#levi ackerman birthday

[captainleviswifee]

Birthday Levi x Reader

Tags: Canon Universe, Year 846, Fluff, Fem! Reader, !Isekaid Reader, golden eyed and dark haired OC, birthday surprise, Officer reader, brushed off angst the crush is very very subtle bc Levi is in denial.

Note: I wrote this on the fly at the same day kekw forgive me for the poor quality

Levi rests his chin on the knuckles of his fists, his steel grey eyes scanning the document held by his long slender hands. A list of all the equipment, wagons, and horses that has been restocked this past week. He had just checked this report earlier this morning and with Hange's stamp of approval of the supply quality, the next step of the procedure is to sign them. All this before the next expeditions begins.

It could be the half-finished now cold black tea on the side of his desk, or the sharp coldness of the winter despite the window of his office remaining tightly closed or maybe even the number of recruits that could still be unprepared for the next expedition this coming spring. Had all put him in a slightly more irritable mood. His brows furrowed into focus shaking the emotions away as he placed the document on his desk to sign them. That is until he heard a set of familiar footsteps approaching the door.

Levi's senses are peeled open as he recognizes your footsteps. How could he not? He had every bit of your footwork from hand-to-hand combat drills memorized and etched to his senses. And that's the only way he was able to defeat you time and time again. Otherwise, as much as Levi would hate to admit it, there's an off chance and Levi would argue, "Only a tiny chance," that you get to defeat him.

Levi counted and his mind pacing at the rhythm of your footsteps, but his eyes remained at the document as he maintains his focus. With a light tap of his finger on the wooden surface of the desk as if on cue, he heard you knock on the door.

"Levi? You there?" He heard a familiar voice, and his brows furrowed deeper. It was none other than you, the annoying squad mate who recklessly dives into battle, the annoying self-proclaimed strongest when you couldn't even race past his speed in the ODM maneuvering, or how you always forget your own gas level whenever you dive into battle.

"..." He didn't really want to answer, he tried shifting his focus back at the document on his desk but knowing your persistent self he decides to answer unless he wanted another round of nonsense teasing from you. He groaned, "Yea, I'm here."

You open the door, wearing your Survey Corps green uniform, your golden eyes framed neatly by the smooth fringes of your dark hair. He then spotted the stiffness of the bandage underneath the sleevs of your uniform. An evidence Levi would like to point out regarding your own carelessness. From that get up alone, Levi could tell that Erwin sent you to report at the Military Tribunal again. Such is one of the regular duties you have ever since Erwin became the commander. Levi could not understand why Erwin would send you of all people when the MP dogs—or as Levi would call them would ogle at you like you're some kind of object. In that regard, Erwin would usually reply something about your way with words and to the people that made you up for the job. Even so, Levi wasn't exactly too keen on the decision as it seemed to him that he's allowing a squad mate to be put in a dangerous position. Granted that he doesn't necessarily approve of you in some ways, but you are first and foremost his squad mate whom he trusted his back with. Besides you're not necessarily a bad person in the end.

But then, what exactly is it about you that he does not approve of?

He contemplated in silence masking his thoughts while he busied himself with the already finished document on his desk. Levi's eyes remained glued on the document on his desk despite noticing your presence in the room. "Working hard as usual I see." You say with a soft smile.

Usually for Levi that smile means trouble, a prank or some trap you had prepared for him. He furrowed his brows, looking up and down at your figure, "And you're not?" You smiled at his deadpan expression and sarcasm with a smile. A face of someone who dealt with Levi's abrasive attitude, not bothering to be even offended in the slightest. You sighed with a smile sarcasm of your own, "Yea, I'm a professional slacker." You walked a step closer inside his office closing the door behind you with one arm bandaged and the other behind your back. Levi frowns at whatever you're hiding. At this point he can conclude this is one of your pranks at him. "Besides, this isn't the time you should be putting on a scowl like that." You grinned but what did you mean?

"And why not?" Levi leaned on his chair—a standard military issue— and as he does so, the tip of his boots slightly raising up from the wooden floor indicating the short length of his legs due to the height of the chair. A proof that you are indeed taller than him. Although constantly faced with Levi's scowling expression and unyielding denial of this fact. "And what's with that grin? You know I find it annoying. All those damn jokes of yours."

Upon seeing him all guard up, you couldn't help but laugh. You really had scarred the man to the point that a slight smile of yours and he already knew you're up to no good.

"It's your birthday, you dumbass. Don't tell me you forgot?" You chuckle at him.

Silence.

For a moment Levi could feel his own surprise, he let out a groan covering his eyes with one of his free hands before letting it comb his hair in annoyance.

Damn he did forget. He could not even remember the last time he celebrated, but it was definitely when his mother was still alive. There wasn't any point in celebrating or wasting money anyway, so he stopped. Not to mention with the meagre salary of the scouts, the frequent expeditions and death toll, no one really is in the mood for any sort of celebration. Well save for you, the stubborn woman in front of Levi.

Maintaining his deadpan expression despite his own embarrassment, he replied, "So what if I did huh?" You then walked a with a little spring to your steps. A signature of your playful personality, "Then I'm here to remind you of that." You say setting down a small plain box, adorned with a simple ribbon. A cute little birthday gift.

Upon catching the sight of the box, Levi's furrowed expression softened into neutrality, "This..." He picked up the box, looking at it. "You didn't have to do this really. This isn't necessary." He paused, his hand holding the gift lowering a bit as he contemplated. For all the times he had interacted with you, it's usually him scolding you, or arguing with you, sometimes it's harmless banter sometimes it's about the mission. Despite all that, underneath he had recognized you as a trusted squad mate, a comrade who had his back when he needed it. And sometimes a friend who'd he share his frustrations with.

'A friend huh?' Levi thought. You, Erwin, and Hange are all the closest to a friend he'll ever have. The last friends he had had all left him against their will. In the most gruesome way possible at that. This again, every damn time something nice happens another thing comes in to take it away from him. "You should've just trained instead of wasting your time for this." Levi wanted to refuse but he took the gift anyways, "Thank you.." "Open it," You say, and he arched his brow in response, "Right now? Do I even want to know what is it?" He said, trying to play the annoyed captain. You only shrugged, "Maybe?" He sighed, his deadpan expression remains, "Fine. I'm sure as fuck you didn't gifted me flowers or any of those cringey shit." A little curiosity painted the undertone of his voice. He then gently unties the ribbon and opens the box.

Revealing a square tin can with a lid, he frowns his for a moment before opening the lid. Then fresh earthy herbal fragrance of the tea welcomed him. "Hmm, not bad." Levi says in a low voice as he takes in the fragrance. "Naturally," You say "It's a unique custom blend of tea the first and only of its kind." Surprised, Levi turned his vision to you. The fringes of his hair lightly framing the sharp corners of his steel grey eyes. "You made this?" You're usually a chaotic and a little weird of an individual and even when paired with Hange you'd still be more eccentric. Maybe that's why you and Hange get along well. Especially if its about the missions or slaying titans. Your attitude in battle did not strike Levi as someone who'd give thoughtful presents like these. With the quality of this tea, Levi could only imagine the amount of effort you made for this.

"Well duh, Happy Birthday," You reply with a carefree shrug rolling your eyes before smiling. Levi's words were a little more soft it was quite a surprise for him. Who could've thought that you have this thoughtful side to you? It's not something he had expected from you. At least thoughtfulness for him. Levi spotted the stiff bandage on your arm underneath the forest green sleeves of your uniform. All you could've done as a gift for him is to train harder than you did before and Levi would be satisfied that none of his friends will leave him and again. That you wouldn't die on him. But considering the effort you put in for this gift, Levi merely accepted. You could've sworn maybe its the weather and a trick of the light. Levi smiled more genuinely this time. A soft smile.

"Thank you for thinking of me."

---------------------------------------------------------------- I

Thank you for reading! English is not my first language and many things might have been riddled with redundant words. I will revise this for grammatical errors and non plot related errors without warning in the future.

[chosos-mascara]

peppermint hot chocolate

𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙞 𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙭 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 - in which levi is a temporary manager in the coffee shop you work within. his hate for this time of year piques your interest, and you decide to break through the cold exterior and find out what's really beneath.

𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 - enemies to lovers, mentions of death, slow burn kinda, some angst (furlan and isabel), honestly haven't had much time to edit this lol

6.5k words

Toffee nut lattes, gingerbread men. Peppermint hot chocolates, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles served to wide eyed children, grins of excitement painted playfully across their expressions as they'd scooped at the toppings with small fingers. The Christmas season is here, though as adulthood had ruined most things, it had integrated itself into the season, too. Instead of childlike wonder, there had been an influx of annoyed customers to serve, a decrease in human decency and kindness. 

Usually, a Friday evening without management would've been a hurdle you'd be able to pass with minimal struggle, though within the business of Christmastime, Erwin's absence had been noticed. Hange and yourself had worked through the rush, quick feet and rapid movements appearing to catch up with you toward the end of your shift, limbs aching as you'd flipped the sign to closed, sluggishly beginning the clean-up. 

Relief had washed over you as you'd wiped the sweat from your brow, making your way to the staff-room to grab your coat before you'd leave for the night. Hange had emerged moments later, wide smile over their face as they'd pulled their jacket over their shoulders. You'd displayed a confused expression at their out of place body-language - given the context of the shift you'd shared, they should've been moping. 

"What're you smiling about?" The question had come off slightly harsher than intended, though Hange ignored the delivery, excited tone as they'd raised a finger, brown eyes lingering over your slouched body. "Erwin's not back until next week." They'd spoken, causing your chest to tighten as you'd gasped, disdain overtaking your countenence. "That means," Hange continued. "Levi will be coming in." 

Of course. The regional manager, Levi Ackerman, would take over Erwin's place as he'd been away, a small black haired male you'd had the pleasure of working with a handful of times. Usually when your manager had been out, he'd come to take over for the small amount of time - and take over he had. Levi would control anything and everything within the shop, and you were sure for the number of years you'd known him, he'd only said negative things to you. He'd been more than particular about the way drinks were made, but that hadn't been the worst of it - he was a clean freak. Working with him had been unbearable. 

Hange, on the other hand, hadn't been afraid of Levi. They'd laugh, joke, poke-fun at him, all the while he'd make no more than a snide remark back. Levi had known Hange and Erwin in college, apparently respecting Erwin a considerable amount, while Hange had been an annoying child the pair had somehow befriended. How Levi tolerated them you hadn't understood, and the same had gone for the pair to him, because they'd been the furthest from sharing anything in common. 

When you'd arrived for your shift the following afternoon, you'd arrived with low expectations. Eyes flickering to the grey ones behind the counter before you'd gone to change, you'd felt some amount of nausea. He'd looked stoic as ever, crease-less uniform sitting almost too perfectly upon his small frame, jaw clenched. Hange had come in moments after you, abrupt as ever as they'd allowed the rickety wooden door to slam behind them, throwing their belongings lazily against the wall before tying their already filthy apron to their waist. 

Before going out to the floor, you'd checked the rota for the following week. Levi would be covering Erwin's shifts, and, just your luck, you were sharing all of which with him. A lump had formed within your throat at the black ink on the page, picturing shifts alone with him. Today was a Saturday, which had meant you'd at least had Hange to keep you company - there was always three members of staff on a weekend. 

Swapping with Mike behind the counter, you'd taken your place at the till, sighing at the growing line of customers. He'd shot you a sympathetic look before walking to the staff room, readying himself to be free of the joys of customer service.  "Hi, what can I get for you?" Speaking with a smile, you'd questioned the customer before you, listening to their request while tapping along the screen. When they'd gone to wait at the end of the counter, you'd asked the next, until you'd taken four orders. 

Stepping away from the till, you moved to help out with the creation of drinks, popping a paper cup below the machine to start on a latte. Firmly, you bashed the portafilter against the bin to discard the previous coffee, then wiping it over and filling it once more, placing it above the cup and switching the machine on. You'd felt a set of eyes on you as you'd finished the drink, but chose to ignore the feeling until you'd called out the name and handed the beverage to the waiting customer. 

Turning, your suspicions had been confirmed, Levi had been watching your every move.  "Gotta problem?" You questioned, raising a brow. He'd sighed, eyes narrowing as you'd straightened over your apron, anxiously awaiting his complaint.  "You hit the portafilter too hard, and didn't wipe it over enough before refilling it." He commented, crossing an arm over the other.  "Right." Your reply was short and sweet, only to shield yourself from further bashing, turning to the till to take more orders and remove yourself from Levi's judgmental line of sight. 

The queue had been constant, a steady flow of people, all the while you'd fought to keep up with the orders, balancing serving customers with making drinks, and delivering to tables.  "Excuse me!" A voice had shouted you from the other side of the counter, one belonging to a short, blonde woman who'd been waving her hand enthusiastically. Giving her a smile through gritted teeth, you'd requested she give you a moment to finish up the drink you were making before you could serve her. Hange had left for their break, leaving only yourself and Levi to work through the backlog of orders. There had been four people waiting on tables and two to go, with yourself finishing an order, you left Levi to work on the others to save the impatient customer waiting - you weren't ready to have an argument. 

"Hi, how can I help?" The smile painted across your tired cheeks was fake, voice slightly fried from the amount of people you'd had to talk to and a lack of time to grab your own bottle of water.  "I've been waiting so long." She sighed, eyes rolling as her manicured nails came to sit on the counter, french tips tapping on the hard surface.  "I'm sorry for the wait, we've been really busy." You didn't allow your expression to falter, even if you'd wanted to return a snide remark - the regional manager had been within earshot. This was something you'd have to take under the chin.  "Maybe if you'd been doing your job, there wouldn't be such a long queue." Her voice was raised as your face finally slackened, swallowing back your own anxieties to try and alleviate her annoyance.  "Sorry, I've been rushing around trying to-"  "You were standing around behind there doing nothing, I could see you." She had snarled, as you'd flinched at her sudden abrasiveness. "Where's your manager?" She'd questioned, finger raising to point at your heated face, your line of sight moving to the now silent queue of people, all watching in awe as she'd directed her anger toward you. 

"I'm the manager." Levi's voice came from behind you as he'd stepped to stand beside you, brushing his hands on his apron. The customer let out an exhale in amusement, snarky glance to you before continuing her story.  "She's been standing around over there," She began, pointing to the back wall containing a row of coffee machines. "doing nothing, while we've all been waiting for our drinks." Levi let out a controlled breath while she'd moaned on, allowing her to vent before responding. You'd felt a need to defend yourself, the familiar wave of nervousness as she'd spouted her insults toward your work ethic to the regional manager.  "Actually," Levi began, finally interrupting her when he'd realised she wasn't about to stop her offload. "She was doing her job - making coffee." 

The customer had looked dumbfounded for a moment, mouth ajar. "You know, during the holiday season-"  "I don't care about the shitty holiday season, or whatever you have to say about my staff members. Do you want a drink, or not?" Levi's placid tone had almost been startling, expression completely neutral as he'd managed to shut her down. She'd scoffed, before turning on her heel and leaving. 

The pair of you had been left at the counter in silence until you'd felt a hand on your shoulder, excitable voice coming between you. "I'm back!" Hange had exclaimed, smile wide on their face as they'd failed to read the room.  "Go for your break." Levi spoke, gesturing to you. There had been some hesitation in your movements as you'd stepped toward the door, questioning if you'd needed to thank him for diffusing the situation. 

"Oh," Levi began, catching up to stand behind you while you'd spun to face him. "When you're back, just make drinks. Hange will handle the customers." You nodded, before going through the doorway. As you'd sat at the table, you'd wondered what he'd meant by the request, had he thought you incapable of handling people? Placing your head in your hands, you let out a sigh in frustration - working with him would be harder than anticipated. 

When back on the floor, you'd done as he'd requested, staying within the back workspace to pump out each order, though his presence had been somewhat distracting. He'd be watching your every move now you were working beside him, an uncomfortable situation to work through. Though, it'd been only an hour until closing; you'd just have to stick it out. 

When you'd finally hit 6:30, relief had washed over you. Hange was turning the sign to closed, Levi spraying down tables as you'd cleaned the over machines. Closing up had been quick work compared to the six hour shift you'd just endured, mind plagued with worry. Erwin couldn't come back soon enough. 

Monday had been your first shift with Levi where you'd be without an extra pair of hands, though the shop should theoretically be less busy as it had been a week day. When arriving, he'd already been behind the counter, dismissing the supervisor from the morning shift. You'd soon joined him, a throb under your temple when stepping from the staff room to begin the next six hours. He'd been at the till, a few paper cups with black ink to signify the desired beverage, in which you'd began to work through. First, had been a gingerbread latte. 

After the lunchtime rush had fizzled out, a decrease in bodies seated within the cafe, the pair of you had been left to wait idly by. Levi had kept on top of the workspace cleanliness, yourself the seating area, though there had always been an hour of downtime between two-thirty and three-thirty. This part of the day would usually be filled with playful chatter between yourself and Hange, or small talk with Erwin, though Levi hadn't appeared to indulge in either scenarios as he stood with his arms crossed, staring through the window to watch the cars pass by. 

"Do you know how long you'll be here?" You questioned, picking at a loose thread on your apron while awaiting his response to the awkward attempt at conversation. Grey eyes flickered from their fixation on the large window to meet your own.  "I'll be gone soon enough." The comment had been snide, an obvious jab at the dislike to yourself, and your distaste to him. Raising your hand in defensiveness, you'd reiterated your initial ask, specifying the intent behind your words.  "I didn't mean it like that." Levi gave you a once over, gaze finally moving from your tense stature to return to people-watching.  "I know." His voice had been quieter; softer. The bell above the door had chimed, and you'd been left to wonder what he'd been thinking of while he'd stepped forward to serve the next set of people. 

An uninteresting shift had soon concluded, as you'd soon found yourself turning the sign over the door, a final wipe over the tables while Levi swept the floors. The close-up had been completed in silence, until you'd flickered the lights off and stepped through the door to leave, Levi traipsing behind you to place a key into the door, turning it.  "See you tomorrow." You'd uttered the good-bye under your breath, cold air turning to vapor as your warm breath had met the atmosphere. Turning, you'd taken the first step toward your apartment, placing your hands into coat pockets in order to protect them from the weather.  "Wait." Levi spoke, resulting in the halt of your footsteps, turn of your gaze. 

"Are you walking home?" He questioned, to which you'd nodded, expression furrowed. "I'll drive you." His offer had been confusing to you, the pair of you hadn't been anything other than vague colleagues, if you'd even refer to yourselves as that. You'd only met him a handful of times, working a few miserable shifts within his presence; why would he offer you a lift home? 

Your befuddlement had been obvious as he'd spoken once more, exhaling in annoyance.  "It's cold." The two words had somewhat aided in your internal questions, though you'd had some anxiety, you'd nodded. He ushered you in the opposite direction, leaving you to follow behind as he'd made his way toward his car.  "Where do you live?" He questioned as you'd caught up to his wide strides. You'd named the road and notable buildings nearby, allowing him to intake the information and plan the route home within his head. 

When he'd stopped next to a spotless black Mercedes, you hadn't been surprised - a regional manager, clean freak, of course his car would reflect his financial status and personality. You'd slipped into the passenger seat as he'd pushed the key into the ignition, pulling belts over yourselves before he'd put the car into first and pulled away. The silence had been deafening, and you'd been left to wonder if the entire journey would be this uncomfortable to sit through, until he'd finally broken through the stillness to alleviate the uneasy aura. 

"I think Erwin will be away until late December." Levi had spoken, shifting into third as his eyes were fixed on the road.  "Oh." You'd replied, shifting within your seat. "Why'd they send him over there, anyway?" It'd only been the sixth, meaning you'd have to work at least two weeks with Levi before Erwin would return.  "His family is over there. The previous manager left, leaving a vacancy, so Erwin requested a temporary transfer over the holiday period to visit." As he'd explained, his eyes had flickered between the road and the rear-view mirror, before shifting to your tight body-language. "Why do you look so uncomfortable?" Levi's probe had your slouched stance tense further, swallowing before mustering the confidence to voice your thoughts. 

"Why'd you stop me from working on the till?" Voice wavering, you'd asked, thinking back to the shift two days prior in which you'd been shunned away from customers. His grip on the wheel loosened as he turned a corner.  "I was giving you a break from the influx of shitty people." He'd replied, and you'd exhaled with the small amount of reassurance the statement had given you.  "So, it's not cause you think I'm bad with customers?" You pushed, shyness reducing ever-so-slightly with his calmer tone, and relaxed nature. He'd been different to when in the shop.  "Well, hearing you say how can I help every few minutes had been grating." Levi joked, though his voice had remained just as monotone. 

"Fair." The car stopped at a red light, and Levi had reached to take the car out of gear, fingers grazing past your thigh as he'd pulled the hand-break up. The contact had caused your leg to move inward, tightening the muscles as you'd kept them closer together, away from the console. The small action had caused your skin to prickle with heat, though you'd suppressed stray thoughts as you'd reminded yourself of who was sitting beside you. As attractive as Levi had been, it hadn't changed the fact he'd been selfish, judgmental, and over-all, a bit of an asshole. 

"You did shit on Christmas, though." The comment had been playful, testing the waters on how friendly you could be toward him before he'd go back to the managerial stance. He'd taken a moment to respond, and you'd been unsure if he'd remembered the small remark he'd made - calling the holiday season 'shitty', a phrase in which you'd come to learn had been a prominent part of his vocabulary. 

"Christmas is a time for children, it's a financial burden for everyone else." His response had been bitter, yet had caused you to laugh. Of course, he'd been a grinch among everything else - you'd began to wonder if he'd enjoyed anything.  "We're here." He spoke, to which you'd glanced through the window, unbuckling the seat-belt upon recognizing the surroundings.  "Thanks." The small word of appreciation had left your lips as you'd opened the door, stepping out. "See you tomorrow." You'd spoken, earning a nod from Levi before you'd walked toward the entry-way of the apartment building, making your way to your home. 

When stepping through the door, and throwing your belongings on the hooks in the hall, you made your way to the lounge. There had been a few buzzes from within your trouser pocket, an indicator that notifications were coming through - the work's group chat had new messages.

4 eyes: how'd the first shift with grumps go??  mikey: she looked terrified when i left 4 eyes: last shift we had, she had a rude customer and grumps saved her  mole: levi's not that bad           4 eyes changed y/n's nickname to customer punching bag

A small smile had spread across your lips, rolling your eyes at Hange's messages. Thumbs still cold from the winter's breeze, you typed out a response a little slower than normal, waiting for the stiffness of joints to ease up.

customer punching bag: seriously hange?  4 eyes: it's funny customer punching bag: it went fine anyway. he gave me a lift home 4 eyes: levi let you in his car? customer punching bag: nah he carried me mikey: hange, the only reason you're barred from his car is because you're messy customer punchng bag: i do have 1 question, why does he hate christmas sm?  mikey: ask him that 4 eyes: it's his birthday  mikey: stop telling everyone hange, he doesn't like it customer punching bag: he doesn't like his birthday? 

                                                                                      Read 20:34 

With a sigh, you threw your phone down, exchanging the device for the tv remote, flicking on the box before you to lay onto the sofa. Soft speech and laughter filled the room, a repeat of a sit-com had been displayed on the television, though you hadn't paid too much attention. Why would Levi hate his birthday so much? While the background noise lulled you to fall asleep upon your sofa, you were left with more questions, mind fighting to find explanations for the odd behaviours he'd exhibited. 

Tuesday afternoon had come too soon, impending shift finally catching up to the present. Apron on, mentally prepared, you found yourself behind the counter, this time on the front line of customers, Levi sticking to his place pouring coffee. The pair of you had worked well together, a synchronized dance as you flowed around the workspace, going from till to machine, a steady and quiet circulation. When down-time had arrived, your chores finished, you contemplated whether to stay silent, or to fill the stillness with conversation. Your discussion in the car had been somewhat pleasant, and part of you had been drawn to get to know him a little better, though there had been a barrier of the fact you'd been strangers. It wasn't like he would truly open up to you, it would take time. 

Maybe, by Christmas, you'd be able to discover why he'd been so closed off, and why he'd despised this season so strongly. Small steps.  "What're you doing for Christmas?" You'd decided to start small, slowly piecing together any information he'd feed you.  "What's your obsession with Christmas?" He exhaled, taking the same position as yesterday, leaning against the counter with an apathetic expression.  "It's not an obsession, just normal conversation this time of year." Defending yourself against him had seemingly been a reoccurring action, his sharp words slicing through you.  "I don't celebrate it." He was dismissive, refusing to watch your reaction to his statement, instead maintaining eye contact with the road through the window.  

"What're you watching?" Deciding to change the topic had appeared to be the best move, intrusiveness hadn't been something you'd wished to partake in, no matter how curious you'd been. You moved from your spot to stand beside him, mirroring the lax stance against the counter to look through the window with him, empty tables outside of the glass glaring back at you. There had been a florist on the other side of the road, blooms in the windows and greenery sprawled on tables outside, a few parked cars in front of other shop windows. A convenience store, a take-away, a hairdresser that looked to be too expensive to be situated on this street, among the dirtied brick of aged establishments.  

You scanned the street, landing on a father and child walking hand-in-hand, the boy pointing to the window of the convenience store with wide eyes. As you'd squinted, you'd realised the small gloved hand had been directing his father's attention to a chocolate bar, jumping excitedly when the adult had given in, joining his son through the door of the shop to purchase a treat.  "It's calming." You commented, hushed voice as the pair of you watched the duo leaving the store, this time, a purple wrapper in the boys hand, smile wide. 

The following hours went by quickly, before you were back in Levi's car, plugging in the seat-belt before he was driving you home again. This could become a routine you could get used to, a soundless exchange between you during work, comfortable journey home. This had been your third day with him, and yet you'd felt your entire attitude toward him had changed. Although there had been some anxiety still, fighting to figure out the meaning behind some of his words, the time with him had come to be appreciated. Sure, Hange was fun to work with, but there had been something about Levi's presence you'd found endearing. 

Your phone buzzed within your pocket, and then again, pulling it from the confines of the fabric you'd been brought to the screen lighting up, messages from the group chat. It had been Erwin, expressing he wouldn't be back until after Christmas, and the others reassuring him it would be okay, and then changing the subject to the works Christmas-do. 

You smiled, texting a half-hearted reply to confirm you'd be there, before locking the device to slide into your pocket once more.  "Who was it?" Levi questioned, pulling you from your thoughts.  "We have a work group chat, we've arranged to go for drinks at the Christmas market next week." You commented, watching through the window as the lights of cars in front flaring in small droplets of rain over the glass. "You should come, it'll be fun." Inviting him hadn't crossed your mind before, and you'd spoken before thinking through your request, though assuming he'd decline.  "When is it?" He questioned. You'd been unsure if the churning within your stomach had been the result of regret, or anxiousness to have him present while drinking with friends.  "Next Friday, I think we're meeting in the center at eight, Mike and Molbit are on the closing shift." 

Following a few more adequate shifts with Levi, that Friday had come quickly. A day off, spent cleaning your apartment, and then an evening getting ready, catching the bus to the center to meet with the group. Hange's ponytail had been the first thing you'd seen in the crowd, alongside a tired looking Molbit, and Mike. As you moved closer, you'd spotted Levi, in his black trench coat and grey scarf, hands in pockets. His nose had been pink at the tip, pale skin slightly flushed with the cold. 

"Punching bag! Long time no see!" Hange shouted when you'd gotten closer, the groups gaze moving to rest upon you. Everyone had been in thick coats, prepared for the weather of the evening. You smiled, greeting them briefly before turning to Hange.  "Is that my name?" You questioned, smirk playing at your lips. They nodded, laughing.  "Either that, or just bag, which sounds rude." Their response had your eyes rolling, thankful for the reunion after almost a week without their loud presence. There was something about Hange that had been comforting, a friendly aura that had enveloped everyone they'd interacted with.  Mike had already began leading the way to the outdoor bar, a table booked under his name.

The lights looked beautiful this time of year, decorating store-fronts and streets, illuminating the usually tired looking buildings to appear magical. There had been a temporary outdoor bar situated within the middle of the pedestrianised roads, rustic benches and outdoor heaters set up, jolly wintertime music playing quietly over the speakers, almost inaudible when the chatter of customers had been bustling. The five of you sat, Molbit grabbing the first round of mulled wine - a recommendation he'd wanted everyone to try.

"Levi," Mike spoke, sitting himself opposite you. You'd realised Mike and Hange had sat themselves facing you, and you'd been left to share the bench with Levi. "How've you been? We haven't seen you for a while." You turned your head, watching the side of the black haired male as he'd shrugged his shoulders, tugging his coat to cover more of his body. "I've been busy." He'd responded, Mike narrowing his eyes. "Just don't forget to reach out, okay?" He leaned forward across the table, elbows resting on the wood as he'd spoken in a quieter tone, glancing at you through the side of his eye. "I know this time of year is difficult, we're here for you."

Mike's endearing comment hadn't been meant for your ears, though as he'd had to raise his voice to make it over the chatter, he'd ended up spilling the secretive comment to you anyway. Levi leaned backward, nodding, while Molbit had returned to the table, a tray in hand. Each of you grabbed a drink, clinking glasses together while cheering.

The taste hadn't been pleasant, bitter on your tongue, yet you'd pushed it back regardless, relishing in the, albeit small, buzz of alcohol. "Finished already?" Hange teased, gesturing to your cup, the only remnants of drink had been a small clove that had previously floated on top, as well as a christmas tree twig for decoration. "Did you like it?" Molbit asked, to which you'd been left to sheepishly shake you head, a small smile playing on your lips as your actions had contrasted your true thoughts of the beverage. "I didn't, sorry." Your comment caused Hange to fall into a fit of laughter, slamming fist onto the wood. The four of you peered to them, confused, yet not surprised.

You'd decided to instead pick your favourite drink from the short line-up the bar had offered, and within two hours, all of you had found yourselves merry. Though, Levi had remained the same, even if the pinkish tint over his cheeks had grown deeper, he'd handled the alcohol well. There had been a few short lived games played within the group of you, though none of them had occupied you for more than a ten minutes at a time. "Do you wanna come back to mine?" A sudden inquiry from yourself, turning to Levi as the three others had bickered on the opposite side of the table, resting your head atop your hand, watching as his adam's apple had bobbed in his throat, grey eyes laying upon yours. He'd looked skeptical, internally fighting with the urge to say yes, searching for an excuse as he'd wanted to close himself off, to stop you from getting to know him - yet, he'd followed his heart, nodding.

Mike had raised a brow when you'd announced your departure, though no one had questioned further before the pair of you had walked away, making your way toward your apartment building.

"It's not far," You'd began, though guessing Levi had already been able to assume the journey's length as he'd been dropping you home every day this week, even if coming from another direction. The bus had only taken a few minutes, while the walk would most likely span twenty, though with Levi beside you, at least you'd be entertained. "So," Beginning to fill the air, long strides forward, you'd finally allowed yourself to ask the burning question. "What made you hate Christmas so much?" Although aware you'd only really known him the better part of two weeks, you'd still asked. With time progressing, you'd felt a small pull toward him, and with the liquid courage, your inquisitiveness had gotten the better of you.

As moments passed, you'd come to the realization that perhaps it would've been better to leave the slightly impertinent inquiry to yourself, opening your mouth to apoligise, though before you'd had the chance, Levi had began his answer. "Five years ago, I lost two close friends. Drunk driver on Christmas eve, speeding to get home. Isabel was killed on impact, Furlan a day later in ICU." His tone was solemn, voice low as his eyes dropped to trail along the pavement, watching as each foot had stepped forward. "I'm so sorry-" Embarrassed, you'd attempted an apology for the unwelcome question, though Levi had brushed you off. "It's fine." You'd watched as his reclusiveness took over again, frowning. He'd only just appeared to slacken up, and now, he was back to his aloof self. It had pained you to know he'd gone through such a traumatic experience, one he'd clearly lived through each December without them. "Do you have family?" Another question Levi struggled to answer, twiddling his fingers on the insides of his coat pockets as he'd explained the dynamics of the fucked-up family he'd had. "I have an uncle, but he's not really- I don't know. I guess I don't." He'd struggled to describe his life, as it had differed so greatly from what most people had expected. No family, a small friend group, a life of seclusion.

You'd reached the door, swiping the fob over the sensor to allow entry, walking up a set of stairs before being met with the entry to your own apartment, key turning in metal lock to allow the pair of you through. Kicking shoes off at the door, you exhaled, allowing Levi to follow you through to the kitchen, watching as you'd poured each of you a glass of wine - this time, it hadn't been mulled. During quiet moments with him, you'd forgotten he was your manager - down times in the coffee shop being your favourite time of day, when stillness had overcome you and you could simply bask in the muted aura, observing cars pass, or people watching. There had been an odd connection between you, a mutual, silent admiration.

You gestured to the glass on the table, pulling a chair to situate yourself on while he'd mirrored your actions, sitting opposite you, old oak between you.

"I don't see my family, really." You'd commented, bringing drink to lips as you'd zoned your gaze to an aged painting on the wall, one of the first artworks to decorate the walls of the apartment when you had first moved in. "It's not that I don't want to - I kinda just forget to." The admission had been something you'd kept to yourself, through adult life, working, the minimal time you'd actually had to yourself, it had been difficult to spare moments to share with others. "I kind of -" You stopped yourself, sighing. Closing your eyes, you'd hoped he would ignore the beginning of another admission, reminding yourself Levi had been your manager, that within a few weeks, you'd likely never see him again. "What?" He asked, quietly prompting you to proceed. "It's just," Swallowing your pride, you continued. "I don't think I want you to go. I like working with you."

For the first time in the week you'd known him, you'd watched as a smile had etched across his lips. An exhale in amusement had been pushed from his nose, before he'd brought the wine glass to his mouth, taking a sip. Heat had risen through your body at the intimate action, something you'd known he hadn't shown to many others, yet had displayed to you. Something had come over you, an urge you'd had over the past few days - one that you'd found yourself striding toward as you'd stood from your chair, the legs scraping across the kitchen tile as you'd walked to the other side of the table, grasping Levi's cheek within your palm as you'd leaned forward, placing warm lips to his.

He'd been startled, a series of abrupt movements leading you to invade his personal space, and yet, he hadn't pushed you away. Instead, he'd closed his eyes and kissed you back, the taste of red wine between you as you'd pressed yourself harshly against him, trembling hand moving from his cheek to rest on the back of his neck. Somehow, even after being invited to your home, Levi hadn't expected anything to actually happen between you - there hadn't been a scenario within his head where you'd also felt the pull he'd felt toward you, a crush he'd realised had formed that Tuesday, when you'd stood beside him in the soft glow of winter sun cascading through the window of the shop, watching the world go by beside him.

You'd added tongue within the kiss, an advancement Levi had appeared to miss while phasing into the memories of the past fortnight working beside you, accepting the fact he'd appreciated the moments shared within the shop, even if you'd made his heart race, or stomach flutter. Pulling back, you looked to him through half lidded eyes, though the smile on your face had soon dissipated when you'd been met with his disorientated expression, brow furrowed. "I-I have to go." Levi's voice bubbled over the words, a gentle break on the final word as he stood, moving past you to b-line to the door.

You'd been stood, bewildered, too muddled to make sense of what had just occurred. Levi had kissed back, he'd smiled at you, and yet, when you'd thought you'd had him, he'd upped and left? The situation had left you dazed, standing within the middle of your kitchen, eyes falling to the two half drank glasses of wine on the table. 

Amid the emotions you felt crashing over your confused state, you pushed through, forcing your legs to move, running through your apartment and down the stairs until you'd finally caught up to his stiff stance, fingers enveloping the building's door. The halls had been cold, lack of insulation from the outside, with great contrast to the warmth of the apartments situated in the same walls. Levi's breaths had been visible, a vapor leaving his mouth at a faster-than-usual pace, as he'd fought the surge of sentiment washing over him. Had he become weak? 

"Levi." You'd spoken his name, to which his gaze didn't falter, though his body had remained still with your presence. He could only listen, heart pounding as you'd placed a clammy had over his shoulder, a squeeze of reassurance. "Please, stay." The plead had been only decibels above whispering, fear of his response intertwined within the request.  "I can't do this." He spoke, knuckled whitening as he'd grasped the silver handle harder, an attempt to push his thoughts away, preventing the hollowness he'd felt from surfacing. 

"Can't do what, Levi? Accept that you like me? Accept we all care about you?" Although you'd spoken a harsh truth, your tone had been soft. "Stop running, please." 

When he'd finally faced you, there'd been tears in his eyes. He looked at you through pain, internal struggle visible through his furrowing expression. But, he didn't flee, instead, Levi leaned toward you, hand quickly removing itself from the tight hold on the handle to your cheek, lips pressing to yours. Through the kiss, you'd tasted the subtle taste of tears, a mix of both yours and his as you'd worked against him, his rigid form easing up as you'd held him close. 

Hand in hand, you climbed the stairs back to the apartment, a sereneness washed over you as he'd held you. The contact of skin with each skin had been a reassurance that Levi had felt the same need, and hadn't planned on leaving again. 

The bell chimed, yourself and Levi walking through the coffee shop's entrance, yet this time, neither of you'd had work. His arm had grazed yours as he'd held the door open for you, a warmth over your skin as you'd remembered his lips on yours the night before, smile spreading amply across your cheeks. Following his strides, you stood with him as he'd ordered from the counter you'd usually resided behind, and as he led you from the shop to the cemetery near-by. 

He stopped beside two graves, to which you'd glanced over. Etched into the stone had been the names Isabel and Furlan, two names Levi couldn't let himself forget.  "This time of year was her favourite." Levi began, glancing to the drinks each of you'd held, warmth radiating beyond the red corrugated cardboard to caress your palm. "All three of us worked in the cafe - back before Erwin had been promoted, I was the manager." His countenance softened when he reminisced on the past, gaze moving to look at the sky above. The weather had been typical of this time of year, grey clouds painted delicately above, minimal amount of light able to shine through. 

"Isabel had an obsession with peppermint hot chocolate, so when the seasonal menu would come out, she'd drink us out of stock." A smile played on his lips, exhale of amusement. "I thought we could drink it, to remember." 

Through silent tears, you looked to the cup held within your hand. Until now, Levi hadn't mentioned the contents, and you hadn't asked. Bringing the plastic lid to lips, you sipped, chocolate taste coating your tongue among hints of mint, a good balance of flavor. One of the most festive drinks there'd been; a good choice of beverage. Time felt still as Levi brought his arm around you, your head falling to lean atop his shoulder. You finished the drinks while watching the stones before you, appreciating the company shared. 

For the first time in years, Levi had felt relief; he wouldn't isolate himself any longer. Sharing their legacy alone had burdened him, a pain he'd been scolded with for five long years. With your presence beside him, he'd understood this is was an ache he hadn't had to suffer through alone. 

"Thank you for sharing this with me." You spoke as he'd lead you away, toward his car. He glanced to you, then to the winter sun. Such a cold day, and yet he'd felt warmth.  "I love you." The words fell from his lips for the first time as you'd stood by the Mercedes, hand-in-hand, a sigh leaving your smiling lips. You kissed him gently, savoring the taste of peppermint before pulling back to utter four words in return. "I love you too." 

[jotatetsuken]

Commitment Phobia

features: levi ackerman x gn!reader | WC: 3400

summary: due to many personal events, and events happening around you, you had started feeling wary of committing yourself to a relationship, until you met a certain someone.

warnings: dark content pretty much (so minors DNI), mention of abusive relationships, molestation attempts, divorce, death, trauma, injuries, self- indulgent AF, spoilers if you have not watched the anime or the OVA “No Regrets”

a/n: I’m backkkkk! Also, a belated happy birthday to humanity’s strongest soldier (it was on the 25th)!! yes yes i’m very late in posting but, i’m glad i’m getting this out fnfndndnd. i first saw him in a fanart reel, after which i learned that some of my friends were watching it. then, when i started watching, what got me attracted to him, was not his looks, not his battle skills, not the laurels he’s achieved, but the way he’s learned from his childhood and has become stronger in his mind. this chapter is based on a real-life experience i’m going through and writing about it keeping levi in mind really helped me. also i am crossposting this from quotev.

Tagging: @akaashi-todorki @bmthevick @sookisaurus @wakatshi @ofallthingswhythis @25-30-03 @romiyaro @whinestonecowgirl (taglist form)

It was just another day where you were undergoing training as a part of the Special Operations Squad of the Survey Corps under the leadership of Commander Erwin Smith and Squad Captain Levi Ackerman. All of you were preparing for the closing of Wall Rose with the secret weapon: Eren Yeager, in his Titan form. Unexpected, right? 

When you lived in Shiganshina inside the Wall Maria in the past, you had become friends with Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert despite being 11 years older than them. You considered them to be your children and treasured them. Aside from being intelligent like Armin, brave like Eren, and skilled like Mikasa, you were also extroverted. It was clear that you did not hold back when it came to expressing your feelings. Your goal, like Armin’s, was to discover what life was like outside the walls. In your mind, this desire was a way to escape the harsh reality of your family situation. 

Having just started living in Shiganshina after moving from The Underground, your father started working in the coal trading business, your mother teaching history in one of the best schools in the Stohess District of Wall Sina, and your sister was a professional artist despite having undergone physical abuse from her previous marriage, the life you were living wasn’t a bed full of roses, but you liked to think it was because you could have it all, being the youngest child. 

There was one thing that kept bugging you, however. If you were to marry in the future, would your marriage last? In a world where your life could disappear in the blink of an eye, and you could lose people far sooner than you think, what’s to say that you’d be able to live a happy life with someone you loved?

Despite your parents’ disagreements, they eventually made up and became a stronger couple, but the experience still caused you to wince at confrontations in relationships. Also, because you lived in The Underground, you were subject to mockery from the elite, and different merchants frequently attempted to molest you, but you kicked them in their sensitive areas and ran, unaware they were looking for you, only to be killed the next day. Although you were compassionate with everyone, these thoughts clouded your head, making it difficult for you to fall in love. 

You didn’t have time to think of anything else though, because you witnessed Carla Yaeger being eaten alive by the Smiling Titan, as Hannes, one of the unit captains of the Garrison, dragged you along with Eren and Mikasa. It broke your heart to lose Carla, who you were close to because you were neighbors. But you ran back to the houses, leaving Hannes’ hand, to check on your family, who were in danger, except for your mother who was in Wall Sina, but she called to check in on all of you. You seemed to have lost your father, as you didn’t know where he was.

Your sister’s feet and hands were crushed by the crumbling walls, so you called Hannes, who introduced you to Rico Brzenska, one of the Garrison's team leaders, who led you to Grisha Yeager, Eren's father, who was a doctor. While he treated your sister’s wounds, he was unable to save her feet and certain fingers. In addition to bandaging them and giving her some medical supplies that would have normally been expensive for free, Grisha advised her to move to Wall Sina to be with her mother so she could recover more quickly. Despite your sister’s concern, you promised her that you would fight for your family’s safety, and that you would find your father's location, and you kissed your sister goodbye, telling her you would see her later.

Like Eren, you joined the Survey Corps to kill every one of the Titans, but you somehow had a hunch before that the Titans seemed humanlike so killing them mercilessly wouldn’t make sense, so you’d search around for the meaning behind the deaths of many. Having joined the Special Operations Squad of the 104th Survey Corps, you were amongst the quickest to learn, and you had the natural leadership skills, having later earned the trust of Erwin Smith, the Commander, and Levi Ackerman, the Squad Captain. 

You were also good at cooking, making sure that Sasha Blouse, one of your fellow cadets, got her first serving so that she wouldn't go hungry, and you were quick to control the commotion despite being one of the loudest. There was also something else that you made sure of. You told everyone to clean your quarters, telling them there’d be surprise inspections from the leadership team (usually just a lie to make sure the rooms were clean), failing which they’d receive punishment from the captain, and you’d have to keep an eye out for the troublemakers, Sasha, Connie Springer, and Jean Kirstein, to do their job well, even bribing Sasha with a delicious meal once she was done.

And the best part? You were hoping to catch Levi’s attention, not that you were doing all of this for him. It was your hope that he'd notice you at all, not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level, since you developed an infatuation for him when you saw him for the first time coming back from the 56th Expedition.

While everyone was looking at the Corps in awe and some with disgust when you first looked at Levi’s eyes, you saw pain, and your heart reached out to him. You saw him turn to you, noticing that you looked at him differently, with warmth in your eyes, and he left a small smile at you, indirectly thanking you for understanding him for what he was going through. 

Even though you were a cadet, you were close with Levi, Erwin, and Hange Zoë, one of the other Squad Leaders, having been able to tame your fellow soldiers and an innate desire to learn about the secrets like Erwin, to research stuff and be a crackhead like Hange, and mature and understanding like Levi. Like Levi, you had your fair share of a high number of solo kills. That was only because the need to kill the Titans drove you as they endangered your family and killed Carla and, later on, Grisha. You later learn that another Titan killed your father, but had sent multiple letters to your family in Wall Sina, leaving them with provisions and fortune enough to carry forward with their lives. 

The trust earned made Erwin promote you to a fellow Squad Captain along with Levi, who honestly was very delighted. He seemed to have an infatuation for you the moment he first saw you when he was coming back from the expedition, and even though you hung out with Hange a lot, researching the reason for the existence of the Titans, whenever she’d go overboard, you knew when to control her, reminding her to not put other soldiers’ lives at risk, causing Levi’s feelings to deepen over time. Although there was something that he could never understand about you. Why was it that, despite you being friendly with everyone, you looked like you had skeletons in your closet? Levi could trust you, so why couldn’t you trust him?

All those doubts were going to go away, when in the evening after the training session, you called Levi and told him to come to the rooftop of their headquarters for some tea. At nightfall, you were closing your eyes, praying to a God different from that of the Wallists, asking him to help you lay down the walls in your heart and open up to Levi, when you hear someone clearing their throat, revealing themselves to be Levi. He noticed that you’d prepared black tea for him, especially because he liked it. You also told him you liked your black tea with milk because that’s what you grew up drinking. That’s when you heard the most annoying response from Levi.

Levi snickers, clicking his tongue, “Tch. Black tea with milk. Why do you have to be so annoying with tea?” You respond, “Excuse me,” and playfully hit his arm. “It’s the one thing my parents loved to drink growing up. My father used to tell me stories of who he was before being sentenced to the Underground.” Levi, perplexed, inquired further, “What do you mean, who he was?” You responded, “My father’s not an Eldian by birth, but by marriage to my mother. He was not from Marley, either. He was somewhere from the Oriental.” Raising an eyebrow, he questioned, “Was he a part of the Azumabito clan?” You nervously chuckle, “Oh, no-no. But he lived nearby. That’s where he grew up drinking black tea with milk and now, I can’t drink it any other way.” You gave a soft smile, remembering the laughter that echoed in your house, only to now have been a distant memory. “Oh, boy,” Levi shook his head in disappointment. He saw you looking at the moon with sad eyes, and while with one hand, he was drinking tea, he put his other hand on yours. You left him a small smile, holding his hands after some time. 

A comfortable silence lingered between the two of you, which he broke by inquiring, “You miss them?” “Hmm?” Breaking out of your reverie, you turned to him, causing him to question, “Your family. Do you miss them?” Sighing, you respond, “Yes, Levi. I do. My mother and my sister are all I’ve got. I was closer to my father, though. His demise is still hurting me.” As Levi came a bit closer, he put his head on your lap, with his face turned to you, and said, “Well, I never had a father, per se. But I miss my mother. She may have done a lot of wrong things, but I’m grateful that she gave birth to me.” You then put the tea set to a side, subconsciously patting Levi’s head and then humming a tune that you grew up listening to.

“Are you, are you comin’ to the tree

Where I told you to run so we’d both be free?

Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be

If we met at midnight in the hanging tree..”

You were ruffling Levi’s hair and humming in the presence of a full moon. You didn’t know why you were feeling this way for him. What started as an infatuation developed into a sense of respect and, eventually, love for him. While you were jealous of Petra following him around, you knew that his eyes were on you alone. You constantly worried about his safety, especially whether he’d make it back to you or not after every expedition, and whenever he came back, he would give you a pat on his head with a soft smile telling you, “I told you I’ll be back.”

In the blink of an eye, Levi felt something damp on his cheeks, and when he turned around, he saw you crying and looking at the moon. “Oi, brat,” he said as he turned his head to look up at you while his head was still lying on your lap. “Did some dust fall into your eyes or something? Your eyes are watering.” You attempt to wipe the tears from the corner of your eye, when you snapped jokingly, “Shut up, Levi. Sometimes you can be dense, you know.” Scoffing, he responded, “Me? Dense? Huh, please. All I was trying to do was lighten the mood." Levi and you softly smile at each other, as the soft wind blowing against your faces felt so calming when it was just the two of you. The squad captain then broke the silence by speaking to you softly, “What’s up, brat? Please talk to me.” You continue to tear up while silently holding his hands and looking at the moon. “I’m scared, Levi.” With a confused glance, he inquired, “Of what?”

You sighed and then responded, “Losing people. Letting them enter my life, only to lose them again. I don’t think it’s an extroverted or introverted thing at all. It’s just, the feeling is scary. I’m ready to give up my life if it means saving my family, my close friends,” then looking at Levi, “or you. You mean a lot, you know?” Levi’s eyes widened. He didn’t think that you felt strongly for anyone, let alone him. “Levi, I-”

“Shh,” he places a finger on your lips, interrupting you. He then gets up, with his back facing the moon and him facing you, and after wiping the tears off your face, he holds your hands, sighing. “I fear letting people in as well, brat, only to lose them, too. When Kenny abandoned me, that’s when I thought I wasn’t good enough. For anyone. For my mother, for Kenny, Farlan, Isabel, Erwin, Hange, or-”

“Me?” you completed his sentence, looking into Levi’s eyes, as he was stunned by the fact that you remembered. “I remember you telling me about how Farlan and Isabel passed away. It must have been really heartbreaking.” For a moment, he looked down on the ground and shook his head in dejection. “You do not know how I felt, (Y/N). It seemed like a wave of anger consumed me when I saw them. They were all I had. They made me feel special. Now, Erwin does, and you do, but I fear losing you more than Erwin. Is it wrong for me to feel this way?” You then cup his cheeks with your hands and tell him, “crazy, yes. But wrong, I’m not sure. I fear letting you in, even though I’m so irrevocably in..”

“Love with me? So am I, with you, I mean.” Levi’s confession shocks you, this was not how you expected the conversation to go. “I mean it, brat. Yes, you’re loud, you can be obnoxious, you’re like Four Eyes,” he rolled his eyes, causing you to giggle a bit, and he softly smiles, “but I adore you more, for many reasons. You’re unafraid to call out on people’s actions, although you’re close to Eren, Mikasa, and Armin and you feel the need to protect them, yet you choose me over them if I’m saying something that makes sense. But…” You sensed that he was going to ask you something so you completed it for him, “But? If this is about me not talking about my past, it’s not that I don’t want to talk about it. I just find it futile to relive the hurt, the pain, the creepy touches…” As you shudder in fear reminiscing the painful memories, the calmness in his eyes turned to anger as he pressed your hand hard as if he was going to crush it. “Did those bastards at The Underground try to…”

“Take advantage of me?” You nodded, “Yes. But I’d kick them and run away, only to find them being killed the next day instead. I still don’t know who did so, but I wanna thank them, you know?” Levi threw a knowing smile, not just because he noticed you seemed freer than before, but that you were finally going to learn the truth. “You can thank me for sure. I didn’t know that you were the one these merchants were hurting, but when I learned of the news, I felt I should take justice in my hands, and so I stole from them before killing them.” You were shocked and didn’t know what to say. Appalled at the lengths Levi went to protect people, it scared you he may turn into a ruthless soldier devoid of any feelings if he killed those merchants. 

You got up off the ledge of the roof, walking back, carefully passing the tea set beside you, and Levi was walking towards you, then looking at the tea set, with a surprised gaze, as if he’s seen the set somewhere before. He then was told to sit down and you continued to talk to him while he was looking at the tea set. “Levi, I remember meeting your mum around the time my family was in The Underground not knowing you were her son. She was very kind to me, and always brought me food to eat despite her having gone hungry on a couple of occasions. She may have looked sickly, but she’d sworn to look after you in any way possible. It was sad that what job she ended up taking was one of the most painful jobs ever. She’d given me this tea set to hold on to and said to give it to her son when he ends up getting to know me. Was your mother’s name Kuchel by any chance?”

Tears streamed down his cheeks, realizing that his mother will always be with him no matter what. Levi then looks at you and nods his head in agreement. You then hold his hands and talk to him, “Oh poor Levi. I’m so sorry for all the pain you went through. Both of us have had different backgrounds, but the pain is pain. It hurts the same no matter what.” He agreed with you, heaving a sigh of relief knowing that there was someone out there who loved him despite him carrying all this baggage.  “You know something? I’m afraid of committing myself to someone. What if they just love me for how I look and not for who I am? What if they just love me for how I perform in the training and in the battle and nothing more? What if I’m not good enough for them?”

Levi again places a finger on your lips, giving you permission to wipe his tears off his cheeks. He then cups your cheeks with his hands, brings them forwards, and gently kisses you. You can tell that he’s been wanting to kiss you, wantonly for eons now, but he’s taking his time, enveloping your lips with his, expressing his sheer love and desire to be with you, regardless of what the circumstances may seem. After what seemed like an eternity, both of you pull back and press your foreheads against each other, where Levi confesses, “why don’t you get it? You’re good enough for me. You don’t have to reveal everything about your life to me right now, but when I’m with you, I feel like I’ve known you for ages. I want you. I don’t say it all, because I’m scared of my feelings, but with you, it feels easy. I want you, brat. I’m so in love with you, that I need you to be by my side when we’re fighting the Titans. I’ve always been a loner, but ever since I met you, I don’t ever want to be alone again.”

Those gray eyes conveyed a level of honesty you hadn't seen for quite some time. Your mind raced as you tried to recall the last time someone expressed their love to you. His words seemed like a balm to the aching wounds of your heart. “Levi,” you softly called out, as he held your right hand and his other hand cupped your left cheek. “I’m not perfect. I’m not done going back to my family yet. I’m not done avenging my father’s demise yet. I can’t do this alone. If you really do love me…”

“(Y/N),” he softly calls out to you, “nothing’s going to stop me from loving you the way you are. I understand there are walls around your heart and I have them too. But, we’re going to have to work together to overcome them. I… love you. I hope you know that. Now that I know that you love me too, I’m going to tell you and show you all the more. Okay?” Both of you then end up in a warm embrace, for somewhere longer than twenty seconds, which, according to science, was enough, to build trust between the people hugging. You may have not known what the future brought, but you were certain that it brought with you someone that you’d hold close with all your might and that you’d give your best to not let him out of your sight. That’s when you decided to let him in your heart by saying, “Okay, my love.”

© Shyna 2022

[megumiswife4]

Before the night ends I want to take the time to say Happy Birthday you handsome, beautiful, breathtaking, Captain Levi Ackerman and thank you for your service. I’ll love you for ETERNITY. 😩❤️

[aiyanakopa]

it's a very important day today!

[theorphicangel]

“oh! would you look at that Levi, we’re under mistletoe!”

you hold up a small branch over his head as he chops up vegetables for Christmas dinner.

he tuts, swift looking up before focusing on his own task. “I wonder who put that there.” he deadpans.

“do you know what happens next?”

“not a clue.”

“leviiiiiii.” you whine out, still holding the mistletoe out above his head.

he sighs, turning to look at you. there’s a pout that you always love to see across his lips.

“C’mere then.”

the kiss is soft and gentle, your hand holding the mistletoe slowly drops down as Levi’s hands move to your waist. his plump lips are soft as he kisses you. It’s short but sickeningly sweet.

“happy birthday levi.” You say as you part.

“thank you, love.”

[apparently-artless]

●◉ ATTACK ON TITAN: NO REGRETS ✦ LEVI ACKERMAN ◉●

dedicated to Mica (@koushuwu), happy birthday!! (°◡°♡)

[violetscanfly]

Today is a very special day isn't it

Bonus:

[leviismybby]

Happy Birthday to the most handsome man in all of anime! 🤍

[leafzu]

What if Levi left the Survey Corps and ran away with you, far away. Where no one would find the two of you. Only you and him. Living life in peace and solace.

Levi quits the Survey Corps for you after the encounter with the female titan. He lost too much and many important people. He doesn’t wanna lose you too and spend the rest of his life in regret. The world he lives in is cruel. And he wants to spend the remaining time of his life with you, some place far away. Just the two of you.

Levi and you leave quietly one dawn. The sun had yet to rise. It was the perfect time. You both take whatever’s important to you and leave on his horse which he brought back with him from the Corps.

Levi and you settle in a quiet countryside much far away from the Corps or any place that might hold trouble. Move in a cottage big enough for the two of you.

Levi and you open a tea shop together. He makes tea while you bake. Sure, it’s not much, but as long as you both are together, nothing else matters to him.

Levi and you hold each other close every night. This is what he always dreamed of. Your fingers playing with his soft hair, his hands around your waist. You know he has trouble sleeping and his insomnia won’t go away in a day. But still, with you by his side every night, Levi now sleeps better than before.

Levi and you both know how cruel this world is. How uncertain and unpredictable things are. Yet, you both long for that one thing silently. Neither has the courage to bring it up. Worried what the latter might think.

Levi was the first to break the silence.

“How do you feel…about..” “About?,” You tilt your head in confusion. Nervousness swallows him whole. “Levi?”

“Starting a family.”

He wanted this for so long.

Levi while being in a relationship with you, before marrying you, would think about the possibility of you two starting a family. Having a baby. But alas, he always pushed it far in the back of his mind. The world you both live in, bringing an innocent child here? That would be selfish. He didn’t have any childhood let alone a good one. But.. would it really be selfish?

Levi is so much in love with you. He loves you so much that, he wants to share a life with you. Build a family. A family to call his own. His own precious world. Was he being selfish? Was it too much to ask for?

Levi’s heart fluttered when you said yes.

Levi would go against the world for you. You’re his world. He would give up anything and everything just to be with you, for you. The love he has for you is just incomparable to anything in this world.

This world was cruel, yet beautiful. He had you by his side. Sure the days weren’t easy, but both of you tried your best to make it to the next day together.

Levi’s heart stopped the day you told him the news. You were expecting. No, you both were expecting. It felt surreal to him. Like a dream. A very good one. Too good in fact.

Levi’s tight embrace around you expressed his happiness and the warmth he was feeling. He was holding his whole world in his arms.

Levi buried his head on your neck and pulled you closer to him, afraid to let go. He was happy, truly happy. But also scared. This was something too good to happen to him.

Levi who vowed from that day onward that he will protect you and your little one with his whole life. The world was dangerous, but he would make sure his little one doesn’t experience the same fate as him.

Levi who doesn’t let you lift a finger in your current state. Heavy lifting? Absolutely not. He’ll do that. Laundry? Done. Cooking? He’s a good cook so, don’t worry. Just lay down and rest.

Levi who always gets you your cravings no matter what time of the day it is. Be it midnight or early hours of the morning he’s always ready.

Levi who falls in love with you all over again. Watching you carry and grow his child, both of yours child is like something magical to him. It’s like you’re glowing. You had that fresh and vibrant aura that Levi can’t get enough of. You looked so so beautiful. Was it the motherhood glow or his undying love for you? Levi doesn’t know, he just knows whatever it is, he loves you so much and the life you’re carrying.

Levi who showers you with affection. Carrying a child isn’t easy. The journey was both a mixture of joy and hardship. And Levi was with you through it all.

Levi who holds you when you cry in the middle of the night because you couldn’t sleep. You wanted to, but couldn’t. Your body was so tired, but the baby wouldn’t stop kicking. He holds you against his chest, one hand intertwined with yours and the other running softly through your hair. Sometimes he would rub your belly to soothe it. And when you would fall asleep he would still be awake, making sure you’re okay. Sleep wasn’t important to him. You were. And your little one.

Levi who drops everything from his hands when he comes back home to you writhing in pain. “Levi..,” you cry out in pain. “Help…me-”

Levi who is with you during your labor. Holding your hand tightly and giving you words of encouragement and praises. “Almost there.” “You’re doing so well.” “Just a little more, I know you can do it” “you’re so strong.”

Levi who freezes when he hears the cries of his newborn.

“It’s a girl.”

Levi kisses your forehead wiping away the tears you cried and sweat you had to break to give birth to your little girl. Whispering infinite ‘thank yous’. His forehead on yours.

“I love you.”

Levi who cries for the first time after a long time when he holds his tiny little girl in his arms. She was so soft, so warm and so tiny. So delicate that he was afraid, afraid of hurting her.

Levi who melts when his baby girl coos and nuzzles into his arms. She was now someone very special and precious to him. Someone he vowed to protect with everything he had. He gently kisses her tiny forehead. “I’m so in love with you, tiny brat.”

Levi always thought he would end up alone in his life. His mother left him at an early age. Kenny didn’t stick around for long. His two closest friends died and he couldn’t do anything. And so he quit the survey corps. Because he wanted you. He wanted to spend his remaining days with you. He didn’t want to see his hands stained in the blood of his comrades and innocent youths dying.

Levi who wrapped his one arm around you while the other held his tiny little girl. Your head on his chest and you poked the little one’s cheeks. “She looks exactly like you. I love that.” And indeed she did. The little one was a copy of her father. The nose, the lips, her hair, everything. Everything except, “The eyes are yours.”

“I love your eyes.”

Levi loves you eternally. His life felt meaningless at one point to him, losing people close to him. But you brought meaning to that life. Before, Levi would only fight to live, to protect. He had a duty towards the people inside the walls. An oath to keep to Erwin. A responsibility towards his squad. But now, he fights everyday so that he can live, for you and your daughter. He fights everyday so that he can see you and your precious one. He wants to be with you. To grow old with you and watch his little one grow.

Levi wasn’t alone anymore. He has a family, someone to love and cherish for the rest of his life. He has you.

And you are all he ever wants.

I love you Levi. Happy Birthday 🍮 ᥫ᭡

[rootsonjupiter]

Happy birthday, big boobs king <3

[captainleviswifee]

Birthday Levii!! Also the damn ring costs 100,000 yen ($702) I'm dead. But why not lmao assuming this will be available again after like 5-8 years I'll definitely get it 💀 Ladies! If a man doesn't propose to you with this ring, flat out reject him lmao

[incepstla]

Happy Birthday Levi Ackerman 25/12 ♡

[mirophobic2]

Happy birthday to my first ever man you'll always be my #1

[levi-ackerman-ds]

I might have squeaked, or squealed, or eeeeeeeed. I'm not sure which.

[theysangastheyslew]

if there’s inspiration or anything, is it possible to have a LH “In another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you." Art 😭

Hi anon! I’m sorry I didn’t know if this meant showing them desiring that life w/ each other, or if you wanted to see them actually living it but! since it’s Hange’s birthday I went with the latter bc they deserve it and breakfast in bed is a far better present than the one Isayama gave to them :')