Redemption Song | Levi & Eren

Chapter 14: All Along The Watchtower

      Levi found comfort in very little. There were a limited amount of things he held close to his heart. His joyful memories, his ring, his undiagnosed OCD and above all, silence.

He rarely shared them with other people, favouring to avoid the risks that came with opening up.

The humming engine acted as white noise between the two officers. The grey dull sky defined the day. The empty streets made for a smooth drive on the country lanes.

Quiet patrolling, another element of his life Levi held dear. Before dispatch called, before he had to race to a scene. He got to enjoy the scenery without any distractions, even if he kept a watchful eye out for suspiciousness.

Silence was only enjoyable if it was comfortable. Awkward silence was poison. Other people poisoned his deep well of personal preferences. He'd allow white noise if it relaxed him. Chatter or music wasn't allowed. The sounds of talking invaded his brain.

He preferred engine humming, wind rustling the branches and rain. The sounds of nature reminded him he was alive. Talking reminded him he was alone. Awkward silence was a cumulation of both. The white noise interrupted by tension frustrated him.

He realised someone had to speak even though he'd rather not. Petra, in the passenger seat, had greeted him in the morning hours ago. She hadn't spoken a word since.

He was sure she'd begun to figure out his peeves. He encouraged people to shut up with sarcastic remarks and insults. People like Jean took the hint early on while those like Eren needed it beaten into them. Petra respected him more than she feared him, unlike the other two.

She was protected in ways Eren wasn't. Eren hardly knew who he was whereas she handled herself well daily.

"Nice evening?" the words felt like glass spewing from his mouth.

Yesterday's shift tore them apart. Despite Levi's experience and strong resolve, it disturbed him. His choices were ripped from him when he saw the girl's bruise. He'd done exactly as he was taught.

It was Petra's tears. The young officer's upset look haunted his mind. He knew nothing of her home life but if he were to hazard a guess, he'd say it was better than most. Better than his at the very least.

Yesterday was her first time seeing something like that, that much was obvious to him.

"It was nice," she replied.

It was more words than he'd expected but nice was too broad a word. Amazing would have suggested is a great evening. Good or fine meant it was miserable. Nice could mean either and anything else.

Logic told him she'd carry this weight for a while, nonetheless, a hopeless speck living inside him prayed she'd return to normal by morning.

There were no updates on the Braun situation. Levi didn't want one. At some point, the courts would decide on the best course of treatment for Gabi, as well as sentence Karina if they believer her guilt of abuse.

Falco's injuries would be blamed on Gabi or her mental illness. He hoped for the latter.

Non-existent words caught in his throat. His mind was too blank to think of something to say. Usually, the trainee might request something from him relating to the job or a personal question if she were feeling particularly daring that day. He'd answer it if she asked.

He cursed his mind for returning him to Erwin's office on the day he'd been ordered to train Petra. His own words stung. He'd told Erwin he wouldn't accept the blame if she quit. He said if she gave up it was her fault, he wouldn't accept responsibility for her decision.