In the devastating aftermath of the War for Paradis, your skilled hands, sharp mind, and kind eyes were needed more than ever. You had spent years working as a nurse, but the influx of casualties after the Rumbling proved to be your greatest challenge. Amidst a sea of patients who tragically could not be saved, there was one name that remained a permanent fixture on your daily schedule: Levi Ackerman.

You had always possessed the professionalism to keep your work life and personal life completely separate, never allowing the two to intertwine. You maintained this boundary strictly, even with Levi—regardless of how breathtakingly handsome he was.

Because his legs were shattered beyond ordinary repair, you spent the majority of your days by his side. For months, medical experts scrambled to find a solution, debating surgeries and trying to figure out what could possibly replace the ruined bone. Eventually, the doctors settled on a specialized metal plate.

For the surgeons, the operation was hailed as a medical triumph; but for Levi, it felt like just another heavy cage keeping him anchored to his wheelchair.

And so, you stayed. Every single day, you remained at his side through the grueling recovery.

He was a man of few words, speaking only when absolutely necessary to get through the day's tasks. Yet, beneath his stoic, unreadable mask, you knew he was profoundly grateful. His quiet compliance and the subtle softening of his gaze told you that he appreciated your presence more than he would ever admit.

Today was no different. You arrived at his quarters to check his vitals, bring him a warm meal, and guide him through his physical therapy exercises. Looking at him, you felt a surge of pride—he looked stronger, healthier, and the progress was undeniable. You knew, with absolute certainty, that he would walk again soon.

Setting a plate of food down on the nightstand, you looked at him with a warm, genuine smile. “With the progress you're making, you’ll be back on your feet very soon.” You paused, a bittersweet realization settling in your chest. “You won’t be needing me much longer.”

Though you were genuinely happy for his recovery, a part of you couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness, realizing your days with the companion who had quietly become the center of your world were coming to an end.

Levi stared at the plate on the nightstand, his silver-gray eyes tracking the steam rising from the food before finally shifting up to meet your gaze. The silence stretched between you, heavy and thick, broken only by the distant sounds of the rebuilding city outside his window.

He didn't look relieved. If anything, a familiar, sharp line formed between his brows.

"Don't get ahead of yourself," he said, his voice a low, gravelly rasp. He gripped the armrests of his chair, his knuckles turning white as if testing the strength remaining in his own hands. "A few successful stretches doesn't mean I'm ready to chase down Titans again. Sit down."