Petrichor

Chapter 3 - Rory

"Lost" by Unknown Neighbors

I turn my attention back to Levi. Still standing there, reliving memories. I walk over, yearning to ask the dying question.

    "Levi, what's her name?"

    "Captain." He immediately corrects, avoiding my question.

    "Still, her name?"

    "No clue."

    "What? What do you mean? So, you're saying we just chased down a girl, who is laying in the infirmary unconscious, and we don't even know her name?"

    "Listen, we knew of her. We knew where to find her and her capabilities. She is damn good at secrets."

    I frown, crossing my arms. "Of course we don't know anything about her," I muttered under my breath, but Levi seemed to catch it.

    "You're free to question her when she's awake," he responded, turning his back to me. Now that was getting annoying. He was hardly the easiest person to talk to, and I liked to talk. He snuffed that out quicker than sand does a flame.

I stepped forward, putting on my best smile. "I'll take you up on that offer," I nodded thoughtfully, before pausing in my trek. "But I do have kitchen duty, actually... Later it is." Levi didn't bother to respond or even look my way, so I turned myself around.

I had been scheduled for most of the week, but due to the special mission I was put on, Erwin was able to exempt me from most of it. But now that the job was completed, I had to go back. Being a Scout for less than a year still meant being treated like a little cadet.    Still, I was exhausted and I'm sure our criminal was too. I'll just see her tomorrow. By the time kitchen duty was over I was near ready to fall over, so I hastily returned to the barracks for some much needed rest. In five minutes I was out.

~

    Waking up early was almost never easy for me. Still, I rolled out of bed. Though my eyes fought to stay open, I managed to pull my shirt above my head. With the rest of my uniform on I remembered why I wanted to get up so early, her. Even if I knew nothing about her, I still found her mystery to be compelling. And so, though my entire body ached and I wished for nothing more than to lay back down, I left the barracks and made my way straight to the infirmary.

    The sound of boots hitting the floor in an almost rhythmic way echoed in the halls as soldiers flowed in, going to complete morning duties. I added to the mass as I walked to the medical wing, where she layed. With every step the anticipation filled my gut. Hange's voice pulled me out of my head, "Hey Rory, headed to see her so soon?"

I stopped mid-step, pivoting on my heel to turn to her. "Morning," I gave her a light smile. "I figured the earlier the better. Levi said I could ask some questions."

Hange lifted her hand to adjust her glasses. "What kind of questions?"

"Her name, for starters." I paused to consider. "Anything I can get out of her, even if it's just a favorite color. I'm curious."

"I'd offer to come with, but I've got some tests to run. Maybe you can swing by later? I could use the help," she offered, taking a few steps forward.

I didn't bother with declining. "I'd love to." To that, Hange stuck out her hand.

"Shake on it or it isn't true," she teased, and I complied happily. With a firm shake, she walked off, waving goodbye as she did. My strides come to a stop as I reach the entrance of the infirmary. I poke my head in, scanning for an unforgettable face. My eyes light up in recognition as I see the blondie laying on the cot by the window. I decidedly slowed my pace as I started to walk over, cautious not only because I know nothing about her, but also because she somewhat intimidates me.