there are times where you tell Levi you feel like you’re showing way less affection on the days where just standing on your own two feet already feels like a damn chore. and he just gives you that confused, almost disbelieving look.
lately, work, classes, your social life, and just basically everyday life have been piling up on you so heavy that even getting out of bed drains whatever’s left of your social battery. naturally, it bleeds into your relationship with Levi too, whether you realize it or not.
normally, you’re lighter, quick to smile when you see him, but now your glow’s a little dimmer. usually you remember the little details about his day, but lately your memory slips. you don’t even say “i love you” as much, ‘cause your head’s just jam-packed with a million things. and then the guilt creeps in. you can’t help but wonder, does Levi notice the distance? does he think you love him less?
so, one day, you bring it up. and Levi just stares at you, brows pulled together, like he can’t believe what he’s hearing. yeah, he’s noticed you’re not your usual bright self, that you’re not rambling about the stuff that used to light you up. but shutting him out? loving him less? that’s never crossed his mind.
because the way Levi measures love has nothing to do with how many times you say i love you or how often you kiss him. not with how often you make the effort to make a topic or give him gifts. he sees love in the way you automatically clear space for him at the table so he’s got room to set down his tray. he sees it when you call him out straight, no sugarcoating, so he knows where he stands. he sees in the way you're not afraid to tell him youre not okay, and even sees it in this very talk—how you care enough about his feelings while you’re already drowning in your own.
“I don’t get why you’d think you haven’t been enough lately, ‘cause you have,” he says, his voice matter-of-fact like usual. “But I think I get it. You’re scared it might affect how secure I feel in us. Trust me, it doesn’t. You’ve never once made me question us. I can see life’s been rougher on you than it should be, and if that means you need a little distance or alone time, that’s fine. You’ll have it. I’m not going anywhere.” And for just a beat, he gives you a small, sincere smile.
and honestly? That’s exactly what you needed to hear.
