Will of the Broken (Levi x OC)

Chapter 11: Punishments

One angry Commander, by the name Keith Shadis, was standing beside an equally upset Erwin when we returned.

Of course we were ratted out. Damn you, Erwin.

"Squad Leader Strauss, you know better than anyone that leaving the castle HQ after curfew is prohibited. What is your excuse?" Shadis growled, eyeing me up and down with disgust.

"Sir, I wanted to go on a supply run for the infirmary. We need cold medicine since it is getting into the colder months.." I saluted and prayed he took the bait. His eyes shifted to Levi with just as much, if not more, disgust.

"And you took this... Thug... With you, for what purpose?"

"With all due respect sir, he is one of us now, stop treating him so disrespectfully. Now, I needed to gather some specific medicinal plant leaves for my remedy, Levi offered to serve as protection seeing as I lack combat skills that he has." I ranted calmly. They both eyed me suspiciously and then Levi.

I had a complete and reliable plan, did you think I was that stupid. Ugh, seriously, men.

"So what's in that box then?" Erwin interjected sternly, his sharp eyes eyeing the wooden box in Levi's hands.

"Tch, nosey. Just some... What was it, brat?" He looked over at me, but I kept my eyes on the two men before me.

"Catnip, Chamomile, mint, and a few others. Go ahead and show them, Levi." I waved. He opened the lid to reveal the red silky material on the inside. The plant leaves rest in the box where Levi's possessions once rested. Now those possessions are on his person.

"Isn't catnip for cats?" Shadis scowled with narrowed eyes.

"Yes and no. It can relieve stress, pain, flu symptoms, and the common cold in some cases. You two seem to think I went out for other reasons, and that is foolish. I have no desire to disobey you, other than to save us from sicknesses and injuries. You know I would do anything to keep us all breathing." I threw my hands up with a sheepish smile.

"So you needed this scum to take you out to a field somewhere just for plants? How'd you get that cut?" Shadis gains a deadly look, and it is pointed directly at me.

Levi stepped forward and I put a hand on his chest to keep him back. There was no need for him to save me from this aggressive behavior. Even if the insult was directed towards us.

"Like I said, he is an equal here, Commander. Do not undermine my skills, I may not be able to rub your face in the mud, but I can make you feel like you aren't smart. I mean that with utmost respect, sir. In addition,  tripped on a rock and Levi was busy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important matters at hand." I threw my hands down and glared back.

"You're running a dangerous front, Olivia." Erwin warned, taking a step forward. His eyes were widened in warning.

"Oh, I know. Here's the thing though, I'm the most skilled on the field for medical purposes. You can get rid of me, but remember that you came for me. Punish me, I'll take any punishment. Nothing you do to me will hurt me." I shrugged and walked past them.

"If that's what you wish, you will run until you are ordered to stop." The Commander said.

Great, that's a minor punishment. I can handle that no problem.

"Sir, isn't that extensive?" Erwin questioned nervously.

I put a hand up with a smirk and said, "Nope! This is a perfect punishment. I suggest you give Levi cleaning. That's fair." I waved for Levi to follow me and we walked to the infirmary.

"Cadet, you get to clean the whole main building by yourself with the exception of getting food breaks and your assessment. Strauss, you run until their assessment at noon." Shadis yelled over to us.

"Sure! I'll start momentarily, and Erwin... The next time you need something from me, I will pay you back with the same inconsideration."

Hopefully, he shuddered because his ratting me out pissed me off.

"Well, that was amusing. Why stick up for me, and put me on a punishment that I see as a reward?" Levi asked emotionlessly.

"Because you'll get the place cleaned to perfection. It eases my mind. Also, you aren't scum, you're just broken. It's all you've known, to fight for your life. That doesn't make you a bad person. Honestly, I like you and your friends, so I won't punish you for helping me get what I did need on the way back." I said with a smile in his direction.

"Tch, you're different compared to other women. You aren't indecisive and inconsistent." He hummed and fell in stride beside me.

"Well, I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you, Levi." We entered the infirmary and he clicked his tongue as I lit an oil lamp. It was one of the few we have here.

"Tch, you're still annoying. You talk too much." He rolled his eyes and sat the box down on my desk.

My desk is in the far back of the infirmary, but it is easy to hide my hobby and plans back here.

"Maybe so, but I do it because you don't talk much at all."

There was a hum from beside me and I knew he was agreeing with me.

When I looked at him, he was looking around my space. Then, his eyes froze on my storage door.

"It's locked, and you'll have to learn my secrets later. I have to run, and you have to clean." I smiled and ushered him out of the infirmary.

"You're not bad. I hope you won't hate me later."

What does that mean? Why would I hate him?

"I can't hate you unless you hurt me directly." I gave him a nudge on the shoulder then took off running. "Later, Sulky!" I called playfully.

"Oi! Watch your mouth!" He yelled as a response. It only made me laugh as I got further away.

I found myself desiring to have the grumpy and sulky man as my friend. Whether he liked it or not.