Under the Moon (Levi Ackerman x Reader)

Beyond the Wall

(Name) took a deep breath as she adjusted her uniform, her hands trembling slightly. This was it—her first mission as a full-fledged member of the Survey Corps. They were heading outside the wall to eliminate a group of Titans that had ventured too close for comfort. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat like a drum in her ears. She could feel the weight of the moment, of the responsibility. But she steeled herself. She had trained for this. She had endured the months of grueling practice, the endless drills, the intense battles with her own self-doubt. This was her time.

Levi’s sharp gaze landed on her from across the yard, immediately picking up on her unease. His eyes locked with hers, and for a brief moment, everything around them seemed to fade. He could see the anxiety written on her face, the trembling hands. Without hesitation, he approached, his movements purposeful, precise.

“(Name), I know you’re nervous, but just stick to the plan. Follow orders, stay alert, and don’t do anything reckless. You’ll be fine.”

His voice was steady, calm—so different from the chaos that swirled inside her mind. His confidence in her was grounding. It settled her, even just for a moment. She nodded, her throat tight. "Yes, Captain."

Levi studied her for a moment longer, his expression unreadable, before motioning for her to go find Hange. As she turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of him watching her, his gaze unwavering. There was something there, something she couldn’t quite place.

Hange was already reviewing the mission details with the others. The usual excitement in her voice was replaced with a rare seriousness that immediately put (Name) on edge.

“Alright, (Name), listen closely,” Hange said, her voice low but firm. "You’ll be with me during the engagement. Follow my lead, do exactly as I say, and keep your wits about you. Understood?"

(Name) took a steadying breath, feeling the tension creep back into her muscles. “Yes, ma’am.”

As (Name) mounted her horse, she could hear the nervous murmurs of the other recruits. The air was thick with tension, and the realization that they were about to face Titans for the first time made her stomach twist in knots. The gates loomed before them, the very threshold of safety. Beyond them? Chaos. Death. A battlefield where survival was uncertain.

But she was a soldier now. She couldn’t afford to be afraid.

The moment they passed through the gates, the world felt eerily open. There were no walls here, no sanctuary. Just the wide expanse of land and the looming presence of Titans in the distance, their grotesque figures moving like shadows on the horizon.

“Halt!” Hange’s sharp command cut through her thoughts, snapping her back to the present. “Titans ahead. Prepare for engagement.”

Her stomach twisted, her breath catching in her throat as she gripped the straps of her ODM gear. This was real. This was happening. No more drills, no more pretend. The Titans were here, and they were deadly.

The first Titan came into view, massive and grotesque, lumbering toward them with its grotesque grin. (Name)’s body tensed, her instincts screaming at her to flee, but Levi’s words echoed in her mind, steady and unshakable. Follow orders. Stay alert.

She leapt from her horse, the familiar rush of wind deafening in her ears as she activated her ODM gear. The world around her blurred as she flew through the air, her blades drawn and ready. A Titan swiped at her, its enormous hand just missing her by inches, and her heart leapt into her throat. She twisted midair, her body moving with the grace of someone who had practiced this every day. Her blades found their mark, slicing through the Titan’s nape with the precision she had hoped for.

Her breath came in ragged gasps as she landed on a rooftop, her heart racing from both fear and exhilaration. The others were still engaged in the fight, but she couldn’t afford to pause. There was no time to savor her victory. More Titans were coming.

Again and again, she fought. Each kill was a small victory, a reminder that she was capable, that she could do this. The fear was still there, lurking at the edges of her consciousness, but it no longer controlled her. She was in control. She was a soldier of the Survey Corps.

When the last Titan fell, an eerie silence settled over the battlefield. The world seemed to stop, the weight of the mission finally sinking in. The fight was over. The mission was a success.

Back at headquarters, (Name) stood before Levi as Hange debriefed him on the outcome.

“She handled herself well,” Hange reported, her voice filled with a hint of pride. “Took down multiple Titans with clean kills. Kept her head in the fight.”

Levi nodded, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable. He turned to (Name), his gaze piercing. His voice was measured, cool.

“You followed orders. Your technique was solid.” He paused, his eyes locking with hers. “Not bad.”

It wasn’t much—a simple statement, one that could have easily been missed. But coming from him, it meant everything. (Name)’s chest swelled with pride, and her heart raced. She had done it. She had proven herself.

“Thank you, Captain,” she said, bowing slightly, her voice full of gratitude. “I couldn’t have done it without your training.”

Levi didn’t respond immediately. He simply gave a small nod, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary before he turned away.

But before she could leave, exhaustion finally caught up with her. The adrenaline that had kept her going during the mission wore off, leaving her legs weak and her head spinning. She swayed on her feet, her vision blurring.

Before she could react, strong arms caught her, steadying her. The warmth of Levi’s touch was unexpected, a quiet comfort amidst the chaos of the day.

“Tch. You overworked yourself.” Levi’s voice was softer than usual, though still tinged with his usual firmness.

(Name) wanted to protest, but the warmth of his hold was oddly comforting. She could feel her body surrendering to exhaustion, the strain of the mission finally taking its toll. Within moments, sleep claimed her, her body finally allowing her the rest it so desperately needed.

Levi glanced down at the unconscious soldier in his arms. With a quiet sigh, he adjusted her weight and carried her to his quarters, careful not to jostle her too much.

Laying her down gently on the bed, he pulled a blanket over her, his movements precise and deliberate. His sharp eyes lingered on her peaceful expression for just a moment before he turned away, his thoughts unreadable.

“Rest, (Name),” he murmured, his voice soft, almost protective, as if he were offering her a silent promise.

With that, he stepped away, his gaze lingering on her for just a moment longer before he quietly exited the room.