Que shoddy science…
(Come on, I need to make some bullshite up to explain everything so don't judge, and yes, I did actually do some research… interesting stuff about birds and all that jazz)

Hanji keeps me in the infirmary for another week, just so that she can keep an eye on me and make sure I don't rip my stitches. Levi and I fall asleep holding hands and whispering utter nonsense to each other, which I don't mind because nonsense is better than silence.

I have nightmares though, the ones that leave you in a cold sweat and breathless. The nightmare is always the same. Annie is always sitting on my stomach, I always try to buck her off but I can't move. She always rips my heart out and she always laughs.

When I wake up from them, however, Levi cradles me in his arms and kisses my temples. As if the act of kissing the side of my head will chase the nightmares away, right out the other side. It's soothing, comforting me more than I let on.

Levi has nightmares too. He doesn't talk about it much but I know it has something to with me.

Ha! Look at us! Two full grown men at the mercy of our devils. But then again, we are together, so it isn't that hard. He pulls me from my nightmares and I pull him from his. That way, we at least get some rest.

It isn't until Hanji discharges me and puts me on bed rest for another two weeks, which is totally ridiculous because I'm fine, that the pain starts. It started out as a dull throb in my muscles that turned into full blown cramps.

The pain leaves me withering in agony, Levi apologising over and over and eventually Hanji gives me some high class pain killers. After that, everything feels blissfully numb until the medicine wears off and I'm left screeching at the top of my lungs again. The days and nights blur together and I really don't know what happened during that time.

On one of my clearer days, I remember waking up to Levi pleading with Hanji for something. I heard the words 'sorry', 'addicted' and 'immune'. My mind fogs over as I try to piece the words together when Hanji's voice breaks my concentration. "Levi, if I could make it through the transformation on minimal drug intake over five centuries ago then Eren can do it now. Which do you prefer, a drug addict boyfriend or a fully functional boyfriend?"

"But he's in pain-"

"Which will fade over time. A drug addiction won't and I can't bring him back if he OD's on drugs. I'm sorry Levi, but Eren has to do this on his own,"

"Wha…mus' I to…do 'n my own?"

"Eren!"

"You're awake, good. You and I need to have a serious chat, kiddo,"

"Hanji, can't it wait?"

"I think Eren has waited long enough for an explanation to his pain,"

"You…know wha's happen…-ing to me?"

"Of course I know what's happening to you, Eren. I'm the reason it's happening to you, well, no, Levi is the reason behind the reason it's happening,"

My head spins a little and I feel very confused. "So wha's happenin'?"

"You're turning into an angel, Eren,"

"I'm…wha?"

"You're turning into-"

"I hear' you…the first time, Han…-shi. But why does…it 'urt so much?"

A smile graces Hanji's lips. "What? Did you think you just had to digest the heart or have the heart beating in you and poof, you're an angel?"

"Mmhnnn, yeaaa,"

Now she actually laughs. She laughs so hard that there are actually tears in her eyes. "Oh, Eren. Sweet, dear, Eren. You and I both know it doesn't work like that. The human body is much like the body of an angel, but there are some very real differences too. For the past six months, yes Eren, you've been in and out for six months, your muscles have had to rearrange themselves so that they are able to support the weight of your wings as they grow. They will connect to other muscles and tear away from ligaments and bone to make space for new muscle. Your nerve endings are being reconstructed and even your skin is being stretched and pulled. Obviously we are making sure that you are getting all the nutrients and vitamins you need to support this metamorphism, but it takes time,"

My mind reels at the new information. Shit, this is actually happening.

"Once your muscles have realigned themselves, your bones will start to grow. Adult humans have two hundred and six bones in their body. Adult angels have well over four hundred, a hundred and forty of them being in their torso to support their wings. Do the math, Eren. You have to grow all those bones yourself. And if you think the muscle growth hurt, you're in for a very painful surprise,"

I moan softly and stare up at the ceiling.

"Is there…any way…to make the…process move faster?"

Hanji gives a gasp and I look over at her again. "You're not begging me to kill you?"

"Why would…I do that? After all the effort…and resources you put in…to save me and you think I'm just gonna throw it…'way? 'specially when I have…reasons to live? No, Hanshi…I don't wanna die. I wan see my…brother and sister 'gain, I wan…na hug 'em and tell 'em that…I'm all…right. I wanna kick the sonovabitch's…ass who sent the psycho blonde to kill me…and I wan' wake up to Levi's sleepin' face for…the rest of my life…however long that might be. So…so, no, Hanshi, please…don' kill me,"

Hanji gives a very unlady-like sniff and dabs at her eyes. "That- that was the cutest thing I have ever heard in my entire life!"

Hanji literally leaps at me and grabs me tight, holding me against her chest. A savage growl escapes from Levi's lips and I chuckle softly when he hisses 'my brat'.

She finally pulls away and plants a kiss on my forehead. "I will do everything I can to help you through this, okay,"

I nod.