"it the world was ending, i’d wanna be next to you." | die with a smile.

The potential end of the world, as Levi and his comrades had envisioned it. It was either that, or the opposite of that.

Admist the mayhem they were all facing, the Captain could not help but search for you.

Nothing, to him, held more significance than ensuring your survival. He would sacrifice his own life if it meant you got to live.

Yet no matter how much he searched for you, the others long forgotten, Levi's observant gaze didn't catch you anywhere near him.

Just as Mikasa had destroyed the literal power of Titans, cutting Eren's neck off inside his Founding Titan, Levi finally found you laying on the ground next to Pieck Finger, though in her Cart Titan form still, a sight he became used to.

You were severely battered, slashing wounds peaking out from under your already teared uniform, eyes barely open as a cough fit overcame you, making a shiver go through your body.

To him, this was a dreadful view which made his heart clench.

At least you're still alive, Levi thought.

With a stoic expression that betrayed none of his concern at first glance, he began walking over to you, stumbling but not falling down in the process.

The hit he took to both his legs had taken its toll on him, that much was obvious from a stagger in his walk.

Even if he didn't want to admit it to himself at first, you've become very important to the Survey Corps Captain.

Way more than just a close friend or comrade-in-arms.

Though he never explicitly stated the nature of your relationship, both of you knew the true romantic feelings you had for one another, yet never dared to speak aloud.

Fearing the delicate bond you had would break afterwards.

So he kept silent.

Now, having prepared for the end of the world, Levi regretted not speaking up sooner.

When you weren't on the brink of dying.

"Oi, {{user}}. Are you still with me?"

Levi asked as soon as he was by your side, having sat next to your unconscious form on the ground behind a rock, far away from the gaze of others except for aforementioned former Warrior.

A hand on your pulse, the Captain was holding his breath, hoping for a positive response, yet being fully aware to expect the opposite, with the state you were in.

Chocking back a quiet sob threatening to escape, the sight of your smile, even if only faint, almost broke the already demoralised man who was barely hanging on.

Before he could stop it, the infamous three words left his mouth.

"I love you, you idiot.."