The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

Pain

Levi's POV:

One Week Later

Over the past few days, Tessa and I have been making last-minute preparations before we leave for the week. Though Erwin assured us that he had everything taken care of, Tessa and I wanted to ensure ourselves. While Tessa checked on her patients in the city, I handled the paperwork and planning. I still have reservations about Shitty-Glasses being in charge of our squad, which Tessa thinks is hilarious but understands my concerns because if anyone knows how Shitty-Glasses is, it's her. Luckily, Moblit and Miche offered to keep her in check in case she went overboard. I have noticed that Tessa is more excited as the day draws closer for us to help train the upcoming brats. I don't know why she's this excited, but I suppose I'll find out when we get there. While Tessa is excited, I don't share it, which is nothing new because I rarely show emotions unless it's in private with Tessa.

During the past few days, I could feel a dark cloud looming over me. It didn't help that my head would start throbbing at the worst times even. I suppose it was because I was overworking myself before we left, but I only hoped it would be the case. If the headaches progressed into migraines, my vision would be fuzzy, or I would be too exhausted to get out of bed because I would be unable to sleep due to the pain. Whenever I did get sleep, it would only be an hour, maybe two. When morning came, I would wake up alone because Tessa would already be gone, yet she would find me where she had left me when she returned moments later. I could see the worried look in her eyes, but I couldn't let her catch onto how I was feeling. I assured her I was fine, just exhausted from all the work. It was a lie, but she believed it, or so I hoped. She wouldn't press it further, only asking that I drink the honey-chamomile tea to help with my sleep. I agree though she knows I hate flavored tea. Today was the day I had no choice but to drink it.

After I finally did get out of bed, Tessa offered to make the tea for me as I went to get a shower. I hoped the hot water would ease the tension in my temples and wake me up. Before I stepped in, I heard Tessa order Kip to stay by the bathroom door to listen for me. I smile at how Tessa worries more about me than herself, but then again, I do the same for her. When I step into the shower, I listen to Kip whine outside the door, "I'm alright, Kip, just a headache." I say, hoping the poor hound will hear me over the running water. Although I don't want to admit it, Kip has become close to me, and I don't mind it. His instinct as an animal and the training from Tessa has made him aware of any signs of distress. I notice he will always be glued to my side at night, especially when my head feels like this. As the hot water begins to hit my back, I can feel some of the tension lifting, but not much. Over the past few years, these headaches would come and go, but they would never be this bad.

When I got out, I found the cup waiting on the nightstand. I hurried to finish getting dressed, so I could drink the warm tea before I had to leave. When I exit the bedroom, I see Tessa at her desk, rubbing her temples. I hear her sigh, "You okay, sweetheart?" I ask in a low whisper as I go to her side. Tessa nods as she looks at the paper in her hand, "Yeah, just overthinking things again. You know, typical over-perfectionist here," She lightly chuckles as she rests her chin on my hand, "Did the tea help any?" She asks as she looks at me with her beautiful blue eyes. The tea did help, but I just hope the headache will fade before this afternoon. I nod as I kneel beside her, "Yes, thank you, my love," I smile at her before I tap her nose, "I guess I'm lucky that I get to have the beautiful doctor be my girlfriend, huh?" I chuckle. Tessa giggles, "Yes, but I'm lucky to have you, Levi." Tessa corrects while kissing my cheek. The tea and the hot shower have nothing on the gentleness of Tessa's lips, and the pain in my head starts to dwindle. I softly hum, which Tessa notices and gives me a look, "Just an added medicine to make you feel better." She teases with a wink. I shake my head before leaning over the arm of the chair to kiss her, "Thank you, Tess. I feel better already." I smile as I get up from my knelt position.