Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 38: Gates to Shiganshina

The wind sweeps across the top of Wall Rose as you and the rest of the Scout Regiment stand in silent anticipation. Below, the city of Trost sprawls out in a patchwork of warm lights and shadowy streets. The sun is sinking lower in the sky, casting an amber glow over the scene. You lean over the wall, your legs dangling freely, lost in thought. The quiet hum of preparations behind you fades into the background as you let your mind wander.

It isn’t until you hear the sound of boots scuffing against stone that you’re pulled from your reverie. Hange plops down beside you with a sigh, her gaze following yours to the city below. "What’s on your mind, little birdy?" she asks, her tone light but probing.

You shrug with a faint smile. "Just… a mixture of a lot of things."

She nudges you playfully. "A mixture, huh? Wouldn’t happen to include the fun you had with Levi last night, would it?"

Your body tenses as heat rushes to your face. Turning sharply, you stare at her with wide eyes. "How the hell did you-?!"

Her grin stretches cheekily across her face. "Oh, come on. You two weren’t exactly quiet. I just happened to pass by his door to get to my room... and well...I’m just surprised Erwin managed to sleep through it. If he’d heard, he’d probably have given you a lecture, like some grumpy old man." She mimics a stern voice, wagging her finger dramatically before breaking into laughter.

You groan, pulling your hood over your head to hide your embarrassment as you sink deeper into your cloak. Hange slings an arm around your shoulders, her laugh softening into something more comforting.

"Don’t worry about it. Everyone deserves to have some fun, especially before a mission like this. Who knows when you’ll get another chance?"

Her words carry a weight that makes you pause. You glance at her, noticing the faint sadness in her smile. Gently shrugging her arm off, you mutter, "You think we'll be okay?"

She stays silent for a second, lost in thought, "We have to be, or else all of this would be for nothing. Besides, I really want to know what's in Eren's basement. It sounds so fascinating." Her eyes gleam.

"Yeah... I just hope we don't lose too many of us out there. It would be better if everyone came back home." You sigh.

She looks at you with a sad smile, "It's a nice thought, but can't always have high hopes. Just promise me you'll be okay out there. I want to get a chance to ride on your titan form after all. See how it feels to have the cold wind hit my face." She chuckles.

"I'll be fine." You assure her. "Also...please, don’t bring that thing up I had with Levi again. I'll make sure to be quieter next time."

She waves her hand dismissively, still chuckling. "Fine, fine. I’ll leave you alone… for now." With a final pat on your shoulder, she rises and strides back toward her squad, leaving you to your thoughts.

Shaking your head, you stand and adjust your cloak, brushing off the lingering embarrassment. Making your way to Levi, who stands beside Erwin, you take in the scene below. The townsfolk of Trost have gathered near the base of the wall, their voices rising in a mix of cheers and shouts. They’re waving, some calling out blessings and thanks.

You glance at Levi, then at Erwin. "This is… new," you remark. "When was the last time the Scouts were cheered off like this?"
Levi’s gaze remains fixed on the crowd, his expression unreadable.

"Never," he says simply. "This is the first time."

Erwin, however, doesn’t seem to mind at all. A rare smile graces his face as he lifts a hand in acknowledgment, soaking in the moment. You and Levi exchange a glance, both puzzled by the uncharacteristic display.
Suddenly, Erwin’s voice booms out in a powerful war cry, his arm thrust into the air.