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

Chapter 9

Finally, Levi and (Y/N) broke through the treeline and found themselves back on their pathway from the morning. Both of them were out of breath and (Y/N) paused for a moment and released Levi's hand, placing her elbows or her knees as she inhaled and exhaled, attempting to ease the tightness in her chest. She wasn't entirely sure if it was due to the running or the reaction that her body had to Levi's prolonged touch.

"Could you have run a little faster?"

(Y/N) eyed Levi and stuck her tongue out at his sarcastic comment. "Shut up. I really am hungry. We didn't bring any lunch out there." As if on cue, (Y/N)'s stomach let out a low rumble. She groaned.

In an instant, (Y/N) felt Levi's hand on hers and they were briskly walking back toward the castle.

(Y/N) was a bit stunned by the gesture. "Levi?"

He refused to look back to answer and only stared straight ahead as he walked. "You're hungry and you need to eat."

It took her a moment to comprehend his kind gesture, but eventually, (Y/N) smiled and squeezed his hand in response. Apparently, he secretly cared.

The two of them entered the castle, Levi's hand never letting go of hers as they made their way through the corridors and to the mess hall. They passed a few other soldiers along the way who all stopped to stare with open mouths at the sight. Levi didn't appear to care.

They entered the mess hall and when (Y/N) finally tried to loosen Levi's grip, his hand only tightened. (Y/N) gave him a questioning stare, but he only kept walking. Their position was the focus of every soldier in the hall, including Hange and Erwin. Hange was practically bouncing in her seat, but Erwin's face remained cool, his eyes following their every move.

Levi finally let go of her hand when it came time to fill their trays only to snatch it back again as soon as (Y/N) had finished filling her plate. His insistence was a bit strange to her, but she honestly didn't mind. The fire passing between their palms was enough energy to last a lifetime.

Levi carted (Y/N) away and it was only then that she recognized Isabel and Farlan sitting at a small table by themselves. Both of their gazes were plastered to Levi and (Y/N)'s connected hands and both of them wore satisfied smiles. (Y/N) shot a glance to Erwin and mouthed a silent 'Sorry.' as Levi sat down at the table, pulling her into the seat next to him.

Finally, Levi seemed to release her hand for good as he began to silently eat his meal. (Y/N) gave him a puzzled look. He didn't answer and (Y/N) pouted at him, picking up her spoon and shoving it into a mound of beans.

"So what did you two do today?" Farlan's voice drew (Y/N)'s attention from Levi. His face had a smirk on it as he eyed his young leader.

Levi looked at him with a deadly glare. "None of your business."

(Y/N) elbowed him in the ribs and Levi sputtered as he tried not to choke on his mouthful of potatoes. "You don't have to be so rude."

Levi grunted and returned his attention to his plate.

(Y/N) looked back up to Farlan, intending to answer his question, but paused when she saw the look on his face. His features were a mask of pure shock as his eyes shifted between Levi and (Y/N). Had she done something wrong?

(Y/N) decided to ignore his reaction and continued. "We went for a walk." She gave him a gentle smile.

Farlan's eyes finally landed on (Y/N), but his shocked expression still remained. "A walk? All day?"

(Y/N) explained further. "Well, we took a long break." (Y/N)'s eyes shifted over to Levi and Farlan followed her gaze.

"Where did you go?" Isabel broke into the conversation, though her expression was a bit more excited and a little less shocked than Farlan.