Our Differences
Chapter One: Quick As A Flash

Some things in life take years to develop. Some a few seconds. For me it was always seconds. I only had seconds. Like when suddenly I woke up and I found myself lying in a different bedroom with a bunch of other noises. I freaked out, not finding my sister and she came to me in a flash. Hugging me, telling me I was going to be alright.

It didn't take long for me to discover our parents had put us up for adoption but that my sister would do whatever it takes to keep us together.

The first week there and I was already meeting people who wanted to take me in. But my sister would always come and tell them it's both of us or nothing. That actually got us to spend more time in the center until I turned six, ready for the first grade and we both got adopted into a nice family.

I sat on my sister's lap the whole ride, her being three years older than me, she still saw me as a baby. I didn't mind, I liked the attention. I looked up at her and smiled. She kissed my head and hugged me.

The first day of school came with problems. I was bullied and didn't make any friends.

Even so, my life froze up until I started seventh grade. My sister started going out with the most gorgeous specimen in the history of the world. His name was Eren. He'd spend all the time at the house. They'd be in her room most of the time. I only had a couple minutes with him every couple weeks or so because she would always capture his attention.

Seeing her with him all the time made me think about myself. Who would I be with in the future? I was twelve with no friends. I followed him around in the house till he stopped me and paid attention to me. I remember our first conversation. He had accidentally tripped me to check if I was following him and I fell to the floor.

"Oh my, I'm sorry, I didn't think you were so little, are you- are you following me?" He started to smile. "In your own house?"

"I'm Mikasa's brother,"

"Yeah, I know, she always talks about you."

"Is she saying anything bad?"

"No, she thinks you're adorable and she feels bad that you had to had to go through something so hard at an age so young."

"I'm not young, I'm twelve."

He chuckled. "I'm also not young,"

"You are the same age as Mikasa,"

"Yes,"

"That's three years,"

"Well sort of,"

"So you're fifteen,"

"Mhm,"

I smiled.

"Babe, we gotta go," Mikasa walked down the stairs. She kissed my cheek and walked into the kitchen. Eren looked at me and smiled back. "So you're in seventh?"

"Yes,"

"I'm in my sophomore year,"

"I know."

"Eren," Mikasa came out and ruffled his hair. "Let's go,"

And they took off.

I didn't feel anything for him until the year after. It came like a slap in the face. It happened after the winter dance. Eren dropped off Mikasa and before she walked in they made out next to his car. Of course, staring at them would be weird so I left it alone.

But I dreamt of how it would feel for him to do the exact same thing to me. He was always so nice to me, and he would smile at me, and would talk to me, made me feel that I matter.

He got ripped away from me way too soon. I told my parents that I felt that I liked boys and I got hit, really bad. And every day it would be the same. One sharp hit a day.

Then, Eren and Mikasa started fighting because he was accusing her of cheating. They broke up and I couldn't see him as often.

Soon after that, I met another boy. His name was Farlan. He was in ninth grade at the time. We spent any time we had out of class together. He introduced me to another girl. Her name was Isabel. We all became close friends. I escaped my daily hit every time I went over to her house.

The first time I went over to Isabel's was the first week on freshman year, I was shocked. Eren was there. I gasped and froze. "Isabel, that- that, that's,"

"Oh, he's my brother,"

I stared at him as he walked by. He didn't look at me and it hurt when he didn't look back. Isabel cleared her throat. "Eren,"

"Hm?" He stuffed a cookie in his mouth.

"Look who is here,"

Eren turned back and coughed. "Holy fuck," He swallowed and came up to me. "Haven't seen you in forever,"

I blushed and nodded. I looked at Isabel and she was already gone. "Eren,"

"Yeah?"

"Can we talk?"

"Sure, sure, where?"

"Anywhere."

He brought me up to his room but I lingered at his door. "I need to tell you something."

"Come,"

It was as if I was pulled by an invisible string, and it brought me to him. "What's up?"

His hands on my arms kept me frozen and the only thing I could do was stare at those lips of his. I know he noticed, and he was silent, and still, not moving so my attention wouldn't be anywhere else. I bit my own and shook my head. "A lot of things have happened,"

"With your sister? Yeah I know,"

"Um, no. I mean with me,"

He lifted an eyebrow. "I didn't do anything to you,"

"I know," I blushed. "Listen, this going to sound weird and you're probably gonna avoid me afterwards, but," My eyes slowly went up to his face. "I like you,"

He looked at me with a blank expression. "Ah," I teared up. "Nothing, it's stupid," I turned away and quickly ran down into Isabel's room. "So! What's next?"

She looked at me. "Levi what happened?"

"Hm? Nothing,"

She gasped. "Levi what happened here?" She gently caressed my neck. Yesterday, my dad whacked me. It was harder than usual because he was already mad. It left a bruise that Mikasa had to covered up with makeup.

"Oh um, well- I was walk-"

"Don't you dare lie to me,"

I sighed and sniffed. "I got hit. No more questions, please."

"Izzy, is Levi in ther-" Eren walked in and stopped. I hugged Isabel. "Yes, he's here. Izzy let me steal him for a moment," He pulled me away gently and closed Isabel's door when we left.

"Eren, you don't need to bother with me. I'm pathetic,"

"You are not pathetic, you're pure and kind. I just want to know when this all started."

My bottom lip stuck out when I started tearing up again and shook my head. "It's weird!"

"I don't care," He smiled. "Just tell me," He pulled me into his room. I wiped my face with my sleeve. "I wanna know,"

"I-I - well, I saw- no-" I took a deep breath. "That night you brought Mikasa home after that winter dance,"

He blinked, looking up as if he was trying to remember, then he nodded. "Yeah, yeah,"

"I just," I blushed really hard and sniffed. "I've always wondered how it would feel like to be kissed the way you kissed my sister that night."

"You like me because you want me to kiss you?"

"No, no," I shook my head. "You're very nice to me and gentle and you always made me smile even when you didn't mean to, even when you weren't talking to me." I bit my lip.

"You- wow." He looked away.

My heart shattered in two. "Like I said, It's weird." I pulled away from him.

He yanked me forward and I closed my eyes, flinching. He stopped and hugged me. I hugged him back tightly, risking everything and burying my face in his neck, running my fingers through his hair. I smiled against his skin.

"Levi! Your parents are here to get you!" Isabel called. I froze and ran out of the room. I ran down the stairs. "Isabel, you're the best thing that has ever happened to me." I paused. "Invite me whenever you want, okay?"

"Yes," She giggled. "You like my-"

"House? Yeah, it's fun," I said eyeing her parents.

"Yeah, thanks but I was talking about my-"

"Isabel," I started. She looked at me and when my parents walked in she knew to keep her mouth shut. She squeezed me and kissed my cheek many times and my mom chuckled. "Come on baby you see her tomorrow,"

It was so easy to hug her back just as tightly. Our parents talked for awhile. "Listen Isabel, you can't tell anyone about me. Okay? Keep it between us three and don't tell your parents." I whispered.

"I won't, I promise."

The car ride home was quiet and frightening. Isabel texted me and told me she gave Eren my number. He instantly texted afterwards.

9:24PM - 11/21

Hey, it's me Eren

I left it open and I didn't respond and only added his number in my contact list. When I got home, I went to my room and opened my chat.

Eren

9:24PM - 11/21

Listen, I'm sorry

Eren

9:25PM - 11/21

Please answer, I feel terrible and confused

Eren

9:25PM - 11/21

Why haven't you said anything before?

Eren

9:25PM - 11/21

Levi

Eren

9:26PM - 11/21

Please answer me

Eren

9:28PM - 11/21

I know I made you cry and I might have hurt your feelings but that was never my intention, I just didn't think that you would feel that way about me. Please, Levi talk to me. You're a good person and you don't need to be crying all the time. If you don't answer me now, I'll just ask you about this at school. I'll show you how important you are, you're not pathetic.

I tapped in a quick response.

9:42PM - 11/21

You're only being like this because I'm tiny and weak and if I hadn't cried you wouldn't pay attention to me.

Eren

9:42PM - 11/21

Why would you say that?

9:42PM - 11/21

I'm so sorry, please don't be mad. It's just, I'm scared. I shouldn't have told you, I'm a nuisance.

He left me on read and didn't respond afterwards. Mikasa came into my room. She hugged me and kissed my cheek. "How was Izzy's?"

"It was nice,"

She raised an eyebrow. "You smell like cologne,"

"Ah, well, Farlan-"

"Nope," She flicked me in the head. "To me you don't lie, ever. It's Eren's,"

I blushed slightly and looked down. "I have nothing to say,"

"Oh please, I know you got a thing. You look at him as if he is prettiest star in the sky."

"Shh," I swallowed nervously. Mikasa nodded. "Don't worry, they're downstairs in their room with the door closed." Then she smiled. "So?"

"I don't want to say anything."

"Why not? I think this is cute."

"That I like your ex?"

She giggled. "Yeah, so tell me. Why do you have his cologne all over you?"

"I hugged him." My eyes filled with tears from embarrassment. "I ran my fingers through his hair and had my lips touch his neck,"

"How did he react to that?"

"He just hugged me back. But Mikasa?"

"Yes?"

"I don't know what to do, I also like Farlan."

"You're allowed to experience feelings for a lot of people since you're not dating anyone."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Hm?"

"Did you really cheat on Eren?"

"No, I just- someone else simply caught my attention."

"How could anyone catch your attention other than Eren?" The moment I finished the sentence I gasped and covered my mouth. Mikasa started to smile. I quickly went to get changed into my pajamas, brushed my teeth, and hid underneath the covers. "Forget I said anything,"

"Nope, we must talk." She got into my bed as well, as she was dressed to sleep anyways. I turned my light off and didn't say anything. She poked my cheek. "Speak,"

"Who is this guy?"

"His name is Jean,"

"I'm sorry," I turned the light on and sat up. "You mean to tell me you stop liking Eren for Jean Kirstein?"

"Well yeah,"

"Why would you do something like that?"

"Because Eren is crazy and stresses me out. He's reckless and doesn't think before he acts. Jean is calm and more relaxed."

"Fine,"

"I'm having him over tomorrow,"

I turned the light off again. "Okay, now sleep,"

"No, you still need to talk."

"I've already spoken,"

"Levi," She whined.

"Shush,"

She poked me many times in the side till I huffed. "What is it?"

"Tell me about Farlan,"

"He's in a grade above me, blond, tall."

"Have you two kissed?"

"Well, I mean- I guess,"

"What's that mean?"

I blushed furiously and in the darkness she couldn't see. Farlan and I would get kind of intimate at the end of every other week. When the bell would ring for dismissal, he'd take me to the back of the library. No one really goes there and it doesn't even have a camera installed. The librarian knows though, she knows why we go there and she's sworn to secrecy.

Farlan would start with a few soft nuzzles to my nose, then to my neck. He'd unbutton my polo (uniform sucks) and start kissing my collarbones. He'd suck and bite but not hard enough to leave any marks and he'd go up to my neck with open kisses and I always had to keep my moans in check, we were in a library after all. Then he'd pull back and fix my shirt. I had to tuck it back in every time because he always pulled it out to touch my skin underneath. He'd smile and ask me if I was okay, and I would nod. I would always tease and kiss around his lips, and sometimes just half of it. And he'd always get grumpy with me, I would smile. Farlan would quickly get over it and chuckled. He pulled me closer by the waist and pressed his forehead to mine. He knew I wanted to wait for it, despite being given other kisses.

He also knew I liked Eren as well, and he respected that. I told him that when I was ready, I would tell Eren how much I liked him.

Farlan thinks the same way as Mikasa, I'm allowed to like different people. I'm not 'together' with anyone.

"Just not on the lips."

"Naughty,"

I giggled and closed my eyes. I woke up and Mikasa was still there. "Hey, get up," I shook her.

She shot up. "What time is it?"

"Six,"

"Oh okay," She got out of bed calmly and went into her room. I got dressed, made my bed, brushed my teeth, did my hair, slipped my sweater on, and went downstairs. No one else was downstairs so I went up to Mikasa's room.

"Mikasa, Mom and Dad aren't awake yet."

"They aren't here," She said as she applied mascara.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, my cute brother, I'm totally sure they left last night."

"Where are they going?"

"Celebrating their anniversary for the next two weeks."

I nodded and went downstairs and made myself a bowl of cereal. I turned on my phone and I didn't get anything from Eren. I couldn't help but feel a bit sad, but then again it was for the best.

Someone knocked on the door, so I opened it a little bit. It was Jean. "Hey,"

"Why are you here so early?"

"I'm taking you to school,"

"Okay," I let him in. "Do you want anything to drink?"

"No thanks, I'm fine."

"My sister is upstairs,"

"Am I allowed up?"

I nodded and went back to my cereal. Isabel started texting me.

IzzyBel

6:30AM - 11/22

r u ok

IzzyBel

6:30AM - 11/22

what did u say to my brother, he's been pissed all morning.

I swallowed and didn't answer. Farlan also texted me.

The Holy TooFar Lan XD

6:32AM - 11/22

Levi how are you feeling? Isabel told me you were crying yesterday when you went to her house. If anything I'm here for you okay?"

I patiently waited for Jean and Mikasa. The car ride was quiet. For me at least. I walked out of the car, out of the parking lot, into the school, looking down at my shoes. I couldn't find Isabel or Farlan so I sat underneath a set of stairs across from the band room. It was nice to hear the students play freely.

"Where does he usually sit?"

"Eren don't bother him," Isabel's voice came from around the corner.

There was a silence. "Isabel, just get ready for class, okay?"

"Whatever." I saw her legs pass by. Eren stood right in front of me, then all of sudden he crouched down, looking right at me. "I saw you and I needed my sister away."

I swallowed and moved so he could sit. He sat really close to me and looked at me. "We need to talk,"

"There's nothing left to say,"

"There's a lot left to cover,"

"Listen if you're just going to end up hurting my feelings I suggest you don't waste your time."

"I'm not, I wanna get to know you more. It's my last year of high school."

"Don't say that to me," I whispered. I knew this was most likely the last year I get to see him, I always admired him from afar, not wanting to him leave sooner than he was because of me. "Besides, why even try, it's not like we'd be anything."

"You're cute you know? And confusing, damn, you had me go to bed all irritated."

"I'm sorry things didn't go your way. And I'm not cute, I'm fourteen. I'll be fifteen this year."

"Excited?"

"Indifferent,"

Eren furrowed his eyebrows. "Do you like my sister as well?"

"No,"

"So just me?"

"Yeah,"

He leaned in and I squeaked in my throat and burned up everywhere. I closed my eyes and pulled him softly by the hair. "Don't toy with my feelings Eren,"

He pulled away. "I know you're parents are homophobic and they hit you because of it."

"Who told you?"

"Mikasa,"

"When?"

"A long time ago,"

I looked at his lips again, how tempting such a thing could be. "What are you doing Eren?" I asked.

"Indulging,"

"What are you getting from this? I'm the one who likes you,"

His eyes opened. "Are you pushing me away?"

"I'd never,"

He smiled and I blushed again. "Listen, I don't deal with heartbreak easily so please stop leading me on,"

"I'll move when you get your hands out of my hair,"

I gasped and quickly pulled away, not noticing both of my hands were in his hair. I blushed and moved away. My phone buzzed. It was Farlan.

The Holy TooFar Lan XD

7:10AM - 11/22

Where are you?

"Who's that?"

"My friend,"

"It's Farlan right? Isn't he like your boyfriend?"

"No, I'm single."

"Interesting,"

"Don't say those things."

"Why?"

"Because they'll make me imagine impossible things,"

Eren just looked at me and Farlan ran passed us. He came back and looked under the steps. "I found you," He smiled. Completely ignoring Eren, he moved next to me. "Izzy kept me up because of you,"

I huffed. "What's the bill this time?"

"Your phone charger."

"For the whole day?"

"Yeah,"

I huffed and reached into my bag. Isabel popped up. "Thought you could hide from me?"

We all shifted around to make space for her. "I'm gonna need that too."

"Do you not charge your phone before you come?"

"No? Who does that. I rage till two in the morning."

"Busted," Eren said. Isabel pursed her lips. "I didn't notice you there."

"I'm the biggest one out of the four of us."

"Yeah? And? What?"

Eren smiled.

"Levi, accompany me to the cafeteria."

"No, it's raining."

"Fine, everyone get off your asses and come to the cafeteria with me." She had a mischievous look in her eye. She knew very well why I didn't want to leave. Farlan helped Isabel not get wet on the way and Eren and I lingered back. "You don't have to come,"

"I know you want me to," Eren smiled.

"Don't do that to me. I feel like you're just going to keep making fun of me. I genuinely like you, okay? God," I blushed, a little annoyed.

"I'm not making fun of you. I want to get to know you better,"

"Only because I said I liked you, it's just a stupid crush that I have, okay? Don't waste your time."

Eren scoffed. "Okay, well, I'm gonna go then," And he turned away and walked off. I pulled my hoodie over my head and I made way to the cafeteria. I didn't realize I was crying till I entered and Isabel attacked me. "What happened?"

"Nothing, I only make mistakes. This is normal. Now, I'm going to buy a muffin." I walked towards the line and grabbed a chocolate chip muffin and paid for it. I sat down and ate it in silence. Isabel and Farlan joined me. "Come on, what happened? Where's my brother?"

"He left," I looked at her.

She just looked at me. Farlan tilted my face to look at him. "It's okay, you don't need to cry," He nuzzled me. I smiled slightly. Isabel coughed. "Guys I hate third wheeling,"

Farlan kissed my temple and moved away. "Okay, we need to do something today after school."

"Yes, we should step in every single puddle on our way home." Isabel suggested.

"How about something that won't get us dirty?"

"Um, you're fourteen, you need to live a little. Especially since you're parents aren't home,"

"How do you know about that?"

"They told my parents and I heard. We should totally do everything before-"

Farlan's hand trailed up my leg and I squeaked, interrupting Isabel. She looked at Farlan and kicked him. "Hands. On the table. Now."

He huffed and folded them together. I blushed and finished eating. "Okay, but, also, I need to be out of the house. I'm sure Mikasa would appreciate it if I gave her some time with Jean."

"Oh yeah, I forgot, those two are a thing. Okay, well, you could always come to mine. I don't trust Farlan, he clearly can't keep his hands off of you here in school, he'll definitely be worse at his house."

"He's been to my house before," He rested his head on my arm.

"Yes, but alone? No," Isabel crossed her arms.

Farlan looked at me. He started to lean in again till Mikasa came through and squeezed between us. "Sorry to break up this incredibly gay scene, but I need my little brother." She chuckled and gave Farlan a kiss to his cheek. He pursed his lips and nodded. She pulled me off the table and sat me somewhere else with her and Jean. "Hey man,"

"Hi," I waved.

"Can you do something for me?" Jean asked.

"Hm?"

"Can you go into my locker and pull out the red binder and hand it to the History teacher?"

"Why are you sending me?"

"Cause if I do it myself I'll get killed, please? I wouldn't ask for any of reason. I wouldn't just send you to do things for me just cause I'm too lazy."

"Okay, okay, fine."

"My locker combination is Mikasa's birthday and the number is 017,"

"Okay," I left and went upstairs to the seniors building. I regretted coming because everyone was so tall and big. I found the locker quite easily and unlocked it. 0-2-1-0. It popped open. I took a few moments to look around. There were a couple pictures of him with the school's baseball team, with Mikasa, and some of just her. I smiled. I pulled out the red binder that has 'HISTOIRE' in big bold letters on the front. I closed the locker and walked forward again. I was stopped by a blond boy. "Excuse me, did you get lost? You're on the wrong side of the building. No freshman has class over here in the morning."

"I'm just here to deliver this," I looked down.

"Isn't that Mikasa's brother?" Connie asked. I knew him, he was everywhere. He knew everyone. The blond looked back at me. "Oh yeah, they look alike."

"They really don't," A blonde girl walked by and scoffed. I looked up at her and then at the boy. "I need to go," I moved away and walked a bit faster. I knocked on the classroom door and it was opened by Sasha. "Hey Levi, oh, is that Jean's binder? He's always forgetting to turn that in,"

I nodded. "I know," I walked in and politely pushed through the students who were in front of the teacher. She looked at me. "Hello Mr. Ackerman, what can I do for you?" She smiled. Her name was Mrs. Brzenska, she found me adorable and she always helped me understand.

"I need to give this to you," I handed her the red binder. She saw it and rolled her eyes. "Saved his ass, thank you Levi."

"You're welcome."

She squeezed my cheek before I walked out.

"Armin!" Eren's voice called.

"Busy,"

"You literally can kiss her in class like you do everyday, come here now."

"Piss off, talk to me when you get whatever is up your ass out."

"Oh fuck you,"

"I'm not interested."

"Guys, guys. Stop that there's a freshman around."

"What's a freshman doing on this side of the school?"

"He had Jean's history binder,"

That's when I knew I should have left but he saw me as he came to the door. I swallowed and looked him down. He was so pretty...

I shook my head and quickly walked out of the building. I walked straight to class but Isabel and Farlan were already waiting for me. Farlan cupped my face and kissed the tip of my nose. I smiled and Isabel gave an exasperated sigh. "Guys,"

"I'll see you in fourth period okay?" He nuzzled my nose. I giggled and nodded. I walked into the classroom. "Are you secretly against-"

"No, I'm only joking! I promise. I think it's cute, I just feel like a third wheeler."

"Fine, I'll tell him to tone it down."

"That'll kill him,"

"He'll grow accustomed to it," I smiled.

When class began, I couldn't stop thinking about how I had probably offended Eren. I felt terrible and I covered my face whenever I thought about how his expression changed. I wanted to take it back but I also was too afraid to go up and say anything to him. It even lasted during fourth period. I was practically dead and Farlan worried over me so much. I didn't even eat lunch because of it. I was stressing out so much and I didn't see him after that. Until the dismissal bell rang, after I changed my shoes out with my brown rain boots and my dark green raincoat, and Isabel ran at me. "You look like you got your soul sucked out of you, what happened?"

"I'm fine,"

"Liar," She poked me in the stomach. "Speak. Speak. Speak. Speak. Speak. Speak. Speak." A got poked with every word.

"Izzy, stop poking people, that hurts." Eren smacked her hand down. He looked at me and I glanced at him. Isabel slowly walked away and left us. "Levi,"

"Eren, I'm sorry for what I said, I didn't mean to say that to you. I'm just scared of getting rejected, please don't be mad at me. I know I might have been a bit rude but God, Eren please don't be upset with me, I'm really really sorry."

"Hey, hey, it's okay, don't worry." He smiled at me. "Calm down,"

"Was I too intense?"

"No,"

"Did I make you feel uncomfortable yesterday?"

"At what time?"

"Everything, my confession, me crying in front of you, when I hugged you.." I trailed off and looked down.

"Nope,"

I smiled slightly but I couldn't help but feel a little bit upset. I wanted something more. My heart beat faster and I looked at those pretty green jewels on his face. "Listen, it's my last year here, so don't push me away okay?"

"Am I your last project?"

"Don't think of it as that. I want to get to know you better, no, not because you like me... well, okay, yeah because of that. I think you're cute,"

"That doesn't really make me feel any better,"

"I'm taking you home by the way," He smiled. I gasped silently and Jean's hand clasped on his shoulder. "Yep, and he's gonna make sure you get home in one piece,"

Eren nodded. "Yep, cause his girlfriend can't do it herself,"

My heart sunk. "Well, like," I teared up. "I can always go home on on my own, if- if it's too much."

"Look what you did, you bastard" Jean tsked and shook his head. Eren shoved him off and leaned forward to wipe my tears. "Don't cry," He stood me up and we walked off. He wrapped an arm around my neck as we left campus, Isabel followed us quietly and I felt Farlan's eyes on us.

I stomped in a puddle cause I was mad at got us all wet. Eren jumped away, shocked. Isabel burst out laughing. "Oh big brother, you blew his fuse."

Even Farlan started to smile. He took this chance to separate me from him. "I thought you said you didn't want to stomp in any puddles."

"That was an accident."

We walked faster to get farther away. "Is he hurting you?" He whispered.

"No," I took a pause. "He wants to get more involved with me,"

"Are you asking me to step down now,"

"I'm asking you not to grow jealous cause you know I like him and I've been waiting for this moment."

"I know, I know," He chuckled. "Okay, fine by me. If anything, I'm here for you,"

"I know," I turned to look at him and I kissed his lips lightly. It was a simply touch, barely. Farlan smiled. "You are going to make me go insane,"

"I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry." I frowned. Farlan cupped my face and stopped us. "I'm not complaining,"

I didn't say anything and stepped in another puddle. I continued to only step in puddles till we stopped at Farlan's house. He hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead goodbye before waving at Isabel. She then walked up to me. "You two are so dramatic,"

"It's gonna stop anyways." I kicked a pebble.

"Why?"

"I told him to stop,"

"Why?"

"So I could focus on your brother,"

"Wow," She giggled. "And what did he say,"

"He was fine with it. He was actually kind of glad about it, I think he just wants to help me."

"Of course he does, he doesn't care if it's him you want, he wants to see you smile. I think that's what he's attracted to you,"

"No, I'm pretty sure he's attracted to all of me,"

"Oh yes, he's definitely Levi-sexual."

"Quite," I smiled. She giggled and stepped in a puddle. Eren came up behind us. "What do you guys have in mind to eat?"

"Whatever Levi wants to eat is good,"

"Whatever Isabel wants to eat is good," We answered at the same time. We looked at him with sheepish smiles. Eren looked amused. "Okay, fine, I'm ordering pizza. What kind do you guys want?"

"Pepperoni," I said.

"Mushroom," She said.

I'll get both,"

"Don't you have practice today?" Isabel asked.

"No he doesn't, that's on Tuesdays and Fridays." I answered without thinking. I blushed and walked away quickly. Eren came after me and pulled my hoodie off. I looked at him and he looked down at me. "Do you come to my games?"

"Every single one of them,"

He smiled at chuckled. "Do you come to practice?"

"Sometimes,"

We walked into his community and soon we were inside his house. I hung up my raincoat and Isabel got to ordering pizza. I carefully took my boots off and changed my socks. I left my book bag in Isabel's room as well as my sweater. I used her hairdryer and pretty soon I was all set. I was going to go back downstairs but I saw Eren take his shirt off. I think he knew I was watching him, because he did it slowly, exposing his torso, that deliciously tan skin. He looked back, and I didn't care that he saw me standing there. He beckoned me inside and my legs moved on their own. He smiled at me and sat at the edge of his bed. I shuddered, suddenly very jealous of my sister. She used to have this. I don't think I'll ever be as lucky as her, this, this was beautiful. "My sister didn't cheat on you," I blurted out.

"What?"

"She just left you because you're crazy and reckless." I gently touched his collarbones with my fingers.

He didn't say anything to that, he just, all too quickly, pulled me into his lap. I giggled uncontrollably. "You won't ever believe it but I have thought about being this close to you."

"W-what? When?"

"A few times actually,"

"Why?"

"Have you realized that puberty is doing nothing but wonders to you?"

"Eren, it's time you get glasses, you obviously can't see."

"Don't be like that," He chuckled. He took my hands and placed them at his neck. I bit my lip.

"Don't you think this is weird?"

"Why would this be weird?" He dragged his finger over my eyebrow.

"Because you were with my sister,"

"It'd be weird if I had sex with her, but I never did. We only kissed,"

"But wouldn't you feel weird knowing you got both of us to like you?"

"Nope, I feel proud."

My hands trailed down his body and back up again. I smiled, his body was so warm and his skin was so soft. "Is this your natural color?"

"Yeah,"

I dared to rest my head on his shoulder. "Would you mind if I came to see you practice tomorrow?"

"Why are you suddenly asking permission?"

"I don't want to be intrusive." I leaned back. He pressed his forehead against mine and my breath caught in my throat. "You're never intrusive,"

"Okay, we are watching a movie, on the couch, now, if you two are going to be on top of each other, do it downstairs where I'm not left alone."

We had been talking for the last two hours, the pizza had just arrived since it was raining. He was lying down on his pillows and I was lying down on him, and I told him everything about me since day one of my memory. What I remember about my biological parents, my favorite birthdays, my school experiences, how I felt during my time spent at the adoption center, how I felt going into middle school, how I feel about my current parents, everything. He listened to everything I had to say, and while I talked he would toy with my hair and brushed it to the side gently and repeatedly with his fingers.

We looked at Isabel and then at each other. Isabel huffed. "Guys!"

"Why don't you watch here?"

Isabel raised an eyebrow. "Is there something wrong that you don't want to leave this bedroom?"

"No," I sat up.

"I'll be back in two minutes." She left. A few moments later Eren let out his breath. I looked down at him. "What?"

"Um, please get off,"

I didn't have time to feel hurt because I looked down and saw exactly where I was positioned. My face heated up and I rolled off. "I'm sorry,"

"Don't worry about it,"

"I'm really sor-"

"Hey, it's okay, really."

"Put a shirt on, Eren." Isabel walked in with three boxes of pizza and two bottles of orange soda. Eren huffed and put on a blue t-shirt. "Happy?"

"Yes,"

"Okay, now, horror."

"Piss off,"

"Levi do you mind?" Isabel asked. I shook my head. Ha! I lied, I totally care! "We are eating first." I nodded.

I ate four slices of pizza and before stopping while Eren ate five and Isabel as well. It got me to eat the fifth slice. We left the rest for later and Isabel started to play something on Netflix. She turned off the lights and we got under the covers. I didn't pay attention to the screen. I was creeped out the moment she put it on. I gently snuggled against him. He slowly moved his hand and placed mine at the hem of his shirt. The movie was blocked out when I spread my fingers against his abdominal muscles. I moved it up to his chest and felt his heart beat. I smiled slightly but I jumped when I heard a gun shot and screaming.

"Liar," Isabel snickered. I buried my face in his shirt.

"Come on you're going to traumatize him,"

"Too bad," Isabel scoffed. "Besides, he's not even watching. He's too busy feeling you up."

I shot up. "Excuse you? I am not feeling your older brother up!"

"I saw you!"

"You're obviously blind!"

"Okay, Levi, whatever you say," She smiled and leaned back.

"You two need to stop fighting," Eren sighed.

"Oh shush, you liked it."

"He didn't feel me up. You think I would allow that?"

"Ya,"

"Wrong."

A loud knock sounded from downstairs and I gasped. "I can't take it, turn off the movie."

"So boring Levi,"

Someone came running up the stairs and I hid behind Eren. They came into the room and I closed my eyes. The lights flickered on. "Where's Levi," Jean voice made me so relieved. I popped up behind Eren's arm. "God, man, where's your phone?"

"Dead, Farlan has my charger."

"You're killing your sister okay? Go outside and let her see you, she thinks something bad happened to you."

I slowly walked out of the room and went downstairs. I opened the door and Mikasa's arms wrapped themselves around me. "Oh my baby brother, are you okay? I haven't heard from you. Have you eaten? Are you feeling alright? Tell me something please."

I looked at her. She was worried and she must've cried a little. I nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay, yeah I ate, and yeah I'm feeling alright. My phone is dead."

Mikasa went to the car and pulled out her extra charger that she kept in the car. "Here, charge it up. Text me every now and then so I know you're alive,"

I nodded and she kissed my cheeks repeated. "My baby," She kissed my head. "You can't do this to me okay?"

"I'm sorry Mikasa, I didn't mean to make you worry."

"You keep forgetting I worry about you more than our parents do,"

I shrugged. "It's okay, they don't like me anyways," I said with a chuckle. Then it died away and I went silent. They don't like me anymore because of the gender I like. Tears filled my eyes. "Why was I born this way? Why couldn't I have been normal? If I was, maybe they would stop hitting me."

Mikasa hugged me tightly and I cried against her. I so badly wanted to be loved. My sister cares so much for me. But I also wanted to be noticed by other people. Be someone's center of attention, just me, only me. Eren stepped out. "Is he okay?"

"He's getting there," Mikasa kissed my hair. "Do you want to come home, Levi?"

I thought about it, but I wanted to stay with Eren. "No,"

"Okay," She squeezed me. "If anything, call me. I'll come get you,"

I pulled away and nodded. "Okay,"

"Take care of him please," She said to Eren.

"I will," He said and I walked over to him.

"Be careful with what you do, okay? Be mindful of my brother,"

"I will,"

"He's pure and certainly doesn't need you stomping on his feelings." She crossed her arms.

Eren and I looked at each other. He beckoned me closer. "I got it, Mikasa."

"Baby, make sure to check in okay?"

I nodded and wiped my eyes. "I love you, Mikasa,"

She smiled and kissed my cheeks. "I love you too,"

I smiled back and walked in. Eren closed the door and immediately bent down and nuzzled my face. I giggled and grabbed his face softly. I pressed my lips to his cheek and nuzzled him back. "You smell like aftershave," I told him.

"Yeah, I shaved this morning," He chuckled and kissed my forehead. "Do you like it?"

"I don't care," I smiled wider.

"Okay, gays of the today, I need to get out." Jean stood in front of that. I jumped away from Eren and walked off.

"Don't say those types of things, my parents like to talk and if they hear it could go to his parents." I heard Eren say.

"Yeah, I know. Mikasa told me everything. That's why I said it, your parents are outside starting a fire."

I relaxed and came back. Jean looked at me. "You all set?"

I nodded. "Thank you for bringing Mikasa here, she must've been really worried and I feel bad for not texting her."

"It's okay buddy," He ruffled my head and walked out. "But do text her okay?"

I nodded and he closed the door. Eren and I looked at each other in the silence that we were left in. I smiled at him and curled my fingers with his as I walked up the stairs. "We still have pizza left,"

"Oh yeah, the whole box and a half,"

"Perfect."

When Jean came, he dropped off my things because Mikasa wanted to house to herself. Not that I minded, I was excited. Isabel was setting up everything for me when her parents came into the room. "Izzy?"

"Yeah?"

"I think we should talk," Her dad started. Eren stood by the door and I looked at him. He raised his eyebrows at me and I shrugged. "I don't think Levi, should sleep here, in your room."

"Why?"

"Cause, well, you know, you're fourteen now almost fifteen, and I think you should really take care of yourself, and you need the privacy, being a girl." Her mother continued.

I looked down. "So what does that mean for me? Should I go home?"

"Hm? Oh no, pumpkin, you can stay here. What I'm saying is that I would feel more comfortable if you slept in Eren's room."

Isabel whipped around, I snapped my head towards her and Eren's jaw dropped. Eren and I looked at each other slowly, I blushed so I looked away. Isabel nodded. "Okay,"

"Honey, help Levi get set up okay?"

Eren nodded and took my things into his room. They walked down the stairs and Isabel snickered. "Wow, look at how lucky you are," She whispered. I nodded slightly and walked out.

"You take the left side of the bed."

"It's okay, I always sleep on the left side." I crawled in since I had already changed into my pajamas. He brought the box of pepperoni pizza and gave the mushroom one to Isabel. We ate quietly and he looked at me. "Do you have anything to let me know about your sleeping process?"

"Well I have trouble falling asleep. I actually have to get up and walk around the house to get me to fall asleep."

"Your parents don't get mad?"

"No, they took me to the doctor because they freaked out when they saw little six year old me walking around the house in complete darkness wide awake. And so the doctor, after he was told the whole story, he concluded it as anxiety. So my parents let me be. But I don't think that'll happen tonight,"

"Why?"

"Cause I'm calm, relaxed, next to someone I," I looked up at him. "Really admire,"

"You are so cute,"

"Thank you."

"You seem a lot less tense now that I know a lot more about you,"

"I trust you."

He smiled at me. "I know,"

I lied down on his chest. "You mean a lot to me,"

"I know, don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you, intentionally that is, you seem really sensitive so I'm going to try my very best not to hurt you."

I looked up. Our faces were inches apart. His eyes were gorgeous, the most beautiful pair I have ever seen in my entire little life. "I'm jealous of my sister," I sighed.

"Why?"

"It's easier for you to be with someone like her,"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean for starters she's a girl and she's closer to your age and she's tall."

"You think I care for any of those things? Listen, I need to clear something up. I don't care what gender you are, okay? If I did, obviously I wouldn't be following you around trying to get you to see it's okay for you to like me. Second, there's not much of an age difference. Two years doesn't mean anything,"

"Three."

"Two,"

"Three,"

"Eren, you're eighteen."

"No I'm not, I'm seventeen,"

I left the room and went into Isabel's room. "How old is your brother?"

"He's seventeen, Levi."

"Why are you lying?"

"I'm not, Mikasa was just older than him but shorter. You didn't know?"

Eren was behind me. "You thought I was eighteen? Aw, cute."

"I don't like being lied to."

"Why am I gonna lie?" Isabel crossed her arms. I huffed and left. Eren followed me and closed the door. "Haha, you were wrong,"

I glared at him. He smiled and went back to bed. "Childish," I sighed.

He pouted and grabbed another slice of pizza. But then I smiled. "That's actually really cool,"

"So, to continue, I like that you're short."

"You didn't like me till this afternoon,"

Eren pursed his lips. "Stop it, I wanna see how this turns out. Okay? Let me live?"

"I'm sorry," I went under the covers after turning the lights off seeing that the nightstand lamps were turned on. Eren handed me another slice and we ate again.

"Don't worry about it, honestly, you have nothing to worry about."

"I just don't want you to think I'm overbearing."

"You're not."

"Okay, okay." I said quickly and took another bite. "I'm done eating,"

"Okay, I'll go put this in the fridge," He closed the box and went downstairs with it. I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Then I came out, climbed in, and turned the lamp on my side off. Eren came back in with a toothbrush in his phone and his phone. That reminded me to text Mikasa.

10:34PM - 11/22

hi, i'm going to bed now ok?

Big Sis

10:34PM - 11/22

okay, sleep well okay? good night lil bro

10:34PM - 11/22

ohk thanks, goodnight to u

I lied down and sighed happily. Eren came in and turned his light off as well. "Levi," He poked me.

"Hm?"

"How do you feel about me now?"

"In what way,"

He moved closer to me. "Does the two years make you feel better?"

"Yeah," I whispered.

"Don't you think it's funny how parents automatically think how a child is straight and have them sleep in the same gender's room because they want to protect the opposite one? That's like saying okay, you can go out but no girls, at least in your case."

"Yeah, I found that pretty amusing. No, Levi can't sleep in your room Isabel, he needs to sleep in your brother's room because you're a girl." I chuckled. "But don't worry, it's not like he's gay and likes your brother. We just don't want him attacking you in your sleep, you know how teenage boys are."

Eren laughed a little. "Exactly,"

I smiled and touched his hair gently. "I can't tell you how happy I am to be here next to you. I honestly can't ask for anything more."

"Shh, don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."

"Everything happened all at once today, Eren. Don't blame me if I'm scared to lose you just as quick as I got you to look at me."

He pulled me closer and I buried my face in his shirt. "I'm stubborn too you know? So what if it happened so quickly, that's how life is."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"Listen, you can stop worrying."

"My life is full of worry,"

"It doesn't have to be, at least not with me-"

"Do you pity me?"

"Levi, that's not it. I feel bad yes, anyone would. I just want to see you happy now."

I smiled at that. "You're an angel," I nuzzled his face and kissed his cheek once, then twice, then a third time. Eren chuckled. "That tickles,"

"I'm going to try and sleep now, okay?"

"Alright Levi,"

"Goodnight Eren,"

"Goodnight Levi."

Yes, this is a new fanfiction. I'll be starting this one while I find inspiration and get over my writer's block for my other fanfiction.

I hope you guys like this one