Faults ~Levi x Reader AU~

Chapter 16: Fragile Realization

I gazed up at the solid wooden door, my eyes lingering on the gold-plated plague drilled into it. The elegant letters of a name were inscribed beautifully in it, each letter causing my heart to race. Levi Ackerman was all it said. That was all it needed to say. Nothing else was required to make my heart leap into my throat. Nothing else was necessary to bring a pang to my chest.

I balled my hand into a fist and was about to knock on it, my knuckles mere centimeters away from the smooth wood when I paused. I can't. I can't do it. I sighed and turned away, shoving my hands into my hoody's pockets. I just can't tell him. Please...forgive me, Hanji. I stroked my fingertips along my abdomen. Please...forgive me, Peiper. I can't do it. I just can't tell him. I can't bring myself to tell him about you. I began to shuffle away, the soles of my boots scuffing the floor with each step I took.

I was growing further away from the door when I heard something creek open. I froze, feeling the chills of surprise racing the length of my spine as I slowly turned, peeking over my shoulder. There, leaning his weight against the doorjamb, his toned arms crossed firmly over his chest was Levi. His cold eyes were locked on me, a sliver of annoyance sprawled across his features. He didn't look pleased to see me...at least, I didn't believe he appeared thrilled about me being there.

"Oi," he called, his deep voice coarse and husky. "May I help you?"

I blinked rapidly, snapping myself out of my daze and shook my head, "Oh, uh...n-no. I'm...I'm fine."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "Then what are you doing here?"

I could feel myself panicking. My brain just went blank, not daring to spit back a snarky remark as I just stuttered, "W-well...uh...ya see, um, I just...I just, uh. Well, I just...I just wanted to say...thank you." I nodded confidently, "Yeah. I just wanted to say thank you."

He lifted a brow, his blank expression giving me little to no hint as to what was going through his mind. Typical. I internally remarked. Just as unreadable as usual. Why am I surprised? I shifted my weight uncomfortably, keeping my hands nestled in my pockets, occasionally stroking my fingertips along my lower stomach discreetly. I didn't want him to notice my actions and I prayed he wouldn't. In fact, I pleaded with whatever higher power there was that he would at least accept my lame excuse, even if he didn't believe it.

He once again furrowed his brows in confusion, asking, "Thank me for what exactly?"

Shit. Think. Think. Think.

"Oh," I swallowed nervously, once again shifting my weight. "For...for walking me home that night." I scratched the back of my head, faking a cheesy laugh. "Now that I've thought about it, I see that you were right. I was a girl all alone, wandering in the dark that night. It was really stupid on my part."

He merely lifted a brow. "Is that all then?"

I froze, bringing my stare to his. I hated how unreadable he was. How guarded he remained, even after the moments we shared. To be honest, I hated that most about him. It was like trying to pry life from death's clutch. It was impossible. He was so indecipherable, and it infuriated me. Still, I couldn't help but to continuously adore him. Regardless of all the bullshit lingering between us in our past, my heart still fluttered at the sound of his honeyed voice. I still reacted to him.

I gulped and fidgeted with my bag's strap, nodding, "Oh, uh, yeah."

He stood up and turned, saying dryly, "Very well. I will see you tomorrow in class, Ms. L/N."

I numbly nodded when my gaze fell on a familiar form sitting in one of the spare chairs. Her frame was turned my way, her short strawberry locks pulled back into a little ponytail. Her big brown eyes were locked on Levi and me, studying us closely. She looked just as beautiful as the first time I saw her...making my heart sink lower and lower into the pit of my stomach. I could feel the bile rising in my throat. Petra.

I nodded numbly, "Of course, professor. Have a good day."

At that, I spun on my heel and booked it down the hall and around the corner, dashing to the restroom. I claimed a stall in the empty room and unleased the vomit I had fought back into the toilet bowl, the tears streaming down my cheeks. Why? Why am I so stupid? I wailed within the confinements of my mind. Why did I even think I could do this? I'm so fucking stupid.

I collapsed down onto the cold bathroom floor, the bitter taste of my puke stinging my throat. The tears continuously rolled down my flushed cheeks as I wrapped my arms around my stomach. I leaned forward, folding in on myself, muffling my sobs with my arms.

"I'm so sorry," I cried silently. "I'm so sorry, Peiper."

**Ello my lovelies! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! If so, ya know the drill! Thank you so much for reading! Your support genuinely means so much to me! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross