A Wall Of Blue Roses(Un Mur de Roses Bleues)

Aftermath

Darkness was all Belle could see. There was nothing she could do as she laid down. She couldn't move. She couldn't speak. She couldn't even open her eyes. The only thing, she could feel was that she was laying in somewhere warm and wet, water going up and down her limbs, dripping. She was still asleep in an unfamiliar surrounding as she felt a sensation of someone's fingers running and massaging through her hair.

(I've felt you coming girl, as you drew near)

(I knew you'd find me, cause I longed you here)

(Are you my destiny? Is this how you'll appear?)

(Wrapped in a coat with tears in your eyes?)

(Well take that coat babe and throw it on the floor)

(Are you the one that I've been waiting for?)

Belle suddenly felt herself relax as the mystery human did all the work. She desparately wanted to open her eyes to see whoever it was.

(As you've been moving surely toward me)

(My soul has comforted and assured me)

(That in time, my heart, it will reward me)

(And that all will be revealed)

(So I've sat and I've watched an ice-age thaw)

(Are you the one that I've been waiting for?)

Suddenly, without any warning, water had splashed on top of Belle's hair, causing her eyes to open as she shrieked and jump startled, looking as if she was about to run, only to stop when a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her back, followed by a familiar stoic voice.

"Hold still, brat! I'm not done yet!"

That was when reality had struck Belle. She was now in a bath and Levi was the one, bathing her. Her uniform must have been sent to the laundry room.

(Out of sorrow, entire worlds have been built)

(Out of longing, great wonders have been willed)

(They're only little tears, darling, let them spill)

(And lay your head upon my shoulder)

(Outside my window, the world has gone to war)

(Are you the one that I've been waiting for?)

Belle turned to look at Levi, giving him a confused look, wondering to where she was.

"What happened? What am I doing here?" She asked.

"You passed out." Answered Levi, continuing to wash her. "And you were dirty from your injuries, so I decided to bathe you."

"Bathe me?" Asked Belle, shocked, face red with embarrassment. "But sir, I can bathe myself just fine."

"Not in this state, you're in, brat." Levi retorted.

(Oh we will know, won't we?)

(The stars will explode in the sky)

(Oh but they don't, do they?)

(Stars have their moments and then they die)

Belle laid in the bathtub, not bothering to say anymore as Levi rinsed the soap and shampoo out of her body and hair, before reaching for a towel as he helped her out of the bath.

"I brought your nightclothes over. Your uniform is in the wash." Informed Levi, wrapping the towel around Belle. "I'll leave you to get dressed. Tell me when you're done. You need some sleep."

Belle nodded as she began drying herself off as her captain left the bathroom to give her privacy.

After she got into her nightdress, Belle called out to Levi, telling him she was now ready. Her superior walked into the bathroom as she rubbed her tired eyes but felt herself being picked up bridal style, as he knew she would be too tired to walk to her room. As he carried her through the halls, her head against his chest, Levi couldn't help but look at her. Knowing what she'd been through to save Claudius, he knew how much she missed her brother and how she needed someone. Belle may be a strong and brave woman but like anyone, she has her limits.

(There's a man who spoke wonders, though I've never met him)

(He said, "He who seeks finds and who knocks will be let in.")

(I think of you in motion and just hoe close you are getting)

(And how every little thing anticipates you)

(All down my veins, my heartstrings call)

(Are you the one that I've been waiting for?)

Upon reaching her room, Levi pushed the door open before carrying Belle inside. Her window was still closed and everything was in their proper place. Slowly walking to her bed, he pulled the covers, before gently laying Belle down and pulled the blanket over as she rested her head on the pillow. He took a moment to look at her as he sat down as a little tear came rolling out of her closed eye and down her cheek. Levi breathed a deep sigh as he tenderly brought a hand up to stroke her soft cheek and wiping the tear away.

(Are you the one that I've been waiting for?)

Getting up from the bed, Levi walked to the door, leaving Belle to sleep, but not before turning to take one more look at her before closing the door behind him.

After having done his job tending to Belle, he was now on his way to the infirmary to check on Claudius. The cadets who volunteered, had finished up and left with only Hanji remaining behind whom he met upon entering.

"We took care of his injuries, sir. His cuts are cleaned up, his bruises are tended to and he needs lots of rest. He's currently asleep now." Informed Hanji.

Levi nodded. "How long will it take for him to recover and awaken?"

"Days, weeks, months, who knows?" The brunette scientist shrugged. "How's Belle?"

"She's asleep. She's bathed and cleaned up now." Answered Levi.

Hanji nodded, before letting out a sad sigh. "Poor girl misses her brother so much. She felt like there was no one there whenever she needed to be rescued. Pretty lonesome if you ask me."

Levi only let out a small 'hmm' in response before turning to see Claudius who was now covered in bandages, laying in the infirmary bed under the covers, asleep in a stable condition.

"Suppose we better go to bed now. Goodnight captain." Hanji beamed.

"Goodnight." Levi replied as they both parted ways from the infirmary to head to their rooms.

Everyone else had got a long night ahead of them.