"How is my father doing?" I focused my gaze out of the window, watching as an exasperated Levi received a tour from Armin and Eren.

"You should visit him yourself," Mikasa responded, frowning slightly.

well

"I don't think that's a good idea," I gestured to the body I was in, "there's no telling what his reaction would be- I don't want to make his condition any worse."

even if i would like to see him

it isn't possible

for his sake

"Even so-"

"Forget I ever brought it up," I cut her off, "how has the guard been?"

"Same as always."

"That's good to hear- did you know that Levi was interested in magical tools?" I quickly changed the subject.

"Why are you so invested in him?" Mikasa's stare seemed to pierce through me.

erhm-

"Why wouldn't I be?" I glanced off to the side, avoiding her eyes, "I mean we're stuck like this- it benefits me to be cooperative."

and i know you wouldn't believe this but i'm coming around on him

just a little bit-

unfortunately

"Don't worry about it Mikasa-" I nudged her, "when all of this is over everything will go back to normal."

before this ends i will be kidnapping farlan

"They should be done soon," she gestured down at Levi.

right

"I guess we should regroup," I paused, "I'm serious, don't worry about me."

it's going to be really hard to convince everyone that levi isn't a horrible person

who's fault is that?

well- mine but- he does deserve it on occasion

"Fine," Mikasa agreed, holding the door open for me as the two of us walked to the courtyard.

unconvincing

"It's good to be back," I breathed a long sigh of relief, "the Ackerman Duchy is beautiful but it isn't home."

it's been a long time since i woke up somewhere familiar

"It's a good thing that you're back," Mikasa fell into place a step behind me.

"Did something happen?"

"Eren."

"Oh."

ever since we were younger he's been a problem

mostly because-

mikasa is softer on him

well-

and i enjoy instigating

"Nothing too bad I hope," I could hear Armin and Eren as we neared the courtyard.

"The usual," she sighed.

i can't imagine any of it is interesting-

i mean-

let's think long and hard about all of the times eren has gotten in trouble-

"It's way more predictable when I'm gone, isn't it?"

"Yes."

I KNEW IT

"He isn't good at coming up with things on his own," I chuckled, "all of Eren's greatest heists were planned by me," I grinned proudly.

"I'm not sure the heir to the marquisate should be boasting about that," Mikasa shook her head.

but?

"But I'm right."

"Yes, you are."

"It's a good thing I'm back- Eren needs my genius to be successful."

"Should I pretend I didn't hear that?" She raised an eyebrow, gesturing down at her uniform.

oh right

she's the current commander

oh whatever

"Yes please."

"-it doesn't matter if you're the heir to a duchy, don't even think about getting close to Y/N."

eren

"Eren-" Armin's voice called out, attempting to reason with him.

too late eren

levi and i read romance novels together

and i have seen him naked (unfortunately) so i would say we are intimately acquainted

"Are you in love with her or something?" Levi scoffed, brushing off Eren's comment.

EW

"Eren," Mikasa muttered under her breath, getting ready to announce our presence and diffuse the situation.

no wait-

"Stop- I want to see what happens," I whispered, grabbing her arm.

"No I don't-" Eren quickly dismissed Levi's accusation, "I just don't want her associating with the likes of you, she's worth more."

i don't know if i should be honored or offended

like i desperately need everyone to be in love with me for the sake of my ego

but also i appreciate it eren <3

ok now levi

say the line

"The likes of me? What the fuck do you mean- I'm the heir to a duchy."

'i don't want to associate with the likes of her-'

what-

levi- why did you go off script

"Status isn't enough you're still a huge piece of-"

"-oh fuck off," Levi rolled his eyes aggressively, "and what makes you any better?"

ok maybe it's time to end this

"Excuse me," I cut in, stepping forward with Mikasa. "Levi- care to explain why you're cheating on me and starting a rivalry with someone else? And Eren- could you explain why you're arguing with a guest?"

"This fucking asshole-"

"Y/N- you don't actually like this guy do you? Why are you defending him?"

well-

"He's kinda funny," I shrugged, "and I wouldn't say I like him- I just tolerate him to show off my generous personality."

"I agree with Eren," Mikasa spoke up. "He isn't to standard."

COME ON GUYS

HIS MOM WAS REALLY NICE TO ME SO I KINDA FEEL BAD

but- yes i agree- i deserve a king not a duke

"Well- he's in my gorgeous body right now so-"

all standards are met

my narcissism is satisfied with the current situation

im perfect

"So she agrees with me," Levi gloated, scowling over at Eren and Mikasa.

this situation isn't ideal but it's much better than bloodshed

"I never-"

"She needs a doctor, she isn't thinking straight- are we sure that's our Y/N?" Eren gasped in horror, clutching his chest.

oh god

"I personally think whatever Y/N wants is fine," Armin spoke, glancing around awkwardly.

YOU'RE MY FAVORITE

"I am in love with you Armin."

"Bullshit."

"She's been manipulated by him-"

oh wow

this is going to be a long stay

________________________

sorry for the late update! i was running some errands </3 loev u guys

- ami