Birdie (Levi x OC)

fifty

"So this is how it's going to be from now on..." I murmured, watching Levi buckle the complex straps of his ODM harness. "Me staying here waiting while you go off and risk your life. Fuck, this is so irritating."

Levi shot me a look. "Don't start with this now, Birdie. Please. Not when I have to leave you for two weeks."

"I know, I know," I cast my eyes downwards toward the floor. "Everyone leaving me for long periods of time is just something I'm not used to. I'll just have to adjust." I let out a long sigh.

I forced myself to smile as I looked back up at him. "I'll hold down the fort. I promise."

Levi looked slightly annoyed, his brows furrowed as he stepped towards me. I was sat in the armchair in our room.

"I know you will," Levi sighed. "But I'm leaving you alone, and your father is still out there. That's what worries me, Birdie."

It had been a couple weeks since my grandfather brought the revelation of my father looking for me to light. Nothing had happened since, but missions couldn't be put on hold just because my father decided now would be a good time to beg for my forgiveness.

"Even if he were to show up," I said firmly. "I can handle him. And I'm not totally alone here. There are a few new recruits staying back."

Levi ran a hand through his hair. "I'm aware. It still doesn't mean I'm happy about leaving you."

I smiled. "I'm a big girl. Don't worry about me when you have yourself to worry about."

"I worry about you more than anything," he huffed. "But I'll be careful."

I nodded. "Me too. I don't know how I'm going to sleep, though. I don't know how to without you beside me."

He knelt down beside me, bringing his eyes level with mine. "If it helps: I'm the same." He reached out, pinching my nose cheekily, and giving my head a little shake. "The sound of your snoring is the only thing that lets me switch off."

"Hey," I swatted his hand away. "I do not snore."

He raised his eyebrows and smiled, his eyes soft. "Whatever you say, Pixis."

I glared, but couldn't remain serious for very long. I let out a slight laugh.

He stood up, grabbing the last of his supplies. I watched him, the smile fading.

He stopped, his hand pausing on the door handle. He scrubbed a hand over his face in frustration.

"I didn't think it would feel like this," he confessed, the last word barely audible. "I don't want to leave you."

"Hey, hey," I stood up cautiously, walking with a limp, relying only on the brace for support. The crutch lay forgotten in the corner. "Two weeks will go by very fast. You'll be so busy you won't even notice."

"Oh, trust me," he grabbed the side of my face with his hand, rubbing soft circles on my cheek with the pad of his thumb. "I'll notice."

He then leaned in and claimed my mouth in a quick, fierce kiss; a deliberate act, sealed behind the safety of the closed door, away from the eyes of others.

When he broke away, he picked up his satchel and opened the door. "Come on. Walk me to the horses."

"Wait, Levi," I murmured, grabbing onto his sleeve. "Before you go, can you promise me something?"

He raised his brows. "What?"

"Take me when you find the ocean. When you see it for the first time... I want to be there. I want to see it with you."