Return to sender

Comprehension

There was something to be said for the healing properties of coastal air, a natural phenomenon which bolstered the mind and fed the soul, a cleanliness that permeated one's bones and caused an increased level of energy, boosting the appetite to match. Your second morning here saw your second cooked breakfast, one which you wolfed down with little regard for chewing, stomach seemingly insatiable and constantly hungry. Glancing up from your position at the breakfast bar, you watched Levi loading dirty plates into the dishwasher, fully aware of the physique that lay beneath his dark woollen sweater and you voiced your thoughts out loud.

"How are you in such good shape?"

"Hmm?"

"What's the secret, Levi?"

He straightened, spoon in hand which was waved over to you as he spoke.

"No secret, just hard work. Work I haven't done in fucking weeks actually. You're making me chubby."

"Chubby?! Holy shit...how are you even remotely chubby?"

"I can feel it. Getting love handles." He hid a smirk and turned, cutlery stowed in the basket ready to be cleaned and he grumbled loudly. "That's your plan, isn't it? You're a feeder."

"What? How did...when have I...?"

Incredulous, you grinned nevertheless and shook your head at the hypocrisy, another hearty meal having just been devoured thanks to his culinary skills. It wasn't lost on Levi either, an intentional jibe actually and he looked across at your smile, enjoyed the happiness and glow about you which appeared to have grown more radiant since coming here; the atmosphere could be the simple reason alone, however he hoped it also had something to do with being able to relax and recuperate with him in a different environment. Changing subjects, he wiped his hands on a cloth and nodded once.

"Right. I have to sort that broken gutter down the road, you have to practise." The promise to assist a neighbour hadn't been forgotten and you felt a warmth which came from admiration, chest kind of tight in a ticklish churning sensation, one which made you squirm a little to dissipate the feeling as a note pad and pen were presented, items placed on the couch. Levi offered a hand, helping you off the stool and transporting you carefully past furniture until the seat was reached, pale finger pointing. "Write. I don't care what it is, a song, your shopping list. Anything. All it has to do is make sense."

"You got it, boss."

"Good." He bowed, lips planting a gentle kiss on yours and a soft hand stroked your cheek slowly, mouths parted after a few long seconds. "I'll be back soon. Don't get in fucking trouble."

"With a pen and paper? Doubtful."

"Your pen and paper got you stuck with a grumpy ass bastard. Just remember that, (F/N)."

"I'll never forget that."

A moment of electricity passed between the two of you, not lustful or filthy, purely contented acknowledgement and he gave a one sided smile, face twitching up in an adorable almost feline expression and he moved to get a coat and boots, outerwear chosen to protect against the elements. At least it had stopped raining, he thought whilst pulling up the zipper to his chin and he paused before leaving.

"Won't be long. Now get working on that paper."

You waved him off with a thumbs up on the other hand and sighed, door clicking shut and leaving you alone in the now quiet home, only sounds being the tick of a clock and churning water from the washer.

Only forty five minutes had passed and Levi returned, nose red and hands a matching shade, shivers shaking his whole body as coldness ran through his veins, breath still visible before he closed the entrance on what could only be described as a fucking freezing day.