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Dangerous Territory	By : Rhov Category: +. to F > Attack on Titan /Shingeki No Kyojin Views: 4227 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own “Shingeki no Kyojin” and do not make money from this fanfic.

Chapter List
- 66
- 67
- 68
Chapter 67
Auf Wiedersehen

Eren listened to the distant bombing. More than hearing it, he could feel it, like a pounding drum that struck to the marrow of his bones. The fort was far away, so those must have been massive bombs to feel the percussion all the way in his room.
Or was that just his own memory of those sorts of bombs?
Chills went down his arms. His eyes met Levi's.
This was it. Time's up.
Levi lifted Eren's hand, kissed the gold ring, and whispered, "It'll be okay."
Eren doubted that, but if Levi had hope, that was enough. He decided to pretend he was all right, just so Levi would not worry as much. He managed to lift up a false smile.
"We should … We should go." He wanted to curse that his voice sounded so frail. So much for acting brave!
"Take your time."
"We're out of time." He took a deep breath, shoving all the pain down.
Levi had seen Eren do this before, separating his emotions from his duty. Normally, he could do that in a matter of seconds, switching into his officer persona like it was second nature. A lifetime of pretending to be heterosexual made him an expert at this type of acting.
This time, it took him a few moments, many breaths to clear his mind from the grief, and a few gulps to hold back the sadness. Levi could see when he finally reached that colder level. It was sad to see that he even needed to suppress his emotions like this.
"I think I'm ready now." He paused and laughed to himself. "No, I'm not," he admitted, "but I have to be."
Levi squeezed his hand. "You're a good officer."
Eren smiled with grief in his face. "That means a lot coming from a captain."
He turned to the door. Out there was freedom for Levi, but also losing him. He needed yet another moment to fully push all the emotions deep down and put up his shell.
Sharply, he pulled away from Levi, went to the door, and threw it open. Eren marched up to Jean's door and pounded. "Kirschtein! Get that prostitute of yours."
Jean opened his door carefully, slipping out so no one would see the other woman still in his room. "Done already?"
Eren saw that a few doors down, Daz, Oliver, and Greiz were standing around talking. He made sure to speak loud enough for them to overhear. "My platoon moves out this afternoon, so I had to be quick. I guess I got a bit rough. She's limping, and I don't have time to carry her back to Madame Carly."
Sure enough, Daz overheard and barked out a laugh. "Pounded into her so rough she can't even walk? That's a real German!"
Oliver asked, "Are you one of the units being deployed?"
"Yes," Eren answered. "That's why I wanted a last bit of fun."
Greiz asked in concern, "What happened to your wife?"
"She's safe," he answered. "She's just not around to send me off. She'd understand."
"True," said Daz. "She was a prostitute, after all. She knows men need a strong libido to be victorious in battle. Hail victory!"
Eren was glad that no one asked more about Louise. He would have to come up with some reasonable explanation for her absence, something that would not get him in trouble. Luckily, once he was far away from Metz, it was doubtful that he had to come up with a lie that had to fool anyone but his own platoon.
Jean watched this exchange with a mix of impressiveness and disgust. Eren could lie so easily, and it really made him doubt anything he had ever said. Then again, Eren was smart to come up with his prostitute being too sore to walk. Now they could get Levi out despite limping on a broken ankle, and people would merely think Eren had roughed her up.
Eren opened his door and waved Jean to go in. "She's on the bed. She keeps talking in Russian, I can't understand a word of it, but she's unable to walk. I can't leave her there."
"Yeah, yeah, I'll get her." Jean decided to add into the lie. "Is she anything like that tiny girl whose virginity you took in Italy? She was covered in blood."
Eren felt his stomach heave that Jean would imply such a thing, but he supposed it was best to keep up the act. "She wasn't covered in blood. If you'd ever had a virgin and not whores all the time, you'd know what it's like."
"I've had a virgin," Jean protested, but he added softly, "Of course, she was twelve and I was thirteen."
Daz sighed. "I wish I could get myself a virgin, at least once. I hear they're really tight, and you basically have to rip them open like a Christmas present."
"That's a lie," Oliver said blandly. "My wife was a virgin. You just have to be slow and gentle. If you're aggressive, even a whore will tear and bleed."
"Who wants to go slow?" Daz said, scoffing at the idea. "I'd rather plow right into her like a train. None of my women have ever bled like a virgin, though."
Greiz teased, "Maybe your dick is too tiny."
Eren felt like gagging at the profane talk.
Jean entered Eren's room and walked over to Levi. They glared at each other, but both realized that they had to trust the other for this to work.
Jean wrapped his arm around Levi, who scowled and stiffened while forcing himself to put up with it.
"Is there a problem?" Eren called in.
Jean shouted back, "Just how bad did you rough her up? She's spooked. She wasn't like that last night."
Greiz burst out a laugh. "Damn, Jäger! Save your aggression for Jews and their Allies."
Eren bit back a smile. Oh, if only he could get truly aggressive with his Jew!
He stepped in, and he could see that Levi looked less than willing to be this close to Jean. He whispered in English, "The men out there think I fucked a prostitute until she can't walk, so it's okay to limp. Put all of your weight on Jean. He's stronger than he looks."
A smirk rose on Levi's face. "Strong as a horse?"
Eren snorted a laugh, breaking the stiffness in his shoulders.
Jean grumbled, "Was hat er gesagt?" What did he say?
Eren waved it off, although he would definitely tell Jean later. For now, these two had to work together. "Jean, just like that time Nack Tierce got shot in the leg in Anzio."
He nodded, remembering when he had to get the soldier off the battlefield with him screaming at every step. He and Levi tried to walk forward. After a few missteps, they both found how tightly they could squeeze one another, and Jean got used to how much weight he had to hold in his arm.
With a nod to each other, they were ready to go.
Eren stepped out first and again said loudly, "If you've got her, I need to be going…" He froze as he saw Ian Dietrich come out of his room. Shit! "Oberleutnant Dietrich! Sieg heil!" He stopped in the doorway, preventing Jean from stepping out.
He was leaving with a large duffel bag on his shoulder. "I hope you're ready to depart, Jäger."
"I'll be there. Please, go on ahead," he said, motioning to the staircase.
"Don't be late," Ian snapped, and he headed down the stairs.
Eren let out a sigh. That was close! He looked back at Jean, who also looked stressed at almost having been seen by someone who was keen on details.
Finally, Eren headed out. He went slowly, making sure Ian was far below him. Somewhere above, he heard Jean cursing as he had to take even more weight from Levi.
"Dammit, Jäger, you shouldn't break little girls like this," he shouted, and then Jean looked to Levi. "Halt dich gut fest." Hold on tight.
Levi had no idea what he just said, but he saw the movement. He wanted to curse and refuse, but he could not say a word. The next thing he knew, Jean grabbed him up into his arms, and Levi held on for his own safety.
"Putain," he grumbled under his breath.
Jean retorted, "Mir gefällt es genauso wenig wie dir." I don't like it any more than you do.
Eren glanced back, saw the scowls on both of their faces, and held back a laugh. He should be more serious, but this was hilarious, with Jean carrying Levi like a bride as he carefully went down step by step.
Finally, they reached the ground floor. Many officers mingled around, and Eren swept a gaze across the small clusters. Jean lowered Levi, who balanced on one foot until they could both get back into a grip that worked. Armin came up just then and went right up to Eren.
"Wait a moment," he warned. "Ian Dietrich is down here."
"I barely missed him upstairs," Eren whispered. "Is he heading out?"
Armin shook his head. "He's talking with Captain Woermann right near the exit. They'll both see him."
Eren stretched his head up over the milling crowds of officers and saw the two men up ahead. "Can you and Jean get him to the car while I distract them?"
"Yes, we'll get him. Floch is already waiting."
Eren leaned into Levi's ear. "Keep your head down. Remember to change your wig and clothes in the car. Jean will take those back up to the girl."
Levi silently nodded in understanding.
Eren marched stiffly forward and slowly made an arc around the busy lobby, so that when he approached the two men, they looked over and away from the staircase.
"Captain, Heil Hitler!"
Kitz Woermann looked over. "Heil Hitler, Jäger. What is it?"
Behind the captain, Eren saw Jean and Armin both helping Levi to limp out through the lobby. However, he did not focus his eyes on them, keeping them firmly on his commanding officer. "I had a question about our deployment. No one told me how many trucks we were being allotted."
Ian scowled. "I was there when we were all told about vehicle allotment. Clearly, you weren't listening."
Eren gave a slight shrug. "You may be right. I had a lot on my mind. After all, unlike some officers, my platoon and I have actually been in battle," he said, staring hard at Ian.
Ian stiffened up indignantly. "Are you saying I'm less prepared for what's to come?"
Eren coldly said back, "I'm saying, you're less experienced."
"I have been serving the Führer longer than you!"
"And what have you done during that time of service? Sitting on your ass drilling your troops? I've led my men through a hailstorm of bullets. I earned this combat badge," he said, pointing to one of his medals pinned to his tunic. "Where's yours?"
Kitz Woermann raised a hand to stop the two. "You two have never quarreled before. What is this about?"
Eren knew he should probably move on, Levi was out of the hotel now, but his eyes narrowed at the chisel-cheeked blond in front of him. "I never had a problem with Oberleutnant Dietrich until he stole my key last night and broke into my room."
"I did not!"
"You were seen."
Ian snarled. "I only did it because you're being suspicious with that wife of yours."
"Well, you don't have to worry about that now, do you? I'm more suspicious of an officer who has proved to be adept at pickpocketing."
"Okay, you two," Woermann snapped. "We're heading out into battle. No petty squabbling."
"I don't plan to, sir," Eren said, still scowling at Ian. "I was just trying to get some information so I can properly prepare my men. At least I know how important supplies are in a real battle."
"Enough, Jäger!" warned Woermann. "You have five trucks for your platoon. That should be enough."
"It's plenty. I look forward to returning to battle. Sieg heil!" With that, he stomped away.
Once outside in the sunshine, Eren let out some stiffness in his shoulders. He definitely kept the attention of those two men away from the main doors, but he hated creating tension with another officer before battle. Such emotional conflicts could result in poor decisions at crucial moments. He would have to apologize to Ian later, or this could bite him in the ass.
He saw Floch out by an armored car, and with him were Jean and Armin. Eren marched up to them.
"That went better than I feared."
"Speak for yourself!" Jean grumbled. "My shoulder hurts now. He's heavier than he looks."
Eren glanced inside the car and saw the blue coat covering Levi's head, moving with struggling limbs as Levi changed his clothes while hiding underneath. Eren turned to Armin and handed him the key to his room. "I'm sorry for tasking you with packing for me."
"It's okay," Armin assured with a smile. "You don't have time to pack and get him to safety. It's the least I can do. I already gave him a map. If he gets a chance to escape, it lays out the best route for him to take."
"Thank you, Armin. Don't be late."
Jean mumbled, "He'd have more time to pack if you hadn't taken so long in that room. I would've had more than enough time for another fuck with that girl."
"I told you, don't touch her," Eren scolded. Then he smiled to himself. "You've been a good friend, Jean. As my Unteroffizier, you kept those men in line. As an officer, I'm sure you'll lead your men to victory."
"Damn right I will!" Then he grabbed Eren into a rough hug and patted him hard on the back. "Don't die out there, bastard."
"Not a chance!"
They separated and shared a smile of two men who had been through war together, bleed together, drank together, and now they were being sent in opposite directions, Jean to the south to help reinforce the fort, Eren to the north to hold back the enemy heading toward Maizières-lès-Metz, or by the name the Germans used, Machern-bei-Metz.
"By the way," Eren added lightly, "Levi said you're strong as a horse."
Armin and Floch burst into laughter, but Jean sneered.
"I do not look like a horse, you assholes!"
"Warte mal, Jean." Hold on, Jean.
He saw Levi peek out the car window, now wearing the blond wig and blue coat, his Louise disguise. Eren opened the car door, took a bag they had prepared for this exchange, that now had Zofia's clothes and the brunette wig. He glanced at Levi, who was flushed from the humiliation of trying to change clothes in the backseat of a car.
"How are you doing?" he whispered.
"I want to get out of here," Levi whispered back.
"Me too." He stood back up and handed the bag to Jean. "Das ist für das Mädchen. Sorg dafür, dass sie sicher zu Madame Carly zurückkommt." This is for the girl. Make sure she gets back to Madame Carly safely.
"Ja, ja," Jean grumbled as he snatched the bag away.
Armin reached into his pocket. "Eine Sache noch." One more thing. He leaned into the opened passenger door and smiled at Levi as he pulled out a tin of Scho-Ka-Kola. "Ce bonbon vous donnera de l'énergie. J'espère que vous guérirez rapidement." This candy will give you energy. I hope you heal quickly.
"Merci," Levi replied as he took the small tin. "Adieu et bonne chance." Thank you. Farewell and good luck.
Eren noted to Armin with surprise, "You're getting better at French."
Armin straightened up. "I've been talking with locals. It helps to really immerse yourself in a language."
Eren knew what he meant. He had struggled with English at first, but these past few weeks and talking with Levi for hours at night, the language came more naturally.
Floch cleared his throat while saying, "Ian, Ian."
Eren climbed into the car next to Levi, and Floch got into the driver's seat. Jean and Armin both saluted Eren as he drove off.
Jean muttered to Armin, "Watch over that guy."
Armin smiled up at him. "You're worried about him."
"Of course I am! He's one of the best Germans out there." He muttered under his breath, "He's how we Germans should be."
Armin pouted. "The question is, will Germany ever accept him?"
Jean scoffed. "Probably not in our lifetimes."
* * *
In the backseat, all was quiet but the roar of the engine and sound of the road under them. Eren and Levi gripped each other's hands tightly.
Floch glanced in his rear view mirror. "Sir, if you wish to kiss your wife goodbye, it's okay."
Eren was glad for Floch's acceptance. "It's all right. We've said our goodbyes."
He wanted to respect Levi's beliefs. He had kissed him without permission already, and he regretted doing that. Now, he wanted to simply make sure he was safe.
Eren's hand tightly squeezed Levi's. Levi responded by lifting Eren's hand and kissing the golden wedding band.
Eren said with a tone of determination, "So, where are we going?"
Levi hesitated, and his brow pinched tightly as he debated something. His lips pursed until they almost turned white.
"Levi?" Eren asked, worried about the tense expression.
Suddenly, Levi's voice burst out, "Walk me there!"
Eren stared, wondering what he meant.
"To the hideout," he clarified. "I'll show you where it is, just in case."
Eren blinked in astonishment. "Is that safe?"
Levi's face hardened. "I'll make it safe."
"You shouldn't walk on your broken foot. I'll drop you off right at the place."
"Tempting, but no."
"Look around! It's chaos, and you're injured."
"I trust you, but I don't trust him," he insisted, glancing up ahead at Floch.
Eren frowned, but he understood Levi's hesitation.
"Tell no one. When you come back from this battle—and you will come back," Levi said sternly, "you'll know where to find me. If anything really bad ever happens to you, you could hide there with me."
Eren shook his head. "I told you, I can't leave my men. They depend on me. They're my comrades, my friends!"
"Then as a last resort," Levi whispered. "If the Germans surrender, you could go there rather than get captured." He looked down at the ring on Eren's finger. "I just want you to know, you have a place where you will be safe. I'll protect you. Yelena can go fuck herself if she has a problem with it."
Eren weakly smiled. It was nice to know Levi would risk so much to protect him, but he knew where his duty lied. "I'm not running away."
"If all else fails—"
"No! Even if all of my men get killed and I am the last man standing, what would their deaths mean if I gave up at that moment? How can I claim 'Ich bin ein Offizier der Wehrmacht' if I plan to run away like a coward?" He shook his head stubbornly. "I will walk you there and see where this place is, but I will not run away. So long as I serve Germany, I will never abandon my comrades."
Levi shouted back, "You wouldn't be serving your men sitting on your arse in a POW camp."
"In a what?"
"A stalag. How would you help them as a captive?"
"By keeping them safe from some Scheißami."
"Eren!"
Levi reined back his frustration. Eren's nationalism and military loyalty were something he knew was simply a part of his personality, as much as it infuriated him at times.
Especially now. Especially knowing the dangers.
"Humor me," he mumbled.
"Huh?"
"Just … go along with it. Agree, for my sake."
Eren frowned. He would have to lie, and he hated the idea of lying to Levi. Still, if it helped him to feel better…
"I'll consider it."
Levi nodded. Even if it was a lie, he at least wanted to hope that Eren really would think about that offer. Then, if the time came, he could shield this young man and pay him back for all the times Eren shielded him.
Eren glanced out the window and saw a massive sign on a wall.
Der Mann kann fallen, die Fahne nie. The man can fall, the flag cannot.
Eren's eyes dropped. He loved Germany, and he would fight to the death for his friends. Still…
Still…
"Part of me … really does wish I could go with you," he whispered.
Levi glanced over carefully. He understood Eren's dilemma. He was a German first and foremost. He fought for the people back home, and for his friends and fellow soldiers. Levi understood that sense of patriotism. As much as he hated Germany for what it did to France, for how many people he lost since the war began, Levi respected Eren's decision to keep fighting for his fatherland.
Still…
"Me too," he whispered back.
That was the final conclusion to that issue. It was a nice wish, a good dream, running off to America together, settling into a place, and living together in peace. Maybe one day the world would change enough so they could even marry. It was a nice dream.
But nothing more than that.
Eren took a deep breath, shoving every fear and grief down. Levi watched out of the corner of his eye as Eren stiffened his shoulders and held his face neutral. It was a little terrifying to see how he could put on such a mask, and it showed the intensity of his years of training.
"Okay. Pick a location."
Levi closed his eyes and he tried to picture a map of the city. "Head toward the cathedral. If he drops us off there, it won't look suspicious, and it's a short walk."
Eren turned forward and spoke to Floch in German. "Change of plans. We will drop Levi off at the cathedral. I need to go with him, though."
Floch called back from the driver's seat, "Is it because this is a mission for Germany, but he's French?"
Eren really was amazed that Floch believed that lie. "These people don't trust outsiders." That was true, although the outsider was him. "You'll need to stay with the car. Remember, this is of the utmost secrecy. Any person could be a spy. I trust you, but this is for the safety of everyone."
"I guess it's just standard procedure not to tell anyone about a secret location," he muttered. "I wish I could help more."
"You're helping a lot, Floch. For the glory of Germany."
Floch burst into a grin. Eren only said that to maintain his loyalty.
What he was really doing was handing a master spy and assassin over to the Allies.
Floch turned down a street and headed to Metz Cathedral. The spires soared up into the blue sky, a symbol of peace and hope, now tainted with the booms they could hear to the south.
After parking the car, Levi and Eren both got out. Eren carried his bag while Levi maneuvered the crutches. Floch stayed where he was, seeming like he was merely waiting while his commanding officer went to pray.
They walked side by side. No one thought much of an injured person, even if that person wore a dress and appeared to be a woman. War was hell on everyone, women and children were not spared. Seeing that the lame woman at least had a German officer to assist her made a few people smile and some soldiers heading to the church saluted Eren.
They walked in peace, but each step felt heavier. Eren wanted to talk, but he had no idea what to say, and he was afraid his voice might give away his sadness. He had to hold strong now, here in public.
They came to a stop in front of the wine shop. Eren looked at the storefront.
"So, it is a shop. That's good. When you said it was underground, part of me feared it was a sewer."
Levi figured he should probably not tell Eren that it was actually a failed and abandoned sewer.
They faced each other. Levi rubbed the wedding band, while Eren touched the key around Levi's neck.
"Be careful," Eren whispered.
"I'll be fine, sitting on my arse until my ankle heals. You're the one who needs to be careful. Don't do anything heroic or stupid."
Eren flashed him a grin. "You know me."
"Precisely. You'll ignore any advice I give you. So at least don't go out of your way on the stupid part."
Eren slowly caressed up and down Levi's arms, still not ready to let go. He had wanted to respect his wishes, but he still whispered, "May I kiss you?"
Levi wrapped his hand around the back of Eren's neck and pulled him in closer. "You may."
They gave each other a kiss, right there on the street. It felt so much more powerful, more real, kissing one another in public and not simply hiding away in the shadows.
Eren pulled back, but his face twisted in anguish. "Let me take your bag in," he offered with a tinge of desperation, anything for a few more minutes together.
"I can't take you down there."
"I know. I … I just want…" His throat was clenching up on him again until words could not escape.
Levi sighed, stung by how this was tearing at Eren's heart. "Hold on. I need to make sure the shopkeeper knows about you."
Eren nodded and stayed where he was.
Small chimes rang as Levi opened the door. The smell of oak barrels and wine filled his nose. A portly shopkeeper with a balding head and mustache hurried forward.
"Hello, miss … oh! Ackerman? Is that you?" he cried out, squinting at the disguise.
"Hello, Wald," he greeted.
"You're injured! Is everything okay? François has been worried about you."
Levi took a moment to remember that François was Yelena's fake name that she used within the Resistance to hide her gender. "I'll be fine. Is anyone here?"
"No one in the shop. Everyone else is in the usual place."
That meant down in the tunnels. "I have plenty to report."
"Is that why you were gone for so long? Deep undercover? I'm glad the disguise works so well. I truly thought it was a woman coming through my door until I could see your face properly."
"It fooled everyone," he muttered.
"You're returning just in time. We're already hearing reports about Fort Driant. Great news, yes? Soon all of these Nazi bastards will be dead and gone."
Levi flinched. "Talking about that, I'm going to bring in a man. François knows him. Don't be alarmed."
"What?"
Levi turned back to the door and waved Eren in.
The shopkeeper's face blanched as he saw a Nazi officer step in, tall, imposing, with clear teal-blue eyes, carrying a massive black bag.
Wald struggled with German as he greeted, "Herr Officer. Es ist mir … eine Ehre. Ja, eine Ehre." Mister Officer. It's an honor for me. Yes, an honor.
Levi told Wald, "Je te l'ai dit, ne t'inquiète pas, il travaille pour moi." I told you, don't worry, he works for me.
Wald cried out in astonishment, "Il travaille pour vous?" He looked over Eren again. A traitor? Could the Resistance really be so lucky as to have a spy within the German Army, and an officer at that?
Levi turned to Eren. "Put the bag down here." Then to Wald, "Porte mon sac en bas." Carry my bag downstairs.
Wald came forward, still gazing at Eren suspiciously as he hesitantly took the bag. For a man who moved wine barrels, the weight was not a problem. He left toward the cellar, taking one last suspicious glance back.
As soon as the shopkeeper was gone and they were alone, Levi yanked Eren into a kiss. His tongue plunged in, wanting one final taste. Eren's arms tightened around him. His tongue also darted out, playing with Levi's. His hands tightened on the fabric of the dress, protesting letting him go.
Oh, how he would love to have one last chance to touch him everywhere!
Levi pulled the cap off Eren's head and ran his fingers through his hair. His tongue wanted to conquer that mouth, to claim it. He bit Eren's lower lip and got a hiss of pain out of him.
Eren reacted by kissing along Levi's jaw and up to his ear, biting his earlobe. Then he went back to his mouth, not done tasting him.
Levi instinctively pushed Eren back, hitting a shelf. The clank of wine bottles did not break their kiss. Eren's hands slid down and grabbed Levi's ass, yanking him in closer.
"Fuck, Eren!" Levi hissed.
Slowly, their heavy breathing waned. Their kisses became less aggressive, more lingering, unwilling to pull away. Every time one of them tried, they went right back in.
One more kiss.
Just one more.
And another.
One more…
Eren finally, reluctantly, leaned back and saw Levi flushed and breathless with his wig slightly askew. He chuckled and straightened out the fake hair.
Levi quipped, "You really mastered the art of kissing, takhshet."
Eren smirked and whispered, "Aren't the French the best to teach that lesson?"
Levi tiptoed up and gave him another kiss. "The next time I see you, perhaps I'll teach you more."
"And maybe I will have a thing or two I could teach you," Eren whispered, gliding his hand up and down Levi's back.
"What could a brat like you possibly teach me?"
Eren's eyes narrowed as he leaned in close. His finger traced around Levi's lips while his eyes stared hungrily. Then his finger pulled Levi's lower lip down just enough to feel a little bit of moistness inside.
"I'll let you dream about that," he whispered. He leaned back up, smug at seeing the fluster in Levi's face.
Levi felt how hot his cheeks were. "Du farkirtst mir di yorn!"
"Yiddish? Are you mad at me?"
"Yes!"
He grabbed Eren and yanked him down, latching onto the side of his neck. Despite knowing they were in public, Eren let out a sensual moan.
Leaving a mark!
Levi sucked hard. This was something Eren and everyone around him would see! One lingering reminder. Sure, it would fade away, but Eren would feel the bruise for a few days, at least.
Suddenly, Eren gasped, shoved Levi away in a panic, and took a swift step aside. Levi had been so enthralled, he had not heard the shopkeeper returning. Wald paused in the doorway, looking back and forth between the two men.
So, that was the sort of situation going on here!
Wald shrugged and went into a room he used as a counting office. "Votre sac est avec François." Your bag is with François. He shut the office door behind him to give them a little more privacy.
Eren leaned down and whispered, "Will this cause you problems?"
"I doubt it. Yelena already knows about you, and the two things that man is good at is choosing wines and keeping secrets."
Eren felt the side of his throat. It hurt slightly, and it was still wet. A kiss mark! He thought about that sort of progress. A month ago, Levi was unsure if he could love a man; now, he was marking Eren as his exclusively, first with the ring, now with this mark on his neck that all of his men would see.
They faced each other again, and the seconds ticked by in silence. Eren did not want to go, and Levi was just as reluctant to send him away.
Just a few more minutes!
"One more kiss?" Eren begged.
Levi gazed at his lips. Yes. One more.
They leaned in, a slow, long, anguished kiss.
Their goodbye kiss.
Eren pulled up, and a tear slipped down his cheek. "Can I hear you call me that one last time?"
"What, takhshet?"
"The other word."
Levi's throat clenched. He caressed Eren's cheek, wiping the tear away, and whispered, "Neshomeleh."
That brought warm color back into Eren's cheeks.
They heard an armored truck roar down the street, filled with German soldiers singing as they headed toward the fighting in high spirits. Eren knew he would soon be in a truck just like that. He had to be brave enough to release Levi and march out there.
He was a Werhmacht officer! He needed to act like one.
He pulled his cap back on a tipped it. "Auf Wiedersehen, mein schätzchen."
Levi gulped down the sadness and replied, "Au revoir, mon petit ami."
Then suddenly, Eren spun around and marched off. The heels of his tall, black boots clicked on the wooden floors of the wine shop. The door chime jangled as he opened it and strode out.
Last time, Levi had left suddenly. This time, Eren was the one to rip off the bandage, to leave and not look back. He had to get out of there or the facade would crumble, allowing his emotions to burst out again.
As he marched down the sidewalk, more trucks rumbled by. He heard the distant bombing, and his face grew more stern. His whole life was one long training to prepare him for moments like this.
It was time to be a soldier.
Levi hopped over to the shop's window and watched him go. This was their third goodbye. The first time in the dungeon, their relationship had just begun, so the pain was less since the emotions were not as strong. The second time, Levi left Eren without a word and it tormented him.
This time, Eren was being sent to the battlefield.
Nothing was certain.
Off to the side, the shopkeeper crept out of his office. He slowly shook his head with a brow creased in concern.
Two men? He'd seen that before, no big deal.
But a Frenchman and a Nazi? That pissed him off. Even if this officer was a spy or traitor, just seeing someone kissing a man wearing that uniform disgusted him.
However, when he saw the aching, silent pain in Levi's face … he was French, after all! Romance like that affected him.
"Here." Wald brought forward a bottle of wine. "It's the good stuff. You look like you need it."
Levi took the bottle and glanced at the date. Indeed, it was a fine vintage from 1928, the best year for Burgundies. "Merci," he muttered, and he hobbled to the door leading down to the cellars.
Levi entered the cavernous room with many massive barrels of wine and racks of bottles. It was always cold here, quiet, and alone.
So alone.
Before reaching the hidden door, he set the wine bottle aside on a rack and collapsed to the ground. His jaw clenched in rage and fear. His chest began to convulse as the tears poured out.
He's gone!
Levi's head threw back, and a scream of anguish pierced out, echoing through the cellar.
He had held it all back for as long as he could. For Eren's sake, he had pretended to be strong. Now, the agony of separation hit him.
He punched the stone floor, over and over. He felt his knuckles split open and bleed. The pain helped to ease the agony in his heart, but he still screamed.
His snarling face turned up to the heavens, angry at Fate, angry at God … angry at himself.
Levi had tried to live with the motto No Regrets. He if regretted anything, it was that he had not acted as soon as he figured out that Eren had feelings for him. For months, he pretended not to notice the lingering glances and bashful blushes. Even after Eren finally confessed, Levi had fought against opening his heart.
If only they had been honest with themselves. They could have had all summer to experiment and learn what the other liked, how to touch just right, where all the sensitive spots were, what was okay, what was not, and build up a tolerance to the actions that troubled him.
Now, Eren was leaving to fight on the front lines. Their time truly was over. Maybe that was the sort of now-or-never situation he needed to be in to admit to himself just how strongly he felt for Eren.
How strongly … he felt…
"No. No, no, no!"
He struggled to get back up, sneering as he adjusted the crutches. He hopped as fast as he could back to the main area of the shop, where the shopkeeper was sitting with a glass of wine, reading the newspaper.
"Get me a taxi!"
Wald lowered his newspaper and looked up stunned. "Is something wrong?"
"A taxi! Quick! I can't fucking run on this ankle, so I need a taxi. I will do any chores you want to pay you back. I will scrub that entire fucking cellar, just please, for the love of God, get a taxi for me, now!"
* * *
Eren oversaw as his men loaded up the last few transport trucks. These supplies would get his platoon through at least a week, and more supplies would come up from Metz if the battle lasted longer.
Finally, he saw that they were ready. He marched up in front of the convoy, climbed up into the open-top truck, stood on the seat, and faced the lineup of trucks. He bellowed out.
“Men! Today, we ride to victory. We are the heroes who will stop the American shits from reaching Metz. Remember: Zum Kampf sind wir geboren, und unser ist der Sieg!” We are born to fight, and ours is victory! His hand shot out stiffly. “Sieg heil!”
The company thrust their hands out and shouted in excitement, "Sieg heil!"
Eren sat down, and Moblit sat beside him. "Brief but stirring, sir."
"I'm not one for long-winded speeches. I'd rather get there and start fighting."
"I agree with you on that. We're prepared to go. There's room for you in the rearguard…"
"I will ride up front," said Eren. His voice dropped. "I know what I'm leading these men into, and they need to see that I will ride before them to forge the way to victory."
Moblit nodded solemnly. "You know how to stir up the hearts of men, sir."
Minutes later, they drove through the barracks and into the streets of Metz. Eren glanced around. He saw the Esplanade where he and Levi had taken a romantic walk in the rain. He gazed at the cathedral with its stained glass windows and spires. He saw some soldiers cheering them on, and some locals giving silent glares.
Then, off to the side by a sprawling tree, Eren noticed a blond person in a bright blue coat waving a handkerchief.
Levi! Eren's mouth dropped. Why would he come all the way out here? He could even see the crutches that held him up as he kept weight off one foot.
Levi was relieved that Eren had actually caught sight of him. He had been willing to shout out, but this was safer. Once Levi was certain that their eyes had met, he lipped the words he had suddenly realized he never once told Eren, words he knew he would regret not saying, even if it could only be like this, silently from the sidelines.
"I love you."
The sternness on Eren's face cracked and his lips trembled.
Levi finally admitted it!
He felt like his heart was going to burst and overflow with tears. Eren lipped the words back.
"I love you."
Levi nodded, looking satisfied. Now he could go forward without regrets.
Well, Petra, I did it. I fell in love again. I hope you're satisfied now!
Moblit heard a sniffle from Eren and glanced over, worried if maybe he was catching a cold. Instead, he saw Eren's anguished gaze, followed it, and saw the tiny figure waving a handkerchief.
"Is that your wife in the crowd?"
Eren refused to look away for even a moment. "The one I love above all others."
Moblit smiled at the depth of emotion in those words. "I'm glad to see she's safe. I heard she was missing. Would you like Floch to pull off to the side so you can tell her goodbye?"
He shook his head. "We've said all that needs to be said for now." He smiled to himself. "Besides, I know I'll return. God would not have put the two of us together only to separate us so soon."
Moblit patted Eren on the shoulder. "Exactly. The bond of two soulmates is stronger than any other. You're destined to find each other, again and again, through years, decades, or lifetimes." Then he shouted, "Franz! You're the best singer among us. Sing a parting song for the lieutenant and his wife."
Franz started to sing in a clear tenor, and a few who knew the classical song joined in.
* * *
Ich zieh' ins Feld, von Lieb' entbrannt,
Doch scheid' ich ohne Tränen;
Mein Arm gehört dem Vaterland,
Mein Herz der holden Schönen;
Denn zärtlich muss der wahre Held
Stets für ein Liebchen brennen,
Und doch fürs Vaterland im Feld
Entschlossen sterben können.
Denk' ich im Kampfe liebewarm
Daheim an meine Holde,
Dann möcht ich seh'n, wer diesem Arm
Sich widersetzen wollte;
Denn welch ein Lohn wird Liebchens Hand
Mein Siegerleben krönen,
Mein Arm gehört dem Vaterland,
Mein Herz der holden Schönen!
Ich kämpfte nie, ein Ordensband
Zum Preise zu erlangen,
O Liebe, nur von deiner Hand
Wünscht' ich ihn zu empfangen;
Laß' eines deutschen Mädchens Hand
Mein Siegerleben krönen,
Mein Arm gehört dem Vaterland,
Mein Herz der holden Schönen!
Leb' wohl, mein Liebchen, Ehr und Pflicht
Ruft jetzt die deutschen Krieger,
Leb' wohl, leb' wohl und weine nicht,
Ich kehre heim als Sieger;
Und fall' ich durch des Gegners Hand,
Dann soll mein Ruf noch tönen:
Mein Arm gehört dem Vaterland,
Mein Herz der holden Schönen!
#
I head to the battlefield, inflamed by love,
But I'll depart without tears;
My arm belongs to the fatherland,
My heart to the comely beloved;
Because a true hero must tenderly
Burn with love for a sweetheart,
And yet be prepared to die resolutely
For the fatherland on the battlefield.
When I fight, if I ardently think
Of my sweetheart back at home,
Then I want to see he who is able
To oppose this arm of mine.
Because, what a reward, my sweetheart's hand
Will crown my victorious life.
My arm belongs to the fatherland,
My heart to the comely beloved.
I have never fought to receive
Medals and ribbons as a reward.
O my beloved, only from your hand
Do I desire to get such a reward;
May the hand of a German girl
Crown my victorious life,
My arm belongs to the fatherland,
My heart to the comely beloved.
Farewell, my sweetheart, honor and duty
Now call the German warriors.
Farewell, farewell, and do not cry,
I will return home victoriously;
And if I fall by the enemy's hand,
My cry shall continue to resound:
My arm belongs to the fatherland,
My heart to the comely beloved.
* * *
Levi watched them go, such proud German warriors heading out to battle, knowing the risks and accepting them, for duty and country.
He had been like that once.
He watched each truck, gazed at each man. A few, he learned their names. Others, all he knew was that Eren led them, they respected him, and he felt personally responsible for them.
How many would return?
He saw Floch driving the leading truck that Eren rode in; he gave Levi an accepting nod of the head. He saw Armin, who smiled and eagerly waved. He watched as Connie, Franz, and Thomas all goofed around in a truck being driven by Nack. Thomas caught sight of Levi and waved.
"Auf Wiedersehen, Frau Jäger. Wir sehen uns, wenn wir siegreich sind." Goodbye, Mrs. Jäger. See you when we're victorious.
That brought Connie's attention over, and he waved enthusiastically while crying out, "Wir werden gut auf Ihren Mann aufpassen, das verspreche ich." We will take good care of your husband, I promise.
Levi continued to wave with his little hankie. It was strange. These were enemies. Men wearing that uniform had terrorized France for four bloody years. Yet seeing those bright eyes and smiling faces, he could not help but see them as mere youths, some barely old enough to shave, shoved into those stiff uniforms and swallowed up by swastikas.
He had to get away. His feelings were in chaos. He had rushed there knowing he would regret never telling Eren that he loved him, and yet having to say the words silently hurt almost as much as keeping quiet. He almost wanted to chase after him and head right into the middle of the battle zone, if only so Eren had someone to watch his back.
"God, please watch over him. Petra, if you're up there … you had to have thrown him in my path. I know you too well! So please, protect him. Be the guardian angel he needs." Levi closed his eyes as tears trickled down. "Bring him back to me!"
Levi returned to the waiting taxi, who had already received instructions to drive his passenger to this corner, wait, and drive the person back. Thanks to that, Levi did not have to speak, and when the driver tried a little small talk, he just glared hard and kept quiet so as to not reveal his gender.
* * *
Levi returned to the wine shop, hopping slowly on his crutches, looking like a heavy weight was on his shoulders. Wald watched him, silent but understanding. Love was love, after all, and losing someone you love hurts, no matter your gender.
"I took the wine bottle down. It's with your bag now. François moved it to a bed."
Levi silently nodded. He returned to the cellar and to the far back, where part of the stones were actually a fake wall that led to a spiral staircase. He struggled with the stairs, his ankle burning as he took them one slow step at a time. Finally, he reached the bottom and fully rested on the crutches, straining not to yell in pain. He took off the wig and wiped some sweat off his brow.
"Levi!" a man shouted.
He looked up to see a tall man with wavy, sandy blond hair, pronounced wrinkles on a young face, tiny eyes, and tensed eyebrows.
"Ah, you. Oruo, right?"
"You remembered my name!" he cried out in excitement, only to catch himself and rein in the enthusiasm by deepening the furrow between his brows. "I mean, it's good that you bothered. Maybe it means that you see yourself as one of us finally."
"You wish. Hold this." Levi tossed the blond wig at him so he could grab the crutches. "Where's your leader?"
"François and Eld are listening to the radio. There's a lot of news coming in."
"I bet. It's chaos out there."
"Good! Those shitty Nazis will finally be slaughtered."
Levi's scowl deepened. All he could think about was Eren determinedly fighting to the end.
He hopped slowly onward, nearly losing his balance many times as the crutches slipping on the planks of wood that kept them off wet silt and sand. Oruo had to grab Levi's shoulders twice to keep him from tumbling sideways and possibly ending up in quicksand that dotted the failed sewer's floor.
In a rickety shack made of rusted bits of metal siding, Levi found Yelena and a tall man with his long, blond hair pulled back into a ponytail.
Eld looked up first. "Levi? Wald said you were back."
Yelena looked up and smirked, like she knew he would return to them eventually. "Welcome back, miner klai Frend. What brings you here on this most auspicious of days?"
With a whooshing sound slicing the air, one of Levi's crutches was up at her throat. Eld and Oruo quickly had their guns out and aimed at him.
A sneer curled on Levi's lip. "I told you to never call me klai again, dog-bearded bitch," he snapped.
Despite the tip of the crutch pressed up against the skin of her throat, Yelena rose from her chair and fully straightened. Her head nearly touched the ceiling, and her dark eyes were cold. "What are you doing?"
"Was it you, Yelena?"
Eld frowned. "The newcomer knows your real name?"
Her face stiffened. "I told you, around my men, call me François. It's safer."
"I'll call you whatever the hell I want," yelled Levi. "Now, answer me! Did you hurt him?"
She raised an eyebrow. "That depends on who you're talking about."
"Eren Jäger!" he barked. "Was that on your orders?"
She looked confused. "You mean the officer you were sleeping with? What happened to him?"
"Don't play dumb! I know you saw him recently."
"Perhaps I did. How is that cute lieutenant?"
"He's alive, no thanks to the assassin you sent."
"I sent no one. Why would I target him when I know you are with him? That's insane! I know how skilled you are. If I wanted him dead—which I currently don't—I would do it after you left his side. As it stands, he is very low on my list of men I want to kill. Although," she chuckled, "you look adorable whenever I threaten him."
Levi sneered and pushed the crutch up tighter against her throat.
Yelena's hands went up. "Okay, okay. I won't threaten him again. If anything happened to your little German bed toy, I know nothing about it."
He lowered his crutch. "Will you help me find who did it?"
"That depends. I can't waste my men on that—"
Levi shouted over her, "I will work for the French Resistance! Just help me hunt down the bastard who tried to kill Eren."
Yelena laughed wryly. "Now you offer to help us, with the bombs falling and your ankle the size of a melon?"
Oruo sighed, "I miss melons."
"I'll train your men," Levi offered. He glanced at the two who were still pointing pistols at him. "Considering how they're holding their guns, they could use all the help they can get." He turned to Oruo. "If you were to pull that trigger, you would shoot her."
"Huh?" He lifted the gun and looked down the barrel.
Levi yanked the gun down. "Do you want to shoot your fucking face off? Rule number one: only point a gun at a thing you want to destroy. Don't point it at your face! Rule number two: know what's behind your target, because when you shoot a gun, the bullet often penetrates fully. Sure, you'd shoot me, but from your angle and proximity, the bullet would pass through my body and hit her. You'd kill us both."
Yelena nodded to them. "Holster your weapons." Eld and Oruo put their guns away. "Okay, so they need some basic training. Let's talk. Eld, get him a chair. Oruo, more wine."
She waited until Levi was seated, and Ouro poured him a cup of wine. Levi sniffed it before taking a small sip.
"It's not poisoned," Yelena assured him. Ouro also poured her some wine, which she drank right away to show Levi that it was safe. "Now, tell me what you know about this assassin."
"The attacker was male, spoke French, highly skilled, he covered his face but his skin was pale, and he had this." He reached to his purse and pulled out the gun he had hidden inside. "Careful. It's loaded."
Yelena picked it up and held it properly, keeping the muzzle pointed away from anyone else. "Enfield?" she muttered. She hit a latch on the side that released the top-break, the barrel swung down, and the chamber opened. She looked at the bullets. "One was fired." She looked up at him. "Did you shoot him?"
"No, but I hit a Nazi."
Oruo chuckled. "All right! One down."
Levi glared over at him. "I stabbed the attacker through the forearm."
Yelena glanced up sharply and raised her eyebrow. "You stabbed him?"
"I prefer knives to guns. They're quieter. It should be an easy wound to find."
She nodded thoughtfully, but she looked distracted as she gazed down at the gun. "An injury like that is sure to get noticed." She righted the barrel, locked the gun into place, and handed it back to Levi. She looked to Eld and Ouro. "Leave us. Make sure no one listens in."
The two men got up and stepped outside of the small shack.
Yelena pulled a chair up close to Levi and dropped her voice. "I know someone who might know a thing about this attacker."
"What's his name?"
"I can't give out that information. Besides, you'd probably try to hobble your way over there and torture him into talking."
Levi grumbled, "I find such methods distasteful, but if I have to…"
"It wouldn't work," she cut in. "My contact is a member of the SIS. I refuse to give out his name. I'm sure you understand."
Levi's brow tightened. The SIS? That was one of his fears. "Does this SIS agent know about me?"
"I've not told him, and I don't plan to. I protect him just as much as I want to protect you."
"What if he was the one who attacked Eren? That's a British gun, after all."
"He's not the sort who would attack a random German officer. He is one of the biggest assets for the Allies in all of France. He has eyes and ears everywhere. He may know something."
"Would you tell me if it was him who attacked Eren?"
"Hell no! I don't want you two to meet."
"Why not?"
Yelena folded her arms and smirked sardonically. "Do you put two bulldogs in the same pin? Look, it's dangerous for me to go near him, but I will, for your sake. In return, you train my men. When your foot gets better, perhaps you will do us the honor of showing us a true expert in action." Yelena grinned with a slight bloodthirsty expression. "We could sniper some officers, take out a general or two. Good times!"
Levi rolled his eyes. "I'll teach your men. I don't promise anything more."
"That's all I ask." She refilled Levi's cup and clinked her own against it. "For France!" She took a long drink, and Levi shared in the toast. Then Yelena got up and pulled her chair back over to her desk. "Sounds like you had quite an adventure."
"Oh, dandy," he said sarcastically. "My boyfriend was poisoned, I was attacked in the middle of the night, shot a German officer, had a close brush with the Gestapo, and I couldn't escape until today, only because the Germans are in chaos."
"And here I had hoped you'd get to snuggle up to your German lover-boy and have some fun," she teased. "I hope you at least got your dick sucked."
Levi shot her a caustic glare. "None of your business."
Yelena chuckled at getting him to blush and walked over to the entrance. "You can come back in. Eld, examine his ankle."
Eld and Ouro came back into the shack, and Ouro went right to the radio, putting on headphones to listen. Levi took off his woman's shoe that barely even fit with the swelling, and after Eld took a seat, Levi propped his foot up to let the blond man feel it.
He grumbled to Eld, "Do you know what you're doing?"
Eld flashed him a confident smile. "I worked on a farm. If I can fix the broken leg of a cow, I can fix yours."
"Although," Yelena teased, "Levi is more of a stubborn goat than a cow."
"Fuck you, dog-beard."
Yelena let the teasing go and said genuinely, "I'm glad you're back. Things are about to get chaotic, and the Allies need us more than ever if we are going to liberate Metz quickly. Any assistance you can give us, any training, advice, or help with plans, I would greatly appreciate it."
Levi was not as enthusiastic about the idea of planning attacks against the Germans. Perhaps it was a good thing that Eren was headed to another city. At least this way, he could work without worrying that one of his attacks might harm Eren.
Then Eld pressed on a swollen part of Levi's ankle, and burning pain shot through him. Levi barely held back a shout.
"Deal with it for a moment," Eld muttered, focused on the ankle and feeling around a little bit more. After a thorough exam, he finally let go. "The good news is, you didn't fully rip the tendon. The bad news is, it's a severe sprain, and I think one of your ankle bones is broken. I can keep your foot wrapped and stable, but you'll need a real doctor. We have one we can use."
"He won't work with the Resistance anymore," Yelena warned him. "I can ask Carly. There's a doctor who goes through the brothel once a week to make sure the girls are healthy." She smirked at Levi. "Since you didn't get as much time with your German lover boy, perhaps you would like a trip to the brothel to work some things off."
"Go shit in your own cunt," he snarled.
"I missed your attitude," she said with a playful smirk. "Wor bàl widder g'sùnd. Get well soon. We'll need you in the coming weeks."
Levi nodded, feeling drained suddenly. "Is my old cot still here?"
"Yes, your bag is already there."
"I'm going to take some medicine. It'll probably knock me out. Let me sleep it off."
"I'll tell people not to bother you, but I can't keep them all quiet, especially not with the news flooding in. I'll try to bring in a real doctor tonight. Rest for now. And Levi…" She gave him a proud smile. "Welcome to the Resistance."
He nodded silently and hobbled out of the shack on his crutches while the radio continued to sputter out bits of garbled German. Levi sensed the rush and enthusiasm around the group of rebel fighters. Finally, the Americans were making their move. This was the moment they had been preparing for, ready to assist by attacking the enemy from the inside.
Levi should be celebrating as well, but his heart was slowly breaking.
He found the spot he had taken before, just a canvas cot, one of many pushed up against the icy brick wall of the sewers, little privacy, no warmth besides a wool blanket. His bag was on top of the cot, as well as the bottle of wine from Wald. Levi pulled out his men's clothing and changed, unconcerned with who saw him naked.
Once he was back in a shirt and trousers, he tucked the bag under the cot. He opened the wine bottle, brought out the bottle of painkiller pills Eren had packed for him, shook one out, and gulped some wine straight from the bottle to wash the pill down. Then he lay on the cot and stared at the dim ceiling.
Just as the pill was taking the edge off the pain, Eld came over with a pile: blanket, bath towel, and a lumpy, flat pillow. Levi took those and rearranged his tiny bed so he could sleep. He rolled up the blue women's coat and propped his swollen foot up on that. Then he threw his jacket over his head to block out the light and muffle the noises.
He felt something hard shifting across his chest and pulled out the necklace with the key attached. The key to Eren's childhood, in a sense. A symbol of his innocence, but also a promise to return to that home together.
Levi felt a smile struggling up on to his lips. He let his mind drift back to that moment, slipping the ring onto Eren's hand. That had been purely impetuous, and yet, deep in his heart…
He knew what it symbolized. They exchanged a ring and a key, each symbolic of wanting a future together.
Levi pulled the key up and kissed it. "I'll protect that future for you," he quietly promised.
While the rest of the French Resistance spent the day drinking wine in celebration or plotting their next move against the Germans, Levi stayed in bed, letting all the memories of the past few weeks replay in his head.
# # #
# #
#
He said it! He said it! He said it!
Virginity – The Germans arguing about virgins shows the types of misconceptions about virginity that existed back then, and continue to this day. The myth of the hymen is widespread in many religions. Some countries force unwed women to undergo virginity exams … which every gynecologist on the planet knows aren't a thing, it's 100% bullshit, but doctors are sometimes forced to play along with abusive parents and sexist religious leaders, all for the sake of maintaining cultural norms. Fanfiction is full of that crap. I admit, I used to write loss of virginity fics, despite having studied biology and knowing better. I stopped when I realized I was perpetuating a sexist belief that has led to young girls getting beaten, disowned, and even murdered.

If you need a website to show to your conservative family:
- https://everydayfeminism.com/2013/08/4-myths-about-virginity
- https://health.osu.edu/health/sexual-health/myths-and-facts-about-hymen
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-about-sex/201103/the-hymen-membrane-widely-misunderstood
- https://blogs.webmd.com/womens-health/20191114/virginity-tests-a-gynecologist-sets-the-record-straight
Scheißami – A German slur against Americans used during World War II, from the German word scheiße ("shit") and Ami ("American"; not offensive on its own, more like "Brit" or "Aussie"). We will see it again.
Der Mann kann fallen, die Fahne nie – The sign Eren sees really existed in Metz. "The man can fall, the flag cannot" was a Nazi slogan.
Wald – I wasn't going to name the shopkeeper at first, but I figured, he basically looks like Wald, a noble in Attack on Titan, so let's give him a name.
Yiddish when he's mad – In Chapter 63, Eren teased that Levi sounded sexy when he cusses in French, but less sexy in Yiddish, so Levi said, "Then when I'm really mad, I'll use that." He's not really mad here, though. Levi simply cusses in any language he wants!
Shout out to Cave du Val d'Or, a wine shop in Metz. Their Instagram account was a huge inspiration. It was nice to be able to see pictures of a real French wine shop located in the city of Metz.
Zum Kampf sind wir geboren, und unser ist der Sieg! – Eren says this line, which is part of the refrain of Marsch der Sturmartillerie (“March of the Assault Artillery”), the official march of the Wehrmacht infantry. Eren’s platoon was supposed to sing it in an earlier chapter, but the plot changed so the song got shifted to later.
Des Kriegers Abschied – The song the men sing while leaving is by Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the patriotic songs he wrote to celebrate the victory over Napoleon.
- https://youtu.be/jnfIZ49bTr8
I just want to point out, although Carly told Eren that whoever drugged him was not a member of the French Resistance, Eren never told Levi about this. For all Levi knew, it was Yelena, and he is not aware that Carly knows precisely who this person is. Now, this SIS agent may know something. The hunt is on, and woe to the poor schmuck who messed with Levi's takhshet.
…
—
…
Hey everyone, it's Rhov again!
There's going to be a timeskip. Given that Levi has to wait for his man, I'm going to make all of you wait too!
Because I'm evil! Mwahaha!
Actually, there are some personal reasons for me to take a break. My husband and I are going through some financial problems. Rent just spiked, we may lose our apartment, so I need to take few weeks off to focus on "real world" stuff, like finding another job and looking for a place with cheaper rent.
This is ONLY for people who are in a comfortable financial situation.
- https://wildrhov.tumblr.com/post/678274605465681921/help-me-move
THIS POST ON TUMBLR explains things, including ways people can help, and the money will go toward keeping a roof over our heads until we can find a new apartment. I’m not allowed to mention certain crowdfunding websites on this site, but I can at least point you over there.
It's a blow to my ego to ask for assistance—I was raised never to ask for help from anyone, to a toxic degree—so really, this is only for people who are financially comfortable and able to join as a fan or donate some spare money. Please don't feel guilty if you're also struggling. Never feel guilty for that!
I'll see you all in a few weeks. I hope you'll wait just as eagerly as Levi will.
Wait for your man, Levi! Your soldier boy will be thinking about you fondly! (Probably as he fondles himself!)
Love and peace to you all.
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