In Another Life | Levi x Reader/OC

Have Violent Ends

"Long time no see, Zeke."

"So good to see you. It's been what, maybe five years, right?" Zeke's irritating voice asked. The muscles of your mouth holding up your fake grin began to hurt.

"Yes, that's right. Five years." You glanced behind you, sensing Levi's intense glare that was being shot in Zeke's direction. "Levi, this is my... childhood friend, Zeke. Zeke, this is Captain Levi."

Zeke raised his eyebrows, evidently amused. He extended out an arm for Levi to shake. "Ahh, Captain Levi. Humanity's strongest soldier, correct?"

"...Sure," Levi replied dryly.

"I've heard so much about you," he said. Zeke's eyes flickered towards you next. "So so much."

You cleared your throat, averting his gaze.

A maid stopped by merely seconds later with a broom and dustpan to clean up the mess you made.

Shit, I forgot I did that. I really need to stop blanking out.

You and Zeke stood up from your seats, allowing her better access. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me," you apologized.

"That's quite alright," she said, though, you weren't sure if she truly meant that due to her tight-lipped expression. She was likely used to this behavior by now.

"So umm... what brings you here, Zeke?" You crossed your arms over your chest anxiously, standing closely next to Levi. Although you knew Zeke wasn't dumb enough to try anything when people were around, you felt safe simply being near Levi's presence. He always made you feel secure when it felt like your heart was going to beat out of your chest.

"I was invited, of course."

How the hell did he get an invite?

"Quite the honor, huh?"

"Indeed." He took a sip of his whiskey glass. "You know, I would love to catch up with you, if you'd like to grab a table. It has been five years, after all."

"Right, yeah." You laughed nervously, turning your head to look at Levi. "Umm, I'll be back. Just gonna have a chat with my... dear friend here."

Zeke shot you the widest grin. Your mind played a string of curse words you so desperately wished you could convey out loud.

"Alright," Levi responded, but his jaw was clenched.

While Zeke went hunting for a table, you felt a light squeeze on your arm. "You won't be long, right?" Levi asked.

I sure as hell hope not.

"Shouldn't be too long, don't worry." You put up a convincing smile, turning your back to him while you followed in Zeke's steps.

He picked a pretty good spot; it was in the far right corner away from all of the other guests. Most people were either immersed in the live music that resumed playing or chatting amongst themselves, so you weren't too concerned about anyone eavesdropping. However, some people shot you judgmental glares, likely from the scene you just caused a few minutes prior.

I really need to stop zoning out.

You approached Zeke, taking a seat in front of him begrudgingly.

"Don't you look lovely," he said.

"Fuck off," you snapped. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I should ask you the same."

You leaned back and crossed your arms, turning your head to the side to avoid his stare. His cheeky grin was seen from the corner of your eye, and the urge to smack him was nearly overpowering you.