AN* So, I wrote this a while back and found it when I recovered all my old files off my laptop... I hope you enjoy!
It was any other morning from the start, at least that's what I thought. The tinny ringing of the alarm at 05:00 was no different than any other day. The birds were still singing, the cadets were up to their usual morning antics, the sun was just beginning to show signs of its arrival.
What was different on this morning, though, was Levi.
Typically once the startle of the alarm wears off, I acknowledge that he's awake and refrain from telling him just how damn cute he looks and instead settle for inviting him closer and placing my arm around him. However, on this particular day, Levi had no interest in nestling his head into the crevice of my arm— or even acknowledging me, for that matter. His sullen eyes rested on the sheets between us, unfocused and distant…
But Levi is allowed to have bad days. We all are. So I decided not to pry and went about my morning as usual without a word from Levi. I started my ritual for getting ready, assuming that by the time I returned to the room Levi would have already been up, ready for the day, made the bed, and stoically enjoying his morning cup of tea.
Instead, I returned over 30 minutes later to the curtains still closed and a heavy aura that I had no choice but to address.
"Levi, you never sleep in this late." I stepped closer to his side of the bed as I spoke.
"…Nhn." It was difficult to see, but by the sound of his voice I could easily tell he was lying on his side, something he only did on rare occasions of vulnerability.
"Aren't you going to get up soon?" After no response I grabbed a corner of the sheet and began pulling. To my surprise, as soon as I let go the sheet had made it back around the recalcitrant corporal. The sun was beginning to illuminate the room a bit more and now the expression on his face was more visible.
It was at that moment it dawned on me. It was only then I realized why he was having a bad day. I lowered my head and sat on the edge of the bed with a sigh. I gently placed my hand on his shoulder, silently apologizing for not remembering.
How could I have forgotten the anniversary of his squad's death?
We sat for a long moment, and after a while Levi decided to sit up and rest his head against my chest. He opened his mouth, probably to say something smart, but I pulled his head back by a fistful of hair and interrupted him with a kiss.
We are all allowed our bad days, but Levi seems to have more than most.
"Erwin, that's disgusting." Levi snarled after I released his head from my grip.
"Hm?"
"I haven't even brushed my teeth yet."
And with that, Levi threw his legs over the side of the bed and began a new day.