Promise me [Levi Ackerman x OC]

XVI: Concern

"I'm feeling better, really." Unavailable to take her dinner, Hazel just stood there sitting while Hange was hugging her hard by her waist.

"I wish I could've seen that fight." Miche was laughing across the table. Nanaba just elbowed him in the ribs to shut up. "Good, you gave him a reminder of who we are. He needs discipline." He said trying to look and sound serious slamming his fist in the table, which failed because everyone in the table laugh.

"What he needs is to trust us." Erwin announced serious making the laughs died, even Hange sat straight. "Everyone, rest well."

Everyone followed him with the sight and remained silent until Erwin left the mess hall. "Why he have to kill the good vibes? He's so serious all the time and he is not the Commander yet, already giving me chills."

"Give him a break, Han. He might be anxious for tomorrow's results."

"We all are." Both friends sighed together and start their dinner.

"Captain, Hazel." Isabel approached the table and made a very formal salute to her.

"Isabel, you can rest we are in the mess hall, there's no need to be that formal. Can I help you?"

She relaxed herself and took Hazel's hands into hers. "Please, let me be in your squad!"

"Hmm what's wrong with Flagon?" Hazel turned her head to look at him who was frowning at the redheaded girl.

"Nothing, it's great and all, but I want to learn your techniques. Beating my big bro it's a big deal. So please..." she had puppy eyes making hard to refuse to her request.

"Okay, I'll see what can I do after the expedition." Hazel smiled before Isabel ambushed her with a hug.

"Thank you, for everything." Said to Hazel in the most sincere way that made her heart melt and shared what seemed a long hug with her.

The night was silent, people went early to bed but that doesn't mean they get to sleep, the anxiety before an expedition affects the whole legion, even the commander who was expecting a good result in order to keep his rank. Erwin, hoping the new formation help to reduce the mortality of the survey corps and avoid unwanted encounters with titans. The leaders feeling responsible for the cadets of their squads. The cadets that knew in advance that not everyone can make it back, but everyone will give their hearts for humanity's freedom.

Hazel thinking of her friends, new in the field and with other purpose in mind that might led them to lose focus of what really is important. Isabel's request give her hope that they may have change their mind and wanted to stay after all. If something goes wrong she won't be there.

Levi have tried to convince the other two to stay, of course they have refused and reminded him they were a team. At the right moment he will act alone, he has to be the one to kill Erwin Smith. He was willing to sacrifice himself for his friends, if someone caught him he will be the culprit and they will be free of blame to let them stay with the survey corps as they wished. Sacrifice for love, the lesson his mother showed him.

Before dawn, cadets were up and down all around the barracks getting the carts, horses and armory ready. Commander Shadis with the Section Commanders were discussing the last details while the Squad Leaders were coordinating the cadets in every final chores. Once everything was settled, everyone in their horses and carts full with anything that would be necessary the Commander make the announcement to leave the barracks and to the wall gate.

Hazel was riding beside Erwin waiting for his signal for her to leave in the direction to Mitras where she will meet the Premier Zachary to deliver the document.

While riding, she got sight of Flagon's squad. The three friends looking confident, Isabel excited to be out of the walls for the first time, Furlan seemed ready for everything it could happen and at last Levi, he was riding a bit behind them looking at their backs in a protective way.

You sure are concerned. Take good care of them and please come back safe and sound.

It was like he read her mind, he looked at her direction and they crossed gazes, after seconds he nodded in agreement, she grin at him before other squad blocked the sight of him. Erwin gave her the sign to leave in that moment.