Tainted (Levi x Reader)

Chapter 29

"They were raised in an orphanage, you say?" Hange held her chin in her hand as her intrigued brown eyes met yours. You, her, and Levi stood in a very small cabin near the barn.

"Yes, but not just a regular orphanage," you told her, pressing your eyes closed to battle a wave of disgust. "Children aren't adopted out once they're taken there. The orphanage is a front for taking in kids to teach them how to kill at a young age. They're raised to be mercenaries."

A troubled frown invaded Hange's usually lively expression. "So if we go to this place, maybe we can get some more information."

"It's not so simple," Levi finally spoke, not even glancing over from where he kept watch at the door. "It's a vital resource for the company. Security will be high. It's in a location with few trees, few buildings, therefore our gear is useless. The lack of cover will make it hard to scope out, too."

Heavy silence. A smile suddenly lit up Hange's face. "Well, we've got a spy now, haven't we? That Luis kid told you guys a lot. Maybe he'd be willing to do some digging for us."

Levi spun around with a scathing look. "Tch. Absolutely not. I killed his friend. It's way too risky to trust him." He glared a warning for Hange to not argue.

You approached Levi and put a hand on his shoulder to ease him, feeling the tension drain from him as he relaxed some. "What would you have us do?" you asked him softly.

Levi was quiet for a moment. "I don't know. Get Armin's opinion, see what he thinks." Levi sat down on a chair with a weary sigh.

At that, Hange ran out to go find the blonde-haired boy, leaving you and Levi alone.

"You okay?" you murmured to him, reaching down to gently tilt his head up, your hand cradling his jaw.

Levi leaned into the touch as he always did, his own hand sliding over yours to keep it there as he spoke. "I just want this done right. Even one mistake could send it all to shit." His eyes suddenly sought for contact with yours, meeting them seriously. "We're going to take him down."

Feeling your heart warm at his dedication, you took a step closer and hugged him to your body as a show of wordless gratitude. You stepped away as Hange kicked the door open with Armin following her timidly.

"I brought him up to speed on the way," Hange declared as she turned on her heels to face Armin and stood with a wide stance, waiting for him to speak.

"It sounds to me," Armin began, "like you need to come up with a new informant. It's not safe to trust the one you currently have."

You frowned and crossed your arms as you considered it. So much went into getting them to send someone after Levi. We won't get so lucky twice, not if we don't want to arouse suspicion.

Armin quickly continued as he received questioning glances. "The orphanage is full of easily influenced young kids — that's what the company counts on. So I'm saying, wait for an opportunity, draw one out, and get them to trust you. Build a relationship with them as someone they can depend on. Get information from them. And when the time comes to strike, they'll be able to help from the inside. It'll take time, yes, but it's the least risky option."

Hange cracked a smile, suddenly rushing at Armin and lifting him in a bone-crushing hug. He let out a startled yell as she swung him around and finally released. "Ya-HOO!" Hange ruffled his hair as Armin was still trying to regain his balance. "How about that, Levi? Isn't it a great plan?"

Levi grunted, although you could tell he was impressed. "Good job, brat. Although, who's going to carry it out?"

"I can," you instantly volunteered. "None of them will be old enough to recognize me — Luis didn't."