"Ah! There's the Y/n I know!" Hanji exclaimed cheerfully, "Welcome back!" You adjusted your Survey Corps jacket.

"Well, four years away from home, you start to miss its charms," you replied. Hanji decided to hang herself over you.

"We missed your brooding presence over on Paradis!"

"Oi, quit hanging all over her," Levi said from his place in the room.

"Oh, come now! Don't be jealous! You'll have your time to greet her!"
You and Levi locked eyes. Your expressions didn't change, but both of you knew how each other felt. You missed each other, but would have to wait to express it.

"So it's true," the tall blonde said, walking up to you. "The Red Ember and Captain Levi are together." You stared up at her, gently shrugging off Hanji.

"And you're Yelena," you replied, "I've heard about you and Onyankopon."

"Yes. And your real name is Y/n L/n, correct?"

"You shouldn't need to ask."

"Mm. That's true. Captain Levi and Commander Hanji spoke about you in such revere."
Hanji from your side blushed a deep shade of pink.

"O-OI! DON'T GO SHARING THAT!"
You looked over at Levi, but he looked away from you. Though, you could see the tips of his ears were red.

"Glad to know you didn't shit talk me," you said.

"So? What was it like in Marley?" Hanji asked, grabbing your shoulders. "You were there for four  years, you must've learned important information."

"What ever I learned doesn't necessarily matter anymore, since Eren and the rest destroyed a good portion of their military," you replied.

"So you were the one who snuck around Liberio and eavesdropped on military meetings," Zeke spoke from the corner. You glanced at him.

"And here I thought I was unnoticed," you replied.

"You were obvious to me."
Everyone in the room tensed. Your gaze darkened.

"I'm very close to ripping out your tongue and shoving it up your ass."
Hanji laughed nervously as she slowly backed you up, the same moment Levi stood between you and him.

"Now now, I'm sure he doesn't mean it offensively," she said softly.

"Perhaps not, but I did," you replied, releasing your hooks. Levi reached out and grabbed your wrist, pulling you back more.

"Calm down," he said into your ear. "It may be sketchy, but this is the only way to end this shitty conflict." You let out a growl, one from deep within your chest. (It kinda got Levi all ho-ho, ya know?)

"Fine," you relented, retracting your hook. "I'll trust your judgement."

~
It was dawn by the time the airship docked back on Paradis Island. Everyone exited the ship, albeit eerily silent. Sasha's body was also extracted, and taken to get prepared for burial. Zeke and Eren were also escorted off the ship, still bound, and surrounded by soldiers. Gabi and Falco were taken away as well, the former kicking and screaming the entire time. You, Levi, and Hanji were the last three to vacate the ship.

"Go on ahead, Hanji," you said, "I want to talk to Levi about something. We won't be long."

"Eh? Are you sure?" Hanji asked, stepping in front of you."

"Am I sure of what?"

"That you won't be long."

"Hanji, I won't be afraid to make the Survey Corps elect a new commander."

"See ya!" Hanji had already walked over the hill, waving at you. "Don't do anything too risque!"
You let out a sigh, shaking your head.

"I see she hasn't changed a bit," you said quietly, "Speaking of four years--" Before you could finish your sentence, Levi had pulled you into a hug, arms wrapping around your shoulders. He buried his face into the crook of your neck, getting comfortable there.

"I missed you." It was quiet, but even then, it didn't change the sincerity. You wrapped your arms around his waist and pulled him closer to your body, resting your chin over his shoulder.

"Mm," you hummed quietly, "I missed you too." The warmth of the rising sun showered the two of you in a golden hue. The light splash of the waves against the rocky shore only added to the serenity.

"... I'm sorry about Sasha. I didn't expect the kid to shoot twice with me coming after her."

"Don't talk about that. Not right now," he replied, "Just... we don't know how long we have, or when we'll be able to do this again." You quieted down, nodding slightly.

"Alright." You turned your head, taking a deep breath in. You were able to breathe in his scent which had been absent for four years. Beside the newer maneuver gear, he smelt exactly the same, though a little sweaty. You felt warmer. Relaxed. For once, at ease. Despite the hit the Scouts took from Sasha's death, you were secretely glad to see them in full force still.

You tilted your head up and placed a kiss on the side of his head. "We should catch up to the others." Reluctantly, he pulled away, but kept his arms wrapped around your shoulders. That's when you placed a kiss on his forehead.

"Oi, you missed."
You pursed your lips to keep from smiling.

"Four years apart and you're suddenly so needy."

"Shut up and just kiss me."
Tilting your head, you pressed your lips against his. The both of you closed your eyes, relishing in the feelings of being so close. You could feel him hold the back of your head to keep you there. For just a little bit longer.

You were the first to pull away. "Come on," you said gently, "We need to get going."
Levi sighed lightly, forcing himself to pull away from you.

"Yeah."
The two of you walked up the hill where the Scouts were waiting at the bottom.

"HEY!" Hanji called, waving her arm. "HOPE YOU TWO WEREN'T SNOGGING TOO HARD!"

"I don't miss her loudness," you said flatly.

"I don't think anyone would," he replied.

~
Afternoon was turning into dusk. Now back in the walls, the Survey Corps separated. You were riding in a carriage with Levi and Zeke, the former which was dressed in his formal Survey Corps attire. The latter which was looking out the window at the citizens. He then retreated back and closed the curtain. He looked at Levi.

"You guys are calling it a victory," Zeke said, "Isn't ignorance a scary thing?" You glanced over at Levi who was staring at him intently.

"If I send your dead body to Marley and reveal your little plot, your gramps and granny are done for," Levi replied. Your brows raised in surprise.

'Oh?' You rested your chin on your closed fist, elbow resting on the door.

"But if this secret plan of yours is real, I can wait to chop you up. Either way works for me."

"I appreciate your graciousness. But don't I get to meet Eren first?" Zeke asked.

"Don't be in such a hurry. We've got the finest hotel for you," Levi replied. You smirk lightly, crossing your legs.

"You can stay there and relax a while."
A silence overtook the carriage. Levi never stopped staring at Zeke.

"Hey... can you please stop glaring at me?"

"Would you rather me do it?" You spoke up for the first time. Zeke glanced over you. You smiled at him, but it wasn't pleasant in the least.

"... I would rather neither of you do it."

"You don't have a choice."

~
After a while, you all changed from carriage to cart. You and Levi rode on horses while Zeke was the one confined to the cart. The three of you, alone with three other soldiers rode out to the Forest of Giant Trees.

"... This is my hotel?" Zeke asked, staring up at them.

"You got a problem with it?" Levi asked, "It's a forest of giant trees. I can't think of a better place for you."

"Might be lots of fun with 3DMG," Zeke replied, "Hey, Captain Levi. Think I could show Gabi and Falco this natural wonder?"

"Tch. Whether they see the sights or not depends on you."
You eyed the outline of the forest, vividly remembering the last expedition you went on.

'My, how time flies.'

Ja ne!

{Ruby Red}