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

Chapter 44

The Mess Hall seemed quiet as they approached but that was no surprise. They were extremely late and they would just barely have enough time to eat and get out to the training field.

When they rounded the corner, (Y/N)'s eyes immediately scanned the tables and she was surprised to see Erwin still in his seat with Hange beside him.

She tugged on Levi's hand and pulled him across the room. She wanted to know why they'd stuck around.

When they finally arrived, (Y/N)'s eyes met Erwin's and he smiled up at her.

"Good morning."

(Y/N) couldn't help but smile back.

"Good morning, Erwin."

"How did you sleep?"

(Y/N)'s smile fell away. She didn't really want to think about Levi's recurring bouts of grief if she didn't have to.

"Fine, thank you." She quickly decided to change the topic. "Why are you two still here? Isn't training going to start soon?"

Erwin nodded.

"Yes, but we decided to wait for you."

(Y/N)'s brows furrowed.

"What? Why?"

This time Hange was the one to answer.

"Because we have questions."

The air went cold and (Y/N) went quiet. She hadn't been expecting that.

"She already told you everything you need to know."

(Y/N) turned to Levi, a little shocked that he'd joined into the conversation and a little more shocked at his sudden protectiveness.

His eyes were hard and his lips were twisted into a mean frown.

(Y/N) squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him.

"No, it's okay." (Y/N) was speaking to everyone but her eyes were still on Levi.

He turned to her, his gaze smoldering with intensity. He didn't like the idea of her having to drag up painful memories if she wasn't ready. The others had no right to cause her that kind of discomfort.

(Y/N) stared back at him, trying to convey that it really was okay. She didn't really want to discuss her childhood again but she'd decided to stop hiding it. And, if Erwin and Hange had questions she'd rather just answer them straight away.

Erwin watched carefully as the two of them engaged in their little staring contest. He could almost see the communication flying back and forth as they both struggled to gain the upper hand.

Hange had noticed too and her eyes were glued to them as she wondered how they could be so adept at speaking silently.

Finally, Levi couldn't take it anymore. He scoffed and tore his gaze from hers. If she really wanted to tell them then that was her choice. He'd just have to step in again if something went too far.

"Fine. Food first."

(Y/N) didn't even have time to respond before he dragged her away to the food tables.

As soon as they got there he shoved a tray in her hands and waited to see that she was filling it before finally picking up a plate for himself.

Levi moved more quickly than her and by the time she'd finished, he had already secured a cup of hot water for her. She glowered at it. The idea of tasting the tea again was revolting. But it had to be done.