Only You & Me | (Levi x Reader) | Alternate Universe

Chapter Eleven: I'm Not Your Son

"You know," you began, rocking your feet back and forth, sitting on a bar stool that was tucked underneath the island counter in your kitchen. "It's getting late. Are you staying over?" You popped a Pringle in your mouth, the tubed container snug in between your fingers. You watched as Levi paused for a moment, his eyes scanned you up and down. For some reason, what you would normally think of as a typical gaze from Levi felt awfully...strange.

Exposing.

"I'll go home," his voice responded, the words snapping you out of your thoughts. "It's a school night." You creased your brows in confusion while you read the digital time  that illuminated dully from the stove.

10:45 PM.

"It's really late, Levi," you restated, your expression contorting into one of worry. "Are you sure you don't want to stay?" You watched as Levi shut your textbook to a close with an audible 'snap'. He arranged it neatly---papers on top, books on the bottom---and clicked his tongue in satisfaction in heir of his completed task.

"Unless you want to walk me home and hold my fucking hand all the way there," Levi stated monotonously. You blinked for a moment, attempting to understand the gist of his statement.

"Oh! That was a joke," you chuckled breathily, inwardly cursing yourself for not catching on earlier. You knew of Levi's poor sense of humour, but it was a real shame that you hadn't been able to recognize it quickly enough. Levi seemed unfazed as he grabbed his bag from where it sat adamantly on the couch, and slung it over his left shoulder, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Tch, don't forget to wash the dishes, you little shit," Levi uttered as he began to lace up his shoes in the mudroom taking a seat on the small leather bench. "And don't sleep late tonight. I don't want to have to get your lazy ass out of bed tomorrow morning." You smiled faintly, letting out a yawn as you stretched out your arms, arching your back and letting out a sigh.

"Will do, captain!" you exclaimed in mock salute, a lazy smile gracing your lips. Levi shot you look; one of confusion. You were quick to notice it.

"It's a reference from that show I watch." His confusion hadn't extinguished. You blinked.

"You know...the one with the 15-foot monsters?" Levi's eyebrows raised slightly.

"Tch, the one with the idiots trying to save humanity or some shit?" You nodded your head excitedly, stuffing you hands into the pockets of your (Levi's) sweatshirt. You smiled enthusiastically.

"You remembered?" Levi's eyes darted away as he stood to unlock the door; you following him out to your front porch. "That's a surprise." Levi snorted, turning to face you once the both of you were outside on the porch. Levi stared down at your sock-clad feet.

"Tch, you know what would be a surprise?" Levi flicked your forehead, earning a small whine on your part. "If you remember to wash the dishes like I asked you to." You chuckled, your shoulders bouncing with laughter. The smallest of smiles ghosted Levi's lips.

"Goodnight, brat," Levi bid before swiftly walking down the porch stairs and continuing forward, the soles of his shoes pattering against the pavement of your driveway. It was when he heard the sound of your front door close, that he let out a soft sigh.

~

Whenever Levi stepped into his house alone, he felt hollow. Or perhaps it was the illusion that his empty house gave off when he was present. Nevertheless, the feeling was always one he couldn't shake.

But tonight was different.

When he stepped in through the front door, he nearly paused, becoming increasingly aware of his surroundings. There was something...something off. The house wasn't empty this time, nor did he feel hollow.