Don't Die - Levi x Reader {Book 1}

Chapter 35

(Y/N) held Levi all through the night. Eventually his sobs had ceased, only to return again and again and again. (Y/N) did her best to comfort him, pulling him closer and kissing away the tears. She didn't know if it actually helped but every time a round of cries came to an end she felt an enormous sense of relief. Hearing his pain broke her down just a little more each time.

After a few hours, the fire had died down to a dull glow and what little sunlight had been getting past the curtains before had completely disappeared. The room was almost completely dark as they lay together, holding on for dear life. Neither of them spoke except for the occasional "I love you". There was nothing else to say. No amount of words would lessen the pain even the tiniest bit.

The time had passed slowly. Every minute felt like an hour and (Y/N) had anxiously waited to see the smallest speck of sunlight filter through the window. She desperately wanted the night to be over, wanted to see a new beginning, a new day.

When that speck of light finally came, she nearly cried with relief.

(Y/N) turned to Levi only to find that he was asleep.

At first, she was shocked. She hadn't expected that he wouldn't sleep at all until his body physically collapsed. But then she remembered the bouts of sobs and shivering and realized that perhaps he had already reached his limit.

He didn't exactly look peaceful but he wasn't writhing around, either. His brow was furrowed and a small frown graced his lips but his breathing was steady and calm.

(Y/N) realized her opportunity and propped herself up, seeing if she would wake him. The bed shifted a bit but he remained asleep.

Watching his face the whole time, she untangled their limbs and slowly slid away. As soon as she was off the bed, she moved quickly to the bathroom. Their clothes were still splayed across the floor in a bloody pile.

(Y/N) dreaded what she was about to do, but she couldn't think of another option.

She sifted through the pile, picking out her uniform.

It was just as filthy as she remembered and the thought of it being back on her skin sent shivers down her spine.

She pushed the memories of how that filth had gotten there out of her mind. She couldn't think about it right now.

As quietly as she could, (Y/N) dressed herself, not bothering with the 3DMG straps. There was no training today. There never was after an expedition. Too many people were grieving.

(Y/N) glanced at the small tokens that she'd left on the sink the night before. Tika's stone and Isabel's necklace lay side by side. The rock was clean but the necklace was still caked in blood.

She shuddered, trying not to think about how that blood had gotten there. She resolved to clean the necklace when she got back if Levi was still sleeping. She didn't want him to have the same reaction to the filth that covered it.

(Y/N) slipped out of the bathroom, once again glancing at Levi's figure. He was still breathing evenly and lying still. She hoped he'd stay that way until she returned.

With slow movements, she crossed the room. Her hand reached for the doorknob and she glanced back one last time. Still sleeping.

Finally, she cracked open the door, pulling gently to ensure that the hinges didn't squeak. As soon as it was open enough, (Y/N) slid through, shutting the door quietly behind her.

For a moment, she stood silently in the hall. It was cold and her breaths seemed to echo off the stone walls. She hadn't realized just how... tired she was.