Beyond These Walls (Levi x Reader)

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Levi's P.O.V

Our brisk gallop fades to a gait and we seamlessly enter the Chlorba District gate. Our passage is swiftly accepted and we make our way to the layover quarters. My gaze remains forward, devoid of concern for the typical chatter that rings from judgmental citizens. In the dense crowd I spot several young faces beaming with elation at the arrival of the infamous Scouting Regiment. My scoff is inaudible, a bout of guilt and empathy churning in my stomach. Delusional misfits. I sneer within the confines of my own mind.

Suddenly, the snide chatter subsides and all faces turn in a similar direction. I hesitantly follow their glares until my eyes fall about (f/n)'s figure. Her unconfident stature is undeniable and she hangs her head with apprehension. My sights descend upon her reigns and I observe with worry as her palms shake uneasily. The inaudible whispers grow to daunting snarls, their words circling with sinister bite.

"She thinks she can redeem herself by joining the military."
"No matter how hard she tries, she cannot escape who she is."
"A pathetic rat scurrying and gnawing to survive."
"At least she fulfilled her dreams. How long before her invocation gets her killed in the world she was so desperate to reach?"
"Disgusting."

Though, (f/n) remains unruffled by their cowardly taunts, her silence screams in defiance. Her gaze remains downward, a darkened face spells disconcert for a familiar mockery. I reassume a forward staring position, my grip tightening with indignation around taught reins. My teeth grit with feral intent.

It isn't long before we reach our destination, rapidly unloading and fashioning our camp. I desperately search for the opportunity to approach (f/n), but she quickly vanishes among the mass of chaos. Scouring the grounds, I finally locate her lewd figure. Her fingers dance like the intricate virtuosity of a pianist's melody among the steel and titanium she holds. I know better than to interrupt her diligent work so I find a seat beside an intrigued Hanji, who watches on with admiration.

"It took you long enough. You obviously don't know as much about her as you think." Hanji laughs childishly and I give her a sprightly swat on the shoulder out of searing irritation. "Whenever she feels sorrow or unsettledness, she enjoys fiddling with unfinished projects. It appears to set her at ease. She's been playing around with the 3DMG canisters all afternoon." I smile lightly to myself, conceding Hanji's superior power of observation. Each day I discover something enthralling about this mysterious and captivating creature. My heart burns with a familiar affection and I touch the light dusting that covers my cheeks. I bring the ceramic cup within my grasp towards my lips and sup shallowly. The silence is no longer an anxious haze; the room fills with a comfortable, intimate glow.

"During our experimentation we extracted a small sample of blood. Our intention was to extricate what remained of Alfred (l/n)'s serum. Unfortunately, the sample evaporated within seconds of contact with the air. Disturbingly unusual for a bodily fluid." Hanji continues with her crazed lecture, but I fail to see the significance of her undeniably tedious findings. If the serum were present in the blood, then we would have already extracted it from Cadet Yaeger's body. "Though we were unsuccessful, the unusual outcome suggests there is serum within the blood stream. All we have to do is find a method of extraction and the power will be within a fingertips reach." I choke on the black tea that coaxes my mouth. The thought of a brigade, consisting of superhuman soldiers, exhilarates me.

Our casual conversation is interrupted by the customary antics of a dubious girl. (f/n) stalks over to Cadet Yaeger with a carefree smirk, lightly tapping his shoulder in order to gain his attention. The helpless boy falls sheepishly for her amusing act. Intrigued by the situation, I refuse to intervene.