Chapter 28: Gift

Levi's POV

I frowned at the numerous eye blinding designs of wrist watches in front of me. Its accessories varies from stone filled ones to neon colored straps, and it didn't end there for digital and analog ones are also part of the choices. Up until now, I haven't seen anything that screams Hanji or shitty glasses yet so I am now a standing piece of annoyed shit who is being accompanied by his former colleague. To be honest, I am not really the type to make an effort or even squander my money for gifts. But since my girlfriend's hormonal bestfriend has reprimanded me a week ago, I have no other choice but to spend an hour in the mall to fetch Hanji a present. Cause damn it, the date is already september 5 and yes, my girlfriend is having her birthday today.

Flashback

As I typed my next couple of lessons in my laptop, my phone suddenly started vibrating on top of my desk. My fingers stopped tapping on the keyboard while I leaned my back on my swivel chair and reach for my mobile. The caller's id flashed Nanaba's name making my eyebrows meet in confusion. It is Hanji who she always sends a call to so it is quite unusual to receive one from her.

I pressed the answer button and then I placed my phone beside my ear.

"Hey Levi!" Nanaba greeted me. "What do you think looks more pretty? Beige or moss green?" She asked afterwards which made my face scrunched in a more severe frown. I can clearly see how Hanji and her got along. They are both too random and annoying.

"I'll hang up now" I said and I was about to press the button when Nanaba screamed from the other line.

"WAIT!" She said, stopping me. "This is an important matter. You have to answer me this instant"

I heaved a sigh and placed the phone back to my ear. "What is that for anyway?" I asked. Nanaba chuckled.

"Its a present for Hanji. I am planning to order a handbag online but I can't choose which color would suit her more. So which do you think it is?" She told me while I just placed my hand on my temple. I rubbed my forehead as I answered in a bored tone.

"Moss green"

I heard a few tapping sound on the other line before Nanaba talked again. "Thanks! I already ordered the beige one" She said and I let out an exasperating breath. Why on Earth did she even asked me?

I rolled my eyes before I answered her. "If you don't have anything to say, I'll hang up now"

"WAIT!" Nanaba yelled, once again stopping me from my attempt to shut down the call. I pulled the phone away from my ear since her voice has been making me deaf already. Seriously, if this isn't Hanji's bestfriend or Mike's wife, I would have cursed her already.

"What now?" I asked irritatingly. I am getting more pissed off with every second that pass as this woman talk to me.

"What's your plan?" Nanaba said from the other line. My eyebrows met in confusion as I answered her.

"What plan?"

I heard Nanaba gasp. "Don't tell me that you don't know about it?!" She literally screamed at the phone, making me hiss. "It is your girlfriend's birthday next week you damn chibi! What kind of boyfriend are you? You don't even know the day when Hanji was born" She said with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Failing to hold off my last buttons, I answered Nanaba with an annoyed tone. "Ask your husband who marks your anniversary on his phone calendar"

"Huh?!?!" She hissed from the other line. I can imagine her gritting her teeth right now and the thought of her getting equally pissed off as me has made me a bit satisfied.

"That son of a-"

*toot *toot

I cut the call off before she can even finish.

End

Trust me, I already spent an entire week to think of a gift for my shitty girlfriend. But heck, no matter how hard I try, I can't think of any cause first of all, Hanji does not seem to be the type to ask for gifts and second, I don't have any fuckin' idea on woman's stuffs.

"You know that you can pick anything right?" My former colleague told me. I rolled my eyes as I stood straight since I am leaning close earlier on the glass panel of the store in order to examine their products.

"You also know that you are not helping, right Petra?" I looked at her with narrowed eyes while she just smirked. Since I don't have any idea on what stuffs to buy, I asked for Petra's help when I also saw her in the mall. Tho unfortunately, we haven't bought any yet when we have strolled for an hour already.

"But I am serious, you can pick anything since it is Hanji that we are talking about. As long as it is you who gives it, I am sure that she'll like it" She told me as we started walking again.

"So a loofah will do?" I sarcastically said making Petra roll her eyes.

"Anything decent" She chuckled a bit before we entered a shop that sells woman's accessories. But it seems like the shits in here are far more complicated than the one that we saw from the previous stores.

Petra stared at me in disbelief as she saw my face frown once again. "Don't you even have any idea about her interests? I mean Hanji told me lately that the you have been living with her for almost a year and you two are in a relationship for one and a half month already" She asked while she walks towards the sets of earrings at the side, examining it one by one.

I let out a silent sigh. As much as it sounds ridiculous, Petra is right. It has already been a month and a half since Hanji and I started our relationship but up until now, I still find it hard to look for something to give to her. Hanji is a very spontaneous and unpredictable woman after all so simple stuffs does not entirely suit her.

I turned my body around to exit the store but from the corner of my eye, I saw something flicker behind the glass panel. I walked towards it and once I saw it up close, my heart immediately skipped a bit. For a second, Hanji's image while wearing this jewelry flashed in my mind and I haven't seen anything more spectacular than that. Petra went beside me afterwards and as she saw the thing which I laid my eyes on, a wide smile appeared in her face.

"Now that's what we call a gift" She said and that made me even more convinced to buy it.

~*~

I stared at the velvet box of the gift which I bought while I leaned in the kitchen counter. I am waiting for Hanji to get back home since I didn't fetch her today. Nanaba insisted to get her home since she badly want to give her the gift and also, Nanaba wanted to allot a few hours for me to buy Hanji a present. And since Nanaba gave me a lot more time than intended, I had also prepared a few things to actually celebrate her birthday. I made her a plate of roasted pepper chicken since she seems to like that so much, especially whenever her bestfriend makes it. At the veranda of our apartment, I also set a small carpet and a low table so we can have our meal on there later. I actually want to atleast treat her in a dinner at a really good restaurant but since I don't have the money to afford it for now, i would just settle for something like this as of the moment.

The clicking of the knob from our apartment door made me jolt at my place, even making me almost drop the box on my hand. I immediately hid it in my pocket as I walked towards the doorway, seeing Hanji remove her shoes in front. At her side, I saw a paperbag with a moss green bag inside and the sight made me slightly uneasy. Before Hanji arrived, I was actually ready to pull this plan on action but seeing her right in front of me right now just makes me want to retreat.

Hanji raised her head as soon as she finished removing her shoes. She looked at me with a smile, scooping the paperbag from the floor, only to shove the bag on my face.

"Look Levi!" She said exictedly. "Nanaba gave me this as her present! Isn't it pretty?" Hanji asked while she picked the bag up.

"Yeah it does" I said as I stared at my girlfriend who now looks like a child who just got her favorite candy. Before Hanji could get more crazy with the bag, I pulled her hand and guided her inside. She looked at me in confusion but once we have reached the place where I set up our dinner, her eyes sparkled before she darted it on me.

"Did you prepare that?" Hanji asked, running towards the table. She sat on the carpet and then she looked at the sky, sighing in awe from the view that it gave her. Hanji then turned her head at my direction and she extended her hand. "Come on Levi!" She called for me with a smile. As if I was put in a spell, I walked to her direction and sat beside her.

Hanji is swaying her body a bit as she excitedly wait for what I am about to do. So to satisfy her, I opened the lid of our dinner and immediately, the sight of the roasted chicken made Hanji smile wide. She stabbed a fork on the flesh, getting a chunk of it before she put it in her mouth. She let out a moan as she chew the chicken.

"Its so good!" Hanji said as soon as she swallowed it. I felt the box in my pocket and the nervousness built up in my heart even more. But I pushed it aside as I cut more part of the chicken, only to place it on her plate. My girlfriend looked at me happily before she digged in, finishing the dinner. I followed after her, cutting myself a portion of the food to eat as well.

For the next couple of minutes, only the sound of forks and table knives scratching on the plate was heard, along with a couple blow of winds than brings cold breeze onto the veranda. Hanji is evidently enjoying the moment and as I watched her, the uneasiness that I have been feeling slowly drained out of me. That is right. There is no room for uneasiness since it is for Hanji that I am doing it after all. And knowing her, even the slightest thing as long as it involves us, will already make her so happy.

"Aah, that was so good" Hanji said as she laid on the carpeted floor of the veranda once she have finished her meal. But she immediately got up afterwards and reached for her phone. She tapped it open and moments later, it started playing some songs. Hanji laid down on the floor once again, occasionally humming along with the song.

I sighed as stared at my girlfriend who has her eyes closed while she hums.

"I'm sorry" I said making Hanji stop. She opened her eyes then she get up a little, tilting her head a bit as she looks at me. "I'm sorry since I didn't get to treat you today" I admitted, crossing my legs on the floor so I would be sitting in an indian style manner. Hanji dragged her body a bit forward.

"What do you mean?" She asked. With half of her body down on the floor, she crawled herself to my spot, placing her head at my legs. Hanji settled herself on it while I brushed my hand over her hair, freeing it from its pony.

"Its your birthday yet I only get to do this much" I said and from her hair, my hand slided down to her shoulders. Hanji reached to it and then she place her hand over mine.

"Dance with me then" Hanji said, opening her eyes to meet mine. As if on cue, the previous song ended and it was replaced with a much slower one. The soft plucking of guitar erupted from the speakers as Hanji continued to drown me with her stare. "We never got to do it before right?" She chuckled a little, finally getting up from my lap. I let out a small smile as I offered my hands on her. Hanji happily accepted it and with my strength, I pulled her up. I placed my hands on her waist as Hanji wrapped her arms on my neck.

We try to understand the way the current flowsWe find the love and plan that only faith can know

I wrapped my arms tighter as I settled my head at the side of her neck. Hanji placed her head above mine as we swayed by the tempo of the song playing in the background.

God sent those eyes to get me through the nightAnd all the shadows of the past fade into white

I felt her throat vibrate as she hummed along with the song. A smile formed in my face as I joined her.

When all the memories in my head subsideYou remain here, you remain dear inside, ooh

I loosened my arms from her waist as I let go of her. Hanji looked at me in confusion but it was changed into a surprised one when she saw me fishing a velvet box from my pocket. I opened it and her eyes widened even more when she saw the thing inside. It was a necklace with gold chrysanthemum hanging on it. The flower which does not exceed a quarter coin in size, has a number of stones embedded on its side, complimenting its petals.

I stood up on my toes and wrapped my arms around her neck to clasp the necklace. Once I did it, I leaned away to look at her and I was right. It really do suit her.

"W-what is this?" Hanji asked, touching the golden flower hanging on the necklace. I smiled at her as I placed my hands on her waist again.

"Thats a chrysanthemum" I answered. "It is believed that chrysanthemum brings happiness to the people who has it so I gave it to you" Hanji looked at me, her eyes wide and her mouth a bit open. I swayed her along with the music as I continued.

"You see Hanji, I think that you are that type of flower for me. You gave me joy and optimism when I felt as if everything around me is starting to crumble down. Heck, you even met me at my worst state but unknowingly, you just suddenly changed everything and made all the loads in my shoulders lighter. It is funny to think that you met me twice when I am at my darkest moment but with just a glance of your shitty smile and just a tone of your voice already makes me calm and collected.

"I don't know what I did in my past life to deserve you Hanji. So thank you. Thank you so much for being born today. Thank you so much for bumping into me when I was 14 years old. Thank you so much for letting me into your apartment when I was broke and homeless" I smiled a little while Hanji's eyes pooled with tears. "But most of all, thank you so much for falling in love with me eventhough I was an ass for lying to you and using you" A sob came out of her mouth as she just embraced me tightly. I answered it with the same intensity.

"Happy birthday to you Hanji. My shitty glasses. My girlfriend. My source of happiness"  I said finally standing on my toes to kiss her. Hanji met me halfway and as we kissed, I snaked my hand at the back of her head to deepen it. She pulled me up on the other hand as our tongues battled with passion and desires. With our lips still locked with one another, I pushed Hanji on a wall, trying my best to feel her more to myself. She slightly hopped up to wrap her legs around my waist as I run my left hand over her curves while my right hand stayed at her head.

From her head, I ran my right hand towards her bottom and as I supported her with my arms, Hanji tightened her hold onto me. With that same position, I carried her to her room, gently placing her down the bed. We ended our kiss as we stared at each other's eyes, getting entirely drowned with all the desires and lust that we are feeling for one another.

"Just say it Hanji" I said, still panting a bit as I stared down at her. "I don't want to violate you if you don't w-"

She cut me off by placing a finger over my mouth. Hanji then showed me her usual heart warming smile and with a nod, she said the next words that drove all of my desires.

"I want you Levi" Hanji told me before we once again lock our lips, feeling more and more of each other.

That night, I never felt more connected to Hanji than ever did in my whole life. I saw her at her most vulnerable state and with the trust she gave me, I held her as gentle as I can, as if she's a fragile object that needs to be handled carefully. She is truly a gift given to me and since she is finally on my grasp, I don't intend to let go nor let her get hurt ever.

Hanji's POV

My eyes fluttered open as I felt a light burn in my cheeks. I looked around the place and then I noticed that the curtain was slightly open, thus allowing the slight entry of the morning sun. I got up from the bed, reaching at the bed side table for my hair tie and glasses when I felt slight stirring beside me. I looked at my left and a smile immediately errupted from my face. Levi is sleeping soundly beside me, his face looking calmer than usual.

Eventhough I have already tied my hair and wore my glasses, I still laid down the bed and faced him. His nose scrunched a little as he frowned and the sight made me laugh. But it seems like I got a bit carried away because Levi woke up due to it. His eyes slowly opened, his ash grey pools meeting my hazel brown ones. I smiled at him as I reached for his right hand, placing it over my cheeks. He entwined his fingers at mine while staring at me.

"Good morning" I said as I let go of his hand to lay on my stomach. I have half of my body up on the bed with my elbow as support while my head is above my hands, facing him. Levi yawned before he draped his arms over his eyes, covering it. "Awe, are you gonna ignore me?" I asked, pouting a little as I scooted towards him. I embraced Levi and over his naked chest, I placed my head.

"Shut up shitty glasses. You tired the heck out of me last night" Levi replied with a groan. My cheeks blushed as I remembered the happenings but in order to hide my reaction, I just slapped his chest. Levi let out a breath due to the impact. "What was that?!" He glared at me but I just stuck my tongue out before I placed my head above his chest once again. Levi moved his hands, placing it above my head to brush the strands of my hair after the pony. For a couple of minutes, we stayed that way, just feeling each other's presence.

I scooted closer to embrace him more. "I love you so much Levi" I said tightening my embrace on him. To my surprise, Levi suddenly got up and he changed our position. He went on top of me and then he started leaning closer. But before his lips could touch mine, I covered it with my hand. Levi leaned away and glared at me.

"What are you doing?" He asked, taking hold of my wrist.

"We just woke up you chibi!" I half-yelled at him as I squinted my eyes to throw him a look. Levi rolled his eyes. When I felt his arms loosen a bit, I slid my body out of his grasp as I immediately went out of the bed. From the floor, I grabbed my underwear and shirt, wearing it while Levi groaned in frustration. He let himself fall on the bed but his frowning face is still darted towards mine. "Come on, get up" I said walking towards him. I pulled his body up but this chibi just made his body weight concentrate on his torso so it was even harder to pull him. Giving up on my attempt, I just clicked my tongue and grabbed a towel.

"I'll take a shower for now. Just get up when you already feel like it" I said looking at him one last time. But Levi didn't move from his spot as he just continued to glare at me. The sight made me chuckle a bit as I went out of the room to go to the bathroom.

~*~

With a towel draped above my head, I exited the showers wearing a tank top and pajamas. Since today is a weekend, I am free from work and so is Levi. But it seems like I have to tame that wild chibi cause earlier, he was really pissed off. Well can you blame me? As much as I enjoyed last night, I still don't want to get to it once again. A few parts of my body hurt a little after all, eventhough Levi was so gentle on me.

I went to the kitchen and just as I expected, the chibi was in there, preparing our breakfast. He has his back turned on me and he is already dressed too, in black boxer shorts and white tshirt. I tiptoed to his spot, till I reach behind him. I was about to tackle him in a hug when Levi suddenly turned around, facing me with narrowed eyes.

"Don't continue what you wanted to do" He said, going at my sides to get the plate from the kitchen counter. He walked past me again and continued what he was doing.

"Awe, is our chibi pissed off again?" I teasingly said as I poked his sides. Levi hissed turning around once again to hold my wrist. He threw me a glare and trust me, a chill just went through my spine. So as a perfect and behaved girlfriend, I walked away and just sat at the kitchen stool, watching my boyfriend cook. But seriously speaking, eversince last night, I found Levi even sexier. I mean, I always find his body attractive but it just added up even more. How lucky am I to able to get a perfect househudband and a handsome bedwarmer?

I smirked at my thought but it was immediately erased when the doorbell rang. Both Levi and I looked at the doorway.

"I'll get it" I said as I stood up and ran towards the door. I opened it but when I did, no one was in there. Instead, there was just a small box covered in brown paper.

I picked it up and shook it a little, feeling the contents inside. But I heard just a faint stumbling so as curious as I am, I closed the front door and opened the packaging. Inside the box was a narrow cylindrical container, tightly sealed with a tape around the lid. I pulled it off and once I was successful on doing so, I opened the lid and what came out of it just made me scream in fear as I threw it away. I fell on my butt as I crawled away from the spot where I threw the contents.

"Hanji! What happened?!" I heard Levi yell from a distance until a series of running steps went towards me. I looked at Levi with fear in my eyes and once he saw what was on the floor, his eyes also widened in shock.

"L-levi" I stammered as I tried to crawl to him. My boyfriend immediately knelt down to meet me halfway and on his chest, he pulled me in a tight embrace trying to calm me down.

When I opened the cylindrical can earlier, thick warm blood suddenly came out of it along with a knife which almost stabbed my feet when it fell down. But the thing that scared me the most is the note written in red solid ink indicating; "I found you"

What is this? Why does this happen when things are starting to become better between Levi and I? Is this another consequence of our choice? Nevertheless, I just hope that none between us will get to harm. Especially Levi.... I can't afford to lose him. Not anymore.