Author's note: this is a loose continuation of Precious and Protected, as many readers have been asking to make a sequel...and I thought "well why the hell not?" It could be seen as it's own one shot, if you wanted to look at it like that, but it can also be connected to P and P. This particular one shot is short and choppy too, but for reasons. Additionally, this does switch to third person, so please don't get confused. I digress.... kthanksbai

*****

It was a late afternoon in the early months of autumn. The air was warm but the breeze was cool; cool enough, in fact, where you cast open the windows to your kitchen in your little house in the rolling hills and trees outside the city. The skies were clear as you looked out in your front yard, a smile growing at your lips. Rolling laughter and soft giggling reached your ears, warming your heart and soul.

"Good job, Ezra!! Such a smartie pants, this one!" you heard Hanji's voice cry. "It's 'cause you're my godson, that's why you're smart as hell."

"Doubt that," Erwin replied blandly.

Hanji playfully stuck her tongue out at the commander of the Scout Regiment and your one year old son copied her before laughing. "You're just mad that he likes his godmother more than youuuuuu."

You watched as Erwin, who was sitting in a wooden lawn chair, not only cross his arms but cross his legs at the ankles in a huff. He didn't say anything but you could tell by the look on his face that he was pouting, in his own, very masculine, way.

You finished up your dishes from lunch and dried your hands before heading outside to join the godparents of your son, who were visiting the little boy on their day off. Ever since you gave birth to Ezra, he has been the pride and joy of the Survey Corps. It wasn't very often that anyone from that branch produced any kids, as most did not form relationships or worse, died.

Baby Ezra always had visitors from the Corps, as the headquarters and barracks were not too far from your home. Your house had to be close, of course; Levi wanted to be able to come home to his family with ease, especially at such early stages of his son's life. But because of the proximity to the buildings, someone was always dropping by to see your son on their off days.

Because of all the people coming to see him, Ezra's social skills were already were fairly advanced for his age. He was very friendly with strangers, always waving and even saying "Bye!" whenever someone was leaving. He didn't struggle with separation anxiety as much as you've heard other babies go through, since he was always with people other than you.

Four months ago, you started easing yourself back into the Scout Regiment life, now that your pregnancy leave was up. Of course, there was a wide understanding you were not as fit as you were pre-pregnancy and you had to regain your strength and agility. Unlike the rest of the branch, where they ate, slept, and breathed military life, you were only part time. That was mostly at Levi's demand to Erwin, as he refused to let you be away from the baby for days at a time like he had to be. That was to be expected though. Levi was humanity's strongest soldier; he would always be needed.

You also, for now, were no longer taking part in any expeditions, at least not until you were back in shape. Secretly, you were grateful for this; you were aware your focus would not be on the mission at hand and more on your own survival for the sake of your son.

Well, that wasn't entirely true. Erwin came by today just to tell you that, by military law, which you didn't feel like pressing, you were required to join the next expedition. It was all very confusing to you but you understood that your duties to the Corps came before Ezra, no matter how much you did not like that. It had something to do with the fact that your pregnancy leave was up and the only reason you missed the last three expeditions was either because you were pregnant, or Levi refused to let you. That only worked because Levi held so much respect within the military; you didn't think that would fly if some other soldier pulled that kind of excuse for his wife.

The days you were away at "work," Ezra stayed with your parents and it's been surprisingly easy for him. It was not easy for you to ever part from your child, but Ezra never had screaming tantrums when you left.

"(F/n)!" exclaimed Hanji from the blanket she was sitting on. There were toys strewn about around her and you almost positive she had been playing with them more than your own son. "The little squirt is gonna start walking soon. I can feel it."

"Is that so?" you replied. "You were right about him crawling, so I wouldn't be surprised if you're right about him walking."

"Course I was right!" Hanji held an air of pride. "I'm in tune with the tyke. I think we have a telepathic bond."

Erwin snorted at this but you did not stifle your brief laugh. With a grin, you watched Erwin hold Ezra's little hands and guide the baby slowly into taking steps. You found the sight endearing, in a way.

"Kid's like his father," he said with a deep chuckle. Ezra had just fallen on his butt. "So damn determined that he gets angry when he fails."

You had to laugh again; it was completely true. One too many times have you seen Ezra start whining or crying or screaming because he couldn't pick something up, or reach something and such. He was starting to make his typical tantrum face right now because he wasn't able to walk yet.

"Look's like the midget too," added Hanji. "'Cept the squirt's got your eyes and hair, (f/n)."

You opened your mouth to respond before someone cut you off.

"You're here again, Four-Eyes?" called a familiar voice. "Would you mind getting a life and stop intruding into mine?"

You turned your gaze to the cobblestone path that lead up to your house, unsurprised to find Levi leading his horse towards you all on the grass. Your smile broadened when you saw Ezra's eyes light up and say "Hi, dada!" Erwin scooped Ezra up, ready to pass along the child as soon as Levi was within arm's length. Ezra was growing impatient with his waving and began to squirm in Erwin's arms.

Hanji was not the slightest bit hurt by Levi's statement. "Ah, but the squirt is my godson, so you gotta suck it up, Shortstack," she replied cheerfully.

The Lance Corporal decided not to reply, realizing there was no gain in arguing with the crazed woman.

He had been gone for the last four days, having been too busy with plans for the upcoming expedition to come home. You knew that it was work related, but it still saddened your heart to sleep alone in your bed without his warm embrace.

Levi dismounted once he reached the front of the yard and tying the reins around the nearest sturdy tree. Immediately, he pecked your lips lightly in greeting when you approached him.

"Welcome home, sweetheart," you said as he gave you a quick hug.

Levi put his lips to your ear, unconcerned with Erwin and Hanji watching. "I've missed you..." he whispered. "Do not deny me tonight."

At this, a wry smile crept over you. "I wouldn't dare."

"Okay, ya love birds," sighed Hanji, who had leapt up to cover Ezra's eyes. "Not in front of the runt! Keep the dirty dirty away from his innocence."

Levi threw a hard glare at Hanji and Erwin, who was still holding the shielded Ezra, just laughed.

"Hey," said your superior. "Your kid's waiting."

"Yeah, yeah, give the little shit here," said Levi, causing you to roll your eyes. Your husband stretched out his hands and Ezra nearly leapt out of Erwin's arms into his father's. Levi automatically hugged his child for a moment before kissing the top of his head.

"You missed your dad, huh kid..." said Levi as Ezra was slapping his tiny hands on Levi's cheeks. The baby made a few noises, nothing that indicated he was agreeing to Levi's statement but his father seemed to be satisfied. "That's what I thought."

That was Levi's strange way of conveying how much he missed Ezra, but you knew full well that your husband would never admit to that publicly.

Levi loved your child more than anything in the world, save for maybe you. From the moment Ezra entered this world, everything Levi did was either for the sake of his son or for his family as a whole. Behind closed doors, Levi doted on Ezra. So much so, that you were almost positive Levi changed more diapers than you ever did in the early months of your son's life. This was particularly ironic, as everyone knew just how much neat freak Levi was and yet he was more than willing to change diapers full of tiny human waste.

Your gaze refocused when you heard your son burst out in endearing giggles. Levi was tossing Ezra up into the air a little and catching him again before repeating the process; Ezra was loving every second of it.

"The squirt isn't afraid of anything, eh, (f/n)?" said Hanji, grinning widely. "I've never seen him get real scared yet."

"Yeah," you sighed heavily, though you couldn't help but smile at Ezra's laughter. "Ezra loves doing dangerous stuff, just like his father."

Levi shot you a glare, still playing with his son. If anyone else played with Ezra the way Levi did, you would be worried and would probably put a stop to it immediately. However, you knew that Levi was very aware of what was too hazardous and would protect his son above all else.

"God, Hanji, you should have seen him the other night," you continued. "I left him in the front room for all of a minute to get him a snack. One minute! I honestly didn't think he would do anything because he's still crawling and was too enthralled with some toys I gave him."

Erwin started to chuckle quietly. "Poor decision on your part."

"No kidding," you groaned. "This kid is halfway up the damn stairs by the time I came back. And laughing about it the whole way up. I swear, it was like he was mocking me."

Both Hanji and Erwin laughed at this.

"That's my boy," said Levi affectionately, kissing Ezra's cheek. "Your mother is too worried about you for your own good. She's going to stifle your sense of adventure and audacity. Sometimes a man has to explore the world."

"Yeah? Well, he can do that when he actually starts becoming a man, Levi," you replied in a huff.

Levi and Ezra gazed at you for a moment, now that you had your arms crossed and your tone was slowly changing. "...now, are you referencing when he has his first sexual encounter-?"

"Oh my god!" you exclaimed, snatching your innocent son from Levi's arms. "You're the worst."

Ezra's godparents only stayed for another hour or so before heading back to headquarters. You had politely invited them to stay for dinner, but Levi was very adamant about getting the pair to leave. They didn't seem to mind and Levi was grateful for this, as he had wanted as much alone time as possible with you.

You were very happy to have him back in your arms that night; you would rest easy knowing that he would be there next to you. Granted, he wouldn't allow you much sleep, as he had insisted on ravaging your body with long awaited love making. He was quite the gentleman tonight, as he had catered to your needs explicitly. It had been a while since he had done that "thing" with his tongue that you loved so much.

As you two drifted off to sleep, Levi gripped you close to his chest.

"I'm going to try to get you off the next expedition," he said into your ear.

You yawned, barely registering that he had spoken. "I have two months to prepare," you replied sleepily. "I'll be ready."

Your husband sighed heavily into your hair. "I don't want you out there...it's dangerous."

"It always was and it always will be," you said, turning over so you could bury your face in his chest. "You and I can't keep avoiding it. I have to get back out there at some point or the MP won't stop bitching."

Levi growled formidably above you. "Fuck the MP," he snapped. "Those lazy asses don't do shit. They have no idea what we deal with out there."

"I know...they just enforce the law..." You shrugged, too sleepy to really care too much about discussing it at that moment. "I love you, Levi."

Levi kissed your forehead and held you as close as he could. "I love you more."

You chuckled, normally arguing this point with him about who loved who more but tonight, you remained blissful in his arms.

*****

It was silent. The house in which he had loved so much abruptly became strange and unfamiliar.

It felt unnaturally cold to Levi as he walked heavily through the door and everything lost its vibrancy, its life. Every breath he took in this empty, quiet house felt like a heavy weight on his chest. It use to be so warm and welcoming. The days he knew he would be going home to his wife and son were his favorite days. The anticipation of seeing (f/n) smiling gently at him, giving him a quick kiss and welcoming him home. Those days when Ezra's tiny voice would shriek in delight upon Levi's appearance because he had missed his father so much.

He wandered aimlessly through the kitchen, his fingertips touching everything that he knew she had touched. It smelled like her in here. It smelled like her hair and the remnants of a venison dinner. She kept it so clean, not for her, but for him. Levi looked at his fingers and found no trace of dust. So clean. Always so clean.

Levi's eyes roamed his bedroom, his expressionless gaze searching for something he didn't even know he was looking for. How even ended up in his bedroom, he didn't know. He couldn't think right now. His mind was blank and his heart was numb. Emotionless, lifeless, lost. It had been years since he felt this empty; Levi wished he had never had to come back to this state, prayed for it even. He never wanted to feel so lonely again.

Time seemed to move sporadically. Hours would pass in a flash, and then suddenly he felt like the minutes took years to tick by. He had no idea when he even arrived home or what time it was now. Levi couldn't remember if he secured his horse in the nearby stable or if he just left it in the front yard. There was no room to think, and yet there was all the room in his brain to fill with a dark void.

He waited.

For how long, he wasn't sure but he sat at his desk in the bedroom like he use to do, pouring over his work he brought home with him. He waited to hear her voice call him from the kitchen downstairs that dinner was ready. Why hadn't she called him yet? It's been hours...

"(F/n)..." Levi whispered, voice catching in his throat.

The second he said her name to the shadows of the room, images flashed within his mind's eye. Blood. So much blood. His heart seemed to clench painfully at the imagery. There was anguish inside his chest that was growing and he couldn't shake it. It overtook his soul.

"(F/n)...?" choked Levi. She still did not answer back and he began to panic.

Again, the blood clouded his mind's eye. The smell...it reeked so much of iron. Why iron? It made Levi's stomach churn even though he had been around that stench for years. The wretched, awful noise of chewing grated in his ears; that sound made his body go so cold. He had to cover his ears. So childish. Blood was everywhere it's all he could see. He was drenched in it.

Tears streaked Levi's stoic face relentlessly and he made no effort to stop them. He had tried to push out the thoughts in his head but it wouldn't budge. There was no stopping the tide of visions of those monsters tearing through the trees, snarling and thundering along. Those giant humanoid savages from Hell.

And then he heard her, almost distantly, while he stared out the window.

"Levi!" his wife shrieked. He cringed, beating back the tears that stung his eyes and began to shake his head violently. "LEVI!!!"

Her once beautiful voice it was cut off by a massive snapping noise. Her voice choked out. Blood was everywhere...everywhere. It splashed in his eyes and covered his clothes, it was so warm on his skin compared to the icy wind around him. His whole body felt weak, like the life was extinguished inside him.

"Oh, god," gasped Levi, putting a hand over his mouth to keep himself quiet. When did he come so weak? "(F/n), forgive me."

Levi attempted to stand but the weight of his sorrow brought him to his knees. Tears turned to muffled sobs and his anguish became physical pain. His heart ached like it had never ached before.

His wife was gone, killed by the Titans, like so many others before her. Brutal and cruel.

Never in his life had he cried so hard for one person. Never in his life had he been so broken that he created a disaster, throwing books from the bookshelf, tearing up documents, and breaking his desk. Never in his life had he ever felt like dying while curled up in the fetal position, like a terrified child. Never in his life did he think he could feel emotional agony like this where he wished he could kill that titan again and again and again until he had even a shred of hope that things would ever be okay.

The one person he loved the most in this world, the one person who was by his side through thick and thin was taken from him. Whom he would have died for. He would have traded his life for hers.

He had tried to get her out of the expedition. Nearly begged for it. She just wasn't as agile like she use to be. He knew that. Why did he turn his attention away from her out there? Even for a minute. He should have been more aware. He should have been at her side.

Levi laid on the hard floor for hours and wept for her. He had no idea how he was going to face her parents tomorrow. What was he supposed to say to Ezra when he grew up to understand? That monsters ate his mother? Ezra would never know how beautiful his mother was, how perfect and kind she was.

Every time he would look at his son from now on...he would see her in Ezra's eyes.

Darkness descended upon the secluded house. After a while, Levi came full circle. His mind was blank again. He felt nothing, other than fatigue. His head was pounding but he didn't care. It was nothing in comparison to the emotional pain he was suffering. Levi's vision was going hazy but he refused to sleep; he had no idea what he would see in his dreams if he were to succumb to his exhaustion.

"Levi..." said her voice, gentle and warm. "Sweetheart, get some rest, ok?"

"Now I'm fucking hearing shit?" said Levi to himself, arms still wrapped around his stomach. "Guess I'm insane."

"Honey, please...Ezra needs you. He needs his father."

"I need you..." said Levi quietly. He shook his head, in disbelief that he was actually replying to his own delusions. "I...I tried. Why did you...? Why did you do that? ...(f/n), I tried to-"

Her distant, almost ethereal voice chuckled. "I know, my love," she said, sounding very serene. "It wasn't your fault. I love you so much, Levi."

Levi continued to keep his eyes closed, his body so weary and heavy. He knew he was just talking to himself, essentially, but he didn't care; it made his heart ache a little less.

"I love you more..." he said, a few tears escaping. "I always did love you more."

"How can you say that?" There was a smile in her voice, he could hear it. "Did I not sacrifice my life to save yours-?"

"Shut up!" cried Levi, clenching his fists. "...I know...fuck, I know..."

Maybe he was crazy, from the fatigue or the anguish, he didn't know. What he did know, was it almost felt like a warm hand was resting at his cheek. Try as he might, he could not open his eyes. It felt like it was her hand, so soft and gentle.

"Listen to me, Levi Ackerman," his wife's voice said firmly. "Our son needs you. There is a time and place to mourn, and you had yours now. But there is a child who needs his father. Ezra needs you, my love. Be strong, Levi. I am with you. Always."

Levi nodded, still letting tears fall for his wife who had left the world too soon. His mind was playing strange games with him so that he could cope; he knew that, but hearing her voice soothed his soul. She was right, this figment of his imagination. Ezra needed his father to be brave and strong.

"I won't let him forget you," whispered Levi, faint as ever. "I'll never forget you."

There was another warm sensation at his forehead, almost like a pair of lips kissed him sweetly.

"I know," she replied. "Be at peace, and rest easy, my love. All is not in vain."

And finally, the exhaustion overtook Levi.