Birdie (Levi x OC)

forty-one

Settling back into headquarters was...different. The new room was nice, twice the size of my previous one, laid out similarly to Levi's old quarters: an office connected to a large bedroom. Levi had already moved all of our things inside.

The corner of the room was dominated by a large, copper-lined tub. Someone must have pulled some strings, as there were pipes leading to the tub to two distinct spouts.

"How did you pull that off?" I breathed, leaning into Levi, my weight secured by a wooden crutch.

Levi shrugged, his gaze distant. "The facilities were already here, supplied by the central coal boiler for the higher ups and the infirmary. It was a request I made when asking for a new room."

He paused, his voice turning cold. "Figured it'd be better for you considering what happened last time you used the public baths."

"I've only ever seen systems like these in the capital," my eyes flashed bright as I smiled at Levi. "This is wonderful."

Levi's face seemed to soften. "Come on."

He slowly guided me to a padded wooden armchair by the bed, helping me sit with ease.

"I was surprised my grandfather didn't put up more of a fight," I told him, recalling the conversation. "I thought for sure he would make me go home with him."

When I had first talked to my grandpa about leaving the hospital, he had been confused and a little irritated. But when Levi intervened and explained what happened that early morning, he had the same reaction as Levi.

"Grandpa," I remembered saying, "I'm going to go back to the Survey Corps headquarters."

My grandfather's face had softened. "I figured that is what you would decide. I understand that they are your family too." He then cast a knowing look between us before saying, "Besides, Levi is in much better shape than I am to take care of you."

Levi scoffed, saying nothing to the smirking old man.

My memory was interrupted by the sound of furious banging on the door.

"Tch," Levi growled. "I thought I told those brats to hold off."

I looked between him and the door before giving him a sly grin. "Come in!"

Levi glared as his entire squad came bursting through the door.

"Birdie!" Sasha immediately began bawling, crumpling towards me. Connie followed, not crying, but his eyes were red around the rim.

Sasha went to hug me, but Levi grabbed her ponytail, bringing his face close to hers. "What did I tell you brats?"

"I know," Sasha sniffed, her nose running. "I just can't help it, Captain."

The others followed suit, a couple tears were shed as they gave me careful hugs, adhering to Levi's orders.

Armin looked exhausted. And had a look in his eye I recognized. Guilt.

"Hey, Armin," I said softly. "How you holding up?"

Armin offered a shaky, too-bright smile, the effort straining his eyes. "I'm keeping my head up."

I gave him a knowing look but accepted the lie.

Eventually, Jean came to my side, my expression softening at the sight. I took his hand in mine. "Thank you, Jean. For finding me."

He scratched the back of his neck, sniffing as if on the edge of tears. "You'd do the same for me."

Jean had seen everything. Not just as a witness, but as a participant. Hange had told me he held me down while Levi cauterized my leg, lifted the rubble from my body.