Vista - Attack on Titan x Reader

CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN: Epiphany

My head hung low as we rode back through the gate, into the confines of Wall Rose. I sat back as far as I could in the shared saddle, so my chest wouldn't press up against Levi. It was early morning now, and I kept my silence as the ravonet explained our absence to the Garrison.

"No...This needs to stop..."

Mire now stationary, I took my chance and slid off, ignoring the Captain's words to me as I trudged towards the barracks. My clothing was still slightly damp, and my gear was loose and clanking against my legs as I walked.

"You're obviously not thinking straight..."

I felt confused, ashamed, and above all, embarrassed. The moment that three letter word, which had so much history for me, was uttered, everything had come to a screeching halt. Levi's demeanor had done a complete one eighty, and that had been that. His only words follwing, whilst avoiding my teary eyes, had been for me to speak a word of it to no one.

What did I do wrong..? Was it because I called him Sir..? Isn't that what he wanted?

It was probably a good thing. I hadn't been drunk, but the alcohol had definitely given me some kind of boost of idiocy. Still, the things that Levi had said to me above the clashing of thunder weren't going to disappear from my mind any time soon.

"(Y/N), there you are." I glanced to my left as Eren jogged up to me, for once his sides clear of Mikasa and Armin.
"I'm not in a great mood, Jaeger. What do you want..?" I sighed, little bite to my tone. The brunet only paused for a moment, clearing his throat as he began to match my pace.

"I...just wanted to make sure you were doing okay. Hange said she saw you and Captain Levi heading out alone, then that storm hit..." He trailed off, and I turned to meet his eyes. I could tell he was being genuine once I searched their depths.

"Yeah, we got caught in it. Only just got back. Neither of us got hurt." I sighed out a reply, slowing my walk into an amble, slipping my thumbs into the waistband of my apron. "Heard you and specs have been working on your hardening thingy. Going well?"

Shrugging, Eren relaxed a little more. It only made sense for him to be a little on edge around me. After all, I had nearly rung his neck before.
"Progress is slow, but I'll succeed. I have to." For once, his hero complex wasn't bugging me, but I chose to pin it on exhaustion.

"Well, I'm rooting for you." We continued walking together for a while, scarce back and forth to avoid a strong silence, until we came to a stop outside the women's housing.
"Hey...have you ever heard of the ocean..?" Eren asked me, seeming somewhat hesitant.

"I've read about it, and Armin's mentioned it too, a few times. I know your little trio made the promise to see it some day." I answered, scuffing my boot against the dusty pavement. Eren nodded, trying to find his words now that he didn't need to explain.
"Well, I'd like you to see it with us, too. All of us. I know you hate me, and I can't blame you, but...will you lend your strength to us when we reclaim Shiganshina..? Wall Rose..?" He extended his hand in offering, and I stared down at it.

See the ocean, huh..?

I had never quite seen the appeal, despite my yearning for freedom. An endless lake, filled with salt and hideous creatures? It didn't sound all that inviting.
"I don't fight when people tell me to, Eren." I announced, making sure to let his shoulders slump all the way before I chose to give him my hand. "I just so happen to want the same things you do. At least, kind of. I suppose you have my support. Besides, I doubt anyone would give me much of a choice in the matter anyway, considering my position."

His grey eyes widened as I spoke, and his lips twitched upwards into a tired smile, one full of appreciation.
"Thank you, (Y/N). This time, I swear it. I won't make any wrong choices." Pulling my hand back, I gave his shin a kick. Nothing too harsh, but enough to make him stumble backwards.
"Don't get me wrong. I still don't trust you very much...but I can tell you mean what you say. Keep working, Eren."