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Another timeline. He woke up in another timeline around nighttime, surrounded by a familiar scenery he instantly recognized - It was too familiar. At first glance, it almost seemed like home. The one where he lives together with his Hange after the war. However, as familiar as the scenery seems, it's also very different.
Instead of a comforting atmosphere like the one in his original timeline, there was Melancholy. Dread. Almost as if everything was completely hopeless.
He didn't favor the atmosphere one bit and tried moving his body to observe his surroundings since he badly needed to confirm whether his location is "that" place. But, when he attempted to move, his body didn't even cooperate. It didn't budge from his spot and he can't even move his own head without feeling intense physical pain.
At that moment, it dawned on him. He was in one of the worst-case scenarios when jumping from one timeline to another. At times like this, he can barely control the actions of the body he's borrowing, the body usually acts on itself, even the things he says are on instinct like there was some kind of script that's being read.
All he can do is think as he watches the events play without a choice on what to do. Forced to watch a scene unfurl in front of his eyes whether he like it or not.
Most of the time, he didn't mind being in the worst-case scenario. It usually meant less work for him to do. But, to be experiencing the worst-case scenario now, in this situation and in this damn place. Levi considers it torture.
He knows what will happen.
And he can't do anything about it except watch the inevitable.
"I'd rather just the two of us live here, right Levi?" Hange asked, her voice almost like a whisper but he heard it despite the softness of her voice. Of course, he did.
When that question was asked, Levi knew what he should answer. He wanted to answer that they can't live together just yet. But, they definitely will, and the both of them really did live together in Levi's original timeline. In this exact forest.
That's what he desired to answer. But, the body has other plans as he was forced to say the same words he said back in his original timeline. "What's left if we run away?"
Back then, when he said those words, he knew what was coming. The possibility of losing his life or Hange's life was there and he knew that.
What he didn't expect, is that Hange will come back to him after everything's over and the two of them can finally settle down in a peaceful world.
However, that doesn't seem to be the case in this timeline. It might be irrational, but he can sense it.
The original Levi of the timeline he's currently in,
Will lose Hange Zoe.
He was lucky enough. His timeline brought back his Hange.
But, not everything is the same. Not every Levi of each alternate universe is lucky enough to have their Hange staying by their side. He feels sad for the Levi's who doesn't have their Hange by their side. Losing Hange is like losing half of yourself and he was lucky enough to still be complete.
He lost her already but his Hange came back and that's what matters.
It's different for the original Levi of this timeline, Hange won't come back to that Levi no matter how much he waits. That was the cruel truth of this timeline for the Levi who truly belonged here.
So with all the strength, he can muster, even if the sensation is similar to swallowing a thousand needles, he tried to speak up of his own will. For the first time, he tried escaping the worst-case scenario and acted out what he wanted to show.
"Oi, Hange..." he called out with a raspy voice. It was painful yet tolerable.
Instantly, Hange moved away from the cart she was building and tend to Levi's wounds as she warned. "You shouldn't move yet, you're still wounded"
Silence is the only response Levi gave to what Hange said and it concerned her. She grabbed some more bandages and carefully patched up Levi's wounds.
It was painful and his body is aching all over but Hange's gentle touch makes up for it as the pain eases just a little bit. The pain is still there but he will manage. It's just physical pain, something he was used to because of his experience in fighting titans for the past years.
After Hange finished tending to his wounds, she intended to continue working on the wooden cart but Levi wouldn't let her as he grabbed Hange by the hand and didn't let her take another step.
"Do you want something?" She asked, concern evident in her voice as she checks on Levi's wounds once more to see if she missed a spot. She froze for a second when she felt a warmth surrounding her hands. A warmth she instantly recognized.
"Stay...." He requested, staring at Hange straight in the eyes as he struggled to tighten his grip around her hands.
Hange gazed back then forced a smile to appear on her face as she assured him. "I'll be here. I won't leave. I'm just going to assemble the cart for tomorrow's departure"
Even with all those excuses she stated, there was no attempt of hers to move her hands away from Levi's. Hange knew from Levi's gaze earlier that he wanted to say more. And so, she told him to continue.
"Stay and get some rest" He demanded, his gaze unwavering from hers.
"I had my rest already, so don't worry about me" Again, Hange forced a smile to appear as the excuses piled up.
If Levi had the energy, he would have rolled his eyes at the lame excuse. But, for now, all he can do is squint his eyes at her and give her a judgemental look. "Bullshit. You look shitty"
"Don't I always look shitty to you though?" She joked, trying to lighten up the atmosphere in hopes that Levi didn't notice the exhaustion when the words escaped her mouth. Although, she should have known better. It was Levi after all, hiding her exhaustion from him is futile.
"You look shittier than usual. The horrible kind of shit"
At this moment, Levi is internally cringing at what he said and kept a serious exterior as he resumed. "You need some rest to look like the usual shitty Hange"
Even though in his original timeline he lived together with his Hange, he was never accustomed to saying such affectionate words. Luckily, his Hange understood him no matter how strange his way of communication is.
Though, he can conclude that his Hange back on his original timeline wasn't the only one who understood him. This Hange in front of him, just from the way she almost let out a genuine laugh, he was aware - this Hange understood him too.
But of course, it's Hange after all. It doesn't matter whether Hange is from an entirely different timeline than him. Hange always understood.
"The Ackerman's way of affection is truly strange yet adorable" She teased, genuinely this time as a small smile blooms on her face.
If this was a normal day with normal circumstances, Levi would have complained and retorted at her teasing. The only thing that's holding him back from doing just that, is the fact that this wasn't a normal day and Levi was just damn glad he got to see Hange's smile again. Now that he thinks about it, the original Levi of this timeline hasn't seen Hange for one month already. This would have been the first time in a month that they can speak to each other and yet here he is, accidentally taking away the opportunity of the original Levi to speak to Hange.
It's not like he chose to wake up in this timeline. He would rather be back home with his Hange.
Don't get him wrong, he doesn't want to leave the Hange that's currently in this timeline. But, if he stayed much longer it would only mean that he really is robbing the original Levi of this timeline.
He can't afford to do that. Not when the remaining time of the Hange of this timeline is very limited. The Levi of this timeline and the Hange of this timeline should spend as much time as possible in each other's arms while they still can.
Yet, here he is. Borrowing a body and taking someone else's place.
"You need some sleep. You seem dazed" Hange announced, preparing to stand up and return to fixing the cart.
Like always, Levi didn't permit her to move another step as he grabs onto her hand just in time before she walked away and then came up with a deal. "If you sleep, I sleep."
"Hey, that's unfair." Hange furrowed her eyebrows and sent him a disapproving look. It didn't affect Levi's determination to get Hange her deserved rest as he stared back.
They were having a staring contest when Hange finally pinched the bridges of her nose and released a sigh. "You can be very stubborn sometimes"
She escaped Levi's grasp, bringing a cloth along with her then returned to her spot where she was assembling the cart. The action made Levi frown as he watches Hange cover the cart with the cloth. His frown soon disappeared from his face when he witnessed Hange turning her back around the cart then and began walking towards him, asking him to make space if he can move with his wounds
With a slight nod, he scooted over to the right and then waited for Hange to lay down next beside him. Once he felt something warm next to him, he turned to face her.
Every time he stares at Hange, the first thing that gets his attention is always her brown orbs. This isn't any exception, it was still the first thing he noticed. Though, instead of being captivated by the curiosity in her eyes like before, all he could see was pure exhaustion and self-doubt.
He hated that sight. It doesn't suit Hange.
She closed her eyes then mumbled. "Stop staring, you look like a creep."
Levi didn't.
He just continued studying Hange's features. It's probably the most peaceful she looked for months. Or, at least the most peaceful for the Hange of this timeline.
His Hange back at his home always looked peaceful, without the burden of saving the world anymore, the sparkle and curiosity returned in her enticing brown orbs. On his own timeline, when Hange miraculously came back to him, her eccentric personality returned to her.
He was overjoyed back then. That was something he didn't expect would happen to someone like him who's always left behind by the people he loved.
Even his Hange left him...
But, she came back. That's all that matters.
"My eyes might be closed but I know you're still stari-"
Feeling brave, Levi didn't let Hange finish her statement as he moved his hands to where her hands are placed, their joined fingers entwining perfectly.
"Just sleep," He said while he closes his eyes, their fingers still locked together, emanating a certain warmth.
What came next, was a pleasant noise to Levi's ears.
Hange softly chuckled. "I will in one condition, you better sleep too."
"Goodnight Levi" She yawned one last time and shut her eyes.
As soon as those words were out of his mouth, she surrendered to her exhaustion and fell asleep. It has been a month already since she last slept that peacefully. True, laying down on the hard ground in the middle of the forest is far from comfortable. Nevertheless, Hange surrendered to sleep quite fast with her hand still entwined with Levi's - His presence was enough to relieve all tension from her body and lull her into a somewhat peaceful sleep.
There were sounds of light snoring coming from Hange, her breath tickling Levi's face and caused him to open his eyes. No matter how much he gets used to the view of a sleeping Hange back in his timeline, He never gets used to that sight. That such breathtaking sight right in front of him.
Honestly, he wanted to continue watching the person in front of him as he waits for sleep and he was about to do just that If it wasn't for a memory that entered his mind.
Rather than a memory, it was a piece of information about the timeline he's currently in. Normally, he found those bits of information useful since it helps him adapt to the environment of the strange timeline.
This time, however, he only found it horrible. After all, the information was about this Hange and....what will happen to her eventually.
By the time that happens, he's probably in another new timeline, unable to witness Hange's foreshadowed death. Which he is glad for since - he doesn't want to lose Hange again.
But, it isn't him who's gonna lose Hange. On his original timeline, he has his Hange, breathing and alive. Even if the Hange in this current timeline dies...He will still have his.
Yet, even with that fact, he still feels sorrowful. He felt sad for the unfortunate Levi Ackerman of this timeline. The one that will lose this Hange.
He released a sigh, holding Hange's hands tighter and with his free hand, took away her glasses from her face as he whispered softly into the night, making sure no one hears him. "Goodnight Hange"
He didn't use four-eyes because it's not the time yet for that nickname to be used. It will be used by the Levi Ackerman of this timeline in a desperate attempt to stop the Hange of this timeline from leaving him.
He's certain that will be the case.
After all, that was his intention. And, every Levi - who lives in a timeline where there's a risk of losing Hange - will always use that as a last resort to keep her from leaving. It's all up to the events of this timeline whether this Hange will be stopped or not. Though, even back in his timeline, he wasn't able to stop her. She was too selfless and chose to carry on with her sacrifice.
Then again, no matter what timeline, Hange Zoe is always selfless, compassionate, wise, and caring.
He's really lucky that even if Hange chose to sacrifice herself for the sake of the world, his Hange returned to him. If only it was the same for the Levi and Hange of this timeline too.
But, it seems that no matter what, the Levi and Hange of this timeline will end up losing each other. And it makes him frustrated that he can't do anything when he is aware of future events. It's not possible for him to just simply say information that will surely save this Hange from the inevitable selfless act she's eventually gonna do. He should tell Hange that Falco's titan can fly or that they should be wary of Floch's arrival. For sure, once he told her the events of the future, the tragedy would be avoided. And the Levi of this universe wouldn't have to see her get burned and fall.
However, as much as he wanted that, there's something stopping him from doing so. The timeline forbids him from speaking of the future. And he hates it because it makes him absolutely useless. What even is the purpose of waking up on this timeline when all he can do is absolutely nothing except mourn for the future events that are certain to happen. He isn't supposed to here, what this Hange needs right now is the original Levi Ackerman of this timeline.
It is the same for the original Levi Ackerman of this timeline. That Levi needed to be here as soon as possible while this Hange is still breathing and alive.
And so, taking one last look at this Hange, holding her hands tighter with all the strength he can muster, he closed his eyes and attempted to sleep.
Sleep. That's the only thing he can do to reunite the Levi and Hange of this timeline. By the time he wakes up, he will be in a different timeline and the original Levi would be back to this timeline, where that Levi truly belongs.
Even though he doesn't want to leave this Hange in front of him and may even consider staying behind just to watch her peaceful expression. It was something he can't afford to do. The one that should be by this Hange's side while she's still alive, is that Levi. But for that to happen, for that Levi to return to this Hange, he must fall asleep and leave this timeline.
That is the reason why he's forcing himself to fall asleep. As soon as possible, even if he detested the idea of sleeping - he should be out of this timeline.
It was a struggle for him to fall asleep. There were too many thoughts in his mind, too many wishes, too many hopes. Heck, it's not in his character to believe in miracles - yet his mind was also full of prayers. Believing that if he does those things hard enough, the events of this timeline would magically change...and this Hange wouldn't have to die. The original Levi wouldn't have to lose such an important person and his other half.
For now, all he can rely on is that tiny little ray of hope that this Hange is going to survive in this timeline. As superstitious as it seems, he'll cling to that tiny ray of hope.
So he continued on wishing, hoping, and praying.
Wishing that the world isn't so cruel for the Levi and Hange of this timeline. Hoping that they will see each other again. Praying that Levi and this Hange will achieve the ending they respectfully deserved, just like he did.
Back in his home, he lives together with his Hange after the war. Can't this be the case for the Levi and Hange of this timeline too?
"You're still awake" Hange whispered to Levi, her eyes remained close as she continued. "You don't have to worry, It'll be alright somehow. Just get your rest."
As always, She knew what to say to calm his raging thoughts. He even felt a little sleepy when Hange held his hands tighter and muttered another goodnight. Since there's no use fighting his sleepiness anymore, he allowed himself to drift off to sleep.
Before he fell asleep, there were more thoughts, more wishes, more hopes that entered his mind.
"Let this Hange live with her Levi."
"Let them get their peaceful ending. They deserved it after all that fighting."
"Let them see each other again."
Those were the last thoughts on his mind and with a heavy heart, he held Hange's hands tighter. Consciousness slowly fades away from him until he finally fell into a deep slumber and instantly transported into a new timeline the moment he fell asleep.
Under the night sky, he fell asleep holding hands with Hange. Not his Hange, but still Hange nonetheless.
The next day, he wasn't surrounded by those large trees anymore. Those familiar large trees from the previous timeline were replaced by unknown scenery which only means one thing, he woke up in another timeline. Way too far from the previous Hange. He knows that he will never meet that Hange again because he'll continue being transported to a different timeline each day.
Surprisingly, that's alright with him. He has his own Hange to go home to.
And that Hange from the previous timeline - she has his own Levi to go home to. After dedicating her heart, she must come home to her Levi Ackerman. Her Levi will be waiting.
Even if there's a chance that she won't be able to come back to her Levi.
Whatever the result is, he will never know. He can't return to that timeline anymore. Still, as hopeless as it seems, he wishes for that Levi and that Hange to get the ending they deserved.
No matter what timeline, it is always wrenching, agonizing, and just damn painful to lose Hange.
And, he's lucky enough to be spared from that pain, lucky enough that he didn't lose his Hange.
Sadly, not all versions of Levi Ackerman are as lucky as him.