Don't Die - Levi x Reader {Book 1}

Chapter 8

The next morning (Y/N) made her way to the mess hall. It was already nine o'clock, but it was Saturday, so she found a few other people straggling in as well. (Y/N) filled a tray and took a seat at her usual table, which was empty. All of her friends had likely risen long ago and begun their day.

(Y/N) smiled to herself. She didn't have any plans today, she could do whatever she liked. Immediately, her thoughts drifted to Levi, but she quickly corrected herself. He was probably mad at her for asking about the 3DMG.

(Y/N) sighed into her oatmeal. She'd never had to think this hard about her friendships. Usually, if she liked someone, they naturally drifted towards her as well. It was normally so easy. But Levi was a different case. She analyzed every move she made over and over again in her head, ridiculing herself for silly mistakes. It was mentally draining. And yet, she still wanted to be around him.

(Y/N) scooped the last of her meal into her mouth. Perhaps she'd go for a walk and then see Erwin. She felt a bit guilty about missing teatime.

(Y/N) dumped her tray and headed outside, scanning the empty training field. The summer was in full swing and the grass swayed in the slight breeze. (Y/N) closed her eyes and breathed in, smelling the scent of earth and fresh flowers in the air. This world truly was so different from the one she used to know.

(Y/N)'s eyes slowly opened and she began her leisurely morning walk. There was a path that she was quite familiar with. It led around the grounds and weaved through the hills. There were rarely any people on it during the day and (Y/N) was the only one ever out there at night. It served as her distraction on the nights when the nightmares were particularly bad.

(Y/N)'s feet moved casually across the dirt. For the first time since Levi had showed up, her mind felt clear and not jumbled. The fresh air was doing her good.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared in her path. It was the shadow of a tree, but there was something else. A person. (Y/N) looked to her right and saw a man sitting against a tree, his ankles crossed and a book in his hands. Levi. (Y/N)'s body came alive. It was like every muscle in her was humming. What was it with him? She'd only known him one day and still just the sight of him sent her into a fiery frenzy.

"Levi." (Y/N) called out to him.

Levi slowly raised his eyes to meet hers. "(Y/N)."

(Y/N) remained silent for a moment as she thought of what to say next. "Are you enjoying your day off?" Her voice was calm but her insides were screaming.

"Not really. It's rather dull, actually."

(Y/N)'s brows furrowed. Dull?

"Where are Isabel and Farlan?" Usually the two followed him everywhere.

"Cleaning." Levi responded nonchalantly.

"Cleaning?" (Y/N)'s face twisted in confusion.

"Yes, they're cleaning the barracks; they're filthy." (Y/N) struggled to comprehend.

"And you're not helping them because..."

"Because it's their punishment."

(Y/N)'s eyes widened. Was he some sort of tyrannical ruler? "Punishment? For what?"

"They said some things that they shouldn't have."

(Y/N) was still confused, but decided that it was probably best to just leave it.

"Oh. I see." (Y/N) kicked at the ground with her boot.

"And you?"

(Y/N) looked up. "Huh?"