symbiosis » levi ackerman

chapter thirty-nine ; tryst

Fallan

"Honestly, Sir, I have good reason to believe that the abnormal occurrences the Commander has told you about were all separate sets of isolated cases."
I tried to ignore the subtle looks of shock that were painted on Erwin and Levi's faces. Hanji and Mike just looked concerned, and Zackly raised an eyebrow at me suspiciously.
"Oh? And what are these good reasons? " He hummed, placing his elbows on the desk and resting his head on his hands. I took a deep breath and attempted to steady myself. I had to throw them off this case entirely, Kenny's threat was still ringing loudly in my ears.
"By now, we are used to the Titans exhibiting strange behaviours from time to time. There has been no pattern regarding these creatures, and from a logical point of view, it would be ridiculous to assume that they have begun to recognise certain humans." I spoke confidently. I knew they were on to me - a fool could see I was bluffing, and I was sat in a room full of military geniuses. To be honest, I didn't care if they believed me or not. As long as I kept my family's secrets, I wouldn't end up dead - and I could avenge my brother. I was determined to, even more so now I knew my blood was the only reason he was murdered.
"But surely this needs to be further investigated Miss Reid?" Zackly pressed.
"If you believe it to be beneficial to the Corps Sir, then yes. I will continue to look into this, but in my personal opinion there's no need to explore this further."
Silence.
I felt bile rise in my throat and my chest became tighter as all eyes were on me. Suddenly I felt like the smallest person in the room. I'd just been promoted, and now I was clearly lying barefaced to the Commandant. I hung my head in shame and looked down at my clasped hands in my lap. Zackly cleared his throat and I heard the screech of his chair against the oak panelled floor as he stood up.
"Well then, if that is all... I officially declare this meeting as over. Survey Corps - a pleasure as always." He sighed and left. After the door slammed, we were engulfed in silence once more. I prayed that the ground would open up and swallow me whole. I felt tears begin to well, so I did the only thing I could - I ran. I ran out of that room as quickly as my legs could carry me.
When I finally felt the sweet familiarity of fresh air against my face, then I let the tears fall freely down my cheeks. I didn't sob this time, as this wasn't a cry of pain - they were tears of shame and sadness. I closed my eyes and raised my head to the sky, feeling the hot tear trails turn cool as the breeze met them. I stayed there for a moment, until I was snapped out of my daydream by a firm grip on my arm as I was dragged away from the front of the building. It was Levi - staring down at me in an almost disgusted look.
"What the fuck was that little performance?" He hissed. "Keeping information like that from Zackly is a federal crime! They weren't abnormalities Fallan, you could be the key to all of this!"
"You think I don't know that?" I spat back, snatching my arm from his grasp and wiping my tears away with my sleeve. "There is far more at stake than just my freedom Levi. I would rather end up in a cell than dead."
I watched as Levi's expression shifted momentarily, regret flashing across his grey orbs.
"What happened?" He asked stiffly.
I paused for a moment and narrowed my eyes at him.
"I can't say." I pursed, crossing my arms.
"Can't or won't?"
"Fucksake Levi!" I shouted. "I'm not being indignant, I can't say anything! My life is at stake!"
"Then tell me everything so I can protect you!" He yelled, and we both stared at each other angrily.
I knew he wanted to fight this battle for me - but for once this was something that they couldn't shield me from.
"I do not need to be protected by you, or by Benjin, or by anyone else." I began lowly, "This is my fight, let me do this on my own."
"Tch." He tutted, that disgusted look gracing his features once more. "Just don't drag us down into that hole you've dug yourself into."
Levi shot me one final glare before heading back inside.
"Well, fuck."