Chapter 1 – Hands for Comfort, Words for Protection

"You promised to protect me. You promised not to hurt me. You promised!"

"Eren...I'm sorry. I didn't m-me..."

"I hate you Corporal! Never. The answer is never!"

What is human? Who defines the term human? Why are we here? Who created us? What are we? What am I? The thoughts spiralling, merging into one another with no real answers. They were a mass of stars, burning brightly and yet so far away. No one could touch these thoughts or even begin to delve into reasoning. These thoughts tormented me...to the point of awakening the monster.

Small, tender hands gripped at the bed sheets, tightly grasping them to the point where they became creased, while green eyes looked wildly around the cell. Sweat poured, drenching the male – forcing him to be awoken. Those green eyes searched endlessly for comfort that would never come. His hands restrained by the metal chains, binding him to the wall, allowing him little movement. If he stood, the movement would cause pain, a futile effort. Laying his head against the pillow, moving his right arm to cover his eyes, the tears flowed again. Those beautiful green eyes were red and hollow, showing no emotion only allowing him to cry, causing even more pain. His chest rose and fell in uneven movements, his breathing harsh, biting his lips to restrain the noise contained within him. Within the monster.

Even so, the crying wouldn't stop. It would last all night through, he would hold back the noise so he wouldn't anger anyone - the pain pounding against his chest. He feared the night ahead, the darkness that would overwhelm him and consume his whole being. He felt vulnerable at night, he felt as though he would be forgotten – no one would care. He was here alone, but somewhere he knew people cared. They weren't here now though. I abandoned them. I chose not to follow the path they took. It pained when he reminded himself of that. He felt the tears rise again and stifled a cry that would eventually be released.

He heard footsteps approaching, small steps against stone stairs. He muffled his crying further and caused himself to choke. The footsteps became panicked and the pace increased until the male stood waiting outside the cell. He couldn't conceal his choking any more and an anguished cry left his lips. The male sighed from outside the cell and leant gently against the rusting bars, before deciding better. As he brushed his arms down, getting rid of any dirt, Eren leant back against the pillow of his bed. He had rose due to the choking but that was over now. He was terrified of the night, he would do anything to have Corporal Levi stand outside and watch over him. Levi looked at Eren intensely before directing his attention at the cell he was contained in. He sighed in disgust and directed his attention back on Eren, now covered by the duvet. Eren covered himself intentionally to hide away from the taunts that would shortly follow, the abuse that always came when Eren cried. Levi thought Eren was weak. There would be no care or regret when the harsh words escaped his mouth, but Eren would be left laying there contemplating all kinds of thoughts from running to suicide. He considered it many times since being here, the cell was small, allowing no comfort. Of course, he wasn't claustrophobic but there was also no lighting. Only the lamps that drifted on outside of the cell could put his mind at rest, even then they were cut-off during night.

"Eren, I don't care how you react but I will stay down here tonight."

Eren's heart ached and all of a sudden he felt grateful towards the Corporal. The words said were gentle even to the point of understanding. He clutched the duvet tighter, tears escaping his eyes. He smiled gently underneath the covers and relaxed his hands a little before breathing in deeply, removing the covers and turning his attention towards Levi who was now entering his cell. He watched the smaller male slump down into the corner and relax against the wall. Levi's hand brushed his hair back. Eren couldn't help but smile at the thought of the Corporal protecting him. He watched a while longer before covering himself again and snuggling against the cold bed. He shivered, tensing his body, muscles aching and he clutched his hands tighter.

"T-Thank y-you Corporal Levi."

Eren mumbled the words under the covers, only a little too quiet so Levi didn't hear. He relaxed slightly and leant against the back wall. He removed the covers again and began watching the Corporal intensely. However, Levi didn't notice and was preoccupied in wiping away the dust in the area surrounding him. He knew that the Corporal hated mess, dust, dirt or any form of particle that was unclean. He couldn't help but stare at his hands that were perfectly shaped, bones prominent with green veins that would pop every now and then. He was entranced by the Corporals stature too and the way he carried himself. Eren felt an urge to say something, dissipate the awkwardness that was beginning to settle. His stomach clutched and his hands flinched in reaction, causing Levi to turn his head. Levi's eyes bored into him and Eren blushed slightly.

"Eren, what the hell is going on under those covers?"

"N-Nothing C-C-Corporal..."

"Eren, if you don't speak up now, I will personally come over there and find out myself."

"I-I-It was a t-twitch S-S-Sir. I'm s-sorry."

Levi sighed again, returning to clearing the dust. Eren watched him for a while before laying down again. His eyes were open, yet he could feel drowsiness begin to consume him. He wavered slightly and his eyes began to shut. He felt light headed, his heart raced and his breathing pace increased. Levi noticed Eren's sudden bout of pain and walked over calmly but with authority. Eren noticed that he was leaning over, his fist raised with his lips tightly shut. Eren saw the hesitation as he bit his lip...it was only for a second before the pain rushed to his head. Levi hit him against his jaw, sending Eren into a new wave of pain, focused more upon the bleeding. Levi had caught his lips and caused the top one to burst, inflaming the area. Eren screamed at the impact and realised that his drowsiness had dissipated and his thoughts were no longer muddled. Levi hadn't done this to hurt him, but rather carried out the pain in order for Eren to relax.

As soon as Levi hit Eren, he noticed that he turned away from him. This pained Eren even more, knowing that Levi couldn't look at him. What am I saying? Why do I even care? At the end of the day I'm here because of the difference between us. Eren realised that there wasn't a chance of becoming a part of humanity again – he was a monster, they were human. Levi was human. No chance. Since the shifting, the public witnessing his transformation there had been trouble. Mikasa and Armin, his best friends, had been caught in the crossfire and he caused the separation between them, abandoning them. In the process he was locked up, 2 days before his execution date, the trial tomorrow. Do I deserve that if I'm not human? Am I worth fighting for? In reply, he received a punch to the gut.

"What the hell are you thinking!?" Levi shouted almost and Eren flinched before responding.

"I-I-I..."

"Of course you deserve a trial, brat! Do you think those who love you will give up that easily? Honestly, your so stupid. There are people who will fight for you and your giving them no reason too being weak and pathetic like that!"

Eren realised that he had been thinking out loud again. Levi had heard him and was deeply disturbed by what he heard. Eren began to cry, this time with no noise, but the tears streaked his face, staring at Levi in an intense shock. This caused another sigh to escape Levi's mouth but Eren felt a hand against his cheek. Levi wiped the tears from Eren's face with the underside of his hand, rough and much smaller than his own. Levi didn't look at Eren but Eren was sure as hell looking at him. His expression changed and he relaxed against Levi before being nudged off, even so he returned to leaning against Levi's shoulder. Levi continued to stroke Eren's cheek, more tentative this time. His hands tender, gentle even and the touch lulled him into nothingness.

"I promise to protect you Eren. Nothing bad will happen."

"L-Levi..."

Eren drifted into a dreamless sleep, by the rough hands, soothing words and calming tone of Levi's voice.

"I care, Eren" were the final words spoken and Eren didn't hear.