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

15: The Nameless Stranger

  The plane flight was quick and uneventful. An hour passed without you realizing and you soon found yourself on the ground again, arriving in the city that held the University of Marley. Taxis were lined up to take the professors to the university, with separate vehicles tasked with transporting the luggage to the hotel. 

  The University of Marley was a grand academy, though still beneath Paradis in size and eloquence. Exiting the taxi, you were already deep in the heart of the campus and presented before one of the largest auditoriums you had ever seen. The group of Paradis professors entered the gigantic lobby, then slowly began dispersing once inside. Some teachers found acquaintances from other colleges, while others were already anxious to go into the theater and begin the conference. 

  Sticking with Levi, you followed him into the lobby. He didn't recognize anyone, but others apparently already knew him. 

  "Levi, it's an honor to have you join us this weekend." A tall, lanky woman immediately spotted the famous professor and approached rapidly. "My name is Yelena. I'm the head of the human resources department, as well as the communications department." She extended a wiry hand.

  "Yes." Levi reluctantly shook her hand, preferring to keep his distance from the towering woman. 

  "On behalf of Marley, I welcome you. It's truly fascinating to come across prodigies, especially this high up on the academic ladder."

  "Happy to be here." Levi's tone never lost its monotony and failed to reinforce his attempt at a positive response. 

  Yelena smiled. "I heard that you're one of the first to present this evening. I'm looking forward to what you have to say." 

  "I won't disappoint," Levi reassured. 

  "If I may ask, who is this with you?" Yelena gestured to you. "I'd like to think I know the professors of Paradis pretty well, but I'm afraid I don't recognize her." 

  "She's in an internship under my authority. Paradis allowed her to come along for this conference."

  "That's wonderful!" Yelena's joy was soft, but earnest. "I do hope you enjoy your time here. There's many intelligent minds with a lot to offer."

  "It seems that way. I'm excited to learn." You were finally the one to respond. 

  "I'm happy to hear you look forward to it. We had-"

  "Yes, we understand." Levi interrupted her. "If you'll excuse me, I have to sort out a few things before we begin. I'll get going." 

  "Oh, of course." Yelena smiled the entirety of your exit. 

  Levi slipped into the auditorium, you following close behind. Rows and rows of seats spanned the floor, continuing on a balcony above the entrance. The stage at the front was harshly illuminated by spotlights with only dim ceiling bulbs helping to light the rest of the room. Several people dotted the area, conversing or setting up equipment. 

  "Go elsewhere. I have to talk to a few people." Levi scanned the room. 

  "Oh, okay. Um, when should I get back?"

  "Before the opening speech begins. I believe it's around 6."

  "Okay." 

  "One more thing." He finished his examination and turned to you. "When you come back, find a seat in the first few rows. Make it so I can see you from the stage. I won't be able to be in the audience before it begins, so it's the only way I'll know if you showed up or not."

  "Oh, sure thing." You nodded. "I'll find a spot." 

  "Good. Now scram." He waved you away. 

  Well, I've got around half an hour to kill. I'll see if there's something for me to do. You left the theater, poking around the lobby for any conversations you could enter. The throngs of older, boisterous men and women had increased and offered no invitation for you to join, busily engaged in their own discussions. You weaved between the clusters of people, glancing at unrecognizable staff and anonymous professors.