Shiraksi

Author's Note: This is a sequel to my previous story "Free", and it contains major spoilers for the end of the manga. ______________________________ It had taken Levi a long time to stop seeing his wheelchair as a prison. Even after you convinced him to go on that first vacation with you, he still had doubts and insecurities, still felt like he was a burden to you. But after several months and two more vacations to phenomenal places, Levi finally realized that his injury didn’t preclude him from living a normal life. He finally decided that he was done waiting – that he had lost too much time already, and that he wasn’t going to let his disability hold him back any longer. His friends’ sacrifices had gifted him this world – and in many ways, his life. It would do them an unforgivable dishonor not to live it. So, during your fourth vacation, he carefully lowered himself down on his uninjured knee – wanting to do things properly for you. He pulled out a simple but beautiful ring

“But why do I have to go?” you whined to Erwin. Although he was technically your commander, he was also your older brother, so things were quite informal when you were in private. “It’s just a bunch of stuffy nobles with their small talk and preening.” “(F/n), you’re a section commander now,” Erwin reminded you with an amused smile. That jerk. “Attending these functions is part of your new responsibilities. It’s important that we interact with the people who are helping to fund our regiment. Besides, everyone is eager to meet you after your exploits on the last mission. You’re becoming quite famous.” “But a ball, Erwin?” you insisted. “I mean…what if some crusty old guy asks me to dance? What if a bunch of crusty old guys ask me to dance?” “What are you worried about? You’re a wonderful dancer,” Erwin stated encouragingly, intentionally missing the point. You shot him a glare. “You know what I mean.” Erwin chuckled. “Come on. Even Levi attends, and you know how…anti-social…he can

As Commander Erwin’s lieutenant, you had expected to stay by his side after the failure of the 57th Recon Mission. After all, it was your job to assist him with everything, to follow him anywhere. Thus, you were both surprised and uneasy when he instead ordered you to take care of Eren and Captain Levi. It just seemed so…awkward, in the saddest possible way. You figured that the sole survivors of that squad would want to grieve on their own, and that your presence – while sympathetic – would be more intrusive than comforting. However, when Erwin insisted that there was no one else he trusted to take care of humanity’s two greatest hopes, you had no choice but to relent. So, here you were. You made Levi and Eren aware of your presence in the castle and cooked dinner for them. But afterwards, only Eren accepted your offer for company. It seemed Levi preferred to grieve on his own. He had always been a bit solitary, ever since his first scouting mission, when he had lost the two