Pluviophile | Levi Ackermann × Reader |

|Chapter 14| Liebe

My ears were red, frost bitten, but I payed no mind. The was an old frozen creek beyond the clearing of trees just ahead, a rope swing hanging from a worn branch. I raced down to the creeks edge, grabbing hold of it. "Levi, have you ever used one of these before?" I asked him, playfully tugging on it. A small glob of snow fell from the surface of the branch due to the pull, landing on my face. I shook it off.

"No, I haven't," He said. I gave him a sad look. "Really?" I grimaced. "Everyone experienced these as kids- at least everyone I know. They were magnificently fun! You must be kidding."

Levi looked at me. "I didn't have the most, 'magnificently fun' childhood, you could say."

I regretted bringing it up after he spoke, awkwardly laughing. I rushed to change the topic.

"Do you think it could hold my weight?" I gave it another harsh tug, examining the durability. Levi didn't look so sure. "I wouldn't do that if I were y-"

I gripped it firmly, lifting my feet off the ground and holding on. My moment of enthusiasm was cut short as the rope snapped, my body falling back. I could see Levi rush towards me, blurrily reaching out. He caught me before giving me a disappointed look.
I may have succeeded in changing the topic, but I failed at making things less awkward.

I nervously pat him on the shoulder as thanks, not saying anything as I sat down on a rock beside the frozen pond that the creek poured into. The crickets sounded noisily from the bushes, Levi standing beside me, not sitting. He had his hands tucked away, facing the pond as he gazed out at the stars that were now covered by a black screen. I was thankful he hadn't questioned why I asked him to join me for a night walk. I simply didn't want to be alone right now. The dream snuck back into my mind.

Something ate at me...

"Levi...?"

"Hmm?"

"... What would you do if you had a dream about someone dying? Someone who's still alive?"

He gazed down at me. "What?"

"I mean if they hadn't died yet, but there's a possibility they were going too. What would you do...?"

He thought for a moment.

"I would... Stop at nothing to keep that dream from coming true." His answer was simple, but opened up paths in the corners of my brain. I passed a grateful glance up at him.

"Why do you ask?" He wondered aloud, sitting down now on the edge of the rock beside me. I looked at him. "No reason," I said, delivering a short smile. Levi's eyes mapped out all of my features, and I could see how he never faltered as he stared at me, the silent winds urging me to say something. It was as if nature as a whole grew around me for the specific reason of leading me into this exact moment. My lips parted as I went to say something, but stopped myself when Levi spoke first.

He leaned closer. "You intrigue me," His black hair sparkled beautifully in the glimmering light that reflected off both the frozen pond and him. The dusted snow brushed through the land, a whirlwind of white color swirling around the world as my heart started beating a little faster each second. "How so?" My tone was unintentionally flirtatious, a brow raising.

He smirked. I blinked at his unexpected reaction.

"I'm sure you already know," He brought a hand up, flicking me on the forehead. I drew back in surprise, holding my head with a hand, easing the small sting from the impact. "What was that for?!" I cried, nudging him back.

The Captain broke out in a small laughter, my eyes growing round at the sound. It was a lovely laugh. I tilted my head slightly as he stopped, his face morphing into a crooked smile as he held his gaze. At this point, my heart was wild inside me, and my breath hitched in my chest as I fought to speak.

"Captain... You're the one who intrigues me," I mumbled. He mimicked my earlier expression, raising a brow just as I had.
"Oh really? How so?" He said curtly, his smirk still playing on his face. I was now unimpressed, rolling my eyes. "You're ridiculous. Why don't you just tell me what's so intriguing about me?"

He folded his arms, looking up to the sky. "Well, for starters-" He returned his eyes to me. "You're extremely talented in the field, you seem to always coincidentally be where I am," Levi paused. "And you ask weird questions."

I scoffed. "Really? That's it?" My tone was a bit funky, throwing my emotions off. Is that really all he noticed?

"Do you expect more?" Levi examined my droopy frown. I shrugged, unresponsive. 

He uncrossed his arms, placing them back at his sides. "Well, you... Are good at dancing."

"Dancing is what came to your mind first!?" I gasped, playfully punching him in the arm. He seemed confused.
"What answer are you looking for?"

I made a circle around my face with my finger. "Don't you know how to compliment a lady? You're supposed to bring up her looks when you're telling her why she intrigues you," I was half joking, but at the same time was entirely serious. I awaited his response, shyly avoiding looking at him after speaking. 

"I didn't think I'd need to point out the obvious," Levi's reply sent a warm shiver down my spine. "You're clearly very beautiful, Y/n."

I couldn't hold in a scream of surprise, nearly pushing him off the rock. "Levi! That was too far!" My face was hot with embarrassment, my hands fumbling around my cheeks to try and cool them down. Levi chuckled, standing up. He held his hand out to help me up. I took it quickly.

After I was on my feet, I brushed my legs off and began marching back to the castle we were to stay at for the night. I didn't even look back at him, afraid I'd go weak in the knees. I could feel him staring at me, his cheeky grin prying into my head. I desperately switched to a speed walk, hoping and praying he couldn't see the effect he had on me.

As much as I wanted to deny it, I couldn't.

I was falling head over heels for this man, and there was no stopping it.
-

|Chapger 14|
Liebe
-
Once we had returned to the halls, I snailed my hand up to the door knob, looking back at Levi who stood across from me, preparing to enter his room.

"Goodnight, Levi..." I whispered, not making eye contact.

"Goodnight, Y/n," He responded, opening the door and clicking it shut. I was left alone out in the halls. My hand dropped from the doorknob, and I slid down the wooden frame, repressing a shriek that welled up inside me. I was sitting on the floor, legs propped up against my chest as I drank in the air of the castle, shaking my head. Everything all at once came crashing down upon me. These new feelings were already driving me insane, the thumping in my chest becoming something I was now growing accustomed to.

I took a deep breath.

Then the door opened behind me, and I fell onto my back, head hitting the floor. "Ow!" I groaned.

"Y/n?!" Hange yelled in a high-pitched whisper, helping me up by grabbing my shoulders. "Where have you been? It's past midnight," I was now walking inside, the door latching behind me. I rubbed my head.

"I was just on a late night walk," I headed for the beds, collapsing onto one of them. Hange went and sat on the other. "For that long?" Hange asked. "You were with someone," She implied. Her conclusion made my skin itch.

"Let's talk in the morning," I put the pillow over my head to drown out the sound of her voice. I adored Hange, but as of right now I wanted nothing more than to just sleep and forget about everything.

She only nodded, laying back into the bed. I was still in my dress, but I couldn't care less. In seconds, I was fast asleep, the sound of the crickets was my lullaby.