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

11: A Secret Threat

  You waited in the entryway of Levi's apartment while he placed the grocery bags and umbrella on the counter, then returned to you.

  "Get this jacket off." He began undoing your buttons before you even had a chance to do so yourself, throwing you off-guard. His fingers slipped under the fabric as he moved further down the jacket, finally separating the flaps. 

  You were paralyzed, unable to process a proper reaction to what he was doing. He circled behind you and pulled the coat off your shoulders, your arms becoming limp to make it easier. Draping the coat on his arm, he removed his shoes first before entering his bedroom.

  What was that about? Does he think I can't take a jacket off? You took deep breathes to calm your adrenaline-filled system. 

  Levi had shed his own coat when he returned to the main room. "Shoes off. Start taking the food out of the bags." He retrieved the umbrella and disappeared again. 

  Obeying, you unloaded the food after doffing your shoes. You guessed where the groceries should go, hoping Levi wouldn't mind if you misplaced something. He returned shortly, drawing the curtains and drastically reducing the light level of the room. The overhead lights remained off. 

  What now? You had been asking that question all day, realizing that Levi had only assigned you to one college-related project. Everything else had been mundane tasks like cleaning or shopping. 

  Levi had seated himself at the dining table, resting his arms on the countertop. His body was facing the curtains, obscuring his face from your view. You remembered his phone call with Erwin and figured he may still be contemplating whatever was discussed. 

  "Um, Levi?" You felt compelled to help. "Is there anything I can do?" 

  "No," Levi said gruffly. "Nothing to do."

  You were put off. It was strange for him to not be barking orders or scolding you. Not that the break wasn't welcome, but the unusualness was cause for concern. Uncertainly, you sat at the table. 

  "I'm sure your mind is running wild with possibilities of what's going on." He looked away from you.

  "I won't pry. People deserve privacy." 

  "I've given up most of my own to you already," he groused. 

  "Hm. I didn't think you have."

  "What, is there more you want to know?" Levi acted as though you already knew his life story.

  "I don't need to. I just think there's still more I could know. Not that I have to, of course."

  "You've made it farther than most," Levi remarked. 

  "Thanks...? I don't know what that means." 

  "Doesn't mean anything." 

  The room was still. Consoling a friend wasn't foreign to you, but this situation felt completely different. Levi wasn't the type to be consoled, nor did he seem completely at a loss. 

  "Enough." Levi sighed, unwilling to idle any longer. "I'm going to start on paperwork. You're welcome to do whatever you want."

  "Can I help you?" you asked.

  "If you want." 

  Levi seemed to store everything in his bedroom. He retrieved a notebook and a pen, then dialed someone on his phone. Sitting at the dining table, he started a conversation.

  "Yes. You knew I'd be calling." He opened the book and began scribbling sentences as he spoke. "That's fine. It doesn't pertain, anyway. You don't have to cover it."