A Second Chance (Levi x Reader)

chapter 40

Author's Note:

This story is going to wrap up in roughly 3-5 chapters, if there's something specific you want to see before then, PLEASE let me know! I can make it happen!!

_____________

The first thing you notice is the steady rhythm beneath you—a soft, gentle rise and fall against the side of your face. As you stir, the faint scent of lotus and something slightly musky fills your senses. A soft glow filters through the window, casting an almost dreamlike light around the room. An arm is wrapped securely around you, his chest a solid warmth that keeps the rest of the chill at bay.

The candles scattered around have long since burned out, leaving only faint wisps of smoke curling through the air. Outside the frosted window, the sky is a pale white. The howling of the wind had finally settled, a stark difference from just a few hours prior. Snow still rests in thin blankets along the ledge, but it feels different now—soft, almost calming, like the world has finally breathed out the last of its strength.

Shifting slightly, you turn your gaze up toward Levi. His eyes were just starting to open, still caught somewhere between sleep and wakefulness. You watched as his brows began to soften, realizing that you were already awake.

"Good morning," he murmurs, his voice coming out low.

Deep within your chest, you feel a warmth begin to spread out. You smile back at him, a wave a calm rushing in immediately after. "Good morning."

For a long moment, the two of you only stay like that, simply watching each other, wrapped in a rare, quiet peace.

When Levi shifts, he stretches his arm out over the back of the couch as he sits up slightly. He glances around, taking in the soft light filtering through the window.

"It's so quiet," he says, almost as if he's surprised by it. "Like everything is just . . . frozen."

You nod, glancing out towards the window as well.

You had gotten so used to seeing chaos, seeing nothing but snowfall and empty sidewalks. But you weren't in your room, peering out your own window. You were here, with him. With Levi.

"You're right," you murmur, watching as a few last snowflakes drift down outside, gentle and silent. "I almost forgot . . . how calm it could be."

Levi's gaze shifts back to you, his eyes softened in the dim light. "I don't mind it," he says quietly. "Not when I'm here with you."

Your face grew hot as the words left his lips, and you glanced away. The urge to pull him closer, to kiss him and do so much more, was tempting. "I don't mind it either," you reply, your voice barely above a whisper.

The silence stretches on, comfortable and warm, filled with all the words left unsaid. You look down at his hand, still resting near yours, and you gather the courage to speak.

"Listen," you pause.

You begin to swallow, the grey of his eyes boring into yours and leaving you somewhat nervous. "I just want you to know . . . that what I feel for you is real, Levi," you say, your voice soft but steady. "I know things have been confusing, and I haven't always been open, but . . . I wanted you to know that I really, really do like you."

His gaze softens, his expression a mix of surprise and relief. "I didn't think I'd ever actually hear you say that," he murmurs, his voice barely audible. He lets out a long, steady breath, as if he's been waiting to exhale for days. "But . . . I'm glad you did."