Don't Die - Levi x Reader {Book 1}

Chapter 37

For just a second, Levi felt his mind become completely distracted. His grief, his sadness, his pain, all of it was replaced by the sudden wave of interest.

From what little he knew about (Y/N)'s father, he thought it was perhaps the topic that brought her the most discomfort. Unlike the sadness she felt about the loss of her friends, the mention of her father had always made her bitter and distant. This wound, whatever it was, ran deeper than any other.

He leaned forward, sitting up and forcing (Y/N) to move back. Her brow furrowed a bit, unsure of what he was doing.

Levi looked her in the eyes, intent on making her see his seriousness.

"You don't have to tell me."

He knew that remembering her father made (Y/N) upset and she was already feeling enough pain and grief as it was. If explaining her past was going to add to that, he didn't even want her thinking about it.

(Y/N) felt herself melt. The concern on his features brought tears to her eyes. He didn't want to pressure her.

She crawled forward, placing herself in his lap and holding his face in her hands. She resolved to speak strongly. He needed to know that she was sure, that he was the one she wanted to tell.

"Levi."

(Y/N) paused, watching to see if he was listening. His eyes were glued to hers and she knew she had his full attention.

"You are the only person who has ever made me even think about revealing my past. I want to tell you. I want you to know who I am."

Levi stared at her, analyzing every word she'd said. She sounded sure and he certainly wanted to hear what she had to say but...

"I'm sure, Levi."

It was enough to get him to relax. She could stop any time it became too much.

As soon as (Y/N) heard a huff of agreement leave his lungs, she placed a hand on his chest, pushing lightly until his back hit the wall. It was a long story; they'd need to get comfortable.

(Y/N) turned herself around, leaning her back against his chest and seating herself between his legs.

She sighed as soon as her head fell against his shoulder. He was warm and the steady rise and fall of his breaths was incredibly calming.

Her hand found his and she brought his palm to her lap.

Instantly, her mind brought her back to a sunny day at the pond, Levi in front of her as she traced the creases of his hand. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

Her fingers found those same creases, sketching the lines and feeling the callouses.

Levi relaxed muscles he hadn't realized he'd been tensing. He, too, remembered the last time she'd done this. Compared to where they were right now, that time seemed so... simple.

(Y/N) continued tracing until she ran out of lines to follow and then began aimlessly drawing on his skin. It didn't just soothe him, it soothed her, too. The repetitive and mindless motion helped her to gather her thoughts. She didn't know where to start. Levi had asked about the stars but there was a long story behind that. Finally, she decided to just start at the beginning.

(Y/N) took a breath. It was time.

"Well, I guess I should start by saying that I was born in the north but, I think you already knew that. "

Levi glanced down at her. She seemed calm, comfortable even. He hummed in response. He remembered it coming up when he'd confronted her about her last name.