Levi x Reader: The Girl Beyond the Walls

Chapter 23: Relieved of Duty

(f/n)'s POV:
We made it back through the walls and to headquarters with little difficulty. Throughout the trip, my mind drowned under worrisome thoughts of Grim and Charon, and what I was inevitably dragging everyone into. These people held marked skill in combat, especially Levi. I never previously believed someone who didn't possess the triad would be able to stand their ground with another who did, however brief Levi's encounter with Grim lasted. 

Though, as skilled as Levi was, we had no idea what was coming our way, if it came at all. Grim's abilities were almost second to my own, and the fear he held in his eyes was deeply unsettling. 

"Hey." Levi's voice brought me back to the present. We had arrived, engulfed under the shade of their headquarters, and all were dismounting and leading their horses to the stables. 

I stood by as Levi settled his steed in its enclosure when Erwin walked towards us, his expression serious. 

"My office," he stated, blue eyes striking in the shade. "Ten minutes." 

As quick as he had approached, he turned back around and left. I could sense the tensity building in everyone present, and it only made me more anxious of the possible storm creeping over the distant mountains, drawing closer as the seconds passed. 

"Hey, brat." 

Only then did I notice Levi leaning against the stable, eyeing me curiously. "The hell is the matter with you? You keep staring off into space like an idiot. You grow stupid or something?"

I steadily looked into his grey eyes, tendrils of his black hair swaying along his brow. He always managed to keep his gaze emotionless, but I knew from experience he was softer than he let on beneath that hard exterior.

Looking around to ensure that we were alone, I leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his cheeks. I gave him a little smile when I saw him blush, and he nervously raked a hand through his hair, looking down at the ground. 

"Who's looking stupid now?" I asked, only to be met with that familiar steel glare. 

"Tch, whatever. Let's just go before Erwin gets irritated."

As we headed towards the building, Levi slowed his pace to walk beside me. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, planting a quick kiss on the side of my head. 

"I'm glad you're back," he said. 

When I turned my head to look up at him, I saw that same tenderness I thought about earlier written across his expression. His eyes met mine affectionately, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. 

As we came closer to the doors, he quickly composed himself, and we walked side by side as though nothing existed between us. 

~ 

"It would be unwise to consider moving the entire regiment to a different location," Erwin said. He sat at his desk, eyes darting from each person present. 

I sat in front with Hange in the seat beside me. Levi stood behind us, leaned against the wall with his arms folded, looking as disinterested as usual. 

"The best option would be to assemble a small group that goes with (f/n) into hiding, as well as establishing a relay team so communications aren't compromised." Erwin turned to Hange thoughtfully. "I believe it would be best to send the Levi squad as well as you, Hange, given your expertise in garnering knowledge. You're the best equipped at learning more about (f/n) and the abilities she possesses." 

I grew tense as I pondered the consequences of those who stayed behind. 

"I thought it was mentioned prior that the entire regiment would be moved," I said, meeting the stern gaze of Erwin directly. "Should people come searching for me again, everyone at headquarters would be in danger."