Levi x Reader: The Girl Beyond the Walls

Chapter 17: The Desperate Missionary

(f/n)'s POV: 

Levi had walked me to my room and bade me goodnight, and regardless of the hour, I laid in bed, unable to fall asleep. While I'm most at ease maintaining a certain distance with others, I disclosed a lot to him tonight, and what's more, he seemed to accept me for who I was. I first saw him as the defensive, cautious Captain whose judgement Erwin trusted in, but now, I wasn't so sure. 

I rolled over, my hands resting on the hilt of my sword. Lying beside it made me feel safer, as though the once rocking ship softened, the chaotic waves rescinding.  As my eyes closed, I saw fleeting images of him, his grey gaze, his slick black hair, his lips pressing against my own. 

This is going to be interesting.

~ 

I awoke early in the morning and decided to head to the mess hall for breakfast before the crowds gathered. After the events of last night, I felt uncomfortable with the idea of having to see Levi's squad members. 

As I grabbed some bread and coffee, a loud, booming voice made me freeze. 

"Miss (f/n)! Come, sit by me." 

I turned around to see Erwin sitting alone at the end of the hall, a forced smile plastered on his face. His eyes were cold and assessed me carefully. It was definitely evident why he was in charge of things around here. 

Reluctantly, I took my food and sat before him, quietly sipping my coffee as I awaited him to start what I assumed would be a very intrusive conversation. 

"So, have fun with Levi last night?" 

I nearly choked, setting down my cup under his amused stare. I quickly readjusted myself and met his look calmly. "Excuse me?" 

"You and Levi left headquarters rather late last night, with him strapped in his ODM gear." 

"Yes." I hid any indications of my emotions from my eyes, keeping my posture and expression perfectly impartial. "He tried probing me for more information, as you'd expect." 

"And why, pray tell, are you so reluctant to share this information with us, given now that you have free reign and actually returned on your own?" 

"I mean no disrespect, but exposing details of my personal life, while I wish to help in any way that I'm able, is... difficult. Especially considering I don't know most of you as well as I'd like to." 

Erwin nodded slowly, taking a bite of his food. "I see. Well, I will ensure we remain respectful towards your degree of comfort around here. It's not something I'd like to see forfeit. However, in the meantime, I do hope you'll help in other areas." 

"I'd be glad to. I've fought a few of your best soldiers in the field, and they hardly impress." 

Erwin looked at me then with a genuine smile. "I heard you even gave Levi a hard time. Very impressive, (f/n). We could definitely put that kind of skill to use." 

We sat for a few minutes, eating our food in silence. Usually, I enjoyed the quiet, but his commanding composure made me uncomfortable. 

After we finished, Erwin stood and gestured for me to follow him. "Let's take a walk."

~ 

"Hange tells me you like religious and poetic verses," Erwin said, his eyes maintained along the path before us. He took me along the trail that encircled headquarters, parts of the road shaded under the neighboring forest. As the world gradually awakened, the sounds of twirling leaves and birdsong chimed along to our passing footsteps.