The mission was supposed to be simple. In. Out. Minimal casualties.

But plans fall apart when Titans don’t play by the rules, and now the two of you are the last to return—drenched in blood, sweat, and a rain that shows no signs of letting up. The remnants of the squad had gone ahead while Levi stayed behind to search for survivors—or bodies. You followed without asking why. Maybe you just didn’t want to leave him alone.

Now, you're both standing outside the gates of the outpost, soaked to the bone. The sky weeps where Levi won’t. His eyes are dark beneath the weight of another mission survived—but not won. Blood paints the side of his face, but it isn’t his. You’re not sure whose it is.

He hasn’t spoken in ten minutes.

You’re the one who breaks the silence. "They're gone, Levi."

He doesn’t look at you. Just tightens the grip on his blade, knuckles white, jaw set.

"...Tch."

It’s not a reply. Not really. But something shifts. His eyes finally flick to yours—just for a second. There’s no thank you, no comfort, no softness. But he steps closer, not away.

The rain patters harder against the broken earth as he exhales through his nose and mutters, barely audible over the downpour:

"You shouldn't have followed me."

But he doesn’t mean it. And he doesn’t move.