The Crocus Lawn// Levi x reader BOOK 1

V

"How was it?" Rico asks, leading your horse towards the stable.

"Mission was a success, they're going past the walls in a couple of days," you say, "we can see them off."

Rico nods, ushering the horse into its stall. It was a great beast of a creature, it's shoulder towering far above your head. While the Scouts used agile and nimble little horses perfect for dodging and weaving through titan country, the Garrison employed huge, sturdy beasts, perfect for hauling equipment for repairing the walls. While not every Garrison soldier was given a horse, both you and Rico had been as you were travelling to the outer walls. You patted yours lightly, he was a gorgeous bay colour, and had long white socks on each leg. The farm that raised him had named him Castor, they supplied most of their horses to the Garrison, including the brother of your horse to Rico.

Rico led the way back from the stables and through the gate into Shiganshina. The town was as large as any that extruded from the walls, but the buildings seemed more modest than the ones that you were used to in Wall Rose, although perhaps not quite as modest as those of the Underground. There was a deep canal that ran through the centre and a market square to the side of it. Rico brought you through the square, letting you take in the sights of the district. You were both paired on watch at the far gate.

"Hannes, sir," Rico began, saluting, "we're here for the next watch."

"At ease, soldier. You know the ropes, make sure to teach... uh.." the man on watch, Hannes slurred.

You laugh, dropping your salute and stating your name.

"Right, yes. Well, good luck, schools out in 15 and I don't want to be anywhere near here when those kids are released. They will talk your ear off soldier, be prepared to answer questions."

Rico gave you a knowing smile, a look that said oh just you wait and see. The two of you took a seat on a ledge by the gate, sharing an apple between yourselves.

"Miss! Miiissss!" A young voice shouted, making you jump.

A young boy was quickly approaching you. A young girl followed behind him.

"You're new! Have you been beyond the walls? Why are you here? What are you doing? Why are you so young?"

You glanced at Rico, who you were guessing had faced this barrage before.

"Freshly graduated, I'm part of the younger cohort that joined when they lowered the age," you replied, eyeing the boy cautiously so as not to incite more questions.

He frowned, and looked at the girl besides him.

"So a 'no' for the walls then?" He asked.

"Correct, I have been here five minutes."

The boy moved to speak again, but the girl caught his arm.

"Eren, we need to go home," she said, softly.

You were glad he listened, nodding your head in thanks to the young girl.

—-
The rest of your shift was uneventful. Rico led you back to the Garrison base, and into the mess hall.
As you collected a portion of soup, you noticed a friendly face.

"Sean!" You cried, "good to see you, it's been too long"

He nodded, and held a finger to his mouth as he slipped you and Rico an extra lump of bread.
The two of you sat down to eat, chattering as you dipped your bread.
——

The bunks at the Garrison base reminded you a lot of the ones in the Training Corps. Rico had already secured her regular spot on the bunk leaving you to take the other. The next day, most of the Garrison would be on duty to escort the Scouts to the Wall. You had told Rico about Isobel, and how you had promised to see her out.

"But not your brother?" She asked.

"No, not my brother. We need more than a day to forgive each other, I think I'll wait for him at the gates on the return though."

Rico hummed, and you could hear her shift over as she tried to get comfortable.

—-

The next day was heavenly. The sun seemed so hot, but not as stuffy as it was in your training days. There was a light breeze in the air, and it wafted the grasses and flowers. You stopped to pick a small purple flower, it was beautiful.
You and Rico saddled up your horses, and rode them with the rest of your squad down to the main road. You purposely positioned yourself closer to the gate, where you knew the convoy would be halted for their final orders to be given.
You stood to attention as townsfolk began to gather around the gates, you saw the Scouts draw near from the corner of your eye.
There, perhaps 3 or 4 rows from the front, was Isobel, your brother, and the other man they had teamed up with.

"Good luck out there," you called, getting their attention.

Isobel smiled at you, and held out the feather you had given her.
You could see your brother squirming in his saddle, trying not to meet your gaze.
The other man, however, could meet your eye. He seemed to stiffen under it.

"Keep them safe," you said, jokingly.

Isobel laughed, rolling her eyes, before the convoy began to move off.
You smiled then, waving to all 3 of them as the disappeared under the gate.
Besides you, you saw Rico glance at the sea of Scouts. There, near the back, the two of you saw Nanaba.

"Nana!" You called, clutching the necklace she gave you, "good luck!"

She smiled then, the fear melting from her face. She looked up at the two of you from her horse, and dug out her own necklace.
The three of you smiled, each holding tight to your own necklaces.

"Meet me back at the gates, it should only be a few days," she called as she trotted past.

The horses at the front of the formation had began to speed up significantly, and the rest of the convoy passed under the gate.
You turned to Rico, smiling. She gave you a toothy grin back, patting the head of her horse to calm him.
As the dust settled in the wake of the passing horses, you were given the order to return to base.

After returning your horses, both you and Rico decided to find a nice tree to lie beneath. You had been given the rest of the day off after all.
There was hardly a cloud in the sky, the great oak tree provided you appreciated shade.

You twirled a daisy between your fingers, picking at the petals.

For the first time since you were very little, you were excited for your brother to return. Maybe you didn't forgive him yet, but it was hard to be angry on such a lovely day.