Laverna [ Levi Ackerman x Reader ]

↳ 𝟐.𝟕 - 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥

WEEKS PASSED, AND you and Levi avoided one another after the kiss.

You distracted yourself with the squad leader training that Captain Erwin encouraged you to join. The classes fed you a plethora of information, allowing you to view each Expedition in a new light— and, considering your injuries, it was the best place to keep you busy.

However, the distraction was only temporary. Commander Shadis approved your return to mandatory training only a month later.

You were happy to be back with your comrades, but you and Levi still didn't talk. You would take occasional glances at one another, but as soon as you made eye contact, you would look away.

It remained that way until the next Expedition.

That morning, you woke up early with the rest of your comrades. Though you wouldn't join them for the Expedition, the nerves still followed you. Your mind wondered about who wouldn't come back to you. Such thoughts made you nauseous, but you couldn't swat them away— and, as morning came, sleep hadn't.

You were up at the crack of dawn.

Everyone was walking in and out, grabbing what they needed. You didn't have to do much to get ready. You threw an outfit together and called it a day, whereas everyone else had their gear and uniforms.

"I would be sleeping in if it were me," said Hange, threading her harness through a buckle. "But I'm glad you're up. I don't think I've ever gotten ready for an Expedition without you here."

"Yeah," you chuckled. "How are you feeling?"

"Oh— the usual," Hange sighed, tugging on a few straps to double-check they were secure. "Ready to get it over with. You?"

"Scared for you guys," you admitted. You did your best to smile, but you knew death planned on stealing your comrades' lives.

"We'll be fine," said Hange. "With the new system, I think things will go more smoothly. The weather looks promising today, too."

Her words did little to comfort you, but all the same, you appreciated the sentiment.

"I hope so," you said, watching her tuck in the last straps to her harness.

Noticing your worry, she was quick to wrap you in a hug, and you hugged her back just as tightly.

"Be careful today, Hange," you said into her shoulder. "I mean it."

"I will," she promised. "I'll tell you all about it when I get back. You can even look at my notes if you can read them."

The two of you let each other go, and you couldn't help your laugh.

"That would be awesome— thanks, Hange."

"You're welcome," Hange nodded— and, within a split second, her expression changed from relaxed to terrified. "Damn it! My squad leader wanted to talk to me about something! I can't believe I forgot—"

"You might want to do that," you chuckled, and Hange was already lumbering toward the door.

"I'll find you again before the Expedition, [Y/N]!" Hange called out before leaving.

You hated being alone in the barracks.

You decided to go to the courtyard before everyone left.

You swung the door open, the slight creak rather homey to you. The cool morning air washed over you. It was crisp, still chilly from the night's breath. The sky remained a shade of pink while waiting for the sun's company. You stepped down from the porch, the wood groaning beneath you.