I Need You

Chapter 6- When They Come (Part 2)

**This chapter contains scenes of abuse and violence. The Author does not condone or support these acts of violence. 18+ only please. Read at your discretion. Song recommendation: MIRA – underneath (slowed + reverb) by SELENNE

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRGmB43t3hpW4LkEpA79k-sCUfSPBfzjI

TW: abuse, degradation, violence

Levi's POV

. . .

Expedition for Provisions

Alpha Squad Levi

Year 853, March 31

Log 347: At 1135 a titan appearing from the west made contact with Alpha Squad Levi. Provisions unsalvageable. Three casualties; fifteen injured. The investigation found that a soldier had abandoned their post allowing for the titan to approach undetected. Soldier identified as Cadet TAITUS, Y/n (18). The motivation for their insubordination is unclear. Cadet TAITUS has been returned to headquarters and placed on suspension until further notice.

End Log.

-Captain Levi

"Were you able to recover anything from the bodies?"

I leaned against the door of Erwin's office, arms closed over my chest. Adorning a clean pressed uniform, the blood of my comrades no longer soaked the threads, but I still wore the burden of their deaths on my back. I could feel the exhaustion in my voice as the guilt weighed.

"Nothing more than usual. An arm and a few fingers."

Erwin avoided eye contact, his attention on the pile of documents carelessly scattered across his desk.

"I see. We'll notify the families to come collect the remains."

"Is that all you have to say?"

"What else would you like me to say?"

His apathy was starting to piss me off. Erwin had always been nonchalant towards soldier casualties; it was the nature of the job, however, these deaths were senseless. What happened in the forest was no accident. It was an attack. Deliberate, tactical, and the bitch responsible still walked free among our men.

"How about what exactly you plan to do about it?"

"There is nothing to be done. We knew the risks of the mission."

He still wasn't looking at me. An obvious power move on his part, but I was in no mood for games. The soles of my oxford's slipped across the hardwood, closing in on him. If he refused to take this seriously, I'd make him. My fist made waves of paper as it crashed down in front of him.

"That's bullshit, Erwin. We kill the bastards responsible. Blood for blood. Let them pay for the lives they've stolen."

His blue eyes met mine, unfazed. Morning light stared through the window behind him. Sleek blonde hair glistening, light haloed him as though he weren't the devil himself. I've never had a problem with Erwin's tactics. His ruthless yet calculated mind was fitting of a Commander. I've stood by his side, followed his command, never questioning his judgment despite some of it being truly questionable to any sane person. Still, his most recent plan had me questioning his motivations. It was a risk from the start. Careless and sloppy with much of the risk being on me and my men. Had he lost his nerve?

"Patience, Levi. We cannot be rash in times such as this."

"How many more of my men are you willing to sacrifice?"

"However many it takes."

He leaned back, tree-trunk legs pushing his chair away from the desk. This distance. Was he worried I'd kick his ass? No. There was something else. He knew something he wasn't telling me.