Equanimity » Levi Ackerman

19 | 𝔏𝔦𝔨𝔢 𝔞 𝔫𝔢𝔴𝔟𝔬𝔯𝔫 𝔣𝔬𝔞𝔩

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"I have a better idea, Bambi. If your leg feels strong enough and you're up for it; we'll try and get you back on both your feet." Maria remained silent as she examined the prosthetic in his hands.

"What's with the face?" Levi sighed out.

"For starters, how did Hanji bring this along? I don't recall her bringing it on the carriage. Second, how are you certain my leg is well enough to try?" "I told you If your leg feels strong enough and you're up for it, didn't I?" The ravenette rolled his silver orbs.

"Besides, Hanji was going to give it to you anyway. She wasn't the one who brought it along; I ordered Jean to get it and put it on one of the supply carts."

"So what's it going to be Bambi? The reinforcements just left, so we'll be here for a while. It's your choice, I'm not gonna tell your grown-ass what to do."

Maria would lie if she would tell him she didn't want to get back on her own two feet, but it would never be the same now, would it? Levi had massaged her sore flesh mere hours ago. Wasn't it too soon for her to be thinking about this; using her leg?

"Now what's bothering you?" "Nothing." "I don't know what kind of play-act you're trying to make me believe, but you know damn well you can't fool me. You haven't changed your mind about all of this, have you Bambi?" The mockery in his voice made her believe he was only messing with her in his own way. "I've had to listen to your whining for days about how much you wanted to get back on your feet."

"Well no, believe me when I tell you; that's not it." "Then what's holding you back." Maria frowned looking at her freshly bandaged leg. "Say, Levi. If I try it on and start walking right away, am I not taking the risk of my stump opening up again?"

Feeling pain was something she'd grown used to since the end of the expedition, but the honey-blonde couldn't help but feel worried about her still healing flesh. What if it opened up and would start to inflame, Erwin would never even think of taking her back in.

"You've been healing up fine Bambi. Four-eyes talked to your nurse before we left. Stop worrying." Maria shifted her doe-eyes from her leg, to the prosthetic.

"You're just gonna get used to the feeling of standing on it. Or did your thick head think you'd be using 3DMG straight away?" Maria couldn't help but snort, looking at the man in front of her.

"Should I point out again how uncharacteristically caring you've been?" "I'm emotionally constipated. I haven't given a shit about anything in years." He 'tch-ed' the small woman and flicked his pointer finger against her forehead.

"Ouch..."

"Alright, alright, I'll give it a go..." Maria muttered, giving the black-haired male a lopsided smile.

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Getting the prosthetic in place had been quite the task. Levi had helped her pull a protecting sock over her bandages to make sure her leg would be kept from damage and further irritation. Maria had insisted on doing it herself but the male simply wouldn't let her, telling her she had to save her strength for walking. Of course, it didn't make sense, but the honey-blonde didn't want to argue with him either. Instead, she was stuck, watching him from under her lashes yet again.

"Let me do this one..." She muttered from under her breath, gently taking the strap - that belonged on her thigh - from his hands. This time the man did not argue as he got up from his squatting position. "Make sure it isn't too tight but it isn't too loose either."

"Aye Captain," The ravenette watched her fingers work on the strap as he crossed his arms. "Alright, can you turn around please?" Maria whispered, earning a questioning look from her friend.

"I need to secure the last strap." Meaning she had to go up a little higher than she wanted Levi to see. The man did not speak as he did what she asked him to and he left the room to get his crutch. He knew he wouldn't be able to support her weight entirely with his injury. Although it was healing quite nicely, he was advised not to put too much pressure on it just yet. Supporting another body with his ankle injury could make it worse. Still, he would try and help his Lieutenant; Injury or no injury.

"Are you done?" "Yeah, all strapped in." Maria smiled while shifting her eyes to his crutch. "Your crutch?"

"I can't fully support your body, so you'll have to use the crutch to compensate for the weight you'll be putting on your leg." "Are you sure that's even going to work?"

"Just take it." "Don't you need it anymore?" "No, it's yours now. You'll be needing it more than I do." The honey-blonde gave him a weak nod as she moved her body to the edge of her seat. One last look in his grey eyes was enough for Maria to place her right foot on the ground. With the support of Levi and his crutch, she pushed herself off the chair. Her right knee soon started to buckle as she tried to get used to the feeling. It was just as when Jean and Armin had helped her in the wheelchair. Confidence seemed to fleet from her body as Maria withheld herself from placing her left foot down.

"I'm barely 5.2'. It's all your fault if you had high expectations..." Maria whimpered. It was meant to be a joke, but she couldn't help but feel unsure about her capabilities.

"I'm not, you're the one holding high expectations." He spoke, again surprisingly gentle. She could feel Levi's hands tightening around her left forearm and waist.

"When you're ready, Bambi." The woman gulped as she looked down, still trying to find her balance. "Alright..."

She slowly let the ball of her prosthetic foot make contact with the wooden flooring. Putting on as little pressure as she could, Maria tried to shift her body weight while hissing in discomfort. As she focused on herself, she forgot Levi was still holding her. To her surprise, it didn't hurt as much as she had expected it to. It was merely a weird and a bit uncomfortable sensation. The honey-blonde was standing upright, with two feet on the floor. However, she could only feel so much. The stump under her left knee touching the material of her new extension brought a peculiar feeling with it.

"Is this alright?" Returning from her daze, Maria turned her head to catch a glimpse of Levi's face.

"It doesn't hurt." "Good. Now try and lift your right foot." "Are you crazy? That means I'll be putting pressure on my left leg." "You've got the crutch and I'm holding you." "That's reassuring... You're still injured yourself." Maria hissed.

"Do you trust me or not Bambi?" "With my life." "Then lift your damn foot."

Doing as he said she put her right foot forward, her legs wobbling with the smallest step. Levi noted she resembled a newborn foal taking its first steps. Maria sucked in a breath as she now moved her left foot. It wasn't a big step, but she knew it didn't matter because Levi reassured her she was doing well.

"That's it." As Levi spoke these words, she could feel his breath hit the shell of her ear. "Go slow." Maria followed his lead as he removed his hand from her arm, slowly moving around her while holding her waist.

"No, don't let go of me yet..." The honey-blonde whispered anxiously. "I won't, keep going, and don't forget to concentrate on your footing." Levi's grey orbs locked with her doe ones, noticing her unsure expression. The male opened his mouth to reassure her yet again but was interrupted by an urgent knock on the door.

"Captain Levi sir! I'm here to report! Section commander Hanji and the other injured soldiers have returned from the wall!"

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𝕬𝖚𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖗'𝖘 𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖊: The chapter's a little shorter than normal because I have a sinus infection. I really can't focus at the moment, but wanted to upload this chapter anyway. The errors in this chapter were fixed on [21-07-21]. Chapter 20 will be up as soon as I feel a little better.