The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

Hope

The Following Morning

"Levi, this plan is the only one Tessa agreed with, so you have no choice but to accept it. Now, will you stop pacing?"

Erwin requests while watching me pace as he leans against his desk with his arms crossed. However, I click my tongue as I ignore him because no matter the countless times Erwin tells me this idea of his, it doesn't stop me from thinking that something would go wrong. "Tch. Until those bastards are dead, I don't think I'll relax, Erwin." I admit as I finally stop pacing to glare at him. If I have to come up with a solution of my own, then I will do it, as long as Tessa is safe.

Levi's POV:

After yesterday's events and reading the small message from Erwin requesting to speak with me this morning, I hardly slept last night. I couldn't get the conversation with Tessa out of my head because it led me to think about all the possible scenarios if those bastards had succeeded in kidnapping her when she was alone. Each one would become more terrible than the last, to the point none of them could get out of my head. They were worse than the nightmares because even if my eyes were closed, I still thought about them. I suspect my lack of sleep is noticeable, and the fact that I'm still irritable about yesterday isn't a clear indication that I'm about to snap. I exhaled a frustrated sigh as I glared at Erwin again, "Tell me again. Word for word, Erwin." I demand, hoping to remain level-headed in this conversation before I actually do intend to snap.

Erwin poked his cheek with his tongue while crossing his arms, "Tessa told me that she spotted Tegan and Alexander when she left the fortress, so she and Kip hid in an abandoned building before those two would catch up with her. While in hiding, Tessa overheard Alexander say that if it wasn't for Tegan's possessiveness of her, then they would've had her, but never clarified for what exactly." He explains thoroughly, and I sigh, "Tessa and I believe it could be about her mother's death since Vanessa lied to them about where Tessa was." I add before shaking my head from hearing the exact details I've been hearing several times this morning. The more I hear everything repeated, the more I become aggravated that I wasn't with Tessa yesterday. I should've gone with her because now we are dealing with the possibility of those bastards going after her while everyone is distracted by the upcoming expedition.

I notice Erwin nodding from the corner of my eye as I hear him exhale a sharp breath, "Yes, Tessa mentioned that since Alexander said he had unfinished business with her, to which I offered to inform Premier Zachary about this, but she refused." Erwin recalls, and I click my tongue, "And when Tess did, you forbade her from leaving the fortress alone, so she only accepted if it was only one person, right?" I ask, and Erwin nods, making me roll my eyes, "She's so fucking stubborn." I mutter while shaking my head again as I begin to pace. Erwin raises a brow, "Just like somebody else I know, wouldn't you agree, Levi?" He taunts, making me click my tongue, "Tch. Piss off, Erwin." I spat. Even if Erwin was right, I am stubborn, but only when it's about protecting the people I care about. Kenny, Vanessa, Isabel, and Furlan knew that, and I believe Erwin, Miche, and Hange could see that too. After all, when it comes to Tessa, I'm willing to do anything as long as she is safe.

Nevertheless, how did Erwin get Tessa to accept his request when we both know she hates someone involving themselves in her battles? I furrow my brows as I look at Erwin, "Something is bothering me," I confess, only to see Erwin tilt his head, "How in the hell did you get Tessa to agree to the single escort when you know she doesn't like anyone to interfere with her business?" I ask while crossing my arms. Erwin chuckles as he mirrors my pose, "At first, Tessa refused it because of everything going on until I suggested that her future husband would agree to this since it pertained to her protection." He informs, making me roll my eyes, "Of course you brought me into this." I grumble before glaring at Erwin to see his smirk, "Are you saying that you don't agree with my reasoning for Tessa's protection, Levi?" He asks, but I hesitate with my answer.