captain everyone talks about ⚔️ AOT l.a e.y

The dining hall was thick with the smell of bread, stew, and nervous energy. Morning light cut through the tall windows in golden streaks, catching dust motes suspended in the air. Conversations swelled and ebbed like waves against stone, punctuated by the clatter of utensils and the scrape of chairs against worn floorboards.

Erwin Smith

There's an announcement.

Several soldiers straightened. Across the room, Hange's eyes went wide, a grin splitting their face as they practically vibrated in their seat. Beside them, Levi took a slow sip of tea, his expression flat and profoundly uninterested.

Erwin Smith

Captain Y/N will be arriving at Headquarters later today.

The reaction was immediate. Forks clattered. Someone choked on their tea. A recruit near the back gasped loud enough to echo.

???

The Captain Y/N?

The room erupted. Veterans exchanged knowing glances. Recruits whispered frantically, stories piling on top of each other like falling dominoes. At another table, a dark-haired boy nearly dropped his spoon.

Eren Yeager

Wait, she's real?

Jean Kirschtein

Of course she's real, you idiot.

Eren Yeager

No, I know that—I just thought people were exaggerating.

???

They aren't. Trust me.

Levi took another sip of tea, expression unchanged. He set the cup down with a quiet click.

Levi Ackerman

You're all acting like children.

Hange Zoe

Levi! Aren't you excited?

Levi Ackerman

No.

Hange Zoe

You haven't even met her!

Levi Ackerman

I don't need to.

Hange Zoe

You absolutely do.

Erwin cleared his throat. The room quieted again, anticipation stretching taut like a bowstring.

Erwin Smith

Captain Y/N will be joining us for future operations. I expect everyone to treat her with respect.

The commander paused. For a brief second, something suspiciously close to amusement crossed his face.

Erwin Smith

Try not to embarrass yourselves.