STRONGEST HOPE (ERERI❤RIREN)

CHAPTER 44 - LEVI AND HANGE

Levi found Hange in Erwin's office. Their head was bent over a stack of papers, with a frown on their face. "I told them you weren't smart enough for this job."

Hange's head popped up at the sound of his voice, and shot him a surprised look. "Honestly, how in the hell did he get all of this paperwork done and still function?" They shook their head. "It feels like there's a report for every fucking cadet and soldier. And we didn't even have any deaths!"

Levi sat down on the couch by the window. He hung his arms on the back of it and crossed his leg over the other. "You have Moblit. Give it to him to do."

"I can't do that to him, Levi." They shook their head and raised an eyebrow. "He already does my laundry."

"The fuck?"

"I know. I'm terrible." They got up and came around the desk to sit on the chair next to the couch.

"Have you gotten any sleep?" he asked dryly.

"No." They closed their eyes and massaged their temples. "I still had to coordinate care for our casualties at the infirmary and-" Their voice caught in their throat.

"And- take care of Erwin?" Levi said quietly.

"Yes, that too." Hange hunched over and put their elbows on their thighs. Levi stared out the window. They sat in silence for a couple of minutes. It did more for them both than talking about it.

Hange spoke first. "I'll never be able to do as good a job as him." They scoffed. "What if I get everyone killed."

Levi moved his focus from the window to his friend's face. "Shitty glasses, I may not trust you, but I'd trust him with my life. If he chose you, it's because he knew you'd be enough to handle whatever comes up."

Hange snickered. "That's not the greatest vote of confidence, short stack."

"If you call me short stack again, you can be confident that I'll bust your legs."

"You're so cute."

"Mother fucker," Levi spit out, and moved to get off of the couch.

"Okay! Okay!" They threw their hands up in defense. "I get it; I'll stop!"

The Captain settled back into the couch and studied the tips of his shoes. "I think that Erwin was the target all along yesterday." He watched for Hange's response.

They frowned and studied a thread on the chair they sat in. "The clump, the forest titans... all a distraction?" They looked at him with wide eyes. "Why?"

"Revenge?"

"For getting Eren back?"

He nodded. "Maybe." He clicked his tongue. "And maybe to see if Eren could use that new power of his to stop an attack."

Hange nodded slowly. Well, they certainly know where we stand with resources and capabilities. Like they took inventory."

"Mmhmm," he hummed in response. "The group that Reiner, Bert and Ymir belong to?"

"Yeah," they said, "but I think they must answer to someone. Someone who obviously has the ability to control titans...kind of like Eren."

"Well that certainly makes things interesting," he said, rising from the couch. "I'm going to put some tea on. Want some?"

They smiled. "Yes, please."

"Shitty glasses?" he turned to them with the kettle in his hands.

"Yeah?" They looked up and waited for him to speak.

Levi looked to the ground and back up into his friend's eyes. "He chose wisely."

Their eyes glistened with tears. "Thanks, Levi."

"And we'll figure it out together, ok?"

They got up from the couch and walked towards Levi with their arms out.

"Don't fucking touch me," he quickly warned.

They nodded and giggled. "Right, sorry."

"I'll be back in a minute to help you with the paperwork," he said over his shoulder and walked through the door.

"Kay." Hange smiled to themselves and walked back behind the desk, sitting in Erwin's chair. Running their hands over the armrests, they gazed out the window and whispered, "I miss you."