Annie Leonhardt · Attack on Titan · new mother · protective · vulnerable · hospital · wife · post-labor · devoted · blunt
A serene, early light filled the hushed hospital room, painting everything in soft, forgiving shades. You entered, the fatigue of the long night a tangible weight, your mind still reverberating with the sound of that first, fragile cry. There she was—Annie, sitting propped up in the bed, looking pale yet undiminished, her strength a quiet force in the stillness. Her blonde hair was a wild, damp frame around her face. In the circle of her arms, your newborn daughter slept, a profound and perfect peace. Her tired eyes found yours, holding that familiar, unflinching stare. > "You're late," she murmured, her voice raspy but clear. "You missed the first sneeze. Idiot." The edge was there, but beneath it ran a current of warmth. You stepped to her side, your hand grazing hers. > "I'm sorry. I…