In The Eyes of A Stranger [Levi Ackerman x Reader]

Chapter 4: A Glimpse of Approval

You woke up before dawn, the early morning chill still lingering in the air. Yesterday's encounter with Levi still lingered in your mind, but you pushed it aside, focusing on the day's training ahead. As a cadet, every day was a test of endurance, both physically and mentally.

You quickly dressed in your uniform and headed to the mess hall for breakfast. The chatter of your fellow cadets filled the room, but you kept to yourself, lost in thought. Your instructor had announced a rigorous training session today, and you needed to stay focused.

It was just you and Armin at the table this morning, since Eren and Mikasa had some duties to attend to. As you ate, you couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. You glanced around, but no one seemed out of place. Shrugging it off, you headed to the training grounds. 

The day's training was intense - obstacle courses, combat drills, and tactical strategy sessions. You threw yourself into every exercise, determined to improve. During a particularly grueling obstacle course, you caught a glimpse of a familiar figure standing at the edge of the training grounds.

Levi.

He was leaning against a tree, his eyes fixed intently on you. His expression was unreadable, but you sensed a hint of curiosity. You wondered what he was doing here, watching you. Was it concern or more interest?

You pushed the thought aside, refocusing on the training. But you couldn't help sneaking glances his way. He remained stationary, observing me with and unnerving intensity 

During a short break, you approached the instructor to ask about the afternoon's schedule. As you spoke with him, you caught Levi's gaze again. This time, he nodded slightly, almost imperceptible, before turning and disappearing into the trees.

What did that mean? Was he checking on me or simply passing by? The uncertainty left you with a mix of emotions - gratitude, unease, and a dash of curiosity.

The rest of the training passed in a blur. As the sun began to set, signaling the end of the days training, you felt exhausted but exhilarated. You knew you'd given it your all. As you headed back to the barracks, you couldn't shake the feeling that Levi's eyes were still on you, watching over you from the shadows. 

What was his motive? And why did I feel a strange sense of comfort knowing he was watching?

~

As Captain Levi strode across the mess hall, his piercing gaze swept the room, halting abruptly when his eyes met yours. You stood before him, a radiant smile spreading across your face, accompanied by a delicate blush that rose to your cheeks. Levi's footsteps faltered; his expression arrested by your unbridled enthusiasm. 

For a moment, he simply regarded you, his eyes narrowing slightly as if scrutinizing an anomaly. People rarely greeted him with such warmth, and the blush on your face only added to the peculiarity.

Clearing his throat, Levi offered a curt nod, his deep voice tingled with a hint of gruffness. "Good morning." His gaze lingered on yours, as if searching for an explanation behind your effervescent demeanor.

"You seem... chipper today," he observed, his tone laced with a subtle undertone of amusement.

Your cheeks deepened in color, and you averted your gaze, your voice barely above a whisper. "O-Oh... Just eager to do my duty, sir. Please let me know if there's anywhere I can improve."

You inclined your head slightly, a gesture of respect, before taking a seat at the cadets' table, hoping to blend in and avoid drawing further attention.

Levi watched you retreat, a faint smile playing on his lips. Your shyness, he found, was unexpectedly endearing. A spark of curiosity ignited within him, and he couldn't help but ponder what drove your ardent desire to impress.

As he continued on his way, sipping his tea, his thoughts strayed to you, his mind wandering through the possibilities.

Later, during training, you engaged in intense sparring with your fellow cadets. Your gaze drifted toward Levi, who stood in the distance, engaged in a low-pitched conversation with Commander Erwin. Your eyes locked, and you hastily looked away, a flush rising to your cheeks.

The brief distraction proved costly. A cadet seized the opportunity, catching you off guard and slamming you to the ground with stunning force. Your breath escaped in a sharp gasp.

Mortified, you darted a glance toward Levi, hoping he hadn't witness your momentary lapse. However, his gaze had remained fixed on you, his expression unreadable. 

A flicker of annoyance danced across his features as he observed your distraction, attributing it to his own presence. Though he understood the cause, a thread of frustration wove through his thoughts. He expected unwavering focus from his cadets, especially during training.

Red-faced, you sprang to your feet and resumed sparring with renewed intensity.

As the training session drew to a close, the instructor's voice rang out, ordering the cadets to bathe and return to their quarters. You couldn't shake the feeling that Levi's eyes still lingered on you, his gaze piercing through the veil of your embarrassment.