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

21: You're Not Much Better

  You left the department head and squeezed through the crowd, keeping track of the tall individual. He was one of the first to enter the ballroom, immediately veering left and disappearing behind the wall. Staying on his trail, you pushed your way into the area. You didn't have time to examine the large room, only focused on the set of doors on the left wall that the man disappeared into.

  The next room you entered was a sort of lounge, with several chaises and sofas surrounding a coffee table. The lights were off with the faint sunset beyond the wide window serving as the only illumination. Only you and the man were present.

  "Hey," you called.

  He stood against the far wall, next to the window. "Huh?" He wasn't expecting you. "Well, aren't you a pretty sight! Trynna impress the runt?"

  "It's a dress code, genius. I can't help but notice you're cleaned up, too." You spoke as though you had known him for years. It felt more comfortable conversing with the man that could fight against Levi, especially with the knowledge that Levi was under your thumb. If you could take out the professor, you could probably take out his rival, too. Levi's previous command to avoid him was gone from your mind. 

  "Can't get in here otherwise." He brushed dust off the lapel of his tuxedo suit, uncomfortable in the fancy attire. "Why'd ya come chasin' me?"

  "I want to ask you something."

  "Oh, quite the honor!" He guffawed exuberantly. "Ya jest can't get enough of me, can ya?"

  "You're just...strange." You kept your back against the door, keeping your distance from him while preventing anyone from entering. "And Levi seems to be pretty concerned about you. I want to know who you are."

  "You two gossipin' about me?"

  "More or less." You crossed your arms. "He won't tell me anything, though. I'm hoping you will." You turned the man's distaste of Levi against him, giving him an opportunity to best Levi at something. 

  "Well, I can spare a minute or two." He rolled his neck as if he were gearing up for a fight. "Whaddya wanna know?"

  "Your name," you demanded. "I want to know your name and your relationship with Levi." 

  He began slowly crossing the room. "That's it? He hasn't even told ya that much?" 

  You didn't move as he stopped in front of you. "He hasn't," you said.

  "Well, I'll indulge ya." He towered over you, loosely trapping you against the door. "My name's Kenny. Kenny Ackerman."

  "Ackerman?" His last name was surprising. "You're related to Levi?"

  "Certainly am." He grinned. "I'm his dear old uncle."

  Somehow, it does and doesn't make sense simultaneously. "I see. Are you trying to reunite with family, then?"

  "What I'm doin' is none of yer business." His lips stretched into a frown. 

  "Then why'd you reach out to me? Why did you want to meet with me back then?"

  "You're a fantastic pawn, darlin'. You're the thorn in Levi's side that I can keep pokin' at." 

  "Excuse me?" You stiffened.

  "Speakin' of, have you been able to use my lil' maneuver on the runt?" 

  "U-um, I have." 

  "Naturally. How'd it go?" He was like a middle schooler, prying for gossip. 

  "It kinda worked, I guess." Your shoulders were plastered against the door as he limited your personal space. Don't be afraid of him. "Not for long, though. I mean, I'm only so strong..."