Chapter Text
It was started that one summer when Levi had always kept his eyes on you, he found you rather interesting and not as annoying as the other kids. It's the usual afternoon playtime with his usual spot under the tree with his book open on his lap. He watch you play with the other kids and as usual, they weren't really kind to you and he hated that but he's not close to you and he doesn't even know how to approach you. So, he would just watch over you from afar.
You were playing tag with the other kids, when Levi saw you took a tumble down in one of the obstacle jungle gym. You slowly got up from your fall, froze in your spot, your head hung low with your hair covering your eyes. The kids other you just laugh not even bothering helping you up.
“Hey! Hurry up, don't be such a baby” the one kid pushed your shoulder. Having no patience at your other playmates, Levi marched his way towards you and pushing the kid away from you.
“Stop being stupid brat” he glared at them. The other kids gasp for saying the 's' word. Giving his last menacing glare, the kids left in a hurry without looking back at them. Levi turn his attention to you, extending his hand, “come on brat, I'll treat your wounds” he says trying to act cool even though, his nervous to talk to you.
You looked at Levi hesitant to take his hand, “Do you want me to leave you here?” he asks but you shook your head, “Let's go and I'll give you piggy back to my house”
“Okay,” you murmur, grabbing his hand and climbing his back.
“I don't understand you hang out with those stupid brats. They don't treat you nicely” you tighten you hold on Levi resting your head on his shoulder finally releasing all the tears that you have been holding in.
“O-Oi! Why are you--” he stop mid-sentence realizing how hard it must have been for you putting a front like that.
“I-- I just want to make some fri-friends” you sob getting some snot and tears on his shirt, “b- but can't I--”
“Oi, just stop crying - your snot is getting on my shirt and I'll be your friend” taking sometime to calm yourself, you looked at the boy carrying you. You weren't sure if you heard him correctly but you asked again.
“You'll be my friend?”
“Yes, just stop with the snot and tears” as if the universe heard your prayers every night- you finally made a friend.
“Thank you.. uh --” you thanked him but remembering you don't know the name of your saviour.
“Levi” you smiled pressing your cheek to his, getting his cheek wet in the process. You grinned at Levi, knowing that this has been a wonderful day for you.
“I'm [Name]. Thank you Levi!” What you didn't know is how flushed his cheeks are and how his heart skipped a beat.
“tch”
You and Levi finally reached his house, letting his mom know that he's home from the playground. A middle aged woman about in your early 30's walked out of the kitchen greeting Levi and his new friend when she stop in front with a glare plastered on her face.
“Levi, what is the meaning of this? Why this is pretty young lady bruised and swollen eyes?”
“I'm home Mama” he said walking past her made his way to the living room with you still on his back. It's always been Levi and her mom as long as he can remember – though there would be times that his uncle, his mom's brother would drop by and bother him.
“Hello ma'am” you greeted, turning your head towards Levi's mom, “Levi, you can put me down now. I can walk you know” Levi ignored your protest and gently set you down at the sofa. You have no idea how Levi managed to carry all the way but you thought it was sweet of him.
“Levi Ackerman, explain please” his mother rested her hands on her hips waiting for his troublemaker son to explain why he carried his friend home and what's more worrying is that you had bruises and swollen eyes, which she didn't know that you cried almost all way from the park to his house.
“Some mean kids at the park, are being brats and I helped her” he explained before heading to the bathroom getting the first aid kit.
His mother sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. “I hope you didn't fight them. I swear, I'm blaming your uncle for this” since he got in trouble a few times for fighting other kids, she was worried that he wouldn't make any friends but as if the universe also answered her prayers, he made a friend. She was excited, she would have a daughter in law soon.
“Mama, don't get any ideas” Levi got back to the living room holding the first aid kit, “I can see the sparkles in your eyes” taking a spot beside you, he placed the kit by the coffee table and start tending your scratches and bruises.
“Don't be mad at him ma'am, he was helping me against the mean kids and he's been really nice to me” you explained hoping that he wouldn't get too much in trouble, “And-- and I cried on the way home because I was happy that I made a friend today” Kuchel teared up hearing their story, making her way to her son engulfing him into a hug
“My son, the knight shining armor. I didn't know that you could be such a romantic boy” Levi clicked his tongue. He was wondering to himself, if it was a mistake taking you home while his mom was home.
You smiled at Levi and his mom, feeling a lot better than you felt for these past few weeks. You can't wait to get to know Levi even more.
After the incident at the playground, all the kids left you and Levi alone, mostly your playtime consist of reading books or just hanging around the swing. You surprised black haired boy with his favourite book due to the incident that happened few weeks ago.
“Why are you giving me this?' he ask looking at the book then back to you.
“You lost your copy because of me” Levi gently flick your forehead, rolling his eyes in the process. You knew that's just the way he shows how much he appreciate your gesture. You learned how awkward he can be when it comes to expressing himself.
“Come on, read it to me!” you grabbed his hand dragging him to the usual spot where he would usually read his books.
Levi didn't protest and took the spot next to you, “I didn't know you like this book” he said placing the book on his lap.
“Of course! How could you not like Attack on Titan! It's such a cool book” since you were still trying to get to know each other, he actually enjoys listening to you talk and tell him stories, in return he would read to you because it has something to do with 'liking his voice' he doesn't even know what that meant but he obliged anyways.
Maybe, just maybe-- it could be a start of something ... amazing.
“Levi, Levi” Levi snapped out of his thoughts, his eyes flickering at your direction, “Are you okay? You've been spacing out there for a while”
How long has it been since they have been together? He's lucky to have met someone like you and also he's mother would disown him and adopt you instead – if he mistreat you but he wouldn't make you cry like that. He loves you too much. He nodded, grabbing your hand “Yeah, I'm fine,” You raised your eyebrow at him but didn't push him.
“I just thinking how lucky I am to be in love with my best friend” you laugh softly at his cheesy line.
“Okay, you need to stop drinking that coffee, I think the barista slip something in there” Levi gave a small smile resuming to your date for the day.