"Petra I don't think that's a good idea..."

"Don't say that Hanji-san. I came to help you. You can't bother heichou always. Now come, come!"

As Petra said those words Hanji felt a huge peng in her chest. She always relied on Levi for everything. This was undenyable but was this such a bad thing? Petra made it sound terrible at least. So terrible that Hanji forgot to fight back, letting herself get dragged into the bathroom until she hit her broken leg screaming in pain.

"Ahhh Petra! Please watch out! That hurts! M-maybe we shouldn't you know I'm really tired after you took me out to take a walk in my condition. It's really tiring to walk around with crutches." Hanji groaned in pain trying to stop Petra from dragging her any further.

"Hanji-san no complaining." Petra pressed on, pushing Hanji which made her almost fall on the floor. Petra to be honest didn't care if Hanji was tired or not. She was dirty and Levi wouldn't like her like this. Petra was supposed to take care of her until Levi returned. He ordered her to. And if she did a good job it could mean Levi would trust her more and maybe spend less time with that woman. In reality Petra was jealous, beyond jealous to be honest. Everything on his mind was Hanji, always Hanji, from day to night. And it freaked Petra out.

"Argh hey Petra you hurt me. I will drip wait, wait-"

"Petra"

Petra didn't reacted being too deep in her thoughts. She didn't even notice how the door opened and someone stepped inside, calling out to her.

Levi returned from Erwin's meeting not long ago. It took longer than he thought. Being severly days away his first step was to check up on a certain abnormal creature. He felt assured since he ordered Petra someone he trusted to take care over her or so he thought until he stepped inside and saw something comletly different he belived to find. Hanji was looking like a bigger mess than usual, mud covering her hair, her face, her shirt and pants. Litterally everything. Was she outside and fell on her face?

And she looked increbible tired for some unknown reason.

"Oi, Petra what is going on here?"

"Ah, Levi, you are back!" Hanji was the first to greet him, giving Petra a small push to her shoulder to make her turn around and face Levi.

"Eh-,,, H-H-heichou!?"

Levi stood there with crossed arms, staring at both women.

"Petra explain now"

"Ah- I- I wanted to help Hanji-san take a bath. We were outside taking a walk. I was thinking some fresh air would be good for her and-"

"That's enough. You are dismissed Petra. Thank you"

"Eh?"

Walking up to them Levi took Hanji away from Petra, picking her up bridal style which surprised both of them.
"Levi w-what are you doing!?" Hanji cried out, clinging onto him out of reflex not to fall down. Falling on the floor once already was enough for today. Petra could only look with wide eyes at them.

"Heichou?"

"You can go Petra. I will bath Hanji in your state."

With those words Levi stepped passed Petra and closed the bathroom door behind himself and Hanji.
Again her.. Again Hanji took Levi away from her. What did she do wrong? Yes, it was true it was particulary her fault Hanji fell down but still... Why was he so fond of this woman instead of her? Why wasn't she good enough. "Yes, heichou. I will take my leave.."

With the two of them alone Levi placed her on top of the counter to sit down. He looked her up and down. It didn't looked like she got any injuries while he was away which relived him.

"Uhm.. Levi?"

Somehow having him look up and down at her made her nervous. Her heart was beating really fast. She didn't saw him for the last few days and she missed him... She really missed him she had to admit to herself.

"You look like a bigger shit than usual. What did you do while I was away?"

"Take a walk, talk with Petra, eat, drink, Nanaba and the other girls visited me, Moblit was here bringing me some books and..."

"Hmmm.. And how did you fell on the ground?" While waiting for her reply Levi stepped closer and started to unbutton her dirty rather brown and green stained than yellow shirt.

"Ahh you see we walked a little bit too much but Petra insisted to show me a certain place. So I got a bit tired and slipped with my crutches. Hurt like hell at first but nothing happ- wait Levi are you undressing me!?"

Cold blue/grey eyes starred up into her face. Full of feelings she couldn't quite make out. Worry and need? Was he worried what happened to her? Could it be Levi missed her too?

Hanji remembered what Nanaba told her a while ago again... to not hold back.. If she wanted to be with Levi she was allowed to. Even if she still couldn't figure out what Levi was for her. If they were only friends, close comrades or if there could be more...

Hanji observed Levi quietly as he worked on her last button, completly focused on his work infront of him. Why did he give her so much trouble?

There was no way to deny that he wasn't a good looking men. A reason why so many woman were after him, but for her it wasn't the good looks that draw her closer to him, it was his big heart, his kindness and sometimes his clumsiness in his speeches. A small smile craced her lips. That's right. It didn't matter why she was attracted to Levi. She didn't needed to hold back because Petra loved him... They all had only one life...

"There's no right and wrong.. take the decision whatever the outcome you regret the least, right?" she quietly whispered to herself.

"What?"

"Ah- nothing. Just talking to myself."

Hanji let the dirty shirt slip from her shoulders and Levi helped her out of it. No hesiation, no fighting back, no shame. They were adults and saw each other already naked so why should she feel shame anymore? Not when her mind was clear now.

"Levi, did you take a bath yourself already?"

"No why do you ask? As you know Erwins meetings are goddamn long and boring. Stuff about the next expedition, everything we will hear again in the last meeting before the expedition begins." Levi explained, started filling the tub, pumping water inside.

"Why don't you join me and take a bath with me?"

He froze on the spot wide eyed staring up at her. Did she just offer what he was thinking she was offering?
Before the meeting took place 2 days ago Hanji was rather busy trying to avoid him which for some reason upsetted Levi clearly. Seeing her seeking help from Moblit or Mike and Nanaba instead of him. He didn't understood it. Did he do something wrong? Actually Levi wanted to question her today about it but now nothing of the sort was present anymore. She accepted his help now even offering to him to take a bath with her.

"What? I mean you started already undressing me, we both saw each other naked too. So why not? I know you would love to take a bath right now but instead you went to me being stuck with me, cleanfreak"

"Tch" Levi stopped with his task and walked infront of her, grabbing into her ponytail to make her look directly into his eyes. "You play a dangerious game offering stuff like this to a guy four eyes"

"Didn't you know recklessness is my second name? Besides I like playing with fire." Hanji grinned rather playfully. Levi didn't know what happened during the few days he was absent but Hanji was acting completly different than before. It didn't help him that thanks to the fact she was sitting on the counter .. he had a perfect eyelevel on her exposed chest only being covered by her black bra.

Noticing Levi's eyes being fixcated on her chest Hanji did the first thing coming to her mind letting instincts control over her body instead of her brain which still was partways unsure if what she was doing is the right thing to do. She placed her arms around his neck and hugged him to her in short his face got squeezed directly into her chest.

"wha-UFF!?" With the use of some force Levi pushed himself away from the nice suffocating paradise. "what do you think you are doing all of a sudden!?"
Slightly pouting Hanji answered. "Im not thinking rather I'm letting my body speak." She took one of his hands and placed them in front of her chest to help him freel her heartbeat. Loud and prominent.
His eyes widened in shock. Levi avoided her gaze looking away, quickly moving his hand away from her too.

"I will finish filling the tub before the water gets cold." he muttered quickly restarting his work, leaving Hanji perplex sitting on the counter.
Was this a bad idea afteral? Was he mad now? If she destroyed now their comradeship or whatever they might have had...she would never forgive herself.

"..uhm Levi...?"

Just as she called out to him Levi stopped pumping and turned around walking up to her.. getting closer, closer until he stood in front of her. But his bangs covered his face so Hanji was unable to know what he was thinking.

"Shitty glasses you want to bath with your pants on? Lift your hips" he commanded. Confused over what Levi was planning to do she obeyed. Carefully Levi removed her pants and thew them away into some corner. Revealing her fitting black underwear to her bra.
Trying not to linger too long over her in his eyes at the moment way too beautiful form he reached behind her back unclapsing her bra. At the end he removed her underwear letting them fall into the same corner her other clothes went.

"Levi...?" Hanji asked hesiantly, watching him as he picked her naked body up bridal style and carried her to the full bathtub and placing her down into the hot water. Carefully so he wouldn't hurt her.

"Is the water good?" Levi spoke suddenly which Hanji's deep in throughts mind took out by full surprise.

"Eh? Y-yes it's good"

Levi nodded and took a step backwarts before he took his shirt off. Only stopping his stripping as Hanji stared at him with a quite dumbfounded look on her face.

"Taking back what you said a few moments ago, shitty glasses?"

Hanji quickly shook her head so he continued stripping down until he was fully naked as well and able to join her in the bathtub.
To be able to wash her hair while being in the bathtub while not having to look at her nice round breasts because at the moment he felt not able to endure it, Levi sat down behind her back. Hanji tensed feeling his presence behind her. If she would just lean back a little her back would make contact with his chest. The silence which surrounded them was too much. Hanji had to say something to break the silence.

"Are you having enough space like this, Levi?"

"I'm fine. How's your leg?" His eyes wandered over her shoulder onto her leg. It was only lightly bandaged now. At this rate she would be able to join the next expedition... getting into danger again...getting injured again or possible even-... Levi bit his lip and without thinking much wrapped his strong arms around her body. Hanji gasped as she got pulled backwarts into his strong chest.

"L-levi? What are you doing...?"

Long silence. His grip tightened while he hid his face in the crack of her neck.

"Nothing. Just.. Stay like this for a little while..if that is ok"

"Mmh.. Levi my leg is almost fully healed said the doctor. He said I will be ready to parcipate in the next expedition." She paused to figure out what he might think. "But don't worry. I will be more careful next time. I won't die this easily. Firstly I want to capture a titan- hey Levi you could help me convince Erwin and-"

"Shitty glasses shut up" he grabbed into her hair and turned her head around shutting her up himself with a deep kiss.

A knock on the door woke Hanji up. She could hear Moblit's voice on the side saying something about documents he needs which should be in her room. Right she had those on her desk. Sighing she wanted to move only to feel something shift besides her. Strange. Only now Hanji noticed how warm it was besides her and how something was wrapped around her body. She turned around to see black hair, handsome face and a big scrowl that could kill on his face. Levi.

"Fucking errandboy..." Levi crumbled moving out from her bed. He was naked as Hanji watched how he picked up his clothes from the floor. Damn he was hot and they did it, again. Thinking back Hanji remembered. They were in the bathtub than Levi kissed her and they ended up making out rather than washing themselves and somehow they ended up where they were now. Cuddled together, sleeping in Hanji's bed and they would still be if not Hanji's assistant Moblit would have woke them up. Was it sexual frustration? Stress reliefment for the upcoming expedition? Or something else? Hanji didn't know why Levi did it with her again. Nodding as he picked up the stack of papers on her desk with a questioning look on his face now marching up to the door. A load shriek, papers getting pushed onto Moblit, cursings from Levi's side along with some loud apologizing noises Levi only halfway listened to since he already turned around forcefully shutting the door infront of errandboys face.

"And you say I'm going to kill Moblit one day"

Hanji received a grunt only as she watched Levi getting dressed.

"If he's not becoming a Titan snack you will be his end for sure."

"Oh, and what about you shorty?" She grinned.

"I survived your abnormal antics for years now. I think I'm imun against you"

At this Hanji laughed loudly rolling around on the bed only to get stopped by Levi, bending down on the bed over her. Even as he glared down at her Hanji couldn't help but laugh at him. Somehow she felt so increbible happy at the moment.

"Shitty glasses... "

"Hmm what?"

Instead of an answer he got up again and finished getting dressed.

"Put some clothes on. It's cold outside the bed. I don't need you getting sick as well. I'll be back. At least under my watch you will function eat and take your shit regulary."

With those words Levi stepped out but god forbid he could hear her amused laughing even down the hallways along with her trashing around on the bed. Stupid four eyes. At least she looked fine and better as he returned the other day.

The days continued and it became for everyone noticeable Hanji changed. Nanaba couldn't help it but smile to herself. Seeing her little talk might have opened up her friends eyes a bit and accept what she was starting to feel for her little friend.

"Is there something nice going on?" From behind Mike appeared who now curiousily looked at the direction Nanaba was looking at. "Hanji and Levi? It's a while since I saw them together. Lately I saw him always with Petra."

"Right?" Nanaba smiled knowingly at her squad leader. "Noticing something else?"

Mike raised one of his eyebrows taking a second look and waving his hand shortly as Hanji cheerfully greeted Mike upon noticing him until she turned back to Levi clinging around his neck from behind continuing with whatever most likely research related topic she was informing him and Petra about. At first Mike didn't even notice her because she was all quiet being a bit covered by Levi's statue looking rather gloomy. "Hanji looks like her usual self again. I was already getting worried but now it seems like the gloomy disease went to Levi's squad member Petra. Might informing me what you know?" Nanaba mentioned to the seat next to her which he took, moving closer to her.

"You see, I might have given Hanji a small push to accept what was troubling her and simply go for it. I guess Petra is not so happy with Hanji as another competition now."

"Hmm, so our Hanji is into the midget you want to tell me?"

"Correct" she smirked.

"Can't say I never saw it not happening. If someone could deal with her it was Levi." He mused his gaze turning again to Levi who seemed to have successed getting out of Hanji's grip now sitting between the two woman and shoving a bit annoyed his only halfway finished tray with food to her direction. Probably Hanji forgot to eat again which now Levi took care off giving her half of his own.

A smirk spread over Mike's mouth getting a idea as he got up, signaling Nanaba to be quiet and wait as he made his way up to the trio. Talking shortly with them he passed them, placed away his tray, passed the table a second time until he made his way back to his friend. Confused Nababa shot him a questionable look waiting for him to speak.

"The air around them smells of two things. Jealousy and sexual actions."

Nanaba gasped urging him to continue and spit everything he found out thanks to his oversensitive nose.

"It was a bit hard to tell but I could smell Levi's scent lingering on Hanji as I past her which can only happen by long close body contact. So they must have spend at least a few hours together very closely. The same thing I could smell on Levi while Petra had only her own scent on her." Mike explained quietly so only Nanaba would be able to her him.

Even Erwin looked relieved seeing that two of his top soldiers were again back to their usual selves and with Hanji's leg almost completly healed she would be able to parcipate in the next expedition making really everything being back to normal again.

The bells were ringing, echoing through the streets. Townspeople were lined up, all eyes were on the soldiers waiting infront of the still closed gates. The survey corps was getting ready for another expedition outside the walls. Comander Erwin Smith on his white horse at the very front a but behind him the strongest soldier alive and next to him a certain in a messy poytail brunette Hanji Zoe.

"Ahh, what a nice weather~ Perfect for a small expedition outside the walls. Maybe we could find a new titan for my research so Igor isn't so alone. Levi, will you help m-?"

Before she could finish her sentence Levi glared at her without much success however. "Should you not at first make sure your leg is fully healed? And afterwarts collect some shitty titans for your research" His eyes wandered down to her legs.

"My leg?" A bit surprised Hanji raised her eyebrows but got quickly replaced by a big knowingly grin. "Mmm~ worried little guy?"

"Tch, as if" clicking his tonuge he looked away.

"Ahaha, Levi, I'm fine, really. The doctor wouldn't have allowed me parcipate if otherwise. Remember you were there too, right?"

That's right, how could he possible ever forget? Around two weeks ago the assigned doctor for the Survey corps was at the headquarters to check on multiply patients. Deciding who would be able to parcipate and who not including the patient Hanji Zoe. For some unforseen developement what Levi always tries to tell himself, he just wanted to have some documents for Erwin as Hanji freshly showered, clean with damp wet hair falling a bit below her shoulders, without glasses blocking her seductive chocolate brown eyes... So that they happened to be halfway undressed already as a knock on the door, the doctor interrupted them.
Quickly getting dressed up again they let the doctor in.. or should we say the unfortinuate doctor in this case...

Hanji had to hold in her giggles during her examination since Levi remained in her room. The doctor looked almost nervous she noticed. No one could blame the doctor really because while Levi was leaning against a wall across from Hanji with crossed arms over his chest and observing strictly the annoying doctors work. The unfortinuate soul must have felt like someone was busy starring pretty much deadly daggers into his poor soul.
The doctor proclaimed Hanji being ready to resume her tasks as a soldier and her leg being fully recovered. And that's how they ended up being were they were now.

Even now Hanji didn't fully know what she felt exactly for Levi or what Levi was thinking over her. Was he having feelings for her or was he simply only a overprotective comrade, a dear friend who sometimes needed comfort, someone who hold and understand him?

And why would he pick out her if this were the case?

There were still many unanswered questions for Hanji but she wouldn't rush things. She was fine with how things were at the moment. As long as they were both alive and they could spend time together be it during the day or at night, talking, eat together, explore the outside world together with each new expedition she was happy.

And this was everything that mattered.

No more holding back for someone else.

Not ever again.

FIN