Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 12: Training the Attack Titan

Eren stood at the edge of the abandoned village that rested not far from base, staring into the dark empty well they found. His hands clenched into tight fists, determination etched across his face though there was a sense of nervousness and doubt in his posture. Levi stood a few paces behind him, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. You alongside Hange and the rest of the squad, stood a safe distance back. The air was tense with anticipation.

"Alright, Eren," Levi's voice cut through the silence, calm but with an edge. "You know the drill. Once you hear the flare gun, you are allowed to shift."

Eren nodded, swallowing hard. "I'll do my best..."

You watch Eren as he descends into the well with the help of Gunther and Eld, your heart twisting with sympathy. You could see the weight of the expectations on his shoulders—the pressure to live up to the Titan powers he had been given, powers he was still struggling to control. Levi, Hange, and the rest of the squad backed away to a safe distance as they pulled the trigger on their flare gyn. You all waited for the transformation, minutes ticked by. The quiet stretched out, unnerving everyone. 

"Something's off," You mutter, your eyes fixed on the well. Levi frowned, his sharp gaze darting toward Hange. "He should have shifted by now." He says.

"Let's check on him," You suggest, your voice tight with concern. Levi gave a small nod, and the three of you approach the well cautiously. You all peered inside and were met with a sight that made your heart drop. Eren sat slumped against the side of the well, his body trembling, blood smeared across his arms and face. His hands clutched at his chest, and his breathing was ragged. He looked up, his expression one of pure frustration and defeat.

"I... I can't do it," he croaked, voice hoarse. "I'm trying, but... it's not working."

Hange's face softened, concern replacing her usual scientific excitement. "Eren, it's okay. Let's get you out of there."

But Eren shook his head. "I have to do this! Give me a few more minutes!" He pleaded as he took more bites in his hand, beginning to tear through.

"Not like this," Levi said firmly, his voice brokering no argument. "Get out of the well. We'll figure something else out." They carefully pulled him out, Hange quickly assessing the blood on his skin. Normally he is able to regenerate, but he doesn't seem to be able to. His wounds weren't life-threatening—just a sign of the strain he had been putting on his body.

"Let's take a break," Levi ordered. "You're no good to us if you kill yourself trying." Reluctantly, Eren agreed. The squad regrouped in the quiet village, where you had set up a picnic for them earlier. It was a simple lunch—fresh bread, cheese, dried meats, tea, and fruits. The kind of food that should have brought some comfort after a hard day's work. Levi and Eld stood off to the side, discussing something quietly,  meanwhile, you sat down beside Eren, along with Oluo, Petra, and Gunther. There was an awkward tension hanging in the air, as if everyone was unsure what to say after witnessing Eren's failed attempt. Eren stared at the food in front of him, not touching it. His eyes were dark, shadowed with self-doubt.

"Come on, eat something," you say softly, nudging a piece of bread toward him.

Eren didn't respond right away. After a moment, he muttered, "I can't eat. Not when I'm like this. I feel so useless."

You frown. "That's not true, Eren. You're trying harder than any of us could understand."

"But trying doesn't mean anything if I can't control my Titan powers," Eren snapped, his frustration spilling out. "Everyone's counting on me, and I keep screwing up."

Oluo, never one to stay quiet, leaned back in his seat as he overhears your conversation. "You're not the only one feeling the pressure, kid. We're all putting our lives on the line. But if you don't learn to control that damn thing, it's not just you in danger—it's all of us." Oluo's words were harsh, and though they were grounded in truth, you shoot him a glare.