Return to sender

Journey's end

Tickets had been purchased by phone, plenty seats still remaining as the full journey outwards happened rarely, especially on a week day and you were helped out of the cab, driver assisting with luggage whilst Levi attended to you. After packing, solid rest had been the order of the day to conserve energy and you tentatively stepped to the pavement, feet not as steady as usual but not due to lack of strength - returning to a place which held such bad memories was a burden on you both and you tried to ignore the feeling of dread, concentrating on the weeks ahead instead.

You hadn't spoken at any great length with Jean earlier, made a note of his uncertain demeanour however decided to leave it, not wanting Eren's doubts to become obvious as this issue was purely between them. Your friend did seem troubled but acted so blazé as usual, masking his inner feelings like always and was slightly over enthusiastic about your trip. He'd gone away happy though, bags full of free food and genuinely excited for you, so you'd opted for the soft approach and pretended nothing was amiss.

Cold air brushed across warm cheeks, cooling you down with Earth's invigorating breaths and to be outside once again gave a sense of awakening, excursions rare and you turned to Levi, apology in your eyes.

"Sorry we never got to visit the places on your list."

"It's alright, (F/N). Probably a case of rose tinted glasses anyway. Would've looked shit compared to what I remember in my mind." Holding you close, the man squeezed in tight until you were pressed into him, arm looped around his waist and face warmed by his thick coat as a small kiss was placed on your head, protective and pure. "And now you have such a wondrous experience to come. Get ready for a painful fucking existence."

"I'm sure I'll survive. I can always video call the guys, live through their view like we did." Levi bristled, straightening slightly as he checked the departure board for directions and you felt the stiffening muscles within your embrace, features softening as you smiled. "But I won't. That's our thing." He relaxed a bit and you held back the giggle in your chest, thoroughly amused by his reaction. Your lover paid extreme attention to the glowing letters on screen and internally chastised himself for the flash of jealousy, yet wanting to keep the method of communication for the pair of you only, the show of emotion making you adore him that little bit more.

"There we go. Stop F." Silver eyes scanned the area and Levi tutted, spotting the relevant port with a sigh. "Would be right across the fucking station, wouldn't it. Fuck sakes." Embodying that masculine avoidance of asking for help, the man looped both suitcase handles in his arm and attempted to pull them along, propping you up on the other side but only achieving a stuttering sideways grind of plastic wheels - the luggage was not intended to be moved in this way. "Jesus, what did you pack?"

"Oh you know, the essentials. Shampoo, clothes, Eren."

"Fucking feels like you did."

Giving in with a brusque huff, he set you down on one case as a kind of throne and sought assistance, scowl deep and pace thunderous. You looked around, took in the busy terminus and kept the fear at bay, hands wringing tightly and telling yourself it would be ok, that kind of accident would not be happening again, the odds were too high and you weren't that unlucky. Probably. Maybe.

Levi returned with an employee, friendly male wearing the royal blue uniform of this place and a gold watch stuck out from his waistcoat pocket, a true time-keeper if you'd ever seen one. The smile warmed you to the aging worker instantly and he scooped the chain out with an official swipe, flicking the lid and checking the hour despite all of the electronic displays. He nodded, content that you had enough of a chance to catch the intended bus and he glanced down at your seated form.

"I can get you a wheelchair, Miss?"

Some explanation had evidently been given and you weakly raised a hand, waving kindly to dismiss the offer.