Attack on Titan Short Stories

Safe & Sound (Levihan)

Possible Spoilers if you haven't seen season 4

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Commander Hange had managed to avoid the rain. She felt sympathetic for those who were still at the grave sites. She was exhausted and broken. It had been 4 years since they had a funeral for a solider, let alone 8.

Not to mention as Commander, it had been Hange's responsibility to inform the families of the dead. Each one had been hard, but it took all her energy to hold it together meeting with the Blaus family. Her and Levi had arrived at Blaus stables. The afternoon sun low in the sky.

Mr. Blaus immediately was able to guess why we were there. Mrs. Blaus immediately broke down into tears, Mr. Blaus asking what happened, a young girl with blonde hair sat with her putting her arm around her mother. They presented her the wings of Freedom badge from one of her uniforms. Levi offered his apologies and his gratitude for Sasha's service, and explained what a value she had been to the special operations squad. Hange talked about what a joy of a person she was to have, and her skill as a soldier and kindness as a person. Mr. Blaus just somberly nodded, holding the badge in his hands.

Before they left they told the Blaus family when the services would be and where the military cemetery was located.

As the shook hands, Mrs. Blaus tearfully thanked us for looking after Sasha, and that she understood the scouts did all they could to save her.

Levi and Hange had ridden back in silence. Hange pulled up the hood of her cloak and let the silent tears flow.

After the conclusion of the formal military funeral service, Hange was quick to the make her exit. She had been to way too many of these. It brought back painful memories, of Moblit, Nifa, Abel, Erwin.....

She had lost count of how many friends she had buried. But something about Sasha was so jarring. Her and Levi had come to see those kids in his squad as their surrogate kids. After all they had been through together....and for her to be killed while retreating...by a kid. An angry hate-filled kid.

Hange sat on her bed. She took off her eye patch and rubbed her temples. "That stupid b*stard Eren". She thought back to him grabbing her by her collar, threatening to turn into a Titan. Jean was right, Sasha, and the other 7 scouts had only died because Eren went rouge and dragged the scouts into this.

"I'm so tired", Hange said to no one in particular. The room was empty. The rain hit the window softly. Hange was tired, but couldn't fall asleep.

A soft knock on the door broke her out of her stream of thoughts.

She wiped her eyes. "Come in"

The door opened and there was Levi, balancing a tray with tea pot and 2 tea cups.

She smiled a little, Levi's answer was always tea.

"Hey Hange, thought you could use some company" he said softly. Setting the tea tray down on her desk.

He sat down on her bed next to her. "Talk to me"

"Today and 2 days before, were just so...hard", Hange said and broke down into a sob.

"She was so young, she deserved future, freedom, and her family deserved to have her here" Hange cried.

Levi put his arm around her shoulders, pulling a Hange close to him.

"It's ok Hange, it's so hard to say goodbye, I watched her grow up into a capable solider, and kind young woman" Levi said softly.

"And what about poor Connie, he's lost the one he loves, did you know they planned to live in the woods together, when this whole war was over" Hange said. "I over heard the 2 talking about it a few months ago"

Levi let out a big sigh. "I'll keep an eye on Springer, and I'm sure Jean will too".

"Im so tired Levi, why did Erwin make me commander, he made a mistake" Hange sobbed. "I'm a failure". "Sometimes I think Erwin should be here leading us"

Levi drew in a sharp breath.

"I'm sorry Levi, I'm not questioning your choice, I just wish I wasn't commander"

"It's ok Hange, I didn't pick Erwin and it's not a choice I regret" he said. "But Hange you are a great Commander, these past 4 years you have worked tirelessly to make diplomatic relationships, allies, improving technology here on Paradis, you've helped those kids grow, you are trying everything you can to avoid the Rumbling, to save Historia, to find peace. Erwin may have made some mistakes but Hange, he didn't make a mistaken with you."

Hange's sobs had slowed to a silent cry. Burying her head in Levi's chest. Levi swallowed the lump in his throat. He needed to be strong for Hange.

"I've got an idea" he said.

Levi got up and walked over to the record player. Another Marley piece of technology. He set a record on. The soft piano music began to play in the room.

"What are you doing Levi?, Hange asked.

"Come dance with me love" Levi held out his hand to Hange.

Hange smiled a took Levi's hand. Her heart always fluttered when he called her love.

"I've got two left feet" she said.

"It's ok I got you" he said softly, pulled her off the bed.

Levi wrapped and arm around her waist and to her hand.

The pair clumsily danced in the middle of Hange's room. They both swayed to the soft beat of the music. Just trying to escape the pain of their world for even just a little bit.

Levi started singing the words softly in Hange's ear. Soothing the anxiety in Hange's chest.

The two continued to sway around the room, with Levi giving Hange a twirl, making her smile.

He was glad to see her smile a bit. He didn't see that smile that often anymore. Life had gotten hard for both of them.

The song came to a slowly end. Fading out into silence. As darkness began to set in.

"You should rest Hange" Levi said.

"Will you stay with me?" She asked.

"Of course love, but first I'll go reheat the tea and get some night clothes" he said kissing the top of her head.

***********************

The pair finished their tea. Hange changed into some soft pajamas. Levi came out of the bathroom after brushing his teeth.

Hange crawled into bed. Levi dimmed the lights, and snuggled under the covers. Hange rolled over, snuggled deep into Levi's arms and warm chest. Taking a deep breath, breathing in his scent, clove and a hint of vanilla.

Hange felt safe and warm in his arms, since day one of their relationship.

"Never let me go Levi"

"I promise Hange"

End