Will of the Broken (Levi x OC)

Chapter 18: Preparation

"Oh, uhm... My family. Let's see... My mother is a sweet woman who takes care of my sister and me. She gives her all and never takes from anyone. My sister is the golden child, and unlike me she has soft edges. She also inherited my mother's looks. I, on the other hand, only received a green eye from her. The rest is from my father." I explained slowly. My voice shook at the mention of my male guardian. Like, I could ever call him that. He didn't deserve the title.

Narrowed eyes zeroed in on me like a sight on a rifle. He knew something was off.

"Tell me, honestly, is he the reason why you're so broken?" Levi asked, a hint of anger flashed in his voice. It startled me. He saw through me so easily, and I couldn't lie to him. He'd know that too. I didn't want anyone to know, but apparently he's the exception.

"U-Uhm... Yeah." I whispered. There was a loud silence between us. It was the kind that yelled at you to take action and sat in your chest uncomfortably. Yet, it was very quiet at the same time.

"What did he do to you?"

That was the question that ripped the walls I set up, to the floor. Before my eyes they crashed down around me, and it scared me beyond description.

Clammy skin, cold sweat, dry throat, and heavy chest followed soon after.

"Too much." Is all I said in return. He took his gaze off me and returned it to the sky.

"Tch, bastard." He hissed out into the air. The small voice in my mind screamed in pure joy that a small part of him cared. Unfortunately, the big voice drowned it out with a constricting thought.

'He'll never open up to you like you did for him.'

* * * * * * * * * *

Just like our short conversation came to an end, so did the week. After that conversation, Levi seemed to keep an eye on me. I could have imagined it, but I could swear it was the truth.

Isabel and Farlan had ranted about how I helped Levi get his things and how kind it really was. It made me happy that I could help him in some way. Even if that way was through getting objects, rather than mental relief.

It was good progress, but he was still a bit hesitant to call me a friend. That was fine by me. I respected his decision and space. His silence and energy spoke many words about his moods and when it was okay to approach him.

Usually, it came after tea when he'd be at his nicest, or after a deep clean of the whole building.

Things were looking up, but tomorrow morning was the expedition and everyone was getting things prepared for it.

Once again, my lovely new friends were lost and nowhere to be found. So, I took it upon myself to find them.

It was getting close to curfew at this point, so I walked up to the roof. I don't know why I walked up there, something just pulled me there. Last time, Levi was up here. Maybe that's why I went there.

"So this is where you've been disappearing off to." Farlan spoke as I walked through the already open door. I snuck around to the side and disappeared into the shadows. I know it is rude, but if I ruined this moment, then that was even more despicable.

"It's the same. When you can't see the moon or the stars, the sky up here is the same as the sky down there." Levi's tired and defeated voice rang through the crisp and cold night air.

"But it's not! It's different! We know that there's no ceiling! It's completely different!" Isabel protested passionately. It made me smile. Her whole personality could brighten the world. Levi looked back at her from his perch on the stony platform belongs to the wall below.

"That's right. The sky is endless. It may be just as dark, but it is completely different from the Underground." Farlan said calmly. The clouds in the sky parted to reveal a starry night sky watching us mysteriously from up above.

"Look!" Isabel shouted pointing at the opening. Levi turned his head to look, his sleek hair following swiftly. "The moon is so bright!" She walked with Farlan to flank Levi by sitting beside him. Isabel was on the right, and Farlan was on the left.

"There's a big difference isn't there?" Isabel spoke in a softer tone and my heart melted.

"Yeah. We're not underground." Farlan agreed with her. It was nice to witness them like this. They were closer than most people I have ever seen, and that was special.

They all looked at the sky with peaceful and soft expressions that I wished to capture. So I saved it in my head, and looked at the sky too.

The soft murmur of their voices soothed me and I found myself longing to spend time with them before daybreak.

However, before I could interrupt, I was frozen in my place by one of the most stunning views in my life.

Levi's lips were drawn back into a closed smile. He looked gentle, and vulnerable. It stopped me from getting closer and bringing them in to help.

Levi was like the string on a bow, taut and controlled by the nature of things. Now, he finally seemed relaxed.

They said more, but his features snared me in their trap. I had never once seen him so docile, even with our previous conversation. It was a moment that I would love to see again.

"Alright, I'll trust you." Levi said softly. His voice reminded me of a gentle summer breeze with the freshness of the wind from spring.

"Excuse me... I'm sorry to interrupt, but I would like it a lot if you helped me prepare the wagon. We are storing rations and other supplies on it." I said meekly, stepping out behind them.

Isabel turned to look at me with a bright and excited smile.

"Sister Liv! Are you going with our group tomorrow?" She asked leaping to her feet. Levi and Farlan soon followed her lead. Levi looked tense again, but there's nothing I could do about that.

"Yes, I am. However, it was Erwin's wish that I was put on your squad. I don't know why exactly, but as a medic I can help in dire situations." I said with a gentle smile.

The three of them tensed up at the information, but then soon relaxed.

Is Erwin in trouble with them? Or are they in trouble with Erwin? If their skills, especially Levi's, outranked Erwin's, why were they brought here so easily? Is there a secret plot? If so, why, and how much damage will it cause? I wondered.

"We'll help, what about your squad?" Farlan inquired with a small tilt of his head.

"They are staying here to make room for those who need prolonged attention." I said casually. It wasn't that uncommon.

Would they be of more use in the field? Yes. However, we were the only medically advanced people here. Since I was faster and more knowledgeable, I was better in the field. I also had superior skills with the gear. They were still learning the practice of medicine and surgery.

Hanji, was another good choice, and she often helped me keep my mental state stable in the middle of all the chaos.

She just leaned more towards science, observation, and theory. That was fine by me. Having a fellow inventor and scientist was amazing. It had a lot of perks.

"Why is it just you? It makes more sense to have more of you out on the field!" Isabel screeched in protest. I held a hand up.

"Medic lives are important. If I am to die, they will carry on what I couldn't. See, without medical professionals beyond the walls, there is more of a casualty rate. The Commander, and Erwin, agreed that only one medic would be allowed on duty to cut back costs and lives lost." I tried to explain. Levi scoffed and walked past me.

"Heartless bastards. Come on, let's pack. I want to be prepared for what is out there tomorrow." He said tersely. I nodded and followed after him. Soon, I was leading the way.

"That's good. Unfortunately, no matter how many preparations or steps we plan ahead... Things can always come crashing down." I reminded them cautiously.

It was the truth of our occupation.