*yall I'll try to double update and get back into the swing of things as soon as possible!*

Run, or they'll catch you.

Despite the idiot Cadet I know, such picture of him doesn't pop into my mind. All I could imagine when Emma breathed out those words was of a man protecting his comrades. A man who is attempting to keep things he knows hidden.

It tighten my throat, a sudden shiver crawls up my spine. And that surprised me. Not once has that happened to me.

When I take a look at Emma even she seemed shocked by the memory. Her flush face was now pale and her lips were dry.

"I don't know why," she whispers. "He protected me but I feel—scared."

Her words sparked something inside me. How dare these lunatics ignite fear into Emma? She was a woman I knew who took things head on and despite being ordered to hold back countless times, not once has she gave in to fear. I became pissed, that expression doesn't suit her at all.

"Don't be scared," I assure tightly. I take a step to her and place a hand atop her clenched ones. She wasn't fazed by the action like I hoped. I clench my jaw and set my cool gaze upon her. "I got a feeling this is the serial killer we're looking for."

"That's exactly why," Emma states. Her eyes finally land on me and I can see the wariness in them as well as stress. "How do they know me? Why did they place a target on my back? And how come Edward didn't knock them out so we could take them into custody?? Why—why—"

She started to take in sharp, quick breaths. Her chest rising and falling at such a incredible speed. She was having a panic attack, I could practically imagine the gears in her head going haywire as she attempts to find a solution to these problems. I knew far too well how it drove her mad when she didn't have an answer.

"Oi, get a hold of yourself," I demand. I cup her face and force her to meet my gaze. Her breathing doesn't slow and even her eyes widen in panic. God, I hate how she looks right now. "I'll find answers," I tell her.

"How?!" She breathes. "How can you with little information?"

"Erwin," I reply. "I'll talk to him. It'll be the first thing I do tomorrow morning."

If I tell him everything Emma discovered as well as what happened to her surely, he'll allow her to work along side the Military Police to track down these killers. He just had to because of he doesn't, I'll force him.

"Promise?" I hear Emma murmur. Clearly, she had no strength to continue this conversation. Her eyelids were becoming heavy, I can sense the exhaustion in her voice.

I manage a feeble nod, "Obviously, brat."

\/\/\/\/\/\/

I marched my ass to Erwin's office at first sunrise. I didn't care if the birds were barely chirping. I didn't care if I was too angry early in the morning. Nor did I give a shit if I barged into his office while he's still half-asleep.

Emma's distraught face never left my mind. All I could think about was how beaten up she was and how frightened. It was enough for me to stomp into my commander's office.

As I suspected, Erwin barely exited the connected bedroom to his office. He seemed surprised by my arrival.

"Isn't it quite early for you to be in my office?"

"I don't care," I snap. "Right now, you're going to tell me why the hell that serial is still running loose. It's been almost a fucking month now."

Erwin holds my fury gaze for a long moment. He clenches his jaw before turning away. "The Military Police is doing what they can," he replies lamely. "And I'm doing as much as I can to help—"

"BULLSHIT!" I shout. "Do have any idea what you're doing? You're the damn reason Emma was attacked last night!"

He stopped moving. Erwin stood in the middle of his office with a surprised expression. He doesn't say anything at first but only blinks as if what I said wasn't real.

"What do you mean?" He finally asks.

"I mean, while you and the MPs were lazing around Emma was almost killed by the murderer. And I bet your ass didn't know there's actually two killers instead of one."

The news seemed fresh to Erwin just as I dreaded. His brows furrow into a firm line while his lips tigger even deeper to a frown. Yet he kept his mouth shut and continues his way to his desk. I watch him in outrage as he calmly seats himself.

"I'll make sure to inform the MPs," he states. I don't think he was aware how furious his response made me.

"No, here's what your going to do." I stomp towards him and slam a hand atop the wooden surface. "You're going to let Emma handle this case and take in all the information she's got. Second, you and damn MPs are going to march around the district and actually put some backbone to fixing this mess."

Erwin holds my gaze, his eyes narrowing in assessment. I watch him clasp his hands atop his desk before leaning forward.

"I think you're forgetting your place, Captain," he states lowly. "Since when does a Captain give their Commander orders?"

I had no time for his shit. Damn it, all I need him is to say okay, on it. Not be a pain in the ass.

"Since now!" I snap. "Emma could've been killed, Erwin. Killed. Does that mean anything to you?"

"Clearly, it means something to you."

I narrow my gaze and clench my jaw. "The hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You tell me, Levi." Erwin leans back against his chair with that same inspecting glare. "I've never seen you this worked up about Emma. Don't you hate her?"

"That has not nothing to do with the fact there's two murderers out there!" I roar. "I got every right to look after her since your dumbass can't!"

"Your anger is understandable but calling me a dumbass is over the line."

"How so when it's the damn truth?! After what happened last night, every shitty name I think of describes you!"

I was astonished by my outburst. I respect Erwin, truly. But when I think of Emma and how I fucking wished it was me who saved her then all that damn respect goes down the drain. I hate him for not taking this to top priority.

"Alright," Erwin breathes. "Report to me then. What did happen?"

I give him a calculative stare. I began to wonder what his motives were and if he actually cared for Emma's safety. But, he was listening now, I'll take advantage of that.

I reported everything not leaving a single detail out. Erwin did make a face, however, when I confessed that I was in Emma's apartment building but doesn't say a word. I finished by sucking in a deep breath. Not once had I breathed throughout that whole report.

Now I stand before Erwin watching him carefully and taking each twinge of muscle his face makes into consideration. It felt like hours when the Commander finally speaks.

"Edward Cam, correct? The cadet in your squad?"

"Yes," I reply. "He saved Emma."

"But she's having doubts about him. Why?"

"All she said was that he didn't take them into custody and told them to run."

Erwin nods thoughtfully allowing the gears in his head to run. But I fear mine ran faster, I grit my teeth as well as my fists.

"He's a suspect," I spat. "What he did is enough to place him as one."

"Now, hold on, Levi," Erwin warns with a raised hand. "We don't know for sure he actually stated that."

"Emma said—"

"Yes, I know what she said but it's highly possible Emma was losing adrenaline during that time. Meaning, she either misheard or didn't clearly see what's going on."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Was he really defending that jackass?

"I'm not defending him." Erwin assures like he read my thoughts. "I'm merely stating that there's not enough proof. We'll have to survey him."

Despite my unknown displeasure for the young man I just wanted him locked away. I didn't care for this survey thing, Erwin talks about. But as I consider this thought I wasn't sure if it was because the suspicion I bear for him or due to my own emotions. I shake those thoughts away, I had another question to ask.

"Now will you let Emma on the case now? She's proven herself vital to solving it."

Erwin nods in agreement yet he pushes out his bottom lip. His eyes shine with hesitation. "It's a decision I must think about."

He had to think about it? What the hell?! Shouldn't the information I displayed be enough?

It drove my blood to a boil. I could've swore I heard my teeth grind together. I was ready to put him through full blast of curse words and rutty names but the office door swings open.

"Good morning, Erwin!"

I hold back a groan. Damn it, and she's here too? Wonderful.

Hanji prances to my side with a gleeful smile written across her face. I had fully expected her to be hungover but she was the perfect picture of sober. I tsk at the sight and cross my arms.

"Levi," I hear Erwin breathe. "I must take everything to account of what you said. This decision cannot be taken lightly as you propose."

"And what the hell do you want me to do?" I grind out.

"Sit back and wait for my next orders."

That's all you ever want me to do, I think angrily. I knew there was nothing more to say, Erwin already had his mind made up. I didn't wait for him to dismiss and storm out of his office.

"What a waste of time," I growl. I barely make it to the end of hall when loud stomps fill my ears.

"Hey, Levi!"

My shoulders stiffen while I suck in a sharp breath. Damn it.

"What now, Hanji?" I demand when she appears beside me.

"Oh, come on! You're still mad, aren't you?"

I bristle before continuing my brisk walk. "No. I just don't give a shit."

Hanji scuttles after me while tsking like a doting parent. "I'm mad at you too."

"Then why the hell are you talking to me?"

"Because I think this childish thing should stop."

I roll my eyes, that's it? That's why she's talking to me? What a drag. When I don't give an answer Hanji releases a long sigh.

"Well, I heard your conversation with Erwin."

I give her a pointed look while she stares blankly at me. It was like she didn't do anything shitty. "You like to eavesdrop?" I demand with a glare.

A small smirk appears over her lips as she shakes her head. "No, you just talk loudly. For a short man you got quite the temper."

If it wasn't for that damn voice at the back of my head telling me she wasn't worth it, I would've shoved her against the wall. I wouldn't continue that thought, I can already feel my blood run hot in my veins. So instead, I swallow thickly and turn away.

"What were you doing there anyway?" I ask curtly. Hanji huffs besides me, she was enjoying this. Damn it, I want to kick her senseless.

"Dropping off some blueprints for my new project. Because you know, Emma proposed it. And speaking of her, you were getting quite feisty in there."

I couldn't understand what Hanji was getting at. It pissed me off even more when I caught that teasing grin upon her face. I wished she kept avoiding me like she has been this last couple weeks.

"What are you getting at?" I demand. "I'm in no mood for your stupid games."

"Oh, it's not stupid," Hanji assures. She jumps in front of me with that devilish grin. I stumble into a stop and glare up at her. "I'm simply trying to figure out if you like Emma or not."

"Are you kidding me?" I explode hotly. "You're really stupid, Hanji."

"Really? Because I think the stupid one here is you."

God, I was already having a hard time controlling my temper. Hanji knew that yet she still pushing buttons. She was watching me simmer in anger and didn't seem bothered at all.

"Go to hell, Four-Eyes," I growl. "Don't fucking talk to me."

"Damn, you don't need to be a jerk," Hanji frowns. "I'm just pointing out that you say you don't like Emma yet here you are, seeking protection for her and even doing everything you can for her to work on this serial killer case. Something that she wants."

"I don't like her. And I never will. Can't you see you're being unbearable right now?"

"Don't avoid the topic." She snaps. "We both know you have interest in my friend. Just stop denying and admit it."

She thinks I like Emma? In her dreams. That damn brat is completely below me.

Never will I give my heart to someone like her. However, as that thought crosses my mind my chest tingles. It was like someone squeezed my heart. I hated it.

And I'm done with this. I take a step to Hanji and get in her face the best I could.

"I'm not admitting shit, especially when it's not true," I growl. "Get your damn head out of the clouds and live in reality. Not in this fantasy."

She bites her lip and narrows her eyes. I expected her to say more but she keeps her mouth shut. Just like I wanted. I pull away and shove past her. I listen to my angry stomps against wood but, a certain sound brings a prickle to my skin.

"If you don't accept your feelings now, Levi, you're going to regret it."

/\/\/\/\/\

I've decided; I'm going to write that Levi story where he's a dad and married:))

But quick question; would rather read little drabbles or would you rather enjoy a story with a solid plot?

Lemme know in the comments!❤️

Vote and Comment!!❤️❤️