The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

A Decision is Made

After hearing Erwin's offer, the decision should be easy for Levi and Tessa to answer, yet it's not. How can a simple answer be this difficult for them? The more Tessa thought about it, the more the lingering words hovered over her, causing her to start having because this sounded like favoritism since Erwin already treated her like a little sister, so this offer was pushing the limits. Suddenly all negative thoughts tell her that it's unfair for anyone else under Erwin's command not to get this treatment, yet part of her doesn't care. Life has taken so much from her already, so why would she let it take this away too? Tessa wants to be selfish for once but can't accept it, leading her to think more about the answer, hoping it will be honorable. Tessa closes her eyes, hoping to stop the tears from escaping while her entire body trembles as she tries to remain strong. When Tessa opens her eyes, her hands gently rest on her lap. Luckily her ebony bangs cover her tear-filled eyes, "Erwin, may we have more time to think about this?" She asks, hearing her voice waver. Even though Tessa asked for more time to think about the decision, she already had hers.

Erwin notices Tessa's expression, knowing her answer, which leads him to be discreet, but Tessa catches on as he sighs, "Of course. I understand both of you need to think about this in private." He replies, and Tessa doesn't wait a second longer to get out of the chair and stands, "Thank you, Erwin." She responds with a weak smile, still avoiding looking at Levi because she'll crack when she does. Erwin merely nods and gives her a knowing gaze that she knows all too well. Tessa gives another weak smile before leaving the men in the office. After walking out, Hange, Miche, and Kip are by the door, watching Tessa with concerned glances, which she ignores while heading to her office with Kip chasing after her. Tessa's head hangs low as tears fall from her cheeks, with the weight crushing down on her chest the closer she reaches her office as each step becomes heavier. Tessa wonders if it's the upcoming heartache or something else. After stopping outside the office door, Tessa's hand hovers above the doorknob, leading her to pause because she knows Hange or Levi will come looking for her here, so where could she go to get some peace? They both know her hiding spots: her office and the trees. Luckily, she has a few others around headquarters. Before walking away, Tessa looks for any signs of Hange or Levi, only to find nothing, allowing them to walk away to one of the secret locations.

Levi's POV: 

During the conversation with Erwin, I never really took my eyes off Tessa, especially when I noticed her trembling hands. I could still hear Erwin speak to us, but I couldn't look away from Tessa even if she didn't want to look at me. I wanted to know what was going through her mind about this decision, but how could I when I couldn't see her eyes because that's how I always know what she is thinking. When Tessa requested Erwin to give us more time, I heard the wavering in her voice, almost as if she was trying to prevent herself from breaking down, which would explain why her eyes never met mine even after she left, I could even hear Hange calling out for her outside the closed doors, but that was it. I suppose Tessa needs space, just like I do right now, leading me to stand, only to see Erwin slide a key across the desk, causing me to furrow my brows as I pick it up, "What's this for?" I ask while holding the small piece of metal between my fingers as I look at Erwin, "It's a key for your office, Levi since you're a Captain now," He replies while walking over to the window, "We will finish our previous conversation tomorrow. If you need anything, let me know." He informs, to which I nod, "Thanks, I guess." I answer as I look at the key again.

It still doesn't seem real to me that I'm a Captain, leading beside Tessa of a squad of our choice to help push back the Titans and save Humanity from the brink of death. I tightly grip the key before walking away from Erwin's desk to the doors, but before I open them, Erwin stops me, "Levi, don't worry." He says, causing me to raise a brow, "What?" I ask, making Erwin turn to face me, "Just give Tessa time. She will explain everything when she's ready." He reassures me, and I nod, "Right." I answer while opening the door, ignoring the concerned gazes from Hange and Miche as I walk out. However, I notice Kip is no longer there, but I already know he is with Tessa, leaving me alone as I head to my new office. The past few hours don't stop playing through my head as I walk through the halls with the promotion, Hange's blabbering, Erwin's offer, and Tessa's avoidance that I can't stop thinking about it all. Even before I walked into my new office to see the lack of cleanliness didn't bother me, which was odd, but I suppose it was because my mind was elsewhere. Yet it did give me time to think about the pros and cons of whatever choice I would make as I cleaned every nook and cranny of the new space. At least I have this to keep me busy while I give Tessa time.