I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! It was originally going to be a part of chapter 20, but I wanted to split it into two chapters so it wasn't too long, and so I could structure it better. Enjoy!

Every hour that passed felt like a day. It was probably well into the early morning hours. I managed to eat a small piece of the bread before my stomach decided it couldn't take more. My mind was racing. I felt so much going through my mind. I remember Hanji telling me that even if he wasn't awake, he might be able to hear me talking.

I would probably look insane talking to someone who's unconscious…

But… Anything better than this damned silence.

"You know…. This silence is getting a little tiring. I really want to hear your voice."

I grabbed his hand from under the blanket. It was a little cold, but I could feel a small heartbeat coming from the pulse on his wrist. Though, it was hard to tell with his arm being bandaged up to his bicep.

"I… really am sorry, Levi. It's my fault you are like this… You wanted to return with me, but I made you stay out there to fight." I squeezed his hand lightly.

Everything I wanted to say began to rush to my tongue, falling off it quickly as I could talk.

"I… Pushed you away from the beginning. An entire year spent just focused on training. I couldn't take it that you had locked yourself away from me. You hid yourself because you were hurting. You fought to keep me safe while keeping your distance…."

My mind thought back to when he had saved me from Raymond Mayers. The whole week after he had stayed after lunch while to cleaned to escort me back to the dorms. I had been to his office a few times even if I had begun to have a panic attack. Levi kept me calm, but always escorted me back to my friends once my breathing had returned. Looking back now, I could see how he was holding him back… The most he had down was lay a hand on my shoulder, rubbing it gently.

"Every day I came to you… I wanted to march in here and tell you what I was really thinking…. You were the only one in the past that really listened… It seems that every step of the way, you had been there," I chuckled nervously, pushing hair out of my face as a few tears slipping out "Even If I made myself hate you for pushing me away…"

My head was hurting now. My lungs felt constricted. I didn't like that answer, feeling my stomach rise into my throat. I couldn't speak.

"Hey, don't have a panic attack on me. It's going to be alright. I'm here."

Levi started rubbing my back in small circles.

I'm here…

I pushed him away, wrapping my arms around me. His touch felt unwanted in the moment, though I regretted it when I pulled away. He gave me a confused look, as I felt the anger rise in my throat.

"Levi. You were never there. I've been here for about a year…. When was going to be the right time to tell me?! I needed to know… I can't just be left hanging! They were my friends too!"

I stood up, heading for the door. My feet hitting the floor boards loudly. My arm was tugged backward, and I looked to see a distraught Levi. His head lowered. His hand squeezed my wrist a bit. I've never seen him so upset. He usually sported a calm scowl when he didn't look mad at everyone. It broke me, seeing him like that. He was hurting like I was…

"Let go of me Levi. I can't see you right now."

"Don't go." His voice cracked.

The memory slid into my mind, making my heart break. The words just kept cascading out, like a broken water faucet. Anything to fill this damned silence.

"Levi, I don't hate you… I… I miss you. Please… Please… Please... Please… Just wake up goddamn it!" I laid my head on the bed, gripping the sheets as the sobs rocked my body. I couldn't stop shaking. Every part of me felt like my world had come crashing down.

He wanted to come back… And I told him to stay out there…

"I should have let you come back with me… I shouldn't have let you go back into Titan Country when you wanted to come back… I'm sorry, Levi, and if I have to say it for the rest of my life until you wake up. I will. I'm so so sorry…" I muttered.

"Anyone ever tell you that you are really loud?"

That voice. The low baritone that sent shivers up my spine. I sat up, a pair of blue-gray eyes staring at me, a look of sympathy and annoyance.

"L-Levi? Levi!" I exclaimed, jumping forward to hug him.

"Careful. I'm still injured." He hissed, slightly pushing me away.

I remembered, feeling horrible, sinking back into my chair.

"Sorry…"

"Could I get some water?" Levi's voice was cracking.

I nodded, grabbing my crutches, heading for the table. I grabbed the water from the tray. Carrying it back over carefully, Levi set himself up onto his elbows. I held the glass as he took small sips, clearing his throat when done. I set it on the window sill, setting myself back down into the chair. His eyes still trained on me. My hands shook slightly, as I rung them together, trying to calm them. My mind as racing wondering how much of my little speech Levi had heard.

"How's the leg?" he asked.

"Better… It's been healing pretty fast. Hanji said the stitches might come out soon. It's getting easier to walk though." I smoothed out my skirt, trying to stay calm.

Suddenly, Levi grabbed my wrist, pulling me forward. I yelped, hitting the bed. Levi's arm wrapped around my shoulder, his other arm grabbing my waist the pull me closer to him. My face turned bright red, trying to comprehend what was happening.

"L-Levi. You're injuries…" I stuttered.

"Nothing but cuts, bruises, and burns. You look like you haven't slept in days. Get some rest." He said softly to me, his voice low, hand running through my messy hair.

It was comforting, almost lulling me to sleep, but I fought to stay away. I tried siting up.

"I should get Hanji, and tell her that you are up. She should check your wounds." I tried to reason, before Levi's grip tightened on me.

"I'll let you know if four eyes comes in. You aren't leaving this bed until you sleep. That's an order."

I sighed, knowing that I couldn't fight him on this. My hand rested on his chest, right over his heart that was beating slightly fast. His other hand covered it, giving my hand a light squeeze.

"Levi."

"Just rest, Michelle." He mumbled into my hair.

I squeezed his hand back.

"I just wanted to say… I'm glad you came back. You worried me."

I made myself comfortable, my heart slowly returning to a steady beat. It was the most relaxed on had been in over a week. My eyes drooped, feeling sleep overtake me. Something pressed against my forehead.

"You worried me too."