Let's Start Again

Chapter Twelve: The Old Me

Levi's POV

There was no thinking involved as Levi pushed Hanji to the ground; he just moved because he couldn't believe that Erwin had tried to pull something like that.

"Erwin, what're you doing?"

Instead of responding, Erwin tried to pull Levi off of Hanji, but the captain held on tight, confused and angry at what was happing.

"Erwin, STOP!"

Red in the face, Erwin backed off and said, "Levi, you won't be the same if she's around. Hanji has to go. I see it, so why can't you?"

"You're right: I won't be the same, but I don't want to be. Before, I was 'Humanity's Strongest', but I was alone, and it led to me dying! I was sent away for losing my mind, but Hanji's helped me stay sane. I'm telling you that she's not a distraction - she's the only reason I've kept going."

Levi waited as Erwin looked from him to Hanji. It was silent for the longest time, but Levi didn't move from being on top of Hanji; he wanted Erwin's genuine remorse before he put Hanji at risk.

"Levi...this isn't like you. You are the hope of the entire human race. You don't have time to be worried about this woman."

"I can still fight, Erwin" Levi said, "Now, I just have someone who I deeply care about who's fighting alongside with me. Right, Hanji?"

Levi gazed into Hanji's eyes, and the doctor squeaked, "Y-Yes, of course!"

When Erwin glared at her, Hanji added, "I'll do whatever's necessary to make life in the Survey Corps easier for Levi. Please, let me reenlist."

When Erwin didn't move, Levi didn't, either. However, after what seemed to be forever, Erwin groaned and put his knife away, one bead of sweat on his brow.

"I still don't see it, but fine. Hanji, you'll reenlist immediately after this event."

"YES!"

Levi blushed as Hanji threw her arms around him, relaxed. However, it took Levi a little longer to calm himself and get to his feet.

"Erwin, you're my commander, and I'll follow you anywhere. However, if you ever try to harm Hanji again..."

Levi helped Hanji to her feet and then made his way over to Erwin. Roughly, he tugged on Erwin's tie and brought the general down to eye level.

"I will positively kill you."

Erwin smiled and replied, "I have no doubt you will. Now, let's go, before the crowd wonders where we've all been."

They probably already have, Levi thought as Hanji walked past him. At this point, though, he didn't care as long as Hanji was safe. In fact, for the rest of the night, Levi demanded that Hanji stay as close to him and as far from Erwin as she could get. With a sly grin, Hanji intertwined her fingers with Levi's, and did just that.

When the ball was coming to a close, Levi excused himself, tired of drinking and having to converse with people.

"If you wait a second," Hanji said, "I'll take you back to the base."

"Thank you," Levi said, "but we've already angered Erwin enough. I don't want you to be seen with me."

Levi didn't think he had said anything wrong until Hanji's face wrinkled up in pain.

"That's not to say I don't want to be seen with you! I just want you to be safe. For tonight, just go home. I mean...we'll see each other more than enough when you return to base."