RivaMika Jam: Prompt by Zerolr || Fic by Firetigress3
Title: One Call Away
Rating: T
Prompt
Levi is an employee at a shoe store, and Mikasa comes in needing to buy a pair of heels for an upcoming party. It’s the summer and Mikasa is wearing shorts and a stylish t-shirt (or a skirt if you’d like) and it’s showing a lot of her legs. Mikasa is stuck unable to decide what shoes to use, and finds the first employee she encounters to help her, which is Levi.
In general he finds her attractive, but thinks nothing of it. That is until he picks off a pair of pumps and for her to try—and the way her thighs and the rest of her legs look on heels mentally drive him nuts. And he literally ends up having her try 15 different pairs of heels. (I imagine her being a size eight in women’s shoes)
optional things to add on: is that Mikasa is without a date to the party and invites him randomly to come with because she doesn’t want to be seen alone/single.
You can do it as Levi starting to have a one-sided crush on her. Or it’s a mutual interest in each other.
~
Business was slow. Painfully slow, in fact, so slow that Levi just decided to send everyone else home for the day because he sure as hell wasn’t going to pay 10 dollars an hour for them to sit on their asses all day.
They were all more than happy to leave, especially on such a nice Friday. Except Hanji, who refused to go home and was currently sitting in the break room eating Fritos and bumming free wifi.
So that left him sitting behind the counter and desperately trying not to fall asleep and ruin the pristine white counter that he had cleaned at least seven time by now. Because really, what else was there to do besides stare down the occasional person who so happened to stroll by the shop?
Levi was seconds away from dozing off when the familiar ringing of a bell made him his head shoot up to look at the doorway. Standing only a few feet from the entrance, the woman gazed around, trailing the long line of shoe displays as if she was looking from something particular. He wouldn’t lie, she was particularly good looking, and he can’t help but stare. That sounded bad, even in his head, but if he was being honest, she had one of the best pairs of legs that had walked into the store.
And trust him, he’s seen a lot in his years.
She looked rather uncomfortable, shifting nervously and readjusting the bag on her shoulders. Maybe it was the fact that they were the only two in the place, or, more likely, it was that he had been staring at her dead in the eyes for the past few seconds.
Either way, Levi stood up from his seat and recited the usual greeting that every customer receives. “Welcome to Shoe Carnival, is there anything you need help with today?”
“Yes, I’m looking for some heels. I’ve got this party to go to, and I don’t know where to start,” she mumbled, her gaze shifting from the racks of shoes to his name tag and then to meet his eyes, “Um, could you help me, Levi?”
To be completely honest, her usage of his name completely caught him off guard, he’s more used to being referred to as “Hey you!” or something similar. That was to say, he wasn’t complaining, there was a reason employees had to wear these after all.
“Of course, what sort of outfit are you wearing?”
“I-I’m sorry, does it matter?”
Levi took a moment. “Yes,” he sighed, “It does.”
She went into moderate detail to describe it, and all he had gathered so far that it was red and strapless and knee length. “Sorry, I’m not really sure how to describe it, really,” she apologized, “I’ve never really had to do anything like this before.”
“It’s fine.” It really wasn’t, but Levi would try his best anyway, with what little information she had given to him, he’d at least try to imagine what would fit her best.
The first few were duds, a kitten heel here, some nude stilettos there. All of which, of course, made the woman’s already long legs seem miles long. And as if the shorts she was wearing weren’t bad enough.
“Do they look okay?” she asked, turning several times while watching herself in the mirror.
“I think they’re fine, Mikasa,” he replied, though he handed her the empty box, “I don’t think they’re right for you though.” Throughout the course of trying on at least six pairs of shoes, he had eventually thought of the brilliant idea of asking for her name instead of awkwardly trying to avoid calling her by name.
“Just like the last five?” she snorted, slipping them off and handing them to him. Rubbing the back of her feet, she plopped down next to him. “Maybe I should just ditch the whole attempt to be fancy and just go in a pair of old sneakers.”
Levi gave her a pointed stare as he opened the next box. “You’re kidding me right?” he asked, not fully wanting to believe what she had just said, “That’s not something you joke about with someone who owns a shoe store.”
“Sure, Levi,” she replied, rolling her eyes, “Just lay the next one on me.”
Wordlessly, he handed her the final pair of the stack he had prepared, his chin resting on his hand and leaning against his own knee. “If this one doesn’t work out, your best bet may actually be those sneakers.” he sighed, they had been through all the fancy shoes he had in stock, and everything else would have either clashed horribly or was something she wouldn’t be caught dead wearing. As much as he hated to admit it, there seemed to be no perfect shoe.
That was, until Mikasa stood up and twirled a bit on her right leg. “What do you think?” she asked, overjoyed, “I’m thinking we finally found the right match!”
Levi was speechless as she started to walk down the small aisle. They were amazing, actually, more than amazing. Perfect.
He hated to be staring at for the second time that day, but those silver pumps made her already long legs look even better, if possible. “Well, I…” he coughed, shaking his head to wake him from his stupor, “I think we found our match.”
“Yep,” she agreed, “I think I’ll even wear them out.”
~
“Just need your signature, and they’re all yours.” Levi pushed the receipt over the counter and pressed a pen into her waiting palms.
She signed her name with flourish and readjusted the strap of her bag as she stood up straight. “Thanks again Levi, I know that took a long time.”
“No problem,” he replied, pushing the show box towards her, “It comes with the job, after all.”
“Yeah, well, still, thanks a bunch, maybe I’ll see you some time.” Mikasa slid the box under her arm and left with a wave, sending him a wink over her shoulder before she disappeared out the door.
It took him a while to realize why she had said something so cryptic. In fact he realized an hour later when he was reviewing the receipts collected that day (which was only hers). Right under her signature, it read: “If you’re free Friday night, maybe we can go together. xxx-xxxx <3”
Though he would never admit it, Levi scrambled for the phone.
this is my personal opinion, so with the caveat that i’m not speaking for the other AAGU mods or for AAGU as an ~institution:
i personally don’t support it. i know it’s not the same day as blackout or even today (there is apparently an asian selfie day that people are doing today as in the very next day after blackout, which is all sorts of frustrating), but even with it being in may, it’s not something i support. the reason is that i think it still detracts from blackout and takes this idea that Black people came up with for themselves. it’s totally okay for Black people to do a thing that the rest of us don’t do. we don’t have to take all the social justice ideas that Black people come up with. for one, we already have asian face appreciation day. but there are totally other ways for asians to publicize our issues or even just appreciate each other and increase representation on tumblr or wherever else. so to me, this whole effort seems like it’s an attempt to just take over something that may not have originally been meant to generalize to all people of color.
That name drove Jean Kirstein up the wall when produced by the female voice that he held so much endearment for. Mikasa Ackerman, a beautiful girl that he had been head over heels with since the very first time he met her. However, there was a wrench in this mechanic and that was the damn brunette who she doted over constantly.
Eren Fucking Jaeger.
Eren who was very temperamental and easy to pick on. Eren who didn't really care all that much for Mikasa except for being family. Eren Jaeger who was her adopted brother since she got taken in by his parents. Eren Jaeger who was fucking gay as hell and dating some other guy.
There was a clink of a shot glass against the bar and Jean gave a sigh as he rubbed his temples and ordered another drink. The name was annoying to him. Hell he had a senior picture up on his wall that he would throw darts at whenever Mikasa brushed him off. He was all she practically ever talked about. Tonight was a Friday, it was quiet for him, Marco was out with family and his other friends were doing what they wanted and that left him in the gutter.
When the next drink was set in front of him he soon became aware of the presence that took up a seat beside him at the bar. It turned out to be Mikasa, she looked bored and behind those dark eyes were swirling with what looked like loathing. She ordered something simple and tapped her fingers on the wood, fingernails clicking in an irritated rhythm.
"So...what has you pissed off?" Jean asked deciding to break the ice and start a conversation, luckily when he spoke it stopped the irritated nail clicking and brought her attention to him.
Ah, Mikasa was beautiful with once long (now short) raven hair, deep dove grey eyes, a face that would really make any man swoon...though everyone knew she could be downright deadly at times. Slowly her lips parted before the irritation returned and she looked away. "I dropped Eren off at the shorty's place, he's spending the weekend with him." she muttered icily.
Jean was either drunk or getting there cause he snorted with a small amount of laughter to himself. Eren was dating, a man, his name was Levi. He met him on some occasions, and the guy was indeed pretty short to a point it was kind of a mistake to make fun of him for it...unless you wanted to lose a precious part of yourself.
"So? Jaeger's having a bit of fun, I say let him." he spoke without thinking really. "Besides, I met the guy he'll keep him safe I say."
Mikasa was dead silent as she picked up the glass that was set down in front of her and took a drink from it. "Eren's still too young to really be dating someone like that shorty, he's too good for him." she snorted and glanced at Jean. "Besides how would you know? I've never once seen you out on a date before."
'Because I try and all you do is reject me...' Jean thought but didn't speak it. "I'm just too cool for dates that's all." he shrugged and down his glass again.
"Mm..." was her muttered reply.
Silence followed, it was thick enough to cut it with a kitchen knife and Jean didn't know why, but there was this bubbling feeling growing up in his chest. As Mikasa drank, she was starting to vent about Eren and dating, about this about that, Eren this and Eren that.
"Eren, Eren, Eren..." Jean muttered. "Why do you keep talking about it like you're fucking married or something?" his voice rose into a snappish tone that made the ravenette whip her head and stare at him.
"What in the hell crawled up your ass Kirstein?"
"The fucking fact you constantly talk about Eren, seriously that's all that comes out of your damn mouth. Eren this, Eren that, Eren did this, You're not Eren, Jean. It's finally pissing me the hell off!" he couldn't stop himself, the drink, Mikasa being here, and the thoughts that had plagued him since earlier were bursting out from the surface. "Do you know how many damn times I've tried to get your attention? How many times I've tried to ask you to date me? The amount of times you turned me down because there was always something with Eren?" His fists were clenched a little bit tightly.
"Jean..." Mikasa started.
"No, you just sit there and listen to me. You can fucking sit here, constantly wallow in the fact that Eren is dating someone who isn't you, hell you can stalk him for the rest of eternity after he's married. But face the damn facts that he is old enough to take care of himself. Stop badgering, stop obsessing, move on with your life." the flow of words soon stopped and he was breathing rapidly, heart pounding so hard in his chest. Then he finally registered that cross between stricken and angry look on Mikasa's face before he quickly got up after paying his tab, muttering something about a smoke.
Oh lord what had he done? His mind was reeling from what he said and it was almost sickening. He had said some pretty shitty things that he wish he could take back, but he couldn't...it was too late. He reached into his back pocket and tapped out a small cancer stick, bringing it to his lips to start flicking a lighter but there were a few failed flicks...before he realized that the thing was out of its juice. Fuck.
Jean took to just standing there, the night air was a little bit chilly, but it made the stars shine brighter for some reason, the lights were low in this part of the city and it made the sky plenty more visible. There was light snow on the ground, but it didn't pile up yet. He took in a deep breath of the crisp air, breathing in and out slowly while the breeze brushed his heated face to cool it.
Time ticked away, he lost track of how long he stood out there, but his hands were cold and legs were numb from the thigh down before the bell rang overhead and Mikasa was stepping out of the bar. "Jean..." she spoke up rather softly, and almost out of character for someone like her.
"Look, Mikasa..." he spoke up and rubbed the side of his face. "...I'm really sorry okay? I didn't mean all what I said, I was just angry, I don't know where it all came from..."
"No...Jean, I'm the one who should apologize..." Wait, what? "You are sort of right I have always talked about Eren, but I've always just wanted to protect him...." her dark eyes looked up at him and they were steadily filling up with tears. Had she been drinking too much her emotions were hanging loose and volatile? But she continued, "He took me in when I needed it, gave me a home and a new life. I wanted to repay him by always being by his side...I just never noticed how fast time goes. You're right he is old enough to care for himself. Yes, I should loosen my hold on him and I might, but I can't let go all the way...I love him too much to do that." she blinked and slowly the tears started to slide down.
"I'm also sorry I kept turning you away, I knew you were wanting my attention...but I always let my emotions for Eren get the best of me..." she sniffed softly.
Jean frowned as she started to free her tears silently, he still felt like a dick, but he reached over and hugged Mikasa close. "Listen, I was a dick, a real horse's ass, but I can't say I was completely wrong. You're not wrong either. Hell we are both right and wrong...if that makes any sense..." he brought a hand up to pet her head lightly. "I really like you Mikasa, always have.." he sighed and looked away a little.
There was a clock across the street and its light was showing it was almost 11:30 at night. Had they really been out so late? "Listen..." Jean spoke up. "How about you let me walk you home? You don't have to invite me inside, but if we're lonely, we can be lonely together." he laughed slightly in his throat, sounding like a dork, but he braced himself for the rejection set of it.
"Actually, I'd like that..." Mikasa muttered softly, burying her nose in a red scarf she had on. "...I don't really want to be alone right now..."
Jean's face went beet red, had she just accepted? Damn he wasn't expecting that one. Clearing his throat to at least still be somewhat of a man, he grabbed her hand and started to pull her with him lightly. "C-C'mon, if we stay out here we're going to be popsicles by midnight..." he murmured, but Mikasa followed just behind him, a hidden smile behind the knitted wool.
"Okay..." she murmured and held his hand back a little, it was warm and comforting...it was so nice now that the truth had come and slapped them both in the faces.
Maybe it was a start of what could be a new beginning.
firetigress3 for the JeanKasa Secret Santa. I hope you enjoyed the little drabble, sorry if it's a bit poor and rushed!
Do you wanna get a coffee? //modern AU song parody of do you wanna build a snowman
Mikasa: Levi? (Knocking) Do you wanna get a coffee? Come on lets go to brunch I want to spend time with you I just don't how to ask It's like my mind goes numb when you're here I get all red And now you'll see I'm right outside the door Do you wanna get a coffee? It doesn't have to be coffee... Levi: Let's go brat. Mikasa: Okay. (Knocking) Mikasa You get all red when I'm around I know you like me but... I think I need some time.. I've started imagining you As someone else in my past (I'm sorry!) It gets a little scary The thought of you changing me Im just waiting for you, watching the time pass by (Tick-tock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock) (Knocking) Levi Please, I know you're there... I just wanted to say I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked you to go for coffee... I'm still red around you cause I like you.. I only ever had Eren. It was just him and me.. Then you came around.. Do you wanna get one last coffee?
