Birdie (Levi x OC)

seventy-six

Levi was gone by the time I awoke. He left a note on the bedside table; easy for me to find upon awakening.

Stay in bed, Birdie. That's an order.

Levi

"Ugh," I groaned, falling back on my pillow. I rubbed at my temples, a dull headache brewing beneath the surface. I winced as my fingers grazed the wound on my forehead.

How horribly unfair it was that Levi had likely left before dawn had even broken. He was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and didn't even get an opportunity to rest. And here I was, ordered to stay in bed, wasting time.

I glanced at the clock; it was already half past nine, meaning Levi had likely been up for hours at this point, entrenched in bureaucratic hell and interrogation.

Get a couple more hours of sleep, Birdie. Obey your husband, and then I can go help him.

I squeezed my eyes shut, tiredness still flooding my veins. I supposed a little more rest wouldn't hurt.

"Birdie!" A knock sounded at the door. The familiar cadence of Hange's voice filling my ears.

"Hange," I called back, stumbling out of bed. "I need a moment!"

I scrambled to put my brace on before heading to the door. I scurried through the office to find Hange patiently awaiting in the hallway. I let out a breath. "Hange, I'm sorry. I was still in bed."

"I know," Hange sighed, her eyes instantly darting to the stitches on my temple. "And Levi's going to string me up by my ankles for this, but I need you with me. This is one of those times where I need a clear head, and you, dear bird, help me maintain that."

"What is it?" I said quietly.

She paused for a moment, taking in my injured face with a grimace. "I want to talk to Eren. I need to understand his true intent, and I want you to come with me. He respects you, Birdie. You might be the only one who can cut through whatever wall he's built."

"Oh, Levi is most definitely going to kill you," I almost laughed. "But of course I'll come. Just let me get dressed."

Hange followed me into the room, closing the door behind her. I winced as I pulled off my shift, revealing my black and blue body to her.

"Damn," she said, looking away with a wince. "Maybe I shouldn't have gotten you out of bed."

"I'm fine, Hange," I said in a singsong voice. "Besides, I should get up and moving." I pulled a dark green skirt over my waist and buttoned up a white blouse.

"You can make it up to me by braiding my hair for me," I laughed, passing her a ribbon.

She laughed too, taking it eagerly before easily braiding my long hair down my back.

"Are Eren and Zeke not detained together?" I said softly as Hange tied off the braid.

"No," Hange replied. "Levi wants them separated until we really understand why Eren was so insistent on coordinating with the enemy and forcing the meeting with Zeke. He suspects a hidden motive that is far more dangerous than simple warfare."

"And the kids?" I asked, squeezing my eyes shut at the memory of Sasha.

"Also detained," Hange said quietly. "I know, Birdie. It's a disaster." She paused, her voice lowering further. "Sasha's burial will take place tomorrow."

I nodded, turning around to face Hange as she patted my shoulders, indicating the braid was done.

"You doing okay?" She asked.