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

Chapter 6: Scars of the Past

You were only ten years old when the Titans breached wall Maria. The sound of crumbling stone, the scent of smoke and blood, and the panicked screams of the crowd still echo in your mind. Your father, Captain Orion, had been part of the Scout Regiment, tasked with defending the outer walls.

You remember the day he left for his final mission, his eyes filled with determination and a hint of fear. You had clung to his leg, begging him not to go. He knelt beside you, his voice soft and reassuring.

"I'll be back. I promise. We'll rebuild and make our home safe again."

But he never returned. 

The memories came flooding back: the chaos, the desperation, and the feeling of helplessness. Your mother, frantic with worry, grabbed your hand, and you fled along with the other survivors. You watched in horror as your home, your friends, and your life were consumed by the Titans.

You recall seeing your father's scouting corps emblem, tramped and bloodied, amidst the ruins. The image sears itself into your mind, a constant reminder of the trauma you endured. The smell of smoke and blood, the cries of the dying, and the crushing weight of loss have left an indelible mark on your soul.

In the years that followed, your mother, once a pillar of strength, struggled to cope with the loss. She became withdrawn, her eyes sunken, and her smile lost forever. The woman who had always been your rock now needed you to be hers. You remembered the countless nights spent comforting her, holding her as she wept uncontrollably. You recalled the days when she wouldn't leave her bed, unable to face the reality of her loss. You became the caregiver, the protector, and the provider.

As a child, you felt the weight of that responsibility acutely. You had to grow up too quickly, taking on tasks beyond your age. You managed the household, cooked meals, and even cared for your mother's basic needs. This burden was crushing at times, but you persevered, driven by a fierce loyalty to your family.

Your mothers struggle with depression and anxiety deepened. She would often lash out in anger, only to collapse into tears afterward. You walked on eggshells, never knowing what would trigger an episode. The tension between you grew, a complex mix of love, frustration, and helplessness.

Despite the challenges, you refused to give up on your mother. You held onto the memories of the woman she once was, the one who had laughed and loved with grace. You clung to hope that one day, she would find her way back. 

As the years passed, your mother's condition improved, but the scars remained. The pain never fully healed, and the relationship between you remained complicated. You loved her fiercely, but you also felt trapped by the responsibility of caring for her.

Joining the cadets became your escape, a chance to break free from the suffocating weight of your past. You found solace in the camaraderie, the purpose, and the thrill of fighting for a better future. You vowed to follow in your father's footsteps, to reclaim your lost home and ensure that no one else suffered as you had. 

But the memories of those dark days still lingered, a reminder of the struggles you faced and the love that remained unbroken. 

Now, as you prepare for the trials ahead, you can't help but think of your mother. You wonder if she's proud of the person you've become, if she knows how much you still hurt for her.

You sat on your bunk, lost in thought, the memories of those tumultuous years swirling in your mind. The dim lighting of the barracks seemed to fade into the background as the past came alive. Your mother's tears, your father's fallen body, the weight of responsibility... it all felt so real again. 

Suddenly, a gentle touch on your shoulder broke the spell. "Hey, are you okay?" Eren's voice cut through the fog, his eyes filled with concern. 

You blinked, returning to the present. "Yeah, I'm fine." Your voice sounded distant, even to yourself.

Mikasa and Armin, engrossed in their own conversation, didn't notice the subtle exchange. But Eren's attention remained focused on you.

"Just thinking about my mom," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

Eren's expression softened. He placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, his touch warm and comforting.

You didn't need to say more. Eren's silence was a testament to his understanding. He knew the weight of your past, the scars that still lingered.

Together, you sat in silence, the only sound the distant hum of the barracks. Eren's presence was a balm to your soul, a reminder that you weren't alone.