Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 14: The Female Titan

The preparations for the expedition were underway as the sun began to set. The air was filled with the sounds of soldiers moving supplies, the occasional neigh of a horse, and the clanking of gear. You stood beside your horse, checking your weapons and ensuring everything was secure while making sure your horse is healthy for the mission. The familiar tension weighed on your shoulders, a feeling that had settled in your gut the moment the expedition was announced. You weren't alone in that unease—everyone in the squad was busy with their preparations, but you could see it in their faces too. Even though they all moved like seasoned veterans, there was an undeniable heaviness to the atmosphere. No one really knows what this expedition is about.

"Is everything ready?" Levi's voice came from behind you, calm but commanding as always. You nodded, tweaking your gear so it's ready for tomorrow.

"Just a few more things and then I'm good."

"Do your best. I don't want you dying out there." He says.

You furrow your eyebrows as you look back down at your gear. "Thanks Captain, makes me feel A LOT better about this mission..." You say, sarcastically.

He stays silent and instead turns around, moving on to check with the others, leaving you with a mix of nerves and determination.

Once preparations were complete, the squad gathered for supper. You found a spot with the others—Petra, Gunther, Eld, and Oluo. The food was simple, just a bowl of vegetable soup with some bread, but it filled the empty space left by a long day of work. As you sat down, the new group approached from behind.

Eren came up, introducing them as his friends from his training segment. Armin offered a small smile, clearly trying to break the ice. "Mind if we join your table?"

Petra smiled warmly and gestured for them to sit. "Of course."

The mood lightened as everyone settled in. Sasha, had already begun eating the second she sat down. She made a noise of satisfaction as she bit into her bread and slurped some soup. "I swear, food never tastes as good as it does after working all day."

Connie glances at her. "You say that every time."

Sasha shrugged, grinning through a mouthful of food. "And I mean it every time!"

Jean rolled his eyes. "You'd think after all the work we've done, you'd be used to it by now. You act like you've never tasted food before."

Oluo smirked, wiping his mouth with a piece of cloth after a bite. "Well, if it's your last meal, it might as well be memorable."

That earned a snort from Jean. "Great, just what we needed—more doom and gloom."

Despite the grim comment, laughter spread around the group. You couldn't help but smile, even as the conversation moved to less cheerful topics. It was nice to see Eren and his friends interacting with your squad, as if, for a brief moment, the weight of tomorrow wasn't hanging over your heads.

"So," Connie said, leaning forward with a curious look, "what's it like working directly under Captain Levi? I've heard the stories and I wanna make sure I don't screw up. Pissing him off is the last thing I wanna do."

Petra smiled fondly. "He's demanding, but fair."

Eld added, "He doesn't tolerate mistakes, but that's why we're still alive."

Gunther chuckled. "Yeah, just don't piss him off. All you gotta do is listen to his orders."

Armin leaned in, curiosity in his eyes. "What about you?" He turned to you, his face eager. "What's it like being in the squad?"