Laverna [ Levi Ackerman x Reader ]

↳ 𝟐.𝟒 - 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

THE BELLS ANNOUNCED the Survey Corps' impending departure. Nobody cared to see you off, and most people who happened to be there shot you dirty looks. Others would talk loudly about how their money shouldn't go to funding the branch— but you did your best to ignore them.

You were numb to it by now.

Your squad moved together in a tightened version of your formation.

You trotted forward, ignoring peoples' glares, but Heidi (who was in front of you) seemed to have a more difficult time doing so. You caught a glimpse of the girl's frown as she watched the people around her.

"Don't take it personally, Heidi," you said to her, raising your voice so she could hear you over the bells. She glanced back at you, and though she smiled, it seemed a little discouraged.

"Yeah— some people just don't like us," said Hange. She trotted to your left. "Take Talia, for example."

Talia, who was on the opposite side of Hange, flipped her off.

Hange only laughed, and though it took Heidi a moment, the girl's lips broke into a small smile.

"We have some fans, though," said Hange. She nodded toward two kids who stood nearby— a girl and a boy sporting dark hair. Though the girl watched, the boy seemed intrigued.

The little boy said something to the girl next to him. Thanks to the bells, his voice was drowned out, leaving you to wonder what words his voice was holding. However, you could tell from his excited expression that he wasn't as offended by you as many of the adults were.

The boy soon realized that you and Hange were looking at them, and he offered you a wave.

You both waved back.

"Aren't they cute?" Hange asked.

"I guess so," you chuckled.

You offered them a gentle smile before turning back to Hange. Seeing such support, even from children, hushed your anxieties.

It lasted only for a second.

Your nerves returned like a shot of hard liquor, souring your mood.

None of you were guaranteed to come back home.

You briefly thought about your conversation with Levi last night, reminding you he was among the ranks.

You scanned the faces around you, hoping to find him. You saw him, Isabel, and Furlan a few rows to the right. Your eyes caught sight of Levi almost instantly. It was like his gaze was magnetic.

He, too, was looking at you.

You got the chance to speak with him briefly that morning. Flagon wasn't pleased to find out that Levi went to find you, but like usual, Levi didn't care. He left you with two words: stay safe.

He was still worried.

"You okay?" you mouthed.

Levi returned your gaze with a slight nod. He seemed determined— driven to do something you weren't sure of. You wondered if there was an ulterior motive (and if, perhaps, it related to your suspicions the night before).

Your eyes fell on Isabel and Furlan.

The pair were talking, and Isabel waved at you when she noticed. You returned the gesture with a small smile.

You glanced at Levi for one more moment. His expression was unchanging, concern written all over his features, and you wished nothing more than to help him feel better.

An idea came to mind.

You winked at him.

It was mostly for old times' sake. Though Levi initially seemed surprised, you caught the smile that tempted his lips. His shoulders relaxed.