Daylight Lingering

The enormous wall loomed above the Yeager's house, casting a long shadow that stretched across the rooftops. The shadow's dark presence defined the atmosphere within the house, shrouding the residence in a sense of foreboding. The once laughter-filled house now stood silent, its occupants still reeling from the memories of their loved ones. In an instant, they had lost everyone they held dear.

Mikasa resided in Eren's former room, while Carla and Karol shared the main bedroom, trying to move on from their grief. Though it was a struggle, they couldn't remain stuck in their sorrow forever. Mikasa, however, had become a shadow of her former self, her gentle traits shattered. Now, her sole drive was to fulfill the dream she once shared with Eren: to explore the outside world.

She was determined to join the cadets oncr she turns 11 even if it meant defying Karol and Carla. Her resolve was unwavering, her heart consumed by a fierce determination either her dream will be fulfilled or she'll be just another prey of the titans.

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"Mikasa... sweetie, it's time to wake up," Carla's soothing voice gently roused Mikasa from her slumber. Mikasa's small figure clutched a doll resembling Eren, her scarf wrapped snugly around her neck despite the warmth. As her eyes fluttered open, her gaze shifted to Carla, who smiled warmly while shaking her awake. "Wake up, honey, it's time for breakfast."

Mikasa nodded, following Carla to the dining table where Karol waited. "Well look who's awake..." Karol smiled her gaze locked onto her little daughter who sat beside her. Mikasa rested her head on her arm seeking comfort while Karol and Carla caressed her silky hair. They treated her very dearly she was their only child left whom they'll always look after and eventually when she grew up they'll find a suitable man for her.

Their daily routine consisted of eating, doing household chores, and sleeping - a monotonous cycle that had become their life. Yet, Armin's frequent visits brought some comfort. Despite his young age, he possessed a maturity that helped them navigate difficult times. Two years had passed, but the grief still lingered, a constant ache they couldn't shake.

Today was a particularly difficult day - they would visit the graves of their loved ones, Grisha and Jacob. As for Eren his body was never found, presumed burned beyond recognition always brought a pang of sorrow in the hearts of his loved ones.

As the morning sun cast its golden glow over Shiganshina, the sudden, thunderous tolling of the gate bell shattered the serene ambiance. The loud, metallic clangs reverberated through the streets, echoing off the stone buildings and homes. Mikasa's curiosity was piqued, her eyes wide with wonder. "Hey, Mother, why's the bell tolling?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

Carla's expression turned solemn, her hands momentarily pausing from their chores. "It's the Scouts, Mikasa. They're preparing to head out. So the bell is ringing so that the main road could be cleared for them to pass."

The air was alive with the sound of shuffling feet and murmured conversations as people scurried about, securing their belongings and making way for the Scout Regiment. The bell's tolling grew louder, more insistent, as if urging the stragglers to hurry.

Mikasa nodded, her gaze drifting downward. Karol, sensing her daughter's melancholy, offered a gentle smile. "Hey Mikasa, I'm heading out soon to buy some groceries. Want to come along?"

Mikasa's voice was barely above a whisper. "Okay..."

Her gaze shifted to Carla, who was engrossed in washing dishes. "Aunt, are you coming too?" Mikasa asked, a hint of hope in her voice.

Carla chuckled, her hands pausing in the soapy water. "Well, I was about to do some laundry, so sorry, sweetie. You'll have to carry all the bags alone." She teased, pinching Mikasa's cheeks – a gesture usually reserved for Eren. Mikasa's face lit up with a smile as she hugged her aunt, her worries momentarily forgotten in the warmth of their affection.

"Alright, we'll be heading out," Karol said, donning a small hat and draping a purplish blanket over her shoulder. "Don't overdo it, Carla. I'll be back soon to help with the chores."

Carla nodded, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Have a safe trip..."

With that, Karol and Mikasa departed, leaving Carla to her laundry and dishes, but with a heart full of love and connection.

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The massive horde of horses thundered towards the district of Shiganshina, their weary riders eager to rest after a grueling two-day journey. The regiments, the Military Police officers, who lagged behind, seeking safety in numbers tagged along even though they had little experience with Omni directional mobility gear.

The Levi and Miche squads formed the left and right wings, respectively, as they prepared for battle. Levi's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his voice low and husky.

"Petra, keep an eye on Eren..." He couldn't bring himself to look at her, the memories of the night three days ago still lingering, a heavy burden on his mind. The tension between them was palpable, a testament to the unspoken emotions that hung in the air like a challenge.

Levi's eyes narrowed, his focus solely on the distant sky, as if willing himself to forget the events that had transpired. But the weight of his feelings refused to be ignored, a constant reminder of the fragile bond they shared.

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Levi's scribbled note, hastily delivered by a messenger, requested Petra's presence at their usual spot - the serene garden where he often found solace among the plants she lovingly tended. Petra's eyebrows arched as she pondered the reason behind the summons. Could it be a response to her confession? She steeled herself, prepared to face whatever lay ahead. Rejection or acceptance, she vowed to stand firm, her heart open and unwavering.

With a deep breath, Petra chose her finest dress, its delicate lace and soft hues a testament to her quiet hope. She made her way to the garden, the soft rustle of her skirt the only sound betraying her nervous anticipation. Petra's confusion deepened as she scanned the garden, expecting Levi to be waiting for her. But he was nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, in a nearby room, Levi's face was a picture of frustration, his cheeks a deep crimson. "Idiot, what do you mean?!" he scolded Eren, who was unusually cheerful. "Don't get so tense, Levi. It's just a minor confession. All you have to do is say yes."

Eren's teasing was a rare sight, a glimpse of his former self before the loss. "The real girl who's feeling stressed is Petra, who has no idea about your feelings. So, just go for the kill, Captain."

Eren continued with the lecture teaching Levi tips on how to win a girl's heart,

"Remember, instead of acting like a tough guy and ordering her around, you should behave more like a gentleman." With a grin, Eren began picking out a perfect outfit for Levi, determined to help his cousin win Petra's heart.

"Idiot, I don't think this will work," Levi argued, frustration etched on his face. "I'll handle things my way." He'd had enough of Eren's sentimental approach, which seemed to be getting them nowhere.

Just then, a clever idea struck Eren. "Alright, Levi, so..." he began, a hint of mischief in his voice.

Levi nodded in agreement with Eren's unorthodox plan. The strategy was to write messages on a large whiteboard, visible through the front window, which Levi would then read aloud. With a deep breath, Levi steeled himself and marched towards his fate, his heart racing with anticipation.

As he approached the garden, he could see Petra waiting, her expression a mix of curiosity and nervousness. She looked like an angel in the dark night wearing a white dress piercing Levi's heart. His heart beat skyrocketed," The hell was this feeling..?"

But it didn't matter right now. Levi's gaze locked onto the whiteboard, where Eren's scribbled messages awaited. He cleared his throat, preparing to read the words that would change everything.

Levi's voice trembled slightly as he began to read from the whiteboard: "Petra, from the moment I met you, I knew you were different. Eh? Your kindness....your strength? Your beauty...! it all captivated me?? I think I... I'm in love with you..?" Levi went with the flow as his eyes widened in horror as he grasped the magnitude of his confession.

His teeth clenched, and his gaze snapped to Eren, who wore an awkward smile gesturing a thumbs up. Levi's deadly stare conveyed the words he couldn't speak: "Fuck you, asshole. What the hell did you make me say? You're done, kid. Just wait."

Meanwhile, Petra's face flushed with surprise and delight. Her eyes sparkled as she took a step closer to Levi. The garden fell silent, except for the soft rustling of leaves. Petra's voice was barely above a whisper. "Captain...?"

Levi, the strongest soldier humanity had ever known, stood frozen, his eyes closed. But before he could process his emotions or react, Petra made the next move. Her hands wrapped around his neck, her body pressed against his, and her lips connected with Levi's. Tears escaped her eyes as she deepened the kiss.

Levi's world went dark, his mind reeling from the sudden turn of events. The humanity's strongest soldier had finally fallen, his defenses breached by Petra's gentle touch.

As Petra's lips touched Levi's, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment. The soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze harmonized with the quiet beating of their hearts. The moonlight cast a silvery glow on their entwined figures, as if blessing their union.

Petra's tears of joy mingled with the sweet taste of Levi's lips, her hands trembling with emotion as she held him closer. Levi's eyes, once closed in shock, now fluttered open, his gaze locking onto Petra's with a deep, unspoken connection.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft chirping of nocturnal birds in the distance, creating a serene symphony that accompanied their tender kiss. Time stood still, and all that existed was the gentle, loving touch of their lips, and the promise of a new beginning.

"Petra?" Levi whispered, his voice barely audible, but she interrupted him before he could continue.

"I love you too..." she said, her warm smile illuminating the space between them. She hugged him tightly, her chuckle a testament to the weight lifted off her shoulders. The past few days had been a rollercoaster of emotions, but now, the burden of potential rejection was replaced with unspoken joy.

Eren, observing from a distance, fixed his gaze on the embracing couple. Though his eyes were on them, his mind wandered, a faint smile spreading across his face. He was happy for Levi, truly happy. The captain, once a fortress of solitude, had finally found someone to share his heart with and no matter what Eren will do everything to protect his happiness.

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"Petra, keep an eye on Eren," Levi said, his voice low and serious.

Petra nodded curtly, her response a simple "Right."

As they spoke, The massive horde of horses, accompanied by nine carts laden with equipment, tents, and supplies, approached the Shiganshina Wall Maria gate. Eren, his head covered by a hood, his gaze cast downward, and his face obscured by a blackish scarf, rode at the forefront. The rusty key hanging from his neck bounced up and down with each step of the horse.

The horde halted before the gate, and Erwin's thunderous voice echoed through the air. "Scouts, we will be resting in Shiganshina for a while. And at sunset, we will depart. Make sure you get enough rest, because the next couple of days won't be easy."

As the gate's gears creaked, the massive chains lifted the heavy gate upwards, revealing the bustling main street. The people of Shiganshina stood side by side, their faces filled with hope and concern, to bid farewell and offer blessings to the scouts and soldiers. Eren's gaze narrowed, his eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces, but there was no sign of his loved ones, Mikasa and Armin. A hint of disappointment flickered across his face before he masked it with determination.

The scouts soon retired to a noble's mansion, where an astonishing spread of food awaited them. The aroma of roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, tantalizing their taste buds. The scouts' exhaustion momentarily forgotten, they dug in with relish, savoring the delicious meal.

The Military Police, with their superior attitudes, gazed down upon the scouts and garrison regiment. Their whispers filled the air, "Look at that pig, no table manners whatsoever." Others chimed in, "Tch, he doesn't even know how to use a table knife." Their condescending nature only fueled the scouts disdain even though their fate was in the hands of the scouts.

In contrast, Levi's squad received special treatment due to their contributions in the past expeditions. "Eren, eat up, idiot! You've gotten so skinny," Levi scolded, sipping tea from his cup. Eren's gaze remained fixed on the window, where sun rays cast a golden glow on his weary face. Petra attempted to appear girlish, eating delicately, while Hange and the others devoured their food with remarkable speed and stamina.

Eren nodded curtly, cutting a slice of meat, his thoughts lingered elsewhere. Levi finally spoke up, "Want to go see them?" Eren nodded in disagreement, "No, it was my decision, Levi. Can't back down now. Can I ?." Levi cut him off, "Idiot, I'm not saying you should meet them. Just... observe from afar." Eren's eyes narrowed, understanding Levi's intent.

The room fell silent, until Eren broke the stillness, "Fine, I'll take a look. Just a glimpse won't hurt." Levi stood up, "Well, I'll tag along, just in case you don't mess up." Petra also insisted on joining, her determination evident.

As they departed from the mansion,

They navigated through alleys to avoid detection, an awkward tension hung in the air between Petra and Levi. Eren, caught in the middle, broke the silence with a teasing remark. "So, when are you two deciding to get married?" He chuckled, unaware of the cost his words would incur.

A lightning-fast punch from Levi landed squarely on Eren's head, making him yelp in pain. "Hey, what was that for?" Eren asked, rubbing his sore spot.

"Asshole, that's payback for what you did yesterday..." Levi growled, his eyes flashing with anger. Petra's confusion deepened. "What do you mean?"

Before she could press for answers,their response was quick,"Nothing!" Eren ever the intelligent one diverted the topic back and continued yapping a rare sight , "Anyway, tell me when you two are planning to get engaged. I want some nephews! Why don't you two understand..." But Levi's patience wore thin, and he struck Eren again, silencing him.

Petra's response, however, caught Levi off guard. "I'm ready whenever, Cap... Levi is..." She hesitated, her gaze fixed on Levi, who clenched his teeth and turned crimson a way to show his embarrassment.

Eren, oblivious to the rising tension, continued to tease. "You sure, though? Levi is a short, old man, and a bit too old for you... As for I've heard girls prefer tall young guys with slender build."

Levi's anger boiled over. "Eren, I'll kill you!" But before he could react, Petra dropped a bombshell. "It doesn't matter to me if he's old or short... All that matters is that I like him." Her cheeks flushed, she nodded curtly, striking directly at Levi's heart elongating the awkwardness between them.

"Damn, that's deep," Eren said, his expression serious, like an elderly man. The three continued their journey, Petra asked, "How far away is your house, Eren?" sounded tired from the long walk.

Eren gestured towards the distant wall of Shiganshina, near the gate. "Well, it's over there. About 15 to 20 minutes more, don't worry." But fate had other plans.

A thunderous, ear-deafening voice filled the air, and a storming gust crossed through the bustling streets of Shiganshina. "What? Was that an earthquake?" Eren wondered, his gaze fixed on Levi, who was helping Petra up.

A nearby woman screamed, her hand gesturing towards the tall, looming wall near the gate. "Ahhhhhhhhh! What's that!!!" Eren's gaze shifted to the wall, his eyes widening in disbelief." Oh God." Eren whispered. A massive, red hand had clutched a part of the wall, crushing some of it beneath its tight grip.

"That's impossible! That wall is 50 meters high!" a nearby man exclaimed, his eyes wide with fear, bracing for the worst.

Levi, Petra, and Eren stood frozen, their gazes fixed on the steam rising beyond the walls, their thoughts racing with the same dire conclusion.

Suddenly, a bald figure emerged, its head slowly rising, its gaze fixed on the circular pattern etched into the ground by the cart's tires where the people stood their legs trembling from the meancing sight.

"Eren, Petra, let's go! We must kill that thing right now!" Levi bellowed, his voice firm and commanding.

But before he could continue, the enormous Titan raised its foot and, in a swift motion, kicked the gate leading to the outside walls, breaching it with ease.

"It...it kicked the gate like it was a rock," A kid spoke, Eren's gaze shifted to the blonde, who fell to his knees, his eyes fixed on the wall where the Titan slowly descended, its steam vanishing into the air.

"Arminnn???"