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

Chapter 56

The sound of a lock clicking into place filled the silence of their room as Levi closed the door behind them. Their walk back from Erwin's office had seemed a thousand times longer than it ever had before. (Y/N) was still crying, silent tears sliding down her cheeks, and Levi had spent the entire time wiping them from her skin and whispering that everything was alright. She didn't have to go anywhere. She wasn't going to go anywhere. Things were going to stay the same way they'd been for the last six months. It was going to be just him and her, happy.

Levi walked over to the bed and set (Y/N) down before kneeling at her feet. His hand went to her face, wiping away even more tears. She was staring down at her lap blankly, her mouth slightly parted as she drew in shaky breaths.

Levi pulled her forehead to his and spoke just loud enough for her to hear.

"Stop crying, (Y/N). Nothing's going to change. We're going to be okay."

At first, (Y/N) didn't respond. But then, after a few seconds of tortuous silence, Levi saw her arms lift weakly as she reached for him.

"Levi..."

Levi didn't hesitate to give her exactly what she was asking for. He pulled her into his chest and moved them further onto the bed before lowering their bodies to the mattress. Levi held her tightly, his lips going to her ear as he continued to whisper to her.

"It's alright, (Y/N). He's not going to send you anywhere."

He pulled her even closer, his arms pressing into her back as he tried to calm her in any way he could.

"Levi..."

(Y/N) seemed incapable of saying anything but his name. But Levi didn't care. He didn't need her to respond. He'd just hold her until she could.

Levi moved his mouth to her jaw, kissing along her skin until he reached her chin and then moving down to her neck. He kept going, not knowing when or if (Y/N) would ever speak. Perhaps she'd just fall asleep in his arms. That would probably be for the best.

But then she spoke again.

"Levi..."

Levi just kept his lips on her neck, expecting that she would stop after saying his name, just as she'd done before.

But this time she said more.

"I... I have to."

Levi froze for a second and then pulled away from her neck, his hand going to her cheek as he looked her in the eyes. Tears were still spilling over and her skin was red and blotchy. Her voice had been shaky, pained, and her lips were quivering even as she stared back at him.

"Have to what?"

Levi's brows were furrowed as he looked at her. He didn't understand what she was saying.

Levi kept watching her expression as her lips continued to tremble. Her jaw opened and closed as she tried to speak but he could see that she was having a hard time forming the words. He leaned into her, his face coming within just a few inches of her own.

"What do you need, (Y/N)?"

Somehow, despite the pain and torture she knew her next words would cause the both of them, (Y/N) found her voice.

"I need to do this. I have to go."

(Y/N) felt Levi's fingers press a little harder into her cheek as his body went completely still. His face went completely white and (Y/N) saw his eyes flash as they widened.

Levi could barely process what she'd just said. Not even for a second had he considered the idea that (Y/N) might actually accept Erwin's offer. How could she? It went against everything they wanted, everything they needed. They needed each other. If she left, Levi was sure he'd fall apart. He couldn't lose another person. Especially not the most important person.