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

53: Weak Rewards

  Wednesday morning, you put on your predetermined attire before slipping your measly apartment key into your pocket. Why'd he even take my keyring? All that was on there was his home key and his office key. 

  At the university, you were outside Levi's office at 7:56. Posed how you were instructed, you watched the occasional professor or faculty member wander through the room, returning their greeting if they gave one. 

  Erwin arrived before Levi, his presence becoming an unexpected recurrence in your life. "Good morning, (y/n)." He stopped in his path to his office upon seeing you.

  "Morning, Erwin." You leaned against the wall, smiling politely.

  "Is Levi here?"

  "Nope."

  "Oh, did you not drive with him? I thought you two lived together."

  "No, we don't." You shook your head. "I know it probably looks like that, though." 

  Erwin moved closer to you, deciding to continue the conversation. "He was talking to me recently about new housing options for after his lease was up. It somewhat implied you were joining him."

  "Really? He's never mentioned something like that to me." You pondered over the implication for a moment. "What was he saying?"

  "He just asked for recommendations for his preferences. I think he's interested in buying an actual house as opposed to an apartment or condo."

  "Wow. Does he really want me to move in with him?"

  "I don't know the details. You can ask him yourself." An inquisitive glint appeared in Erwin's eyes, a new interest overtaking him. "Speaking of, have you been able to get an answer out of him regarding yesterday morning?"

  You laughed softly. "Well, kinda. I won't know until the end of the week."

  "Why's that?"

  "It's complicated. But I do know that I'll have an answer by Friday." You tilted your head back against the wall, formulating a new plan. "So, Erwin. You could help me out by speeding up the process, if you want."

  "Back to me, are you? What would I get out of telling you right now?"

  You thought furiously of a good incentive. "You'd best Levi."

  "I already do best Levi. I don't need to have that proven."

  "Hm." You met his eyes, using his face as a focal point while you thought. "I don't think you do."

  "What?"

  I'm really overstepping it, but it would be fantastic to beat Levi at this deal. "Not from what I've seen, at least. He's a department head fresh out of college, with only a master's to his name. One of the youngest professors at Paradis, and one of the most revered. That's pretty impressive, isn't it?"

  "This is quite the tactic, (y/n)." 

  I know. I honestly don't know if it'll work. "I'm just saying, the facts speak for themselves."

  "Sorry to disappoint, but I don't take interest in petty competition. I'm quite happy with my own self-validation." 

  Damn. What else can I use? "It'd be fun to fluster him though, right?"

 "I think only you take interest in that."

  "Then," you started as you tilted your head forward. "Would you just tell me as a favor? Purely for my sake?"

  "I already said I'd keep it a secret."

  God, he's strict. "It's not a matter of secrecy. I'm going to learn sooner or later. It just depends on whether I learn now, from you, or on Friday, from Levi."