The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

The 104th Cadets' Graduation

Two Months Later:

A few hours before The 104th Cadets' Graduation

While sitting in the makeshift office, there are sounds of papers rustling, a pen scratching against the surface, and the heels of boots pacing on the wooden floor. The honeyed tea was cold and forgotten on the chestnut desk, yet the smell was still sweet. The blue eyes of the ebony-haired Captain and Head Doctor never left the paper in her hands as she walked in front of her desk. She sighs as she leans against the frame, still staring at the letter in her hand as the other taps on the surface of the wood holding her up. How could she explain this letter addressed only to her, without fearing what it could mean for the other who knows it's from?

'Tessa,

I hope you have been staying safe since my last letter and gift. I understand that your renewal for your license is coming up, but with you being busy with your missions, I took care of it for you. I know Vanessa would want the best for you, and I intend to keep that promise. Stay safe out there, and remember the rules I taught you and Levi.

P.S. Watch each other's backs.

-K'

Tessa runs her hands through her hair as she finally places the letter from Kenny on the desk. She shook her head, wondering how he always knew how to find her, but she hadn't seen him since he took her into Wall Rose. Then again, Tessa has made a name for herself by being Humanity's Graceful and Head Doctor of the Scouts. Yet it still bothered how Kenny was watching over her, but what bothered her more was that Kenny mentioned that Levi and Tessa needed to watch each other's backs. Did that mean Kenny finally learned that Levi was on the surface too? Tessa sighs as her nails scratch against her scalp because how can she explain this to him? After what happened with the last letter, Tessa couldn't bear to see the pain in Levi's eyes again, yet she didn't want to hide this from him either. Soon tears fill her eyes because Tessa is at a loss for what to do.

As one hand quivers on the corner of the desk, the other covers her eyes as she tries to regain her composure. However, it became more difficult as more tears fell because she remembered how Kenny mentioned her mother being proud of her and wishing for the best. "Dammit to hell," She mutters through her muffled cries, "When will it get easier to accept that you're not here, Mom?" She asks, knowing she won't get an answer. Vanessa wasn't here to see the many accomplishments that Tessa has achieved, nor would she be here to see the significant milestones in her life. The quivering hand gripping the desk had now turned into a fist, and Tessa couldn't hold it back anymore as she went to punch the surface, only for someone to grab her hand before it made contact. Tessa pauses when she hears the owner's voice, "Please tell me you were not about to break your hand before our expedition tomorrow, Cat." They ask, and Tessa sighs because she knows who it is, "I was only going to punch the desk, Zoe," She counters as she moves the hand covering her eyes, "There's no need to worry." She reassures before meeting Hange's gaze.

Hange quickly drops Tessa's hand when she sees her puffy sky-blue eyes, "Cat, what's wrong? Are you okay?" She asks, and Tessa nods but remains silent, which isn't good enough for Hange. Tessa knows that Hange isn't going to let up about why she was crying, nor is she ready to punch a desk as she sees Hange narrowing her eyes at her, "Cat, what happened?" Hange asks again, and Tessa gulps before letting out a shaky breath, "Someone from my past sent me a letter, and they mentioned mom." She confesses, still feeling the anguish in her body, and Hange tilts her head, "Oh. Is-is it from them?" She asks, and Tessa quickly shakes her head, though she knows who Hange is referring to; Tegan and Alexander, the two men that have been after Tessa for the past twenty-two years. Tessa cleared her throat, "No, it's not them, though I suspected it at first." She confesses while rustling her hair, and Hange nods while biting her lip, "Are you going to tell Levi?" She asks in a low whisper, and Tessa lets out a shaky sigh, "I want to, but I'm worried about how he will react about it, Zoe. You know as well as I how his temper is." Tessa defends, and Hange nods again, "Yes, but you two agreed no more secrets, Cat. He needs to know, regardless of how his temper is." She suggests.