Loyalty | Levi x OC

1. Familiar Faces

My face turned into a grimace as I saw the obvious collections of dust along the windowsills and corners of the room inside the old Scout HQ.

Where did these brats learn how to clean?

"Disgusting," I muttered.

Never mind the fact that we have to stay out in this old dirty castle for the sake of that Titan-shifting brat. I hate having to slum it out here... but duty calls. Erwin believes Eren is the key for us to retake Wall Maria. I have to believe that. He's hardly ever wrong.

My squad members worked throughout the afternoon to clean the castle up. Eren, my newest recruit I have to babysit, seems to be the most eager to please, but has deplorable cleaning skills. Maybe I should knock some more sense into him like in that courtroom.

With a sigh, I turned on my heel to exit the room and return to where I left Eren. The castle was big but quiet, aside from the voices of my squad members quietly echoing in the halls as they worked. I didn't mind their small talk on most days. They follow orders and get the job done... That's all I care about.

One particular voice caught my attention as I approached the room I instructed Eren to clean while I inspected his work. Petra spoke in the doorway, assuming with Eren. My name came up a couple of times, making my eye twitch in annoyance.

"What's going on?" I asked as I rounded the corner of the door.

Petra jolted in place and quickly pretended to sweep where she stood. Eren let out a gasp as he noticed me with wide eyes. He quickly stood up straighter, arms firmly planted at his sides. "Sir!"

"Your cleaning is lamentable. Back upstairs. Now," I ordered.

"Y-yes, sir," Eren stammered as he rushed past me to leave the room.

I closed my eyes and let out a faint groan, taking out the rag from my back pocket to resume cleaning.

"Sir, if I may ask... what's on the docket for this evening?" Petra asked me.

Petra is a soldier I had picked to be on my squad. Her fighting skills, Titan stats, and assists are nothing to turn your nose at. It was an easy choice when assembling this team.

I gave her a quick glance before returning to the window. "Hange is supposed to meet with us," I answered.

"Section Commander Hange?" Petra perked up. "I wonder if that means Emily will be coming too?" She mused.

I paused when I heard the name. Emily Meyer... the medic for the Scouts. I remember it like it was yesterday when she joined the Survey Corps. Her combat skills are nothing spectacular, but she's sharp-minded. She quickly went from an average cadet to being appointed the field-medic by Erwin. I've seen her jump into danger while out on expeditions just to save wounded soldiers. To see someone willingly put their life on the line to save someone... It's admirable.

Because of her wit she was assigned to Hange's squad. Aside from Moblit, she's basically Hange's second. Four-eyes... somehow taking the smart ones. Unlike four-eyes, Emily is someone I find myself not disliking their company. She frequently attends our strategy briefings and end-of-expedition reporting. I respect her for the way she carries herself. The way she cares about her work is apparent.

"Meyer... she's your bunk-mate, right?" I asked over my shoulder.

"Yes, sir. She's a close friend as well!" Petra added. "She joined a little bit before I did, so she kind of showed me the ropes. She's not the best fighter but she definitely makes up for it with her other skills."

I hummed in response as I listened to Petra talk. Even the way her friends speak about her...

"Petra. You've done enough for this task. Go wash up for dinner," I instructed.