Nothing Fancy (ModernAu!Levi x Reader)

There was a rumor that said that Levi takes his first dates to a dingy, old restaurant where the food was revolting and the server was rude and insulting. Levi, however, made no comment about this rumor when it started to spread around, even his dates denied it. But the students couldn't help but be suspicious by how inconsistent their responses were when they asked them about where Levi took them out to.

“Our date? W-well, we went to this fancy restaurant downtown…”

“We went to a karaoke box, guys! S-stop being so nosy!”

“Believe me! It was a cafe! And a nice one, in fact!”

It was known that Levi agrees to go out on a date with any girl that asks him, but it ends disappointingly, especially for the girl. The rumor, though, was a little far-fetched because of how it disagrees with Levi’s standards for cleanliness, and so it was dismissed immediately on the first couple of times he went on a date, until Levi stopped seeing every girl after, and the girls were usually unsure of how to respond to the question "Where did he take you to?" There were even girls who admitted that the place he took them to was a little disappointing for someone so sophisticated. 

Then there was (Name).

It was a surprise for everyone when Levi suddenly came to her classroom and asked her out on a date before she even confessed to him. (Name), being so shocked by how straightforward he was, decided to go on that date anyway. After all, she couldn't pass up the chance of going on a date with him; even he was likely to breakup with her right after.

(Name)’s friends were all worried that Levi might break her heart if she goes through with it, but she assured her friends that it'll be fine. "It's just one little date. How bad can it be?"

What she didn't tell them, though, was that she was nervous about going on a date with her crush (Not to mention the most attractive guy of the school). But since they knew each other outside of school (hence knowing where her classroom was), (Name) thought that she may have a better chance than most girls.

Levi scheduled his arrival at (Name)'s doorstep on seven o'clock in the evening, which was around dinner time. (Name) wore a nice dress that seemed appropriate for her on a first date and she done a few touch-ups to her look such as makeup, accessories and hair. After bidding her parents goodbye (and convincing her dad not to meet her date), she answered the door.

He wore a semi-formal outfit--white shirt, black trousers, black dress shoes and his signature white cravat. Like always, he had a bored expression on his face when she met him at the door, which was discouraging for (Name).

"Um, good evening, Levi." (Name) greeted nervously. She was happy at that moment, but her worries got the best of her.

"Good evening, (Name)." he said before taking her hand. "Let's go."

(Name) blushed at the sudden contact. "Y-yeah."

Levi nodded as he led her away from her house. "The place is close by, so we'll just walk there, okay?"

"O-okay." (Name) said.

The street they walked through was quiet that night, which made both of them uncomfortable since either of them hadn't said a word for a little while. Levi, however, decided to break the silence.

"You look lovely tonight." he said.

"Hmm? Oh, thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." (Name) smiled, her blush ever-fading.

Levi hummed in response. He was silent for a few seconds before asking "You don't really believe in those damn rumors, do you?"

"What rumors?" (Name) said.

"You know, about me taking my dates to shitty places? I'm just seeing if you're expecting that kind of crap to happen."

(Name) shook her head. "No, I don't think so. I know that you like things being clean and that you can't stand dirty places, so the rumor isn't all that believable. And also, I wouldn't expect anyone to take their dates somewhere inappropriate. But even if you did take me somewhere...unorthodox, I wouldn't mind."

"Oh really? Why is that?" Levi's indifferent eyes showed interest as he turned his head to look at her.

(Name)'s face flushed pink. "W-well just as long as we have good time, that's all the really matters, isn't it?"

Levi he didn't respond immediately, but a faint smile grew on his lips. "Yeah, I guess you're right." His walk slowed to a halt. "Alright, we're here."

The couple arrived to a little restaurant way down the street. Who greeted them was an old man wearing an indigo straight sleeved coat that had words "Pixis's Ramen Restaurant" imprinted in kanji at the back, and a white helmet-scarf. His expression upon greeting the couple was friendly and welcoming.

"Good evening, Levi. I was expecting to see you again." The old man smiled.

"Good evening, old man." Levi said as he gave a short bow to him.

The old man bowed likewise. "And I see you brought yet another pretty young lady to my restaurant." 

"Good evening, ojii-san." (Name) bowed modestly before taking a seat at the counter next to Levi.

Pixis chuckled and bowed his head. "That's very polite of you. Good evening as well. May I ask what your name is?"

"(Full Name), ojii-san." she answered.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, (Name). My name is Dot Pixis, but you may call me Pixis-san or ojii-san."

(Name) smiled at the old man's kindness. The old man was so unlike the rumor said he was. Pixis, in fact, seemed to be quite courteous and respectful to his customers. And the restaurant wasn't indecent at all; the counters were spotlessly clean, the utensils were perfectly organized, the decorations were traditional yet pleasing and not a piece of litter was seen. What was left to judge was the food.

"So, what are you going to order?" Levi asked his date.

"I don't know. Do you serve Miso Ramen, ojii-san?" (Name) asked Pixis.

"Yes, I do. What toppings would you like?"

"Butter and corn, please. And a glass of cold green tea."

Pixis turned to Levi. "What about you, Levi?"

"The usual." he answered calmly, having his hands laced against his lips.

"Alright, it'll be ready in a few minutes." Pixis said.

The two high school students sat patiently waiting for the old man to prepare their meals. Levi looked as if he was in deep contemplation, eyes looking straight while his body sat motionless. (Name), however, decided to start a conversation with him.

"How long have you been going here?"

Levi shrugged. "Since I found it open for business. It was a pretty shitty place back then if you ask me."

Pixis didn't respond, proceeding to boiling the noodles and preparing the broth.

"Then what got you interested in this place? Though, right now, everything look spotless, and Pixis-san seems very nice."

When (Name) looked at his face, she almost couldn't recognize how his eyes shown relief, and a smile appeared.

"I'm glad you think so. The food is what's worth sitting in here for."

From then on, their conversations became longer and more open. Levi smiled more often when he listens to (Name), and he seemed as eager as her when he asked questions while keeping his cool demeanor. Unbeknownst to them, an old pair of eyes has been glancing their way as time went on.

Soon enough, the meals were served, each bowls giving off warm steam and an appetizing aroma. The soup of the miso ramen was creamy, sweet and tangy while the noodles were thick, curly and slightly chewy. 

(Name) hummed in delight. "It's delicious, ojii-san!"

Pixis laughed. "I give nothing, but the best for my customers. I'm pleased that you enjoy it."

If Levi wasn't eating beside her, (Name) would have finished the bowl in a second, but it did give her a chance to savor every taste. The couple continued their conversations as they ate, sometimes having Pixis join in. After a while of eating and talking, the bowls were finally emptied by the two satisfied customers.

Before they left, Levi went to the bathroom and left (Name) alone with Pixis. As he was washing their bowls and glasses, he spoke to (Name).

"He must like you, (Name)-chan." Pixis chuckled.

"Huh? L-like me?" she blushed.

There were the clinking sounds of cutlery being put away as Pixis leaned against the counter. "Let me tell you something, (Name)-chan. I've known Levi for quite some time now. I met him on a slow day, came here and ordered the same ramen, and paid me more than what it was worth. You see, I didn't notice the extra yen since I let my customers leave their money on the tray. I didn't expect him to return the next day and he appeared as if he was ready for spring cleaning. I told him that I didn't need his help, but he insisted. Before I knew it, he cleaned this restaurant spotless. Thanks to his generosity, business never had been better. He returns twice a week to assist me in cleaning this restaurant, and since he seemed to love doing it so much, I allowed it. Levi continued doing this kind service to me and asked for nothing in return, until he began taking young ladies to this place."

(Name) listened attentively to the old sage's words, her lips closed shut, not wishing to interrupt him.

"As you know, he brings a number of them here for a date, but every time he did, he never seemed to be interested in them, always aloof and reserved. If he spoke, he directs his words to me instead of his date, and by the end of the day, they usually leave upset and disappointed." he smiled. "But when you entered, I barely recognized the strapping young gentleman who came in with you."

He took a from behind the counter. "If you hadn't come, I would have thought that all he'd been doing is a charity act since I did nothing to repay him. But I'm glad I met you (Name)-chan and that you made him happy. I hope I'll see you again. Oh, it looks like it’s about to rain."

Indeed, light raindrops were seen through the darkness after every passing second, the rain grew heavier. Pixis was drying a glass when Levi returned from the bathroom.

"Crap, it's pouring out there. I guess we have to wait here for a while." Levi muttered.

"No need." From behind the counter, Pixis pulled out a black worn umbrella. "Here, take mine." 

Levi took one look at it and shook his head. "No, it's alright--"

"Thank you, ojii-san." (Name) quickly interrupted as she graciously accepted the umbrella.

A "Tch" was heard from Levi before he bowed his head and followed his date out into the rain.

The raindrops splashed upon their umbrella's canopy, and their shoes threaded on the puddle covered pavement. The couple's small shelter was like enclosed space of their own surrounded by icy droplets falling in their millions. Their strides were slow, especially Levi's since he didn't want muck on his shoes. (Name), seeing how his arm was arched into an inverted triangle, she cautiously looped her hand on his elbow. Feeling her touch on his arm, he took a glance at her blushing face, smiling as her eyes showed contentment. In turn, he felt content, knowing that his date was pleased.

"You are too kind, Levi," (Name) said.

Levi raised an eyebrow at her. "What do you mean 'I'm too kind?'"

(Name) giggled. "Pixis-san told me a lot about you while you were in the bathroom. He talked about you helping him clean up his shop and taking your dates there so you can have an excuse for him to earn a profit from you."

"Tch, I knew I shouldn't have left you alone with that old bastard. Didn't expect him to spout out that bullshit though," Levi said.

"But why would you take all those girls on a date there, Levi? You could have just eat there alone every now and then, instead of having to deal with those rumors."

Levi sighed. "The truth is, (Name), is that I agreed to take those girls on a date because, hell, I didn't want to say no to them. Regrettably, they didn't have a good time all because I didn't give a crap about them before. Not that I didn't like them, it's just that I don't know them well enough. But then, I got accustomed to not giving a crap about my dates that I thought that tonight would've start off like shit."

(Name) leaned her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad it didn't."

The young man wore a faint smile. "Me too."

The couple eventually reached the young lady's house. Levi covered his date from the rain as she walked up the steps to the front door.

Before he would turn his back to her, he said "I could still take you to some other place, perhaps the cinema or a cafe."

(Name) touched her chin with a finger and hummed, then she said "Sure, that would be nice. Although, I would miss Pixis-san and his cooking, and he might miss you too."

Levi made no comeback, and simply replied "Alright."

Thinking that was it, (Name) began to turn to the door until he called out "Wait," and hasteful footsteps went up the small stairs. She spun her head back to him, and felt something cold pressed against her lips. Her eyes were still open when she felt it, but she only saw a pair of shut eyelids. She then slowly closed her eyes as an arm wrapped around her torso and another one around her waist.

When the sensation parted from her lips and her eyes opened, she saw Levi smiling at her and picking up the black worn umbrella from the ground.

"I'll see you tomorrow, (Name)," he bowed his head and stepped back into the rain.

The young lady on the steps unconsciously touched her lips, staring after the young man's blurring figure and smiled.