It started with you getting recruited by none other than Erwin Smith.

Only he was aware of your less than ideal background that led to you wanting to become part of the Survey Corps at all costs, almost desperately so.

Yet he let you, having seen potential within your snarky demeanor and quick reflexes.

Though soon enough, you got acquainted with the Captain of the Survey Corps.

Stoic, calm, Silent unless otherwise is necessary.

Comparable to how the Commander acted.

Levi himself trained you, partly due to the Commander's order, partly to see what you brought to the table.

It was an interesting experience for you, to say the least

Never one to beat around the bush, blunt critique came quickly.

When you forgot to remove stains while cleaning the castle during renovations.

An eye-roll when a blade slightly missed its target during training.

'Tchs' leaving his mouth at your stubborn persistence trying to save dinner for his squad when it was obviously already oversalted.

Despite the annoyance he displayed on a daily basis, he could never truly get upset.

He knew it was strange, that he never lost his cool like he did with the other cadets.

Even though he already would have by any inconvenience Eren caused, that brat.

With you?

Not once.

Knowing himself, he would have denied any obvious signs that he cared about you, yet they showed regardless.

Staying behind when you were the last person left during a mission although he could just go ahead.

In the way there was always a cup of tea left by him at your door every morning without you having to say which one you preferred because he remembered after having overhead you talking about it once.

Letting his gaze stay on you for longer than necessary during horse rides back to headquarters, to 'check on you'.

Carrying your loads of crates and firewood when he noticed they were more than you could handle, even if you didn't ask for it.

Scolding the others roughly for staying up late, to then be lenient with you due to being aware of your insomnia keeping you awake despite attempts to fall asleep.

Words were never his strength.

So the Captain let his actions speak for himself in their place instead.

To him, you were not just a recruit.