Don't Die - Levi x Reader {Book 1}

Chapter 33

(Y/N) focused on her breathing again as her horse moved beneath her. They were dangerously close to the gate now, and it was taking everything she had not to scream. Her hands were gripping the reins so tightly that her knuckles had gone white and her fingers were starting to cramp.

Chris had been shooting her concerned glances ever since they left the field but (Y/N) had yet to find the strength to tell her she was alright. She was afraid to open her mouth for fear of what might come out.

But Chris wasn't the only one staring. Soldiers she barely knew had been "subtly" looking at her since the moment her lips hit Levi's. Their kiss had, in fact, drawn some attention, but only because Isabel had, sure enough, freaked out. She'd been frozen in shock for a while but as soon as (Y/N) had started to walk away, she'd heard the laughs and hoots filling the air followed by multiple "shut ups" from Levi.

"You kissed her! You kissed her!"

(Y/N) cringed even now as she thought about what Levi's face must have looked like. He'd probably looked angry enough to kill. Good thing Furlan was there.

But Isabel had already said it and there was no taking it back. Countless eyes found the three of them, distracted by the noise, and then found (Y/N) as she walked away from the group.

There were a few murmurs but mostly just stares.
When she finally made it back to her squad, (Y/N) took Lex's reins from Chris and pretended not to care that everyone was looking. The rest of the Special Ops squad had gathered and (Y/N) had to ignore a few teasing jabs from Leo and Jacob. She wasn't in the mood for banter.

Her 3DMG was on in a few minutes and once she was on her horse, she'd been enveloped in her own world.

Forced deep breaths and white knuckles made up the rest of her trip to the gate.

But now they'd arrived and (Y/N) stared ahead. The gate looked even more daunting than usual and her eyes searched automatically for her Commander.

Erwin was at the front of the formation. His position was more of a formality. He'd lead the regiment out and then fall back to the middle where he could give the best instruction. That was one small comfort. Erwin's title put him in one of the safest spots. It wasn't much, but it helped (Y/N) to breathe a little easier.

The sudden clanking of chains made her jump in her saddle. The gate was rising.

(Y/N) scanned the crowd, hoping for a last look at Levi but there were too many soldiers crammed too close together. There was no way she'd be able to find him.

Her chest tightened as she looked forward again. The gate was halfway up and it would only be a few more seconds before Erwin gave the order to move out.

(Y/N) braced herself, sinking into her saddle and giving Lex a reassuring pat. This was it.

Finally, a clank sounded and the gate halted as it reached its peak.

(Y/N) could see the outside through the opening and for a split second she felt the excitement and anticipation that always grasped her before she was out in the open. No walls to hold her back.

The excitement disappeared and (Y/N) looked to see Erwin raising one blade in the air.

"Forward!"

The deafening sound of hooves on stone filled the air and (Y/N) watched as Erwin led the regiment beyond the safety of the walls.

In a matter of seconds, she was free. The horizon went on forever, endlessly expanding until it met with the sky.

"Okay, push ahead!" Captain Saru's voice barely traveled over the wind but (Y/N) heard her, urging Lex to move faster. As part of the Special Operations Squad, her job was to head to the front of the formation, taking out as many titans as possible. Hopefully, their efforts would save those less skilled.