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

Chapter 22

"You've been what?"

(Y/N) could hardly believe the immediate malice that had dripped from Levi's voice. He hadn't even taken a moment to process before his eyes had turned to fire and his body had tensed beside her. Had (Y/N) not known that his anger wasn't directed at her, she would have run for her life.

"Levi, calm down and let me explain."

Doing her best to make sure Levi stayed seated, and didn't charge off to behead Erwin, (Y/N) ran a gentle hand up Levi's arm and allowed it to rest on his shoulder. The fire was pulsing so intensely in her palm that she almost pulled away but she forced her hand to remain.

"Explain? What is there to explain? That bastard didn't want you near me, did he? He thinks I'm some kind of scumbag to be monitored?"

(Y/N) shook her head and began rubbing her hand up and down Levi's arm in a soothing pattern. "No, Levi, you're wrong. It's true that Erwin didn't want me near someone, but that someone isn't you."

This seemed to catch Levi's attention enough to make some of the fury dissipate from his features. He'd never thought that the Commander would take (Y/N) off the squad for any other reason than to get her away from himself.

"Then..." Levi trailed off, realizing who (Y/N) was referring to.

(Y/N) nodded, feeling the shame and humiliation of the day's events return. "Yes... Kate told him what happened. Erwin was concerned for my well being and so he transferred me. I start tomorrow."

Levi sat silently, struggling through an internal battle. On one hand, he was absolutely against (Y/N) leaving their squad. She would be so far away and he would hardly see her. Even if it went against his self-made rules, he knew that if he couldn't keep an eye on her, he would drive himself insane. Not being able to assure himself of her safety would leave him distracted all day. And that was the absolute last thing he needed when he was surrounded by an entire regiment of soldiers that distrusted him.

But, on the other hand, Levi had to agree with the Commander's judgement, though it went against every fiber of his being. Erwin obviously cared about (Y/N) and that was one area where their interests overlapped. If transferring (Y/N) to a different squad would spare her from ever having to speak to Flagon again, Levi would let it happen. It was the best thing for her and that was what mattered.

Gritting his teeth, Levi came to a conclusion. He would accept the change as gracefully as he could. The fire within him screamed that he should tell (Y/N) she was forbidden from venturing any more than ten feet from him but Levi knew that was unreasonable. His own urges came second when (Y/N) was involved.

"Fine."

(Y/N) nearly gasped. She'd been expecting to have to put up the fight of her life. She'd been awaiting his response with baited breath and her mind had run through dozens of ways she could attempt to appease an angered Levi. But, not once had she foreseen that he would simply accept her reasoning.

"Fine?"

Through gritted teeth, Levi spit out his response. "As much as I dislike your Commander, I would have to agree with him in this area. If transferring gets you away from that piece of shit Captain, then so be it."

(Y/N) was stunned. She struggled to even form words but eventually pulled herself together.

Doing her best to sound unaffected, (Y/N) responded. "Yes... I suppose it's better this way. But, I won't be there to watch over you three anymore, so that duty has fallen to Kate. Make sure you don't get on her bad side." (Y/N) gave a small smile, trying to be as upbeat as possible.