An Ackerman's secret

24

The next morning I cracked my eyes open, realising I was still cuddled up against Levi. His arm hung over my waist and I was surprised when I looked up to see him fast asleep. My lips formed into a smile, he looked so peaceful.

He got to sleep?

A groan escaped his mouth and his eyes fluttered open, softening when they met mine.

"Good morning beautiful." His voice was husky since he had only just woken up. He moved my hair out of my face and smiled when he saw my full face.

"Did you sleep well?" I smiled back. He widened his eyes slightly when he realised that he actually had managed to fall asleep and I felt slightly proud of him.

His eyebrows drew together, "I did actually."

I couldn't help but think that maybe I'm the reason he got to sleep because he was the reason I was able to fall asleep so fast. For once I fell asleep with no negative thoughts in my mind, they were all overridden by Levi.

He leaned over and kissed my shoulder before getting out of bed, making my cheeks go rosy.

"Do you want any tea?"

I sat up, "I can make it." My tea was the best and both me and Levi knew it. His was up to standard, but I had perfected mine.

He shook his head, "No it's okay, you stay here, I'll be back."

I nodded and laid back down, enjoying the comfort of his bed as he left. His sheets were freshly washed, which was expected from him being such a clean freak. I snuggled into the sheets, not wanting to ever leave them again.

My peace and quiet didn't last long before the door knocked again.

"Leeeeevi! Let me in!" Hange's voice came from the other side of the door and I was thankful it was them over anyone else.

"Come in." I laughed.

They stayed silent before swinging the door wide open with their mouth gaping wide open. Hange was one of the only people who knew about me and Levi, but they still looked shocked.

They stood up straight, clearing their throat as they shut the door behind them. "So you two finally sorted it out eh?"

"Kind of." I shrugged.

They jumped forwards, pulling their glasses down to inspect me. "Levi's clothes?! Mila?!" They threw their hands over their mouth and I realised what they were thinking.

"My clothes were soaked from the rain. That's all." I waved my arms around in defence.

They leaned even closer, frowning, "Have you been crying? Did Levi do something?! I know it's his birthday on Monday but that's no reason to be grumpy!"

It's his birthday soon?

I smiled and shook my head. "No he didn't. I visited my father last night one last time before he passed."

Hange's face dropped and they sat next to me, pulling me against them with a tight grip around me. Hange's hugs were suffocating, but I loved them nevertheless.

"I'm so sorry, are you okay?"

I sighed, "I don't know. He apologised and I didn't accept it, I finally stood up to him. But it still hurt, he never stopped being my father."

This morning I felt way better than last night, especially after staying with Levi, I was slowly accepting it and now that my thoughts were clearer, I was proud and I have no regrets.

"That's understandable. You're a strong ass woman." They grinned.

"I don't think so." I let out a small laugh. 'Strong' wasn't a word I would use to describe myself, in fact I see myself as quite weak. Hange is stronger than me.