The Captain and the Assistant

Chapter 9: Within the Walls

You haven't said anything to Levi since yesterday. You think as you head towards Erwins office the following morning. How could you know what to say to him after everything yesterday. You see him as you round the corner. He sees you and then his eyes shift down. You're about to say good morning when he grabs the handle for Erwins office and pulls it open, disappearing inside.

When you finally enter Erwins office, you look to Levi, who's eyes are still averted downwards. You take a seat at Erwins table as you wait for company. Suddenly three new recruits enter and take a seat. You recognize Mikasa, Eren, and Armin. Soon Eren would be taken into custody and probably killed. You wonder if this is what that meeting is about.

Erwin explains how their target is in the military police. A girl named Annie Leonhart. Apparently the blonde boy sitting across from you, Armin figured it all out. The identity of the female titan.

"We have a plan of action," Erwin begins. "We will be taking a decoy Eren to await his hearing while you three get Annie underground. If you can manage to get her below surface, capture her. I'll send more scouts over to help."

This is a lot of information to process, but you're glad to be a part of the action. You look over to Levi. You're shocked at how calm he could be even in this moment. He looks determined, not a drop of concern showing through his harsh stare.

The meeting adjourns and the teens set off to get the plan in motion.

"You'll be riding with us," Erwin explains in your direction. "No matter what happens, we have to trust in the plan. It's the only way. No matter the cost," he finishes.

You understand what he means. There's risk involved in this plan. Risking the lives of the teens. Risking Eren in his titan form. Risking the lives of the citizens here in Stohess, who have yet to see a titan. This could even lead to destruction of the wall. This plan has to work.

As you come to terms with Erwins words you nod. "We will leave shortly. I will prepare the decoy. Meet down at the stables," Erwin says as he turns to go.

Now it's just Levi and you. He sips from the tea cup in front of you. He's relaxed, leaning lazily on the back of the chair.

"I'm sorry," you say into your lap. The weight of the deaths of Levi squad still hasn't caught up with you. They were good people. They were even quickly turning into your friends.

Levi says nothing. He takes another sip from his cup, but his eyes are trained on you. You meet his gaze and heat rushes to your cheeks. This Levi is different from the Levi who took you to the cabin. You wish you could find him again.

"I don't know what else to say to you," you say sternly, standing to leave. You push in your chair and turn towards the door.

You hear Levi's chair scratch the floor as he stands as well. Before you reach for the door handle, you feel a hard grip on your elbow. You turn to see Levi staring at you. He looks more rigid than before. He says nothing as he leans in closer to you. Your lips meet, gently. You feel his finger trace the side of your face and tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. Heat races to your cheeks and your heart is pounding.

Levi pulls away and you feel the heat slowly draining from where he had touched you. Levi steps in front of you, grabbing the handle to Erwins office and pulling the door open. He holds the door for you as you exit in front of him, "I should have done that earlier," Levi says sternly.

You're overcome with emotion. That was so sweet you want to grab his face and kiss him again, but you know there's a mission with a lot at stake. You flash Levi a smile and the two of you walk in comfortable silence towards the stables.