Levi P.O.V.

Erwin had just started the TV and was searching for a program when Nina passed out on my shoulder and dropped in my lap. My surprise subsided swiftly and was replaced by happiness and contentment as I carefully positioned her to make her lay a little more comfortably. Curled up beside me, with her head resting in my lap facing me, I gently fondle over her head and hair, feeling the soft locks running through my fingers as I watch her relaxed face and her slightly open mouth. I don't need the TV, I could watch Nina all night long and it still would be a better view than any kind of soap opera or movie. Being able to watch her like this and to feel her so close to me, to feel her trust in me growing stronger again, fills my heart with warmth. And now that the number one threat of my life is now out of my way, out of our way, I'm able to enjoy her closeness to its fullest.

"Is our pretty angel gone already?"

"Yes. She's pretty exhausted, it seems. No wonder, though." I replied to Erwin as I see him taking a glimpse at her sleeping figurine before he grabs the woolen blanket to spread it over her.

"Thanks."

"No problem, Levi. I don't want our pretty girl to catch a cold. Tomorrow is an important day."

"Indeed. I just hope she's prepared."]

"Are you kidding? She's more than just prepared. You heard what she did. It's you I'm worried about. You think you can face her without going furious?" Erwin has a good point. I'm not sure either if I will be able to hold my anger back towards Petra. I'm short-tempered, that's no secret, but if I should lose my composure tomorrow during the hearing, I will only cause more harm, to myself, and to Nina. Unfortunately, I'm an important witness in this matter and I can't stay out of this whole shitty mess. I sigh deeply while thinking about tomorrow and what might possibly come and what not.

"I guess I have no choice. I will do my best, for Nina's sake and for our future. That's what I always did and what I'll always do. You should know me by now, Erwin." I scoffed as I thread my fingers through the soft locks of my woman's hair. Erwin folds his arms at my answer and nodded.

"I know Levi. I just want to be sure. And don't worry, I made a few calls to old friends and invited them to cover our backs as well. So the hearing shall be no problem at all." I raise my eyebrow, looking at him suspiciously.

"What are you up to Erwin? Who have you invited?"

"Just a few old friends from your past. Trust me, it's not to your disadvantage. They'll meet us tomorrow before the courthouse." It's getting even weirder. Who could he possibly have called? I don't know anyone who would say anything against Petra. Not even from my past.

"Tsk. Whatever. The person better be good. Otherwise, it'll only become more complicated." I claimed, looking down to the peaceful sleeping woman in my lap the whole time.

"I'm not doing this for you only, its also for Nina. To get this shit done as fast as possible. I want to see her smile again. Whether you like it or not, but you know about my feelings for her and I want her to be happy."

Erwin's voice was serious, but even he couldn't hide the undertone of affection when he mentioned his feelings for my girl. I know about this, right. I knew it all the time since the day when she slept drunk on the couch here, but Erwin would never make a move against her will or mine. But still, I don't know what to think of this. While Erwin isn't making any effort to hide his feelings, I don't know what Nina thinks about this. She never mentioned something similar to Erwin, or to me about how she feels for him. The only proof about some kind of connection I have is the moment when I came home on his birthday, when she laid on top of him asleep, tightly embraced by him. Actually, I should be furious and dead jealous, since they'd shared a moment I wish to have on my own. But somehow, I don't mind. Maybe it's just my deep trust in both of them. Erwin is reliable, so as Nina as well, and I know Erwin for so many years by now.

He'd never let me down, not even when I was down on my knees after I quit my military duty, not even when I was sitting in the living room, watching TV when I couldn't sleep because of my insomnia, not even when I spat my threats at him and treated him like shit. Not even when I acted so cold and heartless to Nina days ago. He was always there, he knows about my twisted feelings and never turned his back to me. He scolds me when I'm acting dumb, he argues and yells back when he thinks nothing else will help and he makes the apartment dirty on purpose to punish me after I screwed up with something, even if I would never admit it. After all that happened, not just because of the last days, but also during the years we'd spend together, I can say without doubt and regret, that Erwin knows me better than anyone else. He understands me in a way the best psychologist never could. Since the day I was assigned to his team in the military, I sensed that something special is connecting us. We both had grown together and we make each other stronger, in any possible kind of ways. The unconditional trust I have for him glues us together, and I know he feels the same. It may sound gay, but he's my first real partner I've ever had in my life. I guess that's why I leave Nina to his care so willingly. She's holding the same trust for him as I do and I remember her saying so often, that she can't imagine a life without him. It's not in the same way as Nina feels for me but...I don't believe that I can live without him either. There's no chance I'm going to say this to him...He would probably never drop his stupid grin ever again.

"I know Erwin. And I'm thankful that you encourage and support her in a way I can't. And whatever you might have planned for tomorrow, I'm sure it will be for our advantage." Erwin nodded, smiling, satisfied with my answer as he crawls a little closer to me and Nina. I have no idea what he's up to, but if he wants to seal this with a kiss he can go and fuck himself! I glare flying daggers at him, visibly uncomfortable with the situation as he reaches out with his hand, but not in my direction. He reaches for Nina's face, gently stroking a few locks of hair away to have a better look at her sleeping face. And there's his cheeky smile again. I roll my eyes, but I let him have this little moment. When he's done with twirling her hair between his fingers and stroking his thumb over her lips, he backs up again.

"You should carry her to bed, Levi. It's late and we all could need some extra sleep." Erwin claimed as he stood up from the couch, turning off the TV in this act. I nod in agreement, slightly adjusting in my sitting position before I, as careful as I could, take my girl in my arms. The blanket slips from her body, down to the ground as I stood up from the couch, aware to move very slowly and cautiously while Erwin picks the blanket up to put it back to its original place before he tiptoes after me to open the door to my room, since my arms are occupied. After saying goodnight to each other, he closed the door behind me, going into his own dominion. Finally surrounded by the welcoming darkness and silence, I place Nina on the bed, undressing her gently from her shirt and trousers until she's just in her underwear. She's really a deep sleeper. The perfect idol for me to emulate. When I was ready for bed as well, I joined her, pulling the soft blanket over our bodies, only to wrap my arms around her womanly frame to feel her skin against mine, mouthing a heavy sigh in her hair. I come to realize once again what I almost did to her and myself. I can't change the past, but maybe with tomorrow's happenings, I can change the future.

"There's no chance that I'm going to let you fight this war alone. This time, you'll have me at your back." I whispered this promise into her neck as I suddenly feel her arms snaking around my back, a low sigh leaving her mouth. I assume she's awake by now. With a silent chuckle, I tightened my embrace around her, gently cupping her head under my chin.

"Tsk...brat." That's the last thing I remember before I joined the love of my life in her sweet dreams.

Nina P.O.V.

You had not enough time to savor the sweet words Levi said last night when he carried you to bed since you fell asleep instantly as soon as they were spoken. And unfortunately, you also had not enough time to enjoy the morning. Today is the first day of Petras hearing, which means: Getting up early, gulping down breakfast in a hurry and getting dressed in something suitable for such an event. Everything happens so fast this morning. And the clock spoke the most offending words you could think off. 8 am in the fucking morning! Erwin and Levi were the fastest in this case. While Erwin was already done with dressing up, he's in the middle of preparing something for breakfast for you and Levi, while Levi is almost done with getting dressed. How on earth can they be so fucking fast at such an ungodly hour?! Deep in your sulking, you enter the bathroom to get ready as well. And as soon as the cold water hit your face, the tiredness was gone. Actually, you planned to ask Erwin if they would stop by at your apartment, so you can dress up in something suitable for this event, but both men are true experts at improvising when it comes to clothing. Very uncommon for men...

Weeks ago, or even months, you brought a few clothes from home to be ready for such situations, like a black pair of jeans, so as some black pumps, yet, this is enough for Erwin to come up with a good idea. After he handed you one of his white shirts, you stuffed the hem of it inside your jeans before Erwin takes over again by helping you skillfully to arrange it around your torso, so it won't look too big. A few tugs and yanks, a little twist in the fabric and even a fast grip inside your jeans, for "stuffing the shirt inside a little more".

That was his excuse. But it was okay. and by the end, the outcome was worth it. Erwin wears shirts at least two times bigger like your own, but with his handy skills, he did it to arrange the shirt in a way that it's not looking like you shrank. After that, Levi handed you one of the black blazers he uses for his work and much to your surprise, it fits like a glove! Seems like the size difference is only thanks to your legs while your torsos have the same size. A strange matter of fact, but in this case, very welcome. Both men are already done with breakfast, which makes you the last one to wait for. Erwin waited patiently, reading the local newspaper over his tablet, while Levi taps on the table with his finger, not because he's annoyed by your lack of speed in chewing, but more to his own tenseness about what's coming. You understand him very well. You felt the same way days ago. But now, every doubt had subsided. You're happy that you can bring this to an end sooner or later, that's why you're the calmness in person right now. And once you finished your breakfast as well, Erwin swiftly takes your dishes to put them into the dishwasher. Not many words were spoken this morning, all communication was held with smiles, nods, and gestures. Surprisingly, everything worked fluently and not a single misunderstanding happened between you. It's as if you were living together for years and know about each other's habits and quirks. And when finally all of you are ready to go, Levis phone buzzed with an incoming call.

"Damn! You can go ahead. I'm coming right after. It's my agent calling." Erwin and you nodded as you leave him behind to go down into the underground car park. Ten minutes passed before Levi finally joins as well, with a visibly pissed expression. Nothing new, you would assume, but this is kinda different from his usual bitch face. While he takes his seat next to Erwin, a few curses and swears leave his mouth.

"Everything alright, Levi? You seem upset. Did something happen at work?" You asked carefully as you put a hand on his shoulder. His tensed stature relaxed a little under your touch and he places his hand over yours.

"I'll tell you later, sweetheart. Let's focus on the hearing first." He insisted before he nods at Erwin to tell him that he can start the engine. During the whole ride, the car was filled with silence. Not even the radio blared with loud music, which emphasized the tense situation even more. It's almost as if you're the only one in here who's totally calm about the coming events. Erwin and Levi are both ex-soldiers. Maybe they compare this to the beginning of a battle, to be ready to strike any moment, to be aware to react at every possibility. This is the only reasonable idea you can think of. Although both of them didn't show anything about their current state, their bodies spoke for themselves. They can pretend that they're fine as much and as long as they want saying that this will work and so on, but the way they walk, the way they talk, and even the way they breathe and stand were your witnesses. But it's useless to scold them for this. Its only natural when it comes to face an enemy. No matter if on the battlefield, or in the courthouse. By the time you arrived, the parking lot was already filled with lots of cars from many different countries. You thought this is just normal since a lot of different people work here and so...But ooohhh...how wrong you were! After Levi helped you out of the car and Erwin joined your side, you spotted a larger group of women standing before the entrance, deep into a conversation before they saw you coming closer. And as soon one of them seems to recognize your small group, she turns to the others, speaking to them very hastily which caused all of them to turn around in unison.

"Erwin! Is that really you? Oh my gosh! You look amazing! I almost couldn't believe it when you called me!" One of the women claimed as she approaches him, giving Erwin a friendly side hug.

"Isabel?!" Levi suddenly blurted, his eyes wide from surprise. What now again?! More surprise friends you don't know about?!

"Yep Levi! It's nice to see you haven't grown the whole time." She replied with a stupid grin, but this time, Levi doesn't freak out. He smiles. What the fuck?! He really smiles!

"It's nice to see you too, Isabel. To be honest, I never thought to see you ever again. So, would you be so kind to explain to me what all of you are doing here?" He asked the grinning woman as he wraps his arm around your waist. It was a gentle touch, not forcing or tensing. His whole stature changed in the blink of an eye since he spotted the bunch of women. He was now at least as calm as you are.

"Well, of course, silly! Hey girls! Come over here! I found the heroine who freed the world from Petra!"

What? You must've misheard that. She can't mean you by this. But you're the only other woman around here and according to their hyper cheers and praises, there was no mistake possible. Well, this is getting REALLY weird. The woman named Isabel pulls you out of Erwin's and Levis middle right into their circle.

"Hey, there sweet pea! It's SUCH a pleasure to meet you! Erwin called everyone of us to invite us to the hearing today as witnesses. You know...to make sure that Petra will get what she deserves. Every woman you see here is one of Levis ex's, all chased and scared away from Petra during the past years. We already introduced to each other, and since you're Levis current girlfriend, may you do the same to us? We're all ears to get to know about the superhero who was brave enough to lead Petra to her doom! And don't worry, we all already know in detail what happened. Erwin told us on the phone."

So that's what he was doing on the phone the last days! He called Levis ex-girlfriends to help out in the hearing, to prove you right with your accusations against Petra. By looking around, most of the women had rings on their fingers, either engaged or married, much to your please. But still...there's something strange about this situation. You feel a sudden weight on your shoulder that makes you turn around, only to look in a pair of brown eyes. Another of Levis ex's.

"Don't feel tense around us. We know how you feel and I can assure you, no one around here has the intention to steal Levi away from you. When I remember correctly, everyone here is in a happy relationship and only cares about Petras punishment and Levis luck. After all, what happened to this poor man, he deserves it, don't you agree?"

Hearing these words from this woman is strange, but somehow, you sensed that she speaks the truth. This here is totally different from the first meeting with Petra and a sudden wave of relief and happiness fills your heart. You look back to Erwin and Levi, who are deep into an argument with each other, what mostly took a weird change with Erwin laughing and Levi shaking his head, but as long as Levi doesn't jump on Erwin's throat, this can only mean something positive.

When Erwin noticed your gaze, he gives you a thumbs up, in combination with a big and fat winning smile, so as Levi gives you a warm smile as well. Wow.....This must be how it feels to be worshiped like a hero. And when the last doubts inside of you vanished, you turn back to the circle of women to introduce yourself. It's no secret that you're a totally different type in comparison with the others. Not just in behavior, but also from your look. Most of them have very long hair and are smaller than you, beautiful, spotless faces and probably silicone boobs, actually, the perfect model type every common man craves for. You begin to wonder how on earth could Levi come up with the idea to choose you when this kind of women was omnipresent in his past. You can only guess, but you made a mental note to yourself to ask him later. After the big meet and greet, you learned the names of your allies who are going to strengthen your back today. Isabel is just the main speaker, while the rest is more silent, visibly tensed to face Petra again after such a long time. Isabel is a cheering any hyper woman. A lot like to Hanji, but only without the nerdy attitude. You were so deep into talking, that you forgot the time. Only when Erwin and Levi interrupted the lively chatting, the bunch of you walked together into the courthouse to the room you were assigned to. Now that the moment of truth is so awfully close, your nervousness is coming through. And when the door opened, a policeman reveals the way into the room. Erwin and Levi entered first, but before you could follow, Isabel puts her hand on your shoulder.

"Don't worry, Nina. We're in this together. We will bring an end to this red-haired nightmare. I promise!" She smiles and shoves you forward into the room.

"Thank you, Isabel. Thanks to all of you." You had to fight with your tears that are about to well up in your eyes, from relief and happiness. There's still enough time to cry when the handcuffs will click on Petra's wrists.