Don't be a stranger || Levi x OC

Butterflies swarm your stomach as you step out of HQ's front gates, unsure whether it's the dress hugging your figure or the thought of Levi waiting just outside. The cool night air brushes over your skin, raising goosebumps on your arms as your shoes click against the stone path.

And there he is.

Levi stands just beyond the lantern-lit entrance, leaning casually against the outer wall with his arms crossed. His suit jacket is tailored sharp against his frame, black as midnight. The collar of his shirt is slightly open, exposing a hint of collarbone, and his dark undercut catches the light with a subtle sheen.

But it's his eyes grey, sharp and unreadable, that soften when they land on you showing that hint of blue, scanning you from head to toe.

"You look... exceptional," he says, his voice low, almost like he's forcing the words through the tension in his chest.

You blink, heat rushing to your cheeks. "Mm. Thank you. I thought you'd like it."

He exhales, shifting slightly as if to hide the twitch at the corner of his mouth. "It's definitely something."

You arch an eyebrow playfully, stepping closer with a smirk. "So, what made you do this?"

"Just thought you deserved to be taken out," he replies, his voice more matter-of-fact than the sentiment warrants.

Your smile widens. "And you wanted to be the one to do it?"

"Who else would?"

Ouch.

You give a small laugh, folding your arms loosely as you fall into step beside him. "To be honest, anyone but you I would've thought. But here we are."

He shrugs, the movement subtle. "Here we are."

You stroll through the lower streets, the city glowing with the golden flicker of oil lamps and the occasional lantern swinging from the eaves of nearby shops. Music drifts lazily from a side street, soft and melodic, barely cutting through the low hum of chatter.

You walk close to Levi, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from him in waves. Every now and then, he steals a glance when he thinks you're not looking.

Neither of you mentions the rooftop. The kiss. The way you drifted to sleep tucked against his chest like it was the safest place in the world. But the memory buzzes between you, like a thread pulled tight.

Levi doesn't speak often. When he does, it's to ask if you're cold, if your shoes are bothering you, if the dress fits alright. His tone is casual, clipped even, but you see through it. You hear the care beneath the bluntness.

Then you she something catch your eye and you know Levi's not going to like it, which make a you want to do it even more.

"Levi, look down there."

You point across the square to where warm candlelight glows in a hazy halo. A festival has sprung up, a gathering of people, music spilling from a small band as strangers dance in the firelight. Lanterns sway overhead, casting long, romantic shadows across the cobbled street.

"No," Levi says instantly, not even looking.

You laugh. "How did you know what I was gonna ask?"

He glances at you, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I know you."

You tug gently at his sleeve. "Please? Wasn't this night meant for me?"

He groans, eyes flicking to the dancing crowd. "Tch. Fine. One dance. That's it, brat."

Grinning, you pull him into the flickering circle of light. The music is soft, the tempo slow. You place his hands on your waist and guide them down until they rest just above your hips. A jolt rushes through you at the contact, your heart thudding in your chest.