Birdie (Levi x OC)

eighteen

I lay in bed staring wide-eyed at the wooden ceiling, unable to fall asleep. My inability to rest was a mix of the burning sensation still tingling on my skin and the fact that Erwin's advanced team had yet to return. My mind and body were wide awake, despite knowing I desperately needed sleep.

I let out a deep, drawn-out sigh. Slowly turning on my side, careful not to irritate my skin further, I squeezed my eyes shut. My mind immediately replayed Levi's reaction to my drawings. I hated that I had reminded him of his loss during such a tense time.

"The advanced team is back!"

I snapped my eyes open at the sound of a male Scout yelling down the hallway.

Ignoring the searing pain, I ripped the thin blanket off. I stumbled toward my dresser, lit the lantern, and slipped on a pair of loose cotton pants over the baggy shirt I was already wearing. Grabbing the lantern, I left the room.

The hallway was still dark, but multiple Scouts were leaving the barracks and heading toward the main hall. Orders were being barked; one Scout ran past me, roughly skinning my shoulder. I steadied myself and followed, only managing a slow jog.

The main hall was jam-packed. Scouts were carrying the injured inside. The double doors of the headquarters were wide open. I desperately needed to see everyone's condition, so I pushed toward the doors.

"Everyone back!" I heard Captain Levi's familiar voice outside, barking orders.

I ignored him and moved toward his voice, finding myself outside under the dim moonlight. I quickly scanned my surroundings. Horses were being hauled away; wagons were being unloaded. I set my sights on Levi, who was near one of the wagons.

I didn't even reach him before I saw Commander Erwin Smith being unloaded. He was carried by several Scouts, including Captain Levi.

The Commander was unconsciously writhing in pain, his eyes squeezed shut, sweat trickling down his brow. He was covered in dirt and grime. I scanned his form and gasped.

"His arm..." I whispered. Half of his right arm was entirely missing. All that remained was a crudely bandaged stub, but the bandage didn't hide the jagged bite marks, bloody flesh, and a distinct piece of white bone protruding from the wound.

"Get out of the way, the Commander needs medical attention immediately!" A Scout screamed at the crowd.

No longer caring about my own injuries, I ran toward the Captain. "What can I do?" I asked, matching my pace with Levi's as they moved toward the headquarters.

Captain Levi whipped his head toward me, his expression dark. "What the hell are you doing out of bed?"

"I heard the commotion and figured you could use an extra set of hands," I replied pointedly, annoyed at his concern.

"You could barely walk just a few hours ago, now go back to bed, Birdie. That's an order."

I winced at the use of my first name. His order stood, and I knew I had no choice. My cheeks flushed, and I hesitated before saluting him. "Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir."

His frustration stung, but I knew he was right. I was useless in this state.

I walked away, sparing one last glance at the Captain's retreating figure as he rushed Commander Erwin toward the medical bay.

On my way back inside, a small group caught my attention: Eren.

He was alive and safe. He was with his friends, hugging and crying. A couple of them were injured, but they all seemed to be okay. My expression softened, tears threatening to spill. I caught Mikasa's teary eye, and she sent me a small, relieved smile, which I returned.

Not wanting to interrupt their moment, I quietly continued on my way, thanking the gods for Eren's safe return and sending a silent prayer for Commander Erwin.

~

Captain Levi was right about one thing. I was tired as shit.

I was out like a light for the rest of the night and for part of the next day, finally waking only when the sound of mid-day chatter sounded throughout the halls.

I immediately noticed two things. First, my skin felt hot, itchy, and tight. Pressure built beneath the outer layer. Unable to help myself, I peeled the gauze and bandage off my arm. Red, hot, blistered flesh met my gaze. I winced and breathed deeply through my nose, a wave of nausea hitting me. Thankfully, my face had been shielded, with my arms and legs taking the brunt of the damage—a last-ditch effort that paid off. I knew the burns would heal, but I worried about the scars. With time they would fade... but how long would that take? I shook off the thought and re-wrapped my arm carefully, hissing at the fresh touch of the gauze.

The second thing I noticed was the sound of familiar voices outside my bedroom door. I slowly got up, not bothering to change, and opened the door to Hange and Moblit.

"You're up, Hange," I said, then looked to Moblit. "And you're back from Ragako."

"Yes and yes," Hange muttered, grimacing at the sight of my bandaged body despite her own looking much the same.

"Commander Erwin?" I asked hesitantly.

"He has one less arm than yesterday, but overall recovering well," Hange continued. "He is with the Captain and your Grandfather now."

Tears threatened to spill at the mention of my grandfather. "Can I go see them?"

"Yes," Moblit answered. "Commander Pixis knew you were resting but wanted to be alerted when you awoke."

Damn old man... so much for not worrying him.

I nodded. "Let me change and I'll be right out."

They both waited for me as I tediously put on clean clothes. My hair was a lost cause until I could fully submerge it in bath water, but a quick brush and wipe-down with a damp towel was the best I could do. I finally emerged from my room, the slight chill of the hallway biting at my newly exposed skin, making the burns throb beneath the clean fabric. I nodded to Hange and Moblit, acutely aware of the weight I was carrying: failure of the mission and the impending sight of my injured commander and worried grandfather. Every careful step I took down the hall was an exercise in controlled pain, but the tension of the meeting ahead was a heavier burden. I followed my two squad members down the hall toward Commander Erwin and my grandfather, bracing myself for the difficult truths that awaited.

~

A/N

I am back and desperately wanting to finish Birdie's story...so stay tuned for much more. I have uploaded a new cover for the story (which I am not totally in love with so if anyone has any suggestions or cover's they've mocked up, let me know!!) but figured it was time for something a bit fresh.

Thanks for your patience y'all!

Sadie ☮︎