the hum of machinery was a constant backdrop in the armory. sparks flew from welding rigs, the scent of oil and metal thick in the air. you didn’t even flinch as a molten drop skittered across the floor. levi, on the other hand, had been doing laps for the past fifteen minutes, trying—failing—to act casual.
“y/n,” he said, voice clipped, eyes darting to where you were bent over the control panel. “uh… did you recalibrate the—”
you didn’t look up. didn’t even pause your movements. “yeah. already did. it was off by point zero seven two. figured you’d notice sooner or later.” your tone was flat, effortless, like solving tiny math problems was just a part of your day, not something to make anyone nervous about.
levi’s chest tightened. “right. okay.” he swallowed and rubbed the back of his neck. he’d planned to sound competent. to sound normal. instead, he sounded like a babbling idiot. “i… mean—good job. obviously.”
you finally straightened, wiping your hands on a rag, and gave him a sideways glance. not judgmental. just amused. the kind of look that made him feel like every bad word he’d ever said was written across his forehead.
“thanks,” you said casually. “not like it was hard. your equipment’s… predictable.”
levi blinked. predictable. like your heart, maybe, except he had no idea what he was doing to yours.
he tried again. “you—you ever, uh… you ever think about taking a break? step away from all this tech stuff… and maybe, i dunno… come have lunch or something?” his voice was low, controlled, but he could feel it shaking.
you shrugged, leaning back against the console, arms crossed. “maybe. if it’s not a fire drill or an explosion or something life-or-death. otherwise, i like knowing everything works perfectly.”
levi ground his teeth. cool. calm. completely untouchable. your brain, your hands, your energy—it was all so… so you. he’d trained his entire life to stay composed, to command, to be untouchable himself. and yet here you were, making him feel like a rookie.
“right.” he swallowed. “understood.”
you tilted your head, a small smirk tugging at the corner of your lips. “you know,” you said, voice deceptively easy, “you’re really bad at hiding that you like me.”
levi choked on his own breath. tried to blink it away. tried to act unimpressed. failed spectacularly.
“i—what?” he croaked.
you stepped closer, hands still in your pockets, calm as a still pond. “it’s fine. you don’t have to say anything. just… stop trying to act normal around me. it’s cute. i like it.”
levi’s knees almost buckled. “i—i—”
“yeah,” you said, cutting him off with a lazy smile. “you like me. admitted.”
and just like that, levi’s carefully maintained composure crumbled, leaving only the part of him that was completely, undeniably, hopelessly smitten.
you shrugged again, casual as ever, and muttered, “finally said it for you.”
levi made a noise somewhere between a groan and a growl, but it wasn’t angry. not even close. it was… everything.
and just for a moment, the world narrowed to the hum of machines, the smell of oil, and you, still cool, still untouchable, still utterly in control.
levi had never thought a simple dinner would be… this much work.
he walked beside you, hands tucked neatly in his pockets, chest stiff. you, on the other hand, were wandering the streets like you owned them, sunglasses perched perfectly on your nose even though it was dusk. casual, untouchable, untamed. levi’s jaw clenched.
“y/n,” he said, voice tight, “uh… are you sure you want to go in there? it looks crowded.”
you glanced at him, eyebrow raised. “i thrive in chaos. you, on the other hand, look like you might pass out if someone bumps into you.”
levi’s face went hot. “i—i can handle it.”
“sure.” you didn’t skip a beat. you reached over and gently grabbed his elbow, steering him past the line like he was a delicate artifact. levi froze for a second, then realized he couldn’t fight you without looking ridiculous. you didn’t even flinch.
once inside, you immediately claimed a booth, sliding into the seat like it was your throne. levi, careful to maintain military-grade posture, sat opposite you, trying not to stare at how effortlessly cool you looked resting one arm on the back of the seat.
the waiter arrived, and levi opened his mouth to order, but you leaned forward, calm as ever.
“let me do it,” you said. “you look like you’re about to combust.”
levi blinked. “i… i can—”
“nope.” you cut him off with the kind of authority that made soldiers obey without question. you ordered with ease, even subtly suggesting a healthier option for him. levi stiffened, caught between gratitude and mortification.
as you waited for your food, you casually reached across the table and adjusted the collar of his uniform. “loosen up. shoulders too tense. you’re scaring the waitress.”
levi froze mid-breath, heart doing an unprofessional somersault. “i… i’m fine.”
“you’re fine,” you echoed, smirking just slightly, “until you get a cramp from pretending you’re made of steel.”
when the food arrived, you quietly ensured his plate was arranged properly, cutting his meat and nudging him to try a sip of his soup before it cooled. levi wanted to protest but found his voice locked somewhere behind his escalating blush.
“you’re… really… calm,” he muttered finally, leaning back, flustered.
“it’s what i do,” you said, effortlessly leaning one arm on the table, chin resting in your hand. “keeping people alive and functioning. part of the job description.”
levi groaned inwardly. of course. of course this cool, unflappable person also knew how to ruin him silently without even trying.
halfway through dessert, you caught him fumbling with the napkin, sighing like it was a life-or-death mission.
“here,” you said, folding it neatly and placing it on his lap. “relax. breathe. stop trying to impress me with basic coordination.”
levi looked like he was about to combust again. “i’m not—”
“yes, you are,” you interrupted lightly, grinning. “admit it.”
he exhaled sharply, defeated. “i… am.”
you leaned back, finally satisfied, arms crossed casually. “good. now we can eat in peace.”
levi tried to stay composed, tried to act like nothing had happened, but every time you gave a small smirk, or adjusted something for him without a word, he felt himself unraveling all over again.
by the time you left the restaurant, he was a mix of exhausted, flustered, and utterly enthralled. and you? you walked down the street like you’d done nothing out of the ordinary.
except, levi knew better. you’d done everything, and he’d let you.
levi had resolved himself: tonight, he was going to act normal. cool. collected. untouchable.
you met him outside the training compound, hair slightly messy from the wind, hands in your pockets, grin already teasing. “ready?” you asked, voice calm, casual, like nothing could rattle you.
levi swallowed. “i… am.”
“good,” you said, sliding an arm through his. “because i’m taking care of you tonight.”
levi froze. “i—what?”
you squeezed his arm lightly, leaning close enough that he could smell the faint scent of oil and coffee. “you heard me. no overthinking, no stressing. just… follow my lead.”
he tried to protest, of course, but the heat in your eyes made him shut up immediately.
at the small arcade you wandered into, he flinched at the loud sounds. you tugged him gently toward a claw machine. “okay, first lesson: have fun. i got this.”
levi’s brows knitted. “you’re… babying me.”
“maybe,” you admitted, pressing a coin into his hand. “but romantic babying. pay attention.”
he scowled, fumbled with the joystick. you leaned behind him, hands lightly brushing over his as you guided his movements, murmuring softly. “slow… a little to the left… perfect.”
levi’s face heated, not just from embarrassment but from the intimacy of it. your fingers lingering, your voice so calm, so sure. it was unlike anything he’d ever felt, and he didn’t know how to respond except to keep letting you lead.
“see?” you said as the claw scooped up a plush toy effortlessly. “nothing to worry about. you’re safe. i’ve got you.”
levi’s jaw nearly hit the floor. i’m a grown man, a captain, and they’ve got me feeling like this?
you didn’t stop. on the walk back, you took his hand without ceremony, entwining fingers. “don’t stiffen,” you murmured. “it’s okay to let go. i like it when you let go.”
he tried to say something, anything, but your thumb brushing over the back of his hand stole his words.
at a quiet little café, you ordered for both of you again. “extra whipped cream for you,” you said, setting the cup in front of him with a smirk. “it’s cute when you’re flustered.”
levi groaned, hiding his face behind the cup, heart pounding. “i—i’m not cute.”
“cute and flustered are basically synonyms for you right now,” you said, leaning forward, resting your chin in your hands, eyes soft. “and i like it. a lot.”
levi’s chest tightened. his composure, the thing he clung to for years, was melting under your touch, your voice, your calm, effortless presence.
“y/n…” he started, voice low, desperate to be stern and in control.
you reached across the table, cupping his cheek gently. “it’s okay, levi. you don’t have to do anything. i got you. just… let me.”
and that was it. the dam broke. he leaned into your hand without thinking, letting you cradle him, feel the warmth of your steady, nonchalant assurance.
you leaned in close, whispering softly, lips near his ear: “see? being taken care of isn’t so bad, is it?”
levi let out a small, defeated sigh. “no… not with you.”
you smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “good. now you’re mine, even if you pretend to fight it.”
levi wanted to protest, wanted to reclaim control, but he couldn’t. your calm, your cool, your quiet confidence had him completely undone. and for the first time in a long time, he didn’t mind at all.
he was yours. completely, hopelessly, and utterly.
The walk back to your place was quiet, the kind of silence that felt intentional. Levi’s hand stayed in yours the whole way, your thumb tracing slow, absentminded circles over his knuckles like it didn’t even register as something intimate. He noticed. He noticed everything. He just didn’t say a word.
Every time he even thought about pulling away, your grip tightened slightly. Not enough to restrain him. Just enough to remind him you were guiding this.
Inside, you flicked on a single lamp. Warm light filled the room, softening the edges. Levi lingered near the door, arms crossed, posture rigid like he could still armor himself if he tried hard enough. His eyes, though, kept finding you. Waiting. Watching.
You shrugged off your jacket, draped it over a chair, then looked at him.
“Come here.”
It wasn’t a question.
Levi moved before his brain caught up, stopping in front of you, close enough that he could feel your warmth. You tilted your head, studying him like a problem you already knew how to solve.
“You did good tonight,” you said easily. “Letting me take care of things.”
His jaw tightened. “I wasn’t—”
You stepped closer, lifting a hand to the back of his neck. Slow. Unrushed. Giving him time to pull away if he wanted to. He didn’t.
Your thumb brushed along his jaw, grounding, steady. “You don’t have to explain yourself,” you murmured. “You don’t have to be on all the time. I’ve got you.”
His breath stuttered. Just once.
You guided him back until he sat at the edge of the bed, hands resting on his knees like he didn’t trust them anywhere else. You stayed standing between his legs, fingers smoothing down his sleeves, straightening his collar, movements precise and gentle. Familiar. Caring.
“Look at me,” you said softly.
He did. Gray eyes searching your face, stripped of their usual sharpness. You leaned in, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to his lips. Not hurried. Not demanding. Just enough to make him lean forward on instinct, chasing you when you pulled back.
“Good,” you whispered, brushing your forehead against his. “You’re doing great.”
His hands came up to your waist, tentative, like he was asking permission without words. You didn’t stop him. You just rested your hands over his, anchoring him there.
He exhaled, shoulders finally dropping.
You stayed like that for a moment, quiet and close, Levi letting himself be held without needing to lead or command or protect. Just existing in your space, under your calm, steady attention.
Content: Bad examples of a sleeping schedule, no use of y/n, light teasing, unresolved tension, interrupted, nothing explicit, more tension, what is probably an unrealistic representation of anything coffee shop related, not beta read.
_______________
It was still the middle of your shift, but you were dead tired. Turns out, deep cleaning your house, spontaneously hanging out friends, and staying up till 1am scrolling through whatever could entertain you was a bad idea. You knew you should have skipped the cleaning.
In your daze you hadn't even realized that you overfilled the drink you were making. It was now overflowing and staining your apron. Just barely missing the tips of your fingers as you dropped the cup into the drain and hurried to shut off the machine. Great.
"Are you going to struggle with the rest of our customers or can you pull it together? "
You rolled your eyes, shutting off the machine "Insightful as always Levi. It's my own drink anyway." You gestured to the empty shop "No one else to serve out there, basically a wasteland. I wouldn't dare encroach on your coffee making kingdom otherwise." You said with a dramatic flare to your voice, flicking your hand in his general direction.
He glared
"Oh come on Levi! It's one cup. I just need a little pick me up. "
It was true, the amount of customers tended to hit a snag around this time of day. Perfect for an unofficial and unapproved break.
"Funny, I'm sure I've heard those exact words from a drug addict. There is a reason I don't let you back here. " He was now standing beside you with a towel, reaching into your space to clean the spilt coffee that hadn't made it into the drain.
"So dramatic" you groaned.
You watched as his arms moved to clean up the liquid, muscles moving in tandem with each other. His hair, which typically fell just over his ears, was now brushing across the front of his face. Such small details that should mean nothing yet never failed to send butterflies erupting in your stomach. You could hear him muttering under his breath, something about "-always having to clean up after you" and "Take better fucking care of yourself, could've been burned. "
Maybe it was your sleep-addled brain that caused you to reach out, or maybe it was shear stupidity, but either way, you found your hand drifting toward the distracted Levi.
Catching the movement in the corner of his eye, he stopped whipping up the mess and turned to you, curiously. Making eye contact, only breaking for quick glances at your slowly approaching hand. You felt drawn to Levi, as if you were attached to strings, forever pulling you toward him. Was it just you or are you closer than you were a few seconds ago?
His throat bobbed as you moved closer, he could feel your gaze burning into his skin. It's not that you'd never stared at him before. In fact he's caught you staring multiple times! It usually ended with some lighthearted banter and teasing, then back to work.
He could usually shake off the flush that your gaze brought on, but this time, he felt his body grow hot all over, struggling to force down the heat that was now beginning to take over his ears.
Your hand moved past his cheek and behind his ear, bringing a lock of hair with it and coming to a rest at his jaw. You let out a soft and slightly delirious chuckle, "You know Levi, you're really pretty" you whispered, as if a rise in volume would shatter the atmosphere between the two of you.
He was no longer struggling to keep down his blush, because it was now in full force. Completely caught off guard by your compliment, all he could respond with was some weird, strained sound that came from the back of his throat, although he tried his best to cut that off as soon as it started. Just as he was about to break away, he noticed the droopiness of your eyes and how unfocused they looked, and sighed.
He relaxed his posture slightly, now leaning against the counter behind him. "You need to stop staying up so late. It's making you delusional" he rolled his eyes finally breaking eye contact.
"Well actually, " you responded with a casual air to your voice. "science—the internet—says that geniuses tend to say up later than the average person"
"Actual science says sleep deprivation causes hallucinations" He crossed his arms, as if to put a barrier between the two of you.
"Those are some big words Levi, and I'm not exactly in the right state of mind to even pretend I heard them right"
"Go.To.Sleep." He groaned.
"Ya'know-" You placed your hands on either side of him, putting you weight on the counter "that's real funny coming from you Mr. Eye bags." You leaned closer.
Fuck. He should have broke away when he had the chance.
"I think I remember saying something similar a few weeks ago. Along the lines of 'One of these days you'll drop dead in the back room and I'll have to deal with the customers all on my own.' Does that sound about right?"
He cleared his throat, steadying his voice "Which was fucking stupid because I barely even interact with customers as is. Would barely change a thing." He said, tone still low, the tension still palpable between the two of you.
"Aw! But who would make sure I don't give myself third-degree burns?" You were closer now. Levi was having a hard time focusing, what with your face so close to his. He was trying, and failing, to ignore how well you bodies fit together, or how close your body was to his at all.
Meanwhile, you were also having quite a hard time focusing. You could feel his breath with how close you were. Watched as his eyes unconsciously flitted between your gaze and your lips. Your eyes scanned over his normally pale skin. Over his cheeks, which were currently a beautiful shade of red, over his dark eyelashes that seemed to flutter when he blinked.
You moved your hand to his chin and leaned in closer. Noses now brushing against eachother, prompting him to uncross his arms and place a hand on your shoulder, the other on the back of your neck. You responded in kind, moving your free hand to his waist, both you and Levi closing your eyes in anticipation of what would come next.
Ding
You were both interrupted by the bell from the front door of the cafe. Sighing, you began to move toward the front counter but were pulled back by a hand on your arm.
"They can wait 10 seconds" Clearly irritated by the interruption, he attempted to direct you back toward his lips. You stopped him, placing your right hand over his mouth.
Leaning closer, you moved passed his cheek, your breath tickling his ear. His grip or your arm tightened slightly, breathing heavily.
"If I were to kiss you right now I wouldn't be stopping anytime soon" You pressed your lips just under his ear, causing Levi to breathe in sharply. You pressed your forehead against his and smiled before withdrawing from his arms to tend to the awaiting customer. Leaving a flustered Levi in the back.
