The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

To Be Selfless or Selfish?

After accepting their new roles, Tessa weakly smiles, hoping no one will see it, but Hange does and stays quiet. While Tessa is grateful for her new role in Humanity, she's still determining the others in the Scouts. With her and Levi being in the same squad and leading, it means something must come to an end. Due to protocol, if Levi and Tessa are together and on the same team, they have two options. Option one: They must terminate the relationship to prevent feelings from jeopardizing a mission. Option two: If they expect to continue the relationship, one must transfer to a different squad. Since Erwin wants both of them to be Captains of the same team, they must sacrifice their relationship. However, she wonders if this is her chance to be selfish for it or if she will still have to be selfless and say goodbye to her happiness. Tessa mentally shakes her head to hide those questions to enjoy the small celebration with her friends, blocking out those doubts.

While the party of five continues to celebrate the new titles for Tessa and Levi, Hange watches Tessa's demeanor shift, knowing Tessa is still reeling in the news from yesterday due to the lack of energy she is showing, but there's something else. Tessa's usual happy smile faded into sadness, but why? Realizing it was when Erwin promoted Tessa and Levi to the Captains of the Special Operations Squad. Hange remembered squealing for their promotion because they deserved it, but Tessa didn't share the excitement, which was shocking, but it now made sense why Tessa looked unhappy with the news. It's because Tessa's and Levi's relationship would have to end since they are both Captains now and in the same squad.

Hange walks over to Tessa and puts a hand on her shoulder, causing Tessa to turn around before Hange leans into her ear, "Are you okay?" She asks in a low whisper. Tessa wants to lie that she's fine, but she knows Hange is too clever to believe that lie. She caught Hange watching her after accepting her new role and appreciated that she remained quiet so the others wouldn't notice it. Tessa weakly smiles at Hange while placing a hand on top of hers, "I'm okay. Promise." She lies. In reality, Tessa isn't okay because she now has to make a decision that affects everything. Does she want to be selfish and keep the one thing that makes her happy since life likes to tear her down each time? Or will her selflessness tell her? Otherwise, she has to let go of her happiness because Humanity needs her more than Levi. When Tessa sees Levi smile at her, her heart and mind are at war. Love fills her heart while sadness and truth take over her thoughts. She ignores the tug-of-war inside her to return a smile to the man she loves.

Hange notices the weak smile and hums while wrapping an arm around Tessa's waist, "I'm not trying to tell you what you need to do, but can I offer some advice?" She offers in Tessa's ear, which pulls Tessa from her thoughts, causing her to look at her and nod, "I would love some, Zoe." She replies with a chuckle, making Hange grin, "Levi loves you more than anything, and I know you do too. If humanity can't accept its protectors are in a relationship and work better together, they can get over it," She confesses, "You two deserve to be happy." She adds, making Tessa nod because she agrees with Hange, but doubts plague her decisions, causing her to sigh, "It's not that simple, Zoe," She argues before pulling away, "Even though I wish it to be that easy." She mutters as she stops at Erwin's door. Hange sighs while watching Tessa and Kip walk over to the door, realizing she must find a way for Tessa and Levi to have this chance, even if it means revealing their relationship to Erwin.

Before Tessa opens the door, Erwin's voice stops her, "Tessa, everything alright?" He asks, and she sighs before looking at the others and nods, "Yeah, everything's fine. I only need to check on the guys in the medical wing." She explains before noticing Erwin walking over to put a hand on her shoulder, "Of course. Will you let me know the updates afterward?" He asks, and Tessa nods, "Thank you. Will you let them know I send my good wishes as well?" He requests, making Tessa wink, "You got it, Commander," She lightly jokes with a salute while hoping to hide the sadness in her voice, only for Eriwn to rustle her hair, "Is there anything else you may need me for, Erwin?" She asks, but Erwin shakes his head while moving his hand off Tessa's head, "No, that will be all, Captain Tessa." He replies, watching Tessa fix the mess he made of her hair, "Alright, I'll be down in the medical wing if you guys need me for anything." She explains while opening the door with Kip joining her side, and the duo leaves Erwin's office. After Erwin closes the door behind her, he walks to his desk.