Petra poked at the boy's shoulder, trying to wake him gently. "Hey, Levi, come on, wake up." She prompted with a whisper.
Rivaille lifted an eyebrow at her, slightly awake. It was hard for Petra to tell how he fell asleep standing up in the first place. "What do you want?" His voice was raw, like he'd spent all day crying. It broke Petra's heart to hear.
"Levi, it's me. It's Petra." She whispered to him, taking his hands in hers. "I'm here now, you're okay."
He blinked at her. "I know it's you, Ral."
The realization struck Petra. "You don't remember, do you? You're too tired to remember."
All Levi did was stare at her. "Remember what?"
It felt like someone was ripping her heart out, because she was going to have to make Levi lose her all over again. It would be best if she said nothing about it, if she got him to bed, to sleep. Him remembering in the morning, without her there would be less painful then him knowing while she was there, him knowing she was going to leave him again.
Levi could sense some of her pain, no matter how hard she tried to mask it and pulled her into a hug, burying his face in her neck to be close to her. Softly, Petra stroked his head in the comforting way she used to do, and kissed his forehead.
"What do I have to remember, Pet?" He asked, softly, stifling a yawn.
"Nevermind, it's not important. Let's get you to bed, Levi. You're tired and need sleep." She said, hating herself even more with every passing moment. Why couldn't she just learn to let things rest. All she was doing know was ripping open an old wound for Levi.
Why must I be so selfish, going to him so I can see him one last time? Why am I causing him this pain? She asked herself.
Levi nodded and pulled her to his side, resting one hand lightly on her stomach. "I hope you're both okay." He said, and began walking down the hallway to his bedroom. "I once chased you down this hall for my clothing." He mused. "You always liked to take them from me while I showered and hide them."
Petra smiled. "And another time you chased me down this hall to make me think I'd done wrong." She was tight to his side, sad but not letting it show. "You know I love you, right?"
Levi smiled and Kissed the top of her head. "I love you too, Pet."
They made the rest of the way to the bedroom in silence. Rivaille was first to climb into bed, and he wrapped a strong arm around Petra's waist, pulling her next to him. His arms encased her in a cage of warmth and love, and Petra sunk into them, letting Levi hold her tight as he could.
He planted a couple small kisses along Petra's neck and shoulders before relaxing.
"Go to sleep, okay?" Petra whispered to him.
Sleepily, Levi nodded and closed his eyes, breathing in her familiar scent. Petra herself stayed wide awake, struggling to keep herself together. Her form flickered, and Levi snored softly.
"I'm so sorry. I love you so, so much, Levi and I'm sorry." Petra whispered as she wriggled out of his arms, letting her form fall apart. "I love you so much but I can't. I'm sorry."
Her entire being pulsed once, then faded.
Restlessly, Levi stirred, suddenly cold from the absence of Petra's body heat. Slowly, he opened his eyes denying the inevitable, waking to find himself alone once again.
A sob ripped from his throat, a sound of pure agony.
Because he was alone again. And he remembered why.