The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

The Approval

Levi's POV:

After we left from speaking with Erwin, Hange and I went to check on Tessa. We remained silent, possibly because wondering if Tessa was alright or if what Erwin had said earlier was fresh on our minds. I just couldn't get what happened today out of my head; hearing Tessa's scream and watching that Abnormal throw her like she was nothing frightened and angered me all at once. Never have I ever heard Tessa let out an ear-piercing cry like that, but when I did..., it sent shivers down my spine. It made me remember when I was a frail kid just trying to survive in the cruel Underground instead of being the strong and abrasive Captain I am. I sigh as I look at the moonlit sky, hoping this cold feeling will vanish before I see Tessa. I suppose Hange notices the concern I am feeling inside and puts a hand on my shoulder, "She'll be okay, Levi. I know she will." She reassures me, but I don't say anything except nod to her statement. We continue walking to the tent in silence, though it's just getting on my nerves because I wish Hange would go on about a crazy idea of hers to distract me.

We finally reach the infirmary tent to see Miche and Moblit standing outside, which makes the anxiety sink back into my chest because why else would they be standing out here? However, I don't let my fear show on my face as I clear my throat, "Miche, what's the update?" I ask, and Miche clears his throat, "Tessa is stable and resting right now. Moblit and I offered to wait out here until you two returned. I already told your squad to get some rest, and Nanaba will update them later." He answers, to which I nod before stepping inside, and Hange smiles at the two before following me in. After I move the flap, I see Kip resting behind Tessa's curled body with his head resting on her hip. I quietly walk over to them and gently rub Kip's head, which makes him open his amber-colored eyes, but he doesn't move, and I smile at him, "Good boy." I whisper before sitting beside Tessa's head. I run my hands through her ebony curls as my eyes trail over her bandaged-covered body. The wrapping was neat but still loose, which meant Petra and Nanaba tried their best to give Tessa the ability to breathe still while her ribs healed. I listen for her breathing and watch the side of her body rise. It's even, which is good but for how long?

I take one of Tessa's hands and bring it to my lips because I need her to open those stunning eyes of hers and look at me with that beautiful smile. I need to hear her angelic voice. I just need her. While I look at Tessa, I hear the sink run and turn to see that Hange has already removed her jacket and is preparing to oversee Tessa's injury as promised. Hange turns around while drying her hands and begins searching through Tessa's bag while I remain silent, still listening to Tessa's breathing. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tessa's shirt from earlier, yet there was a tear in it. Did Tessa use it to soften any signs of distress? My thoughts went silent when I heard Hange clear her throat, "I need to check on Cat, so can you move Kipper?" She asks, but Kip doesn't budge, "Kip, you need to move, buddy." She says, but Kip still won't move and looks at me before I hear a gentle whimper from the worried hound. I sigh because I know Kip is looking after Tessa, "He's not going to move, Hange," I explain, "Kip is doing his job as Tess's hound to protect her." I finish as I brush a strand away from Tessa's face.

When my fingers gently graze Tessa's cheek, I see her sky-blue eyes flutter open as she looks at me, "Levi." She whispers, then smiles, and I smile before kissing her hand, "I'm right here. Hange is too." I reassure her. I watch Tessa shift her gaze and weakly smile at Hange, "Hey, Zoe." She whispers, and Hange sniffs before wiping her face with her sleeve, "Hey, Kitty Cat. How are you feeling?" She asks, and Tessa winces, "Like I got tossed around like a damn ragdoll." Tessa chuckles but stops before squeezing my hand. We both hear Tessa wince in pain again, which causes Kip to whine again. I watch Tessa place a hand on Kip's head as she slowly loosens her hold on my hand. Tessa takes deep breaths while rubbing Kip's head, "I'm okay, Kipper. Promise." She reassures the hound, then takes a few more deep breaths. Hange clears her throat, "Cat, I need to see if the girls did everything right, but Kip won't move," She explains, which causes Tessa to look at her, "Can you help?" Hange asks, and Tessa nods, "Kip, sit by Levi." She instructs, to which Kip moves off the cot and to my feet. I use my free hand to reassure him while Hange looks at Tessa's injury.