To Love And Defend | Levi Ackerman X OC Fanfiction

3 | 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒

Around dinner, the Mess Hall was packed. Scouts huddled around most tables gorging their meals, which was typically a slice of stale bread with ordinary soup donated by the government officials and villagers.

Frankly, the villagers were unimpressed that their taxes contributed to feeding a band of lunatics who ventured outside the walls. They thought it was selfish that they used their funds to fatten up the titans. Like they were a literal tasty meal.

Since meat was scarce, there wasn't much to feed most people. Within the walls, there was barely enough livestock around. The scouts made it their mission to venture out on expeditions beyond the walls in search of wild animals to feed the hungry people.

Consequently, unpredictable titan attacks happen, and they are trained to be vigilant. Neither of them knew when they would release their final breath.

Ericka, who had changed out of her tattered clothes into something comfortable, followed Hange and Levi through the crowded hall. Everywhere she looked, people kept eyeing her. Overwhelmed, Ericka tried avoiding their stares.

Maybe they were confused to see a stranger step foot into the Survey Corps headquarters. Especially if that stranger had managed to survive the most brutal titan attacks in the history of the walls.

"Don't be bothered by them." Ericka broke out of her thoughts. She lifted her head, seeing Hange with a reassuring smile. "They've never seen a newbie like you. So, how are you feeling now?"

A low grumble came from her stomach.

"Hungry. I feel like I haven't eaten in forever. What do we have here?"

The Captain, who had been quiet, let out a scoff.

"You were knocked out pretty badly. I'm not sure how long you were unconscious, but I'm surprised you lasted this long without food." He sighed. "We don't have a lot of options here. So, whatever you get, you eat. Even though the chef's cooking can be shitty..."

Ericka shrugged. "Well, I'm not a picky eater. I'll eat whatever."

"Good." Levi grunted. He led the two of them to a table in the back where his squad sat wolfing down their meals.

Petra, Eld, and Gunther were in the middle of a conversation about the recent expedition. They looked up when they saw the Captain.

Petra glanced at Ericka. "Oh, Ericka. You're awake. How are you feeling?"

Ericka's face contorted in discomfort. "My head still hurts." She groaned, pressing a hand over her head. "It looks like I hit my head pretty hard." Her fingers trembled as she picked up a spoon. Much to her dismay, the cutlery clattered on the floor. She bent down to reach it.

"You were badly injured," Eld remarked. He looked at her with concern. "Glad you're feeling okay now."

Gunther sighed. "It's a miracle no titan had eaten you. If Captain Levi hadn't found you, well, I wouldn't know what would have happened."

As the Scouts and Ericka exchanged conversations, Levi sat in silent, drinking his black tea.

"So, Ericka, where are you from?" Petra asked, leaning closely to the girl.