Laverna [ Levi Ackerman x Reader ]

↳ 𝟐.𝟏 - 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

EVEN FOUR YEARS later, the Underground hadn't changed. The stuffy air and the humidity were nostalgic but unwelcoming. The stench was still the same. The stones were still damp and a little slippery. You could feel the tension in the atmosphere— the paranoia and anxiety of something waiting to go wrong.

The only difference was that this time, you were a Scout.

You weren't sure how to feel when assigned to a mission in the Underground. You buried your life as Laverna the day you left— though you would be lying if you said you didn't miss those days.

✯✯✯

"[Y/N]," said Captain Erwin. "Take a seat."

You nodded. Though you weren't a part of Captain Erwin's squad, he had earned your respect as a leader— but you couldn't help but wonder what he needed you for.

You took your seat across from him. He watched you, trying to read how your emotions.

"I was informed that you used to live in the Underground."

The sentence made nerves crawl all over you. Though you remembered your life in the Underground like yesterday, you'd only ever spoken of it to the Commander and Hange Zoë (though the latter was on complete accident). How the hell did he find out?

"Yes, sir," you stated, still uncertain how he knew. You did your best to keep your cool. "Anything specific?"

"Have you heard of the name Levi Ackerman?"

Your blush didn't stop itself this time.

"Yes, sir," you repeated, silently praying that you wouldn't now face retribution for your previous crimes.

"We're looking for him," said the Captain, glancing down at the paper. He didn't glance up at you, which allowed you to breathe. "Along with his friends, Furlan Church and Isabel Magnolia."

His eyes flitted to you again as though to question if you were listening. Your attentive gaze told him enough.

"I presume you know the Underground well?" he asked. His inquiry urged his eyes to meet yours. You nodded to show that you understood, keeping your expression collected. However, you couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"Yes, sir."

"All three of them are wanted by the Military Police for their crimes."

You couldn't help your frown. You never did like the Military Police. They did an awful job at keeping the peace in the Underground, and now that they were after the people you once called friends, you liked them even less.

"Captain... if I may?" you asked— and Erwin nodded, permitting you to speak. "If this is up to the Military Police's discretion, what do we have to do with it? Are they asking for our help?"

"Not necessarily," he admitted. He was being cryptic— something that the higher-ups did when information was confidential— but that didn't stop you from trying your luck.

"What are your intentions if you catch him?"

Captain Erwin went silent for a moment, debating whether or not to let the truth slip out. He decided against it, however, instead leaning back in his chair.

"That's confidential," said Erwin. His eyes moved to meet yours. "But you'll find out soon enough, [Y/N]. I want you to help us find them."

You felt your heart pick up its pace. Though you'd grown to be a great soldier, catching the eye of the higher-ups' thanks to your abilities, you were conflicted.