Only You & Me | (Levi x Reader) | Alternate Universe

Chapter Eighteen: Ball Gowns & Business Hounds

Hey! So, I've made a very small change to OY&M. Very small. If you recall, in chapter four, I briefly made mention of a math teacher. It used to be Keith Shadis, but it is now Rico Brzenska. This change was made for reasons that you will soon discover and understand in due time. I just wanted to make sure everyone was aware of this change.

      Once at the top of the long flight of stone stairs, Levi glanced around briefly, taking in the scene around him as his left arm remained linked with your right, your left hand resting nervously near the crook of his elbow.

The building almost seemed to be falling from where Levi stood in front of it, its massive stone walls posing like statues in the moonlight. Amber-tinted lights glowed on either side of the double-doored front entrance, as well as around the perimeter of the entire building.

The music—the jazz Levi had heard from inside the limousine—almost seemed to bounce in the air delicately and hazily, all while making a bold statement: 'this is what exquisiteness sounds like'.

Many adults stood near the front entrance, some chatting amongst a group of people while others sipped on their drinks in solitaire, staring blankly at the evening moon.

"Ahh, there he is!" a familiar drunken voice rang out, evoking a sense of disdain in Levi. It caused him to subconsciously pull you closer to his person. Directing his gaze just ahead, Levi frowned when his eyes met with the mischievous and heavily intoxicated gaze of his uncle, whose arms were outstretched as if to say 'welcome'. His usual top hat sat crooked upon his ebony hair.

By his side stood a pretty blonde lady, her hair falling just above her shoulders. She stood tall and very slim. She seemed to be a bit soberer than Kenny, as her eyes were widened in alert and intrigue. Her lips were pulled into a smirk as she held a glass of wine in her right hand. Levi's frown deepened with confusion. He was sure he'd never seen this woman before. Who could she be?

One of those rental women Kenny's misogynistic-self decided to invest in for the night? Or perhaps another "colleague"? Levi wanted to shudder. A part of him didn't even want to find out.

Nearing closer, Levi watched as Kenny seemed to pause after his eyes shifted a few centimeters to the right.

"And you..." Kenny mumbled once both you and Levi had reached the other pair. Kenny glared at Levi. "What's she doing here, Levi?" he inquired with false sweetness, his barred teeth giving away his true intentions. Levi felt you shift uncomfortably beside him. He resisted the urge to glare back at the older man.

Petty glares wouldn't get him far. At least, not tonight while Kenny was drunk off his ass.

"I invited her," Levi replied curtly, savouring your grip on his arm appreciatively. It made him feel...brave. Braver than he actually felt. Kenny, his eyes now dull, stuffed his right hand in his pocket and took a sip from the scotch glass in his left.

Whiskey, Levi thought as he watched the brown liquid swash in the short glass. The tall, blonde woman seemed to be looking you up and down before taking a sip of her wine.

"Hmm, she's rather beautiful," she noted coyly, slyly leaning her forearm against Kenny's right shoulder. The comment startled you and in response, you sputtered while your cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"O-Oh, um...thank you," you squeaked out with a small smile. You could almost hear Levi's smirk as you struggled to get the right words in. The woman, a keen smile now on her face, outstretched her perfectly manicured hand—sparkly, navy blue nails which complimented her short, black dress—for you to shake. Her blue eyes watched you closely as she spoke.