Birdie (Levi x OC)

thirty

The sun hammered down, the heat so intense that the hair on the back of my neck felt heavy and damp. I was lost in a press of bodies, my comrades crowding in on all sides as we all craned our necks to see the stage. Historia stood up there, surrounded by the top brass of the military, including Erwin and my grandfather. She was stunning as she gracefully bowed to accept the crown.

"The true ruler of the walls!" someone bellowed.

"Queen Historia!" another voice screamed.

"Tsk," Levi muttered, a spark of annoyance in his tone.

I looked at him, our shoulders brushing. "Isn't this what we wanted?"

"Of course," he snapped, the harshness causing me to pull back slightly. His expression immediately fell into a grimace of regret. "I just want some peace and quiet."

A feeling of understanding washed over me.

Captain Levi had been different since he returned from the chapel, since his encounter with Kenny. He was quieter, more distant. I hadn't gotten a chance to ask him what happened, and there hadn't been a moment to breathe with Historia's coronation being rushed through immediately after Rod was taken out.

I gave him a look of sympathy before turning back to the stage. Historia was now waving to the citizens. Her citizens.

"That's a lot of pressure for someone so young," I told Levi, admiring the scene. "It won't be easy for her."

He nodded. "Nothing is easy living inside these damn walls."

"I suppose you're right," I sighed.

"It's too hot," Levi said. "Let's get out of the sun."

I glanced at Hange, Moblit, and the others, who were celebrating. Levi gestured away from the crowd, and I followed him as he moved through the people.

"Finally, I can breathe," I said with a laugh as we broke free and walked down the street.

He looked back at me, his expression serious. "Everything okay, Captain?" I asked.

He looked at the sky, a warm breeze passing over us. "I think so." The tone in his voice was quiet, and a sense of sadness came over me.

I stepped forward and linked my arm through his. "Let's get a drink." He gave a small smile, acknowledging my effort.

The streets were quiet as we walked to the market. Most people were still at the coronation. The few shops that were open were busy getting ready for the crowds that would fill them later.

"Some cold tea, maybe?" I asked, pointing to a tea stand an old woman was setting up.

He simply nodded. We approached the stand, and I began to reach for my coin pouch, but Levi was faster. He pulled a pouch from his jacket and paid the woman, who immediately began to prepare our cold teas.

"Thank you," I said, a soft exhale of gratitude. He only nodded in return.

I admired the quiet street as the woman poured our tea over ice. The buildings here were so much nicer than in Trost—clean, decorated, and free of debris. Another warm breeze swept through, making me feel hot and sticky. I grumbled, shucking off my uniform jacket to reveal my short-sleeved green top.

"Here you go," the woman said, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Thank you," I replied, grabbing the drinks.

I passed one to Levi, whose gaze was fixed on me. "What's up?"

He shook his head softly, taking the drink from my outstretched hand. We found a quiet side street and settled on a shaded curb. We sipped our tea in comfortable silence, the cool liquid a welcome relief. The tiredness I'd been holding back finally sank through my body. I set my drink down, hugged my knees to my chest, and rested my head on my arms.