Cold December Night (Levi x Reader, Modern AU)

The snow fell softly around him in white flurries as he walked briskly down the street. The young man had left work, heading for the coffee shop that never seemed to screw up his order for a nice hot cup of tea. It was growing late as he passed local shops and businesses shutting down for the night, and he quickened his pace, hoping the shop would still be open by the time he got there.

The cold began to get to him as he walked down the block, stopping only to wait for the crosswalk to signal he could go. He shivered, pulling the once loose scarf tighter around his neck. He felt slightly warmer as he began to walk once again, shoving his cold hands back in his pockets. Damn, he wish he would've brought gloves.

When the raven haired man finally reached the front of the shop, he was actually kind of happy to see it was still open. He pulled the door open, the small bell tinkling, alerting the baristas of his presence. He felt the instant warmth of the shop, and it actually made him think about taking off his jacket.

He walked to the counter, seeing the one person who worked there who didn't get on his nerves, (Y/N). Her (h/c) hair pushed behind her ears so he could see her beautiful (e/c) eyes. A smile graced her lips as she said, "Mr. Ackerman, it's good to see you. I missed you this morning."

He didn't reply back, but it didn't seem to phase her. She knew he was a man of few words, and it didn't bother her, she could talk for the both of them. A small smile graced his lips though, and she knew he missed her as well. Her smile grew on her lips as she asked him, "Would you like the usual?"

She looked directly in his eyes, and he could feel his heart melt a little. He nodded at her, and she told him his total. He pulled the perfect amount of money out, giving it to her and then going to sit in his usual spot. It was always the cleanest table, like they knew he hated uncleanliness. Whatever it was, he was just thankful that whoever cleaned it did a great job.

He shrugged off his coat, finally feeling warm enough to not need it. He hung it on the back of his chair, careful to make sure it didn't touch the floor. If it did, he was fully prepared to walk home without a coat on. Once the coat was sitting perfectly, untouched by the floor, he shoved his scarf into one of the deep pockets.

He clasped his hands together, elbows resting on the table, as he gazed out the window. He watched as people walked down the streets illuminated by street lights and car headlights. They seemed to enjoy the cold weather. He didn't mind it, of course when he had the right things to keep warm.

His thought process was disrupted when he heard footsteps approaching. He glanced over, seeing (Y/N) heading in his direction a steaming cup of tea. She smiled at him, saying, "Here's your order, sir. Black tea, brewed exactly how you like it."

"Thank you," He replied back, and he could see the shocked expression in her eyes. But as soon as he saw it, it was gone. She nodded, setting the drink down in front of him, then heading to other tables to check on other customers.

He sipped on the hot beverage quietly, watching as the shop cleared out quietly. Soon enough, the only people left was him and her. She went around cleaning tables, taking great care in the task. Her work was much better than the other baristas, he could see how much she cared in the way she worked. When she finished, she headed back to the counter, fetching a cup of hot chocolate. She leaned against the counter, her eyes looking out the window as she took a small sip from her cup, and the man found himself admiring her.

He admired the way she held herself, confident but not cocky. He admired the way her delicate fingers held the glass of hot chocolate. He admired the way her hair fell just right, and her eyes sparkled as she watched the snow fall. He smiled down into his teacup, hiding it incase the girl's eyes happened to look over at him.