Pluviophile | Levi Ackermann × Reader |

| Chapter 6 | Apricity

The heat from the teacup that sat elegantly between my fingers traveled up my arms and soothed my shivering. I was in the Captain's office, where he fixed himself some tea before sitting down far across from me on the couch while I sat at a small table located by a window. The curtains were drawn, and I could still make out the patterns of the stars. The glass reflected the candlelight that came from his desk, the only source of light in the shadows.

I sipped the tea, relishing in the sweet taste of honey hidden in the dullness of the black tea. It was a fine balance. Levi unquestionably knew how to whisk together a fine drink.

"I know who I'm coming to anytime I need a buzz," I laughed, tipping the tea up to emphasize the joke.

"You dislike alcohol?" The Captain tapped his pinky finger against his cup.

I drew back in disgust. "Ugh, don't even get me started," I sneered, setting the cup down by the rim. "I don't get the fuss about it. I do know most people drink away their sorrows, but that's just irresponsible on the job. Plus, as far as flavor goes, it's distasteful- offensive even!"

I could see Levi nod in agreement, taking another sip from his cup.

"You know, Captain," He looked up from his drink. "We should be friends."

The suggestion made him stop in his tracks. "Friends?" He repeated.
"Yes friends," I gave him a shrug. "I think we should be friends."

After a few passing seconds, he cleared his throat and put his tea down. "I don't play friends."

"Well, sir, maybe you should start," My gaze fell back outside the window as I waited on a response, head resting on my palm.

"Fine," His voice sounded through the empty room. "Friends."

Though he sounded hesitant.

I shifted back to face him, a smile creeping up my cheeks anyway. "Tell me, being friends with me won't ruin your pristine reputation, will it?" I asked. "You know, as Humanities Strongest?"

"I couldn't care less about that title," Levi stood, walking over to the chair that sat without anyone in it just across from me. "But tell me, Y/n," His eyes bore into mine. I felt myself draw back at the sudden intensity. "Why do you want to be friends with me?"

"Well," I searched him for an answer, gazing through him. His fair skin blinded me as I fought for an answer. I dug through myself, trying not to bring up the dream.

And then I remembered something.

The first time I had ever heard his rumored name and the curiosity that clawed at my skin so long ago. The first time his name meant something to me, and the first time I had ever fallen victim to his presence.

I remembered being in my early days as a Section Commander, when the name, "Humanities Strongest," Sprouted in everyone's mind like a growing tree of hope.

There had been a day where I cut through a crowd of Scout's to see him returning from outside the walls. He had been such a positive golden light in my chest back then, something I'd nearly forgotten.

"Because you're someone who has proven to me that there's a reason to keep fighting," The comment caused him to sit back, looking at me like I was some sort of book he couldn't read. There was a pause.

"I see..."

"I know, its silly." I finished my tea, eyes falling into the the cup. I was almost reluctant to keep talking, fretful that he'd change his mind about being friends. But the man didn't say anything, just sat in tranquility.