Titans Rule, a Levi Ackerman x Fem OC story.

(14) The plan that failed?

~Amelia~

As I woke, the smell of fresh laundry detergent hit my nose. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion when I found myself atop freshly clean ivory sheets. Squinting at my surroundings, I realised I was back in the Infirmary. The window beside me was open slightly, and the cold air sent a shiver up my spine. For a moment, I watched the curtains sway back and forth before a bolt of panic shot through me when I noticed it was light outside.

The events from the evening before replayed in my mind, and I cursed at myself. After surviving outside the Walls and enduring countless Titan and animal attacks, how could I be so weak as to have passed out so many times? Perhaps it was all catching up with me now.

When I examined my attire, I noticed I was still wearing the same clothes as yesterday. Various stains lingered on my shirt, and beneath it, a thick layer of sweat clung to my body. How I craved a refreshing, cool shower.

Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I grimaced as my bare feet hit the chilled wooden floor. Pulling back the privacy curtain, I was met with a scowling Levi holding a pile of clean clothes in his arms - only then did I notice the discarded jacket on the chair beside me.

"Good, you're finally awake," Levi grumbled, discarding the clothes he held onto my lap. He strolled over to the seat beside me, grabbing his jacket and pulling it over his shoulders.

"How long was I out?" I inquired. After quickly scanning Levi up and down, I gathered that he must have left to change and shower. His clothes were different from yesterday, and the tips of his hair were damp.

"Just for the night," Levi replied as he smoothed down the creases in his jacket. I nodded, my suspicions confirmed.

"How was your briefing?" I asked, recalling how he had mentioned it several times while chastising me the previous night.

"Fine, no thanks to you," Levi scoffed. "Erwin was asking about you, so I had to inform him about the mess you got yourself into last night."

I cringed at the reminder. "I'm sorry about that."

Levi's eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head. "Whatever. I won't tell you not to do something like that again, as I doubt you'd listen to me anyway."

I scoffed at his words but couldn't argue back. "Speaking of Erwin, I'm guessing this briefing was about the Female Titan? Does everyone know who she is now?"

Levi's jaw tightened. "Yes, we do."

A fire lit in Levi's eyes at the mention of Annie, and I could sense the weight of that revelation. The person who had slaughtered his entire squad had been revealed, and I couldn't blame him for yearning for revenge.

"And I assume there's some plan to take her down?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer from watching the anime.

Levi gave me a terse nod.

"I want in," I announced, locking my gaze with his to show him how serious I was.

"No," he ground through his teeth.

"Why not? If I asked the Commander, I'm sure he'd let me," I tried to convince him again.

"Oh, I don't doubt that," Levi paused, a grimace flickering at the corners of his mouth. "Apart from the fact that you were seriously injured yesterday, I know that if you come on this mission, I'll have to babysit you the entire time. You may know how to handle yourself in hand-to-hand combat, but fighting against Titans, especially Titan shifters, is on a whole 'nother level."

I opened my mouth to refute him but couldn't find the words. He was right. I'd only get in his way if I came on the mission.

"Why the hell do you want to come anyway?" Levi asked, arching an accusing eyebrow.