Falling For You (Levi x Reader) Slowburn

Chapter 11:

The mess hall was lively with chatter as the Special Operations Squad gathered for dinner. Y/N noticed her comrades enjoying themselves, but her mind kept returning to the empty seat at their table. Levi wasn't there.

"Where's Captain Levi?" Gunther asked, finally voicing the question that had been nagging at Y/N all evening. His brow furrowed as he looked around as if expecting Levi to show up at any moment.

Oluo leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. "He said he was busy with something," he replied. "He's been acting weird all day. Even Eren noticed it."

Eren, who had been quietly picking at his food, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he seemed... distracted," he added, his voice uncertain as if he was still trying to piece together what he had seen in Levi's behavior.

Y/N bit her lip, her mind racing. Levi wasn't the type to let his guard down, not even around them. For him to act out of character, something had to be bothering him, but what could it be?

Eld's voice cut through Y/N's thoughts, drawing her attention back to the conversation at their table. "We're going to be here for a few days," he said, his tone casual but carrying an undercurrent of seriousness. "I heard rumors that a large-scale expedition beyond the walls is being planned soon. It seems they're planning to bring in new recruits for this expedition."

The mention of a large-scale expedition caused a stir among the squad. Gunther looked up from his meal, a skeptical frown on his face. "Are you sure about that? That's risky. They're too inexperienced to handle something like this. And after what happened in Trost, I don't think many will be eager to join."

Y/N's heart raced as she thought about what this meant for her. She was still figuring out her role and how to handle her responsibilities. The recent fights with Levi had made her doubt herself, but she was resolved to face any challenge. She pushed away her fear and tried to stay strong.

The door to the mess hall opened, and Levi walked in while holding a cup, his usual composed demeanor firmly in place. The chatter in the room fell into an uneasy silence as he took his seat at the table. The squad's eyes followed him, waiting for him to speak.

Levi sat down without acknowledging anyone, his gaze fixed on the table. After a moment, he finally spoke, "What you heard is true. We'll go on an expedition soon, and new recruits will be joining us for it."

The squad members shared worried looks as Levi's words settled in. Petra, looking both concerned and frustrated, asked, "Shouldn't we reconsider? This seems too risky for the mission."

Levi's gaze flickered briefly to Petra before he turned his attention back to the cup he was holding. "It's not up to me to decide. We just have to follow whatever Commander Erwin says."

Y/N watched Levi closely, noticing how he was deliberately avoiding looking at her. The tension between them was palpable, and she could feel the distance growing.

"Well— luckily, with the new formation, our death rate has decreased," Gunther said, trying to sound reassuring but with a trace of grim humor. "Though the new recruits are mostly the ones most exposed to Titans, it might still be challenging."

Eren forced a chuckle, but it was clear he was just as nervous as Y/N. She echoed his laugh, her amusement feeling empty as the gravity of their situation set in.

Anna, maintaining her confident façade, said with a teasing tone, "Eren, you'll probably be in the formation with us, so you should be fine." She then turned to Y/N. "You will most likely be on the outer part of the formation, though..."

Y/N tried to smile, but it felt forced. Anna's comment only deepened her unease. An awkward silence settled over the table as everyone shifted uncomfortably. Petra, sensing the tension, quickly stepped in. "Don't worry, Y/N. You've got the skills to handle your first expedition," she said with a warm smile, offering genuine encouragement.