Hand in Hand

30. Pursue

"Hanji, I wanted to ask you something," Levi said as she walked outside.

"(Y/n) will be under your supervision," Hanji stated, blatantly ignoring him. "She will go with your squad to the Reiss Estate. Moblit and I will meet up with you as soon as we can."

Levi tilted his head, squinting in confusion. He grabbed Hanji's arm and asked, "Hey four eyes, did something happen?"

"No," Hanji said blankly. She didn't lower her eyes to meet his. Instead, she stared dejectedly at the door of the building. "Did you need anything else?"

Letting go of his grip, Levi shook his head. "I was going to suggest (y/n) come with my squad but it seems you can read minds now." He knew jokes were a feeble attempt to shake a laugh out of Hanji but it usually worked.

The door opened and out came (y/n) in her uniform, a plain brown cloak draped over her to hide any trace of the Scouts. The fire providing them light inside had been put out. There were only two torches lit and the great moon to light their paths outside.

'She'll be okay, I hope,' Thought Hanji.

"Section Commander!" Moblit waved a torch in the air. In his other grasp was a rope tied to Sannes and Ralph's hands. "We're good to leave."

"I suppose it's time then," Hanji mumbled under her breath. Had she really sheltered (y/n) that much? There was no better time to let go of the comfort of the past than now.

Hanji knew no one else could better protect (y/n). There was no one else who could comfort her as she could. But, that selfish way of thinking wouldn't stay true forever. Still, she knew (y/n) better than anyone.

Hanji knew she wasn't asleep when Levi had been in her cell and she knew how easily his name riled her up. Something was going on between them, and while it wasn't her place to intervene, she had to let the idea of (y/n) as her own go in order for her and Levi to grow. This was the type of care she had been speaking of earlier. She had to be strong enough to balance her emotions and her work.

"Notify (y/n) that she will be working strictly under your lead until I say otherwise," Hanji said, turning towards Moblit.

"Wait for a second!" Levi reached for her cloak but Hanji turned around faster than he could reach. His breath stopped. Hanji's melancholic expression communicated everything he needed and didn't need to know. Slowly, his arm dropped to his side.

"I've learned a lot from (y/n), even if she doesn't know it," Hanji admitted. She chuckled softly, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Let me guess, you want me to learn something from her too?" Levi asked sarcastically. Erwin's request had been the same.

Hanji chuckled and said, "Just keep her safe, Levi. And for the love of Titans, keep your emotions in check when it comes to her."

"Captain Levi!" Mikasa shouted from within the group of the 104th. "We're ready too, on your order!"

Levi turned his attention back to Hanji but she had already begun walking away with Moblit and the captives. Putting the hood over his head, he walked over to his group of cloaked Scouts and pushed Hanji's words to the back of his mind. He didn't like being told what to do when it came to (y/n). Erwin had already given him an earful of lectures and taunting to last him a lifetime.