Levi x Reader | Cold

Chapter Seventeen - Desolate

"Estelle," Hanji says, her voice barely above a whisper. "Estelle."

I blink a few times and rub my eyes. I find myself spread out on the dining hall floor.

Standing up a little too quickly, I almost topple onto the floor. "Woah there," she laughs. "Did you sleep here?"

Remembering last night's events, I nod sadly. "Yeah, I must have."

"Why?" She asks.

"I can't really remember," I massage my temple and stand up straight.

She looks at me questionably before her expression becomes worried. I can tell by the way her eyes widen she's come to a conclusion.

"It was shorty, right?" Her eyes turn angry. "What did he say to you? Was he being rude?"

"No, no! I was probably just tired!" I smile at her and wave my hands in the air.

I can tell she doesn't believe me, but she lets it go and gives me a sincere smile. "Well we'll be leaving soon. I got you and Eren a horse for the way. And," she pauses and looks behind her. When she faces me again, she has a cheeky grin on her face. "The rest of the special operations squad will be there!"

"That sounds lovely," I give her a just-as-cheerful smile and put my Trainee Corps jacket on.

"Let's go get ready, eh?" She offers. I throw my hair up in a high ponytail (that somewhat resembles Hanji's hairstyle) and walk with her to the stables.

"This horse will be yours for the time being," she strokes the dark brown horse's mane.

"She's pretty," I beam, while stroking her muzzle. I then look down, embarrassed. "Hanji?"

"Yes?"

"I don't know how to ride a horse," I admit.

She laughs at me gently. "I can ride a horse, but I'm not sure I can teach you. Why don't you get on quick, and see if you can handle it?"

I comply and get onto the horse, putting my feet in the stirrup carefully. The saddle is comfortable, but I'm still extremely jumpy.

"Relax," Hanji coos, as I touch up the cantle.

"What are you doing?" I lose my balance half way off of the saddle at the annoyed voice.

Clinging on to the reins, while upside down, I may mention, a certain short Captain bends over and puts his face close to mine.

"How are you supposed to survive the expedition if you can't even stay on your horse when a human approaches you." The icy words roll off of his tongue in a rude manner.

I click my tongue at his obnoxious words, not knowing what else to do.

"I think she'd notice something as large as a titan," Hanji adds in. "You're just a small little guy."

Still bending over, he slowly looks over to meet his eyes with Hanji's.

He takes my hand and settles me back onto the saddle, but as soon as he notices Hanji watching him, he lets go of me and I nearly fall again.

"My squad should be here soon. I'm going to go wait for them. Prepare yourselves by the time I come back."

"Yes, sir," I grumble.

"What was that about?" Hanji questions.

"Hm?"

"Rivaille! He grabbed your hand and everything!"

I blink. "What of it?"

"He never helps people! And the only time he touches people is when he's trying to teach them a lesson!"