Laverna [ Levi Ackerman x Reader ]

↳ 𝟏.𝟐 - 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥

YOU WOKE UP in a place that you didn't recognize. It was a home— or, at least, you assumed it was— and you noticed that the room appeared expertly cleaned. You were in a bed somewhere. A gentle torchlight showered the room in bronze, but nothing looked familiar to you.

That was until you glanced up and saw Levi Ackerman at your bedside.

"You're awake."

You flinched, not expecting him to notice so quickly— but the sudden movement tugged at your wound, making you wince.

"Mhmm," you nodded, feeling an intense (albeit, slightly dull) soreness in your abdomen. The wound felt warm. You lifted your head, catching a glimpse of the injury. You frowned. Though you were still wearing your blood-soaked shirt, you realized that someone had pushed it up for you, your abdomen encased in crimson-stained bandages. You allowed your head to fall back on your pillow, your eyelids fluttering shut without your permission. "Are you the one who bandaged me?"

"You're lucky that I did," Levi retorted. "I'm stuck babysitting you while my friends are out doing the dirty work."

"Thank you," you said, forcing your eyes open as you glanced at him again. You would be the first to admit that it was a rather embarrassing first impression— but you were grateful.

"Don't thank me," Levi mentioned, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a little glass bottle. He lifted it for you to see. It glinted in the firelight— and, though it wasn't a gemstone, its value practically made it one. "We're even."

It took you a moment to register what it was. However, you saw the white crystals at the bottom and groaned. The salt. Was all of your hard work going to go to waste? However, you knew that you were too weak to try and snatch it back from him, and it was far better to give it up than to sink into the quicksand of helpless anger. Besides, Levi's wit made you chuckle (even if it hurt to laugh).

"I'm not surprised," you sighed, your words sedating what lingered of your frustration. "You're welcome for the salt, I guess."

Though Levi didn't smile, he allowed his stoic gaze to soften. He pocketed the salt again.

"Try to go back to sleep," he recommended. "You need rest if you want to get better."

When Levi mentioned your rest, you realized your eyes had closed without your permission. They were too heavy to open again. All you could respond with was a slight nod.

♕♕♕

Someone swung the door to the room. That person's footsteps were relaxed as they entered, seemingly acquainted with the area, but you couldn't bring yourself to open your eyes. Your body felt glued in place from exhaustion.

"We officially have our money back," someone said— a male voice you didn't recognize.

"Good— I'm sorry I couldn't come with." That voice belonged to Levi.

"It's fine. Who's she?" the other voice inquired. You heard the man's shirt move as he pointed toward you, and though you didn't know his face, you could hear a smirk in his tone. "Levi... don't tell me that you're finally getting some action and you didn't think to tell us."

"It's not like that," Levi said, his voice composed and unimpressed. "This is Laverna."

"...Laverna?" asked the other person.

"Yeah, and she's not as good as you'd think," Levi continued. "The reason she's here is because she stole some salt and fucking dropped it."

"Wait— you're serious about that being Laverna?"

"Yes, but that's not important. Some brigands caught up with her on the way out, which wouldn't have happened if she wasn't so careless... I'll admit that she's fast, though. The brat stole my knife when she needed a way out."