Addictive ~Levi x Reader AU~

Chapter 13: Waiting

I made my way into the Armor Café, the bell chiming as I entered. The sweet smell of freshly brewed coffee and teas swirled through my nose as I breathed. To be honest, it felt good to be there. I didn't feel like going to my apartment where I knew I'd only be caught up in my thoughts, but I also didn't want to venture too far away. I needed to be somewhere both familiar and distant enough to distract myself. The café happened to be just that.

I walked up to the counter, waiting for someone to come take my order. I had a hunch I wouldn't see Bertolt since I knew he had classes, so I was both excited and terrified to meet another worker. As I've said before, meeting new people was by far not my thing. I was as social as a rock.

"Welcome to the café. Can I take your order?" a husky male voice asked.

I glanced up to see a man with short blonde hair and pretty hazel eyes that were both fierce and kind. His facial structure was well defined and masculine, matching his toned frame. He appeared a little intimidating, but it could have felt that way due to the shitty day I was having. His hazel gaze boarded into mine, waiting for me to respond to him, so I nodded.

"Yes. Uh, one medium black tea and a blueberry muffin, please," I smiled.

His cheeks flushed a slight pink tint as he rang my order up, "T-that'll be $5.50."

I dug into my bag and pulled out the amount due, passing it to him, "Here ya go."

He took the money and steadily placed it in the cash register, his face still red and his hands trembling. He almost seemed nervous and it was kind of cute. I wasn't used to guys being flustered around me, so it was a nice change of pace. Still, as adorable as it was, I couldn't shake that nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Name?" he asked, his eyes nervously darting away.

I giggled, "Y/N...Y/N L/N."

"L/N...L/N?" he began to scratch his head. "Where have I heard that name?"

He crossed one of his arms around his body, resting his other elbow on it as he scratched his chin. I could tell he was thinking, doing his best to recall his memories. His gaze scanned me a few times, most likely trying to figure out where he'd seen me. Honestly, I only ever went home, school, and the café...and the market whenever my refrigerator and pantry demanded it. But besides all that, I was a homebody. I rarely ventured out for the hell of it unless I was avoiding my thoughts. Much like I was then.

"Well, I go to MRU," I offered. "You might've heard my name in a class or something."

He shook his head, his eyes searching me, "No. I don't go to MRU. My friend does though."

"Who's your friend?" I questioned.

"Bertolt Hoover," he replied matter-of-factly. "Do ya know him?"

I nodded, flashing him a smile, "Yeah. He and I are in the same science class. He's also taken my order a few times here."

"That's it," he snapped his fingers. "You're the girl who sometimes sits with that cranky professor."

Now it was my turn to flush red. Even while trying to get away his presence still followed me. Why am I feeling this way? I internally cried. What the hell is going on? I didn't want to experience it anymore. It felt like a dagger was stabbing my heart and that the life was draining from me. It honestly sucked. I just wanted to go back to how everything was before I ran into him that day.

"Umm...are you okay?" the man asked, his stare filled with concern.

I shook myself out of my pity and smiled brightly, "I'm fine. Sorry."

"You're fine," he shrugged. His previous nervous twitches were replaced by confident movements as he began to make my order. "Name's Reiner by the way. Reiner Braun."

"Nice to meet you," I did my best to sound as sweet as possible, but I was feeling low and breakable.

That stupid sensation continued to loom over me, twisting my stomach as it jabbed at my heart. My skin felt like I was going numb -like my ability to feel was slipping away. I hated that feeling, I hated it so much. It made me feel sick and like I was going to collapse right there. My world was being rocked, but by a force I couldn't see and that terrified me to the core.

"So, how do you know Bertolt?" I finally managed to ask as I ignored the knot in my stomach.

"We go way back," Reiner laughed, turning to me with my order. "We're childhood friends. Known him as long as I can remember."

"Oh. That seems really cool," I took my beverage. "How come you don't go to MRU? Did you choose a different school?"

Reiner flashed me a crooked grin, "Nah. After high school, I just went straight into the working field. My family owns this shop actually."

My eyes widened in astonishment, "Wow. I must say, you all do a wonderful job. The atmosphere is quaint and charming and the staff is always friendly."

"Thanks," Reiner smiled, scratching the back of his head. "I'll make sure to tell everyone you said so."

At that, I flashed a final smirk and began for the sitting area. I paused, seeing my usual spot. It was empty and abandoned, no Professor Ackerman anywhere to be seen. The table and two chairs just looked so lonely and dreary, even with the golden haze trickling in through the windows. It took my breath away, reminding me of how Levi...yes, I dared to think his name there...and I spent our time there. Sure, I hadn't bumped into him too many times at the café, but every time I had gone there thus far, he would show up. It was as if the café had a magical touch to it.

Biting my lips, I made my way to the familiar table and slid into the seat that faced the entrance. Surely, he'll come this time too. I thought to myself. He'll show up like he had every time before. I placed my things down and began to engulf myself with my reading. The clock ticked, each second turning to a minute, which birthed an hour. Time passed, Reiner's shift ended, Bertolt taking over. But not once did he show up.

**Ello lovelies! I'm so sorry the last couple of chapters have sucked. I've literally been struggling to get this going faster without forcing it. Easier said than done. It is a little frustrating to say at least, but what can ya do? Anyway, thank you so much for reading! See ya Friday with the next chapter! Feel free to comment and/or vote!! :)**

-Noel Ross