Grateful (LevixReader) Modern!AU

The cold bitter taste of tea passed through tired set lips that creased in a frown. A morning with a dark grey sky and cold tea. The windows fogged over on the outside with perspiration. The only thing she can make out of the outside world were blurs of dingy whites, and greys. Even past the layer of wet fog it was easy to tell that the day will continue to be dim and smeared with dull colors. The warm security of the bed beckoned her to return, the lull her into sleep where the worries and weight of life couldn’t reach her. Why did she bother getting up?

Work. Bills to pay and groceries to buy.

Letting out a tired groan the (h/c) dropped her face into her hands, and exhaled heavily through her nose before dragging her fingers back through her messy hair. Leaning her head back she stared momentarily at the lazily spinning ceiling fan before turning her head slightly to the right and looked at the picture frame on the kitchen countertop.

A photo of one of her happiest moments in her life. The sky was blue and the mountain range in the distance was smeared with whites and rich greens. There was glow of color on her face as she had her hand resting against the chest of her loved one. And though he himself looked phlegmatically at the camera she could tell that he was happy to have that special moment in time with her.

As long as her life continued there will be even more extraordinary moments to be had and shared. That picture reminded her that it won’t be bad.

--

The bus drove away, unreachable and not to return. Huffing and panting the young woman looked tragically as it disappeared down the road. Late for work, again. Her manager won’t be pleased at all. How badly she wanted to cry out in frustration. How good it would feel, she thought, if she could just break down and cry. But that won’t help get another bus arrive sooner.

Waiting in the covered bus stop, she impatiently bounced her leg. Small drizzles of cold rain fell down, their insistent patters against the plastic and metal cover tapped repeatedly on her nerves. Leaning forward her (e/c) eyes stared unwaveringly to the end of the street, hoping that the bus will turn around the corner and take her to work.

--

Quickly she rushed into the building where she worked in, the rain falling more heavily. The receptionist gave the frazzled young woman a dissatisfied shake of her head as she rushed by to reach the elevator. It wasn’t the first time that she was late. It was the 4^th time in the month already, though it may seem little her job stressed the importance of punctuality.

Once reaching her floor she bustled towards her cubicle, her head slightly ducked down in hopes that he fellow co-workers won’t notice, but they did and further sent her scrutinizing looks and murmurs.

“She wouldn’t last another day here if she keeps coming in late.”

“What a lazy-ass.”

“We get here every day on time and sometimes we have to pick up her job that she is supposed to do.”

“Wonder when she’ll get fired.”

That’s what they said behind her back. Every time she went to the bathroom or in the break room before she entered or after she left.

Her eyes were glazed over with fatigue as she stared at her computer screen. The continuous clicking of the other keyboards in the other cubicles clattered in her ears, an incessant noise that never stopped along with the high pitched rings of the telephones. It was never ending.

The work phone at her desk rang as well, with a sigh she picked it up, and with the best professional voice she answered.

“Hello, you’ve reach Rose Consolidated Customer Care. How may I help you?”

“Wow. You sound like absolute shit with that fake happy business voice, (Name).” replied a familiar monotone voice.  

In spite of the rather crude response a small smile found its way on her weary lips.

“I’m trying, but it’s getting hard to do.” She answered and placed her head into her propped up hand. Her fingers gingerly pulling at her temple.

“Then again I suppose the schnapps from last night wasn’t the best idea on a work night.”

“Probably not, no wonder there was a peppermint smell in the bed sheets last night. But I do know that’s not the complete reason why you sound like you’re about to breakdown. Not a fan-fuck-tastic morning, hn?”

Just like him to easily-read people and be brutally honest. However it was something that she was grateful for.

Craning her head to peer over her grey confining walls to see if her cube neighbors were busy she heavily sat back down.

“No. It wasn’t.” she sighed. “The tea was cold this morning. I missed the bus and I was late for work again. I’m…frustrated and tired all the time.” Her (e/c) glossed over a bit but she managed to restrain the waterworks.

“I wish I knew what was wrong with me. Maybe it’s my work? Or at least the people I work with? I’m whining aren’t I?” she groaned. “I’m sorry.”

“…”

“Are…you there?”

“Yes, I just thought you have more to say about what’s on your mind.”

“There is but I don’t want to keep you and-“

“You don’t want your shitty co-workers talkin’ shit about you because you’re talking to me.” He finished for her.

“Yeah…” she sighed out and rubbed her palm against her forehead.

“Alright. I’ll be at home before you so I’ll see you then. Just don’t quit today, and find a way. If you do…Just make sure you don’t call me from a holding cell alright?”

 Her tired eyes turned into a small fond look as she let out a soft chuckle.

“I’ll try, but there might be a vine if I do.”

“Such dignity. I’m going to let you go. I’ll see you soon.”

“See you soon, bye-bye.”

Setting down the phone with a small click, she let out a drawn out sigh.

“It’s not so bad.”

--

The rain fell down in large sheets, like a cascade of bullets that ricocheted off the roofs, sidewalks, and umbrellas. As well as on (Name). Once she got on the bus she released the half hour of dry. As soon as her stop came up next she groaned in irritation. The rainfall didn’t let up, and she was only partly dry. Her soggy newspaper was starting to tear up into globs of fabric paper.

Begrudgingly she got up from her seat as the bus finally stopped, she shuffled off and dashed into the covered bus stop. Checking to see that she had everything on her person she looked out into the grey scenery before her. The apartment was just one block away, she’ll make it. She needs to make it. Back into the security of home. Stepping out of the coverage she power walked through the rain, the newspaper now thoroughly soaked and discarded into a passing trash bin. Her clothes stuck uncomfortable to her person, her shoes squished with the damped socks, her hair became weighed down and stringy with water.

Upon reaching the security doors of the apartment building she quickly pounded in her access number and swung open the door. Her face was pulled into a disgruntled and disgusted look. She felt like…Blagh? Yes, blagh. There is no proper adjective to describe the way she felt so a interjection worked better.

Her shoes squeaked and squelched as she walked up the stairs to her floor. When she got to her door she slid and turned her key into the slot and opened the door.

“I’m home!” she bit out with great relief. (Name) stood there at the threshold, soaked through and through, dripping as the entry mat attempted to soak up the excess water.  Breathing in deeply through her nose she shucked off her shoes and peeled the moist socks from her feet. Setting the shoes upside down to dry better and holding the socks to toss into the clothing bin she began to trudge towards her room to change out of her wet clothes.

As she entered her room she started to take off her shirt, wadding it up in her hands while she made her was towards her dresser. One hand dealt with removing her pants while the other dug through the drawer for a shirt and sweatpants. Patting her fingers against the fabric of her underwear she was relieved that they were dry enough not to take off and replace. (Name) dropped herself down on the bed and laid back as she slipped on the soft fabric pants. Once they were on she momentarily stared at the ceiling, enjoying the soft comfort of the mattress. Letting out a exhale through her nose she grunted softly as she sat up. She grabbed the t-shirt and stared at it in her hands. So caught up in her mind, not to even realize the bedroom door open and somebody walking in.

Suddenly a warm cloth dropped down on her head. Soft, heated, and a welcome feeling as the cold chill escaped her tired body. Her hand reached up and pulled the towel off over her eyes and looked up.

Her (e/c) stared blankly at narrow grey eyes.

“I heard idiots can’t catch colds but I don’t think you want to risk that chance.” Her boyfriend commented.

“Hey, Levi.” She simply responded.

Levi looked down at her, noticing the exhausted and miserable look she attempted to hide in a weak half-smile. He lifted his hands and then rested them on the towel atop her head. Slowly he ruffled his hands around to dry her moist hair and clear up the bit of running makeup around the outer corners of her eyes. Just gazing upon him made the troubles of her day melt away, like runoff into the storm drain. Being around him, she felt secure. Even if the flat crumbles into pieces in a tragedy, she probably wouldn’t notice just as long as he was by her side. Levi could turn this day into her best day.

(Name) lifted her hands and rested them gingerly over his, making him pause from drying her. They were narrow, strong, and warm. Her eyes slid closed in contentment, stopping them in that moment to make a memory.

Levi saw her lips curve into a small but true smile. Feeling her thumbs tenderly brush along the skin of his hands.

“Thank you, Levi. For giving me the best day of my life.”