Chapter 3:

It's been two years since you've seen Levi. He had left for the Marine Corps after his last year of college as he said he would, and you missed seeing his silver eyes and ebony locks every day. Once you had graduated a year after his departure, you went out in search of a job. Although, due to your disability, you had trouble getting hired. And as a result, you spent most of your days at home.

[Don't cry, brat. I'll be fine.] he had written, that usual annoyed expression plastered on his pale face. He pulled you into a hug, his strong arms wrapped around your waist as tears rolled down your cheeks, onto his shoulder.

You nodded and let him go before taking a small step back. His hand made its way to cup your face and a hint of a smile graced his lips.

[I'll come back soon.]

You sat on your couch with your knees to your chest as you watched the television in front of you, following the subtitles at the bottom of the screen. But even your favorite movie couldn't keep you from worrying about the short and irritable man who had captured your heart.

'It's been almost two years,' you thought, slowly zoning away from your movie. 'I hope he's alright.'

After forty-five minutes of watching the movie, you start to get a little hungry. You glance at the clock and see it is only about 3:30, not quite dinner time yet. Reaching for remote to pause the movie, you feel your phone vibrate in your jean pocket.

[Hey, brat. Walk outside.]

'Levi!'

You couldn't keep a grin from spreading across your face as you eagerly jump from your spot on the couch and rush to the door. You turn the knob and push open the door, instantly greeted by the sight of a shiny black car that you recognized immediately. And standing in front of that car, leaning against it, was the familiar figure of the man you'd grown so fond of.

You run to him, throwing your arms around his smaller body and squeezing him tightly. Your grin only expanded when you felt his arms around you, returning the embrace. How you had missed his fresh scent enveloping you safely within his arms. As you pull back, you notice he is still wearing his military uniform and your face flushes a light pink; you can't help but stare.

'He looks really nice. Did he come straight here once he returned?'

With a slight twitch of his eyebrow, Levi typed something into his phone before holding it up for you to see. [What the hell are you staring at?!] he wrote, his demeanor more embarrassed than angry.

[Nothing...You just look very handsome in your uniform…] you respond, the blush deepening on your cheeks.

[Thanks...Now get in the car. I'm taking you out.]

Before you could respond, he grips your wrist and tugs you to his car. Once you were seated and buckled into the seat, you held up a message.

[Wait, where are we going? Should I go get dressed into something better?]

[No. You look fine. The location is a surprise.]

With a fake pout, you sink back into the cool, leather chair and cross your arms under your bust. He chuckled slightly at your reaction and starts the car.

After about a twenty minute car ride, the car pulls into a parking lot that you don't recognize. You start to ask him where you are, but refrain, knowing that you would find out soon enough. As you step out of the car, with the assistance of Levi, you look around you to see a small park. Children were running around the playground, playing miscellaneous games of tag and hide-and-seek while parents chatted around the picnic tables, keeping a close eye on their little ones. You had never pictured Levi as one to appreciate the park, but you decided not to question him and enjoy yourself.

Levi grabbed your arm once again and yanked it, forcefully pulling you after him. His grip didn't hurt you, but it was definitely surprising. From past experience, you knew he only used such force when we was seriously pissed off, or when he was flustered.

'He didn't look angry before...' You thought back, remembering his gentle embrace, 'Is something on his mind?' You begin to ask him what's wrong, but his iron grasp kept you from typing on your phone.

Finally, he stopped walking and released your wrist. Glancing around, you could no longer see the group of children from before. Actually, you couldn't see anyone at all, with the exception of Levi. Off to the side, under a large tree, you spot what appears to be a small picnic set up on the grass. Levi walks quickly ahead of you and sits on the plain black blanket, patting the spot next to him, motioning for you to join him. It was completely out of the blue and nothing like your first date, but it was incredibly sweet regardless. You feel your chest tighten warmly and a slight prickling behind your eyes.

You pulled out your phone and typed up a message for him to see. [Levi, this is amazing. You set this all up just for me?]

[No shit, Sherlock.]

'A classic "Levi" response...' A happy giggle escapes your lips and you nod, acknowledging his answer.

The two of you talked and joked through text messages. He was just as you remembered him to be two years prior. To be completely honest, you had been afraid something utterly horrible would happen to him overseas, and scared to death that he wouldn't come back at all. Of course, you wouldn't admit that to him; you were still unbelievably relieved he came home alive and well. Levi snapped you out of your thoughts, holding up a text.

[(f/n)...]

[What is it?]

You had never seen Levi blush in the entire time you've known him. But in that moment, you were seeing it, a faint pink color spread over the man's pale cheeks. Unexpectedly, he places his phone down on the blanket next to him and lifts his hands in front of him before his index finger pointed to himself.

'He's signing? Okay "I"...?'

Next, his palms closed into fists and crossed over his chest above his heart. Your eyes widen slightly as you realize what he is saying. Finally, he pointed to you, an awkward smile on his lips as he mouthed the words to fit his gestures.

"I love you."

Your hands instantly rise, covering your mouth as tears well up in your (e/c) orbs. You reach out to him as he pulls you into a warm, loving hug. You can't believe this is happening. You desperately want him to know that you love him as well, but you can't muster the courage to speak the words you long to say. As if he had read your thoughts, he takes your chin, pulling it close to his face. With one swift motion, his lips are against yours; they are slightly chapped, but you don't care. All you care about is the steel-eyed man holding you tightly against his body. You both feel a slight shock of ecstasy that shoots through your bodies as your lips touched. After a few seconds, he reluctantly pulls back, softly brushing a strand of your hair behind your ear.

No words needed to be said or heard. With one look from those piercing grey eyes, your heart melts. Just the same, as he gazes into your sparkling, (e/c) orbs, he couldn't help but feel as if he could do anything as long as you remain by his side.

A cool breeze blows, causing a shiver to run down your spine. Levi notices this and pulls off his uniform jacket, draping it over your shoulders. The two of you hadn't noticed how late it was getting and you both were disappointed that this incredible time together had come to an end. With one more sweet peck to your lips, Levi stood, offering his hand to you as you follow suit.

He neatly folds the blanket and you help pick up all the other assorted items scattered across the grass. Once everything was cleaned up perfectly, to Levi's clean-freak standards, you both make your way to the car, placing the small load into the back seat. You buckle into the passenger's seat while he takes his place behind the steering wheel.

Tonight was the best night you could have ever imagined. You gaze out the window at the beautiful stars and moon that lit up the night sky above you. The corners of Levi's mouth curve up to form a genuine smile.

'Today was perfect. I don't think anything could top this feeling right now.'

You watch the bright headlights of the cars whizzing by and smile contently. The city is so gorgeous at night. Before you can drift off into another daydream, a light catches your attention. It is rapidly getting brighter than the others. As you turn your head to see what is going on, your smile fades.

'LEVI!'