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levisolace · 5 months ago

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[10] Expendable Hearts (Levi x F!Reader)

Chapter 10: Friends?

WC: 7,826 Chapter Warnings: none not even angst lol Summary: Everyone in Levi's life knows he only ever dated one girl and that she left him wrecked, bitter, and heartbroken. Many years later, she's back in his life and he doesn't know what to do. Note: unedited i just wrote and skimmed through the whole thing SORRY

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You stirred slightly, caught between the haze of sleep and wakefulness. Warmth surrounded you, and your cheek was pressed against something solid. A steady, rhythmic sound filled your ears—Levi’s heartbeat.

It wasn’t until your hand shifted against his side that realization hit. Your arm was draped across him, your body curled into his. You froze. His arm is also draped over your back, hand resting on your shoulder, vaguely reminding you of how he held you from the back last night.

Levi’s breathing was slow and even, his chest rising and falling beneath your palm. He was still asleep, his face relaxed in a way you rarely saw. His brows, which were almost always furrowed, were smooth. His lips, slightly parted, showed none of the sharp remarks or dry humor you were used to.

You wanted to move—needed to—but your body betrayed you, unwilling to disturb the rare moment of peace. Levi looked genuinely asleep, which was rare. So instead, you lingered, your mind racing. It felt so natural, so familiar, and yet… it wasn’t.

The spell broke when a sudden weight landed on the bed, startling both of you.

Levi grunted, his brows knitting as his eyes flickered open.

Before you could so much as untangle yourself, Earl, your adorably sassy cat, pounced directly onto Levi’s chest, his tail whipping against your face.

“What the—” Levi’s voice was rough, his expression dazed as Earl began sniffing his face, completely unbothered by the chaos he’d caused.

“Earl!” you hissed, finally pulling yourself away from Levi, your face burning. You grabbed the cat, holding him up in front of you like a misbehaving child. “Really?”

The black cat hangs in the air, swaying slightly in your hands, completely unmoved by your scolding. In honesty, you were thankful for the cat getting you out on what was supposed to be an awkward situation of waking up.

Good job, Earl. You thought.

Levi sat up, raking a hand through his mussed hair, his silver eyes narrowing at Earl. You had to look away from him, hoping he didn’t notice your eyes shifting quickly from his sexily messy hair and toned arms that’s fighting peeking through the sleeve of your shirt that shifted down when he ran his hand through his hair.

“Is he always this… invasive?”

You couldn’t help but laugh, setting Earl on your lap. “He’s just excited to eat. He likes to make sure everyone knows who’s in charge around here.”

Earl, as if to emphasize your point, let out a demanding meow before jumping off the bed and trotting out the bedroom, clearly demanding breakfast.

Levi sighed, standing and stretching, the hem of his shirt lifting slightly as he did. “Might as well feed him before he gets ideas.”

“Sorry about that,” you said sheepishly, moving to follow him.

Levi glanced at you, his tone dry but not unkind. “Waking up to your cat attacking me is definitely a first.”

You laughed again, grateful for Earl’s impeccable timing. Whatever awkwardness lingered from the moment before was replaced by a quiet, easy rhythm as the two of you prepared yourself for breakfast.

After the two of you are done with your morning routine, which thankfully you have a spare toothbrush for Levi, the both of you headed to the kitchen. You brought out Earl’s food, laid them out on the counter and opened the fridge, eyes shifting to Levi who quietly followed you to the kitchen.

“Can you feed him while I make breakfast?” you ask, eyes hopeful.

Levi stood in the kitchen, arms crossed, giving Earl a scrutinizing look as the cat meowed expectantly by his food bowl.

“Alright,” he muttered, reaching for the bag of cat food on the counter. “What’s the serving size for this tiny menace?”

“Two scoops,” you said over your shoulder as you pulled out a carton of eggs.

Levi measured out the food with precision, his movements sharp and efficient, as though he were handling something far more serious than feeding a cat. Earl, meanwhile, paced in impatient circles, tail flicking as he let out tiny, demanding meows.

“Pushy, aren’t you?” Levi remarked dryly, crouching to set the bowl down. Earl immediately dove in, devouring the food like he hadn’t eaten in days.

You chuckled from the stove. “He’s got a big personality. Much like someone I know.”

Levi straightened, ignoring your comment and brushing his hands together as he leaned against the counter, watching you work. “Didn’t think I’d be running errands for a cat this morning,” he said, his tone teasing but light.

“Consider it your rent for staying over,” you quipped, cracking an egg into the pan.

He raised a brow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “So I get breakfast and a deal on rent? Generous of you.”

You grinned but didn’t reply, focusing on flipping the eggs. The kitchen is filled with the soft sizzle of butter, the smell of toast warming in the toaster, and the quiet hum of your coffee maker brewing fresh coffee while you told Levi to make his own tea that he found on your cupboard. Well, not before voicing out

“Why does this can of tea have dents on it?” He asked, amused and holding up the can that you bought when you first saw Moblit. Your cheeks flushed, embarrassed at the thought coming back.

Levi didn’t say much as he moved around the kitchen, tidying up stray items as though it was second nature. He wiped the counter, straightened a dish towel, even refilled Earl’s water bowl when he noticed it wasn’t full. It was kind of funny that you had to say something.

“Do you ever sit still?” you asked, glancing at him from the stove.

“I do,” he replied, his smirk deepening. “Just not when there’s chaos around.”

“It’s not chaos,” you protested, gesturing vaguely around the kitchen.

He gave a small shrug, though his expression softened slightly. “If you say so.”

A comfortable silence settled between you. Levi poured your cup of coffee while you plated breakfast, the two of you moving in sync despite the tight space.

When you finally set the plates down on the table, Levi handed you the cup of coffee, his eyes flicking briefly to yours. “Not bad teamwork.”

You smiled, sitting down across from him. “Earl’s happy, and breakfast’s ready. I’d call that a win.”

Levi gave a soft hum of agreement, picking up his fork. For a moment, it felt easy—like you were two people simply sharing a quiet morning together. It’s like you two were actually friends.

When the two of you were done eating and after winning over Levi as he insisted on washing the dishes by basically having to push Levi out of the kitchen, you place the last of the breakfast dishes in the sink, wiping your hands on a towel as you glance at Levi. He’s still seated at your tiny kitchen table, tea cup in hand, looking unusually relaxed for someone who had a night like his. Earl brushes past his legs before hopping onto the counter, and Levi glares at the cat briefly before returning to his tea.

“So,” you begin, leaning against the counter, “Hange and Moblit’s wedding is coming up. Do you have your gift figured out yet?”

Levi takes a slow sip, barely acknowledging your question. “No.”

“Really? You’re usually so on top of things,” you tease.

“I don’t waste energy on people’s weddings until I have to.”

You chuckle, crossing your arms. “Fair point. But the gift is important, you know. It’s Hange and Moblit. You can’t just show up empty-handed and scowl in the corner.”

Levi raises an eyebrow. “That wasn’t the plan.”

“Good, because I don’t think Hange would let you live it down,” you quip, walking over to sit across from him. “What are you thinking of getting them, then?”

His gaze shifts to you, expression unreadable. “What do you usually give people who spend their free time terrorizing the streets of Paradis with ‘scientific breakthroughs’?”

You laugh at that, shaking your head. “True. Hange’s one-of-a-kind. Moblit too, honestly, for putting up with her. I guess… something meaningful? Or fun?”

Levi huffs, setting his cup down. “Meaningful. Right. You’re not thinking of one of those ridiculous photo albums, are you?”

“Excuse me?” you say, feigning offense. “Photo albums are sentimental and timeless. Better than, I don’t know, a plain frying pan.”

“High-quality cookware isn’t plain,” Levi replies, deadpan. “It’s practical. They’re starting a household.”

“Oh, please,” you scoff, leaning back in your chair. “You think Hange’s going to care about pots and pans? Are we talking about the same Hange?”

Levi doesn’t reply immediately, but the faintest twitch of his lips betrays him.

“What about you?” he asks after a pause.

“What about me?”

“Do you have a gift in mind?”

You hesitate. “Not really. I’ve been busy. Haven’t had time to think about it.”

Levi leans back, arms folding across his chest. “Then figure it out now. We’ll go pick something out this afternoon.”

You blink, caught off guard. “We?”

“Yeah. You clearly need help.”

“And you don’t?”

Levi shrugs. “I’ll manage. But since we’re both clueless, we might as well waste time together.”

A smile tugs at your lips despite yourself. “Fine. But if you even look at cookware, I’m dragging you out of the store.”

“You can try,” he replies smoothly, finishing the last of his tea.

After a while following the conversation, Levi heads home for a bit, wanting to get a proper change of clothes before heading out to your gift shopping. You also took the time to prepare yourself for the day ahead, showering with all your might, choosing a good casual outfit for half an hour, and putting on proper makeup.

The early afternoon sun filters through the streets as Levi picks you up from your apartment in his car.

As you arrive at the center of the city, the marketplace buzzes with energy, shoppers weaving in and out of storefronts, vendors calling out to passersby. It’s a lively scene, a stark contrast to the quiet of your apartment just hours ago.

“Alright,” you say, clutching your bag as you walk beside him. “First stop?”

Levi glances around, his expression unreadable but his pace unhurried. “You’re the one who hasn’t thought of anything yet. Pick a store.”

You roll your eyes. “You’re such a gentleman, truly.”

He doesn’t reply, but the corner of his mouth twitches, and you count that as a victory.

After a few moments of scanning the shops, your eyes land on a boutique with quirky home goods displayed in the window. You grab Levi’s arm without thinking, tugging him toward it.

“This one!”

He stops just short of the door, eyeing the display. “If this is another shop full of useless junk—”

“It’s not junk,” you insist, dragging him inside. “It’s artsy. Hange would love it.”

The interior of the store is as whimsical as its window promised—bright colors, mismatched shelves, and a faint scent of lavender in the air. You immediately start browsing, your eyes flitting over ceramic planters shaped like animals, colorful tapestries, and handmade journals.

Levi follows, his hands in his pockets, clearly unimpressed. “You think they’ll actually use any of this?”

“Hange? Definitely,” you say, picking up a set of oddly shaped wine glasses. “What about these? Functional and fun.”

Levi raises an eyebrow. “They look like they’d break if you breathe on them.”

“Ugh, you’re impossible,” you mutter, setting them down.

As you continue browsing, Levi’s attention is drawn to a small shelf near the back of the store. You glance over, curious, and find him inspecting a sleek, minimalist tea set.

“For Moblit?” you guess, stepping closer.

Levi shrugs, his fingers brushing the edge of the teapot. “He might appreciate it. Keeps him calm when Hange gets… Hange.”

You smile, trying to picture Moblit carefully pouring tea while Hange rambles about her latest experiment. It’s almost too perfect. You also remember how Moblit told you when you first met that it was him who got Hange to actually drink tea. The memory warms your chest, knowing that Moblit is such a good match for your friend.

“I like it,” you say, surprising him. “It’s thoughtful. Let’s keep it in mind and go around one last time.”

He nods, setting the box back down with care as you walk around the store once more to see what else you haven’t spotted.

After deciding that the tea was the best choice, the two of you exit the quirky boutique, armed with a small bag containing the tea set for Moblit and Hange, to be named a gift from Levi. He carries it in one hand, his other tucked neatly into his pocket as he scans the street ahead.

“Alright,” you say, squinting in the sunlight, “one gift down. Now we just need something from me, and something that screams Hange.”

“Nothing screams louder than Hange herself,” Levi mutters, earning a chuckle from you.

As you walk, you glance over at him, curiosity bubbling up. “So… how did Hange and Moblit even happen? He wasn’t around when I left, was he?”

Levi hums, thinking for a moment. “No. Moblit came a little after you left. Fresh out of college, I think. He started working as Hange’s assistant when she was still with that research company.”

“Wait, assistant?” you interrupt, intrigued. “Like, lab assistant?”

“More like someone to keep her from burning the place down,” Levi replies dryly.

You laugh. “Sounds about right.��

Levi continues, his tone casual but laced with a hint of fondness. “They were… chaotic. Moblit was constantly putting out fires, literal and otherwise. But he stuck around. Hange tested his patience in every way possible, and he still showed up every day.”

You nod, smiling at the thought. “So, what, one day they just realized they liked each other?”

Levi shrugs. “Something like that. I didn’t ask for details. One day they were working late nights together; the next, he was the only one who could drag her away from the lab. Took a while, but they figured it out.”

“Sounds like a rom-com,” you muse, hands in your pockets.

Levi glances at you sideways. “Maybe, if your idea of romance includes a lot of yelling and broken glassware.”

“That just adds spice,” you tease, nudging his arm.

He scoffs lightly but doesn’t argue.

As you round a corner, your eyes catch on a brightly lit storefront across the street. The garish neon sign leaves little to the imagination, and your lips curl into a mischievous grin.

“Hey, Levi,” you say, feigning innocence. “What about that place? Think Hange would get a kick out of something from there?”

Levi follows your gaze to the adult shop and stops dead in his tracks. His expression twists into a mix of annoyance and disbelief.

“No,” he says flatly.

“Oh, come on,” you press, barely suppressing your laughter. “It’d be hilarious!”

“Absolutely not.”

“It’s so on-brand for her!” you argue, crossing your arms.

Levi shakes his head firmly. “You can go in there yourself if you want. I’m not stepping foot in that place.”

“Wow, way to be a team player,” you tease, giving him a playful nudge as the two of you continue walking.

“I’m already regretting this,” he mutters, though you catch the faintest hint of a smirk on his face.

The store bell jingles as you and Levi step inside the eclectic shop, a place so jam-packed with trinkets and oddities that it feels like stepping into Hange’s brain. You take a deep breath, the faint scent of sandalwood incense mixed with dust bringing an odd comfort.

“This might be it,” you say, spinning to face Levi.

He scans the chaotic layout of the shop, shelves stacked precariously with knickknacks and books. “This is it? You dragged me here for this?”

“Oh, don’t start,” you say, giving him a playful glare. “You’ve been way too grumpy for someone having a shopping day with me.”

“I didn’t realize I signed up for chaos,” he mutters, though he trails behind you as you dive into the aisles.

You scan the shelves eagerly, your fingers brushing over odd gadgets, vintage postcards, and bizarrely specific books. Levi stands a step behind, hands shoved into his pockets as he glances around disinterestedly.

“Look at this!” you exclaim, holding up a miniature plasma ball. “Hange would love this! She’d put it on her desk and zap it every time she had an idea.”

“She’d break it within a week,” Levi says, unimpressed.

“True.” You laugh, setting it back down and moving further into the shop.

Levi, seemingly resigned to his fate, picks up an intricately carved paperweight shaped like a hyena. He studies it for a second before showing it to you. “This isn’t terrible.”

You squint at it. “Is that because you think it’s practical, or because it reminds you of Hange?”

He shrugs, putting it back without answering, but the slight quirk of his lips betrays him.

Eventually, you stumble upon a small section of quirky inventions. Your eyes land on a device labeled “All-In-One Enthusiast’s Gadget: Compass, Thermometer, and Laser Pointer.”

“Oh my god,” you whisper, grabbing it off the shelf. “Levi, look at this!”

He leans in to inspect it. “What even is that?”

“Perfection,” you reply dramatically. “Hange could use this for literally everything. Getting lost on one of her field trips? Compass. Want to mess with someone’s cat? Laser pointer. Need to check if it’s too cold for a jacket? Thermometer!”

“Or,” Levi says, taking it from you, “she’ll use it twice and lose it.”

“That’s… also valid.” You laugh. “But isn’t that the fun of it?”

He sets it back down and picks up a hardcover book titled “Wonders of the World: Unexplained Phenomena and Curious Discoveries.” He flips through the pages, his brow furrowing slightly.

“She’d like this,” he says simply.

You peer over his shoulder, nodding. “You’re right. She loves this kind of stuff. Aliens, strange artifacts, ghosts… She’d devour this.”

“Finally,” he mutters, heading toward the counter with the book.

“Wait!” you say, grabbing the gadget and rushing after him. “We’re getting both.”

He gives you a flat look. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, here you are,” you tease, grinning.

The clerk wraps up the items, commenting on your “unique taste.” Levi pays without hesitation, ignoring your protests.

“You didn’t have to do that,” you say as the two of you step outside.

“Think of it as compensation,” he says dryly. “For dragging me into this circus.”

You nudge him with your shoulder. “You’re too kind, Captain Grumpy.”

As you walk, your attention catches on a wedding display in the window of a boutique. The mannequins are dressed in elegant white and black, surrounded by glittering décor. You slow your pace, drawn to the scene.

“They really went all out,” you murmur, your eyes lingering on the intricate details.

Levi pauses beside you, his gaze following yours. After a moment, he speaks, his tone softer than before. “People are different in relationships.”

You glance at him, surprised by the sudden comment.

“Some change to match their partner,” he continues, his eyes still on the display. “Others… lose themselves trying to keep the other happy.”

Your chest tightens at the subtle weight of his words. You can’t help but wonder if he’s hinting at your past together, though he doesn’t look at you or elaborate further.

“Which one do you think you are?” you ask, your voice almost a whisper.

He turns to you then, his expression unreadable. “Neither.”

You don’t press him, and the two of you walk in silence until you reach another store.

“Well,” you say, forcing a lightness into your tone as you point at the boutique across the street. “Should we pick something up for the honeymoon? I’m sure they’d appreciate something… educational.”

Levi follows your gaze, his eyes landing on the unmistakable neon sign of an adult shop. His response is immediate.

“No.”

“Come on, think of the laughs!” you say, grinning at his deadpan expression.

“I said no.”

You laugh, raising your hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. No fun.”

His glare softens as he shakes his head, and for a brief moment, you catch the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes.

“Let’s find something else they won’t want to throw out,” he says, leading the way into the next store.

The day stretches into evening, and the vibrant streets of Stohess hum with life as you and Levi step out of the last shop, your shopping bags rustling. In the end, you settled on also giving them a personalized wooden cutting board with their name carved on the corner and on the sides, “may you be filled with the most powerful form of energy—love.”

The golden glow of the setting sun bathes everything in a warm hue, and your stomach growls, breaking the momentary quiet.

Levi glances at you. “Hungry?”

You nod sheepishly. “Starving. All this gift-hunting works up an appetite.”

“Yeah, who was the one ridiculing kitchenware this morning only to end up with a cutting board?” Levi teased, earning a glare from you.

He points down the street toward a cozy-looking restaurant with glowing lanterns strung outside. “Let’s eat there. It’s quiet.”

You glance in the direction he’s pointing, nodding in agreement. “Alright, but I need to grab something first. Go ahead and get us a table—I’ll be quick.”

Levi narrows his eyes slightly, skeptical. “What do you need so urgently?”

“Just some essentials I ran out of at home. It won’t take long, promise,” you reply, already stepping away before he can argue.

He sighs but doesn’t press further. “Don’t make me wait too long.”

As Levi makes his way into the restaurant, you slip down the block to a nearby flower stand you’d spotted earlier. Your eyes wander over the small yet colorful selection until a simple bouquet of blue hyacinths and white orchids catches your attention. They’re elegant and understated, much like the man they’re meant for.

“This one, please,” you tell the vendor.

The vendor, a gentle old woman, smiles. “Nice choice.”

“Perfect,” you murmur, paying the vendor before hurrying back—well, before stopping by one last store, that is.

Inside the restaurant, Levi sits at a window-side table, glancing at the menu with his usual calm demeanor. The warm glow of the lanterns outside casts soft light across his face, making him look more relaxed than usual. When you approach, flowers hidden behind your back, his eyes flick up, noting your arrival.

“Took you long enough,” he remarks, his tone laced with mild exasperation.

“I come bearing peace,” you say with a grin, revealing the bouquet.

Levi blinks, momentarily stunned. “Flowers?”

“For you,” you say, setting them gently on the table in front of him.

He stares at the flowers for a beat before letting out a quiet sigh, though there’s a faint hint of color on his cheeks. “You’re unbelievable.”

“In a good way, I hope,” you tease, sitting down across from him. “Did you know men rarely get flowers?”

He picks up the bouquet carefully, his fingers brushing against the petals. “I do. And they’re… nice,” he mutters, setting them aside with practiced nonchalance. “Thanks.”

You can’t help but smile at his reaction, knowing he’s not the type to gush over such things. The server arrives, and the two of you place your orders, the warmth of the restaurant and the soft glow of the evening making everything feel a little more intimate.

“So,” Levi begins once the server leaves. “What was so urgent that you had to leave me standing here like an idiot?”

“Already told you—essentials,” you say lightly. “The flowers were just an extra.”

“Hm,” he replies, though his expression softens ever so slightly as he glances at the bouquet again.

The small, cozy restaurant Levi had chosen was warm and inviting, with the scent of freshly baked bread and simmering herbs wafting through the air. The two of you sat by the window, the quiet hum of conversation around you providing a pleasant backdrop.

“You’re predictable, you know,” you tease as Levi scans the menu.

His eyes flick up to meet yours. “How so?”

“Always going for the places with minimal crowds and simple menus,” you reply, gesturing around the understated interior.

“Simple is better,” he says matter-of-factly. “Less room for error.”

You roll your eyes, grinning. “Right, because a chaotic place would just ruin your whole day.”

“Exactly,” he deadpans, but the faintest twitch of his lips gives him away.

The server arrives, and after placing your orders, you lean back in your seat, folding your arms. “So, do you ever relax, or is this just a lifelong state of being?”

Levi raises an eyebrow. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Fair point,” you concede, chuckling. “But seriously, don’t you ever just… let loose? Try something new, something out of your comfort zone lately?”

He considers this for a moment. “Define ‘letting loose.’”

“I don’t know, karaoke? Trying spicy food? Wearing something other than black?”

“I’ve done all those things,” he counters, taking a sip of water.

“Wait, you’ve done karaoke?” you ask, incredulous.

You remember back in college, he would just sit in the corner whenever you and your friends would have karaoke night.

“I was coerced,” he admits, looking vaguely annoyed at the memory.

“By Hange, I bet,” you say, laughing.

“Who else?” he mutters, shaking his head.

The conversation drifts to lighter topics as the food arrives, and you find yourself relaxing more than you’d expected. The two of you share observations about the other diners, recalling old inside jokes, and even debating which of the dishes you ordered was better.

At one point, Levi surprises you by asking, “So, what’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done recently?”

You blink at him. “Ridiculous?”

“Yeah,” he says, leaning back slightly. “Something impulsive. Out of character.”

You think for a moment, then grin. “I once sang the entire theme song of a kid’s cartoon during a work karaoke night. Sober.”

Levi’s eyebrows lift. “Why?”

“I panicked,” you admit, laughing. “It was the only thing I could think of under pressure.”

He shakes his head, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “You really are something else.”

“Is that your way of saying you’re impressed?” you tease.

“Don’t push it,” he replies, but there’s an unmistakable warmth in his tone.

When you are done eating, the server clears away your plates, leaving the two of you nursing your drinks. The warm, ambient lighting softens Levi’s sharp features as he leans back slightly in his chair, fingers loosely clasped around his glass.

“Do you miss it?” he asks suddenly, his tone casual, but his gaze steady.

“Miss what?” you reply, sipping your drink.

“Working for your old boss. You spent years there, didn’t you?” he asks, swirling the liquid in his glass.

You tilt your head, studying him. “Why the sudden interest?”

He shrugs. “Just wondering if you were happy back then.”

The question catches you off guard. You shift in your seat, glancing out the window briefly before returning your focus to him. “It was… different. I mean, Vanessa was a great boss, and I learned a lot.”

You pause, setting your glass down. “But yeah… I do,” you admit, the words coming out softer than you expected.

Levi raises an eyebrow, clearly curious. “Why?”

“She wasn’t just my boss,” you begin, leaning back slightly in your chair. “Vanessa was like family to me. Her house… her world… It felt like a second home. After work, we’d have these barbecues in her backyard, nothing fancy. Just her kids running around, her husband trying not to burn the chicken, and me trying to keep up with her stories about law school.”

Levi listens quietly, his fingers resting lightly on his glass. “Sounds… normal. Too normal for someone who was running herself into the ground.”

You smile faintly. “It didn’t feel like work with her. She was always pushing me, yes, but she made me feel like I belonged. When we celebrated wins, it wasn’t some formal dinner with suits and speeches. It was burgers and laughter. She’d pop open a bottle of champagne for even the smallest victories and let her kids spray me with the hose afterward.”

He hums, his expression softening, though his voice remains steady. “You were happy.”

“I was,” you admit, staring at the table for a moment before meeting his gaze. “She saw me through some tough times. I owe her a lot.”

“Does she know that?” Levi asks, tilting his head.

You chuckle. “Oh, she does. She likes to remind me every chance she gets. She even jokes that I’m a daughter she didn’t ask for but is stuck with anyway.”

Levi’s lips twitch, almost forming a smile. “Bet you were more trouble than her actual kids.”

“Probably,” you admit, laughing. “But she never made me feel like it. She just… had a way of making everything feel manageable. Even the messiest cases.”

Levi’s gaze lingers on you for a moment, as though he’s weighing something in his mind. Finally, he speaks. “So why leave all that behind?”

You pause, the weight of his question settling heavily in your chest. “Because I had to,” you say quietly. Leaving Trost felt like the right thing when she asked you to. Something was pulling you back in Paradis, no matter how… scared you were.

He doesn’t press further, and for that, you’re grateful. Instead, he shifts the conversation slightly, his voice casual. “And those barbecues… were they a regular thing?”

“Every couple of weeks,” you reply with a nostalgic smile. “She’d always say, ‘Lawyers need to remember they’re human too.’”

Levi leans back, studying you. “Maybe she had a point.”

You glance at him, raising an eyebrow. “Are you implying I’ve forgotten how to be human?”

“Not completely,” he says dryly. “But you’re getting there.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

The playful banter feels easy, almost natural. For the first time in a long while, you sense a sliver of your old self shining through. Levi’s sharp wit and steady presence ground you, even as the conversation drifts into lighter territory.

You laugh softly, changing the topic with something you recalled. “You know, one time, Earl accidentally jumped into a Zoom meeting with client.”

“Your cat had better networking skills than you,” Levi remarks dryly, though the faintest smile plays at his lips.

“Apparently,” you quip, shaking your head. “But those moments were rare. Most of the time, it was just work, work, work.”

Your companion tilts his head. “What about work? Was it fulfilling?”

You blink at him, a bit thrown by the unexpected depth of the question. You take a moment to think, swirling the remnants of your drink. “Well… there was one time Vanessa let me lead a case solo. It was a small one, but I was terrified. I stayed up all night preparing. When I won, she told me she was proud of me. That meant a lot.”

Levi nods, his expression unreadable. “Sounds like she saw something in you.”

“She did,” you admit, a small smile tugging at your lips. “More than I saw in myself at the time.”

A comfortable silence settles between you for a moment before you glance at him, tilting your head. “Why are you asking me this, anyway?”

He shrugs again, leaning back in his chair.

“Just trying to figure out if all that time away was worth it for you.”

Your chest tightens slightly at his words, and you look down at your glass, tracing the rim with your finger. “I’m not sure yet,” you say quietly, then force a lighter tone. “But hey, at least I got to meet some interesting people. Like that client who tried to pay me with chickens.”

Levi raises an eyebrow. “Chickens?”

“Three of them,” you confirm with a grin. “And they weren’t even food. Just… alive. In cages.”

He snorts softly, shaking his head. “You have a knack for finding the weirdest situations.”

“Or they find me,” you counter, chuckling.

The moment feels lighter again, the tension dissipating as you trade a few more jokes about your bizarre work experiences. But beneath it all, you sense an unspoken understanding between the two of you—a recognition of how much has changed, and how much still lingers.

By the time the check arrives, you feel lighter than you have in weeks. As you step out of the restaurant, the conversation continues with the same easy rhythm, and you can’t help but feel like maybe, just maybe, the space between you and Levi isn’t as wide as it once was.

As the server sets the check on the table, you reach for it before Levi can.

“I could’ve gotten that,” he protests, narrowing his eyes at you.

“You bought some of the wedding gifts,” you counters flatly, tucking your card into the black folder. “Consider us even. Also, I’m not that broke.”

He rolls his eyes but doesn't argue further. The meal had been better than you’d expected—both the food and the company. As you shrug on your coat, Levi glances at the bags holding Hange and Moblit’s gifts.

“Do you have gift wrap at home?” he asks.

You pause, blinking at him. “Uh, no. I was just going to buy some tomorrow.”

He shakes his head as he stands, adjusting his jacket. “That’s a waste of time. I have everything at my place.”

You raise an eyebrow. “You have gift wrap? Since when are you so prepared for weddings?”

Levi smirks faintly. “I’m not. But Hange made me wrap some ridiculous thing for her last year, and I still have leftovers.”

You chuckle, imagining the scenario. “Of course she did.”

“Come on,” he says, grabbing the bags. “We’ll get it done tonight.”

“Are you inviting me over to your place to wrap gifts?” you tease as you follow him outside.

“It’s practical,” he replies simply, leading the way toward his car. “Unless you’re planning on hauling this around tomorrow.”

You hesitate, not entirely sure if you should. But his tone is casual, and the evening had been nice. To be entirely honest, you also didn’t want to part with him yet. “Okay,” you agree, stepping into the passenger seat.

After agreeing to stay the night at his place, you told him that you should get some things at your apartment first.

Levi parks the car in front of your building, throwing the gear into park with an ease that feels second nature. He glances at you as you unbuckle your seatbelt.

“You don’t have to come up,” you say, reaching for the door handle.

He raises an eyebrow. “You’re not carrying all that by yourself.”

You roll your eyes but don’t argue, knowing his stubbornness would win out anyway. As you unlock the front door and lead him inside, you feel a flicker of self-consciousness. Was it really casual to stay over at a friend’s place overnight just to wrap some gifts? What are the two of you even doing?

“Give me a minute,” you mumble, stepping into your bedroom to grab a change of clothes and your overnight bag.

Levi remains in the living room, scanning his surroundings with quiet observation. Earl, as if on cue, saunters out from his hiding spot and rubs against Levi’s leg, purring loudly. Levi chuckles softly, glancing down at the fluffy gray cat.

“Hey buddy,” he calls, his voice flat.

You poke your head out of the bedroom, grinning. “Well, aren’t the two of you best buds already?”

“He’s shedding on my pants,” Levi mutters, though he doesn’t move away.

“He likes you,” you note, slinging your bag over your shoulder. “That’s what you get for feeding him once.”

Earl jumps onto the couch, staring at Levi with curious green eyes. Levi sighs and scratches the cat’s head tentatively, earning an enthusiastic purr.

You smirk, pulling out Earl’s carrier. “Looks like you’re taking him, too.”

“What?” Levi’s eyes widened slightly. For a moment, you feel bad for making him take the cat. He’s probably worried about the mess. But Earl’s a good cat anyway.

“You can’t expect me to leave him alone overnight,” you say, scooping Earl into the carrier. “He’ll hate me for it. Besides, you two are bonding.”

Levi grumbles something under his breath, but when you hand him the carrier, he takes it without protest.

Back in the car, Earl meows loudly from his carrier, the sound echoing in the confined space.

“He’s dramatic,” you say, glancing at Levi, who looks vaguely amused.

“He fits in,” Levi deadpans, keeping his eyes on the road.

You laugh, leaning back in your seat as you navigate through the city. By the time you reach Levi’s apartment, you’re surprisingly relaxed, the earlier awkwardness replaced by a faint sense of familiarity.

Levi unlocks the door to his apartment and steps aside, letting you and Earl inside. You take a moment to glance around, still impressed by how neat and minimalistic his space is—dark wood tones, simple furniture, and barely any personal clutter. It’s quintessentially Levi.

Earl, now out of his carrier, sniffs cautiously before hopping onto the couch like he owns the place. Levi watches the cat with a raised brow.

“He’s making himself at home,” you tease, setting your overnight bag by the door.

“Better not scratch the furniture,” Levi mutters, though he doesn’t move to shoo Earl off.

You grin, pulling the bag of gifts onto the coffee table. As you do, you notice that he’d already found a place for the bouquet you gave him. It’s already settled in a vase on the same coffee table, the action earning a smile from you.

“Okay, let’s get started,” You clapped your hands cheerfully.

Levi fetches a roll of brown kraft paper, scissors, and tape from a nearby drawer, placing them on the table with precision. You sit cross-legged on the floor, unboxing one of the gifts. Levi sits across from you, his expression vaguely skeptical as you spread out the paper.

“Do you even know how to wrap properly?” he asks.

“I’m offended,” you say, mock gasping. “I haven’t done this in a while, okay? Don’t worry. Once I get the hang of it, I’m an expert.”

He smirks, grabbing one of his own gifts and starts taking them out of the bags. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

With an exaggerated flourish, you start wrapping the premium wooden cutting board, carefully creasing the edges and taping it with precision. Levi watches quietly, his amusement growing as you fumble with the ribbon.

“Need help?” he finally offers, taking pity on you as the ribbon slips out of your grasp for the third time.

“No!” you insist, stubbornly tying a lopsided bow. “It’s perfect. Rustic charm.”

Levi chuckles under his breath, shaking his head as he picks up the next gift—the boxed tea set that was his first pick for the day. His movements are deliberate, his sharp focus turning the task of wrapping into an art form.

“Well, aren’t you the gift-wrapping expert?” you observe, impressed.

“Had to,” he replies simply. “Kuchel made me wrap gifts for the restaurant staff every year, remember?”

You smile softly, recalling a younger Levi meticulously wrapping presents in the back of the restaurant. You didn’t actually see him do it before but you remember him telling you about it when you asked what he was doing one time.

“Yeah… I remember,” you respond, making him pause and look at your face. You don’t look back at him, opting to look at the gift he was wrapping, but you can see him scrutinizing your reminiscing countenance.

As you work, the silence between you grows comfortable. Earl curls up in a corner, watching lazily as you and Levi finish wrapping the gifts. When the last package is placed on the table, you lean back with a satisfied sigh.

“Done,” you announce, admiring your handiwork.

Levi glances at the slightly crooked ribbon on your gift and smirks. “Barely.”

You playfully nudge his leg with your foot. “Whatever. It’s the thought that counts.”

“Oh, wait! One last gift,” you exclaim, grabbing the same handbag that you had earlier in the day. You giggle in excitement, fishing for the plastic bag.

“Aha!” You shout as you find it, taking it out and shoving it in Levi’s face as you wave it around to show him.

His mouth drops when he realizes what you were holding. The realization makes his face immediately redden and turn away, dodging the item in your hand.

“What the fuck? When did you even—,” he sighed. “I knew you had a funny look on your face when you said essentials.”

“It’s essential for a young, married couple to find out their tastes in sex,” you argue, grabbing a wrapping paper. “Also, I got a good deal on it. Look? It’s a variety of things, see?”

You point at the box, showing him what’s the inclusion for the box set you bought.

Levi sighs, closing his eyes. “I don’t even want to think about it. Don’t put that picture in my head right now.”

You giggled, happily wrapping the gift and adding a note that says “open it on your honeymoon night.”

By the time the last ribbon was tied and the neatly wrapped gifts sat in a corner of Levi’s living room, the evening had begun to fade into night. The soft light from the table lamp cast a warm glow over the room, and the quiet hum of the city outside filtered faintly through the windows.

You stretched your arms above your head, stifling a yawn as you glanced at the clock. “Well, that’s everything,” you said, nodding toward the small pile of gifts. “They’re going to love these.”

Levi stood nearby, carefully clearing the scattered bits of tape and wrapping paper. His movements were precise, almost methodical, but you could tell he was tired. He straightened, his gaze flicking briefly to you. “I think we got too much,” he muttered, making you laugh.

You hesitated for a moment, looking at him as he carried the last of the scraps to the trash. There was something unspoken lingering between you, a quiet tension that had been growing all day. Not uncomfortable, but not entirely easy either—a fragile balance teetering between familiarity and something… unresolved.

Clearing your throat, you offered him a small smile. “Thanks for today. For, you know, coming with me and asking me to do this and… everything else. I had a good time.”

Levi paused by the trash bin, his back to you for a beat before he turned, his expression unreadable. “It’s fine,” he said simply, but his tone was softer than usual. “Thank you too… for the flowers.”

You shifted your weight from one foot to the other, feeling the sudden need to fill the silence. “Well, I should get to bed. It’s been a long day.”

Levi nodded, gesturing toward the hallway. “Guest room’s ready.”

You turned to leave, but stopped after a few steps. “Levi?” you called softly.

He looked up, his gray eyes meeting yours. “What?”

“I just… I’m glad we’re doing this. You and me, I mean. Trying to…” You trailed off, searching for the right words but finding none. Instead, you settled for a quiet, “Good night.”

For a moment, Levi didn’t reply, and you wondered if you’d said too much. But then his gaze softened, almost imperceptibly, and he gave a small nod. “Good night.”

You retreated down the hall, the sound of your footsteps faint against the hardwood floor. As you closed the door behind you, you couldn’t help but feel the weight of the day settle over you—a mix of warmth, nostalgia, and a faint thread of hope.

Unbeknownst to you, Levi lingered in the living room for a while longer, his gaze resting on the gifts you’d wrapped together and the flowers on his coffee table.

Levi sat on the edge of the couch, elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the bouquet of blue hyacinths and white orchids on the coffee table. The delicate petals caught the dim light of the lamp, their colors muted yet vivid against the quiet tones of his apartment.

He reached out, lightly brushing a finger along the edge of a petal. His mind drifted, unbidden, to a memory he hadn’t revisited in years.

It was a warm spring evening during college, the kind of night where the air was cool but the sky was clear. He had just won first place in an essay-writing competition, something he hadn’t thought much of at the time. You had, though.

Levi remembered the rooftop you’d both snuck onto after the ceremony, a quiet place away from the noise of the world. He had been sitting on the ledge, his arms draped over his knees, while you rummaged through your pockets with a mischievous grin.

“What are you doing?” he had asked, arching an eyebrow at your unusual excitement.

“Celebrating, obviously,” you had replied, pulling out handfuls of flower petals you’d somehow collected throughout the day.

Before he could respond, you tossed a handful into the air, the soft rain of petals cascading over him. Levi had groaned, brushing a few off his hair, but he couldn’t stop the slight upward twitch of his lips.

“You’re ridiculous,” he had muttered, though the words lacked any real bite.

“You’re a champion,” you had countered, your laughter bright and unrestrained as you grabbed another handful and threw them again.

He had watched you then, your face lit up with joy, your laughter echoing in the stillness of the night. The sight of you—carefree, radiant, unapologetically yourself—had struck something deep within him. It was one of the rare moments when the walls he’d built around himself felt a little less sturdy.

And now, years later, as he sat in his quiet apartment, the memory came rushing back with startling clarity.

The bouquet on the table felt like an echo of that night, a fragment of a past he wasn’t sure he’d ever fully understand. He wondered if you remembered it too when you told him that men rarely receive flowers in their life. He had received a few, especially on graduation and when Stohess Stone took off. But the petals you rained on him that night… that was the first flowers he had ever received.

With a quiet exhale, Levi leaned back, his gaze lingering on the flowers for a moment longer before he pushed himself up.

But the memory stayed with him as he turned off the lights and headed to his bedroom, the image of your laughter and the gentle rain of petals lingering in his mind like a soft, bittersweet dream.

#taglist: expendable hearts

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