Petrichor

Chapter 19- Rory

"Blow My Brains Out" Tikkle Me

Adalynn kept her promise to visit me when she got back. And, to my utmost surprise, she did save some liquor for me. A quarter of the cheap bottle of whiskey, but it was something. I'm not a huge whiskey person, but I shared the rest with her. The bottle was too big to pass through the bars, so she had to help me drink it.

    She lasted roughly an hour before having to clock out. I was able to convince her to go to bed right as she was about to pass out. She left the empty bottle behind, just out of reach. Four days had passed since that. Her injuries were getting better. I could still tell she was sore, and a little angry at herself for not healing faster, but she was better than before. I hadn't done anything in the past four days. Nothing but sit, look at the wall, try to drown out the chatter of voices hiding just behind my head. Whispering through a thick barrier, just close enough to reach me and tug my hair. If I wasn't crazy now, I was going to be soon.

    It must be the cell. Eren was allowed out all day. Recently, he wasn't even sleeping down here. It was just me. Me and that thing. It was following me, watching me. Every time I turned, it was there. This horrible, shadowy figure. I would get so hot but the air was frigid when it was around. Sometimes I thought I could make out its features, but almost as soon as I caught a glimpse, it would disappear. It occasionally left me alone for a few hours. I loved when it was gone. It was never gone long enough to get some peace, though.

    I'd learned to ignore it, especially when people were near. But it was breathing down my neck as the days progressed. It was getting louder, stronger, more prominent. I hated it.

    "Captain Sterling," Alvar's gentle voice pulled me away from my own mind. "I brought you some food." I turned my head to look at him, eyeing the plate of fruit he lifted to show me.

    I stood from my cot, a shudder running through my body when it squeaked loudly. It was so goddamn loud. Alvar's smile was wavering a little as I approached, but his demeanor remained calm.

    "I'm not hungry, Alvar. You can take it back." I leaned against the bars, using them to hold me up. My appetite had faded over the past week.

    Alvar frowned. "Why don't I leave it in case you get hungry later?" He worked the lock with his keys, pushing the cell open and stepping inside. I watched lazily as he pushed past me, setting the plate on my cot.

    "Okay," I murmured. He turned and walked back to me, holding a mug.

    "Here," he handed it to me. "The tea you asked for."

    "Thank you. Who made it?" I took a cautious sip, testing to see how hot it was. Hot, but not scorching.

    "Adalynn, actually. She insisted she could do it this time." Alvar chuckled. "How'd she do?"

    A twinge of strength surged through me. "She made this?" Alvar nodded. "She's finally learned something, huh? It's not so bad." A small sense of pride welled in my chest. Levi must've taught her.

    "I wish I could stay longer, Captain, but-"

    I snickered softly, cutting him off as I took another sip. "You can call me Rory, you know. You're so formal all the time." I lifted my hand to gently pat his cheek. "Lighten up. We're friends."

    Alvar's eyes widened slightly. "We are?" His lips twitched to form a smile. "R-right. Friends. Thank you Cap - Rory." He cleared his throat. "Sorry, force of habit." He laughed nervously, averting his eyes from me.

    I hummed, sipping the tea. "Alvar," I began again, sighing. "Can you take me up for a shower?"

    Alvar's smile faded. His brows raised a little. "Uhhh... You know I would, but I wasn't told I could..."