Every Single One (Eren X Reader)

014

"We'll be on standby for a few more days," Levi said, looking around the table of soldiers. Eren and Levi sat at the ends of the table, with Petra and I on one side and Oluo and Gunther on the other. I was careful to sit next to Eren instead of Levi just in case I did something wrong, as I didn't particularly want to be yelled at on my first day on the Special Ops Team.

"I heard we're already planning a large expedition outside of the walls," Gunther added, "this month, actually." I sat up straighter in my seat, surprised that they were leaving so quickly, especially with Eren to babysit.

"Not to mention we'll be bringing this year's graduates along, too," Eld said, seemingly slightly worried. I was honestly pretty excited at the chance to finally see my friends again, and I really wanted to know how they were all getting on. Gunther seemed surprised and asked if Eld was sure, pointing out that the titan attack on Trost must've taken a huge toll on the cadets.

"It probably terrified the brats," Oluo said smugly, making my smile fade slightly. I was incredibly annoyed at the fact that even though I'd only just arrived, I could already tell Oluo tried to imitate Captain Levi way too much. It didn't seem like an openly admiring thing, either, it was as though it made him feel powerful and superior. Honestly, the captain pretty much was powerful and superior, but the old blonde man certainly wasn't.

Petra clearly noticed too and didn't let him continue, "Is this true, Captain?" she said, sounding a little nervous.

"Making plans isn't my job," Levi said calmly, "But knowing Erwin, he probably has a lot more on his mind than we could imagine."

"It's true that things have changed," Eld agreed thoughtfully, "I thought we didn't stand much of a chance when we lost Wall Maria," he glanced at Eren, "but now we have a new weapon." I heard Eren take in a sharp breath and felt terrible that he was stuck in such a hard position. He had no choice but to sacrifice himself for humanity, but it wasn't something he could just give. He would have to work hard and learn to control this newfound power or everyone would probably die. That was something I knew I'd never be able to bear, and I respected him for that.

An uncomfortable silence hung over the room, making me itch to run out the door, but I stayed where I was, both for Eren's sake and my own. Eld asked what it meant for Eren to 'turn into a titan,' still seeming slightly concerned for everyone's wellbeing. Eren said that he didn't remember much of anything other than the trigger, which he explained was self-inflicted injury.

"I just take my hand like this..." he held his hand to his mouth and paused, his voice slowly drifting away as though he just remembered something. I leaned to the side a little, checking his expression to make sure he was okay when Levi's voice startled me.

"We won't get anything out of him that's not in the reports," he took a sip of his tea, "but I'm sure a certain someone has different ideas." I felt my insides twist and stared at Levi, having no idea who this person could be.

"He's not talking about Hanji, is he?" I thought, "She'd never do something like that... right?"

"Maybe fiddle around, or even kill you, Eren," he threatened. Eren jumped and leaned forward.

"Someone?" he sounded terrified, but barely got the words out when something slammed against the door. Petra got up quickly to unlock it, revealing Hanji standing in the doorway, rubbing her head, likely from running into the door.

"Sorry about that!" she grinned, waving, "Hello, Levi Squad!" she winked at me, "How are you enjoying the castle?" Levi pointed out that she was early, but she waved it off, "I just couldn't wait any longer!" she walked over between Eren and me and smiled, "I'm in charge of researching the two titans we've captured in town," she looked from Eren to me, "and I'd like you two to help with the experiments tomorrow. I came to get permission."