Memories that Bind Us {Levi x OC}

Chapter Five {Anniversary}

After the incident on Anna's first job, the group noticed some prominent changes in their friend. Though she still smiled, fear was almost always present in her absent gaze. If anyone tried to touch her, it was though she was reliving that moment, cornered in that dark alleyway. Even though the monster who had attacked her was defeated, he got what he wanted in the end; he had left his mark on one of Levi's people, and Levi never forgave himself for that.

Anna tried her hardest to move forward, continuing with her training with the gear and, slowly, trying to accept the touch of those she trusted. However, it was taking a much longer than she'd hoped, and she was growing frustrated with herself. Anna knew that Levi, Furlan and Isabel would never do anything to harm her, so she couldn't understand why, despite that, a simple touch would cause her heart to feel as though that beast had it in his clutches, ready to crush it at any moment.

After a couple of months, Anna decided enough was enough. She was tired of being the damsel and was ready to get back into helping with supply runs again. Levi was against it, not wanting to trigger her obvious trauma if she were to run into a similar character. After she pleaded to at least let her be one of the ones to retrieve the supplies now that she was competent with her gear, he caved, seeing a determined fire flickering behind her pupils. However, he had a single condition.

"I'm going to teach you hand to hand combat. We're not leaving you defenceless again in another scenario where you're cornered. In the meantime, you will be paired with myself on all jobs." Levi's gaze was stern.

"If that happens, then I'll just be hindering your ability to do your job. I can't be a burden to you anymore. All I've ever done is accept your help and guidance, so let me help you the best I can." Her eyes were sincere, and Levi could see her desperation, but he didn't let that sway him.

"This isn't a negotiation; this is a condition. If you don't agree, you're staying here until you do," Levi snapped. Anna was taken aback. Even though Levi often showed his discontent with situations, he rarely lost his temper. Noticing her reaction, Levi sighed, "I won't let you get hurt like that again. I didn't protect you then, so I'm going to now." His eyes wondered to the faint scar now permanently marking the girl's pale face, a constant reminder of his incompetence.

Having lived with Levi for six months, Anna had learned the ways he showed emotions and it mostly had to do with his eyes. It was easy for her to see the subtle ways his brows creased, the slight movements of his thin lips and the most telling thing, the feelings he conveyed through his gaze. Ever since she was attacked, Anna could see the guilt that he had tried to keep hidden deep within. She never brought it up, knowing that it would be a very sensitive topic for the secretive man, but Anna kept trying to show him that it wasn't his fault.

"Okay Levi, but once I'm strong enough I want you to let me do more. Let me be a full part of this team."

After a moment, Levi let out a "hmph" and nodded, Anna smiled.

"Let's start tomorrow then!" Anna exclaimed, standing from her seat. Levi's brow raised.

"Are you sure you're ready? Last time Isabel tried to hug you, you ended up screaming." The girl's spirit fell slightly, before a look of pure determination took over.

"I have to do this; I have to change if I want to move forward."

It had felt like months since he had seen that look that he had first seen when she tried the manoeuvre gear, and he felt a warm sensation seeing it make a resurgence.

"Alright, we'll replace your normal gear work with this for the foreseeable future. You can come on our next job, but you're with me Brat."

"You've got it Levi." Anna reached over the table, placing her hand atop his. She wanted not only to show her progress in physical contact, but her appreciation to the man in front of her. Much to her surprise, Levi didn't pull away immediately, letting them both enjoy the moment. He looked away, not wanting the slight pink tinge of his cheeks to be seen.