Laverna [ Levi Ackerman x Reader ]

↳ 𝟑.𝟏𝐚 - 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧

"[Y/N], YOU SUCK at poker."

"That's Captain [Y/N] to you, Claude."

"Whatever— pay up, Captain."

Over the past year, your responsibilities have grown tenfold.

You climbed the ranks faster than you expected. It felt like a lifetime had passed since you first joined the Scouts, and yet, no time. You were now in charge of your own squad, which occasionally implemented the testing of new equipment awaiting approval.

Your team was exceptional in several aspects. Not only were you all praised for your impressive skills (having one of the highest titan kill counts among existing squads), but each member showed a willingness to improve. The Scouts recognized your team as a prime example of camaraderie, showcasing how it can foster communication beyond language.

You were directly in charge of the following members: Nicolette Sorensen, Claude Sorensen, and Petra Rall.

And now? It was the day right before your next Expedition— but instead of dwelling on your nervousness, you all decided a few rounds of poker would help lift your spirits.

The four of you had taken over one of the many conference rooms, using the polished wood table as the place to set up your game. You were on one of the higher levels of the headquarters on the west-facing side, which gave you a great view of the sun sinking behind the horizon. The light illuminated the room. The scene was both a blessing and a curse.

The setting was peaceful but like watching the sand in an hourglass. It was only a matter of time before tomorrow's operation. You longed to cherish each moment with your squad, even if that meant losing every round of poker.

"I didn't take you for such a stickler for the rules, you know," said Claude, collecting his winnings.

"I'm just messing with you," you clarified, laughing a little. "I don't care if you call me Captain or not."

The Sorensen duo— Nicolette and Claude— were a rare sibling pair in the Scouts. It was easy to see the similarities— especially in their curly brown hair and bottle-green eyes. Both of them came from Wall Maria. They enlisted in the Cadets before the fall (and Claude narrowly left because of it), but Nicolette's determination kept them in the system.

"Good," Claude clarified, glancing at his sister. "I'd say we should play again, but I don't want to embarrass her too much."

You placed a hand on your chest, feigning offense, but you couldn't help your smile. Poker and banter were the glue for your squad, keeping your spirits high and everyone close.

"What's embarrassing about me playing poker with you guys?" you asked, ignoring how you had to continue borrowing poker chips from everyone on your squad.

"Well..." said Nicolette. She looked at her cards, sharing the same green eyes and wavy brown hair as the only man in your squad. "You do lose every time."

"Come on, Petra— back me up here," you chuckled, glancing at the girl. She offered you a sheepish smile before shrugging, suggesting they were right.

"Not even you? I'm hurt."

"I don't think I've played a game with you where you've won," Petra laughed. "You're lucky we're not using real money— you'd be in debt otherwise."

"You're right," you chuckled, watching Claude drum his fingers on the table as he waited expectantly for the next round. "I just don't get to practice as much as you guys do."

"I can't believe I used to think you were so serious," said Claude.

"Only when I have to be."

You were interrupted by a voice that didn't belong to anyone in your squad.