Chapter 56: ERWIN'S SUMMON
It had been a week since Sana's visit to the students, and the house had taken on an unusual sense of calm. Levi had only agreed to let her go under one condition: she would stay home and rest from then on, letting him take care of everything. He'd been unyielding on this point, and Sana, recognizing the depth of his concern, had promised without hesitation.
Levi's devotion had always been steadfast, but now it seemed boundless. Gone was the stoic, expressionless person she had first known. Within the walls of their home, Levi was a different man. He was attentive to her every need, quick to adapt to her cravings, and vigilant about her comfort.
Pregnancy had begun to take its toll—her growing belly and the changes in her body often left her exhausted. But Levi was always there, anticipating her needs before she even voiced them. He would massage her legs and feet when the swelling became unbearable, his fingers working skillfully to ease her discomfort. And when her lower back ached from the strain, he would gently lift her belly, providing instant relief.
"I must look ridiculous," Sana laughed one evening as Levi crouched down, carefully adjusting her posture while holding up her belly.
"You look perfect," Levi said matter-of-factly, his serious tone making her laugh even harder.
"You're going to spoil me at this rate," she teased, brushing her fingers through his dark hair.
"You deserve it," he replied, standing and pulling her close. "And I'm not spoiling you—I'm just doing what I want to." His tone softened, and the sincerity in his words made her heart flutter.
Levi didn't just care for her physical needs. He was there for her emotionally, too. When her hormones made her burst into tears over something as simple as spilling tea, Levi didn't judge or complain. Instead, he would sit beside her, holding her hand and quietly reassuring her until the tears subsided.
One afternoon, Sana found herself craving an unusual combination of foods—pickles and sweet buns. She hesitated to mention it, feeling embarrassed. But Levi noticed her fidgeting and asked, "What do you want?"
"Nothing," she replied quickly, though her tone betrayed her.
"Sana," he said firmly, crossing his arms. "Tell me. You know I'll find out anyway."
She laughed nervously. "It's silly. Pickles and sweet buns."
Levi blinked, then nodded as if it were the most normal request in the world. "Wait here."
An hour later, he returned with pickle and freshly baked buns. "You didn't have to go yourself," she said, touched by the effort.
"I didn't trust anyone else to get it right," he replied, sitting beside her as she happily indulged.
---
That evening, after a long day of selecting new members for his team, Levi returned home to find Sana waiting for him on their veranda. The sunset bathed her in a warm glow, her hair catching the light like strands of gold. She smiled as he approached, holding out a cup of tea for him.
"You're back," she said warmly.
"Yeah," he replied, taking the cup and sitting beside her.
The air was cool, and the scent of flowers from the balcony garden filled the space. The phonograph in the corner played a soft, romantic tune, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
"You look happy, something special?" Sana asked, her tone curious.
"New cadets of my team, Oluo and Petra, are young yet extra talented and very skillful." Levi replied, his expression thoughtful.
Sana's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You never tell me much about your team members. Is there someone special this time?"
Levi gave her a sharp look, his brow furrowing. "Don't even joke about that."
Sana laughed, nudging his shoulder playfully. "Alright, alright. You're so serious!"
Levi sighed, realizing he'd been too harsh. "Sorry," he muttered, setting down his cup.
Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her, his lips warm and lingering. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer.
Sana gasped softly as Levi lifted her effortlessly into his lap. His kisses trailed from her lips to her neck, his voice low and husky as he whispered, "I can't even imagine anyone else. You're the only one for me."
Her heart raced as his hands moved gently over her, his touch tender yet possessive. "Levi…" she murmured, her cheeks flushing.
The song on the phonograph shifted to a slower, more intimate rhythm. Levi stood, still holding her, and placed her on her feet. He stepped behind her, his hands resting on her waist, and began to sway gently.
"Dance with me," he said, his breath warm against her ear.
She laughed softly. "There's still sunlight."
"So?" he replied, spinning her slowly to face him.
They moved together in perfect harmony, the golden light of the sunset casting long shadows across the veranda. Levi's eyes never left hers, and in that moment, the world outside their little haven ceased to exist.
"You're different now," Sana said softly, resting her head against his chest as they swayed.
"Different how?" he asked, his voice calm.
"More open. More… tender."
Levi was quiet for a moment before replying, "You changed me. Before you, I didn't think I needed anyone. But now…" He pulled back slightly, tilting her chin so she could see the sincerity in his eyes. "Now, I can't imagine a life without you."
Tears welled up in Sana's eyes, and she smiled. "You're going to make me cry again," she said, laughing through her emotions.
"Then cry," he said softly, brushing a tear from her cheek. "As long as you're happy, I don't care."
They stayed like that until the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep purple and navy. Finally, Levi led her back inside, carrying her to the couch where they spent the rest of the evening talking, laughing, and cherishing each other's presence.
Later, as they lay in bed, Levi wrapped his arms around her, his hand resting protectively on her growing belly. "I'll protect both of you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Sana placed her hand over his, feeling the strength and love in his touch. "I know you will," she replied, her voice filled with absolute trust.
As the night deepened, the sound of the phonograph still faintly playing in the background, they drifted off to sleep, their hearts full and at peace.
-----
Morning sunlight filtered through the windows as Levi prepared to leave for the meeting. He glanced over at Sana, still sleeping peacefully. Her hand rested protectively over her, and the sight made him hesitate. The weight of responsibility tugged at him, but he knew there was no avoiding Erwin's summons.
Levi brushed a stray lock of hair from Sana's face, leaning down to kiss her forehead before whispering, "I'll be back soon."
As he arrived at headquarters, the familiar tension in the air greeted him. Erwin was waiting in his office, maps spread across the desk and his ever-calm demeanor concealing the gravity of what was to come.
"Levi," Erwin greeted, his tone serious. "We're planning a new expedition. It's urgent, and this time, it's crucial."
Levi crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Why now? What's the sudden need? Can't this happen without me?"
Erwin looked up, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you saying you don't want to join? It's to the edge of the island"
Levi's expression didn't waver. "I have a family now, Erwin. A wife who's carrying my child. Unlike you, I can't just drop everything because of some grand plan. Not anymore." His voice carried a mix of mockery and seriousness, the term "eyebrow" slipping in like an old habit.
Erwin's lips twitched in the faintest hint of amusement before his expression hardened. "Levi, this isn't about me or you. It's about survival—ours and the future's. It's not something we can delay."
Levi's jaw tightened. "Important or not, dragging everyone out to the edge of the island sounds like madness. Are you seriously planning to throw every one of us into a suicide mission?"
Erwin stepped around the desk, his voice steady but resolute. "This isn't a suicide mission. The plan is to avoid contact with Titans as much as possible. Our objective isn't to fight—it's to discover what lies beyond the island."
Levi scoffed, his tone sharp. "And what? You think the capital will take our word for it? We already have someone who knows what's out there—Sana. Do you really think we need to gamble everyone's lives for this? Also we have Yaegar's proof with us."
Erwin's gaze softened, though his determination remained. "Levi, you trust Sana. I trust Sana. But the capital won't take her word alone as proof. And about Dr. Yaegar's proofs, Sana had already invented camera so they won't even consider that as a proof. They need something tangible, something undeniable. We will definetily use the information he had left behind. But if we don't act now, the truth may die with us, and this island will remain trapped in ignorance and fear. And also it's going to be unofficial. Only the captains will know about the full plan."
Levi stared at Erwin, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed the storm brewing inside him.
"I understand why you're worried," Erwin continued, his voice quieter but no less firm. "But this is bigger than us. If we succeed, we pave the way for a future where your child—and every child—can live without the walls. Isn't that what we're all fighting for?"
Levi's silence hung heavy in the room. Erwin waited, knowing his friend needed time to process the enormity of the decision.
Finally, Levi exhaled sharply. "I don't like it," he admitted. "But I'll go."
Erwin nodded. "We'll need your strength out there. As always."
Before Levi left, he paused at the door, his voice dropping to a near growl. "But if this mission costs unnecessary lives because of your damn ambition, I'll never forgive you. Not this time."
Erwin didn't flinch. "I wouldn't expect you to."
---
When Levi returned home, the weight of the conversation lingered on his shoulders. Sana, now awake and sitting in their living room, noticed immediately.
"You look like you've fought a hundred Titans already," she teased lightly, but her smile faded when she saw his expression. "What's wrong?"
Levi sat down beside her, hesitating for a moment before taking her hand. "Erwin's planning an expedition. A long one. To the edge of the island."
Sana's brow furrowed. "That sounds dangerous. Are you going?"
Levi nodded reluctantly. "I don't have a choice."
Her grip on his hand tightened. "You always have a choice, Levi."
"No, not this time," he said, his voice firm but laced with regret. "Erwin thinks this is our chance to uncover the truth, to give our children a future without walls."
Sana studied his face, her heart aching at the conflict she saw there. "And what do you think?"
Levi looked away, his voice quieter. "I think he's right. But it doesn't make it any easier."
She placed her free hand over her belly, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Levi, promise me you'll come back. Not just for me, but for this little one. They need their father."
His eyes softened, and he leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers. "I'll come back. No matter what it takes."
The vulnerability in his voice broke something in her, and she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. For a long moment, they stayed like that, finding solace in each other's presence.
Later that night, as they lay in bed, Levi's hand rested over her. He didn't sleep, his mind too consumed by the mission ahead and the family he was leaving behind.
Sana, sensing his unease, whispered into the darkness, "Levi, you're not alone in this. Whatever happens out there, we'll face it together."
Her words, simple but unwavering, anchored him. He kissed her temple and held her closer, silently vowing to do everything in his power to protect her and the future they were building.