In The Eyes of A Stranger [Levi Ackerman x Reader]

Chapter 11: In His Arms

Armin's eyes welled up with tears as he spotted Levi supporting you in his arms, the setting sun casting a warm glow behind him.

"Captain Levi... Thank goodness you're here..." Armin's voice cracked, relief washing over his face.

Levi's gaze locked onto you, injured but still alive, in his arms. His eyes narrowed, relief and concern warred within him.

"I'm sorry... You were hurt. I wasn't there." Levi's voice barely contained his emotions.

You drifted in and out of consciousness as Levi carried you, evacuating everyone to the gate's interior.

Later, you woke up in the medical ward, Levi by your side.

As you adjusted to the light, pain stabbing through your head, Levi's intense gaze met yours.

"Welcome back," he whispered, relief on his face.

You tried to sit up, but Levi gently pressed you back onto the bed, his hand lingering on your shoulder.

"Rest," he urged, his eyes crinkling.

You felt a flutter in your chest at his touch.

"You came back," you said, gratitude filling your voice.

Levi's expression softened.

"Of course," he replied. "I'll always come back to you."

You blushed, hearing those words come from him was a surprise. Your eyes locked, emotions peeking through.

"Why are you tending to me?' you asked. "You have duties."

Levi's smile was faint, but his eyes still shadowed and stoic.

"You're my duty," he said.

Red faced, you looked away, feeling the warmth spread through your chest.

"I'm glad you're back," you said. "I hope I can join the next expedition."

Levi's thoughts darkened, concern etching his features. He knew your dreams, but the thought of you in danger unsettled him.

"I'll make sure you're ready," he said, his voice measured.

"For now, rest."

Levi departed, leaving you to recover.

Later, Mikasa and Armin visited, their faces somber. The medical ward's silence contrasted with the urgency outside.

"Eren's being put on trial," Armin explained, his voice hushed. "To determine what to do with him."

Mikasa's expression twisted.

"People are frightened," she said. "They don't understand."

You nodded, nervous.

"I want to be there," you said. "For the hearing tomorrow."

Mikasa and Armin exchanged a glance.

"We understand," Mikasa said.

As night fell, Levi returned to the medical ward, the darkness outside contrasting with the warmth inside.

"You're looking better," Levi said, his usual expression dawning upon him.

You smiled. "Thanks to you," you replied.

Levi's gaze intensified.

"I was worried," he whispered, his fingers brushing your cheek.

You blushed, your pulse racing.

"Second Rank," you said, averting your gaze. "All because of you."

Levi's smile was genuine.

"You earned it," he said.

As you talked, Levi's eyes locked onto yours. "The breach... how did it happen?" he asked.

You hesitated, memories flooding back.

"The same way, the Colossal appeared out of nowhere. It reminded me of my father," you said, your voice barely above a whisper. "The way the Titans flooded in, the chaos... it felt like that day all over again."

Levi's expression pained with a hint of anger, his eyes shadowed.

"I'm sorry... I wasn't here." he whispered.

You saw the empathy in his eyes, the understanding. "It's not your fault," you said, reluctantly reaching out to grab his hand. He accepted it, the sorrow in his eyes remaining.

You sat in silence, the moonlight gleaming through the window. Your mind wandered as you looked at him, as it often did. You couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty surrounding his feelings toward you. 

Does he truly care for you, or is it just duty?

You hesitated to let your guard down, feeling that Levi's actions were merely those of a superior protecting his subordinate.

But the way he looked at you, his eyes crinkling at the corners when he smiled...

Your heart skipped a beat.

No, you couldn't assume. He's your superior. You couldn't overstep.

Yet, every moment with Levi drew you in.

The way he touched your cheek, his fingers brushing against your skin... His words, laced with warmth and concern.

Your affection grew, despite your reservations.

What if he doesn't feel the same? The thought stung. You couldn't bear the thought of rejection, of ruining the delicate balance between you.

Levi's voice broke the silence.

"Something wrong?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

You snapped back to reality, feeling a flush rise to your cheeks.

"Nothing," you replied, forcing a smile. "I think I'm just tired."

Levi's gaze lingered, skeptical. You avoided his eyes.

Levi's presence seemed to grow larger, his shoulder inches from yours.

You felt the warmth emanating from him, the scent of leather and steel, with a hint of lavender.

Your heart quickened. HIs voice was low, gentle. "You can tell me."

You shook your head, maintaining the facade. "I'm fine, Captain."

Levi's eyes crinkled at the corners, the smallest hint of a smile.

"Levi," he corrected, his voice low and gentle. "We're off-duty."

Your heart skipped a beat. No one had ever made you feel this way with just a few words.

You hesitated, unsure.

"Okay... Levi." you whispered, the name feeling foreign yet intimate on your lips.

Levi's gaze snapped back to yours, his eyes locking on you.

For a moment, time froze.

His heart fluttered at the sound of his name from your lips. It was like a whispered promise, a gentle breeze that soothed his soul.

He felt his walls crumbling, his defense weakening.

Your voice was barely audible, but it resonated deep within him. Hearing his name from you was like a revelation. He felt seen, heard, and understood.

HIs feelings, long suppressed, amplified.

You looked away, shy. His eyes never left yours, drinking in the sight.

The silence between you grew, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

With his hand in yours, the comfort had you drifting off to sleep. Levi's eyes softened, looking at your resting figure.

As he departed, he looked back at you again, warmth spreading through his chest.

Levi's thoughts mirrored yours, feelings growing stronger with each passing day.

He couldn't bear the thought of you hurt, of losing you. He recalled your conversation.

His chest tightened. He wanted to hear his name from your lips again.

And again.

And again.