Strong Connections - Levi x Reader

Chapter 5

Annie sighs before speaking up, "We need to protect the flying boat and the Azumbito while also buying enough time for the ship to be serviced. That's right?" Onyankopon nods while Jean scrunches up his face.

"I don't want to kill them." Jean says, referring to the raging Yeagerists, "We've known them since the Training Corps." I sigh, knowing his words are controversial and will spark a fire in Annie who believes we should be ruthless.

"You don't want to kill the people who are trying to kill us? What are you exactly going to do then?" Annie counters. Suddenly she faces Armin with a strong deadpan, "Armin, tell me your big plan, just like you did when you drove me into a corner." Armin stares at her, life slowly disappearing from his eyes and I grit my teeth, annoyed at Annie's attitude.

"That plan doesn't exist." Pieck points out, "Either we settle this in one go or we mess up and lose the boat.

"Wait, guys..." Connie raises his head, an alarmed look on his face, "You know we're here to save people right?! Not slaughter everyone!"

Reiner sighs and I glance over at him, "You guys don't need to fight. Stay with Gabi and Falco from a safer location and watch. Don't interfere."

"So you want us to just watch? I'm not interested in being a spectator. We have already killed four Yeagerists..." Connie starts to backpedal. I stare between the people in front of me, growing impatient by their behaviour and stand up, staggering a little before standing straight.

I feel a dull pain against my back but ignore it, "Time is running out for humanity." I say, causing silence to befall everyone, "I saw titans moving forward as they give off massive steam. Judging by their speed, they've probably arrived at the continent of Marley. Marley's cities that are northeast have most likely been annihilated. So instead of wishing for a better situation, let's do our best fighting against our given situation."

As I was speaking I noticed Magath angrily marching towards a character that the group could agree was probably the worst among us, Yelena. Suddenly he grabs Yelena's face and slams her against the ground yelling, "Did you hear that?! Where is Eren Yeager? Every time you refuse to answer, I'll help you discover a new direction your arm can move in."

"That's a relief." Yelena responds like the true sociopath she is, donning a grin, "I don't want to die until I see what happens here. If you take me with you, I just might tell you the truth."

"Commander Magath, we need to secure the flying ship." I call out, hoping to get him to ignore Yelena's bullshit.

"Yes." Hange places her palm on his shoulder, "There is no time for torture. Let's head out." Tension dissipates at Hange's words as it dawns on them that our childish problems will cost lives. I walk away, heading in the direction of where Levi is after seeing our group off.

Behind another mound I see Levi sitting around with Falco and Gabi, a stoic look on his face. "They're heading out now." I inform them before resting close by.

"We were just talking about their friends and family in Marley." Levi responds and I nod.

"I'm sorry you two have to be involved with such a thing at such a young age. No child should be focused on fighting for a country that discriminates against them." I sigh and lower my head, staring at my feet.

"It's fine." Falco mumbles in a positive voice that is so obviously fake.

"It's not." I glance over at him and notice his eyes widened, "Your brains aren't even fully developed but they have programmed you guys to fight, in exchange for citizenship and a shortened lifespan. At your age, I don't think I even knew what 'citizenship' meant. " I facepalm and slouch as Levi moves closer beside me, putting an arm around me, "Thanks." I mumble.

"Um..." I hear Gabi's familiar voice mumble, "Mrs Y/N. I thought maybe you didn't like us... Do you?"

"I don't feel any particularly strong feelings towards you too." I answer honestly, "But I have realised that it's not your fault and you guys have undergone enough abuse for what happened and you don't need anymore from anyone. It doesn't matter who shot who first because this cycle of death will continue unless we end all of it here. What matters is that you come to a consensus with everything that has happened in your life and pave way for a new one."

"You brats just got a free lesson." Levi says and I chuckle, "Better appreciate it."

"Thank you, Mrs Y/N." Falco smiles up at me and I return it.

"Yes, thank you Mrs Y/N!" Gabi adds. I'm about to let her know it's not a big deal when I suddenly realise they've been calling me 'Mrs'

"'Mrs'? I'm not married." I scrunch my eyebrows together, "Who told you I am married?" I glance between the two and in my peripheral vision I notice Levi casually looking away, scratching the side of his face and I burst into laughter as well as the two teens.

Suddenly loud crashes and the whizzing of gear shuts us up and I resist the urge to sigh, remembering that while we may be having a good time right now, around 200 meters away people are fighting for their lives and our future.

"We should head back to Onyankopon and that piece of shit Yelena." I propose, straightening myself up, "I feel better already. My back barely hurts. What about you?"

"I'm fine." Levi nonchalantly answers, "But let's save our strength for when we really need it and just trust the others for now." I smile up at Levi, feeling closer to him ever since Zeke decided to blow himself up. We managed to get away with mild to moderate injuries, my back being burned and Levi injuring his face, but otherwise, we survived.

And now we are fighting our final battle, together.