You try your best to not cough when he's near. Not because you're hiding a cold, though it'd be easier if it was, but because every petal that slips out your mouth feels like a betrayal. Sometimes they're soft, pale and subtle. Other times, they're rough, petals bloodied. Always inconvenient. Always blooming when he's around.

Stupid romantic disease. You thought it was a myth, because who has time for love when they're a soldier fighting titans? That was until you woke up with aching lungs and a burning throat, your pillows dotted with color. Then it became your reality.

It's the cost of loving someone who you thought would never look at you the same. Levi didn't seem to have time to love either. He's already had so much happen to him, why would a heart so shattered even dare to try romance in any way?

As cold as he appears to be, he's never cruel to you. It's his weird gentleness towards you that's making it worse. The appreciative nods when you bring him tea. The way he lingers around you a bit longer as if he might say something, but he doesn't.

You'd never tell him. Not only are you afraid, but you believe that he's lost too much. What would he do with you, slowly unraveling in silence, choking on flowers you can't control? No. Just let him think it's anything but love.

Hanage would've known what to do. Erwin would've known already. But neither of them are around anymore. No help. The thought of surgery irks you. Yes, it'd remove the infection, but also the memories and the feelings. You'd forget Levi completely and that's worse than any other outcome.

Terrible timing is your friend apparently,. He finds you hunched over behind the horse stables, your coughs doubling over as blood pooled in your palm. Levi's there with you before you hit the ground. Petals scatter everywhere and you can't hide any longer.

He kneels beside you, quiet for a while. "You should've told me," he starts. "You're dying over here." His closeness is only killing you more unless he makes a move and cures you right on the spot.