Refuge (Vampire!Levi x F!Reader)

Chapter 8

--I just really love this cover, y'know? Makes me happy whenever I see it--

You took the gown out of her hands and took it behind the small room divider that she had. A room divider provided privacy for people getting changed; it meant that the serving staff wouldn't be able to sneak any looks while a person was getting changed. Back home, your divider was covered in different clothing items from hosiery to undergarments, but here, no clothing was draped over it despite the overall messiness of the room. Instead, notes and diagrams were pinned to the inside of it, meaning that the changer could read and study as they prepared for the day ahead. You raised your eyebrows at it as you slipped out of your nightgown. The silk material fell to the floor so you bent down to pick it up and throw it over the edge.

"I don't exactly know what you mean by that question, Princess Hanji," you stated.

Hanji began to laugh uncontrollably. Curious, and a little bit scared, you poked your head around the side of thee divider so see her sat on the bed. She regained herself and took a deep breath. "You don't need to use that title. Levi calls me Shitty Spectacles instead of using that title, so you don't have to use it."

You nodded slightly, averting your eyes from her since you were stood in your underwear on the other side of the divide. You pulled your head back and grabbed the dress, slipping it over your head. The dress hung loosely on your frame, but that was due to the fact that it hadn't been tied up yet. "Well in that case," you stated, grabbing a few handfuls of the dress, "you don't have to use my title either." You let out a sigh of frustration as you couldn't figure out how to tie it up at the back.

There was the sound of footsteps, but they stopped on the opposite side of the divide. "Need some help there, Y/N?"

You nodded, and then realised that she couldn't see you. "Yes, please," you said, letting out a small laugh, "I just can't tie it up."

Hanji stepped around the divide and took the two pieces of ribbon in her hand. She stood behind you and started fiddling with it all. It was as if she had no idea what she was doing. The chest became too tight, and then too loose - it continued like that for the entire time that she was lacing you up.

"Hanji," you gasped.

"What?" She asked, stopping for a split second - you appreciated the break.

"What do you suppose they're talking about?" You asked.

"Just an update on what's going on, you turned up at a bad time," she muttered. You gasped as she pulled on the ribbon, making the chest even tighter. "But never mind that business talk," she grinned, "what do you think of my designs? Science is the way forward, you know?" She laughed like a maniac and tugged for the final time before tying it together in a knot.

You could barely breathe, but at least the dress wasn't falling down.

A knock at the door caught your attention. The person didn't wait for an answer before entering the room.

"Tch, how many times have I told you to clean this filthy place?" Levi muttered in disgust, allowing his eyes to take in the room.

"So you've caught up after your vanishing act?" Hanji asked, completely ignoring what he said. She walked out behind the divide and dragged you out with her. You stumbled over the hem of the gown, it was a bit too big for you and you weren't wearing any shoes to give you extra height.

Levi nodded, "yes, I'm all up to date." He clocked onto your new look and complimented you, "it looks good on you."

You smiled and mumbled a small, "thank you" as you hid your face.

Hanji clapped her hands together, "I've got business to attend to, so I'll leave now. Y/N, remember to tell me about what it's like being human at dinner time."

She said that like she expected you to stay the whole night. Hanji left the room, not bothering to close the door behind her.

You looked back over at Levi. He was wearing a clean cravat that wasn't stained with any sinful substances. He raised an eyebrow at you, "you look paler than usual." You shrugged awkwardly, admitting that Hanji had tied it a little too tight. He beckoned you closer with a finger, "then come here, I'll tie it properly."

Hesitantly, you edged closer to him, turning slowly so that your back was facing his front. His slender fingers wrestled with the knot that Hanji had created, but he managed to undo it. He sighed, "I'm not surprised that she can't tie up a dress, she never wears them." He made quick work of it, lacing the ribbon properly and finishing it up by tying it in a delicate bow.

His eyes fell on your neck that was exposed, along with your shoulders. Your pulse thundered in his ears and his breathing became ragged. He broke contact and averted his eyes to the floor, letting his breathing return to normal. He had told himself not to hurt you, it wouldn't do anyone any good and besides, he was still full from his meal a few days ago.

You glanced at him over your shoulder, "are you okay, Levi?"

"Yes. Yes, I'm fine," he replied, rather dismissively. He took a deep breath and masked his emotions. He locked his deep, stormy grey eyes with your e/c ones and suggested, "shall we go for a tour of the castle before I take you home?"

"It depends," you mumbled. "If I go home, will I be able to return again?"