Faults ~Levi x Reader AU~

Chapter 4: One Choice

I gazed down at the picture nestled between my fingers, the smile on my face lifting the corners of my lips. That's you. You are real. You really do exist. I continued to grin, my thumb stroking the smooth texture of the ultrasound photo. I was still soaking it all in. It was confirmed. I really and truly was pregnant with my professor's child. I wasn't dreaming...I wasn't imagining any of it. There truly was a little human growing deep inside me; one whose heart had just begun to beat, one who was relying on me to protect them. One who my heart beat for.

I hugged the picture gingerly before sliding it down into my purse, which was slung to my side. I cupped my hand against my cheek, supporting the weight of my head, my eyes lingering on the material of my bag. It was still so surreal to me. It felt like a crazy dream...one I didn't mind anymore. Sure, it was still heartwrenching when thinking about the future...a future with just the two of us. I knew my baby would never know their father and that was my choice and fault. It pained me, but deep down in my heart, I knew it was the right thing to do. It was right for my little bean and me.

"I'm so happy you decided to keep it," Marco breathed a sigh of relief.

I turned to face him. His warm orbs were filled with so much happiness, the sweet smile on his lips reaching the depth of them. His body was relaxed, the fabric of his sweater clingy loosely around his frame. He was seated comfortably in the chair next to me, his legs crossed under his build. I could tell he was at peace knowing I had chosen to not terminate the pregnancy, though, I didn't understand why. It wasn't like any of it would have affected him.

At that moment, any sense I had left my body as I blurted, "Hey, Marco. I know you mean well, but why were you so hellbent on me not...well, ya know...aborting?"

The smile on his face softened, a hint of sadness falling into his eyes. He sighed tiredly, "I was pretty against it, wasn't I?"

"Yeah," I nodded, suddenly wanting to kick myself for my stupidity.

"I don't really know," he shrugged. "I mean, it's not like I've ever lost a kid or anything like that myself. But I know a few people who have. A few guys who were unable to wear the title of 'World's Best Dad'. Officially anyway."

I watched as his eyes fell to the floor as if it was something fascinating to see. The sliver of sadness that crossed his eyes was still notable as he scanned the tile of the diner's floor. He was unreadable at that moment, which was nothing like Marco. He was typically all smiles and chipper, but right then, he was distracted and just so broken looking. It physically hurt me.

"My dad," he abruptly said, resting his chin on the heel of his hand. "Back in his youth, he was not the smartest guy. He fooled around, partied all the time, and just wasn't overly responsible in the slightest." He chuckled to himself and shook his head. "He met this girl one night at a party. They really hit it off and became a thing immediately afterward." He rolled his eyes. "They barely knew each others' names, but he was different back then. He was reckless and impulsive. That's how he ended up in this predicament."

The waitress came and brought us our food. She set our plates down and we thanked her. The smell of my meal swirled up into my nose. I was so hungry and ready to chow down, but Marco merely stared blankly at his plate. Guilt washed over me as I realized I was the one who had stirred that pain. I felt like a shitty friend.

"Marco," I whispered calmly. "You...you don't have to talk about this if ya don't want to."

He shook his head and smiled, "It's fine. It doesn't really upset me...just gives me something to think about." He took a bite of his burger and continued, "Anyway, my dad and this girl were only dating for three months when she found out she was pregnant. According to my dad, he didn't even know anything about it until she kept missing school and would bail on hanging out with him." A sad laugh rang from between his lips. "After a while, he had enough. So, he showed up at her house unannounced, ready to fix whatever was wrong when he saw her mom." He chewed his lips. "She shot him the nastiest look and cursed at him.

"Saying it was his fault her little girl was nothing but wreckage. Of course, Dad was oblivious to what she was spouting when she spat the truth." He swallowed, "The girl had told her mother she was pregnant and that her boyfriend demanded she got an abortion. That he would run her name through the dirt unless she terminated the baby. So, she had an abortion, never telling my father about it, and was starting to spiral down into an intense depression. I'm talking psych ward, slit the wrists, suicide attempts, lockdown depression."

I blinked at him, shocked by what I had just heard. Marco...Marco could have an older sibling. But...how...how did he hide this? My heart sank into the pit of my stomach. That was heartbreaking to hear.

I reached over and rested my hand on his. "I'm...I'm so sorry, Marco. That's horrible."

He just flashed me a soft smile and shrugged, "Don't be. If anything, it was a wake-up call to my father. He cleaned up his act, quit partying, began to take school seriously, met my mom, got married, and had me. It just sucks that he had to lose a child for that to happen, though." He took in a deep breath and sighed, "But, I do sometimes wonder...had she never aborted that baby, would my dad had gone down the path he did? Would he have met my mother? And, above all, would they have had me? Those are the questions that linger in my mind."

One small choice. One small choice could have created a completely alternate outcome for Marco's family. Had one little thing been handled differently, then the Bodt family could have been a cluster of very different faces and personalities. More importantly, it could have resulted in Marco never existing.

I shoved my hands into my hoody's pocket and caressed my lower abdomen, being sure not to draw any attention to myself. You are real. You really do exist.

**Bello my lovelies! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. If so, we all know the drill! And, as always, thank you so, so, SOOOO much! Your guys' support always means the world to me! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. Also, if you or someone you know suffers from depression, self-harm, and/or suicidal thoughts/actions/tendencies, please seek professional help or reach out to someone trustworthy. You are an incredible person. Stay strong my sweet lovelies.💗