Chapter 46:
-x-
Hanji was scared at first but once she clung on Levi's hand, she felt a different and new strength flow in her.
This is for Levi, and for their renewed friendship. She would face her parents for Levi and hoped that they would agree on letting him stay in their ranch house. She knows that they are aware of everything that had happened at school, that eventually, Levi had also fallen prey and is now a victim of another chapter in his life.
With whole honesty, Hanji believes that Levi does not deserve this in his life.
Yes there might still be an aching feeling of being with him but compared to before where wounds were still fresh, she won't deny that the pain had subsided most especially when she found out that he was just left with no choice and sacrifice his friendship with her.
She then also realized that if she were the one in his shoes, she might not also have answer for such fucked up mess that had happened. He was just only doing his job, it was those who has no good intention that fucked everything else.
While Hanji was busily drawn into her thoughts, she hadn't realized that she was holding hand in hand with Levi as they walked, but she didn't care. They had done even beyond that despite being friends, so why would holding hands even hurt?
For Levi, it was a new thing to share with her again. He had never held hands with anyone before, even when having sex. The feeling was exhilarating, and he liked it so he did not even made an attempt to let go or think that her hand might be filthy.
Once they reached the door to her house, Hanji let go of his hand, against his likeness and together they braced themselves internally and individually. And upon entering, her parents laid their eyes on the two of them.
"Zoe?" her mother muttered, all new to Levi's ears as he had forgotten that she is called 'Zoe' in this household.
"Mom, dad, I want you both to hear us out." She started and held back into Levi's hand again like a reflex, and Levi held back.
"Levi, what happened to you son?" Hanji's father asked as both them eyed him suspiciously. Being called by that endearment sliced his feelings and had him screaming internally. "Who did this to you?"
"Some guys beat him up in his place and threw him out." Hanji explained and that hit Levi hard since they did not actually talked about their reason as to why he ended up beaten and why he would ask to stay in their spare home.
"Why would they do that to you?" Hanji's mom's turn to ask.
"Because he got kicked out of his job and can't afford to pay his room anymore." She sure is his spokesperson, Levi thought to himself as she is not letting him think and talk but he is actually quite grateful for her quick thinking mind.
"But that is not enough to allow them to beat you up like that" Hanji's father tells him as Hanji's mother came towards Levi and checked his bruises.
"I told them I could give them the money but just a month of wait does not sound so good to them and had me beaten up into a pulp just like that." He sighed and Hanji's mother knew and finally understand better the circumstances of this young man in front of her.
Just like her daughter, she did not thought negatively of him that what if these so called guys came after him and tries to kill him and affect Hanji's family but no sign was shown into the older woman's face and embraced Levi tightly. Maybe it was just him and his paranoia but being hugged and accepted like this really warms his heart.
And it was as though eh didn't do any shit to their daughter… why are they so kind?
"You don't deserve to be treated like this Levi" Hanji's mother remarked and pats his back. "Have dinner with us first and we talk it out."
"Agreed, I bet you're hungry." Hanji's father agrees without any sign of hesitation. Levi looked at Hanji and she was smiling at him.
Finally, smiling at him.
Hanji immediately took out an extra plate and utensils and places them beside where she usually sat. They always have a bountiful food and they are not reluctant to share some to others. Levi's stomach immediately created noise in hunger, not realizing how hungry he was. He also loved Hanji's father's cooking and her mother's teas.
As they sat and ate dinner, they discussed how Levi was knocked unconscious which was taken down to what really had happened and he noticed how Hanji also participated since she did not know everything about how he was actually beaten.
"Levi can keep an eye into it and keep it clean" Hanji suggested.
Both of her parents stopped eating and looked at each once they had processed their plea.
"If you're going to allow, of course." Levi added, nervous deep inside.
"And what if we do not agree with your suggestion?" Hanji's father asked firmly. The two teens does not know what the older man has in mind but if they'd be true to their intentions and trust their instincts and Levi responded accordingly to what his mind is telling him to.
"I might look for a job and find a place where I could possibly stay."
"Which is?" Hanji's mother added.
"I honestly don't know ma'am" Levi sighed and prevented to look dramatic or shitty. "As long as there is a place to sleep and a light for me to see and to keep me warm on in the coldness of the winter and to keep me dry in a rainy weather, I'll be alright." He was honest with his answer, even if he is getting nervous about it. But it would also be better if he is to be ready just in case things would fail and Hanji's parents would not allow..
Levi has completely no idea on what Hanji beside him might be thinking but he is sure that he cannot look at her at the moment and could only sneak glances at her. But then, he saw how both of her parents' face soften, and in that moment he did not know what to think and feel.
"As long as you keep that wooden house clean and its surrounding, I don't mind." Announced the father of the house hold, earning a giggly gasp from Hanji and clasp her hands.
"And no party banging or anything ridiculous until night time in there, young man." Hanji's mother added in which Levi immediately nodded endlessly.
"Of course ma'am" he agrees. He is itching to tell them that he has no intention of doing something such as that as he is also to graduate on that kind of late night activities.
They all continued to eat in cheery exchange of conversation and Levi volunteered to wash off the dishes like he usually does in the same household while Hanji's father looked for other things that he could send to Levi to use for their little wooden home. They had rarely used that house and the last time he remembered being there was when he last had a little research in different flora of their community that their mayor is eager to find out as well.
Before they finished their meal, they were still able to talk about a heart-stopping topic Levi had forgotten the possibility of having.
"Zoe here told us of what really happened about the two of you getting into a mess." Hanji's father started that had gotten Levi frozen.
"We are going to be honest that we felt sad about the loss of your two teammates, I know no one wanted that to happen." Levi could only stiffly nod and couldn't bring his eyes to the older man.
"I hope those who are guilty will get the rightful punishment, they just caused two innocent lives to end." Hanji's mother added, disgust and pity etched on her face.
"Zoe here explained to us everything after the school asked her to get back. They seemed to care much about their reputation but forgotten to take good care of their students and keep them safe." Added Hanji's father as he looked heavily on Levi. "It must be hard for you to lose a part of your team, Levi"
"Yes, it definitely was." Levi agreed but could not easily pinpoint what to really feel. He may not be sure but he has a feeling that Hanji's parents knows that it was him in the video (damn what would they think of him?) which is enough to make him crawl under the bed for feeling embarrassed.
They must have think and see how a fucking lowlife he is.
"Although, we are still astounded that it wasn't our Zoe in that video!" Hanji's father exclaimed but there was sarcasm in his voice.
"Dad!" Hanji's voice rose and Levi saw how her face turned red.
After the meal, the family then started grabbing what seems would Levi need like some new shower curtain that they had stocked as well as curtains, extra rags and Lysol because they are informed on his fetish on cleaning as well as some dishwashing, soap and shampoo that Levi could use for the mean time. He also checked out for some extra shirt and clothes that Levi might need despite being small in stature and would look gigantic on him, it would all be just for the mean time.
Hanji helped her dad look for things in the house that they could ask Levi to put in their tiny little home and grabbed a few kitchen utensils while her dad looked in the bathroom and in the bedroom. She also stuck in a few snacks and instant knick-knacks that he might like.
"Here, put some teas there. Levi loved these." Her mother said as she saw her daughter pack a few goods. "Don't forget to give him containers, sugar and honey for his tea too." Hanji beamed at her mother as she obliges. She is far beyond grateful for having such wonderful parents, and she vowed that she would make it up to them.
Seeing everybody busy, Levi feels like exploding for finally having his much awaited freedom and most especially, with his now rekindled friendship with their daughter.
With deep immense vow, he promised to keep the place clean like they have never seen before.
-x-
Before setting in down to bed, Hanji texted Levi after a very long time of not doing so.
Sleep tight J
Levi can't help but smirk in seeing the text message. He honestly missed exchanging messages with her. He was also surprised that she still has his number too. Luckily, still has his phone and charger that is stored in his school bag. As he grab some tea and prepare it that was given by Hanji's mom, he can't help but smile like a total loser. He is completely absorbed into the text and every good thing happening until he realized, he might not have the tea set that Hanji gave him on his birthday.
He panicked and quickly looked at the things that Mike was able to snagged and after a series of digging, he found the familiar set place deep within his duffle bag. He opened it and everything is still intact and perfect.
Mike that bastard, he got to thank him big time he told himself.
Levi's phones suddenly vibrated enough for him to hear and reluctantly looked for it and see who it was. He has never been fond of text messages being exchanged and it took all effort for him to punch some keys and type and clearing his mind of what possible message to be replied grew heavy on him. He can't remember the last time that they even texted each other, no wonder he is acting and feeling all too odd and uneasy.
You too, Four Eyes.
He manage to type and responded despite knowing for a fact that he will not sleep but happy that she wished him warmly so. It was getting late as he looked around him and realized he can't sleep without getting it clean on his standards.
As the night grew, so as his still anxiousness of wanted to be with Hanji and spend time like they usually do before.
That made him unable to sleep even further for the night.
-x-
Hanji doesn't know how to explain some things to Levi, rather if he would understand or not and end up in an argument.
Hanji is about to sleep since it was a long night, taking care of Levi and persuading her parents when Erwin messaged her just a few moments before asking her how she was and what she was doing. She still feels a pinch of brokenness just by seeing his name pop out on the screen of her phone. With a deep sigh, Hanji unlock her screen and reads the message of her former Romeo who had touched her heart greatly.
With heaviness on her fingers, she unlocked her phone and read his message.
Erwin: Hello Hanji.
Hanji: Hi Erwin: J
Erwin: Am I bothering you?
Hanji: Not really, why? J Something wrong? L
Erwin: Just wanted to ask if it is okay to let you check out my valedictory speech? I can't trust anybody on this, even our teachers.
Hanji: Alright, I will do my best then J
It struck a chord into her heart and throat. She still cannot help but feel a bit happy that he still trusts her and sees her as a help as well but at the same time, there is still a little pang of pain and guilt towards the mentioning of the word 'valedictory'. An attached file was then sent to Hanji and she gladly opens it to see a long typed document and read. It was long and it felt like the message is of being a leader rather than being a valedictorian, making her swallow a low chuckle.
Yet seeing that Erwin had included Marie's name on the valedictory address, despite hers also being there, had clawed an inevitable pain in her chest. There is still the feeling of wanting to cry but she bit her lips and contained her emotions and returned the file upon finishing.
Hanji: It looks great! Good luck on your speech! :D
Erwin: You too on your salutation speech ;)
Hanji already had all the reasons to sleep well tonight, or so she thought. Even if the school year is going to end less tragically as she expected, there is still a lingering feeling of torment breaking into her. She decided to text Levi and wished him a goodnight's sleep, hoping that it would ease out the pain even just a little, which did most especially that Levi responded back.
Despite the sudden warmth and relieving feeling from Levi, it was still not enough to stop a few tears from falling from her cheeks.
-x-
Waking up and waiting for her outside their home's door was something new to him. He can't help but wished that they should have done this way before.
"Good morning Mrs. Hanji" It felt awkward and distasteful to say that, thinking as if Hanji is the one married but seeing her mother the one being called into made him calm down.
"You here to walk Zoe to school?" she asked and Levi internally answered of course I am! But of course, he cannot say that and kept his mouth sealed.
"Yes ma'am" The older woman stifled a laugh. "You can just call me auntie Levi, enough with too much formality." Levi could only smirk at her. Her daughter sure took her jolliness from her mother. "Let me call Zoe for you"
"She's not yet ready, not even having breakfast yet even." A voice of the familiar older man came from behind the older woman. "Why won't you let Levi in and have breakfast with us as well?"
"That's a good idea sweetheart." Mrs. Hanji agrees ,held on Levi's wrist and let pulled him in despite his disagreement .
"I'm okay, I can have breakfast at school or somewhere else." Levi started but Hanji's mother seemed to not care at all.
"Why care to spend and eat out when you can have breakfast here instead?"
Gee, she sure is pushy like her daughter.
"Good morning sir" Levi muttered to Mr. Hanji.
"Good morning Levi." He started off and asked him to sit on a chair. "Zoe's not yet ready anyway so have breakfast with us while waiting for her."
"I hope you don't mind." He laid off and sat on the left side of the table.
"Surely we won't" and Mrs. Hanji pats Levi on the shoulder. "you've been part of our family and you're very much welcome here."
Seeing that there were still some things to be done like finishing off cooking a few more pancakes and slicing off some fruits and preparing the tea, coffee and chocolate drinks made Levi stand and help the old couple. He just can't stand and watch them prepare breakfast and he would just eat afterwards.
"I can slice off the fruits" Levi offered and before the older woman could even falter a no to the young lad, she can no longer do so as Levi was already pulled his sleeves up and started to slice off the fruits after washing his hands.
The older man saw Levi helping and can't help but smile at the young lad and allowed him to take over in finishing the pancakes to be cooked as he excused himself and called out for his daughter.
"I can't believe Zoe is not yet here." He muttered, not escaping Levi's ears.
"She might have slept late again last night." Added Hanji's mother.
"Zoe Hanji! Go down immediately here young lady, Levi's already here and have you got no decen-"
"Yes dad I'm here!" Hanji suddenly came and Levi saw her down and in front of her father. He suddenly felt anxious on how she would react upon finding out that he is already at her home, helping and about to have breakfast with her family because as far as he could see and feel it, she is not okay behind those smiles and big hazelnut eyes.
"Levi you're here!" She squealed as her father crossed his arms.
"You should be ashamed of yourself, Levi's early in here to walk you to school and ended up helping instead where in you shou-"
"You'd walk me to school?" Hanji suddenly asked and stared out to him. Everyone was waiting for him to reply and he can't believe that she is putting him in a hot spot right now. He could tell how socially awkward he is.
"Yeah why not? I'm just near you and it won't hurt if we walk together right?"
Hanji smiled at him, something beautiful in the morning.
"Of course" she mumbled and head off to the table.
"Son, sit down and let us eat before the two of you get into your school late." Hanji's father called out to Levi who is finishing the pancakes
"Yes sir" Levi happily obligated the older man and went across the dining table with the finished pancakes as he too does not want to be late and could feel his stomach complaining like hell.
-x-
Levi had never seen Hanji so downcast ever in his whole high school life.
Heck it is only just a few fucking days to wait so everything is going to be over and that they could forget every inch of unwanted memory already.
It was just only last night that everything seemed okay and now there she is, her head heavy on her hands while her eyes shows the same amount of heaviness, making her look tired and sleepless. She hadn't been eating like she usually does and it greatly bothered Levi. Somehow, he was hoping that getting back into being friends again would eventually help her in a lot of problems and challenges that she faces just having him around her but as far as he can see it, his presence is not making much of an effect on her at all.
It is also frustrating him.
Ever since that it was announced that Erwin was the Valedictorian of their batch and Hanji ended up as the salutatorian, all of her smiles were gone as well as the spark on her eyes. Her appetite also decreased for the day, but turned even worse when Erwin let her read his valedictory address first and consulted her whether his speech was alright or not. It doesn't make sense at all because Levi sees it as a method to make Hanji feel even worse than before.
What an insensitive bastard, he thought.
Erwin is completely aware that Hanji liked him recently, heck it was even more than just likeness towards him and yet he chose to do something that he is aware that is going to hurt Hanji's feelings. He is already a lucky bastard to be chosen by Hanji to have romantic feelings with and he doesn't seem to realize that at all.
Because Hanji is an amazing person, so far as Levi realizes it.
As bad as it looks like, it would also mean a great opportunity for him to console Hanji at least. He is hoping that she is up for some consolidation and would not break down or in a mood to kill.
He wanted to start things better again for them.
"You don't look too happy today" Levi trailed off at her as they walked. He could see how her eyes longed too far away, not even bothering to talk and he doubts that it is because they just had rekindled their friendship.
"Am I?" she asked innocently and stared at him.
"You look like shit." He said, which made him bit his lip for the suddenness. Fortunately, Hanji smiled at him.
"I surely missed your faulty mouth."
"Don't change the subject, why do you look like you lacked sleep?" He doesn't want to sound over protective at her overly clingy or dramatic but he can't help himself due to what he is seeing underneath her eyes.
"I didn't sleep right away." Hanji said sheepishly, looking down on the ground.
"Why?"
"Erwin." One word, rather one name and Levi immediately understood what she meant. He didn't want to push her to elaborate further but he still wanted to know what had happened.
"What happened?" was all he could manage to say. He does not like it seeing her like this.
"Nothing" she responded but made Levi unconvinced.
"Nothing my ass"
Hanji sighed and took her phone as Levi watched her do so. She looked for the conversation that she had with Erwin the previous night and gave her phone to Levi. She gave time for Levi to read everything, his eyes notched down together as he did so and Hanji gave out a small chuckle to herself as she watched him looking like that.
As she did so, she thought internally she did is right, that if she should show it to Levi or not. But she figures that it should not matter since she is sure that Levi had learned his lesson and that he would value their friendship more than he did before and waits for his initial reaction.
He handed her phone after completely reading their entire conversation and looked at her straight in the eye, their hands still on her phone together.
"You don't need him" he declares unto her and she was caught off guard on what he had just said.
"I mean, why would you even want someone who does not see you as important as you see them?" he explains himself in defense of his previous words and he is glad he managed to redeem himself out.
"Don't be fucking stupid four eyes" he went on and walked on his way when suddenly he realized that Hanji is not beside him to walk with him. When he looked for her, she was still there looking afar.
"Let's go, we'd be late." He tells her as he went back to get her after not moving from her place and grabs her by the wrist and pulls her away from where she is standing and went into the school right away.
-x-
Author's notes:
Anyone here who shed tears to those crush of yours you've had big feelings with just like Hanji on Erwin? It's only just here in my fic and not canon and I'm not claiming that she has feelings for him. Heck, maybe yes or no but whatever. LeviHan is still close to being canon.
Who doesn't even like pancakes? xD Or maybe I just couldn't think of anything else for breakfast , You are free to suggest a good breakfast for the next chapters though :)
Also, I would like to thank this following users for keeping updates/following of this story/fic:
Hermes sur
Selena Ferrari
djmarinizela
persephonehades818
and for the favorites of this fic:
Cbarke2
Herme sur
djmarinizela
Reviews reply:
persephonehades818: oh hehe let' see on the following chapters, he will hand it to her ;)
Maisis11: thank you! They will in the following chapters ;)
Nayfa: thank you so much! Here you go! :)
Zandurky: No worries! English is also not my first language so I completely understand you :) I'm sorry my story made you feel that way but in a way, I think it's suppose to make the audience atleast feel something so yeah. Thank you for your support! :D
Alic3Mesmerized: Thank you so much! :)
P.S. Sorry for updating late, I have been so preoccupied with the games that I bought last month, and many things had happened already. Hope everyone's doing okay and surviving!
xoxo
ladyinblack