Birdie (Levi x OC)

eighteen

Chapter 18

I lay in bed staring wide-eyed at the wood ceiling above me, unable to fall asleep. Whether my inability to sleep was due to the burning sensation still tingling up and down my skin or the fact that Erwin's advanced team had yet to return from the rescue mission, I did not know. Either way, my mind and body were wide awake, despite my consciousness being fully aware that I desperately needed sleep.

The Captain had left a couple of hours ago, leaving me to my thoughts. I wanted to discuss with someone all that had happened. I wanted someone to listen to my worries. I had wanted to run to my grandfather and talk to him; however, I knew that would be of no use. The poor old man was likely working deep into the night; I could imagine his face, ripe with exhaustion. I hadn't yet sent word that I was alright, figuring he had no idea I was in danger in the first place. I told myself I would visit him in the morning and explain the previous day's events.

I let out a deep and drawn-out sigh. Slowly turning on my side, careful not to further irritate my skin, I squeezed my eyes shut in an attempt to drown my thoughts.

It didn't work though as my mind replayed Levi's reaction to my drawings. The reminder of the loss Captain Levi faced saddened me. I hated that I had reminded him of it during a time such as this, despite the shred of happiness he had in being able to see their faces again.

"The advanced team is back!"

I snapped my eyes open at the sound of a male Scout yelling down the hallway in order to alert those sleeping Scouts of the arrival of those who had left in hopes of saving Eren.

I ripped the thin blanket off of me, ignoring the searing pain on my skin. I stood up, stumbling towards my dresser; I lit the lantern, illuminating the room so I could gain my bearings. I slipped on a pair of loose cotton pants that matched the baggy shirt I was currently wearing. Grabbing the lantern, I left the room and entered the hallway, which was still darkened as a result of the night sky. Multiple scouts were leaving the barracks and heading towards the man hall. A few were yelling and barking orders at one another; one ran past me, his shoulder roughly skinning mine. My body jerked to the side at the surprise contact.

Steadying myself, I followed suit, my body only allowing enough energy for a slow jog. Most people passed me as they headed toward the advanced team's location but I soon made it.

The main hall was jam-packed as Scouts were carrying the injured inside from where the advanced team had arrived. The double doors that allowed entrance to the Survey Corps headquarters were wide open, and many individuals were entering and exiting through them on the orders of their superiors. I couldn't get a good look outside from where I currently stood and was desperate to see everyone's condition, so I made my way toward the doors.

"Everyone back!" I heard the Captain's familiar voice outside as he barked orders at the bustling Scouts.

I didn't listen and still moved toward his voice. Soon, I found myself outside, the dark sky lit by the dim moonlight. I quickly scanned my surroundings. There were a few horses being hauled away towards the barns, and a few wagons were being unloaded; I couldn't tell from where I stood if they were filled with dead bodies or the injured.

"I said back up!" I heard the Captain snap, my eyes landing on his familiar form near one of the wagons. I set my sights on him and immediately headed in his direction.

I didn't even get to the wagon before I saw Commander Erwin Smith being unloaded from it by a few Scouts, including none other than Captain Levi.

The Commander was unconsciously writhing in pain, his eyes squeezed shut, and sweat trickled down his brow. He was covered in dirt and grime, and his usual tidy hair was matted and stuck to his forehead.