Levi x OC | Humanity's Greatest

5 - Wall Maria

*The night before the expedition*

Time had flown by, especially since my argument with Levi. Since he punched me, we'd only spoken to each other when we absolutely needed to and any bond we had before had disappeared.

This was affecting me more than I thought it would. A part of me actually missed having the moody boy around.

The expedition was mere hours away, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. I was petrified.

There was every chance that this night could be my last, and I was struggling to come to terms with the suicide mission. The Survey Corps was always the path I wanted to take, I knew it was the life for me. But was any person ever ready to ride off to their death?

I was sitting in the willow tree that Levi had showed me, alone, almost drowning in my own paranoia when I heard a soft crunch. Like someone was stepping on leaves.

I turned my head to see no one other than Levi himself, walking across a thick branch. He was equipped with his 3DMG but instead of wearing his Survey Corps uniform, he wore a pair of slim fitting trousers and a grey shirt that he had neglected to button up all the way. He looked tired.

"Levi..." I breathed.

"Hey" he replied, sitting down next to me and looking out onto the camp. "You okay?"

I was shocked at Levi's choice of words. He was asking me if I was okay? Why? Since when did he care about my feelings? I was trying to figure the strange boy out when-

"Grace" he interrupted my thoughts.

I snapped out of it. "Sorry...yeah...I guess I'm alright. What about you?"

Levi just shrugged.

"How come you're all the way out here?" I asked him.

A faint smile played on Levi's lips. "This is my spot remember? I came here to think. I didn't know you'd be here too"

"Ah"

We sat in silence for a minute or two, not awkward silence though, it was a silence full of thought and worry and fear.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Levi looked at me.

"I'm trying to be" I sighed. "I..."

I paused.

He frowned. "You what?"

"It doesn't matter"

"Yes it does, Grace. Tell me"

I took a deep breath. "I don't want to die"

Levi closed his eyes, acknowledging my fear. "You're not going to die"

"That's not what you were saying the other week" I muttered rather loudly.

"I didn't mean what I said. You're not going to die" he insisted.

I shrugged. "We'll see"

Levi moved a little closer to me and I felt my face heat up a little. He pointed to the horizon.

"Look, if you look far enough, past that forest, you can see wall rose"

I squinted my eyes and tried to look for the wall but I couldn't see it.

"No" Levi sighed and gently put his hand on my face to turn it at an angle. My skin tingled where he touched me. "There"

From that angle, I spotted it. The majestic wall Rose that protected so many thousands of people. It truly was a mystery and a masterpiece. I wondered if we'd ever find out how the walls came to exist.

"Hey Levi...do you think they're grateful? The civilians. Do you think they're grateful for everything we do?"

Levi pondered over my question for a few seconds. "I don't know. I think they'll be more grateful when we kill all the titans"

I looked at him. He was so rarely optimistic. "You really think that's possible?"

"I don't know...maybe"

I smiled at the thought. "We should get some sleep. Big day tomorrow"

"Yeah"

I let out a shaky breath and stood up. "Night Levi"

I started to walk away when Levi grabbed my shoulder gently. I turned around to face him.

"Grace...listen..." he sounded nervous.

"Yeah?"

"Don't worry too much about tomorrow, okay? We're gonna come home"

I smiled softly through my fear. "Yeah, sure. Thank you"

*The Next Day*

The Survey Corps were formed up proudly just behind the gate just inside of wall Maria. Thousands of us, ready and willing to die for the cause.

Civilians had gathered to see us off, hundreds of men and women peering out of their windows and climbing on top of stalls to get a good view of us. There were even a few children too, watching in awe. For a second, I almost felt heroic.

I was on a horse next to Levi, who as usual, looked completely focused on his goal. He hadn't spoken to me since the previous night, and a part of me was quite grateful for that. He knew when I needed space.

Levi and I had been placed in the same squad, of course, and would be accompanied by two other senior members of the Survey Corps, Emilie and Peter. We were a strong squad, and I had every faith we'd be back alive.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself.

Erwin was on horseback at the front of the formation, I could only see the back of him but even from here he looked majestic. A born leader. Hanji was beside Erwin, a wicked grin plastered over her features. I wondered if she was afraid.

"Soldiers! Listen up!" Erwin bellowed. "Whatever happens out there today, I want you all to remember how proud I am of each and every one of you! Focus on your goal, work together as a team and you will return home soon!"

There was a pause, and a deafening silence filled the air.

I could feel my heart beating rapidly inside my chest.

Goosebumps prickled my skin.

I took a sharp breath and closed my eyes, savouring what could be my last ever moment inside the safety of the walls.

I sat there, on my horse, for what seemed like years. And I waited for the words that would either send me to glory or to my death.

"Let the expedition beyond the walls, begin!"