#rivamika analysis

Unmentioned Rivamika moment(s): Vol 13 (Ch54)

First off, Levi is negotiating with Dimo Reeves — instead of resorting to violence (because duh, Levi and Mikasa absolutely COULD), Levi decides to bring Dimo to the top of the wall overlooking Trost. He chose the approach of reminding Dimo that the suffering people of Trost rely on him/Reeves Company.

Again, instead of dominating over Dimo, the Captain of the Survey Corps, Levi — the strongest of humanity — sits with him. Makes himself equal to remind Dimo that they are both humans of the walls who need to support each other.

Mind you, Mikasa at this point is Levi’s right hand person and soldier. I’m verrry convinced that, as she is standing and watching Levi’s approach to helping Dimo Reeves make the right (or in his opinion, better) choice, she is both fascinated and inspired by him. Mikasa is the second strongest of humanity who looks up to Levi, the strongest, and she sees this display of him using his humanity — not his strength for once — to inspire people to the truth. Look at the final panel ^ that shows her as the focus looking at Levi as he sits down level with Dimo!!!

AND THEN! This threw me in a whiplash! As they’re talking, Dimo brings attention to the fact that Mikasa Ackerman was the one who SINGLE HANDEDLY took them out in the past. You can’t tell me Levi heard that and didn’t have a reaction; a moment of being impressed by Mikasa. You can’t tell me that BECAUSE HE DID HAVE A DAMN REACTION! Iono if Dimo means to bring Levi’s attention to Mikasa, but that’s exactly what he did. Levi seems to look back at her (maybe?) after this.

RIVAMIKA FOREVER.