Birdie (Levi x OC)

fifty-three

Six months since Shiganshina. Six months since my body had been permanently altered. Since my life had been permanently altered.

I stared out at the path, the early morning light fracturing through the trees and laying soft stripes of gold across the dirt. I inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent of damp earth and pine; a smell that reminded me of Levi.

I advanced down the path, my leg heavy and measured. I had been doing this walk just beyond headquarters every morning since my father had finally gone. It had been a month since Levi threw him out, and his absence allowed me to finally focus on me. To focus on improving my stability.

The brace groaned with each step, a mechanical, unflattering protest. I chose to ignore it. The consistent chafing had gotten better thanks to the thick pair of stockings Levi had insisted on, now worn smooth beneath the metal. The additional padding and re-sizing had eliminated the open sores, but bruises and angry red blisters still managed to litter the skin beneath the brace.

I had opted for long skirts these days. Pants were tight and fit uncomfortably beneath the brace. I also despised the way the metal cage looked; it made me feel weak. Today's skirt was a deep, earthy brown, its wool fabric draping around my legs and falling just short of the ankle. It meticulously and covertly hid the brace. I had paired it with the sturdy, dark leather walking boots Levi insisted on; secure, comfortable, and allowing some semblance of steadiness as I walked. I rolled up the sleeves to my cream button-up, the crisp linen a clean contrast to the earth tones, and tied my hair back with a simple dark ribbon. I was beginning to feel warm. Despite it being a chilly morning, the sun shining through the trees and the exertion from walking made the back of my neck feel hot.

I walked carefully, ignoring the inward wince each step cost me, choosing my footing over the random tree roots and stones. My nerves still seized up when overused, but the walks were so vital, so freeing. I was focused on the next uneven patch of dirt when I heard the quiet crunch of boots behind me.

I stopped and turned. Levi stood a few feet back. He wasn't wearing his uniform, but a simple charcoal-grey shirt and dark trousers, and he carried a steaming mug. He looked relaxed, yet his eyes held that familiar, protective vigilance.

"You're making better time," he noted, his voice low and approving. "You're moving quicker."

"A whole thirty seconds faster than yesterday," I joked, a light laugh in my tone "It's a miracle."

He walked up to me, extending the mug. "It's tea. Good for the nerves."

I accepted it, the warmth instantly seeping into my hands. "Were you timing me, or were you coming to intercept me when I inevitably fall?" I asked, taking a grateful sip.

"Both," he admitted simply, his gaze softening as he looked at me. His eyes traced the outline of my face, settling on the slight shine of sweat on my brow. "You look... good."

I hadn't seen him this morning. By the time I had awoke he was already gone, either with Hange or working his squad and Eren.

I laughed. "Hardly. I feel like a walking, creaking monument."

He reached out to the loose, tied ribbon holding my hair. He gently pulled it free, letting the strands tumble around my shoulders.

"You look beautiful," he corrected, his voice so quiet it was almost a secret. "The only good thing I've seen all day."

I laughed, a rough, intimate sound. "Well, it is rather early," I breathed, meeting his gaze. "You've got lots of time for more good today."

He didn't offer criticism or instruction, just that perfect, simple observation. He took the mug from my hand and intertwined our fingers, his grip firm.