Tainted Vision | Levi x Reader

Gazing at the Same Sky | Part 16

"Let's head up to the balcony." Levi suggested and I nodded at his statement. It's been a while since we've had any time to go up there. We both stood from the bed, and I quickly reached over to my bedside table to grab my empty cup before heading out of my room.

Before we went up to the balcony, we opted to drop by the mess hall and quickly washed up our cups. As we entered the mess hall, I saw a few smaller groups of soldiers already sitting amongst themselves and chatting as they waited for dinner. As we passed their groups they all quickly stood up and saluted—to which I waved, signaling for them to sit and continue their conversations. I understood that stuff like this was necessary, but not during times like this. It was time to relax and forget about acting like a soldier for once.

After we finished up, we quickly left the mess hall and slowly made our way towards the balcony. Although we weren't in the same base as the one that we were once with Farlan and Isabel, we always loved to spend our nights gazing at the sky. It wasn't just the place that made it special—it was the time we always spent looking at the same diamond filled sky. No matter where you guys are now—Isabel and Farlan, know that we are all still gazing at the same sky.

I was lost in my thoughts and my body seemed to move on its own as I followed Levi down the now dark corridors; however, as soon as I heard the creak from the door, I was snapped out of my thoughts. The door opened to reveal the aged stone balcony laying ahead of us. Levi was first to exit the building and I quickly followed, a small breeze encompassing my face and as a familiar chill ran over my arms and back as I took a step into the chilly night. 

The warmth from the tea quickly faded away and my body felt a bit chilly as the wind slightly blew. I crossed my arms over my chest and walked towards the edge of the building, my eyes never peeling away from the night sky. The stars seemed asleep tonight, I was a bit disappointed; however, the sky alike humans can't always be perfect. 

"From the moment we are born, we are free...It doesn't matter how strong those who would deny us that freedom are."  

As I enjoyed the night breeze, the sudden beautiful series of words popped into my head--a fearsome voice that seemed foreign to my own encompassing the words--how peculiar, the line seemed so familiar yet so foreign. It was likely from something I read, however, forgotten about. 

Silence fell between Levi and I as we let our thoughts encompass our minds. It was usually like this, and I didn't mind. This was the only place I had the time and freedom to think about things besides titans and humanity's future.

"I miss this." I whispered out, turning towards Levi who was still gazing at the stars.

"Yeah." Levi replied under his breath as he continued to look up into the sky. Hearing his response, I also turned back towards the sky and studied to stars. Lately, I read up on the different constellations hidden within the stars, and even with the stars a bit covered by the overhead clouds, I could spot a few in the sky. They were harder to depict, but once I spotted them, I could visualize the imaginary lines that connected each star. I found at least 4 while I was looking, but before I could find any more, Levi interrupted me.

"Let's head back to dinner." Levi broke the silence as he stood up and waited for me to do the same. I dropped my gaze from the sky and then turned around and hopped off the ledge of the balcony. I nodded towards him, and he quickly then began walking towards the door and we headed back down towards the mess hall.

~~~

We opened the doors of the mess hall to see the majority of the brigade were already in the hall or waiting in line for food. Although the mess hall was usually filled with chatter, the victory in Trost had caused an eruption of celebrations and drinks amongst the soldiers. Usually, there would be some stuffy higher up telling cadets to lower their voices and keep celebrations to themselves, but even they were downing drink after drink as warmth filled the large room through spilled drinks.