He was the reason she could stand. Time and time again. It was the hope he inspired within all of them ; within Petra. It didn't force her to hide her tears, to become a soulless, mindless solider. She followed his orders, because even if death awaited them, she trusted him. They all did. It's why she can still devote herself to him. To this onslaught against Titans. She could cry, but she would never fall. Never. Never.
❝ Captain I- ❞ But for this moment, she doesn't need to speak. Not yet. His words had already sparked a light in her heavy heart. It hurt. But these emotions she held, they weren't weak ; they could express all they wanted, as long as they kept looking forward. That's ... that's why they were the elite. Petra didn't need to toss aside her humanity. That's not it. She would be fierce on the battlefield, and still kind. They needed that. They needed each other.
Did he know, how it was his fighting spirit that kept her going? If someone she respected so openly could see her as strong, then, she was doing something right. That she could be confident in. That's why, these tears were okay. She was only human. And even with her heart numbed in the face of battle, it still beats at his touch ; brings her body back to reality.
❝ Thank you. ❞ He told her not to thank him, but, she does anyway. It brings a small smile to her lips, a flush in her features, but, it can't quite reach her eyes. No. They were still stained with the blood of their comrades. ❝ I just ... wished there was more I could do for them. I know we can't save everyone ... but ... ❞
When they are in your arms, taking their final breaths, they had both witnessed the heart ache for their comrades.
❝ I might be overstepping, but ... you inspire them. I think, that thought alone ... is a comforting one. They fought to give us all a chance ... I'll keep fighting, Captain Levi. That I will promise them. Always. ❞ Tears return to her eyes, but, they don't fall. Brows furrow, because she wants to honor their memory. They were not out of the clear. They had to move. So, Petra would swallow those feelings, and make the Titan's pay. Her fallen comrades would not have died for nothing. That was the dream they all held.
❝ We won't let their deaths be in vain. ❞