Pixis could tell something was up.

Earlier, Levi had met up with him outside the hospital where he knew Erwin had been admitted to. The both of them together with Pixis' assistant, headed to the room because he had to meet with Erwin concerning current state of affairs within the walls.

Now here they were, gathered inside Erwin's hospital room. Levi was sitting beside the bed, Pixis on the other side, and his assistant had opted to stand by the wall.

"It's good to see you're up and about, Erwin," Pixis said as Erwin turned to him. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing quite fine, sir. Thank you for asking," he answered with his usual business expression and tone. As expected of the iron commander of the Survey Corps—even as he recently lost an entire arm, he looked unfazed as ever. Pixis thought how the Scouts really were a whole different breed.

Pixis decided to go straight into business and relayed everything that had happened within the walls the past days, about how citizens of Wall Rose had been sent to the underground civilization, how the military only managed to keep them in check in one week before announcing that Wall Rose was safe, as well as the aftermath and unrest among the masses.

As Pixis neared the end of his report, all traces of playfulness in his expression had now faded away and was replaced with a more solemn look. "We can now be certain, that one week after Wall Rose falls, people will begin to destroy one another."

With a lax arm draped at the back of the wooden chair, Levi gave a halfhearted apology to Erwin. "You've finally recovered to the point of being able to talk. I'm sure just hearing about this week is enough to make you want to go to bed again."

Erwin lightly shook his head. "No, I've had enough sleep." He then added that he would like to hear more news of what happened while he had been out.

"Well, it's too bad about your arm," Levi pointed out, returning his passive grey eyes to Erwin; despite the seemingly dull stare, there was a genuine hint of concern in his gaze.

Erwin followed his stare to the bandaged part of where his right arm should have been. One arm was a small price to pay. "How many hundreds of soldiers do you think I've fed to the titans? One arm's hardly enough to make up for all of that; I'll pay off my debts in hell one day."

"Careful," said Levi. "What would she say if she heard you say that?"

Pixis arched a brow. She?

The door to the room creaked open, and Pixis turned to see that had Isanna walked in with a tray in hand. She curtly nodded at Pixis's direction in a formal greeting.

"I brought tea," she said, walking over.

She offered a cup to Pixis' assistant, then to Pixis himself. "Thank you, Sergeant," he said with a smile.

Then he watched her pad over to the other side and handed Levi a cup, saying something about how she made sure she got the ratio of his favorite mixture correct because he was picky when it came to his tea. After that, she turned to Erwin.

"Doctor said you should only drink water for the time being," she said, passing him a glass of water.

Erwin accepted it. "Thank you."

Pixis watched the exchange with a curious glint. Although eccentric, he was an observant man. He knew something was up the moment they arrived here and took note of the cozy air between the two. Like an invisible barrier had finally crumbled.

But the most interesting sight of all, Pixis noted, was Erwin. Nobody made a comment earlier when they'd first arrived, but it was as obvious as a dark stain in a white shirt.

Levi still wore his usual straight face, but there was the slightest hint of amusement in his eyes.

Pixis had to clear his throat and pressed his lips together to refrain from breaking into a knowing smile. His assistant on the other hand took one look at Erwin then at Isanna, then averted her gaze with a blush.

Because they could see it clearly: partially hidden by the collar of Erwin's shirt, there was an unmistakable bright mark on his neck—a hickey.

Ah, love, Pixis thought with nostalgia as he reminisced his youthful days when he courted his wife. How beautiful.

A piercing rap struck the door, catching everyone's attention.

"It's Hanji," Levi said, side glancing at the door. "Enter."

As the door opened, Hanji came in together with younger-looking cadet with a shaved head. She thumped her fist on her chest in their standard salute and greeted the figures in the room.

Soon after, they had a discussion that addressed the mysterious key points around the recent titan spotting.

•

After Hanji's report, she and Connie Springer together with Isanna had excused themselves and left the room.

"Titans are humans.. Tch. This whole situation is getting even more confusing by the second," Levi muttered to no one in particular, ruffling his hair as he thought about Hanji's inference after her investigation in Ragako village.

"But Section Commander Hanji isn't certain of it, so we should leave room for other possibilities," Pixis said, arms crossed over his chest as he allowed the new revelation to sink in.

"Certain or not, I'm sure as hell the nature of the titans is still fucked up."

Pixis hummed, nodding with closed eyes as he mulled it over. "Indeed. But either way, that will be an issue we'll face in the long-run." He opened his eyes and looked at Erwin, who seemed to be in the middle of a deep rumination. "So, Erwin. What are you planning on doing now? I heard the government will be summoning you over."

Pixis thought it was strange. He felt as if the monarchy had become even more.. frantic, ever since the retrieval mission for Eren. Apprehensive and anxious, particularly towards the Scouts.

Erwin glanced at his recent injury and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Yes. I plan on heading to the capital as soon as I can."

Pixis and his assistant left not too long after talking for a bit more. As the silence trickled in, Levi contemplated about the fact that he'd been probably killing humans all this time. He teared his face from the window and looked over towards Erwin, who looked like he was thinking deeply as well. Levi had noticed he'd been particularly dazed ever since Hanji's inference about the true nature of the titans.

And then, Levi blinked, confused.

"Oi, Erwin. The hell.. you smiling for?"

Erwin seemed to have snapped out of his daze.

"Ah.." Erwin mildly shook his head to dismiss it. "It's nothing. It's just that with this, we've taken one step closer to the truth."

"Only one step?" A light frown pulled Levi's thin brows. "At this rate, we'll run out of people before we can reach the truth."

Erwin did not reply straight away. A determined expression slowly planted in his features. In this year alone, the Survey Corps had unveiled more revelations and achieved more than all the past years combined; like the universe was finally showing humanity a clear path towards the truth after countless years of toying with them. It took countless sacrifices, but they were on the right track.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of giddiness rooting inside him.

Please wait a little bit more.. father.

"You're a creepy guy," Levi pointed out as a matter-of-fact, still confused at the face Erwin had made—like a child who had just seen the most astonishing thing.

Erwin lightly hummed, not offended at the comment. "People have said that since I was little."

"And despite that, Isanna still stuck with your weird ass for this long," Levi said. "Is that the real reason you joined the Survey Corps?"

Erwin allowed a small smile to form on him. "Ease off, Levi. Don't you feel sorry for me, after I got one of my arms eaten?"

Levi could hear the playful tone in his voice and felt his lip twitch along with him. "Perhaps." He paused. "You've gotten awfully talkative now; smiling a lot more, even. It's disgusting. Did your losing an arm turn on your switch for emotions or something?"

Despite his words, there was no animosity in Levi's tone. Although he pointed it out, he already had an inkling about the reason of the change in Erwin's demeanor. It was off-putting, especially since he was used to him being stoic and cold most of the time.

Love was disgusting, Levi concluded.

A soft chuckle reverberated from Erwin, only surprising Levi even more, but he didn't show it.

"Is that so?" Erwin stared down at his lap, a ghostly smile painting his lips as his eyes softened. "I suppose you're right."

Levi stared at him like he'd grown three more heads. So this was what the so-called iron commander of the Scouts looked like when in love. He didn't know if he should be amused, or disgusted.

"Hate to break your honeymoon phase just when you've finally grown the balls to ask her out, but just so you know, we have an entire government up in our ass," Levi said. "We need to plan ahead if you don't want to lose another limb."

It was a few seconds until Erwin replied, "Yes. I'm fully aware. I'll meet with the Assembly after I'm discharged, and if time allows it, we'll discuss the regiment's next course of action by then."

Levi stared at him for a moment of silence, then said, "Isanna seems like a handful, huh."

Erwin looked at him, a thick brow arched. His inquisitive silence told him to elaborate.

Scoffing, Levi crossed his arms and eased into his seat, giving him a knowing look. "So she's the aggressive kisser type," he said, nodding his head to the mark on Erwin's neck.

He had to applaud Erwin's composure. Because the commander just looked away, cleared his throat, then adjusted the collar of his shirt with one hand. All without missing a beat.

Levi just rolled his eyes.

Hanji had won their bet.

•

Connie Springer was one you'd call the mood maker within the group. Together with the person whom he called his best friend, Sasha, they were the duo who'd almost always lift the mood in times of trouble—and when you're in the Survey Corps, that meant each second of each day.

But people most often forget that even mood makers can get in a slump.

And for Connie, this was one of those times.

After their report to the commanders, he followed Hanji and Isanna out of the hospital and headed to where the new Levi Squad had been stationed. After the recent operation, Levi had them rest far away from the city as a protective measure, so it was a long way.

"Cadet, could you give us some privacy?"

Connie blinked out of his daze and realized that Isanna and Hanji was waiting for his response. He absentmindedly nodded and waited a few steps away as his two superiors talked out of earshot.

He couldn't hear what they were talking about, but he did notice the gloom hovering above Hanji and the discomfort in her expression. Isanna said something and patted her on the shoulder, and her mood seemed to have lifted a bit judging by the grateful smile she wore. Moments after, Hanji waved at Connie's direction and walked away.

He saw Isanna turn to him and beckon him over, which he obeyed.

"Is Section Commander Hanji leaving?" Connie asked as he neared her.

"Yeah. I'll be escorting you to the cottage. Southeast region, right?"

"Yes ma'am."

He heard Isanna sigh.

"Just Isanna is fine," she said. "Unless we're in the middle of an expedition."

Connie wasn't sure how to take her words. Instructor Shadis Keith had drilled it into his thick head to always respect his higher-ups, so calling the Sergeant Major by her name was off-putting. Especially since this was probably only the second time he had a direct conversation with her.

Connie followed her to the stables for their horses and sped off towards their destination, all the while, neither elicited any unnecessary conversations.

Horse hooves clopped against the dust, and the warm afternoon sun was beating down. It was a clear day. Isanna didn't seem like she was in a hurry based on the speed of her horse, so Connie didn't push his faster either.

They passed by hills and ponds, fresh breeze dancing in the air and slapping their faces as they rode by, and Connie would have appreciated nature better if it weren't for the knowledge that his entire hometown and family save for his mother was gone.

Immediately at the thought, he clenched his jaw and furrowed his brows, gaze lowered.

His family was gone. And his mother.. she was basically a goner at this point too. He'd lost everything in the blink of an eye.

Reiner.. Bertholdt.. I'll never forgive you.

"Something on your mind, Springer?"

Connie flinched at the sudden call. He turned and looked at Isanna, who had her gaze straight ahead.

The Sergeant Major. Connie had heard rumors about her. Before he enlisted into the Training Corps, he'd heard of a formidable trio of soldiers in the Survey Corps, and she happened to be one of them. Connie had a hard time describing her. She wasn't entirely intimidating and unapproachable, but she wasn't entirely friendly either.

"Um.. no, ma—er, Isanna-san."

She made a noncommittal hum. "Good work in helping Hanji's investigation. You did a lot."

It stung him, but Connie swallowed the pain. "Yes. I'm glad... to be of help."

"I'm sorry about your mom."

Connie bit his lip and blinked back the hot tears. No way in hell was he going to cry in front of the Sergeant Major. She'd think he was pathetic. He needed to show how strong he was—he's a goddamn Scout, for pete's sake.

Besides, he wasn't the only one who'd lost someone important. All of them did. His wasn't anything different.

Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't—

A gentle pat slapped him at the back.

"Cry."

Connie turned to Isanna, who had finally teared her eyes from the path to look at him and steered her horse closer.

"Cry," she repeated. "Let it out. Vulnerability.. is not something to be ashamed of. Never was, never will. Remember, you are a son before you are a soldier."

Connie always had a hard time describing the Sergeant Major. She wasn't entirely intimidating and unapproachable, and she wasn't entirely friendly either. But at that moment, Connie thought she looked softer and kinder. Perhaps, maybe like a mom.

And to Connie who'd just lost a mom, that meant the world to him.

Maybe, crying was what Connie desperately needed. And Isanna gave it to him.

•

"If I hadn't made your bed this morning—"

"SHUT UP! Are you my mom?!"

When Isanna walked in the cottage, it was chaos. Eren and Jean were at each other's throats, Armin was berating Sasha for sneaking a loaf of bread, and Mikasa and Historia were silently observing the mess.

So this is the new Levi Squad, she thought.

Mikasa was the first one to notice her and Connie. Isanna swore she saw the innocent gleam in Mikasa's eyes when she saw her. Mikasa placed the ax (Isanna had no idea why she was holding an ax) beside the wall and walked over to her, greeting her, and it was then did the rest of the cadets finally take notice of her arrival.

The arguments stopped almost immediately and everyone turned to her in a salute.

"It's good to see you're all in high spirits," Isanna said, arms crossed while she surveyed the place. It was noticeably cleaner than she'd expected. Although knowing Levi, he'd probably find something to nitpick anyway.

"Isanna-san," Eren said, "is Captain Levi not with you?"

"Yeah. He's still with the Commander."

Eren looked visibly relieved. "Oh. Are you staying here with us?"

"No, just came to check on you in place of Levi." She lightly squinted. The government was moving strangely these past few days. The reason why Levi had his squad out here was to stay hidden from the authorities' radar. It was only a matter of time before they're found.

Hopefully, Erwin's discharged by then and we can finally make our move against those bastards.

"Anyway, don't mind me and continue cleaning," she said, waving a dismissive hand. "And here's a tip: make sure to clean under the table."

•

Isanna led the clean-up, which was, according to the cadets, a sure-win of satisfying Levi's cleaning standards. She didn't know why, but apparently, they perceived her rather highly. Especially Mikasa. She always had stars in her eyes every time she looked at Isanna.

Wiping her forehead from the sweat, Isanna stepped out into the back of the cottage. Historia was there, sitting on the stairs and seemingly in deep thought. Isanna noticed she'd been particularly distant.

"Mind if I join you?"

Historia briefly peered over her shoulders, before she shook her head. Isanna sat down beside her.

"Your squad mates are awfully loud," Isanna said after they heard another round of argument erupt from inside the cottage. It sounded like Eren and Jean. Again.

"Yes," came Historia's timid answer.

Isanna side glanced her. "I heard your story from Levi. You really haven't made contact with Rod Reiss for five years?"

".. I haven't."

"What's his connection to the wallists?"

"I don't know, Sergeant."

Isanna held back a sigh. As it stood now, they still had little information.

"I'm sorry," Historia suddenly said. "I'm not much of a help."

She looks likes her soul got zapped, Isanna thought with concern. Her eyes were dull, and her voice timid. It was a big difference from when they'd set out on the operation days ago to retrieve Eren and Ymir. They did manage to get Eren back, but—

Oh.

Maybe that was why.

She was really persistent in defending her back then too.

"You were right, Sergeant." Historia broke the silence. "Maybe I shouldn't have.. given Ymir too much credit. She ended up leaving anyway."

Isanna stayed silent. They both of them did have a some sort of disagreement back then.

"I just really thought.. Ymir would choose to stay with me." Historia pulled her knees closer and buried her face in them. "Maybe I was wrong about her."

Isanna looked at the curled frame of the girl sitting beside her, so small she looked so fragile and on the verge of breaking. Hesitantly, she lifted a hand and patted Historia on the head.

"I don't think you were wrong about her," Isanna said. Historia didn't lift her face, but Isanna continued anyway, "Maybe... she just had her reasons. And she made her own decision." She thought about what happened near the end of that operation, when Ymir's titan had jumped in to save Erwin. Isanna still had no idea why she did that, but she was eternally grateful.

Historia slowly raised her head, revealing her face as her blonde streaks fell. "Do you really think so, Sergeant?"

Isanna pulled her hand back. "Well.. you know her better than I do. What do you think?"

Isanna watched as Historia got her answer, the expression on her face slowly becoming fuller.

Historia faintly smiled at her. "Thank you, Isanna-san."

•

Later in the evening when Levi and Hanji's squad arrived, Isanna headed back to the downtown southern city of Wall Rose.

"Where have you been?" asked Erwin just as Isanna walked in the hospital room.

She shrugged off her coat and slumped on the couch with a tired sigh. She massaged her eyelids. "Went to check Levi's squad. Eren and Historia are safe. For now, anyway."

"Did nobody tail you there?"

Isanna shook her head. "Didn't see nor sense anyone. They'll be safe for a few days.... probably." She paused when a thought crossed over. "I heard a commotion in Trost. Pastor Nick died. Did you know?"

Erwin's gaze betrayed no emotion. "Yes. I was already informed."

"Want me to look into it?"

"No need," he said. "Hanji is already investigating. I'm waiting for her report."

Isanna sank deeper into the couch and stretched her legs over the other end. She stared at the ceiling, where the chipped painting of white had been slowly peeling off through the years.

Not even a full two weeks since that bloody emergency operation and now they've received another piece of unsettling news.

"Two days from now," said Erwin, interrupting her thoughts, "I'll get permission for my discharge and set out for the capital."

She sat up, resisting the urge to chuck a pillow at this face. "You literally just woke up."

"The higher-ups have postponed my summons long enough. They're restless, Isanna. I need to answer their summons soon."

Isanna was about to retort, but closed her mouth again and decided otherwise. She sighed and massaged her temple. "And just when I thought we can finally take a break from those damned titans.. those government shit-faced bastards decided to insert themselves."

Erwin turned to the window and peered outside.

"I share your sentiments," he mused. "Still, you'd do well to keep your guard up. The government won't sit still any longer. This is the calm before a storm."

"Tsk." She scoffed. "More like a storm before another storm. There's never a 'calm'."

Erwin turned to her and stayed quiet for a while.

"You seem agitated," he pointed out. Then he patted the spot beside him, gesturing her over. "Would you like to sleep here with me tonight?"

It took her a few seconds to process his offer.

"Can I?" she said, eagerness dripping in her voice. Erwin held back a chuckle when he noted the change in her mood. Adorable.

"You're always welcome on my bed."

"For old time's sake," he added as an afterthought, recalling the amount of times she'd barged into his private quarters and slept on his bed in the past. Life as a soldier had never been easy for them, but those times were undoubtedly simpler compared to their current circumstance.

Isanna made her way towards the bed and plopped beside him. She sank under the covers and pulled it over her without a word.

The tip of his lips twitched into a small smile. When she was finally comfortable, Erwin turned to the window once more. There was a lot on his agenda for the next few days, and depending on how things would go, the Scouts will have to find themselves in yet another crisis.

The only difference this time around, was that their enemies came not from the outside.

The smile on him slowly disappeared.

Something told Erwin he'd have to brace himself for what's to come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: headcannon that erwin's love language is physical touch bc why not :>

also idk if people are aware but apparently in the manga historia had a breakdown after ymir left her so i wanted to mention that part

also THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR 100K READS AND 6K VOTES!

im starting college so maybe youll notice updates will be less frequent, but I'll try my best to post something every now and then. we're like 30% away from the ending btw ^^

the uprising arc has always been my favorite in the entire series (bc erwin and levi carried season 3 hands down) so im kinda excited to write it

this has been a long (frustrating and painful) ride but thanks anyway for sticking to this fic this far! until then!

~buncha