𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐍𝐈𝐀𝐂, levi ackerman 18+

The Long Game

A while passed, and the two girls left you alone to give you some privacy. You thought that they appeared surprisingly kind and genuine, which was a complete juxtaposition to what you had been taught: you had been indoctrinated from a young age to fear the so-called 'Devils of Paradis'.

After lacing together the last button on the waistband of the skirt you had borrowed, you ventured outside of Levi's tent and into the unfamiliar outside world. The morning air was fresh, and the glow of the sun radiated onto your complexion; the area was quiet, and you could only assume that all of the soldiers were partaking in their duties. You decided that you would search for the Commander to further discuss the situation you had been placed in.

After a while of searching the area, you finally saw the silhouette of the uniformed Commander standing against the verge of an especially steep hill. You could out their name, watching them swiftly turn around with a surprise riddled on their face. For a moment, you witnessed them reach for the blades attached to their silver gear: however, they redacted this once they realised that you were unarmed.

"Good morning," You stood a meter away from them as they asked: "Did you sleep okay? I hope that Levi didn't cause you too much trouble."

"He checked on me throughout the night, but apart from that, we haven't spoken."

"I see," The auburn haired Commander nodded calmly, "I tried to give you as much space as possible this morning - I understand that you'll have a lot on your mind."

"Thanks for trusting me enough to not force me into those handcuffs once again." You nervously beamed whilst gently massaging your sore wrists.

"Of course! I wouldn't want you to feel like you're being held here as a prisoner."

You exhaled slowly through your nose, turning your head towards the side to gaze at the blue ocean. It glistened beautifully beneath the honey-coloured rays of sunlight. Choppy waves spread across the pale, sand-covered shore whilst different soldiers worked on the beach.

"I may be a titan," You broke the comfortable silence between you both as Hange listened intently: "But, I've never killed anyone - or at least, not directly. That's not the type of person I am. I earned the invisible titan when I was young because I'm a strategist, not because I willingly kill."

You hesitated for a moment, biting down onto your lip as Hange signalled for you to make your point.

"But that being said," You obeyed their Command and continued your speech: "If you think that I'm going to let one of your soldiers eat me, I'll destroy this whole island before you even get the chance."

Hange's caramel-coloured eyes widened in surprise, before their face faded into a smile, "I expected you to say something like that. So, have you decided to join us?"

"I think so." You narrowed your gaze onto them, "If what Yelena says is true, and my older brother has decided to aid Paradis in this war, then I trust his judgement." Your gaze intensified when your brows furrowed together: "Zeke is a smart man, and an outstanding soldier. I'll help you."

"Splendid." Hange's mischievous beam grew as they slapped your back with their palm, "I can't wait to tell Levi that he was wrong."

Hange then reached into the pockets of their wood-coloured jacket, pulling out a packet of cigarettes and a copper lighter; they, with a prideful smirk, made a comment about how this calls for a celebration.

"Do you smoke?" Hange asked whilst balancing a cigarette between their lips and cupping their palm around their mouth, lighting the tip with a small flame.

As you shook your head, they shrugged; the Commander slowly exhaled thick, silvery smoke out of their nostrils.

You took the moment of peace to take in your surroundings, staring at the soldiers on the hot beach. Your pupils locked onto a familiar figure stood against a large rock. Back turned; muscles tensed; silver smoke trailing from his lips and through the summer air as a cigarette stayed perched in between his fingertips. Your chest tightened at the sight of Levi, not even able to see his face as his eyes stayed focused on the pretty view of the sea.

Your expression softened.

Levi's slender, yet muscular, figure was clearly visible through the white shirt that clung to his fair skin; the thick muscles in his arms were highlighted by the sun above. You felt an unease that you couldn't explain when your eyes slowly dragged down his relaxed body. You watched his muscular back straighten as his neck arched up; his left hand raised to run his long, slender fingers through his soft undercut.

Hange snickered whilst nudging your shoulder, realising who you were staring at: "I see that Levi has already caught your eye."

"No." You dismissed them immediately, "You've got the wrong idea. I was just watching the sea, that's all!"

"Ah, I see! So, you're enjoying the view?" Their smirk increased as they giggled once again: "What do you think of him so far?"

"Rude; arrogant; cold."

"I can't exactly disagree with you, to be honest, even if he is my closest friend." You both stared at him from afar, "He's known as Humanities Strongest Soldier, but he's not exactly a 'people person'. He never has been."

"He's made it clear that he doesn't trust me - he wants one of your soldiers to intake my Spinal Fluid."

"Well, you didn't exactly make the best of first impressions." Hange joked whilst softly chuckling to themselves, both of you unknowingly watching him from the verge of the hill: "Though, it was an interesting battle to watch. I can't wait to properly see your titan in action!"

You raised your brow, slightly taken aback: "Was my defeat yesterday not enough for you?"

They shook their head: "As soon as we return back to the barracks, I'll arrange for a full, lengthy analysis of your titan." Their smile began to slowly turn more sinister, making a chill trickle up each nerve of your spine: "I want to see you fight; to see you shift; to see you camouflage; I want to see it all!"

You swallowed, "Oh."

"But, if you really are worried about Levi disliking you, I might be able to help you out." Hange offered you with a small shrug, dropping their cigarette to the ground: "He's obsessed with tea and cleaning, maybe start with that. You could boil and brew him a cup of tea, and make small-talk about polishing: that should do the trick!"

You faintly laughed as Hange did the same. Just like Mikasa and Sasha, Hange seemed like a kind person who only wanted what was best for everyone around them.

But, their kindness was not enough to change your mind about Paradis.

Over the previous night spent in Levi's bedroom you had devised a simple plan: to slowly, over time, gain the trust of Paradis - especially the trust of Hange Zoë and Levi Ackerman. You wanted to gain enough of their trust for you to be allowed to venture outside of their walls, as well for them to give you complete access to their weapons and gear. You would then proceed to arm yourself, take one of their horses, and you would secretly return to the ocean and take control of one of their ships so that you could return to Marley. You knew it could potentially take weeks, even months, to earn their trust: but, you were prepared to play the long game.

You would do anything to return home.

Anything.