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

83: Immoderation

  The bar had quieted down, some still interested in what became of the two fighters. They looked to Erwin for answers, their glances fully noticed by the man. "I apologize, everyone. I did not intend to cause a ruckus."

  "It's fine," the barkeep answered. "Thanks for taking care of it."

  "Not a problem," Erwin continued as he approached the bar. "I'm grateful for your willingness to overlook the situation. My colleague can be a little intense sometimes."

  "He pretty much asked for permission beforehand, so I've got nothing to complain about." The bartender shrugged.

  "Oh, did he?"

  "Yeah," you answered. "He mostly just didn't want to get kicked out."

  "I see." Erwin put a hand on the counter, standing awfully close to you. "That's good of him, at least. More than he would have done in the past."

  "Hey, Dr. Smith!" Carly called from her place at the pool table. "You finished with our game?"

  "I'm afraid so," Erwin replied. "I'll be spending some time with (y/n) now. Please, entertain our group for me."

  "Fair enough. No worries," Carly dismissed as she turned to her group, able to keep herself occupied without Dr. Smith.

  "I believe I've been tasked with staying with you," Erwin stated, firm in his position next to you like a bodyguard. "So that's what I intend to do."

  "I'm...geez, I'm not stupid or anything." You lowered your head, nervous in the shadow of the massive deity. "I can take care of myself."

  "I know you can." Erwin's hand was just barely in your field of vision, his large fingers spread across the polished countertop. "Barkeep, get me another Lagavulin-- well, get two. Give one to her."

  "Hey, are you trynna get me drunk?" You wouldn't let his actions go unnoticed, audaciously calling out his intentions.

  "Of course not. I'm not that crude." Erwin slid one of the delivered tumblers to you. "I just want you to try some good whiskey. Turn it down, if you want."

  "Ha. Too late." You shrugged as you drank anyways, the taste of the whiskey quite similar to your drunken night with Levi. "Yeah, pretty good," you commented.

  "You took that fairly well," Erwin noticed. "Barely a reaction."

  "Aw, didja want one?" You teased him unabashedly, your faltering mind tearing down the gates that restrained secret thoughts. "Didja wanna see me struggle with a big boy drink?" You oscillated your head with each syllable, making a small cadence in your speech.

  "Certainly not," he denied. "I was just surprised, that's all."

  You leaned back on the stool and tossed your head up, examining his unchanging expression above you. "Look at you, tryin' to stay all collected. Hidin' behind your lies that come like second nature."

  He stood straight as a board, a solid fencepost compared to the crumbling woman beside him. "You take quite the enjoyment in mocking me, don't you?"

  "Mm, a bit. I'm getting pretty good at it, too."

  "I beg to differ."

  "Oh, do you, Sir?" A devilish smile crept onto your lips, drunkenness avalanching into your mind dangerously.

  "(Y/n)."

  "What?" you giggled, successful in your mission. "What's gotten you so worked up?"

  "You'd better watch your words."

  "I haven't done anything." You threw your hands up in surrender, though a little too vigorously. Your center of balance was shifted farther than you expected, causing you to tilt backwards precariously.