#post war fluff

[sunflowersunite]

What are your headcanons for levihan if Hange had survived?

thank you SO MUCH @quillsandblades, I love those sorts of questions

firstly, after they've calmed down from the war and the Rumbling, Hange wants to travel. She wants to see all sorts of sights, learn everything, see everything. Levi follows, inevitably. He's always had her back (he's always been her left eye), so now he goes with her. it's natural to follow her by now.

they don't speak about their feelings immediately. They rushed to confess when the world was ending, and now that it's not, something keeps them from doing it. They've held off for so long that they don't know how to let go of their reluctance. Armin and the others roll their eyes, but wave goodbye at them at the airport.

it's all right, though, because they get to travel together, and start a whole another life.

Hange sees all sorts of devices, ancient or not. She goes to museums, sees human history unfolding before her. Artworks, statues, declarations of war, peace treaties, rusty machines and legendary monuments.

Levi watches her and smiles. He sees the old Hange again, the one without the weight of the Wings of Freedom.

Levi starts to look younger without the stress lines. He smiles a bit more. Hange smiles a lot, and she returns to her old self gradually. They're both so proud of each other (which means extra teasing)

She tries weird spicy food, while he sticks to the beverages. She wants to make him eat, because "you can't know you don't like it if you've never tried"

later, she discovers the Rubik's cube. It takes her about two days to solve it (two days straight, without food, and Levi had to force her to sleep)

Eventually, they settle down. They both want to return to Paradis and live there in anonymity.

They find a remote house in the forest, near the river, like they once promised to. They prefer to be calm and isolated-- or at least choose when they want to interact with the world. They live together, of course, it feels natural by now. It would feel unnatural not to, after everything.

The house has two bedrooms.

They go to Historia's for lunch often. She and her husband share weird looks, but they never say anything. Her daughter calls them aunt and uncle. She climbs on Levi's lap, and he doesn't complain, he just holds her nonchalantly and lets her touch the shaved part of his undercut.

When he asks Hange why she's smiling like an idiot, she tells him it's nothing.

Did I mention that he lets Hange cut his hair?

Hange studies plants, birds, has adopted some animals from time to time despite what Levi says.

Somehow, Levi manages to clean the entire house in no time. He also bathes Hange, because some things never change.

"Don't put pressure on yourself, that's an order," Hange tells him. "You're not my superior anymore," he reminds her. That holds more weight than he intended it to. They're free.

The weight of memories becomes to much to bear, eventually. With all the free time they have, all they do is remember those they've lost. The family that broke up.

Hange gets up at nights and goes to Levi's room. They don't exchange many words, she just crawls into bed with him. They sleep side by side. Eventually, the second bedroom turns into a study.

They treat each other's injuries, apply the necessary balms to the scars and the burns every day. It becomes their routine. Hange sometimes kisses the scar on his eye when she's done, just to see him flustered.

Levi doesn't do exactly the same to the burns on her back, but the touch of his fingers is so deliberately featherlight that Hange can't help but shiver. It's something that comes naturally, because he wants to take care of her.

They get married. It's the only possible outcome. They both knew it would happen, they just needed time to adjust to their newfound freedom.

"it wasn't that obvious," Hange complains when Historia makes a remark one day about "how great, it was about time".

"it was, Commander," Historia says. "We all saw it coming."

they share anecdotes, and the evening passes with Hange saying "wait, you were jealous??" and "that's why you said that??"

they both feel flustered when Historia reveals they were basically the parents of the 104th. They knew, but still, it being said out loud hits different.

Mikasa was maid of honour.

(now, whether they have kids of their own is another story.)

They're both awkward af, mostly Levi. At first when Levi wants to kiss her, he gets extra serious, catches her attention like "oi" and maybe grabs her by the hair.

They feel like Erwin's gonna appear out of nowhere and tell them that they're being unprofessional lol

For a while (or a lot) every time Levi wakes up, he feels like he'll open his eyes and it will all have been a dream, and he'll wake up back in the barracks with two eyes and more people to lose.

so Levi seeks next to him, finds Hange, and holds her, breathes in the scent of the forest and the sea salt on her. Only then does he open his eyes, when he feels like it's safe to. He's never told her.

They visit the sea very often. Levi stands up from his wheelchair then, and they hold hands and look. Now, the sea doesn't hold promises and vows, it's just sea. Blue and beautiful. They watch sunsets and sleep in the sand and watch sunrises together.

the house is full of photos of them and their trips, and little souvenirs and plants and Hange's research.

I feel like they would become legends as the time passed. Of course, Hange is a well known "historical figure" as the 14th Commander, but Levi? There are no pictures of him, only oral tales about "a soldier so strong he could defeat 30 titans at once". Yeah, right, as if. Where's the proof?

Hange becomes a herbologist or zoologist or astronomer or everything. Maybe she becomes a professor and does her own research on a field she loves. Some of her students come to her house and they see Levi Freaking Ackerman chilling like "wassup"

and they ask "did you really kill like 100 titans" "were titans even real?" (because scepticism and because they were too young to remember) And Levi just says "no" and goes about his day.

(there are swords on the wall, though)

Levi prefers to stay at home and be at peace. He helps refugees, of course, and "helps around" with Historia's orphanage (kids run around and he calls them brats)

Hange has made a bet with herself as they grow older that Levi will end up with more wrinkles around his eyes than between his brows. She's never told anyone.

(the bet is proceeding well)

eventually they grow old together and watch their "grandkids" (Historia's kids, Jean's kids, Aruani's kids, Mikasa's adopted kids, etc)

The kids call them their grandparents and they absolutely don't mind. Levi chastises them, but not harshly.

He teaches the kids how to flip butterfly knives. What is Jean going to do, tell him not to?

They absolutely adore Hange. She makes up those fun games and teaches them a multitude of things (although a parent must always be around because her games are kinda dangerous)

Levi wears Hange's clothes. The trope where the girl wears her man's T-shirts, and whatever-- that's Levi. And he can pull them off.

Hange wears his clothes too. I mean, Levi has broad shoulders and although the shirts might be kinda short, it's a fashion choice and she looks fabulous. They've forgotten which clothes are whose. Sometimes they even buy them the "wrong" size for the other one to steal.

Okay this is long, I gotta stop. But send me more questions like this, people, I love them

[lunapwrites]

Also, a writing-related thing, but someone made a podfic for The Great Biscuit Calamity and I'm screaming because I've never had anyone just... do that before???? And that's such a fun little fic for that too! The sound quality is also excellent and they went through the trouble of pronouncing all the little Welsh words I threw in and ??!????!???!?!?!?!??!??!?!?!!!!!!!

Anyway it's here.

[up-to-some-good]

The Great War

Fics from my playlist (1/?)

We would never go back to that bloodshed, crimson clover

The worst was over

It was over. The war was finally over. The Death Eaters had scattered before Voldemort's body had even hit the ground.

The dust hadn't even settled from the battle, but relief was coursing through every survivor alongside adrenalin. Minerva McGonagall stood over Tom Riddle's corpse, wand still drawn, chest heaving.

It was eerily silent. Everything had ended too quickly, too abruptly, for it to feel real. But it was. It was over.

Within a few days memorials and monuments would be built for the fallen soldiers. Their names would be remembered for generations to come. Caradoc Dearborn. Fabian and Gideon Prewett. Regulus Black.

Regulus, who had died betraying the dark side, who had turned the tide of the war with one simple letter to his brother, would be honoured above all.

The Potters and Longbottoms could come out of hiding. Their sons could have a normal childhood, without a war and prophecy looming over them.

It would all happen in the next few days, weeks, years. The next morning would be good, for the first time in years.

Sirius was the first to break the silence on the battlefield, bracing his arms on his knees with a heavy sigh.

"Is that it, then?" he called across the courtyard. "We're done? He's dead?"

McGonagall put her wand away and straightened her robes.

"He's dead," she called back. "We can rest."

The flood gates opened. Everyone moved to pull their loved ones into tight hugs. Wands were dropped as they cheered and cried and let the relief and exhaustion overtake them.

Remus was holding Sirius before he registered it, their foreheads pressed together, eyes closed tightly as they finally had a moment to breathe.

"We're safe, Moons."

Remus laughed breathily. He tilted his head back to stare at the sky for a minute, just feeling the sun on his skin and breathing freely.

"Marry me," he said eventually.

"What?"

Sirius took a step back in disbelief, not releasing Remus's waist.

"Marry me, Pads," Remus repeated.

Sirius laughed. "Is that even legal?"

"Who gives a fuck about legal? We're alive and safe and I love you," Remus responded. "Marry me."

"I -" Sirius started, before pulling Remus into a kiss. "Yes, fine. Let's throw a big party for all our friends and be happy for once. Fuck legalities, it will be real for us. Let's get married."

Remus pulled Sirius back into another kiss before picking him up and spinning him around. Sirius's laugh echoed around them.

It was over. Voldemort was dead. They were safe.

I vowed I would always be yours

If we survived the great war

[kyratittyfish]

Thunderstruck

Summary: A cabin in the woods, a warm couch, cuddles, a fluffy dog, and no Reapers in sight: Shepard and Joker’s post war happily ever after is looking as relaxing as ever. Until natural forces add to the mix, that is.

Warning: fluff!

Raindrops trickled against the living room windows and for an instant, a bolt of lightning lit up the garden outside as if it were the middle of the day. The dark silhouettes of trees danced against the electric sky, jolted around like feathers by the gushes of wind.

Curled up under a soft blanket with Jeff’s arms wrapped around her and the small cabin’s stone walls protecting them from the storm raging on outside, Angela had never felt so peaceful.

A few seconds went by before the roaring of thunder reached their small cabin, making the glass window panels tremble and Jeff’s muscles stiffen against her side.

“Hey,” she whispered softly, shifting closer to his chest and taking in his warmth and scent. His clothes still held the aroma of lemon curd, a pleasant reminder of the kitchen adventure they’d embarked on earlier in the afternoon. Beneath the sweet smell of baked goods, there was him, the faintest fragrance of his soap, his aftershave, his skin. Fresh, comforting, intoxicating.

Another thunder rumbled through the plump clouds, and Jeff’s body twitched next to her own once more.

“All good down there, flyboy?”

“Uh… yeah? We’re in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, far enough from civilisation that even Hackett can’t reach us to ask you to please free his little nephew’s pet rat from its capsized hamster wheel, and I’ve just had half a whole cake for dinner. It can’t get any better than this, I’d say.”

He adjusted the blanket over her shoulder and planted a light kiss on her forehead. “No, wait, I take that back. It can get better than this. It does. I’m cuddling the Saviour of the Galaxy slash Devourer of Lemon Curd Sponge Cakes slash Hottest Girlfriend Ever. And don’t even get me started on the couch. Reclinable, heated, and real leather.”

He punctuated his statement with a chef kiss and pinched his fingers against the tip of her nose.

She giggled and moved her chin forward to nibble the point of his index finger, but he was quicker and moved his hand away before it met her teeth. With a disappointed purr, she settled for playfully biting his ear instead. That was a trick he didn’t expect.

“Wait wait, I’m adjustable, warm, and covered in skin too. Why does the couch rank over me?”

“Uh, cause it doesn’t describe its features in a way that makes me feel like my surname’s Dahmer?”

With a snort, Angela buried her face in Jeff’s chest. His arm reached around her to rest his hand atop her head and when he slowly ran his fingers through her hair, tiny little goosebumps rose to attention on the skin of her nape.

“Uh. Can’t believe I’m being sidelined by my own boyfriend for a couch.”

“I mean, Ange, you have to admit this couch is pretty awesome,” he said, untangling a little knot in her hair, “but you ain’t half bad either.”

“Eh, you’re quite great too, babe,” she whispered back.

Angela felt his body shift, and the weight of his head resting on top of hers. She dragged one hand across his arm until her fingers found the hem of his t-shirt, slipping below it to feel his bare skin under her palm, no fabric to separate her from his warmth. His heart beat steadily beneath her ear, a slow rhythm that quieted any other sound, shoving her thoughts away until there was only him, her, and the rain.

Her eyelids were getting heavier with each passing second, and soon keeping them open felt like a hopeless battle. For once, this was a fight she was happy to lose.

“You did it again.” She stated, without opening her eyes.

“Uh… Did what exactly?”

“Every time it thunders, you startle.”

“I think you were dreaming cause nope, I don’t.”

As if the clouds themselves agreed to prove her point, the sky outside flashed white and a few instants later every muscle in Jeff’s body tensed with the roaring thunder.

“Aw, crap,” he swore under his breath.

And just like that, all her sleepiness vaporised like a husk hit by an incendiary round. Oh, this was going to be good. Sitting up crosslegged, she turned to face him and cupped her chin in her hand.

“So, let’s see if I understood the situation correctly. Jeff Moreau, the man who led the entire Galactic Fleet against the Reapers and lived to tell the tale, is afraid of storms?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say afraid, it’s more of a, uh, … wariness.”

When the next thunder rumbled on outside, he actually let out a small whimper and jumped a bit on his seat, enough to wake Penguin from his nap on the carpet and perk up his ears.

“Wariness. Right.”

Jeff’s cheek and ears had turned redder than the pixelated mushroom printed on his t-shirt, and the expression painted on his face was that of a man praying for a small relay to materialise over the coffee table and launch him straight to the other side of the galaxy. Or directly into a different one.

He looked pitiful.

“…With a hint of scared shitless maybe?” He offered sheepishly.

She shouldn’t have busted out laughing as she did, and she felt terrible for it just as soon as the fit of giggles escaped through her pursed lips, but the pink flush that had taken over his freckled cheeks, and the way he furrowed his brow at her was simply too adorable to ignore.

“That’s more like it,” she said between a chuckle and the next.

Suddenly, the corners of his mouth twisted into a gloomy half smile, and he stretched his legs out, tapping his feet around to find his slippers.

“Aight, I, uh… need to, y’know. Bathroom... break?” He blurted out, awkwardly stroking the hair at the back of his head. His other hand went to the cushioned seat between Angela and himself, and she grabbed his arm - gently - before he could use it to leverage himself off the couch.

“Jeff? You alright?”

He brushed her hand away, walking away towards the door to the bedroom. The unusual haste in his irregular steps was an eloquent enough answer to her question, way more telling than the scant “yep” he mumbled her way as he hobbled around the sleeping form of Penguin.

Shit. I think I fucked up.

She motioned to get up and follow him into the other room, grab him by his hand and make things right, say sorry for whatever she said that hurt him.

But she knew better.

Jeff needed time to sort out his thoughts alone, and going after him wouldn’t help either of them.

She stopped in her tracks right between the coffee table and the dark red armchair and sank down into it with a quiet sigh. What had gone wrong? They were cuddling and teasing each other as they always did, silly jokes about each other represented a significant chunk of their love language, and neither of them was particularly sensitive to being picked on.

So why? Why had he suddenly gone from joking along with her to being that upset?

She rested her hands on her lap, and cursed under her breath as a hangnail she’d been absentmindedly picking at left a bright red spot on her shorts - come on, those were one of the good pairs.

A soft weight on her thigh and a whimper alerted her of Penguin’s presence at her side. She lowered her gaze and a black leathery snout and two bright chestnut eyes materialized in her field of view.

The pup’s big head tilted to one side when she met his eyes, and he produced another drawn-out whine.

“It is time for your dinner already, Peng?” The rhythmic wagging of his tail against the leg of the coffee table confirmed that yes, it was this late already even before the numbers “20:37” flashed back at her from her omnitool.

“Alright, alright, big boy,” Angela said at the eager dog, who’d already bolted into the kitchen and was jumping on his feet in front of his food bowl, “I’m not letting you starve!”

She opened the refrigerator and searched around for the package of dog-specific lab-grown meat helpfully labeled as “either dog food or frozen peas” and, after a considerable amount of time spent wondering how exactly the fridge managed to turn so messy in the mere week they’d spent in the cabin so far, she took out a portion, reheated it, and generously doused it with kibbles.

The bowl had barely touched the ground before Penguin had half emptied it already. This isn’t a dog, she thought, this is a fluffy vacuum cleaner.

“Try to chew it a bit, Peng! Or are those teeth reserved for tearing apart socks?” She snickered, looking at how the dog’s mismatched ears flopped up and down as he stuck out his tongue to salvage every single molecule of food left in the bowl.

Picking up the empty plate earned her a disappointed moan from Penguin. “Alright, that’s it, the ceramic isn’t edible!”

She’d never been a dog person. It’s not that she disliked them as pets- on the contrary, she found them beyond adorable- she’d simply never felt the desire to have one of her own.

A pet-free life was the standard for a spacer, after all, especially if said spacer was also an Alliance officer. Always on the move, always in the fight, never at peace.

Life on the front line wasn’t meant for a dog.

But that was before the war.

The Angela Shepard that had survived the Reapers wasn’t a spacer anymore. She had a home, one with firm foundations and a slate roof instead of wings, thrusters and a drive core. She had a garden, a tool shed, and even a skycar. She had a bed to share every night with the man she loved. And she had a dog.

A dog who was currently trying to squeeze himself under the tiny space between the floor and the bottom of the fridge, in a fruitless attempt to capture an elusive last kibble.

She chuckled as Penguin snorted at the stray piece of food, and suddenly, it dawned on her.

Just as the sheer adorableness of Penguin had her in stitches now, the sight of flustered Jeff, with that rosy flush creeping up his neck and cheeks and ears, and his green eyes big as a pyjack's caught stealing cookies from a jar, had been so utterly precious that she couldn’t keep herself from bursting out in giggles.

But Jeff didn’t know that.

And what he must have thought after seeing her chuckle till her eyes teared up was that she’d been laughing at him, at his irrational fear, at one of his insecurities.

Behind all his bragging and boasting, Jeff was riddled with self-doubts. His defiant confidence was often nothing more than an act (a very convincing one, that fooled even him, but an act nonetheless), a mask he wore in front of most people to protect himself, to shield his soft, sensitive core.

She wasn’t most people. He didn’t need to pretend in front of her.

Until she’d laughed at his vulnerability, at least.

Shit. I really fucked up.

Hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate never failed to lift Jeff’s spirits.

His favourite Galaxy of Fantasy pro team was just disqualified from the yearly tournament during the semifinals? Hot chocolate would make him forget it in an instant. The Blasto limited edition statuette had sold out before he’d managed to order one? Just place a steaming cup of hot chocolate in front of him, and he’d stop caring about the mini figure before swallowing the first sip.

So she warmed some milk and cocoa powder, grabbed his favourite cup from the plate rack - the one with the spaceship that fired red beams when you poured warm liquids in it - and filled it to the brim with the dense, dark brown beverage. She also added a swirl of whipped cream on top, for good measure, and set it on a tray with a handful of cookies.

Balancing the tray in one hand, she tentatively knocked on the bedroom door. “Jeff? May I come in?”

She heard movement on the other side of the door, but no answer. “I brought a peace offering. The dark, hot and steamy kind.”

This time, an hummed “alright” preceded the sound of the door sliding open.

“This is to apologise,” she said, setting the tray on his nightstand. “I shouldn’t have laughed at you earlier on. Shouldn’t have made you feel bad about such a stupid little thing.”

Jeff looked up at her with a cocked eyebrow, ignoring the chocolate cup.

“What?” He asked her.

“I’m sorry. I… I wasn’t even thinking about your fear of thunder when I laughed. It was just… I don’t know. I didn’t realize that was such a touchy subject for you. I just… I thought you looked adorable when flustered, and laughed at that, not at …”

“Ange.” Jeff interrupted her. “Ange, stop. You have nothing to apologize for. I’m not mad at you. It’s just…” he sighed and lowered his gaze, staring at his fingers as he fiddled with the hem of his sweatshirt.

“It’s a stupid ass fear.” He admitted, pulling a loose string from his hoodie and curling it around the tip of his thumb. “You said that yourself, I’m the man who went face to face with the whole Reaper fleet, and I shake like some scared puppy when there’s some big scary noise outside. Come on, that’s pathetic.”

Jeff looked up at her again with a resigned smile that didn’t reach his eyes and reminded her of a sad kitty left in the rain. She grabbed his hand and uncoiled the piece of gray thread from his finger.

“For what it’s worth, I really don’t think it is. It’s an irrational fear. Nothing you can control. Everyone’s got one.”

“Yeah, but thunder? Not even Penguin is afraid of thunder, and he’s a dog! He’s supposed to run off with his tail between his legs and hide behind the couch when he hears thunder, but here he is, napping on the carpet like he doesn’t give a shit!”

“Well, Penguin is a brave boy.”

He perked up, eyebrow knitted together in sudden realization, and Angela had a flashback to seeing a remarkably similar expression of abrupt recognition painted on the features of Salarian professor Mordin Solus. In that specific instance, the eureka moment had been related to a breakthrough in the reconstruction of the Collectors’ phylogenetic tree, but she doubted Jeff’s current new insight would be of a similar nature.

Hoped so, at least.

She had enough of those semi-sentient bugs for two lifetimes.

“Oh my God, maybe he’s deaf. What if he’s deaf? Can dogs learn sign language? Should we ask Chakwas to check his ears next time she visits?”

Almost talking as quickly as Mordin too, she thought hearing him ramble, and the memory of her departed friend added a sour aftertaste to her chuckle. Penguin. Hard of hearing. Right. The absurdity of Jeff’s hypothesis - and the sheer sweetness of his concern - restored the honey like flavor of her amusement.

“Well, try shaking the bag of kibbles around lunchtime, then report back to me.”

A muffled whine coming from underneath the bed betrayed Penguin’s presence, and the perfectly functional state of his auditory system.

“Alright, point taken.” Jeff conceded before finally diving into his chocolate.

“Vacuum cleaners.”

“What?” His question was almost intelligible, his voice muffled by the cookie he was halfway through chewing.

“Vacuum cleaners. My irrational fear is vacuum cleaners.”

“Vacuum cleaners,” he repeated, his hand holding the half-bitten cookie stopping mid-air.

“Yep, you heard that right. Been scared shitless of them since I was a little girl.” Since the time my uncle thought it funny to chase me all around my grandma’s house brandishing that old-school Dyson of his, she recalled. Her mom’s younger brother Pete was, unsurprisingly, the only person who found the whole situation hilarious. Until Grandma heard about it, at least- he wasn’t laughing so much after that. “Apparently, my body grew up, but my subconscious didn’t get the memo, and I’m still scared shitless to this day.”

“That why you insist on doing the laundry and dishes and always leave the floor cleaning to me?”

“Yup.”

“Uh,” he scowled and shook his head. His fake disappointment act had worked on her exactly once, about three years ago, but he still liked to play the role of the offended part as much as she enjoyed going along with it. She squinted at him, crossing her arms in front of her.

“I knew there was a reason beyond sadistic joy in having your physically disabled boyfriend take the vacuum cleaner on a stroll around the apartment.”

“First, you volunteered for that. And second, yup. And that reason is: irrational fears. Does that make me stupid?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say stupid…”

Rolling her eyes and stifling a laugh, she interrupted him halfway through his dragged out ‘but’.

“That was a rhetorical question, don’t you dare say ‘yes’ or I swear I’m going to lock up the chocolate powder for a week.” As if to prove her point, she snagged a cookie off his tray and stuck it whole in her mouth. “Point is, I’m still the woman who saved the Galaxy, who also happens to be scared of vacuum cleaners. And you’re still the man who flew her there in style, against a horde of Reapers, and lived to tell the tale. And who happens to spook when he hears thunder.”

“Alright,” he looked down at his folded hands, and the slightest hint of a blush crept up under his beard until it reached the splashes of light freckles on his cheekbones, “I still think thunder is a stupid phobia to have but… I see your point.”

She gently lifted his chin, stroking her thumb along his jaw, guiding him closer to her until the tip of their noses touched and his warm breath made her skin tingle.

“Well then,” she whispered in his ear. “In that case, let’s be stupid together. The galaxy owes that to us.”

Her lips found his, and if he had a witty comeback ready on the tip of his tongue, she drowned it out as he kissed him.

[lowkeyremi]

adding to this post!

Post-war Levi has no clue what to do when it gets too quiet. All his life he's been used to loud noises, laughing, screaming, crying, any and everything.

So when there's complete silence he gets caught up in his thoughts. You bring him over a mug of tea, and join him on the couch. "What's on your brain, Honey?"

He hesitates for a second, but he knows he can tell you anything, so he takes in a deep breath, "Sometimes I wonder what Isabel and Furlan would pursue if they had... had survived." He says quietly staring off into space. You grab his hand giving it a small squeeze. At first you were intimidated by his missing fingers but it doesn't bother you anymore.

"According to what you've told me about Isabel I think she would have been veterinarian or something of the sorts, I'm not sure about Furlan though."

Levi almost swallows the words back down but he allows them to be said, he can finally admit them, "I miss them, sometimes."

"That's completely normal, Levi. They were your family."

"You're my family now. You're also not allowed to die before me. I don't know what I'll do when I'm completely engulfed by the silence." He murmurs quietly to you.

"I can't make any promises, but as long as I live, I'll make sure the silence never takes you." You tell him and this time he squeezes your hand, his dark eye stares into yours and you see a trusting smile take over his face.

[deserthusbands]

cody, after having watched it for a good few minutes as he and obi-wan debrief, finally brushes a stray hair from obi-wan's face: you're a bit of a mess, general.

obi-wan, chuckling fondly: thank you, my dear. i suppose i am.. yet here you are acting as though you aren't all scratched up.

anakin, watching from a distance: ugh..

[levispersonalslave]

He clicks his tongue, swatting your hand away, “Don’t touch me. I can do it myself.”

“No, you can’t, Mr. Ackerman. Please, just let me help you . . .” You plead with a huff as he resists your aid once again. You rush to his side as he stumbles again. His pride and mulishness keeps him from accepting your help, despite your insistence that he can’t reach the bed on his own.

He grumbles as you place a hand on his shoulder, “I told you not to touch me, didn’t I?”

Despite his words, he doesn’t push you away. In fact, he doesn’t even try to resist. He lets out an annoyed sigh.

“Why can’t you just listen, Mr. Ackerman? You’ll fall and hurt yourself even more if you try to stand up!” You continue to try and reason with him, all the while you gently push him down onto his wheelchair. A scowl crosses his scarred yet handsome features as you wheel him to his bed and help him onto it. He stays silent as you do so, and he begrudgingly allows you to drape the sheets over his legs.

“You’re treating me like some damn child,” He retorts.

You speak to him softly, “You need to be taken care of, sir, you’ll kill yourself if you continue like this.”

With that, you place his favorite book on the nightstand next to him and leave only the dim lamp on. You stop in the doorway to smile at him, “Goodnight, Mr. Ackerman. Don’t stay up too late.”

He only grunts quietly in response, and his scowl softens into a light frown as you leave, the door clicking shut behind you.

{ 279 words, 1459 characters }

{ Taglist : @the-traveling-poet, @pinkberryfox }

[moo-blogging]

Being inspired by Levi's backstory in Bad Boy:

Levi said it so naturally about why he held cups at its brim with his fingers. Gabi and Falco were apologetic for asking such a sensitive question. Levi shrugged and sipped on his tea. You studies his face carefully, but finding no sadness or remorse in his face, just peacefulness.

It had been 2yrs since the war ended. You stayed in Marley with Levi, rebuilding the country together. Levi once told you that he found peace in rebuilding than destructing like he used to in the army. It was true that everything turned red when Levi swung by with his blades. And now his hands grew new life and hope.

You might have asked Levi why he held his cups the way he did when you were on Paradis Island, but you couldn't recall. Levi stared at you from the back of his palm, and you blushed. You felt as if there was more to Levi than you had uncovered, and you were embarrassed that you knew almost nothing about him. But the soft look that he gave you showed that he was ready to unveil himself to you.

That night he unloaded more about his life in the Underground to you than he ever did. You cried with heartache and Levi was comforting you. There were tears in his eyes as he spoke, but he felt lighter. You kissed him again and again, holding you in his arms. Levi stroke your hair lovingly, assuring you that he was alright now.

A couple of weeks later, you took a stroll with Levi down the new street in the evening. New shops showcasing attractive products on the window. Your fingers interlaced with Levi's as you walked, taking in what you had rebuilt together.

And you came to a pottery shop with a Closed sign on and signalled Levi to enter the shop. Puzzled, Levi pulled you gently, "Y/n, my love, it's closed. We can come back tomorrow morning."

You smiled at him and shook your head, "it's opened for us, Levi. Let's go." You led him onto the steps and into the shop. There was a dim light at the end of the shop and a young storekeeper greeted you. He shook your hands and thanked you for helping him rebuild his father's business after the war had ruined their lives. And he was thrilled to have these private tea set making sessions with you.

Levi's eyes widen and you nodded to assure him he could make his mother's tea set from scratch. The young storekeeper asked for a design. You looked at Levi expectedly. Instead, Levi signed and smiled gently. He said, "I think we'll make a new tea set for ourselves." He turned to look at you, "Y/n, I know you are trying to have me connect to my mother. I love you for that, but I would like to make this tea set for us. A new one with a new design." Tears were gleaming in his eyes as he looked into yours. You nodded and you pulled him in for a hug.

You spent the evening designing your very own tea set, adding yours and Lev's personal touches to it. For the next few days, you came back to the shop after it closed to work on the tea set. Your hands were cold with wet mud as you shaped the tea cups. Levi worked on the saucers. The young storekeeper guiding you here and there and helping to fix any defects.

A few weeks later, a box of beautifully glazed tea set were sent to your house. Gabi and Falco had come to swe the tea set you had been working on. They bought some new tea leaves from other countries. Levi brewed the tea in the tea pot and hot tea were shared.

You sat next to Levi, sipping on some foreign tea, listening to Gabi and Falco quarrelling about something you could hardly understand. You turned to watch Levi, and he was staring at the new tea pot. He noticed you staring and he stared back at you. Mirroring each other's soft smiles, you lean in for a kiss. Happiness filled your chest. You could feel the warmth radiating from your skin. What a beautiful you had started with Levi.

"How do you kiss like that?" Gabi asked loudly. You both turned toward her at the same time. Levi had one eyebrow raised. Gabi clarified, "I mean, how do you know when to kiss? Like you didn't even ask but you just moved your head together and MUAH you kissed!"

"Gabi, that's inappropriate to ask!" Falco tried to shut her up. You shared a look at Levi, you grinned as Levi smiled, and you leaned in for a kiss again.

[abiatackerman]

The days we've waited for

Event: @levievent "Levi Month 24"

🤍Day 19: Post-war: Marriage🤍

Canon universe! Postwar Levi Ackerman X Reader! Slight Angst! Fluff! Cozy wedding! Sweet Romance! 1K Words!

🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

People say "Good days always come after the bad ones" but Levi never believed it. From his birth until the "War of Heaven and Earth", his life was mostly bad.... No, "bad" is not the right word to express the days. He should use "traumatising, painful, terrifying" because they sound more appropriate. All he experienced was cruelty, all he saw was his comrades friends and family dying.....

But it seems like people were right after all....

He sighs looking at the mirror in front of him. He's wearing nothing but a casual black suit with a casual shirt. Casual shoes, pants and as usual his cravat. You insisted on it.... You didn't want Levi to wear anything which would make him feel uncomfortable.

Right.... It's you after all who's probably the only person in this world who cares about his "comforts".

And today is the day he's getting married to you....

To the woman he only loved, to the woman who supported him throughout his whole cruel life.

He sighs and rolls the wheel of his chair to move it where he kept "The" box. "The" box where he gathered all of his comrades (as much as he could) badges. He rumbles through the box trying to find out the badges written Erwin and Hange's names behind them.

He still remembers how annoyed he was with Erwin for putting you in his squad, how pissed he used to get whenever Hange would ship you two.

But now, he wishes he could thank them properly. He wishes he could see Erwin's gentle chuckle and hear Hange's loud yapping....

They would have felt so happy if they could have attended this marriage. Hange probably would have cheered so loudly that all the guests would have felt annoyed by her screaming.

He caresses the badges and puts them in his pocket. He smiles a little.

He will now feel that Hange and Erwin are just with him. Along with Furlan and Isabel. Also his mother since his cravat is made of her clothes.....

He moves his wheelchair towards the door and sees Armin opening it.

"Oh captain, you're ready? Everyone's waiting."

He says gently as he starts to guide Levi's wheelchair to the aisle. He's gonna be Levi's main man at this ceremony. You suggested it, knowing he sees Erwin in Armin, and he will never deny it.

Armin stops and places Levi's chair on the stage where the priest is waiting. He smiles gently at Levi and Levi nods. He looks around and his face softens noticing the whole arrangement. Everything is white, decorated with flowers only. Simple and gentle like it's nothing special but still there's a vibe which can calm everyone's nerves down.

The brats worked hard.

He was about to thank Armin but stops as one of your friends starts to play violin. Just like Levi you wanted this marriage to be cozy and simple. Not too many people, just you and him, and both of your loved ones. But that's not what Levi is thinking about.

His mind goes blank as he sees you in the white dress. In your wedding dress. Nothing too gorgeous but you're looking like an angel in it. The flower crown on your head just makes you look prettier. As soon as you see him you smile widely like a kid and Levi can't help but chuckles too.

He thought you would leave him. No, he wanted you to leave him. You are beautiful, physically capable and a woman who deserves someone better than him. He kinda feared you're gonna leave him but to his surprise you yourself proposed to him, saying you want to spend your whole life annoying him, spending time with him.

He takes a deep breath as you release your dad's hand and walk towards Levi. Gabi hands you Levi's ring and Falco hands Levi yours. As the priest asks if he's willing to take you as his wife he vulnerably answers yes but your response was so fast and immediate like you couldn't wait anymore. Everyone laughed.

As the priest addressed you both husband and wife and you two change your rings. You immediately sit on Levi's lap, cup his face and kiss him as gently as possible. Finally losing your emotions you start to cry like a baby and Levi's eyes start to tear up too.

"Shut up, doll. You're making it look like I've forced you to do this. You're making me look like a bad person."

He says in a soft voice and pats your back as you sob.

"I'm just so happy! Can you imagine? No more fighting, no more sacrifices, no more deaths, no more life risks. Everything from now on is me and you! Us! I can't believe it!!!!!"

You hug him still sitting on his lap and buries his face in your hair. Sighing contently he speaks softly.

"Shouldn't we cut the cake? Everyone's waiting. And it's already weird that the bridegroom is in a wheelchair, don't make it weirder by keep crying and sitting on this damn wheelchair during your whole marriage day."

Levi says teasingly and you smile slyly and lean towards him more to whisper in his ears.

"We will make love in this damn chair tonight! And no, I won't hear any excuses. I'm your wife form now on so you'll have to listen to me."

You say smugly and stand up as everyone starts to calp with soft smiles on their faces.

"Who's gonna clean up the messes?"

He asks, squeezing your hand and looking at the crowd.

"Me. Don't worry I'll treat you like a princess from now on just like you used to treat me. I'll make you happy just like you will make me happy too."

Seriously, life can't get any better.....

[anakinstwinklebunny]

some hayden rares for a good day

credits to @haydenismyman on tik tok <3

[nelapanela94]

"Levi."

He catches your voice, and offended, raises his scowl from the waves on his favorite mug. Creases mar his beautiful face. You are slouched on the sofa with your back resting against the armrest and stir up to disjoin the knobs on your back. You catch his fulminating stare, lifting an eyebrow and tilting your head to the side.

"What did you just say?"

"Levi."

His frown deepens. You just made his tea bitter. "That's not my name."

"It is. That's what everyone calls you."

"But you're not everyone." Pouting, he folds his arms over his chest, and the chair legs shriek against the floor. He storms toward you like an angry toddler who had his sandwich cut in rectangles and not in triangles, his scars paler on his flushed skin. Levi puts the book out of his way as if it were seizing the most precious thing, and snuggles on you, nuzzling his face on the cradle of your neck. "To you I'm not Levi or captain Levi," he growls. Your fingers thread through his hair, gingerly scratching his scalp, a smile dangling on your lips. "Honey bun. I'm honey bun to you."

"What about cinnamon roll?"

"Yeah, that works too."

[elmundodeflor]

And just like that, she’d fallen for him.

Spring. Summer. Autumn. The world had its cycles. There had been peace before war, and peace would come after bloodsheds and battles.

Katara looks at Zuko, at how he stares out to the width in the horizons. The curves of his nose and lips are soft, much like the colors of the leaves around them. The lines of his jaw and cheeks are sharp, in contrast.

He’s a beautiful man; she’s always thought so, even when they were enemies and he’d sworn he’d kill them. She likes it better this way, though— being friends, confidants, long-time companions. Kindness suits him more, either way. She likes how his face looks when he’s calm, — when there’s no rage to contort his scar, no scowl furrowing his brow.

She also likes that he knows her. That they can stand, silence pending between them, and it’s never too tense or uncomfortable. Zuko is just that good to her. He never puts too much pressure on her shoulders, — she’s had enough of that already. Instead, he soothes the rough edges. Lets her make her own choices and never judges her for them.

He looks back at her. An easy smile grazes his features; baffling, tortuous, beautiful. Katara has to fight the urge to freeze some water from her bottle and smash it across her searing face.

“Do you wanna…”, his voice cuts through the wind, raspy as it ever was. When he talks, it’s evident that he’s nervous. That he’s been circling around his thoughts and can’t seem to find the words. “I mean…”, he tries again. “Do you wanna stay here until you decide what to do?”

She hums, then turns her gaze back to the gardens. Aang had asked her to travel the world along with him, — to be by his side and help other people, from other nations and villages. She had yet to give him a proper answer.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to— go on missions, hear the masses’ suffering and be present in whatever way she could. Maybe, it was that she simply had pictured something different for herself. She could be so much more than just the “Avatar’s girl”! She could go home, lend a useful hand to Sokka and her dad advocating for their tribe. She could be an ambassador.

She could be with Zuko.

She can imagine the whole thing all too well, actually, — being on the palace, with him, until she could confront Aang about what to do. They could go for an evening stroll, feed turtleducks by the lake. Zuko’d make tea way past dinner time, and she’d laugh along with Suki when he’d burn his tongue by the first sip.

“There’s nothing I’d like more.”, she tells him, then. They are in one of the many balconies, staring out at the sun. The last scraps of summer have flushed with the breeze, and now the trees look all kinds of reds, yellows, oranges. Almost like they’ve caught on fire.

Zuko smiles at her again. A shy, wonderful thing that makes his eyes glint. His hair’s shaggy and overgrown, and falls limp between the honey of his irises. His cheeks burn a bright pink that, Katara deduces, might be from the gentle light warming up their faces.

“Okay.”, he says. He likes this, as well, — having her around. That he can open up to someone he can share his scars with, both the physical and the ones that lay underneath.

Katara inches close to him, just enough so that their elbows nudge together. The world has its cycles, she believes. Blue skies bleed into the darkness of the night. Ice defrosts when heated-up. And just like that, she’d fall for Zuko— delicate, and raw, and over and over. Helpless, like the moon that carries down the tides. Hopeless, like the autumn leaves that fall, ever so slow, and now gather at their feet like sea-foam.

“Okay.”

[dreamcubed]

call it what you want | draco malfoy x reader

song; call it what you want [taylor swift] pairing; draco malfoy x fem!muggle!reader genre; fluff, angst, forbidden love, s2l word count; 4,3k timeline; post-second wizarding war warnings; draco's daddy issues, low-key y/n's daddy issues, references to the second wizarding war (and draco's part in it), discrimination (of muggleborns) summary; his entire life, draco had it drilled into him that anything to do with muggles was bad- impure, even. but after his father is imprisoned for life, he decides to venture into the muggle world- just as a temporary thing, of course

suggested by @tendous-pretty-hair !!

masterlist

"my baby's fly like a jet stream, high above the whole scene, loves me like i'm brand new."

also i have fucking eras tour tickets!!!

—————————————————

Draco had found himself at an emotional stand-still ever since the Second Wizarding War - more specifically the events of the Battle of Hogwarts. After he had regrettably joined Voldemort's side in the mass fallout, only for him to lose anyway. He wasn't sentenced to any time in Azkaban, since it was deemed that he had been coerced into the situation, as backed up by his mother, who had been pardoned due to saving Harry Potter's life in the final moments. His father, however, would never feel the light of happiness again, caged away in the breeding ground of fear.

It wasn't that Draco missed Lucius all that much, in fact, quite the opposite. The time away from him had allowed him and Narcissa to grow closer, and also given him the opportunity to properly question and break down the beliefs that had been hammered into his head since infancy.

Eventually, he decided to step foot into unknown territory: muggle London. He had only ever been to the magic side of it before, but he had come to the realisation that living such a sheltered life was the reason he wound up another of Voldemort's slaves. That lifestyle would be no more.

He found himself stood outside of a small music store, displayed to have vinyls, CDs and cassette tapes inside - whatever they were. Draco did know what music was, however, and wanted to understand the way that muggles experienced it. So, he stepped foot into the shop with the tinkling of a tiny silver bell above him alerting whoever was working behind the tall overflowing shelves.

There were more people perusing the shelves than he had anticipated, so he ducked his head down and headed to an emptier area of the shop. As he began scanning the labels on the shelves, his confusion grew as he realised that he recognised none of the names.

"You don't look like a death metal fan," a voice to his left caught him by surprise, making him jump.

He turned around to have his eyes meet the gaze of a woman wearing an amused smile. You couldn't help but laugh slightly at his skittishness.

"Forgive me, but it's not everyday we have a man dressed in a perfectly ironed suit come and check out the works of Morbid Angel."

After his brain caught up to him, he said, "You work here?"

You nodded, "Family business - me and my mum."

Draco didn't reply to your statement, turning back to the shelves.

"You seem a little lost, first time in a music shop?"

"Uh- yeah," he said, "My family never played music growing up." That was a lie - the Malfoys had held many a musical event, however, they took the form of private orchestral bands.

"You're joking," your expression was that of shock, "How have you lived such a musicless life?"

He shrugged.

"God, I was practically raised on music- I mean, obviously," you gestured around you, "It's everything to me."

"My father was a very strict man," he said simply, making you hum.

"I see. God, I just can't believe you've hardly listened to music - we have to change that," you said, "Do you have any idea what sort of sounds you like?"

"I think I like classical music," it was all he had ever really known.

You grinned, "Yeah, that definitely suits the way you're dressed more than death metal. Come on, I'll set you up with some stuff. Vinyls, CDs or tapes?"

From what he could gather, vinyls were the larger circles, and he was pretty sure that Malfoy Manor had a phonograph with the large brass tube attached for the purpose of playing them. Like the one he saw at the Yule Ball all those years ago. "Uh, vinyl? The big black disc?"

You bobbed your head, "They're becoming less popular these days - people mostly want CDs," you then paused for a moment, "Although my mum said they'll probably have a resurgence in another twenty years. Making an aesthetic of past trends and all that."

Draco listened curiously as you babbled on about different musicians, bands, and albums, finding himself enraptured by the way you carried yourself. Salazar, his father would throw a fit if he found out that he was willingly talking to a muggle.

But his father wasn't there.

"So, do any of these interest you?" you finished, smiling at the ever stoic man before you.

"Uh, yes- all of them," he wasn't sure if he liked the music genre you suggested or the way you talked so passionately.

"All of them?" you tilted your head, "That's- like- hundreds of pounds."

He began digging around in his pockets for the money he had exchanged earlier before coming, and your eyes widened at the sight of all the twenty pound notes.

"Right," you said in a state of shock, "I'll... ring these up for you."

As you totalled up the price and packaged the vinyls into a bag over at the till, the man watched you, as if he was meticulously detailing your every move. Weirdly, it didn't feel creepy.

"Okay that will be... £404.39," you said, in awe of the fact he seemed unfazed by the number.

He began counting out the notes, before handing them over to you: £420 worth of twenty pound notes in your hand. You counted the change out and handed it back to him, placing the receipt in the bag.

"Thank you for shopping here, come again..." you trailed off, realising you didn't know his name.

"Draco," he said, stopping himself before saying his last name. Although he knew that you wouldn't recognise it anyway.

You couldn't help but think that he had a peculiar name; regardless, you smiled, and said, "Y/N. Please come again."

He nodded, taking the bag and leaving the shop swiftly without so much as looking back once.

***

A week passed by and Draco found himself stood outside of the record shop, unsure of why he had returned. During his last visit he had purchased months worth of music, so really he had no need to be back.

Except, he did.

His social circle had been non-existent ever since the Battle of Hogwarts, not because Blaise Zabini and Pansy Parkinson and Theodore Nott no longer wanted to be friends with him, but because he had isolated himself in Malfoy Manor with his mother. Draco was nearing being ready to owl them again, but reconnecting with them meant inevitably having to unpack the events of the war.

With a muggle stranger like you, however, there was no unpacking to do.

"Draco, you're back," you grinned, coming out from behind the till, "I was hoping you would."

"Why?"

His abrupt question caught you off guard, "Well, I- I don't know. You're an interesting character," that and you thought he was cute.

Draco stared blankly at you, making you shift uncomfortably on your feet. Eventually, you decided to change the subject.

"Here for more music?"

"Oh, uh- yes."

"Well, what were your favourites from last week's purchases?"

After he told you which ones he had enjoyed the most, you were able to develop some kind of idea as to specific kinds of music to indulge him into. Of course, you had a question burning at the back of your mind that you simply had to ask.

"If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living?"

He looked up at you with slightly furrowed eyebrows.

"It's just- vinyls aren't cheap, especially not in as large a quantity as you get them," you elaborated, "I assume you have a well paying job."

Draco sighed, shaking his head, "Family money."

"You mean old money?" you couldn't help but clarify.

He reluctantly nodded, "Yes, old money." He used to be so boastful and prideful of the Malfoy family legacy, but in that moment, despite you having no idea who he was, he could only feel shame when he thought of it.

"Okay, Mr. Fancy," you chuckled, "Let's continue your musical adventure."

Even as you proceeded to serve him with a chipper attitude, you couldn't help but be saddened by learning that he was old money. There was no way that you stood a chance, since old money families liked to marry each other and not someone who was simply the daughter of a small record shop.

At least you learned that piece of information about him early on, you reasoned.

***

"Back? Again?" you questioned incredulously, spying Draco stood in the doorway of your shop, "Hate to turn you away, but we're about to close."

"I know."

You paused, frowning slightly as you grasped hold of the door, "Uh, okay, then... bye?" You began slowly shutting the door.

"Wait."

Again, you paused.

"I need help."

Opening the door fully again, you placed a hand on your hip as you said, "With regards to what?"

You didn't know what to think when he presented a small battered flip phone to you on his milky white palm.

"A phone?"

"I found it. On the floor."

"Musta fell outta someone's pocket," you shrugged, "Happens - why do you need help?"

"Well, don't we need to do something about it?"

All you could do was look at him curiously.

"Is that not- is that not what you do?" maybe he was overcompensating for his past by trying desperately to do one small good deed, or maybe he was trying to prove to you that he was a good person even though you had no reason to believe otherwise. Either way, he wanted to return the muggle contraption to its rightful owner.

"I mean- I guess? If you're feeling nice," you said simply, "Can't lie, I'd probably leave it for someone else to deal with."

"How do I return it?"

You sighed, "Just call the last person they called."

"Right, okay."

Much to your confusion, Draco stared at the device as if he was trying to will it into doing what he wanted.

"You do know how to call someone, yes?" you asked, your arms now folded across your chest.

With a sigh of defeat, he shook his head.

You rolled your eyes, stepping aside, "Come in."

Once Draco was inside your shop, you shut the door and flipped the sign from 'open' to 'closed'.

"Give it," you made a grabbing motion with your fingers, and the man before you immediately handed over the device, "It's really easy-" he watched in amazement as you flipped open the phone, "-just use the arrow buttons here to go to call history- and, oh, look! Last person they called was their mum- press the green call button and bam."

You presented the now dialling phone to him.

"They have been notified now?"

"Well, her phone will be ringing- hopefully she'll pick up."

"Pick up?"

"Hello?" a voice from the phone announced, "Cadie?"

"Hello, ma'am, your daughter dropped her phone and we found it."

"Oh, I see. Thank you- I'll let her know so she can pick it up. Where's a good place?"

As you told the concerned mother the address of your record shop, you watched Draco's intrigued expression.

You hung up, placing the phone on a nearby surface and beginning to walk to the back room, "Would you like some tea?" you asked.

He stared blankly at you for a few moments, before nodding, "Please."

"How do you take it?"

"No milk, one sugar."

You chuckled to yourself at his strange way of having tea.

***

Draco watched you as you chatted mindlessly while sipping your tea, almost entirely forgetting that he had his own cup sat to his side. Your topics were classically boring - yet so interesting to him. He was enthralled to learn about the different characters in your family, and the trials and tribulations of your school years. He hadn't even realised how little he had said until you pointed it out.

"What about you?"

"Hm?" he went, snapping out of his daze.

"I feel like I've just been talking about myself this entire time. Where did you go to school?"

"Oh- uh-" he desperately pulled together all his thoughts, "A private boarding school in Scotland."

Your mouth dropped open, "Wow, that's cool."

He shrugged.

"Did you miss your family while you were away all year?"

Again, he shrugged, "My mother, yes- my father... not so much."

"I don't see my father at all," you added, to make him feel more comfortable about sharing details of his own father, "I used to... but I realised it was always me reaching out and not him so I stopped. Haven't heard from him since."

Draco nodded, "My father is in prison."

He didn't know why he told you, only realising what he had just said when you froze for a few seconds with widened eyes.

"Can I ask what for?" you asked in a squeaky voice.

"Uh... terrorism, murder... that sort of thing," he had no clue why he was being so honest. Had you put veritaserum in the tea?

You cleared your throat, wanting to delicately change the subject but lacking a way on how to do it naturally. Draco observed you, and opened his mouth to say something more when a knock sounded on the door.

"That's- uh- that's probably the phone owner," you said quickly, rushing to your feet to run out of the back room and let them in.

You opened the door to be faced with a short brunette woman.

"Cadie?" you questioned.

She nodded, "You have my phone?"

"Yes, come in."

"Thank you so much- I really can't afford a new one right now," she sighed, "I'm always losing things."

You chuckled, "I know how you feel- I'm always breaking things."

Draco appeared in the doorway to the back and picked up the phone from the counter.

Cadie sighed happily, accepting the phone and thanking the both of you profusely.

"Seriously, you have no idea how appreciative I am."

"It's no trouble, Cadie, really," you assured her.

She paused for a moment, looking around. "Is this your shop?"

You bobbed your head, "Yes, it's family-owned."

"Oh, that's so cool," she looked towards Draco, "So this is your husband?"

You were so taken aback you couldn't even form a response. Before either of you could reply, the phone began ringing.

"It's my boss! I have to take this," she said, "Thank you so much again. You two are a cute couple." And with that final comment, she departed, leaving you and Draco in an awkward silence.

"I-" you began, but you were quickly interrupted.

"Go on a date with me," Draco hurriedly said, realising he had said it like an order rather than an innocent question. He was still in some ways his old bossy teenage self, socialised in a slightly abnormal way.

You took it in good humour, however, and smiled, "I would love to."

***

The following six months were filled with the fanciest and most luxurious dates that you could ever have possibly imagined: five star restaurants, weekends in Paris, and expensive gifts. It was heaven in all ways but one - Draco always had an excuse for you not meeting his family and friends.

For a while, you had ignored the itching feeling that he was ashamed of you and so kept you a secret, but your suspicions grew until you couldn't keep it in anymore. You had to confront him about it.

"...and I was thinking, we should go out for dinner with your mother," you said, flicking through a magazine as Draco sat on the sofa in your small but homely flat.

"When?" he asked.

"Whenever's good for her."

You heard Draco's breath hitch.

"What? Can't come up with an excuse to get out of this one?" your tone held evident bite.

Draco turned around to face you, but his expression was unreadable.

"Are you ashamed of me, Draco?"

His eyes widened.

"I know I'm not rich, let alone old money, but I'd like to think that I'm a likeable person."

He shook his head, "It's not that-"

"Then what is it, Draco?" you snapped, feeling tears fill up your eyes, "You won't even introduce me to your friends! How am I supposed to feel?"

He stood up and began shifting on his feet and fidgeting with his hands, "It's more complicated than that."

"What? You're engaged to someone else?"

Again, he shook his head, "No, nothing like that."

"Then what?" you waved your hands about, "Because I can't date someone who treats me like a secret."

"You wouldn't believe me!" he yelled, clearly unintentionally.

You were shocked: you had never heard him yell before. "Try me," you said, your voice low.

He sighed, moving around helplessly for a few moments before striding over to his bag by your front door. He reached his hand in - what appeared to be deeper than the bag's actual depth, but you dismissed it due to your blurred vision - and pulled out a blank piece of paper, tinged brown.

He came over to you and placed it on the kitchen island you were stood behind, and pointed at the bottom of the page. "Sign here."

"It's blank," you thought he was insane.

"Just trust me. Please."

You gave him a skeptical look, but wiped your eyes and picked up a pen nonetheless, writing your signature in the area he pointed to. To your amazement, the second you finished the last letter of your name, writing appeared on the paper. As you scanned it, you were increasingly confused.

- By signing this non-disclosure agreement, you agree that as a muggle you shall not disclose the existence of wizardry and witchcraft to anyone not already in knowledge of it. You understand that by doing so, you would be breaking the law and could face potential criminalisation. The wizard or witch of whom has vouched for your approval to know of magic shall also face potential criminalisation in such a situation.

It will no longer be a criminal offence for wizards and witches to perform magic with you as a witness unless there are unapproved muggles also present.

You will be granted access to wizard-only areas including but not limited to Diagon Alley and Platfrom Nine and Three Quarters at King's Cross provided that you are accompanied by a wizard or witch. Please be aware that these permissions may vary in other countries depending on their laws surrounding muggle knowledge of magic and also their acceptance of the British Muggle Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Please sign your name below. -

"What is this?" you asked, your eyebrows furrowed.

"An NDA."

"Yes, I- I gathered that- but- what does it mean?"

"It means... that I'm a wizard."

Part of you wanted to burst out laughing at Draco's insane words, but the way he said it held so much depth that you couldn't help but take it seriously.

"Prove it."

You didn't know what you had expected, but you certainly didn't anticipate your boyfriend pulling out a wand and muttering what sounded like Latin under his breath.

The pen on the table before you morphed into a feather.

There were really no words to describe how you felt in that moment. You asked him to do it again - he turned the feather into a sharpener. You asked him to do it one more time - he turned the sharpener into a fork.

"Oh my God," you said at the volume of a whisper, stepping back and falling against the counter behind you, "What the actual fuck."

"I know this may come as a shock to you..."

"Really?" you said, "No, actually. Not freaking out at all. Not even a little."

He pursed his lips, "My family is what is known as pure-bloods. We haven't mixed with muggles when it comes to reproduction at any point in our bloodline - allegedly."

You stared at him.

"Sometimes, a witch or wizard can be born of muggle parents - we call them muggle-borns. Half-bloods make up the most of wizarding society - their ancestors are a mix of muggle, muggle-born, pure-blood and half-blood."

At your lack of speech, he continued.

"There is a culture of supremacy among pure-blood families - choosing to reproduce only with other pure-bloods to ensure the pure-blooded line continues as they believe themselves to be the only true witches and wizards."

"You're pure-blood," you mumbled.

Draco nodded, "I used to think like that. Used to bully muggle-borns in school - the school I went to being specifically for witches and wizards."

"You don't think like that anymore?"

"No," he quickly said, "I've had a lot of time to question everything I was taught to believe - but, I- there's something really bad I have to tell you. It may change your opinion of me forever and it's the reason why I have kept you away from my family and friends."

You nodded, mentally preparing yourself for what he was about to tell you.

"Years ago, there was a war in the wizarding world..." he began.

***

You had never seen Draco in tears before, but when he reached the details of the final showdown between Harry Potter (a heroic celebrity in the wizarding world) and Lord Voldemort (a wizard terrorist), he broke down in sobs as he recalled him walking over to the latter's side. Tears were falling down your cheeks soon too, and you quickly brought Draco into your arms and felt him collapse into you.

"I regret it every single day," he said through sobs, "Why didn't I have more of a backbone?"

"You were just a boy, Draco," you soothed him, "You didn't want your family to be killed."

He cried harder.

"My opinion of you is not changed - by the sounds of it you never actually killed anyone yourself," you thought back to the Professor Dumbledore section of the story, "In fact, it sounds like you couldn't bring yourself to."

"I can never make up for my past, Y/N."

You stroked his hair, "You dating a muggle is pretty solid evidence you're trying to."

"I'm not dating you because you're muggle," he pulled back from you and looked you in the eyes.

You chuckled slightly, wiping the tears off his cheeks with your thumbs, "That's not what I was saying. Young you would have never even considered entering the muggle world, and yet here adult you is."

He gave you a small smile, "I love you."

You beamed, but teardrops were still cascading down your cheeks, "I love you too."

"Let's have dinner with my mother on Sunday."

***

"Mr Malfoy, you may see your father now," the Azkaban worker said, who Draco couldn't help but think reminded him strongly of Filch. An old miserable man with long scraggly hair, an unmissable limp, and filthy dark-coloured robes. Then again, at least this worker had a reason to be miserable all the time: working in the breeding ground of fear and desolation. Filch was by all means in a much more cheerful environment.

Draco nodded at him, and followed his lead down shadowed narrow corridors, caked in dirt and dust. They turned a few corners and went up a few sets of dangerously steep stairs before reaching a cell block with moans and whines coming from every cell - except one.

In all honesty, Draco hadn't known what to expect when he came to see his father: he hadn't visited once since his arrest. But Lucius looked quite different than the proud man he once was, with his once well-kept long blond hair being knotty and entwined with filth, and his once healthy (albeit pale) complexion being overly skinny with sallow sunken features. He looked up at his son, still being able to produce a slight scowl.

"So, you finally decided to visit," he drawled, but his voice was too broken to hold the same threat it used to.

"Yes, father, I have some things I need to say to you," despite Lucius' weakened state, Draco still held some lifelong fear of the man, but he had to remain strong in front of him.

"And what would that be?"

"I have a girlfriend, and I plan to propose to her."

Lucius raised an eyebrow, "Your mother has not mentioned this," Narcissa frequently visited her husband.

"She didn't find out until last week."

After some seconds of silence, Lucius slowly rose to his feet and stood face-to-face with Draco at the cell gate. "What is her name?"

"Y/N L/N."

"L/N does not ring a bell. Which bloodline is she from?"

Draco felt intimidated by his father's close proximity, but still managed a smirk, "She isn't of pure blood, Father."

Lucius' eyes widened, "You don't mean to say she's- half blood? Or worse- a- a mudblood?"

"Worse," his smirk grew, "She's muggle."

The ghostly shock that flooded over Lucius' face made Draco feel a triumph over his father he had never felt before, and gave him the confidence to feel as though he had the upper hand in their interaction. He stepped closer to the cell and lowered his voice.

"And I'm going to marry her, and have children with her, and you will have to spend the rest of your life rotting in this cell knowing that the Malfoy pure blood line has been permanently tainted."

"You can't do this," Lucius said through gritted teeth, "After everything we fought for."

Draco hummed, "See, I thought it was time for me to finally fight for something good."

————————————————

masterlist

written; 02/06/2023 —> 17/07/2023 published; 17/07/2023 edited; —/—/——

taglist ; @workinatdapyramid @iluvweasleys

[thechaoticarchivist]

La vie en rose | A Levi X Reader One Shot

Word Count: 753

Pairing: Levi Ackerman X Reader (Y/N not used, only pronoun 'you'.)

Content Warnings: None - just domestic dancing fluff.

Summary: On a quiet summer night, you convince your husband to indulge you in a dance.

Author’s Note: Created for @levievent Day 19 - Post War / Marriage. Inspired by -

The end of summer brought in cooler evening temperatures, and a light breeze blew through your open windows making the curtains dance to the music playing on the gramophone. You had nearly broken down in tears when you received the gift. And, now, it was a gift for your neighbors as well as the music flowed its way down the street on the quiet night. 

You hummed along to the music, putting away dishes after your dinner. Levi had cooked, so you cleaned up. That was your unspoken rule. 

The raven haired man, now peppering with gray at the temples, sat in his favorite armchair in the den - the one that gave him a perfect view of you as you worked in the kitchen. He had a book opened in his lap; a perfect disguise if you happened to look over. 

You always joked with him that you had been married for so long at this point that he would tire of looking at you, but he never did. And you secretly loved it. 

Drying your hands on the small towel you kept near the sink, Levi quickly dipped his gray eyes back down to the page of his book. You walked into the room a few moments later, face content and soft in the dim lighting. 

You stood in front of him, offering your hand. “Dance with me, ‘Vi.” 

The man grunted, shaking his head. “I couldn’t dance before, and I surely can’t now.” 

You refused to take that answer. “Please.” 

With a heavy sigh, your husband gave in, grabbing your hand and letting you pull him to his feet. You walked back a few steps, giving you both the area needed to move without bumping into anything. 

You pulled Levi close, arms around his strong shoulders, less stiff than when you first had met, and he slid his around your waist, tugging you slightly closer. The two of you rested your foreheads against each other, your eyes sliding shut as you took in everything from all your senses. 

But a pair of gray eyes never left your face. 

“You are easily satiated,” he mumbled, but one corner of his mouth quirked upward. You would’ve noticed if you were watching.

Instead, you hummed in response, enjoying the feel of the closeness of Levi, how the music seemed to sink into your bones, how the night enveloped the two of you in its embrace. 

Your bodies swayed to the song, feet moving in a slow circle in the center of your home. The home the two of you had fought for for so long, now a pleasant reality. 

It had taken a couple years for both of your minds to accept the new calmness. A few years longer for the nightmares to take up less space than pleasant dreams. The two of you took in the good moments wherever you could find them - working to find a balance from your past. 

This was one of those good moments. 

Your thumb spun the small band that wrapped around your ring finger on your left hand - a simple silver ring that matched Levi’s. The memories of your small wedding slipped into your mind, and how the two of you had danced like this that night as well. 

“I love you,” the words had escaped your mouth without thought, as they often did with him. You reminded him every opportunity you could. 

His response was pulling you forward into a gentle kiss, always one to lean more into action than words himself. You knew that this kiss was his way of saying those three words as well.

As the music flowed to the end, the needle slid off the record and a type of static filled the air. The two of you stood together for a moment longer, as if even the act of breaking apart would cause heartache. 

Your face nestled into the crook of Levi’s neck, breathing in his scent that had never seemed to change over the years - black tea with a hint of mint. He held you close, never being the first to break away in all the years he started accepting physical touch from you. 

He did, however, squeeze your arm as his legs tired. “Let’s go to bed, hmm?”

You let out a sigh, nodding into him. Bed sounded nice. You broke apart long enough to turn off the gramophone, hand slipping into his outstretched one as he waited for you so that you could move once more as one. 

Created by @thechaoticarchivist 2024. Do not repost.

[hotcheetogirlluver]

I was wondering if you can do a Levi x Reader where it's a calm romantic setting? fluff pls! (i'm new to your account) also it's post war Levi! after the war please, and give him his tea shop he's always wanted thank you :')

A/N: I really like this one it seems more romantic than the other ones I've made. i really enjoyed making this one. it made me appreciate life for a second. please requests more everybody, I love writing your guy's ideas. there you go new reader, enjoy 💗

Summary: You and Levi have always loved each other. Deeply. Now that the war is over and Titans no longer roam the Earth everyone is at peace. But not fully... Which one of you will confess their feelings first?

WARNINGS ⚠️: none

Romance++++++, Fluff+++++++

(y/n): your name

I also suggest going on Spotify and searching up the playlist, "liminal" for this story. its perfect for this one.

___________________________________________________________

The sky was filled with many colors all blending together perfectly making it look like art. Orange, pink, some red. Pink clouds all gathered, floating absentmindedly in the calm sky. The sun, making its way to hide behind a mountain, still outshined all the lights that were on in random homes.

Sometimes it was a question if humans lived in that reality. The now, peaceful reality. No Titans to be seen. One could finally live their life in a calmful manner. It felt almost unrealistic.

The streets were empty, making the scenery look even more beautiful without people passing through every second.

The cool breeze grazed Levi’s cheek and made his bangs swing. He stared at the sunset dying down with a cup of tea in his hand. It looked like he was stuck in a gaze the way he was staring out into the sun. His eye looked glassy, the sky’s rich deep colored beauty reflecting in his eye. He held his cup of tea up to his lips and drank some of his warm tea. When he lowered the cup, a small sigh escaped his lips.

Having to fight for everything he had currently, the simple word appreciation was not suitable for what he felt. He was glad to finally be relieved from Titans.

He could almost see his fallen comrades joining the sunset, smiling at him and nodding in respect. His heart suddenly felt heavy.

‘I will always remember each and every one of you.’

His eyes turned soft and he stared as they all waved a final goodbye and joined the sun, hiding behind the mountain fully.

Levi couldn't bring himself to look away, as the darkness seemed to take over the once colorful sky. He felt something sit on his shoulder, snapping him out of his trance as he looked to the side to see (Y/n) and her hand on his shoulder.

Her..

His soft look in his eye stayed still.

“That was truly beautiful wasn't it..” She breathed out, also starring where the sun used to be.

He looked back, seeing tiny little dots in the dark soothing sky. Their dim brightness replacing the sun's warmth.

“It still is.” Levi spoke. The corner of her lips turned up ever so slightly. A small smile on her calm features. The breeze brushing her smooth skin. Her hair moved side to side as the wind pushed it softly.

“Yeah… it still is.” She breathed out quietly.

They stayed still for a long moment just admiring the sky. Both lost in their own thoughts.

She was his everything.

(Y/n) (L/n). She served in the Survey Corps with him, and they didn't become friends right away but as time went on the friendship began slowly. Slowly, and slowly as time passed Levi started to think she was actually quite.. beautiful.

When the war started, Levi lost all of his closest friends. Except one. Her. She survived but the war seemed to haunt her in a way also. He now owns a tea shop. A popular one to be exact. She didn't work there but she still helped him clean up the shop every night.

Levi stared down at the ground now.

He was at true peace with his life.

But the only selfish thing he wished for was to be her's.His love for her had grown over the years, something that was not expected from him.

He didn't even know he was in love with her at first, until Hange pointed it out. Levi sometimes thought, ‘what if Hange survived the war?’ …. Where would she sit with her life? He knows if she were still alive he’d continue to go to Hange for advice on (Y/n).

He took a deep breath in. Cold air traveling to his lungs.

“Let's go inside Levi. It's going to get cold,” A quiet voice spoke behind him.

He didn't respond, only nodded.

He grabbed the wheels of his wheelchair and started pushing them forward. (Y/n) tore her eyes away from the sky as she walked inside the shop.

“Every table and counter is wiped down, the floors are swept and mopped, and the dishes are all clean.” She walked to her jacket she left on the counter.

“I..” Levi stared at the especially clean floors.

“I didn't ask you to do that (Y/n) and you know it.” It slightly irritated him that she always cleaned the shop at night. It's his shop, he should be the one doing the hard work.

She put on her jacket and stared at him.

He was simply… gorgeous. His war scars.. were something traumatic but beautiful. His blind eye was nothing to be ashamed of.. because she saw it as beauty he had to him. His bangs he had since his younger years framed his upper face and cheekbones made him stand out handsomely.

(Y/n) smiled softly at Levi. “I know.”

Her tired whisper made Levi look at her.

“Then why do you still clean? You come back everyday to just clean the shop at night. Why?” She shrugged half heartedly, and continued smiling tiredly at him.

“I like being near you,” Levi’s eye looked slightly more awake now. They both stared at each other. (Y/n) staring at Levi full of admiration and.. love. Levi staring at (Y/n) with shock.

“.. Why?” His voice went quiet. In the silence, repetitive small thumps were heard. Perhaps.. his heart.

“Because..” She started. Her eyes having a shadow in them yet some sort of light was twinkling in there.

“Your Levi Ackerman. I'll always want to be near you.” Levi felt warmth fill him. His gaze traveled to the ground.

“I'm Levi Ackerman. The exact reason why anyone should not want to be near me.” She stood still for the shortest second.

Then she walked up to him. (Y/n) crouched down and tilted her head slightly to meet with his pretty eye.

“That's not true. And you know it..” She wanted to reassure him. He knew but it felt like he was doubting himself once again. He just.. He could never forgive himself for letting his comrades die. Levi’s eye looked elsewhere after it met with hers.

“You have to stop pushing me away, Levi. I always stick with you, you know that.” She set her hand onto Levi’s. Heat crawled up onto Levi’s neck and the warm flow of blood rush filled his cheeks.

“I know.. and I hate it.” Her eyebrows scrunched up slightly in confusion and a little bit of hurt. Levi noticed this and continued to speak.

“It's hard to understand why you want to spend your life like this. Putting up with me and cleaning up after me and my mistakes. You could be traveling all around the world right now. I'm just holding you back.” Her hand slipped under his to hold. Levi looked up at her and then to his hand. He almost flinched as she interlocked their fingers together.

“Stop telling yourself these things. I know I can travel around the world. I know that. Stop acting as if you're a burden, and I ‘have’ to put up with you. Because I don't. Out of everywhere on this Earth I would rather be with you because there's no one like you. I adore and appreciate you Levi, and I’m glad we have each other.” (Y/n)’s cheeks turned a light pink and her warm hand held onto Levi’s with such gentleness.

“(Y/n)..”

“I should get going. It looks like it's about to snow.” (Y/n) stood up and pulled her hand away from Levi’s. Levi’s hand quickly held onto her wrist just as she was about to walk away from him.

“Stay here then. I have a room upstairs.” (Y/n) blinked and felt her cheeks warm up on their own.

“That's okay, you need your rest. I'll be back tomorrow,” She was about to walk away but the grip Levi had on her wrist was firm.

“What if I want you to stay?” Levi turned a light shade of crimson as he tried to speak with a clear voice.

“.. W-What?” (Y/n) gulped nervously, her lips parted and her eyes widened.

“What if I want you to stay with me? (Y/n) I…” Levi looked down as his firm grip slightly faltered. His eye looked up at her. His features had a soft look to them.

‘Here goes nothing..’

“(Y/n). I want you to stay with me because..” He shook his shyness away and looked at her again. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were staring at him, waiting for him to finish what he started. And she held this look of.. love?

Love? Did she love him too?

Levi said nothing more but let go of her wrist, and slid down to the palm of her hand, gently holding it in his. His rough hand held her soft hand up to his lips.

A shy kiss to her knuckle.

It felt like the only thing that could be heard was the pounding of both of their hearts. (Y/n) only watched as Levi interlocked their fingers together again.

“Marry me (Y/n).”

“Levi,” She quietly breathed out.

“Marry me.” He repeated and she couldn't speak. Her flusteredness made her breath halt.

Levi awaited her reply with a flushed face.

She snapped out of it once she realized Levi must’ve been waiting for a couple of minutes. Her heart beating as fast as a rabbits, filled with warmth.

“Yes,” She nodded slowly.

His eyes widened, not actually expecting her to say yes.

“Yes?” He questioned.

“Yes,” She smiled and her shaky hand held tighter onto Levi’s.

He pulled her into a tight hug. She sat on his lap, while he hugged her with all the passion he could manage. Her eyes filled with shiny tears and they rolled down her face as she hiccuped.

“(Y/n).” He pulled away but held onto her still.

“What's wrong?” She shook her head and used the heel of her hand to wipe away her tears. Her cheeks growing warm again, as she smiled.

“I’m just so happy. Ya know?” She hiccuped again and Levi couldn't stop himself as he leaned in and pushed a small kiss to her lips.

The saltiness of her tears mixed in with the sweet taste of her lips. She kissed him back and brought one of her shaky hands to wrap around his neck. He deepened the kiss as he tilted his head.

The happiness flowing through the both of them made them feel at peace.

Love surely was a powerful thing. After being in love for many years and not doing anything about it (Y/n) was finally truly and genuinely happy.Snow fell from the sky outside, and hit against the shops windows which both of them didn't see to notice.Almost all of their friends died in the war. Before the war. The two of them missed them with heavy hearts sometimes but.. they had each other. And now, they will live together in peace, for all of their fallen comrades.

(Y/n) and Levi both were laying on his bed in the room above the shop. The fireplace upstairs heated both of them up as they were under the covers. (Y/n) rested her head on his chest as she stared into the fire blankly with almost hooded eyes. Levi stared at the ceiling as he breathed in softly. His chest would rise and fall every few seconds making (Y/n) calm.

“Can we stay like this forever?..” She whispered, the fire’s brightness reflecting in her eyes. Levi held onto her with a somewhat tight grip.

“No.. I have to open the teashop tomorrow, precious.” Her heart ignited at the nickname but she only began to smile small.

“Well then.. for tonight then? And every night after this?” It was quiet for a moment until he spoke in a quiet voice also.

“It would be hard not too once we’re married.” She closed her eyes.

“You were serious about that?” His eyes felt heavy for the first time in forever.

“How could I not be serious about that?.. I’ve always thought marriage is stupid. But.. I want you to be mine for the rest of my life. My love for you isn't a joke.”

(Y/n) opened her tired, now hooded eyes. Still staring into the fire..

“You can at least take me on a couple of dates before y’know.” He smiled small at her words and quietly chuckled.

“Okay.” She inhaled and softly exhaled.

"Does this mean I'm hired now?" She teased.

"I'll check with the manager tomorrow," Levi responded making both of them laugh quietly.

Then there was a moment of silence. Both of them getting sleepier the longer the seconds passed.

“I love you, Levi.”

Levi continued to stare at the ceiling. Feeling complete with her and her words.

“I love you too, (Y/n).” Her eyes shut and the crackling of the fire calmed her to sleep.

“Always..” He shut his eyes too and held her closer.

[seeingivy]

soulmates 

levi ackerman x f!reader 

a game of taboo makes you wonder if levi is your soulmate

content: post war levi, domestic fluff, mentions of nightmares, falco + gabi, kinda manga spoilers?, blood

- 

Every weekend, you and Levi open up the likes of your tea shop and your home to your two favorite kids - Falco and Gabi. Not that Levi would ever tell them that. It was a tradition the four of you adopted after Reiner went out of town on a trip that you continued after he returned. The four of you enjoy each others company more than most. 

Falco and Gabi always help you and Levi with the shop on Friday, granted creating more of a mess than actually helping. While you and Levi had adopted a pace to making drinks at the shop, like a well oiled machine, Falco and Gabi were anything but. 

Gabi was all about speed. She wanted to make all the orders as fast as she could, not caring who or what, she had to trample over to get there. You swear the girl has nearly knocked you off your feet a few times, which earns her a scolding from Levi. 

Falco was all about precision. He wanted to make all the orders as perfect as possible, not caring how long it could take. You swore he could spend an entire day steeping if he could. You’re sure the habit is no thanks to Levi, who always sends the poor kid back whenever he asks him to make his tea. 

After finishing up at the shop, you and Levi close up, letting Falco and Gabi play the board games or read the books you have set out in your apartment for them. Games, from you. Books, from Levi. It goes to say that the spines of the book are in perfect state from never being opened. 

On this lovely Friday, Gabi and Falco had picked out Taboo for the four of you to play. You and Falco chose to team up like you did every week, the two of you a dream team of sorts. Meanwhile, Levi and Gabi begrudgingly worked together, butting heads every time the game started. They were both used to taking charge and making the plays, which led to arguments on how they should strategize and win. Meanwhile, you and Falco worked out a system - taking turns calling the shots which fared very well for the two of you.

The game is chaotic, with Levi and Gabi aggressively trying to guess the words at the top of the card. You and Falco can’t help but laugh at their turns, the two of them arguing about the semantics of the words and scolding each other for losing out the points each time. Meanwhile, you and Falco have a civilized conversation, high fiving every time you could figure out the word together. 

On your turn, you lift the card to your forehead, Falco smiling in excitement. 

“This one’s easy. You and Levi.” 

“Me and Levi? Is it business owners?” 

“No. Think about what you guys are.” 

“Adults? A couple? Short?”

Levi grabs the back of your head, turning your face towards his. 

“I’ll pretend like I didn’t hear that last one, brat.” 

You see Gabi and Falco laughing from your peripheral and you roll your eyes at him in response. 

“Military? Leaders?” 

The buzzer rings and you remove the card from your forehead to check the word. You hear Gabi and Levi taunting you in the background, but you’re too busy staring down at the card. Gabi leans over, flipping the card from your fingers to read the word. 

“The word is soulmates, Mr. Levi.” 

“Soulmates?” 

You turn your head at Levi saying the word. 

“Soulmates, Mr. Levi, are people who are made for each other. The person who balances you out, the one you’re destined to be with. You can swear you’ve met them before, your souls together in the previous life and the next too. Like you and Miss Y/N. ” 

Levi turns to Falco, his gray eyes glaring at him. He turns to  you, his gaze noticeably softening. You’re sure your cheeks are beet red by now and you try to divert the subject. 

“I’m going to start dinner. Whose turn is it to help me?” 

“Mine.” 

Your eyes widen as you turn to Levi, cursing yourself for asking in the first place. 

“You guys only played a few rounds. Stay here, I can handle it this week, Lee’.” 

You stand up before he can respond, basically running to the kitchen. 

“But Mr. Levi, wasn’t it my turn?” asks Falco, turning his head to the side to look at Levi. 

“Yes. Shut up and play the game brat.”

- 

After dinner, you and Levi pull out the air mattress the four of you sleep on. While you used to set up the guest rooms - you and Gabi in one and Falco and Levi in your bedroom - the four of you had been sleeping together in the living room as of late. 

It all started a few weeks ago, on a particularly bad night for you. Falco and Gabi ran into your room to find you screaming in your sleep, Levi hunched over you trying to pull you awake. When you came to, you held onto Levi, the tears streaming from your eyes. 

“Miss Y/N. What happened?” 

You turn to your side to find Falco and Gabi crying at your side, their faces pink. You motioned for the two of them to join you and Levi on the bed, the four of you sitting criss cross to face one another. 

“Nightmares, Falco. I’m okay.” you whisper. 

“I get those too. Bad ones.” 

The three of you look over, Gabi’s head in her hands. You move her hands, guiding her face to meet your gaze. 

“Mine are always about Hange. I see them in the air, skin on fire. I try to stop them in the dream, but they’re gone by the time I get to them. They never get up, no matter how hard I try, how fast I move.….they still die in my arms every time I close my eyes.”

You feel Levi shift behind you, his hand making its way into your hair. He brushes through the tangles, attempting to fix your bedhead. You warm at the thought, Levi’s touch comforting you all together. 

“I’m killing Sasha, watching her blood spill onto the floor. Or watching Eren become the Attack Titan, his skeleton spinning into the air while the walls come down.” 

She pauses, the words dying in her throat.

“Falco turns into a titan, his warm eyes replaced with that lifeless, horrifying look in his eyes. He’s gone. And it’s all my fault.” 

Falco reaches for her hand, the three of you squeezing your hands together. 

“You didn’t tell me, Gabi.” whispers Falco, turning to face her. 

“It’s embarrassing. That stuff is over but I can’t stop thinking about it.” 

“It’s not over, not for us anyway. Sometimes I swear I can still see that girl, Ymir’s memories. I wake up in a cold sweat, dreaming of being her as she’s crushed in Galliard’s teeth. Or I see Colt. Him embracing me while I kill him.” 

You hold your arms open, the two of them moving into your arms. You feel the two of them crying onto your shirt, as you press a kiss to the top of their heads. You turn to face Levi, his expression steely. You knew the look all too well, after being at Levi’s side for years. He felt guilty. You’re not sure what for.

“I have them too.” 

Gabi and Falco turn to face Levi, shocked at his words. While you opened up to the two of them often, Gabi and Falco rarely had heart to hearts with Levi. They never hated him for it, understanding that he had every reason to be guarded, more than most. The only person he really talked to was you. 

He reaches over, his hands brushing across the scars on your forehead and then your neck. You’re taken back to the moment, being nearly crushed in Zeke’s grasp as you guys stood on the Attack Titan. Levi had gotten to you in time, severing you out of Zeke’s hold, but he wasn’t fast enough to catch you before you fell down. 

“My nightmare is that I killed you. Every time I close my eyes, all I see is you falling, after I cut you down. I reach you and you’re dead. No sparkling eyes looking at me, no stupid remarks when I talk to you. You’re still. Quiet. Lifeless. And it’s all my fault. I wake up every night, pressing my fingers against your neck just to make sure you’re still here.” 

You reach forward, pulling him into your embrace. You place your hand on the side of his hair, the other arm still slung around Gabi and Falco. The four of you sit like that for a while, no one reaching to breaking the silence. 

“Mr. Levi. Can we sleep here?” he whispers, looking up at Levi. 

You and Levi move, opening up the covers for the two of them to climb in between you. Within a few minutes, the two of them are fast asleep, the tear stains now dry against their cheeks. You and Levi face each other, interlocking fingers over the two of them. 

“Whatcha thinking about, Miss Y/N?” 

You turn to find Falco, pulling out his pajamas near the mattress. You shake your head, throwing away the memory all together as you finish putting the bed together. 

“Nothing, Falco. Levi’s in the bathroom. Go brush your teeth.” 

He jumps off, retreating to your bathroom. You move towards the guest bathroom, finding Gabi brushing her teeth by the sink. You join her, the two of you making faces at each other as you finish up. 

“Braids, Gabs?” 

She nods, sitting up on the counter as you start brushing your fingers through her hair. You section off parts of her hair, getting to work on braiding her brown hair. 

“Do you not think Levi is your soulmate?” 

“What?” 

“It’s just that earlier, the card. You seemed uncomfortable when Falco said you guys were.” 

You sigh, twisting her hair in your fingers. 

“It’s not that, Gabi. Don’t soulmates have to be reciprocal?” 

“You don’t think you’re his soulmate?” 

“I don’t know. He’s lost so many people but I’m unsure of how he felt about them and how he feels about me. Sometimes I wonder if they were still here, I wouldn’t be the one next to him. Maybe he would want it to be one of them instead.” 

“I don’t think so, Miss Y/N. He loves you. The thing he’s most scared to lose is you.” 

“That’s because I’m the only thing left, Gabi.” 

Levi and Falco burst in, Falco nearly falling face first into the floor. You and Gabi turn to your side, glaring at the two of them for interrupting your conversation. You see Falco’s eyes shine at the sight of you braiding Gabi’s hair. 

“Gabi! You look so pretty.” 

You watch Gabi flush at his words, running out of the room to avoid making eye contact with him. He follows, screaming an apology at her. 

“Brats. They’re hopeless.” 

“She’s hopeless. I bet she does this everyday, because there’s no way Falco walks around without saying something like that to her.”  

He nods in agreement as you clear the sink from the brushes and elastics you were using in her hair. You look into the mirror to find Levi staring at you. 

“What? Do I have something on my face?” 

“No.” 

“Then why are you staring?”  

He reaches forward, crushing you in his arms. You feel his heart pounding in his chest as he holds you even harder in his arms. He lets go, running his eyes over you. 

“You okay, Levi?” you whisper, staring into his gray eyes. 

“Yeah, it’s just-” 

He’s cut off by Falco and Gabi, who barge into the room again. 

“Oh, sorry. We were just going to ask when you wanted to sleep.” 

Levi turns to you, giving you a smile before turning to glare at the two of them. He pushes Gabi out of the room and you sling your arm around Falco as you follow them. 

“Did no one teach you brats how to knock?” 

“No. My parents died in the rumbling before they could teach me that.” 

“Your parents dropped you off here. You’re real funny brat.” 

 - 

You wake up, a cold sweat running down the side of your back. Sasha in a pool of her own blood. You look over, Gabi and Falco are still fast asleep under the blanket. Levi is absent from the mattress and you peer around for any signs of where he went. 

You spot his black hair through the window of the balcony, him sitting on the floor out there. You pull your jacket (it’s Levi’s but who’s paying attention?) and join him out there, moving to sit next to him. He tenses at the contact, before opening up his arm for you to rest against him. You lean your back against his chest, his chin resting on top of your head. 

The two of you sit in silence, staring out at the neighborhood over you. You lean into his embrace, thanking whatever gods there were for letting you be the one next to Levi in this moment.

“It was always going to be you.” 

“Hm?”

“The person next to me. It was always going to be you.” 

You sit up, turning your back to face him. You’re unsure what he’s talking about, confused by his admittance all together. 

“I heard you talking to Gabi earlier. If they were still here, you would still be the one I want by my side.” 

You feel your cheeks burning, embarrassed Levi had heard you confessing your insecurities to a twelve year old girl. 

“I’m sorry, Levi. I didn’t mean it like that. I know how you feel about me.” 

Hie expression pinches and you can feel him tense behind your back. You curse yourself for placing doubt in his mind after everything he did for you. 

“I…loved them. They were both special to me, my best friends.” 

You nod, cradling the side of his face in your hand. 

“I know, Levi. You don’t need to explain.” you whisper. 

“But they’re not special the way you are. It sounds bad but I don’t love them like I love you. I’d be done for if you were the one gone instead of them.” 

You smile, glowing at his words. You knew Levi loved you, but he was hardly one to ever say it. Make no mistake, he showed it to you everyday - leaving tea out for you, making the dinner you like, buying flowers that remind him of you. But he was never the best at saying it, which did leave you to wonder at times. 

“Me too, Levi. As weird as it is to say, sometimes I feel lucky that you and I get to do this. Run a tea shop. Have the kids come around. Walk in the markets. I mean this time last year we were cradling each other's nearly dead bodies.” 

He pauses, swallowing hard before answering. 

“The next life will be nicer to us. I mean the odds are fucking impossible - anything is better than this.” 

“The next life?” 

“Soulmates. Your souls are together in the previous life and the next.” 

You feel your chest warm at his words, at him calling you his soulmate. You lean forward, pressing a kiss to his soft lips. 

-  

Levi walks Gabi and Falco home the next morning, leaving you snoring in the mattress behind. Gabi and Falco press kisses to your head, telling Levi they’ll bring dessert when they come next week. 

Levi returns, groceries in hand. He makes breakfast, starting a cup of tea as you pad into the kitchen. Still half asleep, you swing your arms against his torso, leaning your face against his back. 

“Kids gone?” 

“Mhm. Dropped them off earlier. I got the apples you wanted yesterday while I was out.” 

You turn to the counter, rummaging through the bag Levi brought. You take out the flowers he brought from the market - a bouquet of red tulips. You smile, setting them aside to put in a vase later. 

As you look for the apples, you find a small green box. You take it out and click it open, a simple silver band in the box. 

“Levi.” 

“Hm?” 

“Did you buy me a ring?” 

You see his expression pale, as he reaches over trying to take the box from you. You’re able to avoid his grasp for a few seconds, but he gets it back in the end. 

“You’re so damn nosy, brat.” 

“Why are you trying to hide it? Buy it for your secret girlfriend instead of me?” you tease. 

“You get stupider as time goes on. It’s obviously yours. I was waiting to give it to you.” 

You smile, holding your hands out so he can give you the box back. As he reaches out to place the box in your hands, you pause spotting an identical silver band on his ring finger. 

“You have the same one!” 

“Yes. That’s the point, idiot.” 

You look up at him, staring into his eyes. You suddenly feel nervous. Last night, Levi called you his soulmate. And today he bought you rings. Matching ones. 

“What does it mean? I mean, am I really all that?” you whisper. 

“It doesn’t mean anything.” 

You deflate, dejected by his words. While the implication of matching rings made you nervous, nauseous even, his fast rejection made you feel even worse. 

“Oh. Okay, yeah.” 

“I didn’t-” 

You can see the frustration rising to his face, his eyes squinting at you. 

“I didn’t mean it like that. You mean everything. I just mean we don’t have to do anything. If you don’t want to. They’re just rings. We can do all that whenever we want to.” 

You look up at him, smiling at his nervous expression.

“I mean everything?” you ask, smirking at him. 

He prods his fingers into your forehead, pushing you back into the chair. He places the breakfast he just made in front of you along with a cup of green tea. 

“You’re hopeless, brat.” 

-  

Falco and Gabi return the next week, accompanied with a box of mochi Reiner had bought for the two of you. As you and Levi take to make dinner, Falco and Gabi lean over the counter, whispering at the sight of you. 

“They’re wearing matching rings.” 

“What? Where, Falco?” 

“On their ring fingers. Look.” 

“They’re getting married, Falco! Does this mean I get to be a flower girl?” 

You and Levi smile at each other, trying your best not to laugh at the two of them whispering (yelling) over the counter. Levi turns towards them, placing their food in front of them. 

“We’re not getting married, brat. Not yet, anyways.” 

“YOU COULD HEAR THAT?” 

You turn to join the three of them, balancing your plate and Levi’s in your hand. 

“You’re not the best whisperer, Gabs. Sorry.” 

“Who bought them, Miss Y/N?” 

“Levi did, Falco. Last week after he dropped you off.” 

“Told you he was whipped for you. He looks like a kicked dog every time you walk away from him.” 

“Keep talking, brat. I can easily convince her to pick another flower girl.” 

You and Levi turn to Gabi, a wide smile spreading across her face. 

“Wait, so you’d actually consider me?” 

“Well yeah. Who else would do it?” 

She runs across the table, pulling the both of you together in a hug. Falco jumps up as well, running to join the three of you. The two of them shout in their excitement, shaking the two of you in their hold. Gabi grabs Falco’s hand, dragging him onto the balcony to look at which flowers would be best for the ceremony. 

“Since when does that murderous brat like flowers? It’s sickening.” 

“She’s just excited, Levi. Getting to be a part of it all and everything.” 

“We aren’t even getting married yet.” he deadpans. 

“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” 

You turn to him, interlocking your fingers with his as the two of you eat your food. You hear the two of them chattering outside and thank the gods, for keeping the other half of your soul next to you.