Remembrance ; Levi

C. 34 | Calamity

Your fingernails dug into your skin as you clenched your fists. "I'm coming, don't even try to stop me."

Huffing, you took a step back, your arms crossed across your arm, giving him a challenging stare.

He took a step towards you, his face- inches away. "Just sit this one out." He swiftly turned around, "we've got Hanji's team on it."

"But-"

"And the SOS."

You narrowed your eyes. "But I'm in the-"

"I've got to go." He stopped at the doorway, his gaze resting on you. "I'll be back soon."

You took a few steps towards him. "Levi, I-"

He reached out, and wrapped an arm around your neck. "I'll be back soon. Hang in there." Levi's voice murmured in your ear.

Lev placed a small kiss on your forehead, before quickly rushing away- while yelling orders to whoever was present.

Quietly, you reached upwards, and touched the place where his lips had just been a few seconds ago. "What the hell? Damn you..." You muttered, ignoring the sharp pain in your back.

___

"Where are you going, stupid?"

You froze, your hand hovering above the horse's reins- as you were about to jump on it's back. Clenching your teeth, you turned- a scowl on your face.

"Well, what does it look like?" You gestured wildly, despite the stabbing sensation dawning. You bit down on your bottom lip- hard. That little action brought you just seconds of relief- as you could finally focus on something else.

Hana watched you with a stern expression. "Levi instructed you to stay behind."

"Weren't you supposed to leave with your team?" Your eyebrow raised. "Hanji and her team already left."

She shot you a unappreciative glare. "If you haven't noticed, it's brains over brawn for me." She rolled forwards, a rock-solid stare on her face.

"I've already given them the best route possible. With the help of that smart blond kid, of course."

"Armin?"

She nodded.

"Who the fuck assigned you as my baby sitter?" You jumped on the horse's broad back, and adjusted yourself.

Hana only looked at you with an raised eyebrow. "Levi. And Hanji."

You rolled your eyes, and pursed your lips, an entertained look on your face. "It's not even that big of a deal- it's only a few of Titans."

Hana's eyes sparkled. "Oh, but that's not so." Her eyes followed you as you rode out the stables. Your eyes snapped to her. "What do you mean?"

"It's not just a few," she answered. "Another one came charging in after a few minutes, announcing how a shiitake mushroom ton of Titans were destroying the barrier."

"But...how?" You clung to the reins, the pit of your stomach churning.

"A flaw." Hana shrugged. "Not everything is perfect," she gave you a foreign smile. You were about to rush off, when Hana spoke up again.

"If you go, you'll only bring more trouble." Shadows were cast against her face, giving her a strange expression.

She gave you a grin. "You know that...don't you, (Y/N)?"

"Shut it, Takei." You snapped, urging the horse forwards.

But Hana wheeled after you, and parked right in-front of you. Whenever you tried to pass her, she blocked you.

'That damn wheelchair.'

"You see, that's why you can't go."

"I'm fine." You snapped. "Stop treating me like a damn child. Leave me alone, okay!? Go polish your wheelchair or something."

A dark look appeared on Hana's expression. "You know it's dangerous- I know it's dangerous. So why do you insist on going?"

"I'll be fine."

"Surely you're aware!" She gave a small gasp. "Levi remembered it."

With fists clutched tightly, you jumped off your horse.

Walking over to Hana, you gave her a big slap in the face. Your palm stung from the impact. Hana wheeled back, her fingertips hovering over the large red mark on her cheek.

"It doesn't matter if you hit me because of what I've said. As long as you don't go, I know I've done well." Hana called, after you.

You wrapped the horse's reins tightly around your hand, and led it back to the stables, before reluctantly returning back inside.

"Dammit," you slammed a fist down at the tables. Taking a seat down, you slumped over the table, and buried your face in your arms.

'Why am I different?'

'Why does it have to be me? Out of all these thousands of people- stop being so selfish. Better you than anyone else, huh? After all, everything that you've done...'

Another sharp pain stung you like a needle. Gritting your teeth together, you dug your fingers into your arm, trying to stifle a murderous scream. But even that didn't help.

'Every year...on this day...'

You let a groan slip out.

"Still hurts, huh? I, myself, can never imagine the pain- but just looking down at you..."

Your arms tightened around your head. "I'm told you. I'm- fine." You choked out, biting down on your tongue. 'Ah...blood...'

"Remember when we were both training and you suddenly just...fell to the ground, screaming?" Hana laughed a little, as her eyes rested upon you.

"You're laughing at my calamity." You grit out.

"You scared us that first time," she breathed. "Jeez. You're really ruined."

You stood up abruptly, and walked away, trying to keep yourself from holding onto the walls for support.

The sound of your heels clicking against the hard floor echoed against the great hall. "Oh, (Y/N)?" Hana called after you.

You ignored her, and instead, stepped out of the room- seeking shelter in the silence of your room. Where you could be alright- by yourself.

It didn't really matter, anymore. But Hana's words rang in your ears- telling the hurtful truth that you had always feared.

"If you go, you'll only bring more trouble."

Remembering Hana's sharp and serious eyes led to you cracking a smile, despite the pain you were experiencing.