Tainted (Levi x Reader)

Chapter 12

The next morning, you woke up still loosely held in Levi's arms. The sun wasn't even really up yet. You swiftly untangled yourself from the sleeping Levi and managed to get dressed without waking him. Smiling softly, you pause to take in the view of his peaceful face and messy hair before heading for your own room to change into fresher clothes.

With a shiver, you remembered what today was: The 57th expedition beyond the walls.

You were adjusting the last of your straps when you heard a quiet knock at your door. You opened it, with a sense of déjà vu, to reveal Petra.

"(Y/n), I'm so glad you're already up." Petra's eyes were troubled, so you motioned for her to come in. "I have something I need to get out, and you're the only one I can trust."

You pulled up a chair as Petra sat on your bed, fidgeting with her hands. "Hey." You leaned forward and put a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm listening. What's up?"

"I just... I feel like such a loser. You know?" Tears wetted her eyes, so you handed her a handkerchief from the drawer of your desk. "Last night, I promised myself I'd tell this guy I like how I feel. I got all dressed up, I had the perfect opportunity. But... I let the opportunity slip. By the time I had worked up the courage to follow through, I couldn't find him anywhere." Petra groaned, putting her head in her hands. "And I know how you feel about this stuff. You probably think I'm being so silly and girlish. A Scout would be foolish to chase after love, given how low our survival rate is. But (Y/n), I can't help but think it'll be different for me. I'm an elite soldier. I'm strong. And he's..." She smiled to herself. "He's the strongest. I can't die without knowing if he might feel the same. I deserve a shot at love."

You were silent for a moment as you considered her words, and Petra waited patiently. The strongest... she can't mean Humanities' Strongest, right?

"Petra, who do you mean?"

She hesitated, giving you a weird look as her cheeks turned bright red. "I thought everyone knew? I've been in love with the Captain for years now. Isn't that just pathetic of me?"

You froze, eyes wide. "Captain Levi?"

Petra became a stuttering mess. "I-I know what you're thinking! He's so cold and unsociable, he'd never love someone, or at least he'd never s-show it. But he makes me feel something I can't put into words, for reasons I can't grasp. I just love him so wholly and hopelessly. (Y/n), what do I do?"

You were completely at a loss for words. Shit, shit. I can't exactly tell her, 'About that... Levi and I sort of did it literally just last night. You might have to settle for a loveless existence after all.'

Petra sighed, folding her hands on her lap and taking a deep breath. "I just wish he would look at me like how Eren looks at you." Okay, that came out of nowhere. Startled, you locked eyes with Petra. "I know you think love between Scouts is inevitable heartbreak. But... you should give Eren a chance. You both are strong, you'd have a shot. And when you get a shot, you shouldn't let it slip through your fingers or let fear hold you back." Smiling with renewed confidence, Petra grabbed your hands. "Plus, he's pretty cute once you get past the obsessive desire to annihilate titans!"

You placed Petra's hands back on her lap and gave them a short, awkward pat. You forced a smile, but inside you were screaming. "I stand by my philosophy. Plus, Eren's way too young for me. But either way, we should get to the mess hall. We'll be leaving for the expedition soon."

You made your way to the mess hall, along with many other soldiers as they emerged from their own rooms.

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