#sargam notes | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

levis-coffeecup · 2 years

Text

Red, Red, Red

Summary: "But I'm not love, I am death."

Pairing: Levi x reader (Inspired by Indian Mythology and the Mughal empire.)

W.C: 7.4 k

Content/ Warnings: Ages 16 and up, Death of minor characters, poison, reader is a courtesan (if femme fatale was a person, it would be her), patriarchal society, inspired by Mughal Empire. mentions of prostitution, forbidden love, a LOT of sexual tension.

This fic is for @dearbraus' event- Heavenly Bodies

Author's note:

Okay so, the whole setting is inspired by the Mughal Era. But the kingdoms are Paradis, and Marley. And the titles used are also Captain, Commander etc. Because only south-asian people would know how cringe Senapati Levi Ackerman sounds.

And I have taken many liberties with the the Mughal and Hindu culture . I'm pretty sure a few things don't work out the way they are. So don't take it serious.

This is my first time writing in 2nd person, so please bear with me. And instead of using Y/N. Noor (light) is used, which was given to the reader as a title.

Also, I don't know if anyone needs to read this, but I'll put it out either ways.- I've read so many reader inserts where the reader seems so sexy and beautiful. Has guys falling for her everywhere. And I would just stop reading those the moment the reader gets compliments. Because I couldn't relate to that and I would think that that's not me. But now I see them as a lack of my own self confidence.

And yes even in this one-shot, the reader is very pretty because that's a part of her job. But don't read it and be like no this isn't me. Feel good about yourself for a moment. Feel beautiful, because there is beauty in everyone, in some form or another. And I'm sure that there are people that will find it in you as well.

Playlist | Masterlist

Levi sees red everywhere.

He sees red in the rose petals splayed over the floor, like a carpet across all corridors. He sees red in the glasses of wine passed around the ministers as they cackle. And he sees red in the jewels on the crown, that so many lust after.

It's all red. The blood that stains his sword. The anger that pulses through his veins. And the battlefields, decorated with dead corpses, that he’s just left today morning.

The war is over, the enemy has surrendered and with that it is time to celebrate.

The diwan-i-khas (hall of private audiences) looks magnificent today.

Arched cusped marble pillars stand tall, bordering the circular arena. Decorated with flower vines twirled around its height.

And the circular arena in the center comes alive with the light of the intricate chandeliers and silver oil lamps. The smell of parijat (jasmine) dwells around.

Right straight from the entrance, at the other end, is the king. And the ministers sit next to him, circling around the center stage. Lazily sprawled on the divans (sofas) as they alternate between the wine served and the hookah kept next to them.

Music floats through the halls. And Levi walks into the rhythmic beats of the tabla ( a percussion instrument) and the sweet melody of the sitar (a stringed instrument). The singer recites a beautiful ghazal.

And in the center of all that is you.

Clad in expensive silks and jewels. Eyes outlined with thick black kohl, lips painted carmine. And parijat flowers adorning your hair and swaying with every movement as you dance around.

Levi clicks his tongue. He’s never been interested in events like these. Where women entertain and men fill their systems full with alcohol and desire. It’s such a useless waste of time and money.

He walks behind the circle of pillars, making his way to the room adjacent to this, where he has been ordered to come. Soldiers trail behind him as he heads to the banquet hall. The entrance to which is a few meters behind the King’s diwan.

The singer starts reciting the sargam (gamut). And the sound of your ghungroo (anklet bells) increases. The tap of your feet to the beat of the tabla. And the flow of your movements to the cadence of the sitar. It's all too enthralling.

A beautiful performance, put up by top-notch artists.

The jewels studded in your choli (blouse) shimmer in the oil lamps that illuminate the night. Your lehenga (skirt) spins around, creating a beautiful flair. And your eyes follow your hands movements, taking mudras (hand gestures) and moving with such delicacy and grace.

And everyone watches, looking at you with eyes full of lust. Transfixed at the sway of your hips and the smirk on your lips.

And Levi knows that the soldiers walking behind him have stopped as well, just to throw a glance at you.

He turns around expressions, stern and stoic. He clears his throat, and the soldiers look at him in fright. The message he wants to convey is clear.

That’s the best royal courtesan in the kingdom, way out of your league. So quit slacking and get to work.

Levi pivots, and you take a turn as well. Fleetingly your eyes meet his and your heart warms at the sight of him.

Captain Levi Ackerman. The only man in this room full of men, who doesn’t look at you with lust filled eyes. Who doesn’t even spare you a glance. And the only man who has shown you that perhaps some people do have a golden heart.

Your mind reels back to the day when you were a child, merely 15. A young girl still learning the ways of the imperial harem. Cornered by a few drunk men, in the darkness of night, with no one else in sight.

The world is wicked, and every act is only done to get something in return. It's all a transaction.

But when he saved you that day, he didn't ask for anything, he didn't want any explanation.

He didn't say a word, he didn’t judge you.

He just helped you.

And even though, since then, you have had a childish desire to get closer to him, you never let the softness in your heart show through your eyes.

And you’ll never let it hamper your job.

You continue dancing. Actions unaffected. Expressions unaffected. It is something that has come after years of practice. Because a break in the facade would only show vulnerability, and that was something you couldn't afford in a place like the imperial harem (the separate part of a Muslim household reserved for wives, concubines, and female servants).

You take your eyes away from him, instead staring at the ministers in front of you, who itch for a moment with you.

And Levi stares straight ahead as well, and soon he disappears behind the king's throne. Into the banquet hall.

Zackley, Pixis, Nile and Erwin. All the important military officials stand in front of him. And his eyes wander down to the table between him, and the powerful men.

It is filled with delicacies for the king, for the feast that he is throwing today.

Kheers with raisins and cow milk. And barfis flaked with silver. Kebabs roasted to a perfect golden. And biryani stewed in chicken broth.

Plates, bowls, cutlery. Everything is kept prepared.

Levi exchanges a known glance with Erwin, and then he walks and stands in line with the other military officials.

The soldiers behind Levi also begin to dissipate, as they walk towards the gates of the banquet hall. But they are halted way too quickly.

Nile calls one of them forward. The soldier gulps and timidly pivots around.

“You know what to do.” Nile says and hands him four spoons. One for each delicacy. The soldier looks at him with fearful eyes. But he’s dead anyways if he denies a higher military official.

So he takes a step and extends a shaky hand forward. Grabbing the 4 spoons that Nile holds out for him.

His hand shakes as he dips them into each vessel. And Levi can see the dread flash on his face, as he brings the spoon close to his mouth and takes a bite. Actions slower than ever

The performance outside has ended, the music has simmered down, and the lack of sound only amplifies the intensity of the situation.

The soldier takes in the food from the last spoon, and then he waits.

He waits for the painful coughs and the heavy feeling that will overcome his body. But it doesn’t come.

He waits, the soldiers around him wait. The military officials wait. Minutes pass by, thick in silence. And then Nile says. “Well, at least the food isn’t poisoned this time.”

The situation is despicable.

Today they all drink together, celebrating the victory after war. And tomorrow they’ll go back to plotting against each other to have more power.

The Mughal court is a dangerous place. Even more dangerous than the battlefield, Levi would say. Because in war you fight an enemy, you expect to be wounded by the end.

But the court is full of power-hungry people, with lurking eyes. Conspiracies are concocted, allies made, rumors spread. And people killed in the privacy of their chambers.

A lot of the Reiss lineage has already been lost in these games of politics and power. And now it's up to the military to protect the last heirs of the royal family with all that they have.

The soldier bows to show his respect. And he is all too quick to take a turn and take steps away from the table.

“Wait,” Zackley says and his actions halt. “Taste the food using the king’s spoon.”

The soldier turns around helpless once again. He grabs the spoon kept for the king, pours some kheer into it…

A minute passes by and this time death does come for him.

Violent coughs fill the air, as he spits some of the kheer on the floor. The spoon clatters on the floor as his body starts going numb. 5 minutes from now, and he’ll be dead.

“They put poison over the spoon.” Zackley pushes his spectacles higher up the bridge on his nose. “Their ways to kill each other are surely getting creative.:.”

He picks the fallen spoon from the floor, and gets it closer to his nose.

Cautiously, he takes a whiff. “The deadliest ones work the quickest.”

Darius Zackley, the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial army. Wicked and ruthless. An eccentric war strategist with a wide collection of poisons.

The sound of ghungroos echo against the floor and everyone turns around at the sound.

You step into the hall, completely swathed in clothes. A burqa covering your body, a netted veil on top of it and you wear gloves as well.

“Sire,” you bow down to Zackley.

“Noor.” He nods, acknowledging your greetings and places the king’s spoon on a plate. “This poison must be expensive, it must be the work of another minister…Look into this Erwin, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

And with that Zackley leaves the hall, with you trailing behind him.

Unlike the other women in the harem, who are allowed to be with any man who puts his sight on them. You are only offered to people who Zackley tells you to go to. You belong to Darius Zackley. Not even the king is allowed to be with you.

Levi watches you follow after him, until the both of you disappear behind the thick curtains that cover the exit.

Zackley halts and his eyes wander around to see if anyone else is around. He dismisses the guards securing the area with a wave of his hand.

And when everyone leaves, he brings out a glass vial, filled with red.

He extends it forward to you, and you bring it closer to your mouth with unwavering confidence.

It tastes a little bitter, but your face shows no expression of distaste. You empty its contents in a single gulp. Looking at Zackley directly as you do so.

And then you hand it back to him, expression as normal as ever. It's something you are now very familiar with, by now.

“I want you to go after Sannes today… you know what to do right?” Zackley says as he slips the vial back into his pockets.

━━━━━━━━━━━━

Sannes has been killed. And that leaves the court in an unstable condition.

People seem concerned, the investigation has started, and this time a few people suspect you as well.

Murder and killing is usually attributed to the men in the court. But Sannes was so smitten by you, that this time a few people suspect you as well. There isn’t any concrete proof behind it. Rumors flew around and that’s all it took for people to start talking.

There are other suspects as well, people who have much deeper motives. With much more evidence. And well you are a mere courtesan, its not like you could ever be the queen. Or that you even have a tad bit interest in politics.

But oftentimes people wind up in another’s lies and get killed for deeds they haven’t even committed.

And you feel scared. People take much more notice of you now. Even when you are just sitting under a tree in some garden. It feels like eyes are following you everywhere. And a stab through your back , any moment, is all it's going to take.

And even though you are the best courtesan in town, obviously you aren’t as important as the Royal Treasurer Sannes. If you die, no one is going to bat an eye. Because only Zackley knows how irreplaceable you actually are.

You take quiet steps into the night. Walking on your tippy toes with your burqa covering your entire face, lest you get identified.

The soldiers guarding this part of the mahal (palace) are fast asleep. And you cautiously make your way to the quarters at the end of the corridor.

The smell of sandalwood lingers through the slits in the door. And sandalwood is burnt to purify the air. You raise your arm, and knock on the door in the most gentle way possible. Hoping that it is heard.

The door opens, and you lift your veil to see the man in front of you a little clearer. “I need your help.”

“Do you know what time it is?” he sneers in a gruff voice.

“It's 1 am, and I know you don’t sleep often. And I don’t want anyone seeing us… Levi.”

“What are you a stalker?”

“No, I'm a courtesan actually, one that can make you fall for my charms in a matter of minutes.”

“Tch.” Levi turns around, leaving you waiting on his doorsteps… At least he doesn’t close the door in your face. That counts for something right?

“Levi, I need your help… I think I’m in trouble.” You speak a little louder, but not loud enough to wake all the sleeping soldiers.

“Trouble? With you going around wrecking everything? Surely you jest.” Levi rebuttals.

“Giving someone a boner, never hurt anybody.”

“Then go to Zackley with your problems. He has way more power than me. Why are you here?”

Because I trust you more than Zackley. I feel safer around you than Zackley. “Because you are the strongest soldier, and I want to learn to defend myself.”

Levi’s face softens a little.

His mother was once a courtesan too. Not a royal one, as revered as you. But a courtesan nevertheless.

Dancing for a minister just to earn a few mohurs (coins), with the most delightful expression. And failing to contain the tears in her eyes, when he pulled her blouse lower.

But she did earn enough to take care of him. And people often called her, to please themselves.

Until she fell ill… Her body started rotting and then she became as valueless as a pest.

No one asked for her anymore. No one questioned her absence. And it took mere hours for them to replace her with another woman.

It is indeed a pity to work as a courtesan. Revered but only for your body. Wanted but to only satisfy someone else's desire.

His mother was pure, a little too pure for a place like the harem. And she was powerless, against all these men who saw her as a means of entertainment.

And with the death of Sannes, tension is at an all time high at the mahal. There are enemies here, both outside the kingdom, and inside as well. People who are hungry for power, who have their own intentions.

And you are a royal courtesan.

There are people who hate you with passion. And there are people lusting for your position.

The stakes are much higher, and it's dangerous to be harmless in a place like this.

Levi throws you a final glance and then walks farther and farther away. And you feel nervousness building in your system as you see him get seated on his desk and go back to reading.

You wait for a few moments, but there is nothing but silence.

You pivot, picking up the pieces of your self esteem. And only when you take your first step forward does his voice catch up to you.

“I’m a really busy man, so you’ll have to adjust with it.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━

“You ready?” Levi’s mumbles in his usual stoic manner.

You nod. Fiddling with the material of your hand gloves, ambling casually as if you are leisurely strolling through the corridors of the mahal.

But there is a catch.

Levi is standing just a few meters behind you. Ready to attack and see whether you can implement the technique he has taught you.

He is quiet as he catches you from behind. It's been 2 months since he has started helping you, and how fast and silent he is still catches you off guard.

Instantly, his arms snake around your neck. And if he was someone to harm you he would have choked you.

You slip your hands between his arms and your neck. Trying to create some distance, just like he taught you, so that he doesn’t have the power to choke you.

But Levi is so strong, you can hardly get his arms to budge. You struggle and his other arm unwinds from your neck and lands on the small of your back. He turns you around. And tackles you to the ground.

And you are so grateful for the mattress he has placed below, to cushion your fall. Because with how heavy Levi is, you would have surely broken your back on the floor.

Levi’s hands grip on to your wrist as he pins you to the floor. Holding you in a chokehold. ”You need to be quicker than this… No one is going to wait for you to get your shit together.”

You squirm under him, bangles clinking with every flick of your wrist. Ghungroo belted anklets jangling and creating the most beautiful of melodies. But it's all in vain.

The both of you know that you are no match against him.

But you don’t quit. Still you writhe. Bending your knee, lifting your elbow. Trying everything you can to somehow throw him off.

And Levi watches you struggle.

The sight makes him shudder. Shudder with fear and desire as the details of you consume all his thoughts.

Lips tinted red, eyelids heavy with kohl, neck perfumed.

And even though this is just combat practice, he can’t help but realize that he has never been this close to a woman before.

And you, as usual, are quick to notice how he’s looking at you.

So you lean closer, crunching upwards towards him. Taking advantage of the raging hormones in him.

Levi’s eyes widen. It takes him a moment to collect himself.

“Tch don't try those tricks on me, they won't work.” He says as he gets off you, with a visible boner in his pants.

You smile at him, eyes innocently wicked. “Oh they won’t,” you feign sadness. “Why don’t I test it for myself?”

You get off the mattress and walk closer to him.

And all shades of red ever known to mankind, color Levi's face.

He tries so hard to be the stoic ruthless soldier he is reputed to be. But you can't take him seriously with how the tips of his ears are flushing red as well.

Your heart feels warm, at the way he is reacting. Walking backwards and backwards until his back hits the wall. “Oi, don’t force me to push you hard.”.

Levi narrows his eyes as he looks at you. Your entire body is covered in clothes. From the socks on your toes to the gloves that cover your hands. Only your face is visible.

Then why are you still having such an effect on him?

You lean in closer and closer, and he is ridden breathless. Too unsure of whether he wants to push you away or actually bask in your ministrations.

And just when your lips are inches away from him, you direct them to his ears, and whisper. “Sorry Captain, I’ll be more obedient next time.”

The words leave Levi speechless. And you can only move back and chuckle at the way he’s flustered. A triumphant feeling swells in your heart, and he’s so cute and innocent. You can’t help but genuinely smile at him.

As it is you’ll never be able to be his lover, so you’ll satisfy your heart with such teasing only.

“Let's do that again shall we, I didn’t get that move right yet.” you say as you turn around, with an evident smirk on your face.

And as Levi sees you trail towards the cushioning on the floor, for the first time he wonders, if you are truly harmless?

━━━━━━━━━━━━

The representatives of the enemy nation are given a warm welcome as they enter the city of Mitras. The town looks colorful with rangolis in every corner. Lanterns hang at the entrance of each house. And streets swept and cleaned just 2 hours prior. It is obvious that no stone has been left unturned to impress today’s visitors.

The diwan-i-khas is as decorated as ever.

Zeke, the Commander in Chief of the Marleyan army walks in all his grandeur. Flower petals are showered on him as he steps into the diwan-i-khas. And he is quick to cover the distance, and sit on the seat next to the king.

Marley has surrendered, ending decades of rivalry. And they are now proposing to form an alliance to fight against other neighboring kingdoms. Already here to discuss the strategies for the upcoming war.

Yet, even though the enemy nation may have surrendered to the forces of Paradis. They are still the enemy nation. They can’t be trusted yet, and so the security is a little tighter in the diwan-i-khas today.

Levi stands on guard as well. Leaning against a pillar, as his eyes hover around the place in caution.

Today you dazzle in red again. Wrists heavy with ruby studded bangles. A maroon colored choli(blouse) and a heavy skirt. Waist bare, adorned with a simple kamarband. (waist band)

Back bare as well, only a thick thread holding the 2 ends of the blouse together. And hair left open, cascading down your back, as it flows with your movements.

You always wear red. Maybe because red is the color of seduction. Or maybe because the color best describes the unquenchable fire inside of you.

But what catches Levi’s attention are your eyes, staring straight into Zeke’s. Eye contact unwavering as you step closer and closer.

And then you stop, right a meter in front of him. Hips swaying slightly to the music of the sitar, gaze holding his as you drag a finger from your painted, parted lips to the valley of your breasts.

The effects you have on Zeke is evident. He looks dazed, already inching forward to touch a part of you. He can smell the fragrant camellias in which you bathed today and he can only shudder at the way you look at him. In such a sly way.

And within a blink of his eye, you saunter back to the center. Dancing for the men all around and leaving Zeke hanging and impatient in his seat.

Levi frowns as he sees the way Zeke looks at you. Like a starved dog, who hasn’t touched a woman in his life. And you haughtily ignore him, depriving him of what he needs. Making him a little more desperate before you play your next move.

And it is only now Levi sees how dangerous you are.

Deduce what a person likes, and fit into that mold like a snake. You are a venomous snake that would bite back in the weakest spots.

Give a vulnerable man, a woman and he’ll spill everything out. And who could get a man more vulnerable and needy than a skilled courtesan who knows how to flaunt everything she has.

You dance around, lehenga trailing behind as you twirl around the perimeter of the arena.

And even though you don’t spare Levi a single glance now. He knows that tomorrow you will be in his quarters, acting way differently than the seductress you are right now.

Because somewhere in the lady whose speech is always calculated, and her every movement is done with an intention, is a little child who wants to be loved. Who never got the chance to blossom under the pressure that people around put on her

The performance ends and a cheer erupts from the men, who try their best to hold their dignity by not whistling out loud.

Zeke slides his ring off his finger and throws it towards you, to show his appreciation. Your hands reach upwards, swiftly catching it in your fingers, Then you close your palm and bow down to him. And Levi doesn’t miss the quick wink you throw towards Zeke.

The musicians, seated on the velvet carpet, bow down and take their leave. And a few more courtesans enter the diwan-e-khas, to entertain the men.

But Levi’s gaze remains trained on you. And the way you carry yourself with so much grace.

Noor. The title suits you perfectly.

You shine like the sun in a bright blue sky... And just like one can’t look at the sun without squinting their eyes, he can’t look at you without thinking of your magnificence.

No doubt you are the best courtesan in the kingdom.

Always so diplomatic. So calm and collected, witty and flirtatious in a way that can seduce even women.

And Levi’s face contorts into the worst frowns ever. as he sees you walking up to Zeke with a goblet of wine in your hands.

Zackley doesn’t trust Zeke as well. He has bad-mouthed that bastard enough time already, and that too for valid reasons. And you only go after the men who Zackley tells you too.

Then why are you inching towards Zeke?

That bloody bastard can’t be trusted. Not after all the stunts he has tried to pull in war. And even though he is here with the intention to surrender and make allies, Levi doesn’t trust him one bit.

He is twisted, not someone even a courtesan like you can deal with.

He lies straight through his teeth, and is wise enough to not let his secrets slip. All he needs is a sword stabbing straight through his heart.

You lean in closer to him, lips grazing his cheek as you whisper something in Zeke’s ear. And Levi can only fist his hands in response.

Is this even Zackley’s will or is this something you are doing by yourself, he doesn’t even know anymore.

━━━━━━━━━━━━

The sleep goddess hardly graces Levi.

Every night he writhes and tosses in bed, but he isn’t granted the pleasure of rest. He isn’t granted the means to escape reality for a short while, even when he is exhausted.

Today is one of those cursed days, when he can’t even seem to rest for thirty minutes. And maybe it's because the thoughts of you and Zeke make him restless.

He left the celebration as soon as he saw you walking away with him. Body pressed close to his as he held you by your waist.

And Levi wasn’t supposed to leave, he was supposed to be on duty. But that damned sight has messed with his head, in a way that it's taking everything for him to not shred Zeke to pieces.

But he’s helpless. There is nothing he can do to stop it if Zackley himself has commanded you to sleep with Zeke. And there is nothing he can do even if you want to pursue Zeke yourself, because you are an independent woman and you can make your own decisions.

So he sits at the stables, running his fingers through the lush grass. Back resting against the wooden stable as he stares above.

The sky is crowded with stars, standing out against the darkness of the night. And in them he sees the gems studded in your lehenga. And the twinkle in your eye, that seems to get brighter when you are around him.

Footsteps catch his attention, and he sits straighter, a little more alert.

A female walks closer and closer to where he is sitting. And Levi knows it's you because he is way too acquainted with the silhouette of your figure by now.

And as much as his heart is relieved he can’t help but scorn. ”You know the time is inappropriate right. All kinds of rumors will fly out if someone sees us.”

“It's 12 in the night, Levi. Everyone has passed out after drinking their brains out in celebration.”

No thanks to you. Levi wants to say, now that his own mind is tormented with thoughts of you and the way you move. But he bites back the words.

You crouch down next to him, adjusting yourself in a comfortable position. And Levi uses the moment to look at you unabashedly.

Today, you aren’t here clad in a heavy lehenga and endowed with jewels on every part of your skin. You are here in a simple muslin kurta. Hair wet and washed, and face clear of any cosmetics.

Your skin glistens with the scented oils applied after bathing. And Levi basks in the scents that flood his nostrils.

He sighs a breath of relief. He’s glad that you’ve taken a bath, and come to him after that. He would have hunted Zeke down if he could smell his dirty scent on your skin. “You must be exhausted as well, why are you here then?”

“Why would I be exhausted?

Levi averts his gaze at your words. Of course you must be experienced enough to go rounds without getting tired. And well, he’s so inexperienced he’ll probably freeze up at the sight of you in his bed.

It's embarrassing to think how bad and inept he’ll be if he does ever sleep with you. And it's even more embarrassing that he has thoughts of sleeping with you.

“What is troubling you today?” You ask him, eyes glinting with fondness.

Levi becomes quiet for a while, eyes staring straight ahead, until he finally gathers himself and asks, “did he treat you alright in… in…. “

“I didn’t sleep with him.” You interrupt.

“You didn’t sleep with him.” Levi repeats, as if he doesn’t believe it.

“No, I wasn't told to do that yet…” Your voice trails off, a little melancholic and bitter.

“So eventually it's going to happen one day?’

You raise a brow at his words, failing to contain the smirk that stretches on your lips a moment later. “Aah jealousy smells so good on you.”

Levi clicks his tongue and looks away. You are a courtesan, and sleeping around with people is a part of your job. But not Zeke of all people. Even the thought of it makes him want to gag.

A silence hovers over and your gaze flits away from his, flickering to find other objects of interest. “Depends on how things go on in the court.”

“Don’t be stupid, How do the things in court affect this even a tad bit.”

You remain unusually quiet at the statement. “Can we talk about something else please…I’ve had enough of politics.”

Levi sighs. Sure it's tiring to be around people who are constantly wanting your downfall. It's tiring to be around people who are just looking for a moment of vulnerability.

He hums in agreement. He doesn't have anything else to say. He isn't much of a talker anyways. So he just sits in silence and you sit alongside him. Listening to the sound of the crickets.

━━━━━━━━━━━━

The night is cold, the moon is out and the room you're in is drowning in darkness.

Zackley appears out of the blackness, with an oil lamp in one hand and a teaspoon in another. Just an hour ago you were wandering around with the girls in the zenana, and then he called for you. And asked you to come to his room.

Ah! My Noor..” He sits beside. And you peeks into the silver spoon that he is holding. A drop of red lies in the center. It's miniscule, the tiniest drop. But your brain freezes at its sight. This doesn’t feel good.

“Here.'' He brings the spoon closer to your mouth. You gulp. The silver spoon shines in the light of the oil lamp. The red liquid looks like wine, but it doesn’t smell like it. It doesn’t smell like anything you’ve ever experienced.

Pushing back the hesitation that claws your mind, you take in the small drop of red.

The liquid burns your mouth. The spoon in your hand clatters as your arms shake uncontrollably.

You clutch on to your throat, as it burns. Coughing and choking, eyes red and sweat gathering on your face

Zackley strokes your back, but it brings no comfort. A heaviness is taking over your body, you can feel it go limp second by second. A dark black clouds your vision. And you know that death is awaiting you, just a moment away now.

You wake up startled. Blinking your eyes furiously as you scan the surroundings around.

And the horror of your nightmare washes away in an instant as you feel the warmth surrounding your body.

Levi sits beside. And you are resting your head on his chest. Right above where his heart is.

And for the first time in many years, you don't wake up to an empty bed. You wake up without the feeling of dread, apprehension and the sense that something is amiss in your life.

You smile a little, listening to his heartbeat, stable and calm. It puts you in a state of peace, despite these nightmares that have haunted you for years.

You can only see the bottom of his face with the way you are sitting. And the flutter of his lashes as he looks at the rustling grass. Levi is still awake. Obviously sleep hasn’t graced him yet.

Your hand reaches out towards him, fingers tracing the sharpness of his jaw. And Levi looks down, features soft and relaxed.

The weather is dreary now. Heavy clouds cover the stars that once grazed every inch of the sky.

Your lips are parted as you take in a deep breath. Almost relishing in the way his skin feels against your fingertips. And he struggles to keep his eyes off you as well.

“War… war is upcoming. You are going again in a month.” And oh your eyes are filled with so much concern, that Levi is ridden of words.

What he’s looking at now is not the Noor that sparkles in the court. That speaks the most refined urdu, and is decked with jewels on every part of her body.

Today you are without all the cosmetics that sit on your face, and all the beautiful lies you make up to impress men.

What he’s looking at right now, is the child inside of you. The one who cares limitlessly. Loves selflessly, without thinking of the possibility of getting hurt. Without knowing the burdens of this world.

And either way, god sure took his sweet time to make you.

A raindrop falls on the top of his head and Levi breaks out his trance. The sky is filled with heavy clouds that are beginning to drizzle.

“Tch… I hate rain.” He gets up, averting his eyes from you and planning to rush back to his quarters. So that he can get the thoughts of kissing you out of his mind.

He takes a step forward and your bangles clink as you extend your hand forward.

Levi stalls in anticipation of what you’ll do next. Your fingers latch onto his wrist. The warmth of your skin engulfing a small part of his body, and setting his heart on fire simultaneously.

“Stay…” Your voice is sweet, a little more high pitched than it is around others. It's only this sweet when you're with him.

Levi looks over his shoulder. And he can only take a sharp breath at the sight of you.

He is a man himself, how can he resist the charm of you? A woman who is trained to seduce people and captivate them.

So he sits back down again, and you bring a hand closer to his face, until it covers both his eyes. You can feel his lashes blinking against your palm. It's a sign of his resistance.

You sigh and then speak. “Close your eyes… doesn’t the rain feel wonderful against your skin.”

Levi stops. His eyes shut close and for once he gives in and listens to you. And he's never stopped to see the beauty in all the small things around him. He’s never taken a moment to pause… and just breath.

And a small smile tugs on his lips, as he feels the rain pattering against his skin.

Satisfied, your hand retracts back to your side, his eyes open, and in front of him is you.

The rain has deluged you. Pearly beads of water roll down the curve of your neck, to the swell of your breasts. Until they disappear under the neckline of the kurti you wear.

In front of him is you. The most beautiful thing he has ever seen.

So he indulges in the sight that is you. In the details of you. For once he pushes back the thoughts of war and sees beauty instead.

A raindrop catches in the length of your lashes, as you look at him. Eyes unblinking, eye-contact unwavering.

It is cold, and winds have started blowing. Your clothes stick to your skin, becoming cold in the rain as well.

So you scoot closer to him, wrapping your arms around his, as you place your head on his chest once again.

This is wrong. you're a royal courtesan way out of his bounds. A lady meant for the enjoyment of ranks way higher than his. And he’s a war battered soldier, who doesn't need indulgences. Who can’t afford any weakness.

But everything seems so beautiful that he wants to stay here forever.

So he slips his arm out of both of yours. And wraps it around your shoulder instead. Pulling your body a little closer to his.

The night is cold. Air puffs from your mouth at the cool temperature. And Levi can feel the goosebumps standing on his skin. Due to the fine muslin he wears, that has been drenched whole in the rain.

But in each other, you find warmth. In the way your bodies are pressed together. In the way your warm breath grazes each other's skin. And in the way your hearts race against each other’s chest.

━━━━━━━━━━━━

The sun is setting, and Levi is going through the records of the last war in his quarters.

The preparations for the upcoming war have been completed. And this time Paradis will fight with their newly formed alliance, Marley.

Gentle knocks on his door, interrupt his workflow and his head perks up. The door opens without him saying come in, and that's all it takes for him to know it's you.

The door closes a little loudly, and you lean against it. Hand on your heart as you catch your breath.

Levi gets up in an instant. He gently pushes you to the side and looks in through the peephole. Scanning behind to see if anyone was following you up till here.

But there is no one in sight. And the corridor to his quarters is as quiet as it always is.

You walk in and flop down onto the divan placed in the center. Chest heaving as you breathe in.

The scent of sandalwood fills in your nostrils. It's a scent you associate with Levi now. With his calloused hand and comfort.

“What’s got you so out of breath?” He asks as he makes his way to his kitchen. “Are you in danger?”

A minute passes by, and you remain quiet. Waiting for him to come sit next to you.

He steps out of his kitchen with a glass of sherbet in his hand. He offers it to you, and you shake your head with vigor.

“No, I can’t have this today… I’m fasting.” You say timidly as heat gathers to her cheeks.

“Fasting? But it's not Eid or Ramadan?”

“Yeah… but it's a full moon night, in the month of June… the day of Savitri vrat.”

Levi’s eyes widen at the words.

Savitri Vrat. It's a festival celebrated by the Hindus in the honor of Savitri, the woman who compelled the lord of death to bring back her dead husband. And to give him a chance to live.

Women fast the entire day, Tying a sacred red thread around a banyan tree 108 times, to ensure the safety and health of their husband.

And Levi doesn’t know much about the occasion, but he does know it's something only married women take part in.

“They would have killed me if they saw a courtesan like me going around the banyan tree, with a sacred thread in my hand.” You look elsewhere, flustered at the way he’s looking at you.

Your fingers slide into your pocket and they take out a red thread, the same, sacred one that married women tie around the banyan trees.

And a gasp escapes his mouth, eyebrows raised all the way up, as you bring the thread closer to his hand.

You wrap the thread around his wrist. “They say that the strength of this thread depends on the resolve the woman puts into it. And I have completed all the rituals wholeheartedly… so it should keep you safe as long its stays on your wrist,”

I love you too, he wants to say.

You make a double knot so that the thread remains in place. You look up and meet Levi’s wide eyes. And all of a sudden you are way too aware of where you are and what you have done.

“ No no no, it's not about marriage … I just want you safe and protected In the war… t-thats it.” You uncharacteristically sputter. Nervous, ashamed, and reminded of the fact that you are a courtesan.

Everyone wants you for a night in their bed, but no one wants you in their life forever. No one wants to see the ugly, ungraceful part of you.

After all however beautiful you may be, who would want a woman who sleeps with other men. Who would love a woman who is unholy and tainted.

And in the flow of your thoughts, you completely miss how Levi is looking at you right now. With the softest of eyes, and rosy cheeks.

I love you too, he wants to say.

But he’s too flustered to utter a single sound out of his mouth. A fire burns in his mind, and he knows his words would never be able to express the weight of his emotions.

So he leans in. He gives in to the desire he has harbored for so long, gaze struck on your painted lips.

He cups your cheek as he draws closer. The distance is reducing, bit by bit. Second by second

And you freeze as you feel his breath on the tip of your nose.

Oh! For how long have you dreamt of this moment. For how long have you craved to feel his lips against yours.

But you can't, you won’t and this kiss will always be a figment of your imagination.

Unknowingly a tear slips past your eye and Levi’s eyebrows furrow in response. He moves backward and stares at your heartbroken face. Lifting his thumb, to wipe the tear off rolling down your cheek.

But you slap his hand away and the worry in his heart only gets heavier.

A sob breaks off your mouth. And Levi doesn’t know what’s troubling you so much.

He doesn’t want you for just a night. He wants all of you, the ugly parts, the disturbing parts. Because what he feels for you isn't lust or infatuation. Its love

And well obviously you are a courtesan. A proper relationship between the two of you seems close to impossible. But he’s the strongest person in the army. A weapon that can't be defeated or replaced. And for that reason only, his life will never be on stake.

And if you ever want to quit your work, then he’ll support you financially as well.

He’s fallen in love with you and he can’t hold himself back anymore.

And oh! He’s red. Colored in his love for you, that has consumed him bit by bit. Just like poison, that slowly invades the entire body.

“Levi I love you, I love you with all my heart, ever since the day you saved me that day.” Your voice trails off… broken and uncertain.

And you don’t know how to tell him that kissing you is equivalent to being bitten by the deadliest of snakes. That making love to you is not pleasure but death.

That you are red. The poison that Zackley has fed you, drop by drop. Until you got so used to consuming it, that your body itself has become poisonous.

Your tears, your sweat, your blood… Everything is poison.

And you are his weapon, to kill anyone he desires. A weapon that can not be defeated or replaced.

“But I’m not love, I am death.”

The story that inspired this fic- Nandini, An ancient tale of passion and seduction.

This fic is inspired by the myth of vish kanyas (poison girls), where poison is given to a person, regularly in small doses. Until the person's body gets used to it. The doses are increased, and gradually the person is able to drink an entire bottle of poison without reacting.

And as the poison settles into their system, their body (bodily fluids) become venomous.

Also I have edited and proof read this myself, and its really exhausting. So if there are any errors please tell me. (And if anyone is willing to be a beta reader then message me, because I desperately need one. And I don't mind beta reading in exchange).

Thank you for reading! Any type of feedback is appreciated.

#levi x reader #levi ackerman #levi #levi x you #aot #🌟 — [ Heavenly Bodies ]

45 notes · View notes