Hanji. Couldn't blame him how I'm boring him, despite that I was out longer than to be expected. My head sinks further into the pillows, staring up at the ceiling while letting my mind wander for a few minutes.

Many questions soon to fill my blank morning mind, not even sure it's morning.

Lifting my body up slowly I hiss and groan as my muscles and bones shift, trying to adjust myself. Swinging my legs to the side, the floorboards creak beneath my weight as I make my way to the bathroom to get changed. The room wasn't perfect, but it was enough to feel comfort. Finding my fresh new clothes Levi gave me, I begin to take off Levi's shirt. Peeling from my head, my hair messily covers my eyes. 

Another yawn passes my lips, feeling my arms aching in response to my continuous fighting.

Slipping on Dark grey jeans it hugs my curves nicely, before throwing on a black wide neck long sleeve shirt. Rolling up the sleeves lazily to my elbows, my eyes finally dawn upon the burns and scars that I've received. It wasn't new to me anymore, it was just another reminded how hard I've fought. That I've survived another day. 

Adjusting myself in my clothes, I brushed my hair and left it out for the time being. Usually having it up, it would be different but I couldn't be bothered at the moment.

Slipping my boots on with ease I tap the front to adjust them, and headed out to check on Erwin and Hanji. Passing by a few soldiers, they seemed to be surprised when seeing me after a while. Taking a turn around the corner and down a flight of stairs, I finally reach the Commander's main quarters where a few soldiers were. 

Approaching them they all were surprised, before saluting me.

"Corporal, it's.....it's great you see you well," Nifa exclaims, taken back by unexpected visit. "Are you sure you should be--?"

I nod with a warm chuckle, "I'm fine Nifa, some rest did the job," ensuring her I'm capable in walking around, as well as continuing my duty as Corporal. "Anyway, how is the Commander's condition? Is he awake?"

She seemed rather hesitant, when Tobias elbows her.

"He's