Smile [Levi x Reader] Part 8

A mix of emotions swirled through you as you begrudgingly followed the Captain out the door. Mostly confusion and surprise at his unbelievable reaction towards you, but also dread from having to going out into the rain. You were pretty sure that someone who had just woken up from a coma shouldn't be working at all, especially in the rain. That was just an invitation for sickness. 

"Captain Levi," A deep voice broke the silence.

"Yes, Commander?" Levi asked with slight surprise. Despite his sharp senses he seemed to have been caught off guard.

The blond haired man stepped out from the shadows. His eyes widened when he saw you lingering behind Levi. Unlike the corporal he seemed glad to see you. You felt a sense of ease when you looked at the commander. Not only was he more formidable than in terms of height, but he exuded confidence that made you trust him despite only just having met him. Now only that, but he was quite attractive, his golden blond hair shining with the little light from the windows. His face was well defined with a chiseled chin and high cheekbones. His blue eyes were warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to Levi's cold and dark ones. Of course his most noticeable feature was his eyebrows. They were the bushiest you'd ever seen, like piles of hay perched above his baby blue eyes. If you were to describe them in one word, it'd be fabulous. 

"How are you feeling [Name]," the commander asked with genuine concern in his voice. 

"She's fine," Levi answered bluntly, cutting you off before you could even get a word out. "Though her memory has been compromised,"

"Hmm, is that so?" The Commander frowned as he approached you. "Do you remember who I am?" he asked, peering into your eyes. 

"Uh, no sir...I'm sorry," 

"I'm Erwin Smith, the 13th Commander of the Survey Corps," his warm smile reassured you "Oh I know, why don't you go down to the dining hall? Some of your friends from the academy as there. Perhaps seeing them will jog your memories,"

"Yes sir!" you quickly saluted.

"I see you haven't lost your manners," the Commander chuckled "Though your arms are backwards,"

"Sorry, sir!" you quickly switched them. 

"At ease solider," he patted your head "Now do you remember your way around the building? Or would you like someone to accompany you?"

You looked around the hallways uneasily. You didn't want to be a burden but you still didn't know where you were. "I can take her," Levi answered for you

"No, that's quite alright Corporal. I need to speak to you in private. I'll have Squad Leader Zacharias take her. He and his team have just returned from their mission," the commander's eyes looked past you "Ah there he is now," 

Following his eyes, you turn to see another tall blonde man approaching. Unlike the Commander, he wore his hair down with a part in the middle to keep his eyes clear. He had a dark mustache and beard that made him seem older, though you had a feeling he was the same age or younger than the Commander. He wore a serious yet calm expression as he made his way to you and the others. 

"Ah Squad Leader Zacharias, nice to see you, how was your expedition?"

"It was good sir, we only sustained some injuries but no casualties,"

"Very good. I'd expect nothing less from a solider like you,"

"Thank you sir," Zacharais started to bow his head when he stopped. His nose started to twitch as he looked around, his eyes landing on you. With quick strides he made his way to you, his tall body looming over yours. Your surprise quickly turned to confusion as the blonde began to sniff your hair. "Hmm," he hummed as he stood tall once more. "New recruit?" he asked aloud. 

"Actually she's the newest member or the Special Operations Squad," the Commander answered

"Oh," Zacharais answered casually. "Well she smells alright to me. Good choice Corporal,"

"Tch," Levi rudely turned his head away.

Zacharais didn't seemed fazed by his behavior as he turned to Erwin. "Is there something you needed Commander?" 

"Yes, actually. I was hoping you could show solider [Name] to the dining hall," 

"Okay," the man answered nonchalantly. "Would it be alright if I changed my clothes first?" 

It was then you noticed the dark spots on Zacharia's jacket. Even in the dim light you knew that it was blood. The iron scent was heavy in the air, something you didn't notice until now"

"That's fine with me," The Commander replied  "Do you need to see a medic as well?" 

"No, it's not my blood" Zacharia answered calmly. 

"That's good," The Commander sighed before turning to face you once more. "[Name] would you like-"

"Commander Smith?" you interrupted him. "I appreciate your help but I think I remember how to get around,"

"Oh really?" Erwin's eyebrow lifted "Are you sure?"

"Yes," you answered confidently. "I've been looking around while you've been talking and things are starting to look familiar,"

"That's great!" The commander smiled in approval. Levi on the other hand seemed rather suspicious of you. For once it was justified since you were in fact lying. You felt a little bad about being dishonest to the Erwin but you felt uneasy around Zacharias, and it wasn't just because he sniffed you like a dog. Perhaps it was his seriousness that made it unnerving. Though he said that the blood on his uniform wasn't his, he also didn't explain where it came from. It was probably just the result of helping some of his comrades but you still felt suspicious of him. Needless to say you didn't feel comfortable being alone with him. Luckily for you, your decision didn't seem offend Zacharias. He remained as solemn as before. 

"Well then, why don't you head down the dining hall? Squad Leader Hanji is expecting you. She'll fill you in on what has been happening while you were recovering,"

"Yes sir!" you saluted before making your way down the hall. After parting with Zacharais, the Commander and Levi made their way behind you. Despite your efforts to move along, you found yourself tiring quickly. It made sense considering this was the first time in three weeks you've been out of bed. You made sure to look strong as you leaned against the wall to let them pass. Despite bowing your head in respect, you still managed to catch a glimpse of Levi's suspicious eyes, boring into you as he passed. 

You waited patiently until they had passed before lifting your head and following. To your surprise, the two men took a sharp right into what looked like an office. That must be where the Commander and Levi were going to have their 'private' conversation. Despite the nagging voice of your conscience, you decided to eavesdrop on their conversation. Maybe you'd find out why the captain had it out for you.

You passed by the door so as to not cause suspicion, but stopped before you reached the end of the hall. Using all of your stealth you tiptoed back towards the office. To your relief, the Commander had not closed the door all the way. As long as no one came down the hall, you could listen to their conversation without getting caught. It wasn't long before you heard icy tone of Levi's voice. It really surprised you that he could address his Commander in such a tone. It was one thing to disrespect you, but his Commander-in-chief? 

"Cut the crap Levi, and sit down," The Commander's voice was just as harsh as the Corporal. After a few inaudible grunts, you heard the scraping of a chair across the floor. It seemed as if Commander had just put Levi in his place. You couldn't help but feel excited. Finally that bastard was going to get what was coming to him. Your mind quickly cleared when you realized that you had already missed the beginning of their conversation. 

"Is it because she looks like her, what was her name. Natasha?" The commander casually asked

"DON'T YOU DARE SPEAK HER NAME!" The amount of rage in Levi's voice was staggering. He screamed louder at the commander than he did at you earlier. 

The commander, however, seemed unfazed at Levi's outburst. It was almost as if he had dealt with this issue before. "She was a part of your family, no? Along with Cadet Isabel and Furlan?"

Levi growled ferociously. "There all dead because of you!" 

"You knew full well what you were getting into," The commander responded, his voice calm but stern. "When you agreed to join us, you knew the risks."

"We had no choice! You blackmailed me!" 

"I simply gave you an option," The commander stated matter of factly. "Go to jail, or join the corps and do something with your talent. I certainly wasn't wrong, your talent has saved many lives and taken down hundreds of titans. You are without a doubt Humanity's Strongest Solider," With no response the commander continued softly "Do you regret it?" 

After a long pause, Levi finally answered "I regret letting them join,"

"They would have followed you whether or not you stopped them. They trusted you,"

"And I lead them to their deaths," the pain in his voice was heart wrenching. 

"You know as well as I do that their deaths were not your fault. Even if you had been there, they may still have died or you could have died trying to save them. Then years later hundreds more would have died because you wouldn't be here with us," 

"It's not my job to save them," Levi answered bluntly

"You're right, it's not" The Commander paused "But I know that you care about your comrades and want them to live. That's why you're so tough on them, you want them to succeed in battle. But you're walking a fine line between helping and hurting. I think you know who I'm referring too,"

"Tch, I'm just teaching that brat some respect," 

"No, you're punishing her, all because she looks like her. You and I know well enough when insubordination is to be punished, but [Name] has done nothing wrong,"

"You're right she hasn't," Levi admitted "But you have. You're the one that put her in my squad!"

"Are you really still mad about that?" The Commander let out a frustrated sigh.

"Yes," Levi growled "Because you put a rookie in my squad. Her presence alone puts my soldiers at risk,"

"I have my reasons for putting her with you,"

"And they are?"

"Levi, enough!" The Commander pleaded, his voice on the brink of exhaustion "As both your Commander and friend I need you to listen to me. I cannot tell you the importance of having [Name] under your protection. I need you to trust me like you have done in the past. I will explain everything when I am able."

"Okay," Levi reluctantly responded "I trust you Commander Smith. I will be nicer to [Name],"

"Thank you Corporal," Erwin sighed heavily "But do not breathe a word of this to [Name]. It is imperative that she believes that she was chosen for her skills and not placed under protection,"

"I understand," 

The sound of the chair moving snaps you back to focus. Levi must be heading for the door now! Panicked thoughts raced through your head 'I have to hide!' Glancing around you notice a door not too far away from you. Racing to it, you place your shaking hands on the doorknob only to find it locked.

"Going somewhere [Name]?" The undeniable voice of the captain sounded from behind you.