Faults ~Levi x Reader AU~

Chapter 34: Beautiful Surprise

My eyes fluttered open, the dim gleam causing me to wince in pain. My skull was throbbing, and my body was weighed down. My limbs felt like a hefty bag of cement was keeping them pinned in their positions, leaving me paralyzed. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't move...not a single inch. I was trapped like that and unable to budge. The only thing I could move was my head and eyes.

I rotated my head to the side and scanned beside me until my eyes fell on Levi. He was sitting in a chair next to me, his arms crossed firmly over his chest. His back was pressed firmly against his seat, his head hunched over. His eyelids were draped shut over those stunning metallic orbs I had grown so fond of, those sweet snores escaping from between his lips. He looked so peaceful and stunning, making my heart warm.

I smiled and fought my best to reach for him, my hand trembling from the heft of my limbs, but it was no use. I couldn't muster the strength to grace my fingertips against his beautiful face. But, right as I gave up, Levi began to stir, his eyelids fluttering open. He began to slowly glance up when he met my gaze. His eyes widened in response and he hurried to me, his hands taking ahold of mine.

"You're up," he breathed, his gaze quickly scanning mine.

I smiled at him, "I'm up." My oblivion was short lived until the memories of Andy's trial flashed through my mind. I panicked, "Oh my God."

I tried to sit up, but Levi stopped me. "You shouldn't move. Your body is still recovering."

"Recovering?" I furrowed my brow in curiosity.

I glanced down at my frame. I was dressed in a hospital gown, the thin blanket draped over me. Wires of vast styles and colors weaved and wrapped around me, each meeting a different monitor that chirped as they displayed numbers I knew nothing about. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until I noticed something that was...off.

"Levi," I mumbled numbly. "Levi...am I...am I still...pregnant?"

I glanced over at him, but the first time since I met him, Levi purposely avoided my gape. He was gazing down at the floor as if it was the most amazing thing on the earth. My heart dropped, my soul leaving my body as the color drained from my face.

"Where," I breathed, my lips trembling. "Where is she?"

He breathed in a tired breath and sighed, "No. You are no longer pregnant." He sat back, still holding my hand. "After you blacked out, the ambulance was called. You were rushed here, where the doctors did their best to stop the contractions, but they couldn't." He lowered his tone. "And beyond that, after you lost consciousness, Peiper became stressed. There was nothing else they could do but preform an emergency caesarean section to get her out."

I swallowed, "Is she okay? Is she alright?" I managed to find the strength and squeezed his hand. "Levi, please tell me. Where is she?"

***

Tears glossed over my eyes as my gaze fell on her. She was laying on her back, a tiny little blindfold pulled over her eyes. Her teeny body was naked, nothing but a diaper too large for her clothing her lower region. Wires and monitors surrounded her small build, making her appear so fragile and breakable.

But, God was she beautiful. Yes, she was so small -barely a foot long, but she was stunning. Her hair was already a thick black fuzz that matched Levi's inky locks, her skin pink with life. Her petite frame was thin from not yet having gained the weight she would've during the final months of my pregnancy. Despite all the tubes and wires, I couldn't take my eyes off her. My heart swelled with so much joy and love from seeing her.

"Look at her," I gushed, the tears rolling down my cheeks. "She's so beautiful. Isn't she?"

I glanced up at Levi from my wheelchair, beaming. I was so happy to finally see her...to finally see my little girl. To meet my daughter. The glee and love overflowed from me, almost smothering me.

"She is," he answered, grinning down at me. "She is very beautiful...just like her mother."

I could feel my cheeks flush red at that, not expecting him to say anything like that. It honestly took me off guard. I still wasn't accustomed to him being so sweet to me. It was bizarre and strange but flattering all the same. He had a way of making my heart skip a beat.

I squeezed his hand and smiled, "I think she looks more like you, to be honest."

He scanned her and chuckled, "I suppose I can see some of me in her."

"Some?" I laughed. "She's practically a carbon copy of you."

He bent down and kissed the crown of my head, breathing, "I know. Thank you."

**Ello my sweet lovelies. Shorter chapter today, but fear not, we're not done yet! We're not ending the story here, so just hold on. But, I do hope ya liked this chapter! Any thoughts/feelings about the story/Peiper? Feel free to leave em below! Thank you SOOOO SOOOO SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much for any and all support! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross