Dedication

It was almost dinnertime when Armin placed a blanket over Levi's shoulders, who was fast asleep, sitting in a chair, hunched over the infirmary bed where Hange was also sleeping. Making as little noise as possible, Lara gently removed her mother's glasses and eye patch, tucking her in. She also put a pillow under Hange's feet so she could sleep more comfortably.

The doctors had given Hange a tranquilizer, for the shock she got from the hit had caused her blood pressure to rise considerably, and if she didn't calm down, they worried that something worse could happen.

From what the doctors could diagnose, fortunately, the hit hadn't caused any serious damage to the baby or to Hange, but they thought it best for her to spend the night in the infirmary, in observation. Levi looked very worried and tired in his sleep, and Lara felt her eyes burn at seeing her parents in that condition. She didn't even notice when Armin got closer and gently squeezed her shoulders.

"Come, baby," he whispered, "you need to eat something. Let them rest."

Downcast, Lara nodded and Armin ushered her out of the room, closing the door behind him. The corridors were dark, silent, and cold. Only the sounds of other patients, doctors, and nurses echoed here and there, coming from some other rooms of the infirmary.

When Lara found herself alone with Armin, she slowly leaned her forehead against his chest and began to cry, softly. At the same instant, he wrapped his arms around her, stroking her back and placing soft kisses on the top of her head.

"W-Why it had to happen, now of all times?" Lara asked herself, sobbing, "My father c-can't leave us. He needs to stay with m-my mother." She took a deep breath, her chest trembling, "And not knowing where he will be is even worse!"

"I know, I know..." replied Armin, while patting her lightly on the back. He pressed his lips together and frowned in concern.

Lara had said that, because in the afternoon, Levi had to leave the infirmary for an important meeting and it had come to the conclusion that they would have to take Zeke into custody in the Forest of Giant Trees, away from society. The reason was that the area was suitable, for the Forest limits the utility of his Beast Titan and is perfect for using the ODM gear if something happens. Levi was put in charge of Zeke's custody, because he obviously was the most qualified person for that.

Hange, Lara, and Levi felt a strong tightness in their chests, knowing that they would have to be separated, for an indefinite time, especially during this situation that Hange was going through. However, they couldn't help but think that Levi was, indeed, the best person to keep Zeke's guard. Levi would leave the next morning, in the company of thirty other soldiers.

However, only Hange could know where Levi would stay with Zeke, and unfortunately, Lara and Armin could not have access to this information, due to orders from above. Of course, they were very curious, but their years of experience as soldiers made them understand that they could not insist on knowing more about confidential matters, even if it was something that was extremely important to them.

"Don't worry, my love," said Armin, taking Lara's chin, so she could look up at him, "I'll help you with whatever you need. You can count on me," he gave her a little smile, "I'm sure your father will be fine and he'll be back soon."

Lara blinked slowly, smiling back and giving him a tight hug.

"Thank you so much, babe..." she sighed, "And thank you for making my father come back. I have no idea what you told him, but it worked." Lara gazed deeply at Armin, "You're amazing, I love you."

Armin pressed his lips against hers in a soft, comforting peck kiss, telling her he also loved her very much. He asked her to go to have dinner and then, they both left the infirmary with their hands entwined.

When they arrived at the refectory, it was quite full. They stood for a few seconds at the entrance, looking for an empty seat. Then, they noticed that some soldiers started pointing at them and whispering among themselves. At first, Lara and Armin were confused by this strange reaction, but then they realized it was because they were still holding hands, and the soldiers obviously noticed.

The couple looked at each other and gave a little heartwarming smile. They squeezed their hands a bit more and started to walk together through the refectory, feeling everyone's eyes on them. To their surprise, many watched them with little smiles on their faces, as if to say they were happy for them. It made Armin and Lara feel a warmth in their hearts, for those smiles came at a proper time.

They spotted Sasha waving from one of the tables, where she was having dinner with Connie, Jean, and Mikasa. The couple got their food and sat down with their friends. They congratulated Lara and Armin on making their engagement official, expressing how glad they were that they finally sorted things out and decided to be together. Then, Connie said he had heard that Commander Hange had been injured or something, and with a heavy heart, Lara told them everything about what Eren had done, leaving them completely stunned. Mikasa listened in silence, her jaw trembling and her eyes watering. She constantly touched her head, implying she was having some pain. After dinner, they spent some more time talking about the latest events, until they noticed that the refectory was already pretty empty. Jean, Sasha, Connie, and Mikasa wished goodnight to Lara and Armin, each going to their bedrooms, and the couple also left the refectory, not letting go of their hands for even a minute.

When they got back to the infirmary, they found Levi and Hange finishing their dinner. The four of them talked about what they were going to do from now on and it was agreed that during the time Levi was gone, it would be better for Hange and Lara to stay at the Headquarters, sleeping in their old bedroom, for it would be too much trouble to have to go back home every single day, now that it looked like things were starting to get more complicated. Besides the fact that if anything happened, especially with Hange, Armin would be around to help them.

It was funny how Armin had just gotten into the lives of Lara, Hange, and Levi just a few days ago, but it felt like he had been part of the Ackerman Family for a long time, such harmony the four of them lived and worked together.

Then, Hange and Levi asked if Lara and Armin could go to their house at that moment, to get suitcases with the girl's clothes and a suitcase for Levi as well, and they promptly agreed and left.

Lara was still a little befuddled by the events with her mother as she packed the suitcases. However, Armin proved to be a very dedicated fiancé in helping her, reminding her to bring at least the lavender essential oil, for he felt it would be important for Lara to continue to do what she could to ensure that Hange maintains hers and the baby's care routine, that included her nightly belly massages with the essential oil. He also suggested that Lara prepared some little pots with some of Levi's favorite tea flavors, so he could at least feel a little more relaxed during his stay at the place he was going. Lara was very grateful that Armin was so affectionate to her family and loved him even more because of that.

Before leaving the house and locking the front door, Lara remembered something and quickly went to Tiny-Human-Bean's bedroom and took the teddy bear that Armin had given as a present, claiming that maybe her mother would feel better to have something belonging to the baby. It warmed Armin's heart.

It was almost midnight when the couple arrived back with the suitcases. Lara and Levi were going to sleep in the infirmary and, to their surprise, Armin also offered to stay, for he would like to keep them company and that he could be helpful, in case Hange needed something during the night. Although that would be very unlikely (because they were surrounded by highly qualified doctors and nurses), the fact that Armin had shown he cared so much for Lara, Hange, and Levi, made them know that they could not have chosen a better young man to join their family and promptly accepted his company.

One of the doctors didn't like the idea of having so many people together in a single room, but Dr. Wilson popped up behind him claiming that they had every right to stay where they well pleased, because humanity owed their lives to those four heroes, for their intelligence and strength. Just as Armin had thought a couple of days ago, Lara also made a mental note to invite him to her wedding party.

While she helped her mother go to the bathroom to put on their pajamas, Levi and Armin brought three armchairs to the room to have a better night's sleep, since tomorrow, everyone would need to be well rested and prepared, especially Levi. As Lara rubbed her mother's belly with the essential oil, father and son-in-law went outside to change into their pajamas as well.

Levi slept in an armchair right next to his wife, with one hand holding hers, the other on her belly. Hange, who cried when receiving the teddy bear, fell asleep cuddling the stuffed toy. Armin and Lara also slept in their armchairs, one next to the other, in a corner of the room, hands entwined. At one point in the middle of the night, during his night watch, Dr. Wilson spotted the two couples sleeping and smiled at himself, feeling his heart warm at the sight of that scene, despite the circumstances.

The next morning, Levi said goodbye to the three of them. Lara and Armin left the room so that her parents could say goodbye with more privacy, and Levi gave Hange a long and passionate kiss, who was already crying by now. He lifted his wife's shirt and deeply kissed the place with the purple bruise.

"Daddy will be back soon, Tiny-Human-Bean," he whispered, his mouth brushing Hange's belly, as he caressed it, "Take good care of Mommy, your sister, and your brother-in-law." Levi pressed his lips together, feeling a big lump in his throat, "I love you very much, okay? Hang in there just a little longer."

The baby moved slightly as if to answer its father. Hange watched the scene with tears streaming down her cheeks and pulled Levi for another tearful kiss. He gently cupped her face and gave her several soft, gentle peck kisses, feeling the warmth of Hange's lips.

"Please," Levi gazed deeply at her, with a worried expression, "if anything happens, anything at all, ask Lara or Armin to send a message for the soldiers who will be delivering our supplies during this time, got it?" He kissed her on the forehead, closing his eyes, "I love you, Hange."

"I love you too, babe," she sobbed, hugging her husband, "I love you so much! Please, take care of yourself, okay?"

Heartbroken, Levi left the room and found Lara and Armin in the corridor. Lara rushed to hug her father, but he signaled her to stop, making her confused.

Levi looked around, to make sure they were alone and called his daughter and son-in-law to get closer. He took both their wrists and pulled them down lightly so that their ears were right next to his mouth.

"Listen carefully to what I'm gonna tell you," whispered Levi, seeming nervous, "I'll be in the Forest of Giant Trees." He released them and looked at them as if nothing had happened.

Lara and Armin's eyes widened. Of all the soldiers they've ever met, Levi was the least likely to defy an order from his superiors, especially at revealing something that is kept secret. Seeing that his daughter and son-in-law were somewhat astonished, Levi got closer again.

"I'm doing this for your mother and for our family," he whispered, "Hange doesn't know I'm telling you this. She still thinks she's the only one who has access to this information." He drew apart and gave them a sad look, "Now, I really have to go. They must be waiting for me."

Lara then threw herself on her father's neck, hugging him tight. Levi reciprocated and told her the same thing he had told Hange and kissed her forehead.

"I love you very much, Daddy," said Lara, with a choked-up voice from crying, "We'll be thinking about you and hoping you come back soon."

"I love you very much too, baby," he replied, stroking her hair.

Armin was very surprised when his father-in-law suddenly called him in for a hug as well.

"Please, take care of our girls," Levi asked. He pulled away and squeezed his son-in-law's shoulders, "I'll be counting on you."

Armin felt great compassion for Levi at that moment.

"I'll do my best to make sure they stay safe and well in your absence, Levi," he replied, trying to give him a confident smile, also squeezing his father-in-law's shoulders.

Giving one last look to Lara and Armin, who were watching him with a sorrowful expression, Levi turned his back and left, head down, as he allowed a tear to run down his face.