Birdie (Levi x OC)

sixty-six

"You sure you've got everything? We'll be gone for a couple of weeks, this isn't a quick trip to the capital," Levi said as I fought to zip the over-stuffed suitcase on the bed.

"As if you haven't double-checked it yourself already," I countered, giving him a pointed look. "I know I've got everything precisely because I'm married to you."

He rolled his eyes, walked over, and zipped the bag shut with a single, smooth pull, not missing a single snag. He examined me, then reached out to straighten the collar of my civilian coat.

I hadn't had any bouts of panic since the night I'd cut my hand on the glass. The sudden silence in my head was almost unnerving; the visions and the dreams had finally eased. The reprieve felt precarious, but real.

"It'll be nice to take the train to the port," I said, admiring him. "And then a boat, Levi. We get to go on a boat!"

He acknowledged my excitement with a slight smile. "Remember this isn't a vacation, Birdie."

"I know," I hushed him. "But let me have a little bit of fun. Seeing a world so different than our own? How could I not be excited?"

"I hate to admit that I am a little curious too," Levi sighed. "It will be interesting. A life behind these damn walls, and I finally get to see what's beyond."

I nodded in agreement. He grabbed my bag from the bed, and we started walking toward the door.

"By the way," I said, folding my hands behind my back as we walked. "You look quite dapper in civilian clothes."

He shot me a glare. "I feel uncomfortable without my uniform. It's restricting."

"Hmm," I agreed. "Well, you do look handsome." The way the light caught his familiar, sharp-cut black hair made the suit and jacket feel almost normal.

He scoffed, saying nothing more as he guided us out of the room and toward the headquarters exit.

We arrived at the train station an hour later. The station was quiet when our small crew arrived, and everyone was accounted for, including Onyankopon.

"Pixis didn't want to send you off?" Hange asked as we boarded the small train. I quickly plopped myself down on a seat near the aisle, unwilling to wrestle my braced leg into the window seat.

"He sent a letter," I said. "He's so busy. I might stay with him for a couple of days when we're back if that's alright with you," I glanced at Levi. "I fear I've been neglecting him."

Levi settled beside me, resting a hand heavily on my knee. "That's no fault of your own. You've been preoccupied and busy."

I nodded, understanding he was carefully referencing the sickness and the miscarriage. "But, yes. It's alright with me if you'd like to stay with him for a day or two," he confirmed.

"Sounds good. I just want to check up on him, make sure he's doing alright, and maybe clean his quarters for him," I said. "I think you've rubbed off on me, Levi, because last time I stayed there I couldn't help myself but clean the whole damn thing."

The train jolted to a start, causing me to wince. Levi squeezed my knee gently, recognizing my discomfort.

Levi hummed. "We have a couple hours; you should take a nap. You'll be well rested for the boat ride then."

I nodded, a yawn escaping my lips at the mention of a nap. I smiled. "If those kids quiet down, I might be able to."

At that, Levi immediately turned in his seat, facing his squad. "I want quiet out of all of you until we reach the port. Everyone rests while we can. Am I clear?"