A Broken Act

Act XIX

The fever I caught knocked me off to sleep the whole night. The layers of clothing I wore, along with the thick blanket draped over me helped fend off the shivering raking thro, but only for a little. My nose was clogged up with the viscous material that I hated, forcing me to breathe through my mouth. I fucking hated fever.

I couldn’t even remember the last time I had one. Now that I was able to mull over my actions and experienced being sick again, I couldn’t help but reprimand myself. What the hell was I thinking letting myself get soaked in the rain like that? What the hell would Erwin say to me once he discovered my sick ass? I could say that it wouldn’t be fucking good.

When I woke up earlier that day, the first thing that I heard was Eren talking furiously with someone in his phone. He was keeping his voice low and I was still feeling dizzy so I couldn’t hear everything he said properly. That didn’t stop me from finding out that whatever it was they were talking about was shitty, judging from the look on Eren’s face.

His lips were pursed in a tight line, turquoise eyes burning in dismay. His eyebrows almost met in a straight line as he breathed heavily, trying to keep his temper. “Could you fucking stop bothering me with this, Dad?” The way he said ‘dad’ was laced with sarcasm. I didn’t know what was going on in between them, but back then, he never spoke to Grisha in this manner. “If you forgot, I have work to focus on here.”

He stayed silent for a few seconds, letting the other person talk. The way he ran his hand through through his hair, harshly tugging on the brown locks in frustration, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’ll be bald prematurely.“Oh wow, you’re trying to pull that on me? Aren’t you the one who caused it? Then fucking man up and face it! And no, why would I give you respect? You didn’t respect me before, so why would you expect me to give it to you?”

This time he didn’t let his father talk, cutting him off before he even got the chance to speak. “Fuck off, Dad. I’m not in the mood for your shit. Don’t fucking ruin this trip for me. Stop calling and disturbing me.” Then he ended the call. Eren stared at the phone resting on his hand, glaring at the object sharply as if he’s trying to make it disappear from his gaze alone—which wouldn’t be impossible, judging by how intense his intent stare was. His hand turned white from gripping the gadget too harshly.

A bubble of worry quelled up inside me. We just started being okay yesterday, but it obvious that he has been bothered by this for weeks, even before we got here in Sina. It comforted me to know that I was lessen his worries by giving him a chance.

“Oi, ‘Ren.” My voice came out weak and barely audible, cracking from the dryness of my throat. My throat felt like it was made of sand paper. “You’re going to crush that phone of yours. Calm down.”

Eren turned his head to look at me, too fast that I thought he’s going to get whiplashed. He placed his phone on his bed before moving to get to the left corner of his bed, closer to me. The anger that was etched on his features has dissipated, now replaced with a look full of worry.

“Levi, I didn’t know you’re awake. Sorry if I woke you up.”

I shook my head. “No, you didn’t wake me up.”

Eren stood up. “Do you need anything? Water? Tea?”

I tried to sit up, but it was hard with how much strength the fever sapped from my body. Noticing my struggle Eren stood beside my bed, helping me to sit up before leaning on the headboard.

“Thanks. And I’ll take you up on your offer. Water and tea sounded good.”

Eren was able to get a cup of water for myself, but we had to wait longer for the tea that he asked from Hange. He also asked if they could get me some porridge, something that I appreciated.