Eren continued on walking in the silence. However his pace had slowed tremendously. He hadn't quite felt the pain in his ankle before but now that his adrenaline had slowed down it throbbed with every stepped. He could only hope that it would heal soon. He took a moment to steal a glance down at Levi. He hadn't said a word the entire time but Eren could tell he was trying hard to hang on. The exhaust showed in the bags under his eyes and the pain was still ripe in his eyes themselves. The entire time he was subconscious on where his hands were, not wanting to cause Levi any more pain.
He paused for a moment, rotating his foot. He could really use his titan powers to heal it right about now.
" Why'd you stop brat? Did you see something?"
" No sir. Just had to adjust something."
Levi looked up at him, his eyes narrowed slightly. Eren gulped nervously. His captain wasn't having any of it.
" You've gone and hurt yourself now have you?"
Eren tensed then hung his head. " I think I twisted my ankle when I was looking for you. But I'll be okay, we need to get you back to base."
He went to take another step, trying to hide the pain he felt by biting the inside of his cheek. Levi sighed and gave a shake of his head. This was not how he expected his day to go.
" There's a cave east of here." He sighed. " If you think you can make it there then we can camp until one of us is feeling well enough to carry the other back to base. We will wait until night that's when the titan's are less active, at least that's what Hanji's research says."
" But sir you're-"
" I'm fine. Just . . . " He paused as he rubbed his temples. " Just go to the damn cave. It shouldn't be too far. You should heal up enough to walk the rest of the way home tonight right? Our gear is useless right now, there is barely an ounce of gas left since they weren't filled when we left."
I don't think I'd stop myself from getting sick from using it anyways. He thought to himself.
" I can get us there sir."
" Good. Now let me down, I can walk the rest of the way."
Eren frowned as he tightened his grip.
" Didn't you hear me you shitty brat? I said let me down." He demanded as he elbowed Eren rather harshly. Eren doubled over in pain and let his grip loosen enough for Levi to slip out onto his feet. Almost instantly he felt as if a boulder had came crashing down onto his shoulders but he refused to be carried any further. He was the Captain, the strongest man on earth, he was-
Feeling sick. Terribly and utterly sick.
" Lets go. We can't afford to slack off any more." He ordered as he brought his hand to cover his mouth. Eren shook out his arms to get feeling back into them but it seemed his senses heightened. He had became aware of the things his corporal did. How he refused to pull his hand away from his mouth, how he walked faster than normal and had a soft sway to his step. This was ridiculous.
Levi felt himself spun around on a dime then backed up to a tree. The motion nearly made him puke but he managed to contain himself.
" What do you think you're doing!" He yelled as he went to grab his swords.
" Captain you aren't feeling well, I'm not going to stand here and allow you to push yourself this far. So either you let me carry you or neither of us move and quite frankly you aren't in any position to threaten me."
Levi scoffed. Since when did he get such cocky confidence? It pissed him off.
Eren saw Levi raise his leg to strike but he was already a step ahead. With little effort he managed to push Levi's leg out of the way and pushed his arm up against his throat, using the weight of his body to keep him pinned. The anger was clear in Levi's eyes. Although it was more towards himself rather than Eren. To think he had gotten this weak . . .
" It's your choice sir." Eren spoke calmly. Levi eyed him then sighed, letting his body go slack. The corner of Eren's lips turned upwards in victory. He couldn't believe it. He had actually done it. He turned and lowered to his knees while he had the chance. He could feel Levi's eyes burn into his back, burning holes into him. Then Levi slowly made his way over. His pride had disappeared so long ago what was the point in fighting any more?
Erin's hands wrapped around his legs and then he stood. This was much easier than carrying him in his arms.
As they walked Eren tried not to focus on Levi's body heat as it branded his skin. Despite all the layers of clothing between Levi's chest and his back the heat seemed to seep through. Not to mention the steady beat of his heart was comforting.
Behind him Levi struggled to keep his eyes open. The lack of sleep and battle from earlier that day was catching up to him and the calmness of the forest was relaxing. No he couldn't fall asleep. He had to make sure that Eren . . . that Eren found the . . . the cave . . .
His strength to hold on disappeared and slowly his laid his head onto Eren's back. Underneath him he felt Eren's muscles tense slightly but he didn't seem to care. No in fact he tightened his grip and pulled himself closer. He wasn't sure why but it seemed to ease the pain of his headache. Just laying there like that. Perhaps it was that the brat smelt clean. Yes, that had to be it.
" Um Captain?" Eren mumbled. There wasn't an answer. Instead he smiled to himself and continued on walking. He'd find the cave on his own eventually.