𝔇𝔢𝔣𝔦𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢 (𝔏𝔢𝔳𝔦 𝔵 ℜ𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔢𝔯)

XX - Idiotic Brother

And we wordlessly walked side by side, all the way back home.

***

My eyes squeezed shut in the early hours of morning, a bear hug engulfing me as a goodbye. The warming embrace of Reece nearly making me want to fight to stay.

Two Garrison escorts had arrived not too long ago, sitting in the front seats of a wagon that had come to escort my little belongings I had owned.

"Come visit if you can, alright?" The question left Reece in a near whisper, my head moving up and down in a nodding motion against his chest. He loosened his gripping, his hazel eyes urging me to say goodbye to the others. I step away from him, moving onto Zion.

"Bring it in, Sunshine." He chuckled as he pulled me into a tight hug. I gave into the hug, a tear subconsciously leaving my eye as I lay my head against his chest. "Write to us as often as you can."

"You can count on it." The statement leaving me with assertiveness. A few more silent moments passed before I was released and moved onto Hange who wasted no time in throwing herself in my direction. I stumbled backwards slightly before regaining my balance and returning her needy embrace.

"I wish you could stay." She whispered making me bury my face in her neck even more.

"Me too." I respond, pulling away slightly with her hands still resting on my upper arms. Her eyes were glossy and her lips were quivering. "Don't cry. I'll stay as safe as possible and I'll be back before you know it."

"You better." She spat trying to put up a stoic façade, the tears defying what she was originally aiming for. I smile slightly before turning to Moblit, who stood beside Hange. I held out a hand, awaiting a handshake. He gave a confident smile as he placed his hand in mine.

"Look after them for me." I say. He gave a strong nod.

"Count on it." His response dripping with confidence, making me perk up with emotional strength. His hand released mine and I was onto the last person.

Levi.

He leaned against the castle, seemingly unbothered as he kept his eyes closed. I paced towards him, tilting my head in curiosity.

"Psst, Levi." I whisper. His eyes opened slowly, his gaze slowly dragging up to meet mine as I came to a stop in front of him. A ruckus being made behind me as Hange began wailing into Moblit. I raise an eyebrow, chuckling lightly as I listen to the events behind me. I held out a hand to him, the same as I had done to Moblit moments prior to now.

"I promise you, as unimportant as you may think it is, I will help you find your last name." I say, certainty lacing my words and defining them with assertiveness. His eyes widened a little, his silver hues revealing themselves a little more.

"If that's what you want, then so be it." Levi said pushing off the wall and placing his hand in mine. I huff in amusement.

"I'm not doing it for my sake, I'm doing it for yours. Maybe if you find out your bloodline you'll find another purpose for living." I raise an eyebrow. "Until then, stay safe. I'm not here to protect you guys until I come back." He pursed his lips, averting his gaze from mine as he looks down at the ground below.

"Yeah." The word came out hoarse, almost like a whisper. A moment passed as I watched him with concern written in my eyes before I sigh.

"See you later, Levi." I farewell as I retrieve my hand and turn on my heel.

"See you, Sunshine." He returns making me scoff. I pace towards my horse that waited patiently beside the wagon. The two Garrison soldiers raising their brows at me as I pet my horses face gently. I place my foot in the holster, beginning to hoist myself up before a voice sounded from behind me.