Chapter 43: CHAPTER 43: THE LONG AWAITED MOMENT
Sana and her team had been working tirelessly for months, pouring every ounce of their energy into the project. The days blurred together, a relentless cycle of planning, problem-solving, and execution. Sana wasn't a professional before coming here—just a high school student who had never tackled anything of this magnitude. Yet she relied on her knowledge and trusted her comrades to help her see it through. Layina, who had grown close to Levi and Isabel over time, still found joy in meeting Sana during her breaks. Their conversations, often filled with Layina's cheerful chatter, became a source of comfort for both of them. Layina always brightened at the sight of Sana, their bond strong despite the growing demands of their work.
The results were just around the corner, each day slipping away faster than the last. The pressure mounted, suffocating in its intensity. One fateful day, Sana, overcome by stress, fainted while explaining the project to her teammates. The room erupted into chaos as she collapsed, and she was immediately rushed to the doctor. After a thorough examination, it was revealed that she wasn't eating or sleeping properly and was under immense mental strain. Her hemoglobin levels had dropped significantly, leaving her pale and frail.
Levi and Isabel rushed to her side as soon as they heard. Sana, unable to face them, lowered her gaze, tears streaming down her cheeks. Levi sat beside her on the bed, wrapping her fragile body in his arms. His voice, usually calm and composed, carried a rare vulnerability as he whispered, "I won't let anything happen to you. Even if it means taking down everyone within these walls."
Isabel, touched by the sight of their closeness, quietly left the room. Her heart swelled with happiness at the bond between them. But Levi's words only made Sana cry harder, the overwhelming depth of his care and protection something she had never experienced before. He kissed her forehead, his touch soft and comforting. Her exhaustion overtook her, and for the first time in days, she slept peacefully in his arms.
She was brought back to the barracks after a proper check-up, and Levi took charge of her recovery. He monitored her meals and ensured she got enough rest, leaving no room for compromise. The rumors about their relationship, already widespread, grew even stronger, but neither Levi nor Sana paid them any mind. Their focus was on each other and the tasks ahead.
As the final day arrived, everyone gathered to witness the unveiling of the mega project. It was an enormous structure—a coal plant, a necessary step to meet the current needs. Though Sana aspired to transition to renewable energy, she understood the limitations of the time and had worked tirelessly to implement safety measures such as smoke filters and efficient waste disposal systems. Every moment leading up to the start was fraught with tension. Sana stood stiffly, her nerves on edge. Levi's steady hand on her shoulder brought her a measure of calm just as the machinery roared to life. Steam began to rise, and the project was officially a success. The cheers of her comrades and supporters filled the air, and Sana finally allowed herself to breathe. Her personal request ensured that the benefits extended beyond the royals, with the Survey Corps and training barracks also receiving much-needed upgrades.
The success called for a grand celebration. Everyone, from the upper class to her closest friends, acknowledged her efforts. Hange Zoë, ever the enthusiast, spent hours marveling at the turbines, while Isabel ensured the party was as lively as possible. Late into the night, after putting Layina to bed, Isabel invited Levi, Sana, and the others to the rooftop, where drinks awaited them. Even Sana, usually reserved, drank freely, her happiness spilling over. Levi, always vigilant, kept her from tumbling off the edge multiple times, his patience balanced by fond amusement.
As the party wound down, Levi carried a tipsy Sana back to her barracks. Rain began to drizzle, soaking them both as they made their way through the quiet camp. Sana leaned against Levi, laughing softly, savoring the rare moment of carefree joy. By the time they reached her room, the barracks were silent, everyone fast asleep. Levi set her gently on the bed, his intention to leave halted when her hand caught his arm.
Her gaze locked with his, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Stay," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rain. Levi hesitated, but her vulnerability pulled him in. Slowly, he leaned down, their faces inches apart. Sana closed the distance, pressing her lips softly against his. The gentle kiss quickly deepened, their emotions unraveling as they gave in to the moment.
Sana pulled Levi closer, her hands fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. He responded in kind, his touch both tender and urgent as he trailed kisses along her jawline and down her neck. His hands found her waist, pulling her flush against him. The intensity between them grew, their movements unrestrained. Levi's lips explored her collarbone, each touch igniting a fire that left them breathless. Sana's hands roamed over his chest, tracing the lines of his muscles, her fingertips memorizing every inch of him.
Their breaths mingled, their bodies entwined as if the universe had narrowed down to just the two of them. Levi's kisses became hungrier, his hands sliding beneath the fabric of her shirt, his touch setting her skin ablaze. Sana gasped softly, her nails grazing his back as she clung to him, their hearts racing in unison. His lips found hers again, the kiss deeper, more consuming than before. The storm outside seemed to mirror the tempest of their emotions, a passionate frenzy that left them both vulnerable and whole.
Levi held her close, his forehead pressed against hers. "You're everything to me," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. Tears pooled in her eyes, not of sadness but of the overwhelming intensity of the love they shared. They lost themselves entirely in each other, the night stretching endlessly as they let go of everything but the connection between them.
Morning came quietly, sunlight streaming through the window. Sana stirred first, her lips brushing softly against Levi's cheek. His eyes opened slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. She wrapped her arms around him, their hearts and breaths still perfectly in sync. For the first time, she felt complete, as if every piece of her life had fallen into place.
As they dressed, Sana couldn't help but laugh at Levi's nervousness about sneaking out of her room. Humanity's strongest soldier, wary of being caught, muttered curses under his breath as he planned his exit. The sight of him in such a state only made her laughter louder. Despite the challenges ahead, they knew they had each other—a bond stronger than anything the world could throw their way.