Fallen [Levi Ackerman]

Chapter Fourteen

Grey eyes stare back at me, holding my gaze. Levi stood at my side, his face masked in that same disinterested expression he always had. Though there was a gleam of worry in his eyes.

He did not speak, only stared. I wasn't sure when I'll get the answer to my question, I didn't dwell on it. I break my stare and scanned the room once more. I was familiar with the rows of beds, curtains between each, and with that faint scent of mint.

We were in the medical center and by the looks of outside, it was high noon. I grip the white sheets before releasing a heavy sigh. How long was I unconscious for? My memory was blurry and hazy, I barely remember any of it. Even when I tried to remember there was a throbbing pain in my right temple.

"You fainted." Levi's deep yet firm tone made me glance back at him. Arms crossed with a frown now prominent over his features. It was hard to read him, he always had that bored look on his face.

"I can see that," I mutter while motioning my hands to sheets on my lap. "But what happened?"

Levi was silent again but releases a breath before sitting on a stool at my bedside. "Emma, you were screaming again."

I blink once, of course I was. I didn't respond, knew I didn't need to. My stomach churns, a part of me wished I fainted for a different reason.

When there was screaming there were tears. And when there were tears there was haunting memories. It was all slowly starting to come back to me now.

Erwin and I discussing new ways to save the Survey Corps. Him asking me about my mistakes. Asking me to assess each mistake I've since I became a Scout and a leader, and asking me to learn from them.

I bite my lower lip, learn from them. As if I haven't already. As if I haven't went through a lot in the years I've been a Scout. Is that I was good for? Making mistakes?

"You should rest." Levi takes a stand, I barely looked his way but knew he wasn't trying to stare in my direction. His calculative gaze was set solely on the blanket atop of me. He reaches forward as if to fix my blanket but stops halfway.

He pulls back before straightening his shoulders. Something heavy drops into my stomach. I grip the sheets as I try to fight against the tightness my throat has suddenly become. He was leaving.

"I'll be back soon." He says just as he turns to walk towards the door.

"Levi." I had whispered his name just as he gripped the handle on the door. I watched him as his shoulders tense a little, he didn't turn to look back at me. It only made my stomach feel heavier.

"What?"

I find myself straightening my spine under his cold response. Why was his tone suddenly bothering me?

"Are you---are you upset at me?" I hear myself ask in such a soft tone. Immediately hating how pathetic I sound, I quickly added, "You know, for causing an unnecessary scene."

I wasn't sure why I felt so small and vulnerable. Even with Levi possibly being upset, it shouldn't bother me. And yet here I am holding my breath awaiting his response. He doesn't skip a beat and proceeds to open the door.

"No, Emma," he responds rather harshly. "Why should I be upset with a brat like yourself who's unable to handle their own fears?"

Before I could say more he walks out, slamming the door behind him. I stare confusingly at the door, he was upset. Of course he was, why else would he say that with such sarcasm and bitterness?

I click my tongue, the nerve of him. It wasn't like I wanted to feel powerless and lose myself to my own memories. But I shouldn't have expected him to fully understand, not when he is--- him.