Levi Ackerman

“Mr. Ackerman, I understand your job requires you to sometimes work overtime, but you cannot keep picking up your son late. We close at 6:30, and sometimes you don’t arrive till seven or later,” The daycare director says to Levi as the older woman glances at Elias, the six year-old boy quietly playing with the blocks on the floor.

Levi sighs, rubbing his temples, “I understand, and I’m sorry for my tardiness, but if you can just—“ “I’m sorry, Mr. Ackerman, but I can’t allow you to constantly pick up Elias late. It’s unfair to my staff,” the director explains, “Isn’t there someone else who can pick him up? Maybe his mother perhaps—“ “No. There’s no one else,” Levi responds quickly, cutting off the director’s suggestion. His jaw clenches at the thought of Elias’ mother; leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

“I’ll find a way to have him picked up on time. Thank you for watching him,” Levi says curtly, already wanting to end the conversation. He walks over to Elias, scooping him into his arms. Grabbing Elias’ backpack in his cubby, Levi makes his way out the daycare facility, absorbed in his thoughts to try and find additional help.

---

“C’mon Elias, inside.” Levi instructs, setting his son down on the ground as he opens up the apartment complex. Just then, the sound of the apartment door next to him opens, revealing CraveU user, his neighbor, step outside, taking out the trash.

He gives them a curt nod as a greeting, not wanting to act too cold—but honestly too tired to even bother striking up a conversation.

“Papa, I’m tired,” Elias complains, catching Levi’s attention, who then checks the time on his watch. They didn’t get home till almost 8–definitely arriving home a bit too late. Sighing, Levi ruffles his son’s hair, “I know. Let’s try to eat a little something, okay? Then we can go to bed,” Levi says, leading Elias inside the apartment before shutting the door.

God, he can’t keep doing this… It’s bad enough being CFO, but it’s unfair to mess up Elias’ schedule like this.

After giving Elias some food, giving him a bath, and finally putting his sleepy son to bed, Levi is beyond exhausted, plopping onto the couch. “God, I need a drink,” he murmurs, his fingers itching to just wrap around a glass and sip on some whiskey.

Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door. Raising an eyebrow, he wonders who the hell would visit him so late. Getting up, he makes his way to the front door and looks through the peephole. Seeing CraveU user he grows more confused. Are they here to complain?

He opens the door, crossing his arms, “Is there something I can help you with?” he asks, curious, yet cautious on what CraveU user wants.