This is the first chapter of a series of drabbles, and I apologize in advance for my broken English. :")
Levi Ackerman x f!reader
The raindrops hit the gravestones, making a sound louder than any desperate prayer of the remaining friends and lovers. The graveyard was almost empty. Almost. The mourning families had left their gone beloved ones in the cold soil a few hours ago, before dusk.
The only remaining one in the graveyard was Levi, or so he thought. The names "Isabel Magnolia" and "Furlan Church" were carved on the grey stones that he was sitting nearby. His eyes were locked on the ground, empty of anything. The man was lost in his thoughts.
As he heard the footsteps approaching, he looked in the direction of the voice. Another soldier. He'd known her name, and that was all. She stood next to Levi after leaving bouquets on the graves, staring at the names on the graves. She whispered the names a few times as if she was memorizing them.
"Piss off." He barked.
"I don't want to." He was too tired to argue back. "Levi...right?" He only gave her a look in reply. "I'm y/n. Y/n L/n."
"I don't care. Leave." He snapped at her.
She raised an eyebrow and knelt next to him, in front of the graves. "I already told you, I don't want to. I shall mourn each comrade. Even the newcomers who are gone too soon." He didn't reply. At least for the next following minutes.
She broke the silence neither, there were at least ten different thoughts at the same time in her mind. However, all were regarding the bodies six feet under.
"Why?" He asked. "You hypocrite. You didn't even know them! You barely knew my name."
She looked at him and sighed. "Yell at me all you want if that helps you cope. I don't mind." She was starting to shiver from the cold. "I recognise them. The ginger girl and the tall blondie. But you're right...time was too tight for me to get to know them, however..." She lifted her head high enough to look at the sky. "I...think everyone deserves someone to mourn for them after their death, don't you think?"
"They already have me. Your histrionic, hypocritic altruism is not welcome here."
"Right... you're right...how am I fooling...?" A raindrop touched just the corner of her eye. She looked back at him. "I stay by the grave of every soldier after each mission outside the walls. It's never about their sacrifices, though..." she leaned to the grave of Isabel. "They are...were lucky for having someone like you...you stood longer than any family by their graves. I...It's really hypocritical of me to stay here by their grave without really knowing them. It's just that..." She swallowed and hesitated for a moment to read his expression, which seemed to be softer than before. "It's just that I mourn these people only in hopes of having someone after me to stay by my grave."
The two soldiers were soaked. Levi sighed and stood up after a few seconds of deep thinking. "Let's go back...to the barracks." This was the first time he wasn't aggressive with her.
***
Once they reached the barracks, Levi was gone and she was by the fireplace in the common hall. Most soldiers were gone to their families and the rest were in their beds already. She had no intention of going to bed as her insomnia had kicked in harder than ever.
After half an hour or less, she heard footsteps. It was Levi with two cups in his hands. "Take it." He handed her the cup. "Black tea?" She raised an eyebrow in surprise before giving drinking a sip. "Thanks." Of course, he didn't reply.
He never replied, looking at the burning fire.
Levi was never good with his words nor his emotions. However, for the first time in a while, he felt something...reassuring. Perhaps his new life wouldn't be so bad, maybe he could find what he had with Isabel and Furlan in the Survey Corpse too. 'Friendship'? 'A new family'?
A part of him was guilty, never wanting to move on from the duo. The other 5 craved such a thing again. Closeness, sense of belonging, purpose or whatever those fancy bastards wanted to call it.
He looked at the woman next to him. Maybe it was the grief of his gone friends that made him soft or maybe it was her gesture, regardless he knew she had just gained his trust.
"If you die...I'll stay by your grave. For hours."
Her eyes widened as she'd been caught off guards. She smiled.
Warning: smut, grief and spoilers of season 3, possible grammatical and dictation errors (sorry...T-T)
The days after the Shiganshina battle were nothing like the days prior, one could say the lives of the remaining scouts were divided into two parts by this major event.
Levi was no exception, except that he was perhaps too good at hiding it. Levi was a grown man, he had been a grown man for too long not because he was old but rather because he'd had to grow up too early. However, no matter how much of a great actor, a grown man or whatever people would call it he was, because his façade was out of the window the moment he was alone with her.
After the burial, a day after the battle, when all the corpses were taken back within the walls, Levi needed a break. He excused himself after the funeral and Commander Hange didn't want to bug him. Even they had changed. An unknown lady followed him, she didn't bring any attention to herself though, many civilians attended the funeral of their heroes. The 199 soldiers alongside Commander Erwin had dedicated their hearts to humanity.
He had keys, he opened the door of her house. After a while, she arrived at her house and stepped into her room, only to find the strongest soldier on her bed. His expression was similar to a crying face, although not a single tear was seen on his pale face. He had been looking down when she entered the room, her entrance snapped him out of his thoughts.
Her gaze softened. "Hello there..." she removed her black overcoat. The black dress underneath was nothing fancy, perfect for the funeral she had just attended.
He whispered. "Hello yourself." They hadn't spoken since they came back from the battle. He only had time to sleep-pass out from exhaustion- and take back the corpses of his fallen comrades after sending her a letter, explaining her exactly what had happened. She sat next to him on the bed, opened her arms silently and offered him a hug. Of course, Levi basically threw himself in her arms as she wrapped them around his body and rested her hand on the back of his head to stroke his hair.
He hid his face in her neck. "You did all you could've done yesterday, you know?" She whispered in his ear. Damn, she knew what he needed to hear all the time. "I'm very proud of you...once again, you proved why they call you humanity's strongest."
A sob escaped from his mouth, though the tears weren't streaming. Yet. "Kenny told me something..." she raised an eyebrow. Levi had only talked about Kenny once. "Everyone was a slave of something..." he continued. "I think I understand now...I'm a slave of my strength and the responsibilities that follow it."
Silently, he cried. Two tears fell from his face as her arms were tightened around him. "Wanna talk about it?"
He pulled away from her grip. "Do you think...that I made a mistake?"
"No...and I don't think you'll ever regret it either you just...need some time to process everything. Everyone does" He rubbed his temples. "I wanna rest...but I can't. There's so much I need to get done, yet..." She interrupted him. "Rest hereas much as you want, okay? I'm sure Hange wouldn't mind if you stay here for the night."
He sighs. "No...I can't leave them in this situation." She smiled, a bitter smile, one could say. "You're so kind...but I'm sure they have already called the day off due to the funeral, otherwise they wouldn't let you leave." He closed his eyes, he couldn't think of anything, he didn't 'want' to think. He just wanted to be with her, the only thing that felt certain and safe at this point was her presence, her house, and everything about her.
"Darling...what can I do to make you feel better?" She had never seen him like this since they met, which happened in the little shop next to her residence, her teashop. His eyes were puffy and red, yet his eyes barely produced any tears. Her heart sank. "What about some tea, dear? I just bought a pack, I'll buy much more for the shop if you find it worthy, after all, you are my main customer and the tea tester." She smiled.
He nodded silently. Slowly removed his boots and cloak as his lover left for tea. A few minutes later, the tea was ready, in the cups in their hands.
"It's...so good." He drinks eagerly, she thought that's probably the only drink he'd had since the battle. "Really?" He nodded. As he finished the tea, a sense of guilt washed him over. His expression, however, was never overlooked by her. She held him tightly and left pepper kisses all over him. Ghostly kisses were placed on his forehead first, then his cheeks and finally, his nose.
"Let me take care of you...I'll make you forget everything for a moment or two, okay?"
Levi remained silent, he wanted this yet in his mind he didn't deserve it. The guilt of letting go of everything for a moment never won over his desire for her.
She never waited for an answer, instead her hand rested on the back of his head, pulling him close enough as their lips met. He closed his eyes, he only wished to forget everything for a moment and relax. Soon enough, she removed the black dress, sitting on his lap, facing him almost naked. She rolled her hips on his fully clothed crotch, getting him slowly worked up.
He finally gave up and let his desire take control. His hands roamed all over her body while he buried his face in her neck, biting and sucking it red. He went for her earlobe, gently tucking it with his teeth before adding more pressure on them and leaving a bite which made her let out a breathy gasp.
One hand gripped her buttock as the other grabbed her beast harshly. He would usually be more gentle but tonight, he just needed to take the tension out and she was more than willing to help.
He pushed her on the bed and took off his pants and shirt. Then he came back to bed and sat next to her before grabbing her by the arm and pulling her close.
"Ride my thigh."
He leaned onto the headboard, watching her following his orders. She placed her knees on each side of his thigh and sat on it. She rested her hands on his shoulders for balance as she started moving on his thigh with her panties on.
As she was riding him, his hands travelled to the back of her bra, undoing it. "Don't stop. Keep going until I tell you." Thus, she didn't stop when he removed her bra and grabbed her breasts into his fists.
"Move faster." He barked as he pinched her nipples, pulling them in his direction, guiding her moves. She fastened her pace and soon enough, the fraction was too much and yet not enough. She needed more, she was growing needier. She panted. "Le...vi..."
He grabbed her by the waist and lifted her. "Remove your panties." And soon enough, the last piece of clothing was gone and she was on her back, legs spread as the man's head was between her thighs.
All he wanted was to be as close as possible to her. As if he was holding on so tightly to the only pleasant thing that was left in his life.
The tip of his tongue teased her clit, his nails dug into her thighs while he was grabbing them. He ran his tongue all over her slit and then connected his lips with her core, moving as his tongue found its way in her, savouring her taste. "Fuck...don' stop, love..." he sped up. Basically, fucking her with his tongue while his hand moved to her clit, massaging it in a circular motion. As she was getting closer to the edge and her knees began to shake, Levi pulled out and took away his hand. She gasped at the ruined orgasm. Before she could protest, he grabbed her ankle and rest it on his shoulder. Taking out his cock, circling it around her hole before slipping the head in slowly.
He left wet kisses on his ankle and moved upper her calves and finally her knees. Once he let go of her leg, he grabbed her hand into his and moved further into her. His eyes never left hers. There was so much he wanted to tell her, how much he loved her, how much he appreciated her, how much she made his life better. Yet, all the words in his thoughts came out as one simple "Don't ever leave." It honestly broke her heart, how scared and scarred he was behind that tough guy façade. She moaned as he was now further inside. "Never...Captain..."
After a while, he started moving. "No. Not captain, say my name." His grip on her hands tightened as if she'd leave if he didn't hold tightly enough. "Levi...fuck...please..." His motions were slow, he wanted this moment to last, nevertheless, he enjoyed watching her being desperate for him. His hands let go of hers, instead, he wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her closer and moving in even further. He buried his face in her soft neck, her scent made him almost drunk as he started pacing his moves while kissing her neck. One hand moved to the back of her shoulder, pulling her even closer-if 'Closer' was possible at this point-.
His thrusts grew faster and harder while her moans grew louder. His name never dropped from her lips. He did it so easily, thrusting into her so fast like it was nothing, grabbing her breasts with one hand and biting her neck at the same time.
"Le... Levi... I'm close...ah..." Before she could finish her sentence, she cummed undone on his cock and he proudly fucked her through it even faster. He was close himself, but the gentleman he was, he'd never cum before her.
"Wanna fill you up..." he slowed down, and whispered in her ear. "Fill you up so much you won't be 'without me'." And he did fill her to the beam.
He pulled out, laid next to her all sweaty with heavy breaths.
His mind was blank, nothing except her was in his mind. All he wanted was her and she was right next to him. It was really unlikely for him to have his wishes met but at least she was alive and promised him to never leave.
"I'll...draw you the bath." He said while his hand traveled to his cheek, cupping her face.
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "I love you so much."
Pairing: levi ackerman x f!reader (attack on titan / shingeki no kyojin)
Word Count: 4.6k
Summary: After seeing your ex with his new girl at a work party, you take the not-so-smart advice from a friend to call a sex hotline to get over him. Your match? A baritone bossy dom named Levi.
Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI - alternate universe (modern), sex work, pet names, alcohol, mentions of drugs, jokes about death
Credits: dividers by @saradika-graphics
part three. / return to part one. | masterlist
Night comes around.
You do not call.
In fact, you don't call the Scout Services Hotline a single time that whole weekend.
As you scroll mindlessly through social media in your bed, fluttering between apps without retaining a single word or meme, your cell phone weighs heavily in your hand.
Don't call.
Just don't call.
It isn't like you're devoid of things to do.
Going out is an option.
Being around people may help your mood — but you don’t feel like unearthing from your snuggie poncho.
Putting on a movie can be a great distraction — but you know your attention span would barely last through the opening credits.
It was him.
Right there.
Right in front of you.
Levi from Scout Services, alive and in the flesh, holding your phone.
No amount of mental gymnastics can make you doubt otherwise.
He has a voice like no other; one that haunts your day dreams and soothes your nightmares, one that brings this sudden urge to do better for yourself—
Ironically, to be independent and strong on your own.
Which, actually, really fucking sucks now that you’re stuck with the decision to totally disappear from the gym, too.
(Kind of thwarts the whole ‘new me’ chest-puffing you’d started Friday with.)
So you make a final decision:
You still have to go to the gym Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Even if you say nothing, keep to yourself, remain a shadow, you have to go.
(There’s a fragile line drawn in the sands of reality. You can toe the edge, but you refuse to. This is his livelihood. You’re not delusional to believe you’re a main character exception.)
Coincidentally, Levi goes every day, too.
Your stomach flip-flops with the unsettling realization that your perch on a treadmill actually gives you a perfect vantage point to watch him as he sets his station up every morning.
Meticulously he sets towels down to place his shaker bottle and water thermos down, as if worried the ground hadn’t been cleaned overnight.
He even takes the disinfectant cloths and cleans every dumbbell he lines up neatly before starting his workout.
The dark-haired man truly is less-than-average in height, which isn’t a turn-off to you in the slightest, but his arms — his goddamn arms.
Levi wasn’t kidding when he told you that he could pick you up.
He could probably pick two of you up, one arm each.
They’re so toned, his forearms veiny from morning dehydration.
Training vigorously in his own world, not once does he notice that you’re the bumbling idiot that’s tripped on the treadmill (see: a few times) from dissociating.
Hell, he hasn’t a single fucking clue that you’re close enough to yell across the room to him.
Would he know?
That you’re Scarlet.
His, in some made-up world.
(Does your voice stand out in a sea of lonely people?)
The cleaning ritual extends to his cooldown, where he properly cleans each piece of equipment before nestling it back in its place.
Levi sits on his phone for a second, dropping down to a bench to scroll — text messages.
(Damn it, have you really resorted to minor stalking?)
As soon as he stands, though, you drop your chin to watch your sneakers rhythmically pass one another on the treadmill belt.
He passes like a ghost, evaporating into the men’s locker room without a word.
This is torture.
You miss him.
But you still refuse to call.
Can't — because in another world you may be his, but in this world, he is not yours.
.
.
— —
.
.
Tuesday night rolls around and you decide you hate life.
Annie, Eren, Reiner, and Mikasa are already there by the time you walk into the downtown hotspot.
The boys as well as Mikasa are still in their suit attire from work, their ties loosened at their necks. Annie’s in a hoodie and jeans, clearly much more interested in having a comfortable evening.
If the emptied shot glasses are any indicator of the plans for this evening, then you steel yourself for one hell of a Wednesday.
You glide through the busy crowds of the bar towards the group.
Bodies upon bodies crowd this place — it’s never not a zoo at this hour, no matter the day. Saying excuse me would only waste breath.
A live band croons on the far end of the smoky bar, forcing everyone to talk ten decibels higher just to hear the conversation.
(Can’t you turn around and go home while you’re ahead?)
In the sea of people, a pair of emerald green eyes over by a cluster of tables in the right-hand corner catch your movement. They widen, recognizing your face, and a lopsided grin of surprise follows.
“Holy shit, she left her cave!” Eren yells, holding up a cheap beer in salute to your arrival.
(Thanks Jeager, you little fuck.)
You don’t hear what she says, but you can see Mikasa’s lips part in tandem with a sharp elbow jab straight to his ribs.
Eren instantly falters his salute, souring in pain.
“I know. Don’t be so shocked,” you state to your colleagues, leaning up against the circular high-top table. “Am I the last to show?”
“Nah, you’re right on time. Armin and Jean’re on their way,” Reiner grunts, holding onto a comically small cosmopolitan in his rather large hand. “Sasha’s on babysitting duty with Nicco.”
You look around the bar for any other familiar faces.
“And Connie?”
“Passed out,” Mikasa supplies. “Took edibles after work.”
“There’s no chance in hell anyone’s waking him,” Eren snorts. “Fucker’s toast.”
Reiner sighs. “For what it’s worth, Jean tried.”
“No, Armin tried,” Annie corrects, finally piping up. She holds something on the rocks — brandy? Whiskey? You can’t tell. “Jean just laughed and kept trying to draw shit on his face.”
“You didn’t see the Snapchat he sent?” Eren asks after a gulp of his beer.
You shake your head, knowing damn well you’ve avoided using your phone for the last several days.
Missed texts, abandoned tagged tweets, your streak in your mobile game ruined — anything so you wouldn’t be tempted to click that little number.
Damn it.
Enough wallowing.
“I’m gonna go grab a drink,” you state, disengaging with the table. “Anyone need anything?”
From your peripheral, you see a familiar mop of blonde hair walking towards your group. At his side is a much taller man sliding through the crowd, navigating the shorter one to the tiny table you’ve commandeered from the masses.
Armin and Jean.
Reiner and Annie shake their heads.
“Nope, I’m solid.”
“Good here.”
“Eren’s got the next round of shots,” Mikasa flatly states. “You’re fine.”
“Ha, hell yeah!” Eren exclaims, before he settles into a confused pause of silence. His head whips to Mikasa, blinking twice. “Wait, what?”
You don’t stick around for that aftermath.
Squeezing back into the lion’s den of people, you try not to get hit with any too-full beverages or waving hands.
You manage to weave and duck, eventually finding a small empty corner at the edge of the bar.
Success.
You rush to claim it before someone else can, your forearm on the wooden surface.
Holding up two fingers to get the one of the three bartender’s attention, she nods once to acknowledge she sees you — she’ll get there eventually.
Two empty stools are available, so you scoot onto the one closest to the wall while waiting for your turn and drop your purse onto the other while you situate yourself.
It’ll likely take a while if the busyness of the staff has anything to say about it.
An hour.
All you need to do is last one whole hour.
Chat a bit, mingle a little so everyone at work doesn’t think you’re a total goddamn recluse, then you can go—
“Is this seat taken?”
A question sounding to your left breaks your train of thought.
The seat.
The one next to you, where your purse lay.
Way to go, dumbass.
You answer on autopilot, not thinking twice about it.
“Oh — shit, yeah. I mean, no! No it’s not. I’m sorry.”
As your torso turns to grab your purse off of the deep red stool, your eyes drop to make sure nothing spills out of it.
“Hold on, let me just move—”
Your chin lifts to find yourself staring eye to eye with Levi.
Wait.
Levi?!
His cheekbones look even sharper under the warm hue of the bar lights overhead, lips parted like he was interrupted in asking a question.
The whites of his eyes grow more prominent with every passing second, making the blue-gray color of them stand out in stark contrast to the black curtain of fringe falling against his temples.
The realization that you spoke — that he’s seen your face before — seems to be hitting him like a goddamn freight train.
Your blood runs cold as your own eyes round.
“...my stuff.”
Weakly you finish your thought, wishing for nothing but death right now.
Maybe a stranger, like a secret agent with wicked strength, will simply rush the bar and put you in a headlock and knock you out.
Maybe your drink will be poisoned.
You’re happy for anything so long as it’s swift.
Levi grunts in acknowledgement, slowly finding a spot on the empty stool beside yours.
Both of you swivel towards the bar, staring ahead.
Silence.
For what feels like hours, neither of you speak. The noise of the bar becomes overwhelming.
Somehow the surrounding voices feel amplified when you’ve lost your own.
It’s trapped between a thousand apologies and half a dozen explanations that sound worse than the one before it.
You need to get up.
Excuse yourself out.
Leave.
You won’t get your damn drink, but that’s fine so long as you’re not here.
“How’s your phone?”
Eventually Levi speaks, and you find yourself wishing he hadn’t.
The effect of his voice is even worse in person — so buttery smooth, the gravel much deeper in his chest now that there isn’t a phone receiver to dilute it.
“Not… damaged,” you reply cautiously.
“Good.”
Another stretch of silence passes, and you forget about ordering drinks altogether.
Your eyes drop to view his folded hands, how the veins protrude even when resting.
His fingers are slender, strong, and hate yourself for yearning.
You have to apologize.
This is crossing a line.
You need to—
“So—”
“I’m canceling my subscription.”
You blurt a fraction later than Levi, proclaiming your innocence before he can ever condemn it.
When you meet his steely eyes, they squint with curiosity.
From the crown of your head to your chin, he assesses in a serpentine pattern before eventually finding your eyes once more.
“How come?” he asks, leaning further against the bar top.
“I— how come?”
You repeat his question in surprise.
Wildly gesturing towards the space between you with your hand, you snort.
“Uh, because that’s the right thing to do in this circumstance? Because seeing you in person is borderline unethical?”
He hums at that, not giving you much to work with.
“And for the record, I did not stalk you to this bar.”
“Didn’t think you did.”
“I’m actually here with friends—”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
Levi interrupts, seemingly unbothered by your rambling.
“At the gym. I can make an educated guess and say you knew it was me from the second I opened my trap, but you didn’t say anything.”
Why isn’t he freaking out?
Shouldn’t he be freaking out?
Just as you open your mouth to continue professing your innocence, the bartender walks over and points to you.
“What can I get you?”
You blanch, no longer remember how to order drinks.
“I—”
“I got her tab,” Levi interrupts casually, tapping his index finger into the counter. “Two hard seltzers.”
Then he has the audacity to glance your way.
“Pineapple, right?”
Holy shit, he remembers your favorite flavor?
Is this a flex?
(It kind of feels like a flex; a way to say I know you, I was there.)
“...pineapple’s fine,” you murmur in return, hesitant.
The bartender doesn’t waste another second to rummage in the mini fridge on the other side of the bar for two slim cans.
For another agonizing thirty seconds, neither of you say a word.
He raises his chin to watch whatever sport’s game is playing overhead on the television.
You stare at your mirrored reflection in the bar backsplash.
This is real life.
The man you’ve spent hours talking to over the phone to, getting off to, is sitting right beside you, yet he isn’t trying to create distance.
If anything, he’s buying you a damn drink and asking you why.
Why didn’t you say something?
“I didn’t say anything at the gym because that would have been extremely inappropriate,” you finally argue under your breath, keeping the conversation strictly between you. “What would I have said? ‘Oh hey, guy I've paid to talk to on the phone every single night for the past week. Isn’t it crazy that I actually go to the same gym as you?’ That’s so creepy.”
When he says nothing, still staring at you, you continue to bury yourself into a deeper grave.
“I mean, I thought you lived, like… a billion miles from me. Maybe from another planet.”
His brows pinch with amusement.
“On Mars, or…?”
Oh.
He’s joking.
He’s actually joking about this.
You turn your chin, brow furrowed. “This isn’t funny.”
“It’s a little funny.”
He crosses his arms over his chest, and you have to force yourself to maintain eye contact.
“I wondered why you looked so scared of me on Friday. Thought maybe I smelled like shit from my workout.”
No, you want to say. Unfortunately it was the goddamn opposite.
“So you’re not…”
“Worried you’re a stalker trying to dox me because of my job?”
Levi blatantly finishes, and you wince.
Clearly he notices your embarrassment, because he sighs and relaxes his shoulders.
“I’m more pissed that you didn’t call all weekend, but then again, that’s the nature of the job.”
You both watch each other for a moment as the bartender returns, passing you both pineapple hard seltzers to nurse.
He pushes your can to your hand, nudging the icy-cold aluminum against your thumb, then picks up his own.
“The nature of the job?” you repeat, and he nods.
“People get bored. Run out of funds. Novelty wears off fast.”
Levi shrugs, sipping his drink.
“Just because you like talking to someone doesn’t mean they stick around. Wouldn’t blame 'em — shit gets expensive quick.”
“I just…”
You trail off, fighting to find the correct words to say.
“...I thought it wasn’t right to call again, knowing I knew what you looked like, so I didn’t.”
Explaining yourself makes your tongue feel sluggish, like you were caught red-handed in a crime you didn’t know you’d committed until hindsight.
“I can leave you alone,” you decide to add, holding your drink tighter. “Like I said, I’m here with my friends and… after all, you were doing your job. A great job. You’re kind of the reason I’m even here in the first place.”
Levi’s brow knits, and your eyes widen.
“Not like that!”
“Pretty shit at asserting yourself even in person,” he murmurs like it’s a cheeky inside joke, and he sips once more. “So how am I the reason?”
He’s not angry.
Hell, he’s conversational.
Not the least bit worried about how you’ve both managed to get here.
Might as well be honest.
“Because I decided to stop being a little less scared of the world,” you confess softly. “It— That’s why I got to the gym so early on Friday. I wanted to start doing strength training, like how you talk about how much you love it. And… I thought, maybe, I’d spend more time with friends. Get out there more. Be more assertive — beyond right now, obviously.”
The dark-haired man’s expression smooths at that in a mixture of recognition and surprise.
The slide of his brow is beautiful, and your heart squeezes at the sight of an animated Levi in the flesh, just as you pictured.
“Do you have to go back to your friends right now?”
At first you don’t quite register his question, but then it causes butterflies to flutter in your stomach.
He looks left to right, as if trying to find your troop of buddies, before returning his attention back to you.
“You don’t… want me to leave?”
Levi shakes his head.
You feel bolted to your stool, unable to move even if you wanted to.
Simultaneously you sip your drinks, keeping eye contact.
It feels intimate.
Too intimate.
“So, then…” You start slowly. “What does this mean?”
“Well,” Levi begins, mulling it over in his head. “Means the whole provider-client relationship has basically gone to shit. You know my face, now I know yours.”
“Right.”
“Then again, that professionalism was already well into a shit pile way before Friday morning.”
You blink, not following. “Huh?”
“There’s nothing in the company policy about what to do when you stumble into your client at the damn local gym, but there sure as hell wasn’t anything about…”
Levi trails off, clenching his jaw in debate.
“...about crossing the line I practically leapt over. I’m good at my job because of my detachment, but this was the only time I bordered on unethical myself. That wasn’t fair to you, and I’m sorry.”
Sorry.
Levi… was sorry?
The words blurt faster than you can stop yourself. “Why the hell are you sorry?”
His eyes widen with a budding uncertainty.
“I… just said I crossed the line?”
“When?”
“On the phone?”
“Okay, duh, but when?”
“Our last session.”
“So that was real.”
Levi actually got off to your voice.
If you weren’t in such shock about sitting here face-to-face with him at a local bar, then perhaps your ego would have, in fact, made a crash landing on Mars.
He considers his next words very carefully.
“It wasn’t supposed to be.”
Then he sips more before shaking his head.
“Look. It’s… a job a friend of mine got me. I’m not a real-life Casanova or any of that shit. Hell, most of my time was spent training punks to fight in a boxing ring, so I never had the energy for relationships or dating.”
You can't hide your surprise. “You were a fighter?”
He makes a noncommittal face.
“Loosely. Personal trainer, training in general — fell into it after I got out of the service.”
“Right, you were in the army,” you murmur, and the edge of his lips upticks at your recollection.
“A couple of months ago the gym I worked for went under, money got tight, so I thought I’d try it out. Guess everyone says it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but bossing fighters around and fielding horny-ass callers ain't all that different."
Levi turns his chin just so to regard you under a wispy black fringe.
“I can usually predict what someone wants. The people that call this hotline shit, they’re in and out."
He takes a pause.
"You, though — the second I picked up your call, you threw me through a goddamn loop.”
You use your nail on your index finger to absently scratch the side of your thumb, attempting to process everything he’s telling you.
"First night we spoke, actually, I ended up at this very bar to contemplate why the fuck I wanted you to call back. Didn't want you blowing your money on it, obviously, it's overpriced and ridiculous, but — it clearly shook me up enough for me to take then ten-minute walk in the middle of the night in the first place."
Ten minutes.
That length of time strikes something in you.
“So, your… office building isn’t far?” you slowly ask.
Levi shakes his head. “No, no office. I work remotely. Kind of the reason why I took the gig in the first place. I wouldn’t do this shit if I had an audience in a damn two-by-four cube.”
You’re not sure what possesses you to confess it, but you point past your shoulder.
“My apartment complex is actually six blocks down the street.”
Ten minutes away, is your implication.
His hand had raised to sip from his seltzer can, but it halts immediately.
His eyes narrow.
“The complex on Junction Ave?”
“Yeah," you say.
“Right across from—”
“The Reiss deli.”
That narrowed gaze shoots wide. “You’re shitting me.”
“You say the word shit a lot.”
“Baby, I live there,” he blurts.
“Wait, what?”
Now it’s your turn for your eyes to nearly pop out of your skull.
(You’re too shocked to even process what he called you.)
He huffs in a brief laugh, shaking his head.
“You gotta be fucking with me.”
“I’m not! Wait, you live in the same building as me?”
“You said Thomas was your goddamn mailman,” Levi states. “Do you know how many fucking Thomas the Mailmen there are in this world? I didn’t think we’d have the same one.”
Holy shit.
Oh, holy shit.
You sit up taller in your seat. “Wait, what floor?”
“Sixteenth.”
“I’m on the tenth!” you exclaim in your shock. “Holy shit, so you…”
Have been right above me this entire time.
Your phone buzzes, ruining your train of thought.
Reflexively you look down to see the preview of Annie’s message over your lock screen.
[A. LEONHART]: Did u die?
Right.
You’re here with friends.
“Friends wondering where you are?” Levi inquiries at the sight of your growing frown.
“Yeah, give me a sec.”
You swipe the screen north and type a reply.
[ME]: Talking to someone. Be over in a bit.
Annie’s reply is immediate, and you turn your phone from Levi’s view in mortification.
[A. LEONHART]: 🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆
[A. LEONHART]: WINGMAN??? NEED????
[ME]: NO! Do not come over here!
[A. LEONHART]: ok ok ok noted
[A. LEONHART]: i’ll keep jaeger to the left end of the bar
“Looks urgent.”
“Huh?”
You shoot a glance back up to Levi, who’s now angled towards you with his cheek squished against his clenched fist. His elbow props him up on the bar top.
“No! No. It’s just my friend Annie. She — is actually the one who gave me the number to that hotline in the first place,” you confess.
Levi hums in that delicious way you’ve come to crave.
“I don’t want to derail your evening. I’ve already taken you away from them for a while.”
Your heart is hesitant, but it grows despite yourself.
“If you want me to stay, then I’ll stay,” you quietly state. “I… liked talking to you. I mean, beyond the whole — you know.”
He nods once, setting his drink down.
“For what it’s worth, I don’t want you to disappear, either. My job’s not exactly corporate. Not many people can separate fantasy from reality. With you, I never had to bullshit what it was, but…”
Levi trails off, sighing heavily.
“...but I also understand if it’s just a fantasy, for you.”
Something nestles itself between the lines of his words.
Something he isn’t saying outright, sussing out if he has any right to try.
“Do you really mean that, Levi?”
That sigh turns into a curbed huff, smile fleeting but enough to bring your stomach butterflies.
“Damn. Sounds nice, hearing my name in person.”
Oh, sweet Jesus.
You could scream into your damn seltzer, but you decide to play it as cool as you possibly can.
“So Levi’s your real name?”
He nods.
“Not creative enough to come up with an alias."
Levi shifts, rolling out a shoulder.
"But to answer your question, I’m saying I… yeah, I mean it. I wouldn’t mind asking you out for coffee sometime, given we seem to run on the same gym schedule as it is. Just didn’t know if you wanted to leave it at the hotline and call it a day — no pun intended.”
Are you seriously hearing what he’s saying right now?
Does Levi want to step out of a fantasy and into your reality?
Your lips part with a million questions only to end up blurting a very stupid one:
“Are you single?”
That earns a bark of a laugh, causing his head to gloriously drop back, exposing his neck.
(All you want to do is sink your teeth into it.)
“Yes. Very,” he promises. “Are you, still?”
“Very,” you promise back.
“And my job doesn’t bother you?”
You haven't quite gotten that far, logistically, but it's only a coffee.
He isn't asking to marry you.
Besides, he talks about it like any other office job. You can't find any ill feeling toward it.
“Work is work,” you argue with a one-shoulder shrug. “Sure, it’s unconventional, but… I’m so used to not knowing what I want, or second-guessing what’s good for me, and I don’t think I’ve ever second guessed a damn thing with you.”
Bringing the seltzer back up to his mouth, Levi smirks against the can, mulling something over.
You smile in return, sipping your drink.
It's the truth.
He may not really know you, but he knows you.
Just as you're beginning to think you know him.
“Well, if you don’t get too wasted with your friends tonight—”
He steals a ballpoint pen from a dampened closed check from his left side.
Then he snatches a napkin from one of the bartending stations with lemons, limes, and straws.
Hunching over, he scribbles on said napkin, before turning a cheek to you.
“—and you end up going to the gym tomorrow morning—”
Levi then sits up taller, folds the napkin, and reaches for your hand resting on the bar top.
His skin is smooth.
Heated.
Your entire body melts to his whim as he turns your wrist over, palm facing up.
One by one his fingers unfurl your fingers, nestles the napkin in your hand, then closes your fist for safe keeping.
“—give me a call.”
Leaving a twenty on the bar counter, Levi lets go of your hand to slip off of his stool.
You say nothing as you watch him give you one last once-over, expression full of admiration, before turning into the sea of people.
A call.
Flexing your hand, you uncrinkle the napkin to read the number etched black on white.
Not the Scout Services Hotline.
No — his number.
Your attention flies back to the original spot where you've now properly abandoned your friends, but you know they'll forgive you for your absence.
Annie knows.
She'll cover for your abrupt disappearance.
On autopilot you yank out your phone, bypassing the texts from your friends, emails from work, and tap the little telephone icon.
Zero through nine appear.
Hastily you type the number, hesitation long gone, and press send.
One ring.
Two.
By the third, it abruptly cuts. You hear shuffling in the background. Cars beeping.
“Hello, Levi Ackerman speaking.”
Levi Ackerman.
Knowing his full name warms your heart.
Standing from your stool, you rise to your toes to search the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Levi stands there on the sidewalk, holding his phone up to his ear.
“Hi, Levi. It’s formerly Scarlet.”
Immediately he turns to the bar, searching the very same window.
Searching for you.
You smile to yourself.
"My schedule just opened up. I know it's a little late for some coffee, but..."
Trailing off, your teeth catch your bottom lip.
Be selfish.
"Are you free for some tea now?”
.
FIN
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
How are we feeling, Hotliner Nation? I teased that this may not be the end of this story. I'm not against writing a sequel, whether to continue the immediate story or time skip, but I wanted to see what people thought before I spoke too soon. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed our hotline journey together.
In the meantime I invite you to follow me here or subscribe to my AO3, as I have other projects in the works (including finishing the final chapters of my canon-based amnesia au with Levi, Silver Underground.)
The last two months have been such a wonderful journey, and I thank every single one of you for engaging the way you have. I never anticipated such a frenzy when I started P4, so sincerely, from the bottom of my heart - thank you for the comments, reblogs, inbox mssgs, etc. Every reblog gives this writer wings.
Warning: smut, grief and spoilers of season 3, possible grammatical and dictation errors (sorry...T-T)
The days after the Shiganshina battle were nothing like the days prior, one could say the lives of the remaining scouts were divided into two parts by this major event.
Levi was no exception, except that he was perhaps too good at hiding it. Levi was a grown man, he had been a grown man for too long not because he was old but rather because he'd had to grow up too early. However, no matter how much of a great actor, a grown man or whatever people would call it he was, because his façade was out of the window the moment he was alone with her.
After the burial, a day after the battle, when all the corpses were taken back within the walls, Levi needed a break. He excused himself after the funeral and Commander Hange didn't want to bug him. Even they had changed. An unknown lady followed him, she didn't bring any attention to herself though, many civilians attended the funeral of their heroes. The 199 soldiers alongside Commander Erwin had dedicated their hearts to humanity.
He had keys, he opened the door of her house. After a while, she arrived at her house and stepped into her room, only to find the strongest soldier on her bed. His expression was similar to a crying face, although not a single tear was seen on his pale face. He had been looking down when she entered the room, her entrance snapped him out of his thoughts.
Her gaze softened. "Hello there..." she removed her black overcoat. The black dress underneath was nothing fancy, perfect for the funeral she had just attended.
He whispered. "Hello yourself." They hadn't spoken since they came back from the battle. He only had time to sleep-pass out from exhaustion- and take back the corpses of his fallen comrades after sending her a letter, explaining her exactly what had happened. She sat next to him on the bed, opened her arms silently and offered him a hug. Of course, Levi basically threw himself in her arms as she wrapped them around his body and rested her hand on the back of his head to stroke his hair.
He hid his face in her neck. "You did all you could've done yesterday, you know?" She whispered in his ear. Damn, she knew what he needed to hear all the time. "I'm very proud of you...once again, you proved why they call you humanity's strongest."
A sob escaped from his mouth, though the tears weren't streaming. Yet. "Kenny told me something..." she raised an eyebrow. Levi had only talked about Kenny once. "Everyone was a slave of something..." he continued. "I think I understand now...I'm a slave of my strength and the responsibilities that follow it."
Silently, he cried. Two tears fell from his face as her arms were tightened around him. "Wanna talk about it?"
He pulled away from her grip. "Do you think...that I made a mistake?"
"No...and I don't think you'll ever regret it either you just...need some time to process everything. Everyone does" He rubbed his temples. "I wanna rest...but I can't. There's so much I need to get done, yet..." She interrupted him. "Rest hereas much as you want, okay? I'm sure Hange wouldn't mind if you stay here for the night."
He sighs. "No...I can't leave them in this situation." She smiled, a bitter smile, one could say. "You're so kind...but I'm sure they have already called the day off due to the funeral, otherwise they wouldn't let you leave." He closed his eyes, he couldn't think of anything, he didn't 'want' to think. He just wanted to be with her, the only thing that felt certain and safe at this point was her presence, her house, and everything about her.
"Darling...what can I do to make you feel better?" She had never seen him like this since they met, which happened in the little shop next to her residence, her teashop. His eyes were puffy and red, yet his eyes barely produced any tears. Her heart sank. "What about some tea, dear? I just bought a pack, I'll buy much more for the shop if you find it worthy, after all, you are my main customer and the tea tester." She smiled.
He nodded silently. Slowly removed his boots and cloak as his lover left for tea. A few minutes later, the tea was ready, in the cups in their hands.
"It's...so good." He drinks eagerly, she thought that's probably the only drink he'd had since the battle. "Really?" He nodded. As he finished the tea, a sense of guilt washed him over. His expression, however, was never overlooked by her. She held him tightly and left pepper kisses all over him. Ghostly kisses were placed on his forehead first, then his cheeks and finally, his nose.
"Let me take care of you...I'll make you forget everything for a moment or two, okay?"
Levi remained silent, he wanted this yet in his mind he didn't deserve it. The guilt of letting go of everything for a moment never won over his desire for her.
She never waited for an answer, instead her hand rested on the back of his head, pulling him close enough as their lips met. He closed his eyes, he only wished to forget everything for a moment and relax. Soon enough, she removed the black dress, sitting on his lap, facing him almost naked. She rolled her hips on his fully clothed crotch, getting him slowly worked up.
He finally gave up and let his desire take control. His hands roamed all over her body while he buried his face in her neck, biting and sucking it red. He went for her earlobe, gently tucking it with his teeth before adding more pressure on them and leaving a bite which made her let out a breathy gasp.
One hand gripped her buttock as the other grabbed her beast harshly. He would usually be more gentle but tonight, he just needed to take the tension out and she was more than willing to help.
He pushed her on the bed and took off his pants and shirt. Then he came back to bed and sat next to her before grabbing her by the arm and pulling her close.
"Ride my thigh."
He leaned onto the headboard, watching her following his orders. She placed her knees on each side of his thigh and sat on it. She rested her hands on his shoulders for balance as she started moving on his thigh with her panties on.
As she was riding him, his hands travelled to the back of her bra, undoing it. "Don't stop. Keep going until I tell you." Thus, she didn't stop when he removed her bra and grabbed her breasts into his fists.
"Move faster." He barked as he pinched her nipples, pulling them in his direction, guiding her moves. She fastened her pace and soon enough, the fraction was too much and yet not enough. She needed more, she was growing needier. She panted. "Le...vi..."
He grabbed her by the waist and lifted her. "Remove your panties." And soon enough, the last piece of clothing was gone and she was on her back, legs spread as the man's head was between her thighs.
All he wanted was to be as close as possible to her. As if he was holding on so tightly to the only pleasant thing that was left in his life.
The tip of his tongue teased her clit, his nails dug into her thighs while he was grabbing them. He ran his tongue all over her slit and then connected his lips with her core, moving as his tongue found its way in her, savouring her taste. "Fuck...don' stop, love..." he sped up. Basically, fucking her with his tongue while his hand moved to her clit, massaging it in a circular motion. As she was getting closer to the edge and her knees began to shake, Levi pulled out and took away his hand. She gasped at the ruined orgasm. Before she could protest, he grabbed her ankle and rest it on his shoulder. Taking out his cock, circling it around her hole before slipping the head in slowly.
He left wet kisses on his ankle and moved upper her calves and finally her knees. Once he let go of her leg, he grabbed her hand into his and moved further into her. His eyes never left hers. There was so much he wanted to tell her, how much he loved her, how much he appreciated her, how much she made his life better. Yet, all the words in his thoughts came out as one simple "Don't ever leave." It honestly broke her heart, how scared and scarred he was behind that tough guy façade. She moaned as he was now further inside. "Never...Captain..."
After a while, he started moving. "No. Not captain, say my name." His grip on her hands tightened as if she'd leave if he didn't hold tightly enough. "Levi...fuck...please..." His motions were slow, he wanted this moment to last, nevertheless, he enjoyed watching her being desperate for him. His hands let go of hers, instead, he wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her closer and moving in even further. He buried his face in her soft neck, her scent made him almost drunk as he started pacing his moves while kissing her neck. One hand moved to the back of her shoulder, pulling her even closer-if 'Closer' was possible at this point-.
His thrusts grew faster and harder while her moans grew louder. His name never dropped from her lips. He did it so easily, thrusting into her so fast like it was nothing, grabbing her breasts with one hand and biting her neck at the same time.
"Le... Levi... I'm close...ah..." Before she could finish her sentence, she cummed undone on his cock and he proudly fucked her through it even faster. He was close himself, but the gentleman he was, he'd never cum before her.
"Wanna fill you up..." he slowed down, and whispered in her ear. "Fill you up so much you won't be 'without me'." And he did fill her to the beam.
He pulled out, laid next to her all sweaty with heavy breaths.
His mind was blank, nothing except her was in his mind. All he wanted was her and she was right next to him. It was really unlikely for him to have his wishes met but at least she was alive and promised him to never leave.
"I'll...draw you the bath." He said while his hand traveled to his cheek, cupping her face.
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "I love you so much."
Synopsis: Levi is enjoying his retirement after the war. However, owning a tea shop by yourself gets lonely. That is, until a certain regular by the name of Y/N starts showing up…well…regularly. (I’m so bad at doing these, but please read for post war protective and sexy Levi)
Warning: slow burn, forced proximity, boss/employee forbidden romance, 18+ (eventually), patching wounds, protective Levi (purrrrrr) and brief unwanted advances from soldiers. Please read with discretion if that bothers you!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“One chamomile with honey and mint, and do you happen to sell any baked goods?”
Levi numbly grabbed a cup as he began his work on making the customers order.
“No. I don’t do baked goods.” He replied, pouring the hot water into the cup and inhaling the scent from the tea leaves.
Levi had slowly grown into the idea of starting his own tea shop thanks to Onyankopon’s incessant attempts at convincing him. However, Levi had over looked one minute detail.
He hated people.
He hated how they wanted their tea. He hated how they assumed he also sold coffee. He hated how they’d pick up the prepackaged bags of tea and would set them in a different spot instead of buying it. He hated that they’d prefer to stay and drink instead of ask for it to-go.
He hated people more than he hated only having one eye to see.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Ackerman!”
Except, for some unknown reason, he didn’t hate you.
He was pulled from his thoughts at your greeting. He had missed the dinging of the bell to his store as you made your entrance. He had had his back turned as he made the chamomile for the mother with a whining child about how there were no sweet tart pastries. He blindly handed the woman her tea, his grumpy stare holding your own cheerful expression as he awaited your order.
“What will it be today-“
“Y/N. You never quite get my name right.” You say, interrupting his question with the softest of smiles and lighthearted shrug. “Uh, I’ll just have an earl grey with two spoons of sugar, just a squeeze of honey, and some lemon.”
He began to make your tea, not paying any mind to the fact it seemed to be much less bothersome to do. Everyday you came in, you wanted to try something new. It was refreshing, and Levi had even found himself making himself a cup a few times to try your orders to see if it was anything special. He would be lying if he said you had good taste. Sometimes the mixes were down right dreadful and he found himself spewing it out behind the closed doors of his shop.
Levi steeped the tea, slowly stirring the leaves. His eyebrow slightly twitched at the sound of the kid who continued to whine about the shops lack of pastries.
You couldn’t ignore the whines either. Slowly kicking your feet that dangled from the stool you sat on, you clicked your tongue before turning to face Levi’s back.
“Ya know, Mr. Ackerman…..your shop truly is lacking some baked deliciousness.”
Levi looked up at the wall in front of him, sighing as he closed his eyes.
“Really? Didn’t notice.”
You let out a sarcastic laugh and leaned on the bar in front of you.
“Annddddd it just so happens…I was fired from the bakery I worked at, so I’m looking for a new opportunity at a, let’s say for example, a new little tea shop that is in need of some delicious baked goods….” You continue, turning your chin up with a smile tugging at your lips.
“Mhm. And why exactly were you fired?” Levi questioned as he turned and placed your cup of hot tea in front of you. He ignored the feeling that your soft smile gave him as you reached to cup the tea in your hands and take a sip.
“Sampling the goods. Apparently they considered it stealing. But, a chef is supposed to sample their work! I had to make sure it was good, ya know?”
Levi blankly stared at you, watching you take another sip of tea. He didn’t care to watch and see if people actually enjoyed his tea. He knew it was good. But he had found himself enjoying your approval. Almost craving it.
But he would never admit that.
“Wow, yeah, that is stealing. Shame on you. That’s why your cheeks are getting chubbier I bet.”
It was your turn to glare at him. Reaching up to pinch your cheek, you stuck your tongue out at him.
“And they look really good with the extra pudge. You just won’t admit it.”
“You’re right. I won’t.” And he wouldn’t. Not to you anyway. But he would be lying if he said he didn’t like the fact that you had gotten some pudge from sampling your baked goods. It had made you fill out really well. He liked how soft and plush you were. It was cute.
If Levi had been drinking, he would have choked. He shook the thought of admitting you were cute out of his head. You’re just a regular. Another customer for him to make tea for. That’s all. Eventually you’d probably move on from this place and stop coming anyway. No need to start thinking things like that.
“Anyyyywayyyyy, what do you say?”
“What do I say to what?”
“You know…me working here to be your baker.” You say, trying to sound encouraging.
“I don’t do baked goods.”
“And that’s why I’d be here! I do, in fact, so baked goods. I bet it would bring in more business.”
“I get plenty of business.”
“But imagine how much more you’d get! And I make good company. I’m not afraid to talk your ear off.”
“Oh, in that case I’m definitely not hiring you.”
“Leviiiiii, c’mon. Let me bake something for you. If you like it, then you hire me! If you don’t, I’ll stop pestering you about it. Deal?”
Levi rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he closed his eyes and shook his head. His heart slightly skipping when you used his first name. He was used to you calling him Mr. Ackerman. It was nice.
“Fine. I want a blueberry scone with honey and sugar crystals.”
“Done.”
“Not too dry.”
“Mhm.”
“And not too many sugar crystals. Sugar isn’t good for you.”
“But it’s delicious.”
“And that’s why it’s bad for you.”
“No wonder you’re a grumpy fella.”
“I change my mind. I’m definitely not hiring you.”
“Too late! I’m going home to make you the best blueberry scone you’ve ever put in your mouth.” You slapped more than enough bills on the counter to cover your tea before jumping off the stool and rushing to the door.
“Bye, Mr. Ackerman! Be ready to start the hiring process tomorrow!” You said with a big smile and wave as you ducked out the door.
With a sigh, Levi grabbed your empty cup, admiring the warm colored lipstick stain on the side you drank from, then tossing it into the sink to be cleaned.
What has he gotten himself into…
•••••••••••••••••••
You watched in anticipation as Levi cut a bite out of the plated blueberry scone you stayed up all night perfecting. The drizzled honey and sprinkled sugar crystals made the pastry sparkle, convincing you that what you created was pure magic and would knock the socks off of this grumpy veteran.
Levi took a bite, flakes from the scone falling to the plate and sticking to his lips as he chewed, blank expression forever present on his scarred face and giving no signs of appreciation for what you had created.
“Well? What do you think?”
Levi nodded, swallowing his bite as he cut another.
“It is unfortunately good. A bit crunchier and sweeter than I like, but not bad.”
You celebrated and hoisted your basket onto the counter.
“Good! Because I brought the first batch for the day! Call it a test run to see what kind of business it brings in.” You say, pulling the cloth off the top of the basket to reveal loads of pastries.
Levi looked over the basket, eyebrows creasing.
“I never said I’d use them.”
“And you won’t! You know my goodies are delicious. Just try it for one day. Please?”
Levi looked over your begging features. Maybe he could just try it once….
“Fine. You can set them in the window.”
By the end of the day….you were hired as the official baker for the shop. Customers were thrilled to see the baked goodies sat in the window. Some even had requested other kinds of pastries and pies.
You were in business!
“Soooo, what did I tell ya? Pretty great idea huh?” You asked as you pulled the open sign through the door of the shop. The bell dinged over and over as you did, causing Levi’s eyebrow to twitch.
“I suppose. The shop did make double today.”
You smiled at his comment. There wasn’t a pastry left in the window. You had ran out of them three hours before closing. Who would have thought? Levi had doubted your skills and the demand for your pastries.
“Oh, and for your services.” You were shocked when Levi sat a stack of money onto the counter in front of your eyes.
“You’re paying me?” You asked as you stepped closer to examine the money.
“An employer is kind of required by law to pay his employees.”
You stared at him with glee. A larger than life smile tugging at the corner of your lips.
“So, I am hired?”
“Mhm. Shop opens tomorrow at 8. Be here at 7:30. Bring more pastries. Goodnight, flour girl.”
You quirked an eyebrow at the new nickname, but returned a farewell and goodnight, promising to be there tomorrow morning with a fresh batch of pastries.
•••••••••••••••••••
And return you did.
The shop was booming with costumers, and with it nearing colder weather, the warmth of tea and pastries brought in people left and right who sought to cozy up with a sweet treat.
Business was good, and your relationship with Levi was growing.
“Excuse me, Y/N.”
You blushed at Levi’s light touch on your waist as he brushed by behind you. You clenched your jaw as you inhaled his scent of teas and spices. A hint of leather and hair balm lingering with notes of sage and jasper.
You could never get over how good he smelt.
“Excuse me,” you say, words almost coming out in a whisper. “Hey, we are almost out of raspberry jam for the biscuits. I’m going to go get some more from the pantry.”
He nodded in reply and you brushed passed the doors to the kitchen. Since you had started working at the shop, Levi had supplied you with an oven and loads of space to prepare your baked goods. It was sweet how he had even supplied you an apron, baking sheets, baking molds and dish towels to welcome you into the shop.
He had grown accustomed to having you around and some times you thought he might even enjoy your company. He’d stay after while you cleaned the shop and kitchen and would talk to you. You’d heard all about the Island he grew up on, his time in the underground, and how he was deemed humanities strongest. In return, he would listen to you rattle on and on about your childhood in Marley. He would chuckle at your stories and ask questions, making you smile with how he actively listened to your rambling.
You reached up on to grab the jam from the top shelf, then turned to head back out. As you opened the door you were greeted with an empty shop. Not even Levi could be found.
“What the hell?” You whisper as you walk to the counter, sitting the jam down. You shrugged and reached down into the window display to grab an empty tray to replace with new pastries. Just as you walked to the kitchen again to grab a new tray, you heard the bell of the shop ring.
“Hello! Be with you in a moment!” You greeted as you dusted powdered sugar over the goodies and rushed them out.
“So sorry about that! Was just getting a new batch r-“
“Well, well, well, boys. What do we have here?”
Your sentence was caught off with a deep voice as you looked up, smile faltering as you looked at the men who had entered the shop. They were in uniform. Soldier uniforms…
“Now what the hell is a pretty thing like you doing hiding in a place like this?” One of them said, the others laughed at his words.
“Yeah, lil lady. How about you come with us? Let us take you out of this shit shop and take you for a drink.”
“C’mon, doll, we can find you some more… comfortable clothing to change into.”
“Oh, no thank you. I’m still working, ya know?” You say with an uncomfortable laugh.
“Well, what time do you get off work?” The man sat directly in front of you asked as he leaned in, lowering his voice as he reached out to grab your hand. “C’mon now, we don’t mind waiting for a pretty thing like you.”
You jerked your hand away, rubbing it as if you were trying to rub off his burning grip.
“Oh I’m sorry, I was saying that as a way to say no in a nice way. I’ll be more direct. No, I am not interested in going out with you boys. Thank you, though. I’m a homebody.”
“Come now, don’t be a prude. Come have fun. We are nice guys.” He replied, dragging his words as he spoke. You flinched as one of the men scooted around the counter, lifting the slab of wood that blocked him from entering behind the counter where you stood. The other man walked to the door of the shop, locking it, and your heart sank as your head shifted between the men.
“Something tells me you’re not. You should leave.” You say, backing up against the sink, grabbing a mug that sat behind you. You kept it behind your back, hiding it from view.
“And why would we do that? I’m growing quite fond of your company.” Said the man that continued to approach you.
“You see, doll, we don’t get much thanks for the service we give. And since we survived the war, I think we’ve earned some well deserved…thanks. Don’t you think?”
Your breath hitched, the room seemed to move in slow motion as the man stood beside you lunged, grabbing at your shoulders. Your arm came up, mug in hand, as you smashed it against his face. He screamed in pain as he grabbed his bleeding face, you grabbing your cut hand as you ran past him, only to be stopped by the man who seemed to be their leader. He had moved so quickly from the seat at the counter to stop you, grabbing you and spinning you around so your back was pressed against his chest.
“Shhh, don’t be a bitch. We just want some fun. Be a good girl and help us out, huh?”
As his hand reached up to cover your mouth, you bit his hand. He yelped in pain, throwing you away from him and into the glass china cabinets. You heard porcelain cups shatter as they fell. Your heart sinking more as your mind flickered to Levi’s hard work on the shop.
The man that you had hit with the cup gripped your legs, holding them down as you tried to stand. The one by the door jumped on the counter over your head, reaching down to wrap a hand in your hair.
“Now, that wasn’t nice, was it, bitch?” The man you bit said. “It’s a shame we have to be harsh now. You could have just behaved and we would’ve been gentle.” He leaned down, pinching your cheeks together as he smiled and laughed. “Going to hate messing up this pretty face of yo-“ his face dropped as a shattering sound rang through the air. He froze, his grip loosened as he dropped to his knees. As he fell, your savior was revealed.
“Get out of my shop, before I bury you all under the floorboards.”
The other two men let you free, scattering to grab their friend and bust out the front door.
Levi just stood there watching you as your breath stilled, your fists that had clenched your hair loosening and falling to the floor on either side of you, leaving bloody streaks in their wake.
Levi could feel his chest tighten, eyebrows creasing as he noted your thousand yard stare. He grabbed the counter, wincing as he dropped to his knees in front of you. Your eyes shifted to look at him, tears blindly and silently falling down your cheeks as your eyes met his. His eye showed what almost looked like sympathy. He clenched his jaw as he looked down to your hand, reaching out one of his own to you.
“Let’s go get you cleaned up.”
You thickly swallowed the lump that was in your throat. Reaching out your hand that wasn’t injured to softly and shakily grab his as you both pulled each other up. He led you up the stairs slowly to his apartment above the shop. As you entered, your eyes scanned the room. Having never seen this part of him, you felt like you were intruding on his life.
You slightly jumped at the sound of a chair scooting across the wooden floors.
“Here. Sit. Let’s get those shards out of your hand.”
You nodded, sitting down in the chair as he walked to his kitchen. You looked down at your hand, assessing the damage. The entire palm of your hand was covered in cuts, porcelain pieces of mug stuck out of the cuts making your stomach churn. Your hand began to shake as you clenched it shut and pulled it to your chest.
Moments later, Levi was dropping his supplies on the table and scooting a chair in front of you. He had spread his legs wide, then reached down to pull your chair closer so you were nestled between his thighs.
“Hand.” He demanded as he held his out for you to place your own in. Your shaky hand rested in his as he reached to out in his glasses. He put a flashlight in his mouth, creasing his eyebrows as he examined your hand. He grabbed some tweezers and began to pick pieces out of your hand. With every wince from you, he’d pause, half mumbling an apology as he continued.
After a bit, you grew numb to the pain, and moved your sights from your hand to Levi. His pinched, focused face as he concentrated on his work was a familiar sight to you, but you had never admired him like this. He was so handsome. Even with a scared face and white eye, he was probably one of the most attractive men you have ever seen. You’d be lying if you had said you weren’t attracted to your boss.
“Did you hear me?”
“Hm?” You say, slurring the sound that escaped you.
“Stop daydreaming. This is going to hurt.”
You were stunned and pulled out of your thoughts as he poured alcohol on your hand. You gritted your teeth and hissed in pain. New hot tears streamed down your cheeks as Levi wrapped your hand up.
Once he had finished, he gripped your shoulders to stop your thrashing. He shushed you and moved his hands to your cheeks to wipe away the tears.
“Hey you’re okay. I’m all done. You’re fine.”
After a moment, you gathered yourself and brought your gaze to meet his.
“I’m sorry.”
Levi’s eyes creased at your words.
“Sorry? Why are you sorry?”
You swallowed thickly. “I’m sorry I messed up the shop.”
Levi sighed and shook his head, bringing your eyes to meet his.
“Listen to me. That wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do that. Even if you were at fault, I would spend an eternity convincing you otherwise. Understood?”
You nodded, your chest filling with an unfamiliar feeling.
Levi held eye contact with you for a moment. A comfortable silence fell over the two of you as you both just admired the other. Levi gently grabbed your bandage hand and stroked a thumb over it. He brought it to his lips absentmindedly and ghosted his lips over your fingers. Your breath hitched in your throat. You could feel his cool breath fanning over your skin, causing goosebumps to rise up your arm. Levi’s stare held yours for a moment more before he closed his eyes, lips ghosting higher to the back of your hand. You thought he was going to place a kiss on it. You silently prayed he would.
You had never quite seen how handsome he was until that moment. He was beautiful. Scars and all. He was secretly kind and his dry humor was somehow charming in a way.
And god did you want him to kiss you.
“Good. Let’s get you in the shower.”
You were pulled from your prayers by his regular, cold voice. All thoughts of sweetness and romance torn from your imagination. You let out a short huff and chastised yourself for thinking a man such as Levi Ackerman would spare you an ounce of romantic affection.
You followed him to the bathroom. He walked you through how to use the shower, making you smile and chuckle to yourself gently. You grew up in Marley, so you were familiar with showers and how to work them. However, seeing a this man who had only known baths until three years ago was so endearing to you.
“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call for me. I’ll be down stairs. I’ll put some clothes on my bed for you to wear.”
“Thank you, Levi. For everything.”
He nodded and gave a soft smile.
“I’d do it again for you.”
You felt your chest fill with that feeling again. You smiled softly and waited until the door was closed before you began to undress.
The scalding water felt good against your skin. You held you bandaged arm up to not get it wet and used your free hand to wash off. As you closed your eyes, your eyebrows creased as you saw images of your attackers. You shook them out of your head and instead opted for turning your attention to the bottles sat alongside the shelf of the shower.
Levi’s shampoos and soaps sat neatly organized on the shelf. You picked up the bottles and smelled them, now realizing where his delicious smells came from. You inhaled the shampoo and soaps, using them to smell like him. You felt almost creepy, but who could blame you? The man smelt so nice.
As you finished, you turned off the water and stepped out. You dried off and wrapped the towel around you, unlocked the bathroom door and leaking out. After deeming the apartment safe, you stepped out and headed to Levi’s bedroom. Just as he said, there were clothes laid out.
You pulled on the clothes, trying to stretch the shirt over your chest, finally shrugging with a “whatever” mumbled under your breath.
You walked down the stairs, flinched at the sound of glass scraping across the wood floors. You turned right and saw Levi sweeping up the mess. You licked your lips and cleared your throat.
“Thank you…for the clothes…and shower….and this.” You say as you lifted your bandaged hand slightly.
“No problem. I’d do it again….for you.” You said, pausing what he was doing to glance your way. You felt that tightening feeling in your chest as you took in a deep breath. He was so stunning. His hair was falling into his face and his stoic face was lit by the faint light in the shop.
“Well, hopefully you won’t have to.” You say as you pick up a half broken cup. “I’m sorry for the mess. Some of it actually is my fault…” you add as you see some of the pieces that are covered in blood. It must have been from the guy you slammed that mug into…
“It’s not a problem. You defended yourself. I’m proud of you for fighting. Most women in this damn town wouldn’t have been able to handle themselves against three men like that.”
You felt a small pang of pride burst in your chest at the praise Levi gave you.
“I was scared. Adrenaline is a wild thing.”
Levi froze his actions and looked at you with a softening expression.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. I’m not as agile as I used to be. I should have done more. I should have killed them.”
Your face fell as he took his fist and lightly hit the counter in frustration. He turned his back towards you as he continued to sweep.
Without a second thought, your body was lunging forward and wrapping your arms around his waist from behind. You buried your face into his shirt, inhaling that deep, manly scent you had grown oh so fond of. Your fists gripped the front of his shirt, pulling him close to your front.
Levi was taken back by your actions. In the year and some months he had known you, you had never shown him any affection. He had never been shown much affection his entire life. He didn’t know how to react to it.
However, he DID react. The air was knocked out of him from the brute force of your body knocking against his, and he almost instinctively jerked out of your grip, but the warmth that overcame his body and chest traveled up his neck and to his face quickly.
Never had he ever thought something as mundane as a girl would make him blush.
His hand reached up to cover yours, fingers lacing together in an endearing expression that he was not used to, but felt natural to the both of you.
“You did protect me. There’s no telling what would have happened had you not come when you did.”
You felt tears burn in your lash line. You hit them back, and gave Levi one more squeeze before you went to let go.
However, in a fraction of a second, Levi was turning around in a flash and pulling you into an embrace now. His hand cupped the back of your head and the other found its way around your waist and pulled you to his front. His head nestled into your shoulder, and yours into his.
“For as long as you’ll allow me to, and for as long as my body will let me, I promise to protect you, Y/N.”
It was in that moment you had realized the unfamiliar burning sensation in your chest as the dreadful sensation of longing and adoration.
I’m You have into his hug, tightly wrapping your arms around him once more and gently nudging yourself deeper into him.
Was this appropriate for a boss and his employee?
Neither of you cared. It was exactly what the two of you needed in that moment.
His words replayed over and over in your mind for weeks.
And he held true to his promise.
Over those next few weeks, you watched him chance disgusting, perverted men from flirting with you, kids who wanted to pull some pranks over on you, and even a stray dog who was barking at you and trying to steal your pastry basket.
That same day, Levi convinced you to move to the apartment above the shop.
“It’s a big apartment. You’d have your side, I’d have mine. The only time we’d know we were living in the same place is when we are in the kitchen or living area.” He had said as he helped pick up the cinnamon rolls off the sidewalk. “Besides, it would be easier for you to just use the kitchen here for the morning pastries. And you wouldn’t have to walk every morning to work.”
“But I enjoy walking to work.”
“Then you can still go for a walk before the shop opens. It would make things much more convenient. Wake up, walk down the stairs to work, make the morning rush pastries, then go for a walk.”
Silence fell over the two of you as you sat continued to roll chocolate croissants and Levi stood in the door out to the shop. His arms were crossed over his chest as he watched you work, feeling a tug in his chest as he did. Levi wasn’t stupid. Nor was he blind. He knew you were a beautiful woman. He would often find himself watching you over the months that you had been working for him. He would watch you interact with customers, sneak kids extra sample of pastries, sample everything yourself, and he would find himself enjoying himself. The two of you had grown past a normal boss/employee relationship and had developed a friendship, but the growing unknown feelings and tugs of emotion in Levi’s chest had often left him confused.
He had grown quite fond of you. But was he ever going to tell you that?
Absolutely not.
“It’s a good plan.”
“Levi, I can’t!” You said with a slight laugh at his persistence.
Levi sighed and peaked his head out to make sure there still weren’t customers that had some how snuck in.
“Why not? Have a boyfriend that would disagree with you living here?” Levi finally questioned. He had been wanting to know for a while whether or not you were in a relationship. He had felt bad for scaring off any man that would come into the shop and flirt with you, but he was selfish as well, he wasn’t going to allow men to flirt with you like that right in front of him.
“No, Levi. I don’t have a boyfriend. I just think it would be…ya know….awkward.”
Levi furrowed his eyebrows as he walked to the table beside where you continued to make your croissants. He braced his arms on the counter in front of him.
“Why would it be awkward? We know each other.”
You paused your movements and looked at him with a lifted brow.
“You’re going to tell me that two people not even in a relationship living together won’t be awkward?”
Levi turned his mouth into a slight frown and shook his head.
“I don’t see a problem with it. I’ve slept under the same roof as many people in my life.”
You felt a blush start to creep up your neck and onto your cheeks.
“But this would be more intimate! It’s just the two of us in the same apartment. Sharing food, a bathroom, doing laundry together….thats intimate!”
“I wouldn’t mind sharing a home with you.”
You felt your chest and head swoon at his words. You almost felt sick, but in a good way…if that makes sense….
“You…you can’t just go around saying things like that, Levi. Someone might take that the wrong way.” You day with an awkward laugh, shaking the thoughts from your head as you turned to put the croissants in the oven.
When you turned back around, Levi was leaned against the counter, arms crossed once more as he leaned against the counter.
God, he was so handsome.
“What would make it easier for you to move in?”
You thought for a moment, considering all possibilities…
And there was only one.
“The only thing that would make sense is if I was in a relationship with that person I’m moving in with. Like a boyfriend or somethin-“
“Be my girlfriend.”
You stood frozen as you registered the words that came out of Levi’s mouth. You opened and closed your mouth in shock, resembling a fish in a way.
“I, uh, what?”
“If it’ll make you more comfortable, then let’s be in a relationship. If that’s what will get you here and make you safe.” Levi stated as if it was nothing for him to ask that.
“So…kind of like a fake relationship…?”
Levi creased his brows as he shook his head.
“If that’s what you want it to be.” He felt his chest sink slightly.
“Wow…not even going to take me on a date first?” You say, half joking as you wiped your hands on your towel nervously as you looked down.
“Tonight then. Let’s go out to dinner. Then we are going to your place and packing.”
You chuckled and swatted his side with your dish towel before opening your ice box to grab the milk.
“Okay, Levi. Sure. A date tonight it is.”
You and Levi both hid the small smiles that tugged at your lips. Hearts pounding and excitement flowing through your veins, but hidden well behind the wall of a boss/employee friendship.
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Thanks for sending me this, bestie! Honestly, I can't think of any interesting fact about myself. Yippieeeeee! Though here are some random facts about me.
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turnnoffyourmind
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