Who's to say they didn't visit the hospital? They might not be there because they left before we entered.

-There's absolutely no sign whatsoever of Berdly's parents being in his hospital room at any given point. You could argue Toby didn't want to waste time on including sprites for them to appear, but that seems like a very flimsy excuse given how much he loves to include obscure stuff that most people might not even see; why wouldn't he put the time to include Berdly's parents in the room if he wanted to avoid any misunderstanding? Not only that, but he also didn't include any stuff in the room that might've been brought in by them, and the receptionist doesn't mention them coming earlier, either. Hell, the heating bottle over his head is room-temperature! So not even small context clues suggest their presence.

Berdly's parent(s) might be busy/on a work trip, maybe they couldn't get to the hospital in time even if they wanted.

-This is the moment when I introduce the golden phrase: they could've assigned him an emergency contact. It's still bad enough by itself if they are so busy that they can't get to the hospital on time for their son's first day of being comatose... But let's assume the best of intentions here, he's a grown teenager after all! He's still in high school though, and even adults get emergency contacts, so where's his?

Berdly's parent(s) might be ill/disabled/bedridden/etc., maybe that's why they couldn't get there.

-While I don't personally believe in this theory, I could admit it makes sense, but, again... they could've assigned him an emergency contact! Maybe they can't go to the hospital and be there with him physically, but that doesn't mean someone else they trust can't.

Berdly's parents might be dead/he's an orphan, maybe that's why no one visits him and why he doesn't talk about his parents.

-I'm gonna be a little more biased than normal on this one and say that this theory is lowkey non-sense and I can't even take it seriously. First of all, there's not a single gravestone that could be Berdly's parents'. Second of all, wouldn't that be implied somewhere, even by someone else than Berdly, at the very least? And third of all, why would Toby repeat the dead bird parent thing with Berdly when he has already done it with Snowy of all people??? Even if we ignore all of that and say he has their remains in his house or something, excusing them of any responsability about his issues because they are literally dead... he would be experiencing neglect by the other town folk instead! They could've assigned him an emergency contact, and yet, they didn't.

Maybe they aren't that strict and think he is with friends.

-I haven't seen anyone say this, but I'm covering all of the possibilities I can think of here, so whatever. Even if they are less strict, that doesn't mean it's okay for them to not realize their child hasn't come home at the time he always does, or to not call him to make sure he's okay. This is quite literally one of the main reasons why Susie's (also absent) parents read as neglectful too in chapter 2. They most likely would've been called by the hospital too.

Maybe they had an accident?? That prevented them from getting??? There????

-No one has said this ever and I don't think anyone believes this– but, again, I'm trying to cover everything and this is the only thing I can think of that could remotely excuse their silence. It's not like the answer is that different from the others, tho. You guys get the deal 😭

Maybe they don't like to be around him because he's obnoxious and an asshole.

-stfu

My humble conclusion: there's not really a conclusion, becuz even now most things are kinda vague. Everything I'm saying here makes it sound like Berdly's parents are the worst parents alive, but knowing Toby's way of writing parents, I'm 95% sure they actually care about him for the most part, and are just misdirected. It's just kinda strange to see some people talk like the Weird Route in chapter 4 didn't basically confirm what others have been figuring out based on context clues already.

Were most of the "Berdly is neglected" suppositions in the chapter 2 era based on the Universal Mother Theory and (seemingly) arbitrary characteristics of his attitude? Absolutely, but now there's no doubt about some deegree of emotional neglect being involved, with chapter 4 giving us very obvious proof.

I'm making this post NOT because I think the coma situation is the only actual proof of him getting neglected at home, but because I don't think enough people take it as face-value as they should tbh. At the end of the day, I do believe he's intentionally written with emotional neglect in mind and that his character is directly influenced by it on purpose (especially regarding his attitude around adult figures). I'm not trying to police people's headcanons about Berdly's parents, I'm just pointing out what the canon is giving us and why it all points out to this certain conflict in Berdly's life. You can think whatever you want about his parents (or caretakers idk), but there should be no denial to their parenting skills not being ideal– yes, even if they do appear later on and even if they are all lovely-dovey with him, because they were irresponsible enough to not assign an alternate number for emergencies like hospitalization even then. The time passed is also not an excuse when he basically went missing since the night before. You can say whatever you want about the parenting skills of Carol, Asgore and Toriel, but I'm a 100% sure they would at least show up the first day of their kid's coma, or assign someone else to do it in their place until they can arrive.

Parameters have been previously established in the event where Shiv was compromised. The back doors leading to the Brotherhood’s armory and file room are under heavy security. Since no one else knows the passwords, Brotherhood-member -by-trial Sammy has instructions to man the front counter and move any/all inquiries to a later date. Sammy is also free to put up any/all pride decorations in Washtub to his heart’s content. It’s safe to assume that Shiv is away on an extended hunt but there are little details scattered across the premises that could suggest otherwise. Shiv’s silver buggy is still parked in its designated parking spot behind Washtub. Sammy had to clean out the unfinished coffee mug sitting by the windowsill. Right next to their phone and apartment key… Surely, all is well.

—

Kanta’s mind is not well. A dream that was previously flooded with murky water has now been drained completely dry. Great waves of white sand stretch for miles underneath a blinding hot sun. Magical residue clogs the air like a miasma. It weighs heavy on Kanta’s very being, clinging and seeping into every pore as the tattoos running along their back sing in agony.  There’s something missing. Not just within the skin on their back but in their mind as a whole. Everything is missing.  No fear. No memory. No emotion. No tools, Kanta has to claw through the sand with their hands to recover what was lost. The bleached landscape is painted red with the blood oozing beneath their nails, staining their fingertips. They’ve dug long enough to feel pain, recognize dread, mourn loss. But there’s still so much sand to cover. And with gain Kanta recovers, twice as much slips between their fingers.  Kanta remembers how to speak. They cry out into the abyss.  No one can hear their screams.

—

Shiv’s body is elsewhere. Eyes closed, disconnected from consciousness.  Placed in a guestroom of the woman who haunts their nightmares. Well cared for, washed and dried, laced with the scent of sandalwood soap. It’s been ten days since they've last been seen in the laundromat. Ten days since Thera found them chewed up and spat out.  Ten days since their magic induced coma began. But surely all will be well.

—

That's why Robin is now enveloped by Miranda’s strong arms, being held against the blonde's chest and being deposited so very carefully on the warm sand. 

Miranda’s arms linger a little longer than would be normal, and at the same time they leave too soon. It all lasts too little, and yet to Robin it feels like a lifetime. She can still smell Miranda’s delicate soap scent lingering around her, mixing with the saltiness of the seaside air. It is as if Robin has found something in those arms, something she didn't know she had lost. 

"There you go!" comes the cheerful voice from up above her head, and Robin tries to once again focus on her job, on her professionalism, pulling her usual mask back on her face. But as she looks up, she can see a warm understanding in the deep blue eyes above her, and that shakes her even more than the unexpected hug did. 

*

"What is she to you?"

Adrian looks at her accusingly from across Miranda’s hospital bed, pain and regret distorting his face. For a man who's still married to his wife while trying to build a family with Miranda, he sure doesn't make much of an effort to hide the jealousy in his voice, Robin notices. 

Hypocrite. As if he was the only one allowed to care. 

But Miranda wouldn't want her to lash out at him, however much Robin wants to - he was supposed to be the one directing the mission, he was the one supposed to have contingency plans and safety measures in place, he was the one who should have kept Miranda safe - so instead she focuses on his question.

What is she to you? 

Robin thinks of the ease with which Miranda reached over and held her hand while they walked side by side. She thinks of the tears that they have shed together. She thinks of Miranda’s arms around her, holding her, grounding her, keeping her together. She thinks of the special, secret smile that lit up the constable's face when her eyes found Robin's from across the room.

"She's my friend." The word feels wrong in her mouth - to reduce what she had with Miranda to simple friendship feels unfair, especially now - and yet, theirs was not a romantic relationship either, was it? Miranda had Adrian, after all, and Robin...well, Robin didn't need anyone else.

"A friend she'd take a bullet for."

"As I would for her."

"I wish you had." 

Robin's eyes travel along Miranda’s body, looking so uncharacteristically small under the bandages, the tubes and the wires that keep her together - that keep her alive - and finds that his words don't hurt her as he probably wanted them to. 

"I wish I had too."

*

He stops visiting after a while, and Robin is both relieved and angry. Relieved not to meet him anymore - the tense silences in the hospital room wore her out more than the loneliness does - but angry, because how dare he abandon Miranda. Word around the station is that he patched things up with his wife and Robin can't help but think how heartbroken Miranda will be when she wakes up and hears the news. 

Because she's going to wake up. 

Robin squeezes the long, slender hand she's holding, as Miranda used to do with hers when she could feel Robin was upset. 

She's going to wake up and Robin will be there when she does. 

The nurses stop trying to make Robin leave the room when visiting hours end. The people from HR stop asking her how much longer her carer's leave will be. Robin stops counting the days. 

It feels as if her whole world is waiting with bated breath for Miranda to wake up. 

Robin keeps holding her hand, waiting. 

*

"Hey." 

Miranda’s voice is rough and crackly, her lips are chapped and her cheeks are sunken in, and yet her small, tentative, tired smile is the most beautiful work of art Robin could imagine admiring, her voice the sweetest song ever heard. 

She can now admit to herself that a part of her had been terrified to not be able to hear her voice, to see her smile anymore. 

She squeezes that soft hand once again, and this time the long fingers wrap around hers. 

"I had the weirdest dreams." 

And it's such a Miranda thing to say after being in a coma for weeks on end, that Robin can't hold herself back anymore and - carefully, delicately - hugs Miranda around her shoulders, and what starts falling from her lips as a laughter quickly turns into sobs as all of her fear, her sorrow, her guilt finally come out. Miranda’s hands come trembling up - even this small movement is such an effort for her - and land on her back, soothing, comforting.

*

When the doctors clear Miranda to go back home, with strict orders not to tire herself out too much, Robin puts her foot down and convinces her to come stay at her place - only for now, she reasons, until you get your energies back.  Miranda accepts, looking at her with that soft, understanding look that makes Robin stammer and bluster and remind her that it's just because Miranda needs someone to keep her in check otherwise she would overexert herself within five minutes of being home. 

Miranda doesn't say anything, and just smiles down at her, her eyes crinkling up as if they had just shared a secret joke. 

That evening, when she sees Robin bringing her pillow and linens to the couch, she's the one putting her foot down, and telling her not to be ridiculous and just come to bed. She holds her arms open, welcoming, and as Robin curls up against her side, she can't help but think of how perfectly she fits into the blonde's embrace, and she allows herself to simply bask in the happiness that she only finds in Miranda’s arms. 

The sight was entirely haunting, your body limp in the unnaturally white linens of a hospital bed. Your mouth closed tightly, eyes closed in a medical slumber. How Levi longed to hear the unspoken words to pour out of your lips, to hear your smart mouth in place of the shallow breaths that left your throat. You were caked in dried blood, nearly black in color, weeks having been passed since that day he rescued you from the battlefield. It was with a nauseating realization when he found you that the blood hadn’t steamed away, no, it was indeed your own.

Levi’s hand smoothed over the knotted tresses of your hair resting on your cheek. He was exhausted, but he didn’t dare leave your side. He wouldn’t miss the moment you finally opened your eyes, cleared your dry throat, and showed him some kind of message of life. Because right now, you looked too much like death — the damned thing he knew all too well.

“Levi, you need to rest,” he felt the light pressure of Hange’s palm on his shoulder. “She’s healing right now, there’s not much you can do.”

“I’m fine, Hange,” Levi lazily shrugged their hand off.

“No you’re not Levi,” Hange sighed, moving to his side to allow him to see their form clearly. “You haven’t left her room in two weeks, you’ve barely eaten. You haven’t slept, even less than what you usually do.”

“I said I’m fine,” his voice was sharp, cold. “Leave us alone.”

Hange’s lips tightened into a line, body slumping at his words. Hange knew that same song just as well. Hange knew that your survival was a gamble, but didn’t dare to clarify that to Levi. He had enough to deal with, torturing himself day and night as he stayed loyal to your bedside.

“We’re worried about you,” Hange spoke, beginning to turn away from the depressing show. “Do me, yourself, her a favor and take care of yourself. If she wakes up and sees you like this, you might be the one taking her place in that hospital bed.”

“When she wakes up,” Levi corrected venomously, bloodshot eyes glaring daggers at their retreat. Hange only nodded, offering a small smile as they closed the door behind them, enclosing Levi and your mangled body.

“When,” he whispered, greedily retreating his gaze back to your face. “When.”

It felt like you were rotting. You could feel the dry squeeze of your organs, the tightness of your throat. All your thoughts brimmed behind your closed lips, your eyes glued shut. You couldn’t feel your skin, only the overwhelming wilting decay of your insides. It was pure, agonizing pain, and you couldn’t show a single hint of your blinding discomfort.

You could hear voices, but everything sounded as if you were submerged underwater. You were convinced you were dead, but had the terrifying realization you were very much alive as you felt the sharp stings of your lungs as your body breathed for you.

It took an entire week to begin losing the numbness in your toes and fingers, and you wished you were able to cry at the accomplishment. You flexed them as hard as you could, merely a twitch, but still, it was more than what you had before.

By that third week, you could feel your skin again. It was incredibly cold wherever you were, and you could perceive every single goosebump rising across your body. The bubbling of sounds were dissipating, and you could make out words, though only simple ones.

“You must be cold,” you hung onto the word ‘cold’ as a deep hoarse voice rasped. “You have goosebumps everywhere. Where’s that fucking nurse? Gonna’ get you another blanket.”

‘Blanket’, yes that’s exactly what you wanted. Making out the screech of an object, presumably a chair, you heard the thud of footsteps then the closing of a door. Time didn’t really exist to you, everything was fading into one big black void, but you felt the warmth of a heavy covering over your body.

“Her fever is breaking,” you felt the back of a hand on your forehead, a much livelier and light voice spoke. “Her stomach is healing as well, we should be able to take her off her medication soon.”

“Soon? But she’s not even awake yet,” the darker voice hissed.

“We’ll wean her dosage down first,” the lighter one explained. “Starting tonight, hopefully that’ll get her to wake up.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“She won’t die on our watch, Captain Levi.”

Levi. You wanted to scream. Levi. Levi. Levi.

“She’s not going to die, end of discussion.”

“We’re doing everything we can, sir. Would you like some tea? You look like you could use a cup.”

Levi.

“Just bring me the kettle and my tea bags from my office.”

“Yes, sir.”

Levi. Levi. Levi.

If you weren’t burning with pain before, you felt it sizzling now in every crevice of your body. Levi was here, that deep raspy voice was Levi. You never wanted, needed, something more than him right now. To touch him, talk to him, tell him everything was okay, you were okay. To kiss him, hold him, reassure him.

The tingles of cold fingertips brushing against your forehead nearly stirred you in shock. It was reassuring, light and gentle as you felt the strokes against your temples.

“Please, wake up soon, brat.”

Levi.

You could finally see, although it wasn’t the sight you hoped for. It wasn’t a view you ever wanted to see again. Rotting titans laying all around you, you could see your own body, floating high above yourself. You realized with horror you were dreaming. At least you hoped this was a dream, not your soul outside of your corpse, because fuck, did you look dead.

You laid, stomach slashed open, your blades broken and dull at your sides. Your eyes blinked slowly, heavy loud breaths pulled from your lips. You were gasping for air, sputtering out coughs, but you looked almost relaxed. You had slaughtered the titans around you, but the mission failed. The 57th expedition was a complete and utter failure.

The sudden onset of memories flooded back to you. You had broken away from the group protecting the titan forest, determined to relieve your comrades of the imposed threats. You had killed quite a number, but as you soared further and further away from your comrades shouting at you to stop, to come back, you realized you were in too deep. Too far away to return, you remembered thinking how stupid you had been, so naïve to believe you could handle the overwhelming amount of titans. Your diversion worked at least, they were all flocking to you as you hopped from titan to titan.

As you sliced through the nape of your unbeknownst final kill, a ten meter, it had reached up and sliced its finger nail straight through your torso. You fell at the same rapid speed, your breath and mobility knocked clean out of you. The other titans were called back to the forest by a thunderous roar, not recognizing your fallen form. In a passing thought, you sort of hoped that they would’ve just come to swallow you whole, if nothing else than to speed up your death.

You watched over your body again, nearly sick as you took in the sight of your abdomen gory and oozing. That can’t be me, you thought as you floated outside of your body, but it was you. You couldn’t feel a single thing, not even in this form. You were completely removed, just like you had been when it happened. Adrenaline coursed through your body, completely and utterly in shock.

The sight of Levi whisking onto the field, shouts leaving his lips, slammed into you hard, knocking your floating self back to your body. You connected as one, but had the consciousness you lacked in that crucial moment.

Levi called your name as he reached you, scooping you into his arms, “Don’t you fucking die on me. C’mon, we’re retreating. Stay with me!”

You had so dumbly smiled up at him as Levi’s odm gear carried him back to the walls, the Scouts not far behind. You were flying.

It was with a gasp and an onset of furious pain that broke your dream, and everything hit you all at once. The lights were too fucking bright, your body ached worse than you had ever felt before, and it felt like you had never had the blessing of a drop of water in your life.

“Levi!” you tried to call out, squinting at the harsh light. Your voice was too frail, not even working properly as the sounds never reached your own ears.

“Levi!” you tried again. It worked, though raspy and hoarse.

Freezing hands cradled your cheeks, raven hair falling into your line of vision. It was still hazy and out of focus, but you could make out Levi’s steel eyes as they brimmed with tears, “You’re awake?”

You attempted to nod, unable to fully, “Water.”

Levi couldn’t reach the full glass faster at the bedside, and it was pushed to your lips as he angled your head, “Drink.”

You gulped down rapidly, almost moaning at the instant relief to your throat and mouth. The last drop hit your tongue, and soon he was reaching for the pitcher accompanying the glass to refill it. You chugged that glass, and another, and another.

When you finally felt quenched enough to speak, your voice quivered and cracked, “Levi, where am I?”

“Hospital,” his voice mirrored your own, his bottom lip pulled between his teeth. “You almost died.”

“I’m sorry,” you choked, hot tears threatening to spill any water you had just consumed.

“You’re such an idiot,” Levi growled, his hands tightening the hold on your head. “You almost died, and you’re sorry?”

You opened your mouth to speak again, but a series of coughs prevented you from doing so. His grip lightened, moving to cup the back of your neck, propping you up as he moved your pillow higher.

“You need air,” he voiced to explain his actions. The oxygen flowed freely through your nose, and you felt disgusting, “I’ll get the doctor.”

Your hand shot to his quickly retreating one, a plea in your eyes as you whimpered, “Don’t leave.”

His eyes softened, the back of his hand coming to stroke your cheek gently, “I’m not. You need to see the doctor. You’ve been asleep for a little bit.”

You managed to nod, fear consuming your body. How long had you been out?

Levi’s exit was fast, calling out in the hallway by the door for a doctor who’s name didn’t sound familiar, but soon enough he was back at your side, clutching your hand in his. The doctor, you didn’t recognize her face, came barreling in.

“You really are awake,” she sighed. This was the voice you had heard before, “How are you feeling?”

“Hurts,” you rasped, pointing to your throat.

“Yes of course, we’ll give you something for that. Just need to drink plenty of fluids, that should help you out a lot,” she offered a smile, coming over beside your bed. “I’ve got a few things to fill you in on, then I’m going to take some vitals. If it’s too much, just raise your hand for me, okay?”

You nodded lazily as she continued, “You know who you are, your age and name?” You nodded again. “Good, good. You had a really bad wound, your stomach was sliced open, we have it bandaged, and your body seems to be healing very well. We’ve had you on painkillers, as well as inducing you into a medical coma. You’ve been asleep for almost four weeks now.”

Four weeks, your brain processed. You couldn’t stop your fingers from trailing down to your torso, indeed feeling the thick gauze of the said bandages. It wrapped from the tops of your breasts past your navel, and you realized with a start this was the only material covering your upper half.

“We’ll have you on a strict routine to get you back in shape, but for now,” her voice lowered, eyes hardened. “You’ll be on bed rest for the foreseeable future. Captain Levi will inform you about your position in the Scouts, and I’ll leave that for him to discuss with you. I’m going to take your vitals now, honey. Do you think you could give me a number between one and five to tell me your pain level?”

You didn’t hesitate to throw up your entire hand to signal a five. The doctor simply nodded, reaching over to a table behind her to grab a bottle of pills, pulling out two capsules. She handed them to you with another glass of water, filled to the brim. You swallowed the medicine without question, and chugged down the glass.

In complete silence, she reached for a sphygmomanometer, wrapping the cuff around your closest bicep to take your blood pressure. Afterwards, she instructed you to take deep breaths as she pressed the flat end of her stethoscope against the exposed plains of your chest and back, listening in to your heart beat. You didn’t know if any of it was good as she jotted down the results in her notepad, nodding silently to Levi. She exited, informing you she’d be back shortly.

You felt a bit more confident in your voice now as you turned your attention to your captain, “Scouts?”

Levi sighed, his hand still intertwined with yours, “We can talk about it another time, you just woke up.”

“Scouts,” you demanded again, eyebrows furrowing in mild anger.

The corners of his mouth twitched, “Even on the brink of death, you’re still as stubborn as ever.”

You squeezed his hand, your voice cracking as you raised it, “Scouts.”

“Until you’re better,” his free hand swiped across your cheek, pushing back strands of your hair. “You’re on medical leave. If you’re permanently disabled, you’ll be honorably relieved of your duties.”

“No,” you choked out, bottom lip quivering as tears finally spilled over your eyes. “No.”

“Erwin and I made the call. You can’t fight like this, you’ll die just getting on a horse,” Levi darkened his tone. “Everyone’s been worried sick, you know?”

It was almost on cue as the door slammed open, ripping both your attentions away as the crowd of your friends came bolting into the room, crying out your name. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin looked on in shock, and your heart warmed.

“Guys!” you sputtered, causing a string of coughs again from the excessive use of your vocal cords.

“Cadets,” Levi hissed out. “She can’t talk yet.”

“But she’s awake!” Eren protested, fists clenching at his sides. “We just want to see her!”

“When she can handle it,” Levi ordered, threatening to stand from his chair by your bed.

“‘S okay,” you whispered, smiling at your friends. “I’m okay.”

“Eren, she’s really bad,” Armin’s eyes were wide, hand pulling on Eren’s sleeve. “We should let her rest.”

Mikasa called out your name in a hiccup, your heart breaking as she cried, “We’ll come see you soon, okay?”

“We’re going to see her now,” Eren barked, strutting right over to the side of your bed. He didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around your body. You nearly blacked out from the pain of your torso being flushed against his chest, yelping at the contact.

Levi’s touch left your hand as he raced over to the other side, grabbing the back of Eren’s shirt and yanking him off of you. His fist flew through the air, landing on Eren’s cheek, causing him to stagger back a few steps.

“Don’t fucking touch her!” Levi commanded in the loudest voice you’d ever heard the man speak in. “Out! Now!”

Eren looked down at you in pure sympathy, the flood of his own tears leaking down his cheeks, “I’m, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think—“

“You never think! Leave!” Levi practically threw Eren back into the arms of Mikasa and Armin, who looked on in horror. “If any of you touch her again, I’ll chop off each and every last one of your fucking fingers, am I understood?”

Their mouths hung open, shaking violently as you sobbed from the immense amount of pain flooding your senses. Levi’s voice did not waver as he boomed again, “Am I understood?”

“Yes, Captain,” Armin stuttered out, nearly tripping over himself as he backed away.

Levi pushed the three out of the room in a swift motion, slamming the door in their faces. You couldn’t protest, sobs racking your chest. You wanted nothing more than to race out of your hospital bed and chase after them, swallowing them all in the biggest hug you could muster.

Levi spun on his heel, cursing out and coming to your aide, “Where does it hurt?”

“Everywhere,” you sniffled, the ache of pain swarming your entire body.

He pulled back the thin sheet, discovering the fresh scarlet red of blood blooming over your bandages, “Fuck, fuck! Don’t move!”

Levi raced back to the door, screaming desperately for a doctor. You passed out quickly after he returned to your side with the aid of a few doctors, the pain of your bandages coming off your torso too overwhelming.

“You’re going to be okay, you hear me?” you could’ve sworn you heard the trembling cry leave Levi’s lips as consciousness slipped from you. “You’ll be okay.”

The light was gone when you fluttered your eyes open again. Your hand immediately went to grasp the sheet splayed across your body, tugging it past your navel. You couldn’t see any darkness of blood on your bandages, although you weren’t entirely sure due to the lack of light. They felt fresh at least.

“Thank God you’re awake.”

“Levi?” your voice was much more clear as you turned your attention to the ravenette lounging in his chair to your side.

“I’m here, darling,” his hand reached for the one on your stomach, gently moving it closer to him, weaving his fingers through yours. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, surprisingly,” you blinked, testing your body by pushing yourself up into a seated position.

“Oi,” his arms shot out to guide you. “Ask for help before moving, you’re still not healed.”

“‘M sorry for worrying you,” you felt the sharp stings of your throat, wanting to reach out for a glass of water, but felt entirely too weak. “Water, please.”

Levi poured yet another glass full of the cold liquid, holding the rim to your lips, tilting your head back with his free hand, “You’re awake now, that’s all that matters.”

You gulped down the last drop, and your windpipe was finally feeling somewhat lubricated enough to give you confidence to speak in a full sentence, “He didn’t know, please don’t be mad at Eren.”

Levi diverted his eyes to the plains of your bandages, “He could’ve killed you. He reopened your stitches. You didn’t tear them too bad though, you didn’t lose much progress on your healing.”

Your fingers reached for his cheek, Levi sighing as he rested against your palm, “Have you been sleeping?”

“No,” he answered flatly. “But I never really do.”

“Levi,” you started, ready to nag him.

He cut you off before you could, “I just kept seeing it — you. Except you had died on the field. Then when I wasn’t dreaming about that, it was you dying in the hospital. I’m not entirely sure you’re not dead now, and I’ve just completely lost my mind.”

Your thumb swiped over his lips, and you felt your heart sink to the pit of your stomach, “I’m here, I’m alive. I’m not going anywhere, Levi. I’m too spiteful.”

An uncharacteristic chuckle vibrated the ravenette as he placed a kiss on your palm, “That’s for sure, you really are stubborn.”

“I really need a shower,” you suddenly said, you could smell yourself, no wonder Levi thought you could be actually dead.

“Not until your stomach is healed. I can try to wash you, if that’s alright with you?” Levi offered, eyes locked in on yours.

You nodded, smiling gently. He pecked your palm once more before standing from his chair, heading straight into the bathroom connected to your hospital room. You heard clanking and the sound of water, Levi returning shortly after with a small basin filled with soapy water, accompanied with a sponge and a washcloth. You almost sobbed when you saw a hairbrush dangling from his other hand.

“My hair first, please,” you requested, dragging your fingertips through the blood caked tresses. “How come I wasn’t cleaned before?”

“Every time we tried to move you, your breathing stopped, so I told the doctors not to touch you,” he coolly explained as he placed the basin behind your head, guiding it backwards.

“You were actually jealous, huh?” you joked lightly, groaning as he began to scratch at your scalp with soap covered hands.

Levi smirked lightly, “I’ve been the only one to touch you, so it seems fair.”

No wound or circumstance would ever prevent that flustered heat from reaching your cheeks you discovered, “Look at you making sex jokes.”

“My woman has been on the brink of death for an entire month. I think I’m allowed to,” he mused as he guided your lathered head back to the basin. “Shit, I’m going to need to fill this up again.”

Levi was racing back to the bathroom after settling a neatly folded towel under your head, returning back with the basin and the entire bottle of shampoo. Muttering that you would need another wash, you closed your eyes in contentment as he set to work back on your scalp.

“Feels good,” you sighed out after Levi ran the shampoo through your hair a second time.

“Waters running clear now, I’ll be right back.”

Another quick trip to the bathroom, somehow Levi came back even faster. You watched him out of the corner of your eyes as he wrapped the towel around your soaking hair, tucking the strands in neatly. Once your hair was settled, he pulled the rest of the sheet down off your body.

“Who changed me while I was asleep?” you asked, eyeing the material of your favorite shorts. You definitely weren’t wearing those when you were fighting titans.

“I did of course,” Levi huffed, dipping the sponge into the soapy water basin. “Like I would ever let someone else undress you.”

You smiled lightly as he pressed the warm liquid to your neck, stroking as he cleaned your skin diligently, “Or bathe me, apparently.”

His steel orbs flashed to yours, a hint of a smirk on the corners of his lips, “Apparently. Now, stay still. I don’t want to spill any water on the bed.”

You hummed in relief as Levi gently smoothed over your collarbones, scrubbing the tops of your shoulders. His gaze was focused on his work, careful and quick to not let the water drip down to your fresh bandages. He set work to each arm, gentle and nimble as he scrubbed, bringing your fingertips up to his lips after he finished with each arm. You smiled in serenity, giggling lightly. Levi thought he’d never hear the blessed sound ever again.

Levi placed himself at the end of the hospital bed, folding the forgotten sheets to the side to allow better access. He placed your left foot first on the tops of his thighs, diligently cleaning from your toes to your knee. He bent and molded the flesh of your leg around cautiously, flickering his eyes to gauge your reaction, worried he was hurting you by moving you so much.

“Wait,” you called out, your eyebrows scrunched together.

“Did I hurt you?” Levi was quick to drop your leg back to its original position.

“No, not at all. I’m sore,” you groaned. “Think you could stretch me out a bit?”

Levi snorted obnoxiously, “You’ve been awake less than a day, and you’re already wanting me to climb into bed with you?”

“Can you blame me? I’ve got a smoking hot nurse,” your smile was light, eyes drooping as he picked your leg up, bending it at the knee and stretching your muscles.

Levi pressed a chaste kiss to the inside of your ankle, “I missed you, brat.”

Your hand shot to cradle his cheek, smoothing your thumb over his pouty lips, “I’m sorry.”

His eyes shot down, a frown deepened on his face as he pushed your hand off his cheek gently, “C’mon, let me finish washing you. You need to get some rest.”

You were determined to finally stand on your own two feet. You had grown tired of Levi playing nurse about a week and a half later. He doted on you like you were a child, cooing at you and treating you as if you were going to break at any moment. Yes, maybe you were fragile at the moment, but your ego and pride felt bruised the longer he attempted to keep you tied to your hospital bed.

Your knees trembled under your weight, hands planted firmly on your hospital bed. Levi had left you to take a shower, promising his hasty return. This was your perfect opportunity, nurses and doctors on their lunch hour, a routine you had memorized. Completely alone, without the disruption or chastising of anyone, you felt pride as you had slid yourself off the bed.

Your ankles burned, blood flowing throughout your lower half freely now. It felt like a billion pins and needles poked and prodded your legs, but your will kept you from crawling back to your bed. You slowly removed your hands from the safety of the mattress, an incredulous laugh leaving your lips. You unfortunately overestimated your mobility as you went tumbling down to your ass.

You stuck your bottom lip out in defeat, thick tears brimming your lash line as you crossed your arms over your chest. You felt a sob tickle in your chest, and you took a deep breath as the fat tears rolled over your cheeks. You felt utterly defeated.

You heard the jingle of the doorknob, your heart racing. When the sight of Levi’s soaking hair poked through the door frame, you sniffled hard, rubbing at your eyes with the back of your hands.

Levi’s mouth and eyes widened as he shot to your crumpled form, “What happened? Are you alright?”

You nodded stubbornly, lip quivering as you avoided eye contact, opting for the ceramic tiles of the floor. Levi rushed to secure his grip on you, locking a firm arm under your knees and around your back as he hoisted you back to the security of your hospital bed.

“What happened?” he firmly asked once more when he pulled the soft blanket on your bed up to your chin.

You blinked back hot tears as Levi smoothed his hand over the top of your head, “I just wanted to stand up.”

“I know, my love,” Levi brought you forward to place a sweet kiss on your forehead. “You’re just not ready yet.”

You couldn’t hold back the anger as you pouted once more, “Quit babying me! Levi you haven’t let me see any of my friends since I woke up, the doctors are barely allowed to touch me! What’s your deal?”

Levi removed all touch from your body as he stared at you with a stoic expression, “My deal?”

“I’m sick and tired of being cooped up in this stupid hospital room,” you threw a longing glance to the window, the sun glimmering high in the sky. “I can’t do anything!”

His fingers linked under your chin in a tight grasp as he forced your attention back to his face, “In case you’ve forgotten, brat, you almost fucking died. You’re not going to be magically healed overnight.”

You slapped his hand away with as much force as you could muster, “I am not a child, Levi!”

“You sure are acting like one,” his cold grey eyes narrowed, crossing his legs at the knee as he sat on the edge of your bed. “Stop throwing a fit and tell me what your problem is.”

Your bottom lip quivered as you pulled it between your teeth, wrapping your arms around yourself as you whispered out, “I almost died.”

Levi’s expression softened dramatically, “Yeah, but you didn’t.”

“But I should have.”

“There’s no such thing as should have. You survived, end of story.”

“It would’ve been meaningless,” you clarified as you tilted your head down.

“That’s absolutely not true,” his hand shot to your forearm, eyes flickering across your sunken face. You looked utterly defeated, “Oi, look at me.”

You spared the ravenette a sorrowful glance, “I was stupid and made a bad decision, and it almost costed me my life. I’m not worthy enough to be in the Scouts.”

“Worthy?” Levi hissed through a clenched jaw. “You think saving humanity is about worth?”

“I don’t even know anymore,” a silent tear escaped your left eye.

“You’re worth more than what you think. Even if you are an idiot,” he muttered, anger dissipating behind his steel orbs. “I wouldn’t have spent a month at your bedside if you weren’t.”

“Cut the shit, Levi,” you laughed darkly, lacking any trace of humor. “We had sex a few times, big deal. You’re acting as if we were actual lovers.”

“Were we not?” his voice sounded hoarse, and guilt flooded your belly upon seeing his expression crack.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that,” you backtracked, your hand locking his grip on your forearm in place. “We never really talked about it, did we?”

“You are mine, and I am yours, isn’t that enough?” Levi breathed out, a deep crease set in between his eyebrows.

“But aren’t we just using each other?” you hiccupped, fresh streams of liquid pouring down your cheeks.

“I wouldn’t have saved you if that were true. I wouldn’t be here right now,” Levi gulped down a sudden flurry of panic. “I’m not good with my words, but I’m not here just to fuck you.”

“I’m sorry,” you closed your eyes, feeling the snap of all the built up frustration and sadness. You almost lost everything, and here you were, trying to lose even more. “Levi, I love you. You were the last thing on my mind when I thought I was going to die, and I was so regretful I never had the chance to tell you.”

Levi moved your arms to lay in front of you, grasping onto your hands and threading his fingers through yours, “I know it’s a lot to deal with, all of this. The sooner you get better, the faster you’ll be able to stand on your own again and annoy the shit out of me. You’re going to make it through this, we’re going to make it through this.”

You let a small smile twitch at the corners of your lips, “Levi.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you, for everything,” you breathed, the last of your tears drying in your eyes.

“You’d do the same for me,” Levi brought your knuckles to his mouth, pressing a kiss to each finger.

“I never thought you’d be like this, you know?” you mused after a quiet pause. “Affectionate, I mean.”

Levi’s eyes were soft, inviting and warm as he spoke honestly, “You put some things into perspective for me.”

“Turns out you’re a big softie, aren’t you Captain?” you teased, feeling a thousand times lighter. You were grateful for the ravenette in front of you, for always being there. Whether it was in the comfort under the night sky talking about death, or the sensual passionate rousing's of love making, Levi was there. He was practically an angel.

“Don’t tell anyone, or I really will sign those extermination papers,” he grumbled, his threat empty.

“Nope, I don’t mind keeping this all to myself,” you yanked at his hands, pulling him closer. Levi ducked his head to brush his nose against yours, and you breathily hummed, “Please, can you kiss me now? I promise I won’t break.”

“Not so sure of that, my love,” but he complied, dipping his lips to meet yours. This kiss was different from all the other ones you had shared previously, lacking the promise of any sexual intentions. It was pure, truthful, you would even go as far to describe it as golden.

It broke faster than either of you wanted, but Levi couldn’t stop himself from being delicate with you. He worried about you, careful with every move. You weren’t out of the woods yet, he wasn’t going to push you.

“If you ever feel the need to be a big girl and try and stand on your own again,” Levi growled without anger against your lips. “Don’t.”

An entire month had passed after you regained your consciousness, you realized as the doctors unwrapped your bandages. This would be the first time you’d be moving without the linens keeping your torso wrapped tightly, the first time you’d really get to spend time discovering your scar.

“Are you still feeling okay?” your main doctor asked in her sweet voice, the last patch of gause to shortly be removed.

“Yeah, still good,” you gulped, flashing your eyes to Levi who stood watching you observantly to the side. “I’m ready to get this thing off of me.”

She let out a distracted chuckle, and finally you felt the cold brush of air against your stomach, “It’s off! Wow, you healed very well, the stitches seem to have dissolved by now, too.”

You peered down at your middle. A thin, jagged angry red scar traced at an angle from the bottom of your ribs on your right side down to your left hip. She was right at least, it was entirely closed up now. Your fingers trailed down to the new feature, feeling the dip of skin where the cut had been the deepest.

This was your last step to freedom, taking off these bandages. You had gained all mobility back, granted you’d definitely have to train your body to rejoin the Scouts. When Eren and the others were finally allowed permission to visit you, he was more than adamant that he wouldn’t go easy on you when the two of you would finally spar again. Mostly, the brunette had just been overjoyed he didn’t accidentally kill you, worried sick that his stubbornness had gotten in the way of rationality.

Armin would swing by to read you books, and bring you snacks. Mikasa would usually accompany either boy, silently sitting back in the conversations. She watched you like a hawk though, and would constantly ask you questions about your wellbeing. Fuck, she pretty much harassed any of the nurses any time a wince or groan would leave your lips from moving around too much. Jean, Connie, and Sasha all visited as well, showering you with ‘get well’s and hugs whenever your body could handle it. You felt so grateful, you had so many friends. And that’s exactly what they were; finally, your friends.

You flickered your attention over to Levi, an overwhelming fear of what his reaction would be. Would he find you repulsive now in this scarred state? Would this be the final straw to over two months of doting and obsessing over your care?

“It looks a lot better than I thought it would,” he mumbled, his eyes scanning you from top to bottom. “I was expecting a lot more gore.”

Your heart swelled as you looked over the collection of doctors and nurses, eyes landing on your captain as you spoke, “Thank you guys, for literally saving my life.”

“Don’t mention it,” your primary doctor sheepishly smiled. “Just don’t do it again, alright? You scared us all shitless.”

A bark of a laugh left your lips, “Trust me, I hope I never have to see any of your faces ever again. I mean that in the nicest way.”

“Agreed,” she giggled, her smile turning gentle as she clapped her hands together. “Alright, that’s it then! You’re free to go! Of course, we will need you to get regular check ups with the Survey Corps nurses and doctors. Just to make sure you’re not having any complications, alright?”

You nodded eagerly, swinging your knees as you sat on the mattress of your now former bed, “Can do, doctor.”

“Take care of yourself,” she placed a light hand on your shoulder for a moment, turning away to collect her staff. They left quickly after gathering any left over equipment, and you gazed around the room. It was completely bare, almost as if you hadn’t spent the last two months of your life seeking refuge in this hospital room.

“So, now what?” you looked up to Levi, his arms uncrossing upon hearing the closing of the door.

“Now, we go home,” Levi extended his palm, gesturing for you to haul yourself to your feet. You followed suit, wrapping your fingers around his hand. You stood confidently to your feet, not a single tremor or shake as you took strides with the ravenette to the door.

“Home?” you questioned, tilting your head.

“You didn’t think I lived at the Scouts headquarters, or are you really that brainless?” he tutted, opening the door for you to step through.

Your eyes widened, surprise caught in your throat as Levi pressed his hand to the small of your back as the two of you ventured down the hallway, “Honestly, yeah.”

Levi rolled his eyes and he opened another set of doors for you down the corridor, “Don’t know what I’m gonna’ do with you, brat. Oi, watch your step, there’s some stairs.”

You rolled your eyes, “I didn’t lose my sight, Captain. Just my life, almost s’all.”

“Not funny,” he growled out, approaching the final doors of the hospital. He opened them slowly, holding his body against the heavy metal to allow you to pass him. You headed his warning, minding your step as the first brushes of fresh air graced your body.

The sky was gray, thick clouds shielding the sun from view. The air was cold, a whisper of a promise of rainfall. You shivered slightly as you took the outside in, and how you had missed it. The sky didn’t feel as welcoming, though, almost as if it was saddened you truly hadn’t joined it months ago.

“Are we walking?” you asked Levi as he approached you, his eyes scanning over your legs. He still didn’t believe you weren’t going to crumble at any moment.

“No, I arranged for a carriage to take us,” almost as if on cue, two horses trotted majestically in front of you on the street. A carriage in toe, and a man dressed very plainly at the reins.

The man only nodded to your captain, silently diverting his attention back to the beasts heaving the carriage. Levi was quick on his feet as he glided to the doors, gesturing for you to follow in front of him. You smiled politely as he extended his hand, acting as leverage as you pushed yourself up the small step to get into the box seating. You felt your ankle roll slightly, wincing as you settled into the plush bench inside the carriage. Levi joined you, immediately taking note of your pained expression.

“What’s wrong? Did it hurt when you stepped in?” he questioned at a rapid pace, opting to sit directly next to you instead of the opposite side.

“I’m not going to break, Levi,” you offered a small smile. “I’m okay, my body’s just not used to all of this.”

“All those weeks of physical therapy really didn’t help you, did they? Still as clumsy as ever,” Levi sighed, accepting your response at face value. “We shouldn’t be too long, I don’t live too far away.”

The muffled sounds of neighs were heard as the carriage began to roll down the cobblestone street, “Wait, you’ve lived in Trost this entire time?”

“It’s where everything is at, of course I would live here,” Levi directed his attention out the window with fever, tiny mists of rainfall covering the glass.

“Wall Sina too stuffy for you?” you couldn’t help but joke, noting Levi’s stiffness upon your questioning.

Levi only shot you an unamused glance, “Quiet, brat.”

You sighed, nodding and following directions. You wondered if you listened because he was your superior, or if it was because he was your lover. Lover, the word felt heavy in your mind. Was that truly what you were? Levi hadn’t stuck by your side all this time if he hadn’t been, right? He doted on you persistently, bent to your every whim and need.

You hadn’t dwelled on the thought too much before your near death experience. It just simply existed, nothing more, nothing less. You’d sneak into his room during the night and have sex, and leave before the sun rose. There were no romantic gestures outside of that sacred time, no signs that the relationship was anymore than just sexual relief. In your mind, your slowly but surely love stricken mind, you convinced yourself the relationship the two of you shared was so much more than hooking up, and Levi had felt the same.

You shook your head to clear the thoughts. You’d worry about that when it was necessary. For now, your beloved captain was giving you shelter. You might never be able to repay him, you thought as the carriage slowed and turned down a quaint street. Levi was still continuing to save you.

“We’re here,” his voice was smooth as the vehicle stilled completely.

You peered in curiosity as Levi opened the door once more, stepping out hastily and holding the wooden entrance open. Levi’s house was so normal looking. A two story brick home stood proudly, fitting in almost identically with all the other houses on the street. Painted with an off white color that definitely needed some love and care, it appeared homey as you glided out of the carriage to the cobbled street. Levi waved to the driver, signaling his exit, and the sound of hooves against the street faded slowly as Levi made his way to his front door, keys in hand.

You followed along mindlessly, taking in the neighborhood surrounding. It wasn’t crowded at all, the front and backyard of his home sprawling in between the identical homes accompanying either side of the house. The grass was overgrown, to which Levi shot an annoyed glance before unlocking his front door, stepping inside wordlessly, mimicking his footpath without much thought.

Inside was plain, the front door opened to a plainly furnished living room — a sofa and armchair in the center. The walls lacked décor, beige in color, and only a fireplace sat aesthetically against the left wall, seemingly as if it had never been used. The staircase loomed to the right, two doors closed at the top of the stairs. The floor plan was an open space, living room leading to the dining room to the kitchen. Only essential furniture spread about Levi’s home, and you felt unsettled. There was not a single trace of him in between these walls.

“Are you hungry?” he broke the silence, maneuvering around you to close the door behind your back. “I think I have some bread, and some things to make soup.”

“Levi,” you frowned, placing your hand to his shoulder. “You should let me cook, as a thank you. You’ve done so much for me lately.”

He mirrored your frown, “You still need to rest. You’re out of your mind if you think I’m going to let you lift a single finger. Shut up and sit on the couch.”

Before you could continue to argue with the ravenette, he slipped out of your feeble grasp and made strides to the kitchen. You sighed, deciding that yes maybe, your legs still feel like they were going to collapse at any moment. The couch was stiff as you sat down, wincing slightly. It was a pale green color, lacking any pillows or comforts. You sucked in your cheeks in concentration.

“You should really decorate,” you called out to Levi, who was searching through the cabinets above the kitchen counters. “It looks like no one even lives here.”

“I basically don’t,” you heard the clank of cans as Levi completed his hunt, fumbling with the lid. “Too busy taking care of you brats at headquarters.”

“Still, there’s like, nothing,” you huffed, leaning back to lay flat on the cushions. “You’ve probably never even sat on this couch.”

“You’re right, I haven’t,” he shot you a quick glance before returning his attention back to setting up a pot on the stove, lighting a match after turning the gas on. “Is it comfortable?”

You didn’t answer him, and thankfully Levi didn’t pester you, too absorbed in crafting you a hot meal. He mumbled some words to himself, or at least you think he did. Your eyes felt extraordinarily heavy, your grip on consciousness slipping. You had exerted yourself a lot today, and maybe Levi was right, you still needed your rest.

Before you could fully drift off, you felt a nudge on your shoulder, “Oi, you can sleep after you eat. You haven’t had anything in your stomach since this morning.”

Of course Levi would know that, you pouted. He never spent a single moment away from you lately.

With a tired grumble, you brought yourself up, eyeing Levi’s hands cradling a bowl of soup, a couple of slices of bread dipped in. You smiled politely, preparing to take the dishware from his hands. Levi held it away from your palms, and seated himself directly next to you. Your knees brushed against his, and your hands fell to your thighs in confusion.

“It’s hot,” is all he said in explanation. Taking the silver spoon sitting in the bowl, he lifted a spoonful up, blowing on the steaming broth for a few moments, and guided it to your lips, “Eat.”

You would’ve felt like a child had you not felt the intense gurgle of hunger in your stomach. You followed along, parting your lips and wrapping your tongue underneath the curve of the utensil. The soup was flavorful, not unpleasant in the slightest, nearly perfect in temperature. Once you gulped down the contents, Levi was gently pulling the spoon back to the bowl, and repeating the same gestures.

“Can I have the bread yet?” your fingers twitched on your legs, you eyed the soggy slices left untouched in the dish. “It’s not even hot anymore.”

“After you finish the broth. It’s good for you, idiot,” Levi glared, knocking the empty spoon against your lips in mock reprimand.

That bread was going to be yours, you thought in determination. Eyes set on your new found goal, your mouth parted, tongue behind your teeth as you spoke, “Give me the bowl, I’ll just chug it.”

Levi looked at you in disgust, “What’re you, an animal?”

“I want that bread.”

“You’ll get the bread when I say you can get the bread.”

“What are you, my dad?”

“Please, I would make for a terrible father.”

“You sure about that? You’ve been babying me just fine,” the two of you were locked into a staring contest. Glares fiery and stubborn, the spoon in Levi’s hand clattered into the bowl.

“Here,” he pushed it into your grip. You nearly smiled, but all hope was crushed in front of your eyes as Levi plucked out both slices of the desirable wheat, shoving an entire slice into his mouth, chewing slowly with his eyes locked in on yours.

You blinked once, and then twice, “You just ate my bread.”

“Technically, it’s my bread,” Levi cleared his throat after swallowing. “And I still have the other slice.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Try being a little bit more grateful, and maybe I’ll reconsider,” his bangs fell in front of his eyes as he tilted his head down, ready to engulf the other slice.

“I’m extremely grateful,” you combated, pout settled on your face.

“Really? You don’t think I’m babying you?” Levi scoffed, rolling his eyes. “You’re acting like a brat.”

You wanted to scream in frustration, but only a whine left your lips, “Levi, I’m tired, I’m hungry, I just want the fucking bread. Of course I’m grateful for you and everything you’ve done for me, but I just want the bread.”

It was a stupid thing to get worked up about, you knew that well, but as tears tickled your lower lashes, you couldn’t help the tumultuous waves of emotions slam into you. You were tired of being tired, of being helpless and needy.

“You’ve been acting like everything’s fine,” Levi’s voice cut through your thoughts as you looked down at the bowl in your hands. “You’ve barely talked about how you’re feeling, just how you’re doing.”

“Is this why you stole my bread?” you sniffled, feeling very small. “To get me to talk?”

“No, I took it because you kept complaining about it.”

“Jerk,” you mumbled, finally making eye contact with the ravenette. He held a hint of a smirk, and suddenly you felt a lightness on your chest, “I don’t know how I’m doing, honestly. I don’t know what to feel. I thought I was going to die, and then I didn’t. I might not rejoin the Scouts, or your squad. I can’t go back to headquarters because technically I’m not in the military at the moment, and I have no home to return to. My body doesn’t feel like my body, I’m cranky and tired and worn down. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get back to the way I was before.”

“It’s okay, if you don’t,” Levi offered smoothly, placing his hands over your grip on the fast cooling bowl. “What matters is that you’re here, and that you’re alive.”

“We always end up coming back to talk about death, huh?” you chuckled lightly. “I’m sorry you had to see me like that, and that you were the one to find me.”

“If it wasn’t me who had found you, you wouldn’t have made it. Don’t be sorry, because I’m not,” the tips of his fingers cupped your chin, leaning your head back and upwards so he could look you in the eyes. “You scared the shit out of me.”

You opened your mouth to apologize, but it was like Levi could see the words begin to form as he continued on, “Don’t say you’re sorry. You fucked up, you made an entirely brainless call. You went through the consequences, and here you are. You’re so fucking strong, brat.”

“Levi,” you breathed out, eyes fluttering. “Thank you.”

“You won’t be helpless forever,” his fingers slipped from your chin, his pointer finger tapping the tip of your nose. “Take your stupid bread.”

Levi had you comfortably settled into his home by that night. You found out that Levi had been preparing for your temporary stay for a while now, all of your belongings tucked away in drawers. Your heart thumped loudly in your chest, heat climbing up your neck and cheeks at the gesture. Suddenly, your stay didn’t feel very temporary.

You heard a knock on the closed bathroom door, hearing Levi’s muffled voice call out your name, “You alright in there?”

“Yeah, I’ll be out in a minute,” you responded back, shaking your head to rid your thoughts. It was in vain though, seeing your toothbrush stationed against the porcelain sink to your right.

You picked up the toothbrush, tempted to dwell on the hidden meanings behind the object. Squeezing out toothpaste on the bristles, you set work to cleaning your mouth eagerly. You had already changed into sleep wear, a massively oversized cotton shirt and pajama pants. Once you spit out the fluoride paste into the sink, washing down the mess with a quick rush of water, your eyes flickered upwards into your reflection — an oval mirror hung dauntingly in front of you.

Fingering the edges of your shirt, you lifted it past your breasts, free from the constraints of a bra. You paid little mind to your chest, your eyes immediately honed in on your scar. With your free hand, you traced the jagged cut across your entire torso with a feather light touch.

You couldn’t pinpoint any certain emotion, you just knew you felt something, everything. Anger, shame, guilt, pride, it all flooded your mind uninvited and unwelcome. Disgust was the most prominent, you decided as your fingers hesitated over the end of the mutilated skin, right above your hip.

You didn’t realize you were crying until the tears rolled down your cheeks, your shocked gaze flickering to your face in the mirror. Your eyes swam with an almost fearful emotion, your lip quivering as whimpers dared to slip through your clenching jaw. Your entire body felt like it was on fire, like you weren’t really in your body. You felt like an imposter in your own skin.

You crumpled to the tiled floor as you began to weep, shocked gasps leaving your lips, and you grasped your middle with both of your hands. Completely overwhelmed with so many thoughts, so many emotions, your brain felt like it was melting in your skull. How did you get here, like this?

The door slamming against the wall had you jumping in fright, tears momentarily pausing as Levi towered over you in an instant. He rushed to accompany you on the floor, wrapping his arms around your shoulders, pushing you directly into his chest. Your head burrowed into the crook of his neck, placing your own hands on his waist.

“Shh, it’s alright,” he cooed into your ear, pressing a gentle kiss against your earlobe.

“Levi,” you choked on a sob. “It’s disgusting.”

He softly moved you back, resting his forehead against yours, “What are you talking about?”

“Me,” your lips quivered. “The scar, it’s across my entire stomach. I’m ruined.”

Levi didn’t respond, only furrowing his eyebrows, a prominent crease in his forehead. His fingers circled around your biceps, slowly bringing you both to your feet. Your cries softened, distracted by his actions as he began to tread backwards, leading you into his bedroom.

He spun you around once he reached his bed, the mattress much softer than the sofa downstairs, laying you down with the softest push. You followed in his hands, hiccups and sniffles now replacing your sobs. Your knees hung off the edge as he positioned himself in between your legs, his palms venturing up to your cheeks.

Levi thumbed the wet trail of tears, “You are not ruined. You are beautiful, and I will spend every day of my life proving that to you. Do you understand?”

“Levi,” you whimpered, your heart thundering in your ears. “You’re making me nervous.”

“I’m not good with my words,” he continued, pressing his lips in a pattern against your forehead. “Let me show you instead.”

You paused for a moment as Levi hovered his lips over yours, his thumbs rubbing soft circles into the tops of your cheekbones. You lifted your head, mind blank, and kissed his lips. They felt cracked against yours, feeling every divot and crease as he angled his head for better access, pressing his entire body against yours in a fever.

It felt like the first time Levi had kissed you, the butterflies swarming your stomach in a flurry. The blood in your veins felt like it was boiling, your heart pounding loudly enough for Levi to hear. It was okay though, because you swore you could hear his too.

His right palm slipped under the back of your head to deepen the kiss, his lips moving passionately against your mouth. Levi bit back a moan, but you could feel the subtle vibrations as you worked his lips in a rhythm.

“I missed you, so much,” you mumbled out as you broke away for air, flickering your eyes open to look into his steel grey ones.

Levi’s eyes sparkled like constellations in the sky, and that’s when it truly hit you. The thought lingered in your dying reflection, in your unconscious battle afterwards. It whispered to you long before then, spoke riddles in your chest, foggy once it reached your brain. But the sky was clear tonight, and the clouds were gone. You could make out the planets in his steel eyes, the moon of his pupils. You loved Levi, totally and completely. Levi was the sky.

“And I, you,” Levi tilted his head down once more, your eyes fluttering shut. His lips were warm as he gingerly peppered a kiss to each of your eyelids. Your lashes tickled against his mouth, and he couldn’t stop the hint of a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

Your hands circled around his neck as you guided him back to your lips, smashing his against your mouth passionately. Levi breathed hot gasps in your mouth as your lips moved and rolled against the other, your tongue threatening to poke into Levi’s. He brushed the wet muscle, and you could taste the tea on his tongue, as sweet as it had ever tasted.

You loved Levi.

You fingers tugged at the back of his t-shirt collar, and Levi paused, rasping against your mouth, “No.”

“Why not?” you breathed shakily, lust tickling through your nerves.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Levi pecked your lips, thoroughly addicted and deprived of your lips.

“You won’t,” you reassured in between the short kisses. “You would never.”

“Are you sure?” he hesitated, his eyes scanning your face for any hints. “You’re ready?”

You couldn’t stop the smile spreading across your lips, heart continuing to hammer in your ribcage, “Yes, I’m sure. Make me feel beautiful, Levi.”

With the clear consent, Levi unwound and drove his lips directly back to yours. This kiss felt different, it was fueled with unspoken words and meanings neither of you could vocally express. His lips moved desperately, trying to take in and taste every bit of your mouth. You responded eagerly, going back to tug at his shirt.

Levi followed your silent plea, breaking for just a moment to reach behind him, fisting the shirt and in one swift motion, he tugged the white material over his head. The fabric brushed against your face for a moment before it went soaring to the floor. He attached his mouth to your lips once more before moving down to your jaw.

“Levi,” you moaned out as he trailed down the plains of your neck. His open mouth kissed your sensitive skin, pausing right over the pulse point of your jugular.

“Your heart is beating really fast,” he noted, grasping your hand and bringing it flat to his chest. You felt the distinct thump of his own heart underneath your palm, “Mine is too.”

You read between the lines, Levi loved you too.

You placed your other hand on his chest, massaging the prominent muscles of his pecks. His skin was hot, nearly sizzling under your touch. In the dim lighting of the room, you could make out the hint of red snake up his neck, reaching the apples of his cheeks. He was beautiful, truly and unapologetically.

His fevered pace continued to the dips of your collarbones, and soon he was the one now tugging at your shirt. With a gulp of nervousness, you allowed Levi to finger the ends of your shirt, lifting the material up slowly. Your scar taunted you, and you felt a rush of embarrassment. Almost with knowing, Levi navigated further down your body, pressing a feather light kiss to the end of the marred skin, following the jagged trail with a deliberate pace.

“You were beautiful before, and you’re beautiful now,” his lashes fluttered against your skin as he gazed longingly up at you. “You will always be beautiful to me.”

His lips felt like they were scorching across your middle as he finally ended at the very top of the scar, pressing an especially attentive kiss under your breast. He pulled your shirt further up, the fabric brushing against your fast pebbling nipples. You shivered at the tingling sensations, a quiet gasp leaving your lips as his fingertips pressed gently into the tops of your breasts. They left a burning trail as they slid to the swell of each breast, palms cupping the soft flesh.

His hands rested to the sides as his thumbs brushed over your perked nipples. You sucked in a harsh breath of air, whimpering at the intimate touch. His pointer fingers soon joined your areolas, pinching the sensitive skin softly, tugging gently and rolling the nubs in between the pads of his fingers. His lips traveled the valley of your cleavage, his tongue poking out to taste the skin, his eyes entirely focused on your expression. You could feel the hot puffs of breath as he worked his way to your left breast, tongue flattening against the supple skin. His lips spread over his teeth as he opened his mouth wider, greeting your nipple within the blazing trail of his tongue.

You rolled your head back against the mattress, a low moan leaving your lips. The tip of the wet muscle pointed and circled the pebbled skin, slow and tantalizing. Your mind blanked, whimpers stalled in the hollows of your throat as his lips finally enclosed around your nipple. His teeth dragged delicably against your nub, sending violent shivers down your spine. His spit was hot, his tongue cupping the underside as he sucked leisurely. Your eyes slammed shut as a low groan from Levi’s chest traveled up through his throat and to his mouth, vibrating and stimulating your entire nipple.

Your pussy was soaking, you were sure of it. Your entire body felt on edge in the best ways, your toes curling as you wrapped your legs around Levi’s waist, “Levi, please, go faster.”

Of course he wouldn’t respond, Levi’s attention was stolen by the wonders of your body. He let your nipple free with a wet pop, pressing a quick kiss to the other breast. He couldn’t stop himself though, too lost in the mounds of your chest, he hastily pulled your right nipple right into his mouth.

You whimpered out, hands lacing through the back of his head, “Levi, please.”

Levi finally responded to your words, blinking his eyes furiously, and tugging on your nipple even harder as it slipped from his lips, “Tell me exactly what you want, darling.”

“Want your mouth between my legs,” you panted out. “Please.”

“Look at you, asking so politely,” he hummed, moving his palms down to your waist. “Need you naked first, honey.”

Your hands couldn’t fly faster to the collar of your shirt, tugging the fabric off at lightning speed. Levi’s touch shot down to the waistband of your pajama pants, fingers hooking into the elastic of both the pants and your panties. He tugged downwards, bringing the bunching fabric down to your knees. You lifted your legs up, straightening them out as he continued to pull the clothes to your ankles, swiftling discarding the materials finally to the floorboards.

You jolted upon feeling Levi’s lips on the inside of your left ankle, his hands reaching up to the insides of your thighs. As his mouth traveled languidly up the landscape of your leg, his hands were pushing your legs apart. Once he got to the top of your knee, his eyes moved directly to yours. His palms cupped the underside of your knees, and with a slow agonizing speed, he pulled you closer to the edge of the bed. Levi sat on his knees on the floor, face to face with your weeping pussy.

“Gorgeous,” Levi huffed, tongue coming out to wet his lips. “So fucking beautiful.”

His tongue flattened against the inside flesh of your left thigh, achingly close to your throbbing center. You gasped at the sensation, feeling the cool air compliment the scorching heat of his mouth. His tongue straightened, pointing the tip directly into the crease of your thigh. His hands rested on the tops of your thighs, rubbing soft circles into the skin with his thumbs.

Levi’s head finally positioned in front of your sopping slit, puffs of hot air left his lips. Goosebumps rose on your skin, shivering at the teasing.

“I want you to say you’re beautiful,” his voice rumbled so close to your clit, and your hips twitched impatiently. “If you want me to touch you, say it.”

“Levi,” you whined out, ready to buck yourself right into his mouth. His fingers latched around your hips then, stalling any and all movement.

“Say it,” he demanded, unwavering and solid.

“I’m beautiful,” you nearly shouted, your muscles twitching in his grasp.

“Again.”

“I’m beautiful!” your voice cracked, and Levi watched with a longing gaze as a bead of your essence rolled down the seam of your ass.

Satisfied with your response, Levi’s right hand traveled to your aching center. His thumb grazed the single wet bead that caught his attention, smearing it across your outer lips, “You are beautiful, let me show you just how much you truly are.”

Levi’s thumb poked into the tight ring of your soaking hole, and your pelvic floor clenched and contracted in anticipation. Though he was tempted to dip the digit in, he opted to swipe along the wet lips of your slit, pressing tenderly on your throbbing clit. Your body jerked uncontrollably at the action, a series of whines pushing past your lips. He circled the pearl slowly, his jaw slacking in amazement as your walls continued to pulse around nothing.

So worked up and he had barely touched you, but the way his head rested between your thighs, knowing his eyes were trained on your most intimate area, it was too overwhelming. Too exposing, too vulnerable, you felt as if your heart was expanded across the entire outside of your body, as if it was your skin.

You were nearly blinded in pleasure as Levi’s tongue finally dipped in between the petals of your labia, curled and collecting the sweet nectar of your pussy. He hummed in contentment, feeling the pulsing ache of his own erection sheathed in his pants. His thumb was quickly replaced with the flat of his tongue, the tip rolling back and forth over your clit. A messy stream of spit traveled down your slit, daring to collect in your hole. Levi beat the saliva to it though, his palm ready in position as he plunged his middle finger into your depths.

Your walls hugged his digit as he pushed in, and your whimpers were quickly turning into whiny moans. Levi’s tongue was searing in the most spine tingling ways, your back arching into his mouth in response. His lips encompassed the engorged bud, sucking gently while his tongue worked faster circles. Your cunt was spasming uncontrollably around his finger, and he was knuckle deep in your plush walls.

God, how he had missed you.

Your pussy was drooling, and Levi could feel the trickles of your wetness bead down the palm of his hand. He had barely moved his finger, yet here you were, ready for so much more. He obliged, how could he not? His ring finger joined shortly after, and soon he began pumping the digits deep in your begging hole.

“Fuck, feels so good,” you moaned out, throwing your head back. The temptations of watching your lover lap at your center was too overwhelming, and you managed to tilt your head back up to watch the sight before you.

Levi was beautiful, too, you thought.

The undeniable swell of the coil of pleasure in your abdomen was quickly becoming unbearable as Levi picked up speed. His fingers curled inside of you, searching for the sweet spot hidden in your pussy. He found it quickly, and brushed the pads of his fingers against the spongy spot.

Levi sucked your entire clit in between his lips then, humming to bring sweet vibrations to your bundle of nerves. Shock traveled through your body to your brain, and suddenly that coil tightened. You felt hot licks of pleasure at the sensations, your hands racing to rest in the locks of his beautiful black hair.

Somehow Levi pressed further into you, face drenched in your addictive juices. A fat bead of your essence dripped down the length of his forearm, and Levi’s eyes were rolling back into his skull. He couldn’t take it, removing his free hand on your hip down to his erection, palming himself through his pants. Not enough, he was slipping his hand underneath the elastic, tugging his thick length out, and fucking himself into the tight grip of his fist.

Levi moaned into your pussy loudly, unashamed, and this is what sent you spiralling.

“I’m gonna’ cum!” you nearly screamed, your hips now freed and bucking into his mouth.

“Cum for me, baby, wanna’ taste you,” Levi mumbled, quickening all motions. His knuckles slammed into you, working impossibly faster, tongue now flicking rapidly at your clit.

At his request, you slammed yourself into his mouth, your walls clenching as stars appeared in your vision. Your orgasm ripped through you, knocking the breath out of your lungs. Your pussy sucked Levi’s fingers in further, pushing and pulling with your contractions. Levi groaned, smearing thick beads of precum across his cock at the sight.

You gasped for air, your thighs clenching the sides of Levi’s head, and Levi believed for a brief moment that he was in Heaven.

Your hips slowed as Levi worked you down from your blind blowing release. His fingers slipped out easily, glistening with the organic wetness from your core. He parted the two fingers, seeing strings of your cum connecting between the digits. He pushed the fingers into his mouth without a second thought, nose replacing the pressure on your clit.

“Delicious,” he commented after he sucked the remnants of your orgasm from his fingers.

Your chest heaved as you begged, “Levi, please, I need you so bad.”

Levi couldn’t contain himself even if he tried, his fist leaving the girth of his cock and he tugged his pants off the rest of the way. He stepped out and kicked the fabric to the side, bringing himself to hover over you, pressing random kisses to whatever patch of skin caught his attention.

His lips pressed against the column of your neck, his voice traveling to your ears like music, “Tell me if it hurts, and I will stop. If you are in pain, promise me you’ll tell me.”

You nodded, heart swelling at his care, “I will, promise.”

Levi hummed, bringing his lips to yours once more. The kiss was gentle and sweet, and his arms circled around your middle, guiding you to fully lay back on the mattress. Your head landed on the soft polyester of a pillow, Levi stationed faithfully between your thighs.

He departed from your mouth, brushing his fingers over your cheeks, pushing back your hair, “I dreamt about this for months. Thought I would never get the chance to do this with you again.”

“Levi,” you sighed, your heart slamming into the pit of your stomach. “I’m here, love.”

“I know,” his forehead pressed against yours as he lined his erection up to your awaiting hole. “I know.”

His tip pushed past the outer ring of muscle of your sopping heat, his gaze burning into yours. Your knees bent at his waist, your ankles hooking around his backside in encouragement. It was a delicious feeling of splitting pleasure as he pressed on, completely bottoming out inside of you.

Levi’s arms stayed circled around you, pressing you flushed against his chest. His hips rolled at an agonizing pace, and your breath caught in your throat. Your eyelids fluttered quickly, enamored and sucked into Levi's blown out pupils. You wouldn’t miss a single moment of this, no matter how badly you wanted to close your eyes.

Levi captured your lips in a heated kiss, thrusting his cock directly into your g-spot. This was what nearly made you slam your eyes shut completely, but you held on strong as he dragged the length of his thick member against your plush walls.

“You feel so good,” he spoke hoarsely against your lips. “So beautiful, you’re so beautiful.”

“So are you,” you managed a smile out, and Levi mirrored you. A giggle passed your lips and into his, and he couldn’t help but chuckle lightly himself.

Levi’s head dipped to the center of your throat, and his thrusts deepened with every stroke. His tongue traveled over the bobbing of your windpipe, hands pressing into the middle of your spine. He couldn’t bring himself to tear away from your body, every second away from your skin felt like excruciating pain.

Levi grinded his pubic bone directly into your clit, and low moans were dragged out of your mouths. His hips moved like ocean tides, rippling waves of pleasure through both of your bodies. His pace quickened, and the sounds of your squelching wet center encouraged Levi further. He loved every inch of your body, of your mind, of your soul, and he was hell bent on proving it to you.

Levi’s tip dragged out, daring to fall out of your heat, but with a quick snap of his hips, he was plunged right back into the depths of your cunt. You gasped loudly, the sound vibrating against Levi’s mouth on your throat. He repeated the action, pistoning himself over and over into your tight walls. They squeezed him in a death grip, and for a moment, Levi feared he was going to cum before he brought you to your second climax.

With that thought in mind, his right hand left the center of your back, and trailed down between your thighs. His fingers parted your outer lips, and his pointer and middle finger rubbed against your clit with intention.

“Want you to cum for me again,” Levi breathed out with a groan. “I’m not going to last long, you’re sucking me in so deep.”

You moaned out at a particularly deep thrust, fingernails digging into the muscles between his shoulder blades, “Wanna’ cum together.”

He merely nodded, pressing a quick kiss to your neck once more before moving upwards back to the safety of your lips. He rocked his lower half in a purposeful tempo, drilling his girth with every intention to bring you both to your climaxes. You moaned and whimpered at the quickening speed of both his thrusts and fingers as they worked you up once more.

“That’s it,” Levi groaned into your lips as he felt you pulse around his length. “Right there, baby?”

You nodded, mewling out, “Yes, yes. Keep going, so close.”

His nose brushed against the tip of yours as he anchored himself flat against you, all his weight balancing in his upper body as his knees straightened out. He curved into you, barely pulling out, so fucking deep inside you. You thought for a split second you could feel him in your stomach as your orgasm built impossibly tighter.

Levi could feel the distinct tightening of his balls as his own release approached him at rapid speed. He was determined to get you off, to bring you all the pleasure you deserved. He would spend an entire lifetime doing so, if you’d allow him.

“Right there,” you panted, clawing at his back as your hips began to rock against his. “Fuck, I’m cumming!”

Your lips parted in a silent scream as your second orgasm tore through you, guided by Levi’s circling fingertips. Your walls milked his length, sucking him to the hilt. Your hips stilled completely, legs shaking violently as you whimpered out his name over and over.

Levi moaned out as the intense pleasure of your pussy gripping the entirety of his cock, his mind going completely blank as you pulsed around him. He was throbbing, aching as he forced himself out, shooting his load across the plush skin of your stomach. He stilled completely, a string of grunts leaving his lips as he came hard. His fingers stayed loyal to your clit, dragging softer patterns into the nub as you heaved deep breaths.

He stared down into your eyes as you gazed back, swallowing each other’s heavy pants. Levi settled his forehead to yours once more, closing his eyes as the last of his thick ropes shot from the slit of his cock. Your muscles relaxed in your lower half, pure contentment settling into your bones.

“Fuck,” Levi puffed out, swiping his left hand across the crown of your head. “I missed you, brat.”

“Levi,” your eyes sparkled with tears. “I love you.”

He didn’t respond, but he didn’t have to. You knew he loved you too, there was absolutely no question about it. He leaned his mouth to yours, one solid and romantic kiss to your lips spoke louder than any words he could’ve said.

“C’mon, let’s get you cleaned up,” Levi broke away, palm cradling your cheek.

“What do you think about this one?”

“I couldn’t give less of a fuck, dear.”

“Levi,” you chatisied. “This is your home.”

“You’re the one insistent on decorating it,” his grey eyes rolled. “Pick a painting, we have other things to do today.”

The two of you stood outside of a stall, a collection of small framed paintings littering the area of the market. You had convinced the ravenette finally after a week of staying at his home that it was time to turn the living space into an actual home, and decorations were essential.

You decided on a plain canvas of scenery, of course the night sky. Levi paid the woman tending the stall, and guided you down the cobblestone street.

“When do you think we can get back to training?” you asked absentmindedly, eyes searching each vendor lining the road for any potential buys.

“Not for another month at least, you could barely walk the next morning after we had—,” your glare stopped him mid sentence. “You’re not getting kicked out of the military, brat, so stop worrying.”

“I just feel like I have something to prove now,” you explained, expression softening. “I’ve been on medical leave for like three months now.”

“I’d like to keep it forever, honestly,” Levi admitted, tone dark. “But, it’s entirely your decision.”

“I swore an oath, Captain. I plan on keeping it,” you flashed him a small grin. “Besides, I can't say I won’t be jealous if someone takes my place on working your nerves.”

“Believe me,” his eyes lit up playfully. “No one could replace you even if they tried.”

The trip to the morning market was deemed successful in your mind as you carried in various decorations into Levi’s home. He insisted on carrying the bulk of your purchases, mainly the long list of food items you claimed were necessities. How a bag of glazed donuts from the bakery was deemed a necessity was not a thought that stewed in Levi’s mind for long, merely just going with it.

The two of you silently moved about his home, you setting paintings on the floor where you’d like them to go on the walls while Levi put away the groceries. It was overly domestic, and dare you say natural. Part of you never wanted to leave his home.

You finished your makeshift decorating, Levi would have to hang up the canvases later on. You came behind the ravenette, circling your arms around his torso and leaning your head into the crook of his neck.

“Thank you for buying all this today,” you could feel the hot flush of his blush as you kissed his neck.

“We needed it all anyway.”

“We?” you smirked, trying to contain a laugh behind your teeth.

Levi rolled his eyes, but didn’t dare to move out of your hold, “You know what I meant.”

You let the chuckle slip past your tongue, pressing another kiss to his skin. You removed your arms, and watched in amusement as Levi’s bottom lip stuck out in reaction, clearly displeased. You moved around him, grabbing the edge of the counter and leaning back against it.

“You like having me here, don’t you?” you wiggled your eyebrows.

“Would it make me an asshole if I said no?” he teased back, returning his attention to the groceries, pushing the last item into the cabinet above.

“Yes, yes it would,” you giggled, folding your arms across your chest.

Levi leaned towards you, lips smoothing against your temple, “Good thing I do, then.”

Your hand shot up to caress his cheeks, guiding his lips to yours. You shared a sweet, short embrace, breaking the contact only to speak up again, “I guess I like being here too.”

This feeling was foreign to Levi, the enchantment of domestic life. He would get lost in thought over the week shared — over how he almost lost you, lost out on this.

He’d spend forever trying to make you smile, if you’d allow him.

Whatever future loomed ahead of the two of you didn’t matter. You could see the stars in his eyes, but he could see the entirety of the universe in yours.