Chill coming with a wind, a man alone stood out of the town. In a meadow, never luminated by the moon, for he was at that part where clouds
obscured the shine.

Wind blew, grass danced, owls weren't heard. Nothing was heard. Everything was silent.

Everything, but his beating and screaming heart.

He didn't know how long he was there, he never counted seconds. It didn't matter at all, he wanted to be alone.

To collect his thoughts, to calm his heart.

And to not let the grief swallow him.

Fight prolonged even when clouds dispersed. Fight harrowing and excruciating. Because a fight with one's own mind and being, are the hardest battles in one's life.

It calmed down, his consciousness telling him that it is worth living. Because... in the end... he had a great family.

He had alive parents, both loving and dear. He had many siblings whom he loved greatly. It always gave him a rest - a cognition that those people exist. People who were his own blood, who were so helping and understanding, but strict when they cared about his well-being.

He had friends as well, the ones who wronged him at first, but never did anything to hurt him. They even wanted to correct their mistakes, but fate was the one who decided. He wasn't angry at them - he would have done the same.

So what could he ask more than that? Loving a person of your heart is beautiful, it is painful yet splendid in its own way, but he knew he could always have a place to return to. Place where he is unconditionally loved, a place he calls home.

Relief was great, as was the urge to go to them, but... that would be running away.

Or it wouldn't be?

Humans have a habit of going where they feel safe. It is in their nature. But that way, he would not be distinguished from the animal.

Though... would that really matter? Why would a human being abnegate itself of its instincts that tell them to do something other people call cowardly? Where is their right to resent, to talk, to judge?

No, he would not go home. He needs to see and let go. If he runs away, it would only be worse.

He needs to get used to it, to convalesce, to get better, to forget.

Not completely, but enough at the beginning.

And he hoped, one day, that he would watch their children without remembering the pain.

Like someone from the above had heard his desperate calls, a lone star cut though the firmament, catching the man's eyes. They shone, his heart jumped and he had no doubts of his next thoughts and wishes.

"God, please let her be happy."

And like that, a weird sort of happiness overwhelmed the man who shed tears and fell onto his knees.

Relief washed over him, because he knew that his soul remained pure. He had no ill intentions, not even when he got a chance to make one, just one selfish wish. He was happy and sad, but he was glad.

He remained the same man he was, and at that moment he found himself foolish to think that would change.

.

.

.

"Maria and I are getting married next month!"

Reactions on the sudden proclamation were quite amusing to say at least. It's not that they have not anticipated such news would reach them at one point, but they never contemplated when it would be.

Levi widened his eyes, Petra froze in pouring tea for him, Gunther choked on water, Auruo's spoon stopped midair between his mouth and the bowl and Eren blinked a few times before his face broke into a grin.

"Congratulations!" he exclaimed, a joy vibrating in the air around him.

But Eld couldn't share the same sentiments for his other comrades were still frozen in their shock. If nothing else, he wore an anxious face as sweat rolled under his arms, making him feel an uncomfortable chill even though it was a generally warm day.

"Well... what do you- if you... have to say something...? Anything...?" he asked timidly.

First to start a motion was Petra who carefully and calmly put the kettle down on the table as if she was afraid the harsher sound would break the floor and make everyone fall through.

As soon as the kettle was seated, she looked at Eld once then her face shone and she sprinted towards him. Practically jumping onto him, she shrieked in delight.

"Finally! Finally!" she exclaimed and joy immediately replaced dullness on Eld's face who hugged Petra back before setting her down.

"When? How? Talk!" Petra urged and her enthusiasm caused everyone to snap from the shock and detach from their seats, gathering around Eld with sheer thrill.

"Sooo, you are doing preparations without telling us. We are hurt, you know," Gunther stated, patting Eld's shoulder. "Congratulations by the way, we hadn't expected that."

"Haha! I wasn't sure myself if this was a smart idea so I didn't want to bother you. Better to come back with sudden happy news than none," Eld explained.

"Eld."

"Yes, Captain?"

Neutral, much familiar expression melted into a serene, happy one, even though Levi didn't smile at all.

"Congratulations. I hope two of you will live long years in health and happiness."

Eld blinked, maybe too stunned to speak, before his mouth stretched into a big grin.

"Thank you!" he said, practically pouring with delight upon having so many people congratulate him at once.

"Congratulations from me as well," Auruo smiled. "Now you will not have to worry for the rest of your life. But really, how silly can you be? Maria loves you, there was no doubt she would say yes."

"That's not it," Eld shook his head. "It's just... I wasn't sure if the time for it was good, you know. Maybe it would be too abrupt, even though she's my fiancée, to suddenly come and suggest that we should start plans for getting married soon."

"What made you think so?" Eren asked in puzzlement. He really was a foreigner to such things so it was only natural that he inquired about something he didn't understand.

Because why would someone have so many doubts about their love? And if they sort it out, what made them do that?

"Well... to be true, it was Petra and Captain Levi," he said and smiled at the shocked couple.

"What... do you mean?" Levi carefully asked.

"You two..." Eld started, extending his arms to point at each one of them. "Had worked it out and ended up together. You had reminded me that, how can I say... we should never let insecurities bound us to not fulfil our dreams and wishes. By looking at both of you, I remembered how Maria and I took our engagement for granted - that it would be enough for us and that we will leisurely see when to get married. But it's far from it."

He sighed and dreamily looked through the window. "Sometimes we have to step out of our zone of known things and let it go. And that is to start a change."

"Wow... I never thought it was that hard of an issue," Gunther commented, a realisation somehow leaving him slightly shaken and confused for he was just being told something he would never think about.

Really, it is odd how much of their own problems people hide, while even their close friends remain unaware of them.

Even though they aren't illogical, still... sometimes many things pass by and people don't recognize them as being something they are.

Nothing abnormal. Nothing weird. But to some people, humiliating a lot.

"Still, I am glad we had something to teach you," Petra said and put a hand on Eld's forearm. "You all have taught us a lot as well. We should thank you for that."

"Uum, what do you mean?" Eld asked, a drop of nervous sweat forming on his temple.

"You thought we would not connect two and two in the end, huh?" Levi moved to Petra and shamelessly took her hand to which Petra blushed, surprised that Levi became so forward in displaying his affection among other people.

"We talked a lot and suddenly noticed some things some of you had influence over. It was nothing major, but noticeable. Care to explain?" Levi feigned a glare and Gunther and Eren took small steps backwards, leaving Eld to stand out.

"Who, we? Nooooo, you sure misunderstood," he said.

"Hmmm..." Levi let out, eyes sweeping over two cowards hiding behind their friend.

"Come on, Levi. I was just kidding, they sure have nothing with that," she said, slightly leaning to Levi's side in a mocking manner.

"Alright... as you wish, I'll let you go," he said after scanning them once again.

They sighed in relief.

"This time," Levi warned.

"Of course, we now know how to behave," Gunther laughed.

"So, Eld. Will you finally tell us how it had passed?" Auruo, who had been silent throughout the whole exchange involving Petra and Captain Levi, asked somehow not fully happily, but put it out well enough so it would pass unnoticeable.

"Of course I will, but it would be a long story, so I think we should sit down," Eld suggested and others agreed, sitting down on their seats, sipping coffee, tea or nothing and listening to another story that courses towards the path of happiness.

Courses slowly and meticulously, big hopes following it, praying to end up in the best way possible.

Nobody wanted to think about the meeting for the mission later that day.

At that moment, it was not needed.

.

.

.

"Do you think everything should be alright?" Petra asked, sitting on her bed and looking up at Levi who was absentmindedly cleaning a small, metallic box Petra kept her most beautiful necklace and bracelets.

A box was the size of a palm, engraved with leaves and birds with golden eyes. Somehow staring at it reminded Levi of sole simplicity, yet outstanding beauty of things he had rarely passed by. A kind of beauty everything should incline to, something Petra as well was.

There was no need to be buckish when the true beauty needs no masks.

"It should be, it doesn't mean it would," Levi replied, not having the need to give false hopes. He never was that kind of person and he knew hiding the harsh truth can only end up with catastrophic consequences.

"I know that, but... I wanted to know if you truly believe in this plan. Because to me it seems perfect, but you are more experienced - you know better."

Sighing, Levi looked at Petra with serious and gentle eyes.

"I see no flaw in this plan either and to be truthful, this kind had never been done before."

"Oh. So we don't know whether it will go well," she whispered, casting her eyes down.

"Well, nothing can be known for sure in our branch of military. Nobody knows even when we get out of Walls with an already known strategy. This is not much different," Levi said.

"I know, Levi! I just... have a feeling..."

To that, Levi's eyebrows shot up and he urged to sit next to Petra.

"What feeling?"

A bit surprised of why Levi reacted in such a way, Petra just stared at him before answering.

"A feeling like something will change, that the plan wouldn't be successful-"

"That someone will die?"

"No! No... entirely. People die every time and it's hard enough to not think about it every time we prepare," Petra swallowed, averting her eyes from Levi. "Oddly, I am not afraid for anyone I know, not even new members who arrived a week before."

Levi couldn't help but indulge in the memory of how Petra approached Eren's friends and was quick to befriend them. Even that Mikasa, who was the most cautious and vigilant of everybody else.

"I am worried... simply worried. I don't know how to explain."

"I know that feeling, I've felt it numerous times but I shut it out eventually," Levi said, tucking a strand of Petra's hair behind her ear.

Petra smiled tenderly and took Levi's hand into hers. "Why? It became too much?"

"Yes," Levi said harrowingly, resting his forehead on Petra's. "I just couldn't bear it to feel when something bad will happen. And now, I have it severed so good that I can't feel it anymore."

"I understand how you feel," Petra whispered, cupping Levi's cheek and brushing her thumb under his eye. "You can't control those feelings though, I think you are still able to feel it, even when you think it's your common sense acting. It happens unconsciously."

Levi chuckled. "Without conscience? I will apologise now for I believe only conscience dirigates one's actions."

Petra chuckled as well, not insulted at all. "Of course, everyone has their own opinion. It would be boring if we all think the same way."

"Truly."

"It's late, don't you think?" Petra asked. "We should get enough sleep so we would not fall asleep on a horse."

Levi chuckled. "Of course, just don't snore."

"I don't snore! Who told you that?"

"Your father."

"He did not!" Petra exclaimed, reaching over towards the pillow.

"Ah, no, you won't," Levi stated and threw himself over Petra so she couldn't move.

"Move now! Get off!" Petra laughed even though she attempted to keep her glare.

"No," Levi said simply, sneaking his arms around her waist and rolling onto his back so she was held tightly against his chest.

"Cheater! Let me go, let me go!" she hit his chest with her fists then palms before she finally gave up.

With a huff she bumped her head against his chest and smiled endearingly, circling her arms around his neck.

"Hm?" Levi let out, kissing the top of her head and caressing her hair. "Giving up yet?"

Petra snorted. "Enjoy your win as long as you can - I will retaliate with the first opportunity I get."

"Of course, dear, but note this," he said seriously and Petra looked up at him. "I will be prepared."

"Ppffff, sure. I am a trained soldier, a lot stronger than you think I am - I will fight you and win!"

"Oh, is that so?" Levi smirked and rolled their bodies so he was now on top of Petra. "Then I shall be cautious of you, right? Maybe to hide and try to surprise you first?"

Fully flustered by his bold move, Petra's face turned red but she retained her expression smug.

"You can try, but you can not run away. This is a small HQ and I know every corner of it - I will find you and..."

"And?" Levi asked with an eyebrow raised.

"I... will trickle you to death!"

Unable to hold a laugh any longer, Levi fell down next to Petra and they continued laughing until their stomachs hurt.

"Alright... alright... hu, hu..." Petra said before clenching Levi's sleeve and hiding her face into his shoulder as she tried to stop her laughs.

"You think... hu... that you really know... every part of this HQ?" Levi gave a last laugh and cleared his throat so they would not come back that easily.

"Yes, why? You know something I don't?" Petra asked, curiosity in her eyes.

"Come," Levi shot up from the bed and offered his hand.

A slight crack of the door resounded the corridor and they froze before mustering the confidence to peek out. It was silent and no soul was passing.

Quietly and stealthily they made their way through dark corridors and narrow stairs. Reaching a cracked and damp stoned staircase, Petra squeezed Levi's hand tighter.

"Is everything alright?" Levi asked in concern by observing Petra's much anxious face.

"Nobody was up there for a long time. Even some rumours kept crossing about what is there," she replied.

Levi had to chuckle on that. "You know why nobody was there for so long?"

Petra shook her head.

"Because it had been an old pantry for food since the old kitched had been close to this location," Levi said and pointed down the hall in front of him.

"But there are storages for the gas for out gear now," Petra said, remembering how many times they had to climb all the way gere to get it - even when they were exhausted after a hard day of training.

"As you can probably guess, it is now a storage facility because the higher-ups figured out a thief would be much harder to succeed if heavy gas reserves are in the highest room in the HQ. Pantry wasn't needed anymore and only a few people kept visiting it every since."

"So... simply a loss of use," Petra asked in mild wonder. She would have never thought of such a simple explanation after all the (overzealous without doubt) rumours she had heard.

"People often tend to make interesting stories about boring things," Levi clicked his tongue. "Luckily there are some of us who know the truth."

Petra giggled. "Truly. Now I feel much better."

"... I'm glad," Levi said, averting his face from her so she wouldn't see the light blush on his face even though it was generally too dark.

Why does she have to smile like that? he thought.

"So, shall we?" Petra beamed in excitement, fear completely forgotten and tossed away.

"You are not afraid anymore?" Levi asked, moving only his orbs to look at her from the side.

Petra shook her head. "As long as I'm with you, I'm not afraid of anything."

Heart skipping a small beat, Levi couldn't really think before he bent down and kissed Petra's cheek. When she widened her eyes at him in surprise and confusion (all the while blushing like a rose), Levi allowed a rare grin to flash over his face.

"That's my girl," he said, making Petra blush even more.

"N-now... where did that come from?" she rubbed her cheek and turned from him.

From my heart, Levi thought but couldn't keep the courage to say it aloud. Instead, he stood by her side and gave her a gentle hug she had returned, small tears of joy pooling in her eyes.

Oh, how much I love you Levi. I'm so glad... we can be like this. I love you, I will never deny or question it anymore. Now I know... that everything people have talked about this kind of love is true. And I am so happy I got to experience it. I am so happy.

Simply, both of them were so happy and lucky they had each other in their lives.