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Unfinished Lines
Synopsis: Zeynep has spent her entire life within the walls of Canvas Town, where art, order, and protection have kept her vorld intact. She has never traveled beyond it, never needed to. When the Cleaners begin appearing for protection spells, something unfamiliar settles into her carefully controlled life. Among them is Enjin—a blank canvas in a world that survives py leaving marks. What begins as curiosity slowly becomes he first step beyond a life she was never meant to abandon.
Pairings: Enjin x OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
Unfinished Lines
Synopsis: Zeynep has spent her entire life within the walls of Canvas Town, where art, order, and protection have kept her world intact. She has never traveled beyond it, never needed to. When the Cleaners begin appearing for protection spells, something unfamiliar settles into her carefully controlled life. Among them is Enjin—a blank canvas in a world that survives by leaving marks. What begins as curiosity slowly becomes the first step beyond a life she was never meant to abandon.
Pairings: Enjin x OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
Word Count: 1k
Table of Contents
Read Next Chapter: Chapter 3
CHAPTER TWO:
The shop is quiet, as it only ever is at closing.
The lamps are dimmed, half the room already swallowed by shadow. My tools are laid out to dry, the ink capped and lined up neatly, my jacket folded over the chair like a promise I’m about to keep.
The bell rings.
I don’t jump, but I do pause.
When I look up, it’s him.
Alone.
He shuts the door behind him and stays there for a moment, like he’s deciding whether this counts as trespassing. His eyes sweep the room once before settling on me. Not quickly. Not openly. Like he’s checking that something is still where he left it.
“Looks like I missed him,” he says.
“Yes.”
He blinks. “That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
“Do you know where he went?” he asks. “I’ve got a question for him.”
“No.”
That seems to amuse him.
“You always this helpful?”
“Only when it matters.”
I turn then, finally facing him. He’s standing a few feet inside the shop, hands in his pockets, posture loose like he’s got nowhere better to be. His eyes move over the space, slow and curious, like he’s memorizing it.
“If you’re here for Gobb,” I say, “you’ll have to come back later.”
“What if I’m not?”
I meet his eyes this time.
They’re sharp. Yellow. Curious in a way that doesn’t apologize for itself.
“Then you’re in the wrong place,” I reply.
That makes him smile. Why is he smiling at that?
“Maybe,” he says. “Or maybe I’m just killing time.”
“That doesn’t mean you belong here.”
He hums, like he likes that answer. “You always talk like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like you don’t care who’s standing in front of you.”
“I don’t.”
He steps closer, stopping near the tattoo chair. He doesn’t touch anything, but his attention is invasive in its own way.
“What’s it like?”
I stop, fingers resting against the strap of my bag. “What’s what like?”
“Tattooing,” he says. “Putting something on someone that never leaves.”
I answer automatically. “It requires commitment.”
“That’s it?”
“And intention.”
He hesitates. “I don’t have any.”
I glance at him. “Any what?”
“Tattoos.”
The word hangs there.
“Never wanted one,” I say.
“Never had the chance,” he corrects. “Different thing.”
That’s the mistake, the slip and the only time I turn fully toward him to meet his eyes while talking.
I scan him without meaning to. More of his skin is exposed than last time. I look at his arms, neck, collarbone, and hands once again. Clean skin. Untouched. Unclaimed. He truly is a blank canvas.
“Why not?” I ask.
He notices immediately. The shift. The interest I didn’t mean to show.
“Never found something worth keeping,” he says. “Or someone I trusted enough.” He shrugs. “Guess I’m not the committed type of guy.”
That pulls something loose in my chest.
“What would you get?” I ask, quieter.
He blinks. “If I did?”
“Yes.”
He thinks about it. Actually thinks. “Don’t know. Something simple.”
“That’s not how tattoos work,” I say.
He smiles. “Exactly.”
I catch myself. The openness. The question. The crack.
I turn away first.
“Then you shouldn’t get one,” I say, sharper than before. “Tattoos aren’t for people who can’t commit.”
“That so?”
“Yes.”
He watches me like he’s just discovered something important.
“Good thing I didn’t ask you to do it,” he says.
“I wouldn’t,” I reply.
“I know.”
Another pause.
“Do you know who I am?” he asks suddenly.
“Yes.”
Something flickers in his eyes—hope, maybe.
“And?”
“You’re a Cleaner.”
“And?”
“That’s it.”
The flicker fades.
“Oh,” he says. “That’s… disappointing.”
“I’m sure you’re used to more.”
He exhales a laugh, quieter than before. “Most people want more.”
“I’m not most people.”
He studies me more carefully now. “You don’t want to know my name?”
“It wouldn’t change anything.”
That one hits.
“What’s your name?” he asks.
I walk toward the door. “You don’t need it.”
“Sure I do.”
“No,” I say calmly. “You don’t.”
He laughs softly at that, as if I’ve surprised him.
“You always this difficult?” he asks, following behind me.
“Only when it matters.”
“And does this matter?”
“No.”
That answer lands differently. He straightens slightly, reassessing. I lock the front door.
“You’re done asking questions.”
“For tonight,” he agrees.
He steps aside as I move past him, holding the door open. As I walk by, he says quietly, “You only looked at me when we talked about ink.”
I pause.
Just long enough.
Then keep walking.
“You imagined it,” I say.
Behind me, he laughs softly.
“I don’t think I did.”
The door closes behind us both.
“Well,” he says after a moment, “if you see Gobb, tell him Enjin stopped by.”
I nod once.
He hesitates, clearly waiting for something else. A question. A glance. Anything.
“Goodnight, Enjin,” I say.
The name sits strangely in my mouth—heavier than it should be, more deliberate than I meant it to sound.
For a second, he doesn’t react at all.
Then his eyes lift to mine, not sharp, not amused. Just still.
“…Goodnight,” he says, quieter.
That’s it.
No smile.
No comment.
No push.
And somehow, that hurts more.
Why does it hurt?
I nod once and turn away before I can second-guess myself.
My boots carry me down the street, the sound too loud in my ears. The night air feels colder than it did a moment ago. Canvas Town hums softly around me, unchanged, unconcerned.
I don’t look back. But I feel the shift—not from him, but from me.
I replay it immediately.
The name.
The way it slipped out without resistance.
The way I offered it like something owed.
It was just politeness.
Just manners.
Just a goodbye.
Except it wasn’t.
I don’t say names unless I mean to remember them. I press my fingers into my palm as I walk, grounding myself in the familiar rhythm of my steps.
And yet—
For the first time since Canvas Town became my entire life, something feels… unfinished.
Not curiosity.
Not longing.
Just awareness.
That I gave something small away.
And that I noticed when I did.
I exhale slowly and keep walking.
Tomorrow, the shop will open.
The machines will hum.
The rhythm will return.
Saying his name didn’t change anything.
But my chest is still tight when I reach the corner.
And I don’t like that it is.
————————————————————————
Read Next Chapter: Chapter 3
Unfinished Lines
Synopsis: Zeynep has spent her entire life within the walls of Canvas Town, where art, order, and protection have kept her world intact. She has never traveled beyond it, never needed to. When the Cleaners begin appearing for protection spells, something unfamiliar settles into her carefully controlled life. Among them is Enjin—a blank canvas in a world that survives by leaving marks. What begins as curiosity slowly becomes the first step beyond a life she was never meant to abandon.
Pairings: Enjin x OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
Word Count: 1.8k
Table of Contents
Read Next Chapter: Chapter 2
CHAPTER ONE:
Canvas Town has a sound.
To the naked ear, people think it’s silence but it isn’t.
It’s a beautiful rhythm. Charcoal against stone, fabric brushing canvas walls,
the low murmur of voices that never rush.
But my favorite rhythm is the ink, the soft vibration of a needle in motion.
Controlled noise.
Curated chaos.
But the chaos beyond the window was a world entirely different.
It was unleashed, untamed, something I wasn’t ready for.
Booming music bled into screeching tires, noise layered on noise, a storm of sound and motion I didn’t claim as mine.
Then the hum returned.
The steady vibration in my hand. My tattoo machine, even and calm, as I pull a line across skin. Precise and black, exactly as ink should be.
The girl in the chair doesn’t move. She never does. People don’t fidget when they sit with me. They breathe slower. Their stress drains out of them the moment they settle into my chair.
I cherish that.
I love the freedom my hand creates.
The door swung open as I finished the last touch of ink. Danger stepped inside wearing clean, blank skin.
The air changed.
Not loud.
Not violent.
Just… heavy.
Like filth crossing into a sacred space.
I didn’t look up at first.
I finished the line.
Wiped the skin.
Checked the symmetry.
Only then did I lift my eyes.
They stood near the doorway.
The Cleaners.
The first was smaller than the rest. Ash hair twisted into a careless bun, a strip of blue cloth tied at his throat.
Another was massive, loud in presence alone, built like strength made human.
And then there was the one tucked behind them.
Quiet.
Still.
Empty.
A blank canvas.
My glance lasted a heartbeat and a lifetime all at once.
“Huh,” a voice drawled. “Where’s Gobb and the old man?”
It didn’t land, it slid.
Smooth. Lazy. Unbothered.
He leaned like the world didn’t deserve his respect.
Loose posture.
Casual stance.
Hands in his pockets like danger was only a rumor, not a profession.
His eyes move before his body does.
They find me.
Not dramatically.
Not hungrily.
Not with interest.
Just curiosity, the quiet and invasive kind.
The kind that studies instead of consumes.
I don’t look away.
I don’t stare.
I don’t give him anything to read.
I return to my work.
The machine hums in my hand, steady and obedient, its vibration grounding me as the needle glides across skin. The line continues clean, dark, and deliberate. Ink settles where it’s meant to live. Nothing rushed. Nothing wasted.
Footsteps drift closer.
Not aggressive.
Not cautious.
Confident.
The kind of confidence that doesn’t announce itself, it assumes.
Like space rearranges itself for him without being asked.
I wipe the ink from my canvas, slow and precise, cleaning the skin as if nothing in the room has shifted.
His shadow stretches across my workstation, cutting through the light, darkening my tools, my hands, the open skin in front of me.
Still, I don’t look up.
Not out of defiance.
Not out of fear.
Just refusal.
The hum of the machine continues.
The line remains unbroken. My focus doesn’t waver.
And for the first time since he entered the room, he is the one waiting.
“Does it hurt?” he asks.
His voice is careless, teasing but light, almost gentle. The kind you’d use on someone nervous, someone fragile. Anyone listening would think he’s speaking to the girl in the chair.
He isn’t.
He’s speaking to me.
I don’t answer.
Not out of rudeness.
Not out of cruelty.
Just… disinterest.
The girl in the chair fills the silence for me, her voice quick and breathless.
“N-not really,” she says. “She’s really good.”
“She is,” the woman beside her adds softly. “Best in Canvas Town.”
“Yeah?” he hums, amused. “Looks clean.”
I still don’t look at him.
The machine continues its steady vibration in my hand. The needle moves. The line remains perfect. My focus doesn’t shift.
Silence stretches between us.
Not awkward.
Not uncomfortable.
Intentional
I feel his attention change and sharpen, the way a blade does when it finally meets resistance.
“Quiet, huh,” he says.
This time, I lift my eyes.
Not to him.
To Gobb.
“You’re early,” Gobb says easily, leaning back in his chair with a lazy spin, the wood creaking beneath him. His smile is familiar, warm, unbothered. Safe.
The man in front of me turns at once, a smirk already pulling at his mouth.
“Gobb, my guy,” he says, strolling closer. “You’re late. I’m not early.”
Gobb snorts. “You always say that.”
“And I’m always right.”
Their voices blend into easy familiarity, into history I’m not part of. Laughter. Familiar tension. Comfort that comes from long association.
I watch them from the corner of my eye.
So these are the men Gobb talks about.
These are the ones he disappears with at night. The ones he laughs with. The ones he trusts.
The Cleaners.
A knot tightens low in my chest, not fear, not worry, just instinct.
If Dad knew they were here, near me, in Canvas Town, without him…
He would lose his mind.
The thought passes through me like a shadow and fades just as quickly.
My attention returns to the girl in the chair.
To the skin beneath my hands, the ink, the line, and the quiet rhythm of my work.
I was trying to let their voices blur into background noise. Words about range, duration, cost, risk and the dry logistics of protection and danger. Things that belong to Gobb’s world, not mine.
The machine hums.
The needle moves.
The line holds steady.
But I feel him.
Not his presence — his attention.
It lingers in the air like heat, like pressure, like a weight that doesn’t touch but still exists. I don’t need to look to know he’s watching. Some awareness settles between my shoulders, along my spine, quiet and persistent.
Not like a predator.
Or a flirt.
Not like a threat.
Not hunger.
Or desire.
Not violence.
Curiosity
The slow, unsettled kind.
The kind that studies instead of consumes.
The kind that observes instead of reaches.
The kind that doesn’t understand why something didn’t react the way it was supposed to.
Like a puzzle left unfinished, a lock that didn’t turn.
Like a door that didn’t open when he knocked.
And the strangest part is that I don’t feel fear. I feel nothing at all.
Just the steady rhythm of my work.
The hum of the machine.
The line forming under my hand.
The calm of control.
And somewhere behind me,
a presence that can’t decide what I am.
Only that I wasn’t what he expected to find.
“Okay.”
I smile as I secure the final wrap around the young girl’s arm, smoothing the protective film with careful fingers before rolling my chair back.
“If you have any issues, you know where to find me.”
Her eyes are wide as she looks at the fresh ink, like she’s been handed something sacred.
“Thank you,” she whispers, like the word matters more than it should.
She leaves, her mother guiding her gently through the doorway.
“Is that the last one for today?” Gobb asks, his voice warm.
“Yes.”
He smiles, the kind that creases at the edges of his eyes. “Then come sit,” he says lightly. “You can watch me work. Protection spells aren’t every day entertainment.”
I start to answer.
“She cannot.”
The voice cuts through the room like a blade through silk.
“Oh, come on, old man,” the same man drawls, the one from before, the one who leans like the world owes him space. “Let the lady watch Gobb work. Might learn something.”
Before I can even react, my father’s presence fills the room.
He doesn’t look at the man. Doesn’t acknowledge him. Doesn’t dignify him.
He looks at me.
“Let’s go,” he says quiet but firm. “It’s late. Food’s ready. Remlin’s starting to get fussy.”
There’s no anger in his voice, just certainty.
Just protection.
“Next time,” Gobb says gently, offering me a soft smile.
I nod.
My father’s hand closes around my wrist, not rough or painful, just sure.
Grounded.
Anchoring.
Possessive in the way only love is.
He guides me toward the door, his body already between me and them, between me and the noise, between me and the chaos.
My steps hesitate at the threshold, lingering at the door for a breath too long. I feel it before I see it. His gaze shifts.
This time, I look back.
Our eyes meet, his yellow, sharp and unreadable eyes and yet I hold them. It wasn’t challenging, soft, or inviting. It was neutral, closed, and unmovable.
For a heartbeat, something flickers across his face.
It wasn’t interest or desire but confusion.
The kind that comes from something not behaving the way it’s supposed to.
The kind that forms when a pattern breaks.
Then his smile returns. All so easy, careless, and familiar. Like nothing ever shifted at all.
And my legs move again.
The door opens.
Cold air spills in.
“You know how I feel about you being around them,” my father says, his voice low, firm, protective in the way only love can be. “I don’t need you getting mixed up in that. Not yet, at least. You’re too young.”
“Dad,” I say, exhaling a soft laugh, “I’m twenty. And it’s not like I can’t think for myself. I know what’s good and what’s bad.”
He keeps talking about timing, about danger, about the Cleaners, about how he isn’t ready for me to be anywhere near that world yet. His voice becomes a steady stream of concern and care and caution.
But I stop hearing the words.
My mind drifts.
To places it shouldn’t go, thoughts it shouldn’t touch.
I don’t think about his face.
I don’t think about his voice.
I don’t think about his smile.
I think about his hands.
Scarred.
Relaxed.
Unbothered.
Hands shaped by violence, by labor, by things that don’t ask permission to be broken. Hands that destroy without ceremony. Hands that don’t apologize to what they leave behind.
And for the first time in a long time, a thought crosses my mind that feels dangerous in its quietness.
What would I mark someone like that with?
The thought is soft.
Private but unimportant.
It doesn’t feel like desire.
It doesn’t feel like curiosity.
It doesn’t feel like longing.
Just instinct.
Then another thought follows it, just as quiet.
Maybe some people aren’t meant to be marked.
Some things aren’t meant to be claimed.
Some skin isn’t meant to be turned into art.
Some chaos isn’t meant to be given meaning.
My father keeps talking beside me.
And somewhere inside me, a line is drawn, thin, invisible, and irreversible —
between the world that raised me
and the one I just brushed against.
————————————————————————
Read Next Chapter: Chapter 2
7Seals
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Chapter 21
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•Previous Chapter: Chapter 20
•Next Chapter: Chapter 22
•Chapter List
•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
•Word Count: 2.2k
•Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.
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Wall Maria Reclamation Expedition
846
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The sound of metal scraping tore through the silence.
For a moment, I thought I was dreaming. The heavy groan of the lock, the shudder of the hinges—it felt unreal, like sound had forgotten how to exist down here.
Light spilled through the crack in the door, slicing through the darkness like a blade. I blinked, my eyes stinging as the Garrison officer stepped inside. His uniform looked too clean for a place this filthy.
"Miss Aldridge." His voice was firm, practiced. "Your debt to humanity will be repaid in service."
I didn't answer. My throat was dry, lips cracked from thirty days of silence and stale air.
The officer stepped closer, removing a key from his belt. "You'll report to Commander Nile Dok for briefing immediately."
My wrists burned as the cuffs came off. Red marks remained where the metal had been. Freedom wasn't supposed to hurt this much.
"Move," he ordered.
The chains were gone, but I still felt them. Every step toward the corridor was heavy, the air thick with mildew and the scent of moldy stone.
I didn't ask where we were going. I already knew it didn't matter.
The chamber was colder than I remembered.
We walked through narrow corridors that reeked of damp earth and mildew. Every step I took echoed in my ears, loud enough to drown out my own thoughts.
When they opened the door, I was met with the sterile brightness of a council room. A long table stretched across the stone floor, lined with faces carved from authority—Premier Zachary at the head, Nile Dok to his right, Commander Erwin Smith beside him, and further down, Commander Pyxis.
And my father.
Pastor Nick Aldridge stood behind the table in full clerical robes, hands folded over a book he didn't deserve to touch. His eyes didn't find mine.
"Bring her forward," Zachary ordered.
I was shoved into the center of the room. My chains clinked as I caught my balance.
Zachary's voice was smooth, almost cordial. "Iris Aldridge. You have served thirty days of confinement following your... disciplinary trial. As decreed by the royal council, your service is not yet finished."
His tone made it sound like they were offering me a gift.
Nile adjusted his gloves, gaze cold. "You will lead a reclamation unit beyond Wall Rose. Your objective: advance toward the ruins of Wall Maria and reclaim lost ground in the name of the royal government."
He slid a document across the table. I didn't reach for it. The ink bled through the parchment like veins.
My mouth went dry. "With who?"
Nile didn't blink. "Volunteers."
The word felt foreign in his mouth—too soft, too kind for what it really meant.
Zachary leaned back in his chair, almost amused. "Men and women willing to serve humanity. A symbol of unity. Hope, perhaps."
"Civilians," I said flatly.
I felt the ground vanish beneath me.
It wasn't an assignment. It was a sentence.
A flicker of irritation crossed Zachary's face. "If you wish to call them that."
I turn to Zachary. "And if I don't?"
The room stills.
Erwin's eyes meet mine — calm, merciless.
"Then you will be executed for insubordination." he says simply.
For a moment, I almost prefer that option.
Zachary folds his hands. "You will command a unit of one hundred souls. Reclaim Wall Maria in the name of humanity. May the Walls protect you."
The chains feel heavier—my breath lodges in my throat.
Silence.
I nodded once. "When do we leave?"
"At dawn," Nile said simply.
The Walls don't protect.
They consume.
The dawn came before I could process and prepare for my fate. The air tasted like iron and ash. Rows of trembling bodies stretched before me—farmers, stable hands, boys who still smelled of the fields. Their uniforms were mismatched, borrowed pieces of the dead. Some clutched swords too heavy for their hands, others whispered prayers beneath their breath, eyes darting toward the open gate ahead.
A man near the front smiled at me, nervous but hopeful. "My wife's waiting for me," he said, gripping the reins of his horse so tightly his knuckles went white. "We'll have our land back soon."
I couldn't answer. My throat refused to work.
All my mind could think of was just us beyond the walls—an army of the damned.
The command came through the horns—a low, drawn-out note that made the horses shift uneasily. I moved forward first, my mare's hooves clattering against the stone as the others followed in uneven formation. Every sound—the leather straps creaking, the steel scraping—felt louder than it should've. We passed under the shadow of Wall Rose, and the moment sunlight hit my face, the screams in my head started again. Lillian's scream.
It never really left.
The open field stretched endlessly, grass whispering against our legs. For a few minutes, there was silence—just the rhythm of hooves and the sound of wind cutting through empty land. Then someone gasped.
A Titan's shadow fell across the front line.
"Positions!" I shouted, but my voice didn't carry far enough. Panic moved faster than my words.
Someone dropped their blades. Another turned his horse around. The younger ones fumbled with their ODM belts, cords tangling like string. When the first Titan grabbed a man by the torso, tearing him in half, the formation shattered completely.
"Don't run!" I yelled. "We have to—"
A second one appeared, and then a third.
The air filled with metal shrieks and human ones, a cacophony that swallowed everything. A boy beside me tried to fire his grapple, his gear jammed, and before I could reach him, a hand came down and crushed him into the dirt. The sound was wet and final.
Someone screamed, "You're supposed to protect us!"
The words hit harder than the wind.
I swung forward, slicing into a Titan's hand, but my blade cracked halfway through. The recoil threw me off balance. I fell hard, rolling in the mud. My ODM gear sputtered—gas leaking, one cable torn loose. I tried to move, to breathe, but every time I blinked, I saw Lillian's face, blood streaked across her skin, her eyes wide as the light went out of them.
It was all the same scream.
A group of civilians set the dry grass on fire, desperate to push the Titans back. The wind carried the flames toward us instead. Horses screamed, Titans roared, and suddenly the world became nothing but heat and smoke. I crawled, half-blind, dragging myself over charred ground as the sound of cracking bone and tearing flesh swallowed the air.
The flames reflected off the silver of my broken blade.
It wasn't a battle.
It was an offering.
Something exploded nearby, a gas tank, maybe. The blast sent me sprawling onto my back, vision blurring into a wash of red and orange. The last thing I saw before everything went dark was the open sky—vast, empty, and uncaring—spilling smoke into itself as if it were swallowing us whole.
And then there was nothing.
I woke to silence. Or something worse than silence—the kind of silence that presses against your skull, heavy and accusing. The air burned my lungs with smoke and the coppery tang of blood. My hands, blackened with ash and slick with something sticky, groped at the ground before me.
The world won't stop spinning.
The wind carries the stench of death — thick, metallic, suffocating. My fingers twitch against the hilt of my blade, but I can't bring myself to lift it again. They're gone. Every single one of them.
I can still hear their voices — screaming, begging, choking — cursing me.
Bodies. Everywhere. Limbs twisted at unnatural angles, faces frozen in terror, mouths open as if still screaming. I tried to stand, but the world swayed beneath me. My mare was gone. The civilians, gone. Every single one.
I gagged. A charred hand brushed my boot, and I staggered back, tripping over debris and broken steel. The screams from earlier still echoed in my head, overlapping with Lillian's voice, and I felt it all again—the helplessness, the horror.
A crow cawed somewhere above, its call hollow and mocking. The wind carried the smell of smoke and ash across the field, curling into my nose, filling my stomach with bile.
I told them to move left, to retreat behind me. I told them I'd protect them.
I told them lies.
My knees hit the dirt. It's wet. Sticky. Someone's hand — or maybe part of one — brushed against mine. I don't pull away. I deserve to feel it.
I look up. The sky is pink with evening. Peaceful.
Cruel.
My chest shakes, a silent scream caught somewhere between rage and grief.
They made me do this. They sent me here to die — but they forgot something.
I lived.
And that's the punishment, isn't it? Not the blood, not the screams — the living.
"They called it reclamation," I whispered, voice hoarse, barely more than a croak. "But all we reclaimed... was death."
I forced my legs to move, crawling across the scorched earth, shaking from adrenaline and shock. Every step pressed into a graveyard of charred bodies, and I couldn't stop seeing their faces. Mothers. Sons. Old men. Children.
I stare at the horizon, the ruined fields, the scattered corpses of the innocent — my command. Something inside me fractures so deeply I know it'll never heal.
Then—movement. Figures at the edge of the field, cautious but quick. Scouts. Hange and Moblit were the familiar faces. They froze, taking in the scene, taking in me. Shock painted across their faces.
"I didn't save a single one," I whisper. My voice sounds like it belongs to someone else.
"I led them to die."
No answer. Just the sound of the wind moving through the grass.
I stand, or try to. My legs tremble, my body shaking. "You can tell them," I say hoarsely, "the mission was a success. Humanity reclaimed its shame."
Moblit knelt beside me, offering a hand I barely trusted. "We need to get you out of here. Come on..."
I let them pull me to my feet, every step agonizing, every heartbeat screaming for the lives lost. The wind carried smoke and ash, swirling around us like ghosts, reminding me of the ones who would never wake.
As they led me back toward the Walls, toward some semblance of life, I realized the truth, bitter and cold:
I had survived again.
But no one else had.
And the weight of that survival pressed into me harder than any chains ever could. My eyes could barely stay open. With each forced step my body wanted to give up.
"Don't let them win." Hange's voice was the last thing I heard before my eyes closed again.
The first thing I noticed was the sterile smell of the antiseptic that burned my nose and scraped against the grime and blood caked on my skin. My body ached in ways I didn't think possible. Every joint felt like shattered glass. Every breath rattled through scorched lungs.
I tried to move, and the blankets shifted, rustling under me. The bed was cold, hard, and unfamiliar. I swallowed against the dryness in my throat, tasting smoke, ash, and something metallic.
A shadow fell across the doorway.
Levi.
He didn't speak. Didn't need to. The silence carried everything: disappointment, anger, disbelief, and the kind of judgment that no court could deliver. His steel grey eyes scanned me like a blade, sharp, unyielding, cutting through the remnants of my defiance.
I wanted to speak, to explain, to scream that I didn't choose this. That I didn't ask for any of it. But my voice was gone, trapped somewhere under layers of fear, grief, and exhaustion.
He stepped closer, and my body tensed. His presence always did this—reminded me of every failure I had tried to bury. I remembered the screams, Lillian's face, the fire, the blood-soaked field, and I felt bile rise.
I shut my eyes, wishing I could unsee it all. But it was burned into my mind like the flames that had consumed them. Every scream replayed, every body, every betrayal.
He said nothing. Just stood there. Watching. Waiting.
I wanted him to say something, anything. That he understood. That it wasn't my fault. But his silence was more punishment than anything else I'd endured that day or even the last thirty days.
My hands shook. I stared at them, blackened and trembling, wondering how they had survived when so many others hadn't.
I whispered into the room, my voice hoarse and broken. "Why... why me?"
Levi didn't answer. He couldn't. And maybe the truth was worse than any words he could offer.
I realized then, fully, that surviving wasn't salvation. It was a curse. I had been chosen to live, yes, but only to remember. To carry the guilt, the screams, the smell of death forever.
I pulled the blankets tighter around myself, trying to hold onto something, anything, that felt safe. But there was nothing. Not here. Not in the Walls. Not in myself.
I had survived.
But the cost wasn't just the lives I had failed to protect.
It was my own soul, shredded and scorched in the fire.
And as I lay there, staring at the ceiling, Levi still watching from the doorway, I understood the truth of what the government had done.
I wanted to speak — to ask if this counted as redemption. But all that came out was a laugh. Hoarse. Hollow.
"They didn't send me to redeem myself," I whispered. My voice cracked. "They sent me to die."
Levi didn't answer. He didn't have to. The silence said everything.
That's when I stopped believing in salvation.
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Next Chapter: Chapter 22
7Seals
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Prologue
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This Is War - Thirty Seconds to Mars
1:25 ━❍────── 5:28
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
VOLUME: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%
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• Next Chapter: Chapter One
•Chapter List • Levi Ackerman x OC female
• Word Count: 666
“I want to confess as best I can, but my heart is void. The void is a mirror. I see my face and feel loathing and horror. My indifference to man has shut me out. I live now in a world of ghosts, a prisoner in my dreams.”
- Ingmar Bergman
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The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a bittersweet glow over the Training Corps grounds. Iris, Alexander, and their two comrades stood amidst the dwindling light, their hearts heavy and minds cloudy. Captain Erwin's words hung in the air, like a shroud of uncertainty, as he revealed the harsh realities of life within the Scout Regiment.
Around them, cadets began to shift and murmur, torn between dreams of glory and the harsh truths Erwin had laid bare. Iris's gaze darted between the departing cadets and the unwavering commander before her, her heart a tumultuous sea of fear, determination, and doubt.
Captain Erwin's voice, steady and resolute, seemed to pierce through the gathering dusk. "Now, having heard this dismal state of affairs," he proclaimed, "whoever still wishes to put their life on the line and join us, remain here. But first, ask yourself: Can you give your heart? Can you give everything to humanity? That is all. Those wanting to join other regimens are dismissed."
The cadets' collective breaths seemed to hold as Erwin's question echoed in the gathering gloom. Iris's heart raced, a symphony of emotions echoing within her chest. She felt the weight of the world pressing down on her, the daunting choice they were all about to make.
Beside her, Alexander's hand tightened around hers, his eyes unwavering. In that moment, he was not just her lover but the embodiment of their shared hopes and fears. His presence, his unwavering resolve, was her anchor amidst the tumult.
As the cadets made their choices, Iris couldn't help but feel a tremor of uncertainty. The world beyond the walls was an uncharted territory, fraught with peril and unknown horrors. She had always been the voice of optimism and encouragement among her peers, but now she found herself grappling with her own doubts and fears.
But as Iris glanced at Alexander, his resolve unshaken, she felt a renewed sense of determination. He was the beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness, and she knew that they could face whatever challenges lay ahead as long as they faced them together.
In the end, only ten cadets remained standing, their hearts heavy but their spirits unbroken. They didn't want to be there, but deep down they knew they had to join.
Erwin's gaze swept over the small, resolute group, his voice laden with significance.
"I ask you, if I order you to die today, could you do it?"
Alexander, though his voice trembled with fear, spoke on behalf of them all, "We don't want to die, sir."
Erwin's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes conveying the weight of their shared decision.
"Of course," he replied, "let us hope that you don't then. You who stayed, you are now one of us. Allow me to welcome you to the Scout Regiment. This is a genuine salute, soldiers. Together, we give our hearts."
With unwavering determination, they joined in the traditional Scout Regiment salute, shouting, "Sir!"
Fear still gripped the hearts of the cadets, Iris, Petra, and their comrades included. Hange's voice quivered as she voiced her doubt,
"I'm worried I made the wrong choice."
Iris, her voice filled with vulnerability, nodded solemnly. "I have my doubts too."
Alexander, unyielding in his resolve, added, "We're all in this together. There's no turning back now."
"Suck it up Hange." Gunther laughed but sweat dripped down his face as his thoughts raced, the memories of his family flooding his mind.
As the moment settled in, Captain Erwin's voice rang out once more, his words resonating through the hearts of the new recruits.
"Those of you standing here have worked through your fear. You have proven yourselves courageous. Each one of you has my respect."
And so, the ten cadets took their first steps into the treacherous world beyond the walls, their hearts heavy with fear and uncertainty, but their determination unwavering.
Why am I doing this?
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7Seals
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• Levi Ackerman FanFic x OC Fem! Slow Burn! Canon Verse!
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♰ New chapters every Thursday
♰ Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.
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Table of Contents:
Playlist (coming soon)
Prologue
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"Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, 'Come and see.' And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer."
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Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
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"When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, 'Come and see.' Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."
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Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
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A/N (11/5/25):
I’m baaaack☺️
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Any art/images are not mine and belong to the rightful creators & owners. OC & OC’s storyline is my creation. Do not repost on other platforms. Do not copy work. All artists & creators deserve recognition for their creations.
New Chapter☺️🫶🏼
7Seals
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Chapter 20
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•Previous Chapter: Chapter 19
• Next Chapter: Chapter 21
• Chapter List
•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female! Slow Burn! Canon verse!
• Word Count: 2.5k
• Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with * at each chapter. This chapter does contain themes of abuse. Please do not read if you are uncomfortable with that topic.
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A/N: it’s been a while. Too fucking long too. I’ve been in such a rut trying to write. I had to read a shit ton of Manwhas just to get an idea again and all that crap. I’ve been trying to hold off on watching AOT until I get to a certain part in my book but I think that’s what I need to continue writing. Anyways I’m struggling with writing Levi’s character for some odd reason so apologies if he is OOC at times. But hopefully I can get back into full swing pumping these chapters out for y’all.
This chapter took me way too fucking long to write. I wrote it from both points of view so it was a struggle trying to figure out which one I liked more and what didn’t seem so fucking cheesy.
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Court Martial of Iris Aldridge
846
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The chill in the air clawed through my thin coat as I was escorted down the corridor, the cold iron chains rubbing against my wrists. Each step echoed like a drum of my own guilt, the sound bouncing off the stone walls and into my skull. I could hear nothing but my own ragged breathing and the distant shuffle of my captors.
The chamber doors loomed in front of me as the heavy wood creaked the hinges. Dust filtered through shafts of light that broke through the high windows of the courthouse in Mitras. At the far end of the room sat my fate. Premier Zachary in the center, flanked by Commander Pixis, Dok, Erwin and my father.
My boots echoed against the stone floor, every step a drumbeat of dread that seemed to mock me. The guards’ hands were like iron clamps on my arms, guiding me forward, unyielding. I tried to steady my breath, tried to summon courage, but the room itself seemed to close in on me.
I could feel the eyes on me, not with curiosity, not with sympathy — only judgment. Every soldier, every officer, every hollow-eyed witness stared at me like I had personally invited death into their lives.
I clenched my hands so tight my knuckles burned. My legs felt like lead, heavy and untrustworthy. I had survived a hundred missions, faced Titans that could crush me in one swipe, but this court was a battlefield far more terrifying. Here, no one fought alongside me. Here, I was utterly alone.
A swift kick to my knee sent me staggering to the ground, my throat catching in a strangled gasp. The handcuffs bit into my wrists as they were fastened to the cold, unyielding pole at the center of the chamber. I was anchored there, exposed, helpless. Alone. Like prey trapped before a hunting beast.
The weight of their stares pressed down on me. Nile Dok’s eyes were cold and meticulous, Premier Zachary’s expression calm and detached, like he was observing a puzzle, not a human being. Commander Pyxis leaned forward, fingers steepled, his gaze sharp enough to cut through bone. And my father Pastor Nick, sat there like a stranger. Detached, professional. My own blood meant nothing in the sterile air of this courtroom.
Levi stood to the side, like a statue of discipline and control. Levi’s eyes were unreadable, sharp as ever, and Erwin’s calm presence only deepened the crushing weight of inevitability. They could not intervene. They could not save me.
I swallowed hard. My tongue felt thick, foreign. Every instinct screamed at me to flee, to claw my way out of this nightmare, but the chains held me fast. I could feel the sweat bead at my hairline, my hands trembling in the metal cuffs.
“Miss Aldridge,” Premier Zachary’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and unyielding. “You stand accused of negligence and willful endangerment, which directly led to the death of civilian Lillian Pyxis. How do you plead?”
Civilian. That word burned worse than any Titan’s fist. She was a scout. She was trained. She was on my squad. And now they pretend she wasn’t even a soldier?
The word I wanted to scream—innocent—died in my throat. The room felt suffocating, the polished stone walls closing in, each shadow bending toward me like it hungered for my collapse. My vision blurred. The memory of Lillian’s scream clawed at my skull: her brown hair matted with sweat and blood, the Titan’s hand closing over her body, the impact that shattered her life… and mine.
“I—I…” I choked. My voice was barely audible, swallowed by the echoing chamber.
Commander Nile Dok leaned forward, the predatory glint in his eye unrelenting. “Miss Aldridge. You were aware Ms. Pyxis had no authorization. You knew she intended to disobey orders. And yet you did nothing. Explain yourself.”
I couldn’t. How could I explain the helplessness, the panic, the way I had screamed for her to stop, how I had tried to pull her back? How do I explain that all I did was watch, frozen, as the world tore itself apart around me?
“I tried…” I whispered. “…I tried to stop her. I—I couldn’t…”
Commander Pyxis slammed his fist on the table. “Your attempts were meaningless! You stood idle while a life was lost! You are complicit!”
I felt my chest tighten, the memory twisting like a knife in my ribs. My hands shook against the pole. My mind screamed with images of blood, screams, and helplessness. I couldn’t save her. I couldn’t.
I felt Levi’s gaze burn into me, cold and unreadable. Erwin’s eyes were tight, calculating. They couldn’t help. They wouldn’t help. I was alone in this, trapped.
I wanted to speak. I wanted to scream that it wasn’t my fault, that she had disobeyed a dozen orders, that I couldn’t have stopped her without being in her path, without risking both our lives. But my voice caught. My tongue refused. No one here will listen. No one here will care.
The prosecution continued to pull facts from that day. The witnesses detailed every step: the gates opening, the Titans approaching, Lillian dismounting her horse, the sound of her screams, Levi dragging me away, my futile attempts to stop her.
All of it was my fault. Every second, every decision, every hesitation — it was my guilt alone.
“My daughter… standing here, defiant, dressed like a soldier. You were meant to serve humanity, not… them. The truth is not yours to uncover. It is divine. The Walls protect us. The order protects us. And you spat in the face of both.” My father took a long pause, closing his eyes and raising his hands to the heavens like he was calling upon them.
“Premier Zachary, Commander Pyxis. Miss Aldridge may be my daughter. But family ties do not influence the law or heavens. She failed in her duties. That is all that matters here.”
Premier Zachary’s tone was deliberate, clinical. “Miss Aldridge, are you aware that your silence and inaction have far-reaching consequences? That lives were lost because you failed to act? Tell me, Iris — do you think you’re above your father’s faithful teachings? Above the government?”
I should have stopped her. I couldn’t.
“Yes, I mean no. ” I whispered, voice barely audible.
Fuck.
“I—I know…”
Nile Dok leaned in, sharp, relentless. “Do you feel remorse? Do you accept responsibility?”
Tears blurred my vision. “I—I do! I tried… I tried everything. I couldn’t stop it! I couldn’t save her! She wouldn’t listen! I—”
“Your tears do not absolve you,” Commander Pyxis said, voice like stone. “You had a duty. You were trained. You failed. That failure cost a life.”
Premier Zachary’s final words were merciless. “Miss Iris Aldridge, you are hereby found guilty of negligence and endangerment. You will serve thirty days in confinement. Guards, escort her immediately.”
Chains clinked as I was hauled to my feet. My legs trembled beneath me. I stumbled, my mind reeling with Lillian’s final moments. Levi’s glare followed me, unflinching, silent. Erwin’s nod was faint, unreadable. My father said nothing. The guards shoved me forward, each step a drumbeat of my failure.
The cell door loomed ahead, iron cold and merciless. Thirty days of isolation, grief, and suffocating silence awaited me. And as the heavy door slammed shut behind me, I realized—Lillian was gone, I was blamed, and I was utterly, completely alone.
I sank to the floor, chains clinking against stone, and the only thing I could hear was the echo of my own guilt.
I survived. But at what cost?
Next Chapter: Chapter 21
7Seals
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• Levi Ackerman FanFic x OC Fem! Slow Burn! Canon Verse!
━━━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━━
♰ New chapters every Thursday
♰ Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.
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Table of Contents:
Playlist (coming soon)
Prologue
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"Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, 'Come and see.' And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer."
━━━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━━
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
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"When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, 'Come and see.' Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."
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Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
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A/N (2/22/24): Hey Hey! I hope you guys are enjoying, all the support means so much to me. This is my first fic ever so I’m learning on the way so thanks for the patience.
I have big plans for this fic. With that I plan to follow the whole aot storyline to the rumbling. I don’t plan on ending anytime soon. Just keep in mind this might be a painful slow-burn with lots of OC trauma.
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Any art/images are not mine and belong to the rightful creators & owners. OC & OC’s storyline is my creation. Do not repost on other platforms. Do not copy work. All artists & creators deserve recognition for their creations.
New chapter 🫶🏼 it’s been too long
7Seals
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Chapter 19*
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•Previous Chapter: Chapter 18
•Next Chapter: Chapter 20
•Chapter List
•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
•Word Count: 3.5k
•Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.
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A/N: Hey babes! I’m back with a new chapter this week. Starting to get back into the swing of things. Hopefully you guys enjoy :) also I didn’t proof read this. I’m sorry for grammar mistakes. I’ll be going over it tonight🫶🏼
5-16-24
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Operation to reclaim Wall Maria
846
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The cobblestone streets whispered with an eerie quiet, as if mourning the fate that awaited us beyond the walls. Faces of the refugees bore the weight of uncertainty, their eyes reflecting the fear of the unknown.
Women wept openly, their tears a silent plea for their loved ones to stay, while children clung desperately to their fathers, their tiny hands grasping for safety in the face of uncertainty.
This wasn't like any other expedition. It wasn't just my squad and comrades on standby. It was a procession of refugees, their presence a haunting reminder of the unspoken purpose behind our mission.
Wall Rose stood tall and imposing before us, a silent sentinel guarding the gruesome scene beyond. As we waited for the gates to rise, I perched atop my pale horse, my gaze sweeping over the anxious faces. Around me, grown men fidgeted nervously, their unease radiating off each other.
The tension in the air was thick, simmering with a mix of anticipation and fear. Even I couldn't shake the knot of anxiety that coiled in my stomach, but there was a twisted satisfaction in watching the discomfort spread among the men.
Among the throng of refugees, I recognized faces of those who once mocked us for venturing beyond the walls. Now, they stood before the same gates they once condemned, their fear etched into every line of their faces. It was a sight both chilling and strangely satisfying, knowing that they would now taste the same experience we do on a mission beyond the walls.
I relish the sight of fear in their eyes.
But beneath the surface of my amusement lay a deep-seated concern. These were not seasoned soldiers, but civilians thrust into a battlefield they were ill-prepared to navigate. Some rode atop wagons, others trudged alongside us on foot, equipped with the weapon of desperation. Their lack of experience was a glaring weakness, a vulnerability that threatened to undermine the entire mission.
As we prepared to venture beyond the safety of the walls, I couldn't shake the sinking feeling in my chest. This was my first expedition back, and already I found myself surrounded by incompetence masquerading as heroism.
Can I truly survive without him?
As I rode along the path, lost in my own thoughts, her voice shattered the silence like a thunderclap, pulling me back to the present. My gaze snapped to hers, narrowed with suspicion, as she sidled up beside me on her horse. Her green cloak billowed slightly in the wind, a feeble attempt to conceal her presence. I couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation at her audacity. Why was she here, meddling in affairs that didn't concern her?
"Why are you here?" I demanded, my tone laced with a mixture of anger and disbelief.
"Easy there," she retorted, her voice tinged with annoyance. "And lower your voice. I'm not exactly supposed to be here."
"No kidding. But seriously, why?" I pressed, unable to fathom her motives for defying direct orders.
Her brown hair tumbled messily around her shoulders, partially obscuring her face as she attempted to hide behind her cloak. It was a feeble disguise, but she knew that in the chaos of the expedition, her absence would likely go unnoticed until it was too late. She was always cunning, always finding a way to get what she wanted, even without leveraging her family name.
"I'm here because I refuse to let you hog all the excitement," she grumbled, her voice softening slightly as she met my gaze. "And I know this is your first mission back."
"I'm fine," I snapped, bristling at her concern.
"You don't seem fine. You're on edge," she observed, her words cutting through my defenses.
"Because you shouldn't be here," I shot back, my frustration boiling over. "You were explicitly ordered not to join this mission by three different commanders."
"I couldn't care less about my father's orders. And if I were anyone else, I'd be assigned to this recon mission," she countered defiantly. "Besides, your presence here isn't exactly authorized either. Don't think I didn't overhear you pleading with Captain Levi and Erwin last night to let you join."
As our voices clashed in a storm of disagreement, the gate opened and the crowd stirred, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones, a somber rhythm marking our departure from the safety of Wall Rose.
"That's none of your business,"
"Likewise. Yet here we are," she quipped, her defiance matching my own.
"Okay, but the difference is, you're not ready for this. It's your first expedition—" I began, but she cut me off with a fierce glare.
"Don't pretend like you're ready either. Just because you're a veteran doesn't impress me," she shot back, her anger palpable. "We both know this is a suicide mission for you. I don't know how you got clearance, but I'm here to make sure you don't do anything stupid."
"As if I don't have enough to deal with," Levi's voice cut through, his tone laced with irritation as he addressed Lillie's presence. My body tensed instinctively, the rhythm of my horse's trot faltering momentarily beneath me.
I observed Lillie's feeble attempt to hide her identity, but Levi was having none of it. With a swift motion, he reached out and yanked her hood down, exposing her face to the unforgiving scrutiny of his gaze. His hand closed around her hair, holding her firmly in place as he forced her to meet his eyes.
"Thought you could sneak past me, huh?" Levi's voice was cold, his words dripping with disdain. There was no room for excuses or explanations in his steely glare—only a simmering anger that threatened to boil over at any moment.
Silence descended like a heavy shroud, broken only by the sound of our horses' hooves against the cobblestone streets. In that tense moment, Levi's gaze bore into Lillie's with an intensity that seemed to pierce through her very soul, leaving no room for doubt or evasion.
In the thick of tension, Levi's piercing gaze flickered between Lillie and me, his grip loosening on her head but his intensity only escalating.
"What in the hell are you two doing here?" His voice sliced through the charged air like a knife.
"Levi! Aldridge! Formation, now!"
My heart hammered against my ribs as Commander Erwin closed the distance, his presence imposing and commanding.
Levi's contempt dripped from his words as he directed his fury at Lillie.
"This little shit snuck out," he spat.
All eyes zeroed in on Lillie, the focal point of the storm, as Erwin's voice shattered the silence.
"Lillie. I see you disobeyed direct orders from not only me but Premier Zachary. Do you think this is a game?"
Commander Erwin's calm composure in the midst of a high-stress situation unnerves me to my core. It's not just the lack of visible anger that sets me on edge, but the cold, calculated way he maintains control. His steady gaze and measured words feel like a mask, concealing the storm of emotions I know must be churning beneath the surface. It's as if his tranquility is a form of passive aggression, a subtle way of asserting dominance without raising his voice. The disparity between his demeanor and the chaos around us makes me uneasy, amplifying the tension and leaving me feeling helpless and off balance.
"We both know if I were anyone else, I'd be on this recon mission," Lillie countered.
Erwin's voice reverberated with authority, each word laden with smoldering anger.
"Today is not the day to play soldier just because you want to rebel against your father. Today more than ten percent of our population faces imminent death. So I'm going to ask you again, do you think this is a game?"
His face flushed with intensity, Erwin's unwavering gaze bore into Lillie, demanding acknowledgment of the severity of their circumstances.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the chaotic ruined town. Titans lumbered through the streets that were once our home, their grotesque forms a nightmarish sight against the once peaceful landscape. The air was thick with tension and the acrid scent of fear as Scouts and refugees alike scrambled to hold their ground.
"Titan on the left!" a Scout's desperate cry rang out, piercing through the cacophony of terror. His horse thundered toward Erwin, hooves pounding against the earth.
"Two titans coming from the right!" another voice yelled, urgency lacing every word.
Levi's voice cut through the chaos, calm yet commanding.
"Abnormal coming from the center."
His eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation, the gravity of the unfolding carnage settling heavily on his shoulders.
In an instant, everything changed. Titans were pouring in from all directions, their monstrous figures dominating the horizon. It was always uncertain when we ventured beyond the walls, but this—this was a nightmare come to life.
Erwin's voice, authoritative and unwavering, broke through the chaos, "Keep her alive. That's an order for the two of you."
Without another word, he spurred his horse in another direction, riding off with a sense of urgency that only heightened the tension.
Levi's eyes locked onto us, intense and unyielding, "You heard him. Do not wander off. Either of you."
"You are not to be involved in any way. Your only concern is to stay the hell away from Titans. Do you understand me?" Levi's words were directed at Lillie, his tone growing sharper as the sounds of men being devoured grew louder around us. His face was a mask of controlled fury, the muscles in his jaw tightening with each passing moment.
"I'll be back. Don't get eaten."
Levi's command hung in the air, a lifeline amidst the chaos. As he rode off to confront the oncoming threat, I couldn't help but feel a pang of fear and admiration. His bravery was unmatched, but so was the danger he faced.
The world around us was a blur of movement and noise, but Levi's parting words anchored me in place. All I could do was hold our ground and pray that we would live to see another day.
Was today the day fate laughed in my face? All my hardships and perseverance was for nothing? Was Alexander right?
The monsters' feast had begun, an unholy banquet of blood and carnage that engulfed us in a sea of despair. The Titans, grotesque and merciless, tore through the masses with horrifying ease. It was a bloodbath, a nightmare unfolding before our very eyes, and we were powerless to stop it.
Lillie was beside me, her body trembling with fear. She shook her head in response to Levi's command, her eyes wide with terror. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she stared past us, her gaze fixed on the horrifying scene. She watched the Titans devour each refugee in their path, the hopelessness etched into her expression.
Men on foot scattered in all directions, their faces twisted in panic. They had no weapons, no ODM gear, nothing to defend themselves with. They were lambs to the slaughter, running blindly into the jaws of death.
No matter how many expeditions I had been on, this one felt different. It was numbing. The usual mix of fear and adrenaline was absent, replaced by a cold detachment. I watched the carnage with a strange sense of detachment, as if it were happening in another world. I wasn't scared. I didn't feel bad for those around me. It was as if I had become numb to the horror that surrounded us.
But then Lillie changed everything.
"Iris, we have to do something!" Her voice was a desperate whisper, trembling with a mixture of fear and determination.
I turned to her, my eyes meeting her tear-filled gaze. Her desperation pierced through my detachment, a stark reminder of the humanity that still clung to us in this hellish landscape. Levi's sharp command cut through the chaos.
"Stay put and don't do anything reckless." His eyes bore into us, the authority in his voice unyielding. But Lillie's terror was palpable, her eyes pleading for some form of action.
"Levi, we can't just stand here!" I shouted over the cacophony, my voice laced with a frustration that mirrored Lillie's desperation.
"Your orders are to stay alive," Levi snapped back, his voice like steel. "You're not equipped for this fight."
The sounds of men being devoured grew louder, each scream a dagger to the heart. I could see the resolve in Lillie's eyes faltering, her spirit crushed under the weight of the carnage.
"But they're dying out there!" Lillie cried, her voice breaking. "We have to help them!"
Levi's expression softened for the briefest moment, a flicker of empathy crossing his hardened features. But his resolve remained firm. "You're no good to anyone dead. Stay here and stay safe. Let the real soldiers work."
The cold reality of his words sank in, a harsh reminder of the world we lived in. The Titans showed no mercy, and neither could we afford to. Yet, as I looked into Lillie's eyes, I saw a reflection of my own soul—a soul that still clung to hope, to the belief that we could make a difference.
The numbness that had gripped me began to thaw, replaced by a steely determination. We might be outmatched, but we weren't powerless. There had to be something we could do, some way to turn the tide.
"Lillie, we stick together," I said, my voice steadying as I placed a hand on her shoulder. "We follow Levi's orders, but we don't give up hope. Not yet."
Her tears slowed, a flicker of resolve igniting in her eyes. She nodded, taking a deep breath as she steadied herself.
"I won't let them die in vain," she whispered, her voice firm with newfound determination.
The battlefield was a symphony of horror, each scream and roar a discordant note in the orchestra of death. Blood soaked the ground, turning it into a grotesque canvas of red and despair. Among the chaos, Lillie's voice pierced through, raw and broken.
"Is this what my father wanted?" she cried out, her hands buried in her face as she sobbed uncontrollably. She was oblivious to the danger around her, consumed by the sight of the people dying beside us.
"Clear your head," I urged, feeling the gravity of the situation tighten around us like a vice. "It's not the time for that. We need to stay alive."
We were surrounded by blood-curdling cries, each one a testament to the brutal reality of our situation. Everywhere I looked, someone was fighting for their life, a grim reminder that no one was safe.
"How?" Lillie screamed, her voice filled with anguish. "We are going to die. I can't fucking use ODM gear."
Her words cut through me, the desperation in her voice echoing the chaos around us. "All these people are dying right now because of my father," she whimpered, struggling to control her breath.
"My presence here isn't helping the situation."
I gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look at me. "Now is not the time for doubting," I said firmly, my eyes locking with hers. "You wouldn't be a Scout if you couldn't use your gear."
Her eyes were wide with fear, tears streaming down her face as she fought to steady herself. The reality of our situation was suffocating, but we couldn't afford to give in to despair.
"Focus, Lillie," I continued, my voice steady. "We've trained for this. You've trained for this. Trust in your abilities. Trust in us."
The battlefield was a nightmare, but we were Scouts. We were trained to face the impossible, to fight against overwhelming odds. Levi's orders echoed in my mind, a reminder of our duty. Stay alive. Don't get eaten.
"We have to move," I said, my grip on her shoulders firm. "Stay close to me. We'll get through this."
I grabbed Lillie's horse's lead, trying to pull her away from the open, but she slapped my hand away with surprising force.
"What the hell, Lillie? We need to get out of the open!" I snapped, my voice rising above the chaotic noise around us. My emerald eyes locked onto her tear-filled ones, and the playful spark that once danced there was replaced by a dark, hollow void.
"Erwin's right," she sniffled, her voice trembling. "I bought my way into the Scouts. I'm a fraud, Iris. I can't use ODM. I just wanted to piss my dad off."
"Don't worry about that now," I sighed, trying to push the shock and frustration aside. There was no time to process her confession. Grief and anger were luxuries we couldn't afford in the middle of a battlefield. "Just—"
But I was too late.
Before the words finished leaving my mouth, Lillie had already dismounted her horse. Time seemed to slow as I watched her walk away from her steed, stepping out into the open. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and disbelief paralyzing me.
"Lillie, no!" I screamed, but she didn't stop. She turned around to face me, arms outstretched to the sides, her gaze drifting upward to the sky. A single tear traced down her cheek as her eyes met mine. For a fleeting moment, she gave me a weak, pathetic smile.
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," she said, her voice eerily calm. But the light in her eyes was gone, and it was clear she had lost all sense of reason. She stood there, a tragic figure against the backdrop of chaos, completely exposed.
My mind raced, unable to comprehend what was happening. Words spilled from my mouth, but I couldn't even hear them. My legs felt like lead, my body stiff with shock and horror.
And then it happened. A Titan's massive hand reached down, gripping Lillie's fragile body. She kept her eyes on mine, her lips parting to mouth something to me.
"I'll always..." The rest of her words were lost in a gurgle of blood. Her head lolled forward, her eyes wide and lifeless as the Titan swung her body around, smashing it repeatedly against the ground until she was unrecognizable.
My scream tore through the air, raw and anguished. The carefree, sassy Iris vanished in that moment, replaced by someone else entirely—someone shattered by the senseless loss of her friend. The battlefield blurred around me, the sounds of battle fading into a distant roar. All I could see was Lillie's broken body, all I could feel was a burning rage and helplessness.
Hands wrapped around my mouth, silencing my scream. My eyes never peeled away from Lillie's body, dangling lifelessly in the Titan's grip. The Titan's head, freshly severed, fell right in front of me, rolling to a stop as steam hissed from its neck. It was surreal, like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from.
I felt another person's warmth against my back, a stark contrast to the cold chill creeping over my skin. Their hand still covered my mouth while the other took the lead on my horse, guiding us away from the gruesome scene. I couldn't move, couldn't think; all I could do was stare as Lillie's body disappeared from view.
The hand finally released my mouth and pulled the green cloak over my head, shielding me from the horrors behind us. It was Levi, of course. His presence was unmistakable—cold, efficient, and utterly commanding.
Levi's hand tightened on my shoulder, a silent reminder that I was still here, still alive. But it didn't matter. Nothing mattered anymore. I looked up at him, my emerald eyes meeting his icy gray ones, searching for some hint of emotion. But Levi was as unreadable as ever, his face a mask of stoic determination.
"We need to move," he said, his voice low and steady, cutting through my haze of despair. "Iris, focus. We're not done yet."
I wanted to scream at him, to tell him that I was done, that I couldn't do this without Lillie. But I bit my tongue, knowing it would be pointless. Levi didn't do emotions. He didn't do breakdowns or tears. He did survival, and right now, that's all he expected from me.
With a heavy heart, I nodded, letting him guide me through the chaos. My mind raced with memories of Lillie—her laughter, her sass, her stubbornness that matched my own. She had been my light in the darkness, and now that light was snuffed out.
"Stay close," Levi ordered, his grip firm yet strangely comforting. I clung to that small comfort, the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely. We moved through the battlefield, dodging Titans and debris, every step a painful reminder of what I had lost.
The world stopped turning that day. I felt it deep in my bones. The birds stopped singing, the sky darkened, and the sun ceased to shine. When you died, Lillie, the little bit of joy I had in this bleak world died with you.
I died the moment you dismounted your horse. You didn't save me; you killed what was left of me. Everything seemed so pointless now, the fight, the struggle. How could I go on when the person who made this hellhole bearable was gone?
Lillian Pyxis. Why did you leave me?
One of my favorite parts of working at Zumiez is seeing all the anime collabs with different brands.
Imagine going to clock in and you see grey shirt Levi on a sk8 deck. Crying, screaming, throwing up. As a deck collector who’s obsessed with Levi it’s a must buy.
Stuff kids on tumblr better relearn
1. You are responsible for your own media experience.
2. There is such a thing as a healthy level of avoidance towards topics that make you feel unwell or even (in a real-life clinical definition of the term) trigger you - but you are the one to actively take care of what you view.
3. Avoiding does not mean policing others.
4. You have no right to tell artists to censor themselves - you may criticize what others do, you may dislike it, that’s fine - but actively asking for censorship when you could easily unfollow or block a person just makes you look incompetent in your use of the internet.
5. Do not give people on tumblr or /any/ website the responsibility for your emotional well-being. Because these people do not even know you so no, you have no right to ask them to take care of you.
6. Content creators are not your parents and owe you nothing, not even a breakdown on why their content isn’t problematic. You don’t get to demand a dissertation denouncing any and everything unhealthy in a piece you don’t like. Move on.
7. Tagging is a nicety but not an obligation. You can message people, politely, and ask them to tag things, and many people will, but understand that it’s their blog and they aren’t obliged to say yes. Unfollow and block when you need to. Circling back to number 1, you are responsible for curating your own experience.
8. Don’t be a jerk. Remember at the end of the day, there are actual living, breathing people behind each screen name. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t say to someone’s face in real life.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to remember this.
7Seals
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Chapter 18
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•Previous Chapter: Chapter Seventeen
•Next Chapter: Chapter Nineteen
•Chapter List
•New chapters every Thursday
•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
•Word Count: 3.2k
•Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.
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A/N: hey....
So I absolutely hate this chapter with all my soul. It took me a whole month to write. I'm so mad about how things turned out! Totally understand if y'all don't like it. I restarted and deleted this chapter so many times. Also super mad about how I wrote Levi in this chapter. I just want to hurry up and get to the 104th introductions but I have some more writing left before then. bare with me y'all. Sorry for the rant<3 (3-29-24)
I staggered into the pantry, my fingers fumbling over the shelves in search of something to drown out the chaos of my thoughts. But alas, Elenor had beaten me to it, leaving me to grumble under my breath about the injustice of it all. If only I hadn't spilled my flask earlier, I wouldn't be in this sorry state.
Elenor's grip on my ear was like a vice, yanking me away from my futile quest for solace. She muttered something about stains and salvaging, but her words were lost in the haze of my alcohol-addled mind. I stumbled along behind her, my steps unsteady and uneven.
"I can't believe you," she muttered, her disappointment evident in the furrow of her brow. "Do you have any idea how long it'll take to fix this mess?"
"Just dye it black," I suggested with a careless shrug, my focus already drifting elsewhere.
"You are not wearing black to the ball," she insisted, her tone brooking no argument.
"How about we just skip the ball altogether?" I proposed, hoping to evade the impending disaster. "I do it every year. Why change now?"
"You're going and that's an order."
Levi's voice pierced the air, sharp and commanding. Somehow he still managed to slice through the atmosphere even without the precision of a blade at hand. When he spoke, it was all eyes on him no matter where we were.
Startled, I spun around to face him, only to find his formidable figure looming behind me like the specter of authority he was. His expression was etched with a scowl, a silent warning of his displeasure. With his sleeves rolled up, his muscular forearms were on display, revealing how his time and effort had paid off. I couldn't help but notice the way his veins snaked beneath his skin. I watched his finger tap rhythmically against his bicep, a habitual gesture of restraint, he exuded an aura of controlled power that left me momentarily breathless.
I sensed the undercurrent of his pent-up frustration, knowing all too well that I was only adding fuel to the fire. Where had he disappeared to earlier that had left him in such a state of anger? Despite his efforts to conceal it, I could see right through him; after all, I knew Levi better than he knew himself.
"This early?" he remarked, striding closer to inspect the wine stain on my dress. "You're a mess."
"That's rich coming from you," I shot back, my words laced with a hint of defiance as I couldn't help but sneak a glance at the way his arms flexed with each movement. The faint traces of blood stained his sleeves, stark against the crisp white fabric, painting a picture of a man accustomed to trouble. Levi was like a magnet for chaos, and I couldn't shake the nagging thought of whose blood might be clinging to his clothes this time.
"I'm not trying to hide anything," he insisted, his tone laced with irritation. "Unlike you, I wasn't trying to flaunt it."
"Iris," Elenor chided, her voice tinged with exasperation. "Mind your manners. You drunk fool."
"I'm not even drunk!" I protested though the warmth in my cheeks betrayed me. In reality, I had indulged more than I should have, the remnants of last night's revelry still lingering in my system.
"Your cheeks say otherwise," Levi observed, his gaze piercing as he met my eyes. "Not to mention how boldly you're speaking to your captain right now."
"Cry me a river, we're off duty," I shot back, my defiance fueled by the liquid courage coursing through my veins.
"Iris!" Elenor's voice rang out, a note of panic creeping in as she attempted to salvage the situation. "I'm so sorry, Captain Levi. She's been drinking since she woke up. She's been nothing but defiant."
"Let's be honest, she probably never went to sleep after what happened last night. " Levi remarked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed me from head to toe. There was a flicker of something in his gaze, a complex blend of disdain and... another emotion that eluded my drunken mind.
Last night?
"Oh, whatever," I huffed, spinning on my heel to stride away from the brewing tension. I refused to linger and subject myself to their judgmental gazes any longer. After all, it was just a minor mishap with some wine. What's the worst that could come of it?
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The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a warm glow over our garden as I sprawled on the grass, my mother's voice fading into the background as my thoughts wandered to places they shouldn't dare tread.
"Iris," my mother's voice cut through the haze of my daydreams, pulling me back to reality with a jolt. I blinked, momentarily disoriented, before focusing on her expectant gaze.
"Yes, mother?" I replied, my tone innocent but my mind racing to come up with a suitable explanation for my absent-mindedness.
"What has captured your attention so thoroughly?" she inquired, her curiosity evident in the furrow of her brow. I hesitated, unsure how to articulate the forbidden desires that swirled in the depths of my mind.
How could I tell her that my thoughts had strayed to the forbidden realm beyond our walls? I longed to explore the unknown, to unravel the mysteries that lay hidden in the world outside. The very notion was absurd, blasphemous even. But the urge burned within me, impossible to ignore.
"Iris," my mother's voice snapped me out of my reverie once again, her tone firm but not unkind. I swallowed nervously, my mind still racing as I struggled to find the right words.
"I was just... thinking," I mumbled, my gaze fixed on the ground as I avoided her probing stare.
"About what?" she pressed, her patience wearing thin as she awaited my response. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for her reaction.
"Beyond the walls," I admitted, the words tumbling from my lips in a hushed whisper. My mother's gaze softened, her eyes following mine as we both turned to face the looming structure that cast a shadow over our lives.
The weight of my mother's disappointment hung heavy in the air, she gazed at me, as if realizing a truth she had long hoped to avoid. I could see the reluctance etched in the lines of her face, the weariness of someone who had fought against inevitability and lost.
"I didn't expect you to be interested so soon," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of regret as she set aside our books, her movements slow and deliberate.
"But it seems the time has come for you to learn one of life's most important lessons, Iris."
"Are those ugly things truly that important?" I frowned, gesturing towards the looming walls that loomed on the horizon, their imposing presence a constant reminder of the boundaries that confined us. My mother's gaze hardened, her eyes narrowing slightly as she fixed me with a stern look.
"You must take this seriously, Iris," she admonished, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Yes, Mother," I replied, my voice tinged with defeat as I slumped back against the grass, the weight of her expectations pressing down on me like a heavy burden. Why couldn't this be a simple answer, a straightforward explanation that made sense to my young mind?
"Good, now listen closely," my mother began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries-old wisdom. "Those walls represent safety and security to all of us. They protect us from the dangers lurking beyond. It's only natural to be curious, but it can also be deadly. We must remember the blessings we have within these walls."
"What's out there that's so dangerous?" I interjected, unable to contain my curiosity any longer. The thought of unseen dangers lurking just beyond our reach sent a shiver down my spine.
My mother took a long, deep breath, closing her eyes briefly as if gathering her thoughts. I watched as her hands tensed up before she released her breath, her gaze meeting mine with a solemn intensity I had never seen before. It was a look that spoke of fear, of caution, of a mother's desperate plea to protect her child from the harsh realities of the world.
"Iris, dear," she started, her voice a soft murmur carrying the weight of untold history, "what lies beyond these walls is a realm of nightmares. Creatures known as Titans roam freely, devouring anything in their path. They're not merely monsters; they're the harbingers of chaos, the embodiment of primal fear."
Titans. The word hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the unknown. I felt a thrill of excitement course through me, mingled with a hint of fear. How had I never heard of these creatures before? What other secrets lay hidden within the confines of our walls, waiting to be discovered?
"Have you seen one?"
"Iris," my mother's voice cut through the air like a knife, sharp and cold. It was a tone she rarely used. I felt my excitement retreat, replaced by a somber silence that enveloped us like a heavy fog.
"No, I have not," my mother finally replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I've only heard stories."
"Stories?" I echoed, leaning in closer, eager for any scrap of information about these elusive creatures. "What kinds of stories?"
"The gruesome kind," she answered curtly, her gaze distant as if she were reliving memories best left forgotten.
"So these Titans, they're the reason we can't go beyond the walls?" I pressed, my mind racing with questions and possibilities.
"Exactly," my mother confirmed, her voice firm. "That's why we must stay inside the walls. We are safest within the confines of Wall Sina."
"Has anyone ventured outside the walls?"
"Yes, the Scouts."
"Do you think I could ever—?" I began, only to be swiftly cut off by my mother's stern interjection.
"It is forbidden," she stated firmly, her tone brooking no argument.
"But what about Father?" I persisted, determined to uncover the truth behind my father's mysterious comings and goings. "He always talks about protecting the walls. Is this why? Does he go beyond them?"
A shadow passed over my mother's features, her expression clouded with sadness as she spoke of my father's unwavering dedication to his beliefs. "Your father serves the walls in his own way, my dear," she explained gently. "But his duty lies within these walls, among the faithful who uphold the sanctity of our home."
"Swear on your life, Iris, that you will never attempt to breach the walls."
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The wind howled mournfully, chilling me to the bone as I stumbled through the neglected garden. Dead bushes clawed at my clothes, snagging on the fabric as I pressed forward. The iron gate groaned in protest as I forced it open, the rusted hinges screeching in the darkness. The darkness swallowed the stars, leaving me to navigate by instinct alone. Despite the absence of the moon's guiding light, I pressed on, my steps unsteady and my mind clouded by one too many glasses.
I felt like a lost soul navigating the depths of hell. The darkness was all-consuming, swallowing the stars and leaving me to fend for myself in a world devoid of light.
As I collapsed onto the unforgiving marble bench, the cold seeped into my bones, a cruel reminder of my frailty. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion, my thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind.
Why did I drink this much? What was I trying to forget?
"Get up," Levi's voice pierced through the fog of my thoughts, his tone as sharp as a blade but I refused to yield. His hand reached out to help me, but I recoiled instinctively, my body tensing at the thought of his touch.
"No," I protested, my voice a defiant whisper as I clung to the bench for dear life. "I'm fine."
But the darkness pressed in, weighing me down like an anchor, my limbs heavy with exhaustion and regret. With a frustrated grunt, Levi hoisted me to my feet, his grip around my arm as he dragged me from the bench.
"You're a mess. A sloppy fucking mess," Levi muttered under his breath, his irritation palpable as he struggled to keep me upright. I leaned into him, my head spinning with each faltering step.
"You sound just like him," I muttered, my words slurred and barely coherent as I stumbled alongside him. Levi's touch felt suffocating, his fingers digging into my sides like claws as he propelled me forward.
"Let go," I pleaded weakly, but Levi remained steadfast, his determination unyielding as he pulled me closer. "Please."
But my protests fell on deaf ears, Levi's grip unrelenting as he guided me toward the safety of the house. With each step, I felt the weight of my past bearing down on me, the memories clawing at my consciousness like a ravenous beast.
My breath was taken away as I flung myself out of his grip and on the cold cement.
When will I stop flinching at the slightest brush of a hand, my body recoiling instinctively from any hint of closeness? When will I shed this suffocating cloak of fear that wraps itself around me like a second skin, a constant reminder of the horrors I've endured? When will I find the strength to stand tall, to reclaim my body as my own, untainted by the memories of pain and betrayal? When will I stop cowering from a man's touch, and learn to trust again?
After four years, I'm still fighting for peace.
"I said let go," I whimpered, my voice trembling with fear as Levi knelt beside me, his touch gentle against my clammy skin. "Don't touch me."
But Levi ignored my pleas, his patience wearing thin as he lifted me off the ground once more. I felt his strong arms snake underneath me, effortlessly hoisting me off my feet once again. My head bounced against his chest as he carried me, his expression stoic as ever. Despite my resistance, I couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude towards him, a flicker of warmth in the cold darkness that threatened to consume me.
"God, you smell like a bar," he groaned as he carried me into the house, his voice tinged with annoyance.
Levi's frustration simmered beneath the surface as he carried me up the stairs to my room, his steps deliberate and measured. Despite my drunken haze, I couldn't help but sense the tension radiating from him, like a storm brewing on the horizon. But I was too preoccupied with the swirling chaos in my mind to dwell on his mood.
As he deposited me onto the bed with more force than necessary, I let out an indignant grunt, my limbs splayed out like a ragdoll. Levi's jaw clenched with barely contained anger, his eyes flashing with a mixture of concern and irritation. But I was too intoxicated to notice, too lost in my world of blurred lines and fragmented memories.
"You're a damn fool, Iris," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with exasperation. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to drink yourself into oblivion like this?"
I waved his words away dismissively, my mind drifting in and out of consciousness. "Relax, Captain," I slurred, a lazy smirk playing on my lips. "It's not like I'm the first soldier to drown their sorrows in a bottle."
Levi's expression darkened at my flippant response, his frustration mounting with each passing moment.
"You think this is funny, Iris?" he snapped, his voice sharp and cutting. "You could have gotten yourself killed out there tonight."
I blinked up at him, the severity of his words finally registering through the fog of alcohol. For a brief moment, I saw the worry etched into his features, the genuine concern that lay hidden beneath his gruff exterior.
But then the moment passed, and I was back to see him as just another authority figure trying to control my every move.
I was in Wall Sina, what's the worst that could happen to me? It's not like a Titan is going to appear randomly here.
"Always the overprotective captain, aren't you?" I teased, a mischievous glint in my eye. "What are you gonna do, put me on kitchen duty for a month?"
Levi's reaction was immediate, his jaw tensing as a flicker of annoyance danced in his steel-gray eyes. He let out a heavy sigh, his frustration palpable as he reluctantly took a seat beside my bed.
"Your insolence knows no bounds," he muttered, his tone laced with a fit of simmering anger. "Perhaps scrubbing the mess hall will help rein it in. Your behavior has been unacceptable."
"Do you even realize how reckless you've been?" he chastised, his voice tinged with exasperation. "You're a walking disaster, leaving a trail of chaos everywhere you go. It's exhausting having to clean up after you time and time again."
"Then don't."
"I'm your Captain. It's my job."
I watched him with bleary eyes, the room spinning around me in dizzying circles. Despite my best efforts to focus, everything seemed to blur together in a haze of confusion and disorientation. Levi's presence beside me was both comforting and unsettling, his silent vigil a stark reminder of how much I had let him down.
"Why are you still here?" I slurred, my words barely audible above the pounding of my own heart. "Shouldn't you be off saving the Walls or something?"
Levi's gaze bore into mine, his frustration seeping as he held my drunken gaze.
"We're leaving first thing tomorrow morning," he reiterated his tone firm but tinged with a hint of concern that he couldn't quite conceal.
"I don't have time to babysit a drunken fool."
I chuckled, the alcohol dulling the sting of his words. "Well, lucky for you, I'm a pro at taking care of myself," I quipped, my words slurring slightly as I struggled to maintain my composure.
Levi's expression softened for a moment, a flicker of something akin to amusement dancing in his eyes before it was replaced by a mask of stern resolve.
"This isn't a joke, Iris," he insisted, his voice cutting through the haze of my inebriation. "You need to take this seriously."
I waved him off dismissively, my hand swatting at an imaginary fly as I leaned back in my seat. "Relax, Captain," I replied, a lazy grin spreading across my lips. "I've got it all under control."
Levi's jaw clenched, his patience wearing thin as he struggled to rein in his frustration.
I shrugged nonchalantly, my gaze drifting lazily around the room.
"Hey, we're still alive, aren't we?" I countered, my tone flippant as I brushed off his concerns. "What more do you want?"
Levi opened his mouth to respond, but I was already drifting off, the weight of exhaustion pulling me into its embrace. His words faded into the background as sleep claimed me, leaving me to drift away into a sea of dreams.
When will this end?
7Seals
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Chapter 17
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•Previous Chapter: Chapter Sixteen
•Next Chapter: Chapter Eighteen
•Chapter List
•New chapters every Thursday
•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
•Word Count: 1.3k
•Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.
A/N: Hey y’all ♡
I’m having horrible writers block. Some pieces aren’t fitting the way I wanted to so I can only do one chapter this week. I’ve decided that one Thursday every month I won’t post unless I’m itching to. My goal for that is to make sure I don’t catch up to my chapters I haven’t posted yet so I have something for y’all to read when I get stuck. Hopefully I get some creative juices in me soon cause there’s so much I have to still write about. I’m so excited for the third seal🫶🏼
Also! Shoutout to all y’all who binged the story recently. I loved seeing each part you were all at! It really helped me write some stuff for the current chapter I’m on. Love y’all’s support!!!!
(3-20-24)
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Levi's Perspective
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"Captain Levi"
I narrowed my eyes at the sight of him—the man I despised more than any other. His once proud stature had been reduced to that of a broken man, shackled by his own demons and the weight of his crimes.
I met his gaze with a steely glare, his eyes held a feral intensity, worse from the last time I saw him.
"Alexander," I replied icily, keeping my tone devoid of emotion. His smile widened, revealing a row of yellowed teeth.
"What brings you here?" he asked, his voice dripping with malice.
"I was in town," I replied curtly. "Wanted to see how desperate and disgusting you looked after all these years."
His laughter echoed off the walls of the cell, a hollow sound that mixed together with the clinking of shackles on his limbs.
"Ah, Levi, always the charmer," he mocked, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"Did you miss me?"
I clenched my fists at my sides, struggling to maintain my composure in the face of his taunts.
"Careful now," I warned, forcing a smirk. "Wouldn't want to end up like last time."
But Alexander just laughed, reclining against the cold stone floor with a smug smirk.
"Oh Levi," he sighed, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're so quick to violence. Makes me wonder if above ground is really meant for someone like you."
"You're one to talk," I shot back, my voice laced with venom. "You grew up in the same filth I did."
But he just laughed, a cruel, mocking sound that echoed off the walls of the cell.
"You think we're the same, huh?" he taunted, his eyes boring into mine with a chilling intensity.
I took a step closer to him, my fists clenched at my sides as I fought to suppress the rage bubbling beneath the surface.
"I might be a rat, but I'm not a shitbag like you," I spat, my voice dripping with contempt. "Cut the shit and tell me— who's killing the Scouts again? Is it Carter? You calling the shots behind bars?"
But Alexander remained silent, his smug smirk never wavering as he watched my every move. I gritted my teeth in frustration, knowing that Erwin's orders bound my hands, preventing me from unleashing the full extent of my wrath upon him.
I pivoted on my heel to turn back but the echo of Alexander's voice pulled me back into the suffocating atmosphere of his cell.
"How's Iris?" he jeered, his grin twisting into a smirk that oozed malice. I shot him a withering glare, my fists clenching at my sides.
"You don't deserve to know a damn thing about her,"
His laughter grated on my nerves, a grating sound that echoed off the stone walls.
"Touchy, touchy," he taunted, his eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement.
"Let me ask you something though. Did you fuck her yet? Or is she still saving herself for marriage?"
"Shut your mouth, scum," I growled, my voice low and dangerous.
But he just leaned against the cell bars, his smirk widening into a smirk.
"What's the matter, Captain? Can't handle a little banter?"
Before I could stop myself, my hand shot through the bars of his cell, seizing his collar with a vice-like grip. With a swift motion, I yanked him towards me, his body slamming against the unforgiving iron bars.
I watched with grim satisfaction as his face contorted in pain, the metal pressing into his flesh. Yet, despite the agony etched across his features, he dared to smirk at me, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement.
"I know she's in Wall Sina right now," Alexander choked out against my grip.
"Stay the fuck away," I growled, my voice low and dangerous, as I spat in his face, relishing the sight of my saliva trailing down his cheek.
His smirk widened into a grotesque grin, his tongue darting out to lick his lips in a vulgar display. "It won't be me touching her," he taunted, his words a venomous echo in the dimly lit cell.
Disgust surged through me like a tidal wave, fueling the fury that burned within. The red haze descended over my vision, a veil of fury that clouded my senses and consumed my every thought. In that moment, rationality fled, leaving only raw, unbridled rage coursing through my veins.
This insolent little shit thought he could mock me, thought he could make light of the pain and suffering he'd caused. The audacity of it all ignited a firestorm within me, stoking the flames of my fury to new heights.
My elbow met his face with relentless force, each blow a symphony of vengeance echoing through the cold, stone halls of this damp dungeon. His anguished cries reverberated off the walls, a jarring agony that served as a grim will to his crimes.
I cared not for the ears that heard his pleas, nor for the consequences that may follow. All that mattered was the burning desire to see him suffer, to witness him endure the same torment he had so callously inflicted upon her.
The sight of blood streaming down his battered visage only fueled my resolve of the justice he so rightfully deserved. Though my pristine white shirt bore the stains of his punishment, I cared not for appearances. All that mattered was the relentless pursuit of retribution, a relentless storm of fury that showed no signs of abating.
His screams filled the air, a symphony of agony that still echoed through the darkness of the cell block. But even as the blood began to flow, I felt no satisfaction, no relief from the torment that gnawed at my soul.
I wanted him dead.
As I stood amidst the chaos, the echoes of my own name reverberated through the air, accompanied by the unwelcome touch of another's hands upon my person. My immediate response was sharp and unforgiving.
"Get the fuck off me," I growled, my voice cutting through the clamor as I forcefully shook off the unwanted contact, releasing my grip on Alexander and allowing him to crumple to the ground in a heap.
"We need a medic!"
The urgency in the interior police's voices only served to heighten the tension of the situation, their frantic shouts mingling with the sound of my own exasperated sigh.
"You got blood all over my sleeve," I muttered irritably, casting a disdainful glance at Alexander as I attempted to straighten out the mess he had caused.
Turning my attention to the trembling interior police, I couldn't help but feel a surge of impatience at their obvious unease. Rolling up my sleeves to conceal the bloodstains, I met their gaze with a cool and unwavering stare.
"His nose is broken. Might want to get that taken care of quickly or he might lose consciousness. Either way, I don't care," I stated bluntly, my words devoid of sympathy as I prepared to leave the scene behind me.
"Hey, you can't leave yet," one of the interior police protested, attempting to bar my path with a shaky hand.
"And why's that?" I countered, arching an eyebrow at the young officer before me, his nervous demeanor only serving to irritate me further.
"You need to fill out an incident report," he explained, his voice trembling with uncertainty as he attempted to assert his authority.
Glancing back at Alexander, who lay bloodied and battered on the floor, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at the absurdity of the situation.
"Your incident report is barely breathing on the ground right now, I suggest you take care of it." I instructed calmly, yet with an unmistakable undercurrent of authority in my tone.
The young man quivered before me, his resolve crumbling beneath the weight of my stare. With a muttered apology, he stepped aside, allowing me to pass with a nod of acknowledgment.
"Smart choice."
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7Seals
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• Levi Ackerman FanFic x OC Fem! Slow Burn! Canon Verse!
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♰ New chapters every Thursday
♰ Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.
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Table of Contents:
Playlist (coming soon)
Prologue
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"Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, 'Come and see.' And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer."
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Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
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"When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, 'Come and see.' Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword."
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Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
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A/N (2/22/24): Hey Hey! I hope you guys are enjoying, all the support means so much to me. This is my first fic ever so I’m learning on the way so thanks for the patience.
I have big plans for this fic. With that I plan to follow the whole aot storyline to the rumbling. I don’t plan on ending anytime soon. Just keep in mind this might be a painful slow-burn with lots of OC trauma.
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Any art/images are not mine and belong to the rightful creators & owners. OC & OC’s storyline is my creation. Do not repost on other platforms. Do not copy work. All artists & creators deserve recognition for their creations.
New chapters have been added 🫶🏼
7Seals
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Chapter 16*
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•Previous Chapter: Chapter Fifteen
•Next Chapter: Chapter Seventeen
•Chapter List
•New chapters every Thursday. Next update 3/21/24
•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
•Word Count: 4.4k
•Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter. This chapter does contain themes of death. Please do not read if you are uncomfortable with that topic.
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Gassed - Bobby Krlic (Midsommar Soundtrack)
0:00 ━❍────── 4:29
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
VOLUME: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%
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As we gathered around the opulent dining table, the weight of memories pressed down upon me like a suffocating blanket. The clinking of silverware and the murmur of conversation faded into the background as I drifted further into the recesses of my mind.
The portraits adorning the walls seemed to leer at me, their frozen smiles mocking my pain. Each stroke of the brush captured a moment in time, a fragment of a life that no longer existed. My mother's face, forever preserved in oils, gazed down at me with an expression of warmth and love that felt like a cruel mockery of my current reality.
As we sat in the grand dining room, surrounded by the solemn gazes of the portraits, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. My likeness, frozen in time, stared back at me from its gilt frame, a silent testament to the innocence I had lost.
The girl in the painting seemed to mock me, her carefree smile was long gone. She was a relic of a bygone era, a reminder of the girl I would never be again. Her eyes held a spark of vitality that had long since faded from my own, a painful reminder of all that I had lost.
I couldn't bear to meet her gaze, couldn't bear to confront the stark reality of who I had become. In her eyes, I saw all the hopes and dreams that had been shattered by tragedy and loss. She was a ghost of my past, haunting me with memories of a life that could never be reclaimed.
As the conversation flowed around me, I felt myself sinking deeper into despair. Levi's voice, usually a source of strength and reassurance, was nothing more than background noise, his presence a distant echo in the cavernous room. Hange's laughter grated on my nerves, a sharp reminder of the carefree spirit I had once possessed.
I pushed my food around my plate, the taste of each morsel turning to ash in my mouth. The weight of my past hung heavy upon my shoulders, threatening to crush me beneath its burden. How could I face the future when the past loomed so large, casting a shadow that stretched back through the years?
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"Iris?" Her soft tones drifted from the hallway, gentle and reassuring.
I couldn't find the strength to respond, my heart heavy with sorrow and my eyes swollen with tears. I felt her presence draw near, her touch a soothing balm against the ache in my soul.
Her hand found its way to my back, tracing small circles that sent shivers down my spine. With a sigh, I leaned into her touch, grateful for the comfort she offered.
"You're worried, aren't you?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, filled with understanding and empathy.
"Worried doesn't even begin to cover it," I admitted, my voice choked with emotion.
"I know, and I'm sorry," she murmured, her words a gentle reminder of the sacrifices we had made for love. "But this was the only way to ensure his safety above ground. After his contract is up, he will be a free man."
"But what if he doesn't make it into the top ten?" I sobbed, the weight of uncertainty crushing me beneath its relentless force.
"I assure you, he will make the top ten," she insisted, her voice laced with determination. My mother was not one to make empty promises; she knew things that I could only imagine.
"Iris, please. Look at me," she implored, lifting my chin to meet her gaze. "Dry up those tears. Tonight is your last night with him before he leaves. Don't waste it on sorrow. Go and cherish every moment you have together."
I stared into her jade eyes, the warmth of her love washing over me like a gentle breeze. With a deep breath, I wiped away my tears, determined to make the most of the time we had left.
"Okay," I whispered, a flicker of hope igniting within me once more.
"Good," she said, rising from her seat and smoothing down her black dress. "Your father has requested my presence at the church tonight, so we won't be back until later."
"I love you, Iris."
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As Ivy's voice pierced through the haze of my daydream, I found myself swirling my glass of wine absentmindedly, the crimson liquid dancing in intricate patterns. Taking a sip, I let the rich taste wash over me, a fleeting distraction from the chaos unfolding at the dinner table.
There she was, Ivy, seated next to Levi, her infatuation palpable in every word she uttered. My father seemed thoroughly entertained by her antics, indulging her with amused chuckles while completely ignoring my presence. But then again, I hadn't exactly been the life of the party, choosing to drown in silence instead.
"So, Captain Levi, what made you choose my daughter for your squad?" My father's voice cut through the air, his gaze piercing through me with thinly veiled disapproval as I raised my glass to my lips once more.
"Erwin placed her with me," Levi's voice, a rare disruption in the symphony of chatter, broke through the tension at the table.
"So the rumors aren't true? You didn't handpick your squad members?" My father pressed further, his curiosity tinged with skepticism.
"No, I did," Levi asserted, his tone firm and unwavering.
As the conversation continued to ebb and flow around me, I couldn't help but feel a pang of irritation at the way Ivy hung onto his every word, her eyes sparkling with admiration, while my father seemed almost skeptical of Levi.
"So if given the choice, would you have chosen my daughter for your squad?" My father's inquiry hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the dinner table. His scrutiny was like a weight on my shoulders, pressing down with every passing moment.
I swirled the wine in my glass, its crimson hues dancing under the soft glow of the dining room chandelier. My father's questioning always had a way of making me feel like a child again, unsure and unsteady under his watchful eye. His doubts were no secret, his skepticism regarding my place in the Scouts was a constant source of tension between us.
"I would have still chosen your daughter if it was my choice," Levi spoke out, his voice softer than usual but only Hange and I would recognize the difference. To my family, he remained apathetic, his demeanor unwavering in the face of my father's interrogation.
I glanced up from my glass to meet Levi's gaze, finding a flicker of something unfamiliar in his steely eyes. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, a crack in his usual facade that only I seemed to notice.
"As a father, I was worried when I found out my eldest daughter joined the Scouts," my father admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of pride. "But knowing she's under your command, I have a good feeling she will be alright."
"She's fine on her own." His response was blunt and short as ever.
"If she truly was, then she'd be a captain already, not--" My father's voice grated on my nerves, but I wasn't about to let him finish that sentence unchallenged.
"I've had plenty of chances to be a captain. I just prefer being his right hand," I retorted, my tone dripping with defiance. It was like they were talking around me as if I were some puppet on strings instead of a soldier capable of making her own decisions.
My father's disapproving scoff only fueled my irritation.
"You passed up a captaincy just to keep playing second fiddle to him? You haven't changed a bit."
With a resigned sigh, my father stood up, signaling the end of dinner.
"Well, it's been lovely, but duty calls. Make yourselves at home. Elenor will show you to your rooms."
As he left the room, I resisted the urge to hurl my wine glass after him. It was just like him to avoid a confrontation, to walk away when things got uncomfortable.
Left at the table, I reached for the wine bottle, pouring myself a generous serving. The ruby liquid swirled in the glass, a comforting sight amidst the chaos of my family dinner.
When I glanced up, I found Levi's gaze already fixed on me, his eyes betraying a hint of amusement. I couldn't help but smirk back at him, raising my glass in a silent toast. His disapproving shake of the head only made me grin wider.
"You need to eat," Levi's voice broke through the heavy silence that had settled over the table.
"I'm not hungry," I retorted, parroting back all the times he'd refused food I'd offered him.
"Don't make me come over there," he warned.
I rolled my eyes, stabbing at my mashed potatoes with more force than necessary and shoveling a forkful into my mouth.
"Happy?" I mumbled with a full mouth.
"Ecstatic," he deadpanned.
Meanwhile, Hange was practically drooling over the food.
"Iris, you mind if I finish that?" they asked eagerly, reaching for the remnants of my meal.
"Is that even a question? Here," I replied, pushing the plate toward them with a smirk.
As Hange gobbled up the last of my food, their attention turned to the portraits lining the walls of the dining room.
"These are beautiful. How old were you guys when these were painted?" they asked, their mouths still half-full.
"Iris was fifteen, I was thirteen. It was a gift from our grandfather," Ivy answered, her gaze lingering on the paintings with a hint of nostalgia.
"Hmm, Iris, you look so innocent in yours," Hange observed, scrutinizing the portrait closely. "Wait, is that a paintbrush and canvas next to you?"
I sighed, knowing where this was going. "Yeah, good observation," I muttered sarcastically.
"Do you paint?" Hange inquired, genuinely curious.
"Obviously," Levi interjected, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he rose from his seat and made his exit.
"How did you not even know? You were roommates for a good five years."
With Levi gone, it was just Hange, my sister, and my left in the dining room. As Hange continued to pepper me with questions about my artistic endeavors, I couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at Levi's abrupt departure. But then again, that was just Levi being Levi.
"You know, Iris," Ivy began, her voice laced with a honeyed sweetness that made my skin crawl.
"I've always admired Captain Levi's...strength."
But Ivy wasn't finished. With a coy smile, she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"I must admit, Iris, I never realized how handsome Captain Levi was until now. It's nice to finally put a name to the face."
Her eyes glimmered with an intensity that made my stomach churn uncomfortably, her subtle gestures betraying a keen interest in a man who had never shown an inkling of reciprocation. Let alone a man she just met.
"I've heard tales of his valor," she continued, her tone dripping with exaggerated admiration, "and his dedication to the cause."
I exchanged a glance with Hange, silently pleading for intervention, but she merely offered an amused smirk, clearly reveling in Ivy's shameless flirtation.
"And speaking of dedication," Ivy added, her gaze lingering on me for a moment too long, "Iris, do you know if Captain Levi has any... personal commitments? Perhaps to someone special?"
The insinuation hung in the air like a heavy fog, suffocating me with its implications. Ivy's relentless pursuit of Levi's attention grated on my nerves, igniting a fierce discomfort that begged for escape.
With a strained smile, I rose from the table, clutching at the excuse of fetching another bottle of wine to mask my abrupt departure.
"Hange can tell you all about it," I muttered, my voice betraying a hint of urgency as I fled the suffocating atmosphere of the dining room, leaving behind Ivy's lingering gaze and the unsettling echo of her probing inquiries.
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I tiptoed past the dining room, where the echoes of Ivy and Hange's laughter reverberated through the corridors like a mischievous melody. They were knee-deep in their preparations for the upcoming ball, their voices beamed with excitement as they discussed everything from decorations to dance partners.
I couldn't bring myself to join them. The mere thought of endless hours spent deliberating over floral arrangements and seating charts made my head throb with an intensity that rivaled the morning sun. So instead, I sought refuge in the solitude of my old room, hoping to find solace in the familiar confines of my childhood sanctuary.
But even sleep proved to be an elusive escape, my dreams haunted by fragmented memories and whispered regrets. When I finally roused from my restless slumber, a throbbing headache greeted me like an unwelcome guest, a lingering reminder of the wine-fueled haze that had clouded my senses the night before.
Seeking respite from the cacophony of laughter downstairs, I made my way to the kitchen, the promise of a steaming cup of tea luring me like a siren's song. Yet, to my surprise, I found Elenor already there, her deft hands maneuvering with practiced ease as she prepared a tray laden with snacks and tea.
"Well, well, if it isn't our sleeping beauty," Elenor quipped, her smile warm and welcoming despite the late hour.
I offered her a sheepish grin, my headache pulsing with renewed vigor as I scanned the array of herbal remedies lining the shelves.
"Just the person I was hoping to see," I replied, my tone tinged with a hint of desperation.
Elenor's gaze softened with sympathy as she assessed my condition, her fingers deftly selecting a blend of lavender and ginger to soothe my aching head.
"Your mother's tea will do wonders," she assured me, her voice a gentle balm against the discordant symphony of my thoughts.
"Are you not lending a hand with the planning?" Elenor inquired, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
As she busied herself with the preparations, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the prospect of evading my duties yet again. At the same time, I didn't ask to be a part of the planning. I shook my head, a sigh escaping my lips as I resigned myself to my fate.
"Not my forte,"
But Elenor had other plans, her gaze unwavering as she handed me the tray, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes.
"Levi requested tea," she revealed, her smile knowing. "And since you're here, you might as well check in on your guest."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Elenor was already retreating, her laughter trailing behind her like a whisper in the wind. With a resigned sigh, I grasped the tray tightly, steeling myself for the inevitable encounter that awaited me. After all, if there was one thing more daunting than planning a ball, it was facing Levi Ackerman with a pounding headache but at least I had a tray of tea in hand.
As I stood in the hallway of my childhood home, the weight of the tray in my hands felt like an anchor tethering me to a past I longed to forget. Every step towards Levi's room I felt my stomach turn and my hands start to shake.
The portraits lining the walls seemed to mock me with their silent gaze, their painted eyes boring into my soul as if they knew the secrets I harbored within. Memories, both bitter and sweet, threatened to overwhelm me, each step forward a hesitant shuffle toward the inevitable.
Elenor's well-intentioned gesture had unwittingly become a catalyst for my torment, her innocent invitation to deliver tea to a guest transforming into a cruel reminder of everything I had lost. I wanted to scream, to lash out at the walls closing in around me, but the weight of my grief held me captive in its suffocating embrace.
With trembling hands, I approached the door to Levi's room, the wood worn smooth from years of use. I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest, the memories flooding my mind with a dizzying intensity.
My gaze fell upon the looming presence of the parlor room, its doors casting a shadow over my memories like a specter from the past. It had been years since I had dared to venture near that threshold, the weight of its significance bearing down on me with each passing moment.
The last time I crossed that threshold was the day my mother drew her final breath, the room forever frozen in time as a testament to the tragedy that had unfolded within its walls. It had become a sanctuary of sorrow, a sacred space untouched by the passage of time.
The memories that lingered within those walls were a haunting presence, a reminder of the pain and loss that had defined my existence ever since that fateful day. And yet, despite my best efforts to bury them, they clawed their way back to the surface, threatening to consume me once more.
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I couldn't wipe the grin off my face as Alexander guided the stallion through the gates, his hand firmly clasping mine. The exhilaration of our impending announcement coursed through me, making my heart race with anticipation.
Dismounting gracefully, Alexander extended his hand to help me down from the horse, his touch sending a shiver of excitement down my spine. I couldn't help but admire the glint of the ring on my finger, the sunlight catching the gemstone in a dazzling display.
"Ready to share the news?" Alexander's voice was filled with excitement as he gestured towards the house, his eyes shining with anticipation.
"My mother deserves to know first," I replied, a smile playing at the corners of my lips as Alexander led me towards the entrance.
As we burst through the door, Elenor's surprised voice greeted us, her eyes widening at our sudden arrival.
"Lady Iris!" she yelled, taken aback by our unannounced entrance.
"Sorry to barge in, Elenor. Do you know where mother is?" I asked my hand still intertwined with Alexander's, the ring sparkling in the light.
"In the piano room, but she didn't seem well," Elenor replied, concern etched on her face. "Perhaps it's best to wait until later."
"I have just the thing to cheer her up," I announced proudly, holding out my hand to reveal the dazzling ring.
Elenor gasped in astonishment, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of the ring.
"Oh, my, that's stunning," she exclaimed, her excitement contagious.
"This will surely bring a smile to her face! Off you go then!" With a warm smile, she ushered us towards the piano room, leaving me feeling buoyant and eager to share our joyous news with my mother.
As we burst into the room, my heart racing with anticipation, I scanned the parlor with eager eyes, searching for any sign of my mother's presence. But the room lay empty, void of the familiar warmth and laughter that usually filled its walls.
"Let's check the parlor," I urged, my voice trembling with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Gripping Alexander's hand tightly, I led the way, my steps quickening with each passing moment.
With a swift motion, I flung open the doors to my mother's sanctuary, my breath catching in my throat as I stepped inside. But instead of the welcoming embrace I had anticipated, the room seemed to darken before my eyes, the air heavy with an oppressive sense of foreboding.
A strangled cry tore from my lips as I stumbled forward, the weight of despair crashing over me like a tidal wave. Alexander's arms enveloped me, anchoring me to the ground as I sank to my knees, the world spinning around me in a dizzying blur.
Desperation clawed at my chest as I fought to reach her, my hands grasping for something, anything to hold onto. But Alexander held me back, his voice a distant echo in the chaos, his attempts to comfort me falling on deaf ears.
The sound of Elenor's scream pierced the air, shattering the silence with a jolt of raw emotion. My body trembled with exhaustion, every muscle aching with the weight of grief as I struggled to make sense of the nightmare unfolding around me.
But no matter how hard I tried, the truth remained unchanged, a bitter pill I couldn't swallow. And as the echoes of my cries filled the room, I felt the world slip away, consumed by darkness I could never escape.
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"Iris," Levi's voice broke through the haze of my thoughts, snapping me back to reality.
I blinked, startled to find him standing before me, his presence looming like a shadow in the dimly lit hallway. He wasn't clad in his usual uniform or stiff attire; instead, he wore something casual, an unexpected sight that softened his typically stern demeanor.
"Sorry," I stammered, momentarily flustered by his sudden appearance.
"I brought you tea." I lifted the tray in the offering, hoping to break the awkward silence that hung between us like a heavy fog.
Without a word, Levi reached out and snatched the tray from my grasp, his movements sharp and efficient. With a curt nod, he gestured for me to enter, holding the door open with an impatient air.
"Are you going to stand there all night?" His voice was laced with irritation, a sharp contrast to the calm facade he exuded just moments ago.
"Right. Sorry," I muttered, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up my cheeks as I followed him into the room.
The door clicked shut behind me, enclosing us in a cocoon of silence. I made my way to the seating area near the fireplace, the crackling flames casting flickering shadows across the room. It had been ages since I set foot in this space, and the sight of another person occupying it—especially Levi, of all people—sent a strange pang of discomfort through me.
Only these walls know the things that have happened in this room.
As Levi busied himself with pouring the tea, the tension in the room seemed to thicken, suffocating me with its weight. I fidgeted with the hem of my dress, unsure of what to say or do to break through the palpable awkwardness that hung between us like a heavy shroud.
"When was the last time you were back in this hell hole?" Levi's voice cut through the quiet, punctuated by the clink of his cup meeting his lips.
"The trials," I replied curtly, my tone matching his blunt demeanor.
He simply nodded, taking another sip of his tea, his expression unreadable.
"It's been that long, huh?" he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of sympathy.
"Yeah, I don't like being here," I admitted, feeling a twinge of discomfort at the memories this place evoked.
"I don't blame you. Your family—" He paused as if grappling with his next words, and I braced myself for the inevitable mention of my past.
"Irritating? Think they're better than everyone else? Annoying?" I supplied, cutting him off before he could tip-toe around the truth. His restraint was admirable, but sometimes honesty was necessary, especially in moments like these.
"No," he responded quickly, his eyes darting away from mine.
"Don't hold yourself back now," I teased, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "It's times like this when I need your witty remarks."
His gaze returned to meet mine, a flicker of relief dancing across his features.
"Your sister is a nuisance," he admitted, his tone tinged with frustration. "The woman does not shut up."
"Oh, it's only going to get worse," I chuckled, taking a sip of my tea. "Trust me."
"I don't understand," he groaned, his brow furrowing in confusion. "I just met her."
"Well, get ready," I quipped, a mischievous glint in my eye. "You're in for a wild ride."
"Everyone's heard the stories of Captain Levi and how he's dedicated to the cause," I mimicked Ivy's voice, earning an eye roll from Levi in response.
"I'm just doing my job," he replied, his tone clipped and dismissive.
"Yeah, and you're pretty good at it. Of course, people are going to talk about the guy with a Titan kill count of thirty-six," I remarked, unable to resist poking fun at his legendary status.
"It's not thirty-six," he groaned, clearly uncomfortable with the topic.
"Yes, it is," I insisted, refusing to let him downplay his achievements.
"Can't be," he muttered, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the truth.
"I keep track."
"Well, don't. It's not useful," he retorted, his irritation evident.
"It's fun, and I'm going to continue to do so," I declared, standing up from my seat.
"Where are you going?" he interjected, his voice betraying a hint of concern.
"To bed, and so should you," I replied, flashing him a playful smirk.
"Big talk from someone who doesn't sleep," he fired back, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"Likewise," I countered, returning his smile as I made my way to the door. "Goodnight, Captain."
"Night," he responded, his gaze lingering on me as I exited the room.
"Iris," my father's voice called out from his study, the door ajar, inviting me in with its dim illumination.
With a heavy sigh, I stepped into the room, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation.
"Father," I greeted him curtly as I entered.
"Close the door," he ordered, his tone firm and unwavering.
I complied, closing the door behind me with a soft click, the sound echoing in the tense silence that hung between us.
As my father removed his reading glasses and set them aside, his gaze bore into me with a harshness that cut to the core. It was a look I'd grown accustomed to over the years, but it still stung every time.
"You know how I feel about going into another man's room unwedded," he began, his words dripping with disdain. "Don't want to make the same mistake as last time."
"It's not like that. He's my captain," I protested, attempting to defend myself against his accusations.
"Captain and subordinates don't spend alone time together. It's inappropriate," he admonished, his voice growing harsher with each word. "You have a habit of inappropriate behavior. It makes our family look bad. He's from the underground; he's nothing but trouble."
I couldn't help but fire back, my stubbornness bubbling to the surface.
"Last I recall, you favored a boy from the underground."
"And look where that got you. Cowering under that fool's hands. I thought the Scouts were supposed to make you fearless and strengthen you. All that work and you're still weak."
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A/N: Midsommar & Florence Pugh’s acting was my inspiration when writing Iris’s flashback about her mother. I’m sorry for such an eerie song to go with the chapter but if you’ve seen the movie then you’d understand what I’m trying to convey.
7Seals
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Chapter 15
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•Previous Chapter: Chapter Fourteen
•Next Chapter: Chapter Sixteen
•Chapter List
•New chapters every Thursday
•Content: Levi Ackerman × OC female. Slow Burn! Canon verse!
•Word Count: 3.8k
•Warning: This content may not be suitable for all readers. If you've watched all of AOT then you will understand that the show handles heavy subjects such as abuse, racism, violence, and other heavy subjects. This fanfiction will also have the same heavy themes. Chapters with heavy themes will be marked with (*) at each chapter.
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The rhythmic trot of the horses' hooves reverberated along the silent morning streets as the carriage, drawn by majestic black mares, came to a halt before the imposing gates of the regiment's headquarters. Above, the sky wore a somber cloak of ash gray, devoid of any hint of sunlight.
"Early bird catches the worm, right?" Hange's lively voice chirped from behind me, breaking the serene atmosphere. I turned to find them, clad in their formal uniform, accompanied by Moblit carrying an array of bags.
"Can't let you have all the fun, can I?" I said with a smirk playing on my lips.
"I brought party favors."
"Well, well, well, look at you!" Hange exclaimed, sweeping over me with a critical eye. They seized my arms and maneuvered them, examining the intricate details of my dress.
"It's new, right?" Hange inquired, eyeing the delicate stitching on my sleeves.
"And that lace collar? Pure Wall Sina elegance. Plus, that cinched waist? You're stunning, Iris."
A blush crept onto my cheeks at their lavish praise, a warmth that I couldn't suppress.
"Thanks, Hange," I replied, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips.
"Ah, but it's true!" Hange insisted, their enthusiasm infectious as ever.
"If only you swung my way," they teased, their tone playful yet tinged with a hint of longing.
I chuckled softly, shaking my head at their antics.
"You always know how to make me feel special, Hange."
"Well, what can I say? I have a knack for spotting greatness."
With a playful wink, Hange climbed into the carriage, and I followed suit, settling into my seat beside them. Pulling out a bottle of wine from my bag, I poured two glasses for the ride.
The morning sun cast a warm glow inside the carriage, illuminating the space where Hange's lively voice echoed.
"Anyone would be lucky to have you, isn't that right, Levi?" Hange quipped, their eyes gleaming mischievously as they accepted a glass of wine from me.
Levi?
Levi's entrance was unexpected, his usual stern demeanor softened by the way his hair fell slightly into his face. As he stepped into the carriage, a sliver of sunlight illuminated his features just right, highlighting the rugged edges of his jawline and bringing out the intensity of his sapphire eyes. His hand rested casually on his stomach while his suit jacket draped over his arm.
"What are you two blabbering about now?" Levi's tone was gruff, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he settled into the seat across from me.
"Oh, just how stunning—" Hange began, only to be cut off by Levi's sharp retort.
"Are you seriously drinking this early in the morning?" Levi's disapproval was evident, his gaze flitting disapprovingly between us as he spoke.
As Moblit bid us farewell and closed the carriage door behind him, reality set in that Levi was going to be with us for the next three days. Levi's attention remained fixed on the passing scenery outside, his posture rigid and defensive.
"What brings you here, Captain?" I couldn't help but inquire, a note of defiance creeping into my voice. "Don't you have squad duties to attend to?"
"Eld and Gunther can handle things," Levi replied tersely, his gaze still averted.
"You've missed practice the past few days. You can't just avoid it because of an injury."
"I'm injured, Levi. What do you want from me?" I shot back, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Besides, I've been handling your paperwork in the meantime."
He is so confusing, first, he gets mad at me for wanting to practice now he's upset at me for not showing up. What does he want from me?
Levi's response was a stony silence, but the tension in his posture hinted at a vulnerability that he was unwilling to show.
"What was that Levi?" I asked him as I watched his lips move but barely any sound came out.
"You can still drop by and check-in," he groaned, not looking at me. He crossed his arms and gazed out the window. If I wasn't mistaken, it seemed like Levi was pouting at me.
"Still doesn't answer my question. Why are you here? Hange? Why is he here?" I whined, feeling a tinge of frustration creeping in. "You didn't mention him tagging along."
"Well, you see," Hange began with a sheepish smile, but Levi interjected before they could finish.
"Look, I don't want to be here either. Deal with it. That's an order," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Don't mind if I do then," I retorted, lifting my wine glass in a mocking toast before taking a sip. Levi's scoff was like background noise, a familiar soundtrack to our interactions. His judgment was old news, something I'd learned to tune out long ago.
"Awe, look at you guys," Hange chimed in, seemingly oblivious to the tension.
"Don't start," I muttered, bracing myself for their teasing.
"You guys are matching!" they squealed balling up their fists in excitement.
I caught Levi's eyes scanning me up and down, his gaze making me feel exposed.
"Why are you dressed like that?" he questioned, his tone laced with thinly veiled disapproval.
I glanced down at my black dress, then back at him. His signature white cravat was wrapped around his collar, accentuating his pristine black suit. In my opinion, we were all dressed appropriately for the occasion. What did he expect me to wear? My Scout uniform? The thought made me shudder.
"I know you're not talking to me. Did you forget you're dressed up as well?" I shot back, giving him the same look he had given me.
"This is my normal attire," he shrugged, brushing off my remark.
"At least your hair looks presentable for once."
"Gotta say, that braid is pretty cute," Hange smiled, attempting to diffuse the tension with a playful comment.
"You think my hair is long enough for that?" Hange asked, playing with their hair, attempting to lighten the mood.
I took another sip of my wine, finding solace in the familiar burn as I turned my attention back to the window, blocking out Hange's incessant chatter. But despite my efforts to ignore him, I couldn't shake the feeling of Levi's eyes on me.
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As the fountain's water danced in the sunlight, I sat on the familiar marble bench, basking in the tranquility of my mother's favorite spot. The garden, a sanctuary of ivy and Iris's blossoms was a testament to my father's love for her, a love that I lingered for. The dedication I craved from a man.
"Hey, Iris," Alexander's voice broke through the peaceful ambiance, his presence sending ripples through my thoughts.
I glanced up to find him standing there, a single rose in his hand, his gaze soft and affectionate. Despite the turmoil brewing within me, his mere presence brought a sense of calm.
"Thanks," I murmured, accepting the flower, its delicate petals dancing along my fingertips.
As he settled beside me on the bench, his touch gentle against my cheek, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of him leaving.
"I'm gonna miss this place," he admitted, his tone tinged with regret. "But most of all, I'm gonna miss you."
My heart clenched at his words, the reality of his departure sinking in like an anchor pulling me down.
"Take me with you," I pleaded, desperation lacing my voice.
His expression softened, but his eyes held a weight I couldn't ignore. "You know I can't do that," he said, his voice heavy with resignation.
Tears welled in my eyes as fear gripped my heart. The thought of him leaving for the Scouts, of facing the unknown without him by my side, filled me with dread.
"But I'll be in the Military Police," he reassured me, his words falling short of comfort. "I'll be right here in Wall Sina with you. Your father said he'd help."
The fragile hope his words offered was quickly shattered by the harsh reality of our situation.
"I'm going with you," I declared, determination igniting within me.
His reaction was not what I expected. The warmth in his eyes faded, replaced by a coldness I had never seen before. It sent a shiver down my spine.
"You know I can't do that to your father," he said, his voice laced with frustration.
"It would be disrespectful."
Standing beside him, I refused to back down.
"It's my decision." I insisted, my resolve unwavering.
His smile came back like it never left.
"Come on, we are going to the market."
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As I sat lost in my thoughts, the sound of Levi's voice shattered the silence, his presence looming over me like a storm cloud. I glanced up to find him eyeing the nearly empty wine bottle with a mixture of disbelief and disdain. My heart quickened, a nervous flutter dancing in my chest for reasons I couldn't quite fathom
"You polished off this whole thing, huh?" he remarked, his tone dripping with incredulity.
I shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, Hange did lend a hand," I quipped, attempting to deflect his scrutiny.
A grunt was his only response as he exited the carriage, leaving me alone with the remnants of our indulgence. With a resigned sigh, I finished off the last of the wine and gathered my belongings, preparing to follow suit.
To my surprise, I found Levi lingering by the carriage, his hand extended in a rare display of courtesy. My heart quickened at the sight, a rush of anticipation coursing through me. I hesitated for a moment before accepting his help, allowing his strong grip to guide me safely to the ground below.
"About time," he muttered gruffly, his coat draped effortlessly over his shoulders as his warm and gentle touch guided me down the carriage steps.
Once my feet were firmly planted on solid ground, I released his calloused hand quicker than ever. Though his words may have lacked sweetness, in that fleeting moment, his actions spoke volumes, a glimpse of a side of Levi I had never seen before.
As Hange's impatient call echoed across the dock, urging us to hurry, I couldn't help but marvel at her seemingly boundless energy.
"How did she get on there so fast?" I quipped, glancing at Levi who walked beside me.
"While you were in dreamland, we were unloading the carriage," he retorted dryly, waiting for me to step onto the dock before him. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes, though he masked it well behind his usual stoic facade.
Together, we joined Hange on the deck, their excitement palpable as they rambled about dinner plans.
"What kind of dinner do you think your family prepared for us?" she chirped, her enthusiasm infectious.
I froze at her words, a wave of confusion washing over me. Family? What was she talking about?
"Dinner?" I echoed, confusion clouding my thoughts. What was Hange blabbering about now? But Hange's next words sent a chill down my spine.
"Your father invited us to the estate," they squealed, their enthusiasm contagious.
"I'm so excited! Just thinking about the word 'estate' makes me giddy."
For me, the word "estate" echoed in my mind, conjuring memories of a past I had long tried to forget. What had my father orchestrated behind my back? And why was he extending an invitation to my past life?
Suppressing a sigh, I leaned against the railing, watching the ferry pull away from the dock.
"Estate, huh?" Levi remarked, standing beside me.
"Yeah, what about it?" I muttered, my mind racing to make sense of this unexpected turn of events.
"Didn't think you were the noble type," he mused, his tone teasing yet tinged with curiosity. His gaze was fixed on the horizon but I saw the amusement in his eyes.
"Don't get it twisted," I shot back, bristling at the implication. "Just because I grew up there doesn't mean I'm a priss."
Levi's lips twitched in a ghost of a smirk, but before he could respond, Hange's voice cut through the air once more.
"I don't know about that. Rooming with you all those years, it's starting to make sense," they teased, a playful glint in their eyes.
"Alright," I conceded, pushing off the railing and following my steps toward the sanctuary of a nearby bar.
"Where are you going?" Hange called after me.
"The bar," I replied, my steps quickening as I sought solace in the promise of a stiff drink and silence.
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The estate stood in silent grandeur, its pristine white exterior softened by the tendrils of ivy that wove their way along the brick walls. Before us, my mother's beloved garden bloomed, her beloved irises stood proud, their vibrant blooms a striking contrast against the soft hues of alliums and peonies.
Hange's exuberance echoed through the air as they darted towards the front door. "Wow, Iris, your home is incredible!" they praised, their eyes wide with awe.
Levi's smirk was barely concealed as he observed the scene.
"House?" he remarked dryly, his tone laced with amusement.
A flush of embarrassment warmed my cheeks at Hange's enthusiasm. I hadn't anticipated bringing them here, to this place steeped in memories both joyful and painful.
Who would've thought we'd end up here, at my childhood home?
Standing before the imposing doors, uncertainty gripped me. Should I knock? Or just walk in? It had been so long since I'd been back, and the weight of the past pressed down on me.
When was the last time I'd walked through them? Was it really during the trials?
Levi's impatient voice interrupted my thoughts. "Well, shall we?" he grumbled. "Or are we just going to loiter here?"
Before I could decide, the doors swung open, revealing the figure of someone familiar.
"Lady Iris,"
"Elenor," I replied, returning her smile with genuine warmth.
"Lady?" Hange's incredulous gasp echoed behind me.
With a gesture, Elenor invited us inside the foyer. The smell of freshly polished wood and lavender still spread throughout the place. My mother always loved it when Elenor used lavender to clean, I'm glad she is still keeping her wishes.
"Come in, dinner is almost ready for you," she announced, her demeanor gracious and welcoming.
Turning to my companions, I introduced them to the woman who had been a steadfast presence in my family's life for as long as I could remember.
"This is Elenor," I explained, a pang of nostalgia tugging at my heart.
"She's been with our family for years."
Elenor's vibrant smile was like a beacon, drawing me into its warmth and familiarity. For a moment, all the reasons I had left this place faded into the background, overshadowed by the sense of homecoming that enveloped me. It was a feeling I hadn't realized I'd missed until now.
"Can I get you guys anything?" Elenor asked, her voice carrying a hint of warmth and hospitality.
"Tea, please," Levi requested, his tone softening ever so slightly.
"Right away," Elenor replied, disappearing into the depths of the house.
"Hey, follow me," I said, gesturing toward a nearby hallway.
"I want to show you guys something."
Leading the way, I navigated the familiar corridors until we reached a set of ornate double doors. Pushing them open, I revealed a spacious room bathed in soft, golden light. At its center stood a majestic grand piano, its ebony exterior gleaming in the sunlight that streamed through the windows.
"Wow, what is this place?" Hange proclaimed, their eyes widening in awe.
"This is the piano room," I explained, a nostalgic smile playing on my lips.
"My mother used to play here all the time."
Levi surveyed the room with a quiet reverence, his usual stoicism giving way to a rare moment of introspection.
"It's beautiful," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of admiration.
"Feel free to make yourselves comfortable," I said, gesturing towards the plush chairs arranged around the piano.
"I'll go check on the tea."
As I left them to explore the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share this piece of my past with them. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, I knew that at this moment, surrounded by the echoes of my childhood, I was exactly where I was meant to be.
In the cozy confines of the kitchen, Elenor turned to me with a curious expression.
"Miss? What are you doing here?" she inquired, her eyes searching mine for answers.
"Helping," I replied with a grin, instinctively reaching for the familiar cabinets.
"And who are those dashing friends you brought along?" Elenor pressed, her curiosity piqued.
"Hange is an old friend from training camp, they're a section leader," I explained, glancing back towards the door where they awaited.
"And the boy?"
"Oh, that's Captain Levi."
"The Captain Levi?" Elenor gasped, her eyes widening in surprise.
I chuckled softly. "Yes, the one and only. But don't bring it up, he's not one for idle chatter." I warned, continuing my search for the elusive tea.
"What a humble man."
Elenor's knowing smile warmed my heart as she produced a tin from the cupboard.
"I thought you'd be wanting this," she said, holding it out to me with a smile.
My mother's favorite blend. The tin was still filled to the top, it was like she made it just yesterday.
As I arranged the tea set on the tray, Elenor's inquisitive gaze followed my every move. Her teasing tone hung in the air like a mischievous melody, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.
"What do they like in their tea?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.
"He likes sugar when it's there. He normally drinks it—" I started to explain, only to be interrupted by the shrill whistle of the kettle.
"It still has time?" Elenor questioned, puzzled by my sudden rush.
"Levi taught me the perfect steeping process for tea is to never let it go for too long. The moment it goes over time, the whole batch is just ruined," I explained, swiftly removing the kettle from the burner.
Elenor's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Ah, I see. You came to make sure the tea was perfect for him."
I rolled my eyes, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.
"Right," I muttered, focusing on arranging the cups and saucers. Elenor's playful demeanor was enough to make me squirm.
"It's not like that," I protested weakly, but Elenor's knowing smile told me she wasn't buying it. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she picked up the tray, her movements graceful and deliberate.
"I guess we'll see then, won't we?" she remarked, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.
With a resigned sigh, I followed Elenor to the piano room, bracing myself for whatever playful banter awaited me. Little did I know, her teasing was only the beginning of a much more intriguing game—one fate only knew.
The moment the door swung open, Ivy's voice pierced the air, a high-pitched squeal echoing through the room.
"Wow, so you're Captain Levi?" she gushed, her excitement palpable even from across the room.
Fuck. Ivy's enthusiasm would be impossible to contain, especially after seeing Levi.
"Iris!" Her voice reached a new octave as she caught sight of me, abandoning Levi's side to rush over to where I stood.
I braced myself for the impending onslaught, hoping against hope that she'd tone down the theatrics. But knowing Ivy, that was wishful thinking.
As she approached, her blond hair tied back with a perfectly coordinated bow, I couldn't help but marvel at how much she'd grown in my absence. Yet, despite her apparent maturity, she still radiated the same boundless energy that had defined her as a child.
"Ivy," I greeted her with forced calm.
In a whirlwind of motion, she enveloped me in a bone-crushing hug, squeezing me with a fervor that threatened to crush my ribs.
I struggled to catch my breath, shooting a pleading glance at Levi, who had risen to his feet at the sight of Ivy's exuberance.
"She's injured. Don't squeeze her like that," he spoke, his voice sharp and commanding. Ivy froze, her eyes widening in alarm as she released me from her grip.
"I'm so sorry, sister. I didn't know!" she blurted out, her expression morphing into one of genuine concern.
"It's fine. I'm fine," I reassured her, mustering a weak smile as I made my way to the nearest available seat, eager to put some distance between myself and Ivy's overzealous affection.
"So tell me all about my big sister!" Ivy's voice rang out, bubbling with curiosity. "What does she do in the regiment?"
"Your big sister is part of the best squad in the Scouts," Hange chimed in eagerly, playing along with Ivy's enthusiasm.
"Is that so? She never mentioned that to me! So are you a captain now?" Ivy turned her attention to me, her eyes alight with anticipation.
"No. I'm her captain; she is my second in command," Levi interjected tersely, cutting off any further questioning.
"Wow!" Ivy's eyes widened in awe. "So you train directly underneath humanity's strongest?" she gushed, leaning in closer to Levi.
But Levi remained unmoved, his gaze fixed straight ahead as if Ivy's presence barely registered to him. He lifted his cup of tea to his lips, his manner as impassive as ever.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation at Ivy's persistent flirting, even though I knew it was futile. Levi wasn't one to be swayed by empty flattery, especially not from someone like Ivy.
As Ivy continued to chatter, I couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at my lips. Despite her best efforts, Levi's indifference to her advances was a small victory in my book. Her charms had worked on everyone we knew since we were children, but Levi seemed immune to her allure.
Maybe he wasn't as unflappable as he appeared, at least when it came to my sister's charms.
And for some reason, that realization filled me with an unexpected sense of satisfaction. It was comforting to know that, even in the face of Ivy's relentless flirting, Levi remained steadfast and unaffected. Somehow, it made me appreciate him even more.
But as Ivy continued to chatter, I felt a shift, a subtle change in Levi's demeanor. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught him glancing in my direction.
Our eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. It was a gaze unlike any other I had experienced with Levi. His usual steely demeanor softened, and there was a warmth in his eyes that took me by surprise.
I couldn't help but hold his gaze, feeling a flutter of anticipation and uncertainty in the pit of my stomach.
And then, just as quickly as it had come, the moment was gone. Levi's gaze flickered away, returning to its usual impassive state.
What are you thinking behind those melancholy eyes of yours, Levi?
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