Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 48: Deep in the Woods

The halls of the headquarters, once filled with the familiar hum of camaraderie and purpose, now echo with a hollow silence like the losses you once had against the titans. Loss has a way of doing that—stealing the warmth from even the most familiar spaces. You step inside, the door creaking softly behind you, and glance around. Your friends are scattered now, each retreating to their rooms without a word, their grief too vast to share.

You linger in the hallway for a moment, your heart aching as you think of Sasha—How you wished everyday to see your friends again, but not like this... You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself, and find your feet carrying you toward Levi's room.

When you push the door open, he's there, seated at his desk, his pen moving methodically across a stack of paperwork. The sight of him—his sharp features, his focused expression—brings a strange sense of comfort. But as soon as he glances up and sees you standing there, his movements stop. His eyes narrow slightly, taking in your puffy, red-rimmed eyes, the way your shoulders sag under the weight of everything you've been carrying.

Without a word, he sets his pen down and stands, crossing the room to you. He guides you to his bed, letting you sit before settling beside you. 

"Are you okay?" he asks finally, his voice low but tender. His silver eyes search your face, concern etched into his features. "Where have you been?"

You take a shaky breath, "I went to Sasha's funeral. Armin invited me to come with."

At the mention of Sasha's name, Levi's gaze falters, his expression darkening with sorrow. He looks down and rests his hand on yours. You glance at his hand and brush your thumb over his knuckles in a quiet, comforting gesture. When you look up, his eyes meet yours, filled with a care so profound it makes your chest ache.

You take a deep breath, wiping your face from any tears that lingered as you try to change the subject, hoping it will distract you from the pain.

"So what have you been up to? Didn't see you after I washed up." You say.

"I've been... dealing with Zeke," he says. "It hasn't been decided on what to do with him yet, so I've been tasked with watching him." 

Levi continues, his tone heavy. "I need to take him somewhere secluded, away from civilization... Tomorrow morning. That way he won't have any resources that might help him escape." He sighs, his exhaustion evident as he glances toward the open window. "It's not my choice to go, but... if something happens, no one else can handle him but me."

Your heart sinks, disappointment flooding your chest. Levi notices, his hand tightening around yours. He lifts your hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles. "I'll come straight back to you," he promises, his voice firm despite the weariness in his eyes. "As soon as they figure out what to do with his ass, I'll come back."

A bitter laugh escapes you, your voice trembling. "Four years," you whisper, shaking your head. "Four years of thinking we'd lost each other, of believing one of us was dead..." You pause for a second.

 "And now, we're being pulled apart again."

Levi's brows furrow as his hand moves to gently lift your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze. His face is mere inches from yours and his tired silver eyes reflect the same ache you feel. "The last thing I want is to leave you again," he murmurs. "But with all these damn problems rising up... I have to put my duty first. To protect everyone... You include."

You swallow hard, your voice breaking as you speak. "Let me come with you then."

He falls silent, his eyes scanning your face as if searching for something. After a long moment, he shakes his head. "You've been through enough," he says softly, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "I just want you to rest. You don't need to carry this burden."