Sunlight {Levi x Fem!Reader} [COMPLETE]

55: The Helping Hand They Never Had

  A/N: This chapter is going to be long. I needed to get very specific and important details scattered through the chapter because I don't want everything to be super depressing for the remainder of the story. I've dedicated this chapter to 'Fresh Pair of Eyes' by Brooke Waggoner. This song helped me through a lot during my high school years where many different obstacles came crashing in front of me that nearly made me give up on living. I feel it sets the tone for this chapter specifically, but I do however think it's a song to sum up Y/N as an individual. We all experience different struggles in our lives and this song means so much to me. I don't attach any religious value to this song, as I am not a religious person, but the message behind it to me basically translates to the fact that we all as human beings want to be seen for us and who we are. We want our originality and compassion to be acknowledged. I just hope you all will have a positive experience with this song as much as I have. You all are such amazing supporters and I don't think I ever would've imagined getting to over 160k reads on this story! Thank you so so very much!! It means so much to me that you all love this story and always continue to support me! <3 <3 <3

Just as a small reminder, you will see L/N at some point in this chapter. It stands for Last Name, meaning YOUR last name or any last name you'd like to imagine Y/N having.

*THIS CHAPTER INVOLVES A HEAVY DISCUSSION ABOUT SEXUAL AND PHYSICAL ABUSE*

  "It's still pretty early, but I think we should get ready for the day." Levi brought up after about an hour of the both of you continuing your conversation. You nodded and stretched while you were still sitting in the middle of your bed. Levi stood up and kissed you on the cheek before heading towards your bedroom door.
  "I'll see you soon." Levi spoke before leaving and shutting the door behind him. You suddenly heard a crash just seconds after Levi had closed the door. You got up on your feet and raced towards the door. When you opened it, Hanji and Levi were sprawled out on the floor with supplies and papers everywhere. You tried to stifle your laughter as best as you could, but completely lost it when you saw Levi's aggravated expression. Your loud gusts of chuckling caught Hanji and Levi's attention. You walked over to help both of them up off the floor.
  "Ah, sorry Levi. I was in such a hurry that I didn't even see you." Hanji apologized. You covered your mouth and laughed silently as you helped pick up all the items that Hanji had dropped. Levi gave you an irked visage.
  "Sorry, this is just one of the most amusing mornings I've ever had." You stated, holding your chest from the outbursts after taking a short breath.
  "What's your rush, four eyes?" Levi questioned, ending the question with a typical Levi remark. You tittered, making a squeaking sound at the end of your laugh. Levi darted his gaze over towards you, furrowing his eyebrows with confusion. Levi was mostly surprised with the sound that crept out of your mouth.
  "I'm heading down to meet Erwin so we can talk with all those kids that were held captive by Xavier." Hanji answered. You shot your head up as you were gathering the remainder of the things Hanji had dropped on the floor. You suddenly became gravely serious.
  "Can I come?" You interjected. Hanji and Levi looked over at you. You had the feeling that they likely wouldn't think it was a good idea. However, you didn't care.
  "I don't see why not, but are you comfortable with that?" Hanji mentioned. You pursed your lips to the side. You understood that with everything you had gone through it was a normal concern for Hanji to have, but you were more than capable of handling it.
  "It makes more sense for me to be there. I highly doubt they'll talk about anything to any of you. Did you all forget how I was when I first got here?" You reminded the two of them. Levi scratched the back of his head nervously and Hanji just kind of looked at him with an amused side-eye. She didn't need to say a word, because the mocking grin on her face said it all for her. You chuckled to yourself.
  "Most of them are kids to begin with so it's very unlikely they will speak about anything that happened to them. I'm sure a lot of them will remember me, and regardless if they don't, I relate to what they've been through. This is the perfect job for me and I know I can handle it." You wouldn't budge from the opportunity that literally fell right at your feet. Not only did you have a chance to help those people, but you knew that in a way it would also help you. Hanji seemed to be mulling over the idea while Levi was still on the offensive over it. You sighed in defeat.
  "Those kids probably need someone like me to help them and I want to do it more than anything. Hell, it's much better than doing paperwork all damn day." You argued more, not willing to change your mind from the topic. You were willing to do anything, even if it meant fighting against anyone that would try to drag you away. Hanji nodded, then looked over at Levi. It annoyed you a bit.
  "I can make my own decisions. I don't need anyone else's permission to do what I need to do." You stated in an offended tone, becoming agitated.
  "You don't need to do it, Y/N. You want to do it. There's a difference." Levi interjected. He wasn't rude in the way he stated those words, but it still caused your annoyance to fester. You understood his turmoil over the ordeal, though, it wouldn't change a thing.
  "Exactly, no matter what way you look at it, this will eat at me until the day I die. I know it will. I must do it and no one is going to stop me. I'm an adult, I know what I can and can't handle. I mean fuck, I was the one that went through everything that happened to me; not anyone else. So stop treating me like a fragile doll and just support my choices, Levi." You spoke sternly with power in your voice. Hanji and Levi were speechless, but ultimately agreed with what you had to say on the matter. You turned in the direction of Erwin's office, walking away from Levi and Hanji. You were pleased with what you had got off of your chest in that moment. Hanji smiled coyly at Levi.
  "She's right, you know?" Hanji muttered to Levi, organizing her paperwork. Levi let out a frustrated sigh. He chuckled almost silently.
  "I know, I would never stop her from doing what she wants. I just get worried that she'll start spiraling again. The last thing I want is to see her suffer like that." Levi expressed his emotion towards you to Hanji. She nudged him.
  "So tell her that." Hanji encouraged brutally. Levi let out a short breathy laugh.
  "I plan to." Levi assured Hanji and himself. Hanji beamed with utter delight.
  "You've got a keeper, Levi. Don't let her go." Hanji continued, reminding Levi of the kind of person you were and how much you meant to him.
  "I wouldn't dream of it." Levi answered as he and Hanji followed behind you while you hurried down to meet with Erwin.