Your Wings - Reader X Levi Ackerman

Chapter 36: Before the Mission

"If anything goes wrong out there, don't try to play the hero. You stick to the plan, and you listen to me. Got it?"

You nod, suppressing a small smile at his overly cautious tone. "Got it, captain."

Levi glances at you, and this time, his gaze lingers. The usual sharpness in his eyes softens as he slows his steps, turning to face you fully. "I mean it," he says, his voice quieter now. "You've worked harder than anyone else to get here, but I need you to promise me something."

"What is it?" you ask, tilting your head slightly.

"Don't take unnecessary risks," he replies, his tone unusually gentle. His hand reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "I need you coming back to me in one piece. Understand? I'd hate to have to drag your ass back here in pieces." His words are teasing, but his tone carries an unmistakable warmth.

"I understand," you chuckle. "And I promise."

His fingers linger for a moment before he lets out a small breath. "Good," he says, his lips curving into the faintest smile. "You're strong—stronger than anyone gives you credit for, but I know you don't need me to tell you that... Since you tell me all the damn time anyways."

Still, he steps closer, his voice dropping lower, just for you. "Just... don't scare me out there, alright? I can't handle if something happens to you."

The raw vulnerability in his words surprises you, and you reach out to squeeze his hand gently. "I'll be fine," you reassure him. "I have you to keep me in line, don't I?"

A quiet chuckle escapes him—so brief it's almost lost in the stillness of the training grounds. "Yeah. You do." His thumb grazes your knuckles, his gray eyes holding yours for a long moment.

Then, with a reluctant sigh, he steps back, letting his hand fall away. "Let's get this over with," he says, his tone shifting back to its usual steadiness, though the warmth in his gaze lingers.

The tension in the air is palpable as you pull out a dagger and slice your palm. Immediately, an overwhelming surge of power courses through you, and your body begins to change. Your wings stretch out, and your titan form towers over the ground, your dark eyes glowing as your wings unfurl fully. The transformation is quick, but the energy radiating from your form is intense.

Levi shields his eyes from the blinding light and dust that kicks up around you. The wind howls, and the earth trembles slightly beneath your feet as the dust settles. Once the air clears, Levi shoots himself onto you with his ODM gear, locking himself in place just behind your shoulder. You meet his gaze, nodding in silent agreement. There's no need for words right now. The mission has begun.

With a deep breath, you spring into action, launching yourself into the sky. The wind rushes past you as you soar higher, the ground below shrinking into a patchwork of fields, forests, and villages. Puffy clouds drift lazily beneath you, casting soft shadows on the land. You catch glimpses of small houses and villages as you pass, the peaceful scenery contrasting sharply with the urgency of your mission.

As you fly past Wall Rose, you glance over at Trost. A familiar scene unfolds beneath you: the machine that Hange had helped build is working flawlessly, crushing titans trying to break through the wall, the massive contraption crushing through their bodies with ease. It's a reassuring sight, but it's not long before you're reminded of the dangers that lie ahead.

You soon find yourself in titan territory.

Just past Trost, you spot them—hoards of titans aimlessly wandering, searching for a victim. There are at least a dozen on the path to Shiganshina. Your dark eyes glance at Levi, and he catches the unspoken question in your gaze. His expression is stoic, but you see the subtle nod of approval. He pats your shoulder with a slight push of his hand.