Faults ~Levi x Reader AU~

Chapter 35: Oxygen

"Wow, she's so tiny," Marco gushed as I showed him the photos I had taken of Peiper. "Look at all that dark hair."

"Right?" I beamed. "She looks so much like Levi. Even my mom thinks so."

"She really does," he agreed.

I set my phone on the table next to me and readjusted myself. Sadly, I was still trapped in the hospital bed, my body still sore and tender from the C-section. I hurt like hell, but I believed it was worth it. I loved that my daughter was there, despite being premature. But, still. I was elated...though, I was bedridden after seeing her. Dr. Tisdale preferred I rested up and allowed my body to heal, so I followed her orders...on the terms Levi would visit Peiper and send me pictures of her.

And, of course, he obliged. Every couple of hours he'd venture to the NICU, where he'd stay with her. I wasn't quite sure what he did the entire time, but I did appreciate that he was willing to send me countless pictures of our little girl.

Content, I sighed, "I'm just so happy."

"I bet," he smiled. "After getting that phone call yesterday I was horrified, though."

"Sorry about that," I apologized. "The trial was evidentally getting to me more than I thought."

He waved his hands dismissively, hurrying, "Oh, n-no. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." He scratched the back of his neck. "After all, it's not your fault. I'm just glad you and Peiper are both okay." He straightened up, clearing his throat, "But...uh...did they reach a verdict at all?"

I nodded, "Yeah. The DA said that after his outburst, Andy was found guilty on all charges."

Relief washed over him at those words. The whole Andy ordeal had left everyone overwhelmed and stressed, even if they weren't fully let in on all the details about the case. In the end, Andy being sent away was exactly what we all needed...and wanted.

"Well, I'm glad about that," Marco grinned. "Looks like ya can focus on you and little Peiper."

"Yeah," I smiled, leaning back against my pillow. I turned and scanned Marco, noticing he looked...different. I smirked, "What's up with you? You look...happy."

His cheeks flushed red as he twiddled his thumbs. "N-nothing. I'm just happy that you and Peiper are okay, is all."

"Uh huh," I smirked, observing him closely. I rolled to my side, supporting the weight of my head with my balled fist. "What else has you so chipper?"

He avoided my eyes, his own stare drifting to the ceiling. Oh. I smirked. He's got something juicy hidden away. I reached over and poked him with my other hand, grasping his attention. He turned to face me, the corners of his lips slightly drawn up as he fought back a smirk. Oh yeah. He's hiding something.

"Come on," I teased. "Tell me."

He chewed on his lips and beamed, "Well...you're gonna hate me."

"Am I?" I giggled. "How so?"

"Well...I, uh...I might have blurted to Connie and Jean that you were pregnant...and that Levi's the father," he confessed.

He flinched, waiting for me to strike, but I didn't. I couldn't bring myself to. To be honest, I actually found it rather amusing. I cocked my head back and let out a rumble of laughter, Marco's eyes watching me closely. I knew he was confused by my reaction, but I couldn't help it. It was just funny to me.

"What?" he asked, his tone curious. "What's so funny?"

I shrugged, "I'm not mad. It's kinda funny, actually." I brought my gaze to his. "So, I'm guessing they're no longer assuming we're a thing?"