Stay Beneath Him (INCOMPLETE) (Levi x Reader Fanfiction)

10: Grocery Shopping

  A light rain had started, pitter-pattering on the glass balcony door. The natural sunlight had weakened and the room dimmed, but Levi did not turn on any additional illumination. He set you to work on cleaning the floor, not only where Hange had stepped but the entirely of the dark wooden area. He had a small floor mop and a cleaning solution in the washer-dryer closet, handing them to you while demanding perfection. He stayed in the kitchen while you worked, preparing a lunch. 

  Levi's floors were a dark brown sealed wood, appearing almost black at first glance. You felt no accomplishment in cleaning them, as not a speck of dust was wiped away and the floor seemed to be as spotless as it was when you started, save for Hange's footprints. 

  "Are you finished? I have food for you." Levi took two shallow bowls and utensils to the dining table. 

  "Yeah, pretty much. Let me know if it's good enough." You leaned the mop against the wall.

  "Eat first." He sat and picked up his fork.

  You seated yourself across from him, now developing a habit of selecting the same chair. In front of you was a small salad, with little bits of lettuce, vegetables, fruits, and bread all tossed together and lightly drizzled with oil. It was a small portion, but you weren't going to complain. He probably doesn't shop for two people. 

  "What's after this?" you asked.

  "I don't know yet. Slow down."  

  "Okay." You chewed a mixture of lettuce and tomato, then swallowed. "What do you do for fun, Levi?"

  "What do you mean?" 

  "Do you have any hobbies? When you have free time, how do you spend it?"

  "I don't usually have free time. Not anymore, especially."

  "I can't believe that. I know it's probably busy being a professor at Paradis, but surely you have slow moments every now and then." 

  "I do."

  "What do you do during them, then?"

  "I don't know. I clean the house. I take care of myself." 

  "Exciting stuff." You sighed, unable to extract any personal information. "Did you used to do some sort of physical training? That counts as a hobby, you know."

  "What are you getting at?"

  "I mean, you seem pretty good with weapons, and--don't let this get to your head--but you're fairly strong. That doesn't just happen without effort."

  "Quit it. My past experiences are not a conversation topic for you to frolic in."

  "If you say so." I'm not trying to piss him off. He gets sensitive about things that I don't understand. Nevertheless, his secrecy was even more of an incentive to find out. You took a mental note of it.

  Levi finished first, leaving you at the table while he took his dishes to the sink. "The floor looks fine." He disappeared into his room again. 

  What a weird guy. Despite the facts, you still couldn't believe he was only a year older than you. It didn't seem right for someone so young to be in a position like his, especially without the same level of education as his peers. His natural excellence must have been prominent, so much so that you couldn't imagine what he was entirely capable of. On the surface, he was a strict professor and leader. Beneath, he held a trove of talent that you had hardly experienced yet. 

  Smart, strong, and cool. I wonder if anyone is attracted to him. Standing, you took your dishes. On the other hand, he probably turns people off with his coldness. That, and unfortunately, his height.