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

59: With Levi This Time

  The weekend was filled with academics, against your will. Levi didn't come over, but he remained insistent and constantly checked in with texts and phone calls.

  "Just supervise me in person if you're so worried," you said over the phone Saturday evening, Levi on speaker while you skimmed an article on your laptop.

  "No," his voice replied. "I have my own work to do. Besides, we'd get distracted if I was there."

  "Ha. Can't keep yourself under control?"

  "It's certainly difficult around you." Levi didn't even deny your teasing remark. "I'm anxious for this semester to end. I just want time alone with you."

  "Yeah, I know." You smiled to yourself. "Just think: finals and that party, then we have a month to ourselves."

  "Party? Oh, right. The ridiculous winter thing Dhalis brought up." Levi was clearly annoyed by the thought. "What a waste of time. I don't want to go." 

  "It'll be fun, Levi. I want to get to know the faculty better, so I think it'll be really helpful for me." 

  "...Well, fine. If you really want to." He quickly gave up on expressing his disinterest once you had voiced your opinion. 

  "We can go together. If you get that bored, you can just hang out with me."

  "Hm." His voice alone wasn't enough to exhibit his reaction. "You do make such shitty events more tolerable."

  "Thanks," you replied to the weak compliment. "Is that what you love about me?"

  "It's on the list, probably."

  "Oh, a list? Does Levi have it all written out?"

  "No, idiot. It's in my head." 

  "Yeah? And what's on it?" 

  "I'm not telling you that."

  "Why not? It'd make me happy to hear it." 

  "Are you that desperate for compliments?"

  "From Levi? Absolutely." 

  You heard him sigh. "Well, I like your voice."

  "Yes?"

  "Yes. I love it when you say my name, as you know. I love hearing you answer the phone. I...I love it when you show up at my office or my apartment, greeting me with that energy I can never quite replicate."

  "Yeah, we're opposites in that regard."

  "Still, your joy is so comforting," he confessed. "You brighten up my life, even if I don't really convey that."

  You laughed softly, unintentionally giving him another topic. 

  "I like your laugh. It's cute. It makes me feel better." He paused. "I'm not really a comedian, but sometimes I wish I was better at making you laugh."

  "You are so damn sweet, Levi."

  "Mm." Levi had to take a moment, uncomfortable with sharing his mushy thoughts. "I just want to make you happy. That's definitely not my strong suit, either."

  "You do make me happy. You have, multiple times." 

  "It isn't enough. Not after what I've done to you." 

  His words hurt, not as a reminder of your past but as a clear indication of his regret. He couldn't let it go, even after your forgiveness and your acceptance. "It's okay. You know I don't see you that way anymore."