AN: Leave me a review if you liked it?
Levi woke up confused, eyelids a bit heavy. Awkwardness then settled in, as he felt Eren's forehead nestled on his spine. He can feel the boy's body heat acutely, along with his soft breaths that bounced on his back. This is too domestic for his liking. He turned his head to take a peek on his tousled locks, eventually sitting up. The boy looked comfortable of all things. He finally stood up and buried the curled boy under the blanket. He can only sleep for a few hours anyway.
Eren woke up to the sound of voices, a certain cheery girl's voice dominating the others. Should he get up now? He pulled the blanket closely against himself, debating internally if he needs to show himself. It smelled like coffee out there. It was an inviting smell.
All eyes fell on him the moment he slipped out of the bedroom, making him feel utterly conscious. Isabel's grin widened when he met her eyes, beckoning for him to come closer to the table.
"Eren! Come sit here beside me—" She declared almost fondly, waving her hand to Eren, making the others look at her in mild amusement. Levi''s eyebrow quirked upwards, watching the boy's tentative movements. He seemed to have won the girl over.
"Did you sleep well?" She asked enthusiastically, large green eyes sparkling. Eren nodded shyly in response.
"Hey kid, I wasn't able to introduce myself last night. I'm Farlan by the way."
Eren whipped his eyes to the said blonde guy, not knowing what to say. Levi only sipped his coffee in silence, his ever gauging eyes trained on him and Isabel. These people seemed rather different than he had imagined. His mind had been conjuring a lot of scenarios since yesterday and he did not expect it to be like this. The breakfast and the steaming coffee on the table felt unreal.
When he first arrived in this place, the first thing he noticed was the general state of destitution of the residents. The streets were littered with beggars and shady-looking people. There were a few merchants here and there, a few stores, and a lot of pubs. There were fights breaking on the streets every so often. It was a dangerous place to be, and he didn't feel safe once. Even if he was with Hannes all the time, the eyes that lingered on them when they were roaming the darkened streets were unnerving. Thankfully, they haven't been stabbed to death yet in some empty alleyway. Eren snapped from his musings as Levi set his cup on the table, his slender fingers slipping from the rim of the cup.
"Eren. You're going with these two today. They'll teach you how to greet the neighbours." The boy looks up to him and nodded.
"Okay."
"Are you going with your Uncle today?" Isabel asked, placing a cup of coffee in front of the boy.
"Yeah. Teach him well so I can send him alone when time comes."
"Well.." Isabel replied hesitantly, looking back and forth from Levi and to the boy.
Apparently, greeting the neighbours meant banging on someone else's doors and or kicking it open when they refused to be let in. It seemed like their group is thriving on collecting debt on behalf of other people, especially for those who doesn't want to deal with difficult situations. They wouldn't hesitate to use force on them either. They also do deliveries—but of what, he doesn't really want to know. His views on Isabel had also completely changed, the moment she pulled a knife on her booted leg to threaten a troublesome man larger than her. She was, undoubtedly, ready to kill if needed. He can see it in her eyes as she seized the guy in front of him, knife pointed in his gut in warning.
"Don't wait for big brother to come knocking on your door. He isn't as patient as us." Farlan exclaimed as he approached the disgruntled man, motioning for Isabel to release him. The girl did so tentatively, knife still poised.
"P-lease just give me some more time—I promise it will be ready when you come back." The man replied in distraught. Farlan knitted his eyebrows in annoyance. If their client loses his patience, he'll just hire other people to do a better job. But they can't do much if he doesn't have any cash to pay with either.
"Isabel, Eren—look for something valuable in his things. We need a collateral."
.
Eren wasn't sure if he should be pushing his luck, but Farlan and Isabel were pretty lenient, like they say there were. So when they ventured on a familiar part of the slums, he decided to take his chances and see Hannes. He didn't expect the both of them to give him permission, but Isabel seemed nonchalant about it and convinced the other to give him some time while they visit another welcher. After an incessant knocking, the door finally opened and he was let in by a wide-eyed Hannes.
"For a while there I thought the bogeyman came back." He declared, regarding the boy in front of him. It didn't look like they were giving him a bad time in there, and he felt a bit relieved.
"Are you doing fine in there? Did they hurt you or something?"
"How much do you owe that man? Why didn't you tell me?" Eren demanded, stalking the blonde man to the small living room.
"Quite a lot, frankly. I have lost contact with your father, Eren. We cannot survive in this dump for too long without money."
"Aren't you just using it to drink?!" The boy accused, seething. His green eyes were boring holes to the man in front of him.
"Hey—don't look at me like that. It's not that simple. I fucking hate this place—I feel like.. I'm gonna go crazy each passing day. Your parents are good friends of mine Eren, but living in this darkness is taking a toll on me." Hannes replied, a look of anxiety and paranoia adorning his face.
"Either way, I'm going back up there to see your father. I'm getting worried. Just hang in there for a while, okay? I'm the one that owes him, he wouldn't hurt you." Eren can't seem to believe what he was hearing.
"How can you seriously say that—he almost sold me!" Hannes placed a firm hand on the boy's shoulder. He's not sure if he wants to reassure him, but it felt more like a warning to Eren.
"Eren, believe it or not that man Kenny isn't just notorious here in the slums but up there at the capital as well. He's a Royal lapdog. He's very well informed about the Military and the Royal affairs. I think he had caught on something about us—and he'll probably use that opportunity. He wouldn't compromise you that easily if he's going to profit from it. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Eren had no other choice but to nod in agreement.
Hannes knows all too well that he is just plain gambling for Eren's safety at this point but they both need to survive this mess. He just needed some time before Kenny decides to change his mind. Just what is Grisha doing, abandoning his child like this?
"I'll come back once I find the whereabouts of your father. Stay safe until then alright—?"
Stay safe he says. How would he do that, exactly? He's just lucky that Levi is still patient enough to not kick him out of the door. Eren felt so angry and alone. It felt like the world he lives in had become even smaller.
.
Levi rarely ventured out from the underground except for a few instances like this one. Underground dwellers weren't allowed to roam in the capital city first and foremost. They were treated like a totally different breed of species down there. Like vermin, to be exact.
It was the first time for him to step in his uncles "office" as well. He knows that the man has a job outside of the slums, but this was the first time he knew that he had an actual work in the military, of all places. He told him a long time ago that he was a body guard of some sort. But that seemed far from the truth—and he realized he doesn't really know anything else more than what he tells him.
"Hey Levi, how is the squirt doing?" The man in black asked as rounded up his desk, sitting heavily on his chair.
"If you're concerned about him why don't you take care of him yourself?" Levi replied as he followed suit, making himself comfortable in the seat across the man. Having a place like this to himself doesn't look bad at all, he thought, as he looked around him—spacious, clean and neatly painted walls that has large windows and furnishings.
"You have become so impudent. You're no longer the cute nephew that I raised."
"Raised you say—what the hell are you talking about? I'm just your errand boy."
"Yeah and you used to follow everything that I said like the good boy that you are. Now you just talk back to me every chance you get." Levi settled his gaze back to the man in front of him.
"Well if it isn't the case, huh? Are you disappointed?"
"Nah. Not really. I actually hated that part of you. I hate people who just obey without question."
That was far from the truth. The boy might have obeyed him all those years, but the Gods know he's just waiting for an opportunity to get away from his grasp. Everyone have desires. He can see it clearly in his eyes; it was always there, lurking beneath his patience.
"Huh? Are you sure you're not talking about yourself? Sitting here in your office—waiting for orders?" Levi replied in feigned shock, eyeing the man in annoyance.
Kenny laughed maniacally. His job here is done. He had raised him so well, didn't he? He hoped Kuchel wouldn't hate him so much for it return.
"You got some nerve you punk. Anyway while you're here, I want to tell you a job you might get interested in the future."
"You bring me up here to just talk?"
"Why not? Being cooped up in the slums all the time is bad for you. Entertain your uncle just this once, will ya?"
"For all I know this is just what you take me for, entertainment." Kenny chuckled once more, definitely amused. Who wouldn't be, when he says those things with a straight face and an annoyed voice?
"Of course."
.
Levi looked at the perpetual darkness outside his window. It was late in the afternoon, he thinks, and he can't help but contemplate on what Kenny had told him. It was a really great opportunity for him to finally leave this place, but, why would he want to dedicate his entire life to some Royal bastard? That's the last thing he'd ever want to do. Just the thought of it repulses him. He'll decide his own fate. He'll create his own opportunity. He'll pave his own path. He isn't giving his life to some spoiled swine.
"Big brother. It's tea time!" Isabel started, two cups on each of her hands. They all settled on the small table, like it was the most natural thing to do.
"Well.. How did it go? Did Eren learn something new?" Levi tore his gaze from the small window to the trio, regarding them mildly.
"You did well, didn't you, Eren?" Isabel exclaimed excitedly, looking at the boy beside him.
"I think he's got the general idea." Farlan chimed in, nodding.
Eren can only glance at Levi in return. There was what seemed like a blank look on his face, and the boy found himself a bit surprised, not able to look away. His calm blue eyes then met his, and he averted his gaze. Has Levi always been this calm? He was all but irritable and annoyed yesterday.. or was he just too busy being scared?
"I'll go out with all of you tomorrow then."
"Whoa—pay that man Dirk a visit, will you? He's still got nothing. I think he isn't going to pay at all." Isabel replied in excitement.
"Is that so?" Levi doesn't seem that interested. He hasn't touched his cup as well. He just gazed at Farlan most of the time.
"Farlan, stay here for a while." Isabel looked at the both of them.
"What about me?"
"Go home." There was that look on her face again, Eren thought, as if she wanted to protest. But nothing came out of her mouth.
The three of them fell silent for a while after Isabel had left, and Eren isn't really sure if he's supposed to hear this conversation at all. The question was just left hanging in the air, and Farlan looked too reluctant to give a reply. Levi remained calm.
"So? What do you think? Levi asked, fingers lingering on his cup.
"I don't think we should be deciding this on our own. She should be the one to decide for herself."
"That brat wouldn't even remotely consider it."
"Of course she won't.. She wouldn't want to be apart from us, wouldn't she?"
"Is that what she thinks? Or is that what you like to think? I wouldn't be here forever Farlan. I don't know what the future brings. You want her to have a good life, right?" A look of frustration settled on Farlan's face. Eren's heartbeat was racing. He had this urge to say something but he is just a kid, and an outsider, after all.
"I know that."
"Then try to talk to her about it."
Levi's tea had gone cold. Eren can only look down on his hands beneath the table. Farlan didn't utter a single word after.
.
Eren couldn't sleep at all that night. Levi had also actually sent him to bed. He guessed it will be less awkward for the both of them if they won't go to sleep at the same time, probably. So when he finally joined him in bed, he pretended to be past asleep, curled into himself, facing the wall. Levi didn't turn even once. He just laid there, unmoving. And he just observed him for who-knows-how long, until morning inevitably came. But he guessed he fell asleep at some point, for when he opened his eyes, he was no longer by his side.
Eren went to the small living room and there was only silence. Levi was sitting alone by the table, looking outside. His calm blue eyes fell on him and he returns it.
"I guess they fought, huh." Levi started nonchalantly.
Eren walked closer towards him. He still felt uncertain, but at least the constant fear was somehow gone. He cannot explain why exactly, but his conversation last night with Farlan somehow affected him.
"Do you want some coffee?" Eren asked, eyeing the other curiously. Levi also probably felt a certain difference in the air between them, a single eyebrow shooting upwards slightly. They were finally having a conversation.
"Do you even know how to make one?"
"I think so.."
Levi watched as Eren's moment of confidence seems to crumble down. A pout has begun to form on his young face as he averts his large green eyes once again. Levi stood up and motioned for him to follow to the kitchen counter.
"We aren't leaving this house today until you learn how to make one then—" He declared, rolling his sleeves up his arms.
Soon after the smell of coffee filled the tiny house and awakened Eren's senses. He could only watch as Levi busied himself with two cups of coffee and he realized that he was utterly entranced by his movements. They were practiced and mechanical, yes, but he seemed rather gentle and graceful even, while doing it. Where had all his roughness go? This person here right in front of him felt utterly different, and he felt confused about it. Eren guessed it was that same part of him that made him willingly approach closer, the part of him that he can somehow understand—that part of him that seemed very human.
He took a sip of the steaming coffee placed in front of him and realized it tasted the same as the one he had yesterday. Eren's widened eyes travelled back to Levi and he opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
"What is it?"
What was it that he wanted to say? Eren thought, still looking at Levi in wonder. He felt conscious once again. The sudden opening of the door broke his bewildered feelings and replaced it with dread.
"Oi Levi, give me a hand will ya—"
"Stop barging in my house as you please, you old man—" Levi immediately replied, eyeing the man in black critically.
The annoyance was back in his face and his voice in an instant, Eren thought grudgingly.
"I do as I please." Kenny stated flatly, eyeing the two that were standing side by side in return.
"Looks like the brat is doing well, huh? Well.. sorry to say but I need to take my dog for a walk today, kid. You need to guard the house in his place."
It seemed like this man really enjoys tormenting Levi, Eren thought as he watched Kenny's grinning face by the door. And judging by the other's reaction, he's pretty good at it. His brows knit tightly in response.
"Who the hell are you calling a dog?"
"Would you like to be called a rat instead? It suits you as well." Levi can feel his patience leave him real quick.
"Just—what do you want?" Kenny stepped further inside, boots clunking heavily on the floorboards. His tall figure loomed over them, and Eren felt rather trapped.
"You see, it seems like Hannes had run away and left this poor child alone." Levi's eyes automatically fell on the boy. It was cold once more.
The fear was slowly creeping back on Eren's spine. He can feel it spreading from the simultaneous looks that he received, unwavering. He was beginning to sweat coldly in his forehead.
"That's quite unfortunate, isn't it?" Levi finally replied in a monotonic voice.
"I really fucking hate the Police. They got no balls—anyway, you'll help me look for him."
.
It was already late in the day once again and Eren really don't know what to do. He doesn't know where to go either. His mind tells him to run away from this place as fast as possible but it doesn't seem like an option. Nothing seemed like an option. Levi will definitely find him, and he doesn't want to know what he'll do to him once he realized he had escaped.
Levi just felt angry more than anything. The kid was nowhere to be found when he arrived in the afternoon; and he contemplated whether or not to look for him in that instant. They haven't found the whereabouts of Hannes but he had found something more troublesome. If he was in Eren's situation, he'll probably do the same thing and run away. So when the boy returned soon after, he can't deny that he was quite surprised.
They were now standing face to face, his smaller form squirming beneath his stare. Levi's blue eyes were hard and critical-looking, and Eren can only fixate his eyes on the floor. He was done for.
"Oi Eren, why is it that there's a bounty on your head?" Levi started, stepping closer to the boy. Eren's voice was small and unsure, but he didn't budge from where he stood. There was no point in it.
"I.. I didn't know that—"
"What do you know then?" Levi snapped back, his tone clipped and a bit harsh. He looked at the boy's green eyes and there was only fear.
"I'm.. I'm an illegitimate son." His voice had started to break.
"And?"
"My father.. he is an aristocrat married to a Royal blood. But he fell in love with my mother. We used to live in a remote town in Trost until—one day people came looking for me and my mother. We escaped and.. my father then sent me to Hannes and told us to hide for a while. That was the last time I saw the both of them— " Eren blurted out with difficulty. Levi's unwavering gaze felt so heavy against his shoulders.
"I see.. So your stupid father fell for a commoner and the Royal family found out, and decided to erase you and your mother's existence."
Levi debated against himself if he should tell Eren that his mother is most probably six feet underground and he won't be seeing her ever again at this point.
Royals hate complications. If there is a slight possibility for someone to threaten their power they will snuff if out immediately. It sounded so fucked up, but it's probably what had happened exactly. This is the way of such a nation that is run and dictated by bloodlines.
"But my father promised.." Eren replied in a smaller, shaky voice, tears threatening to spill in his eyes any given moment. The sight seemed to only anger Levi even more.
"Hey—I hate to break it to you but your bastard of a father might not come back for you. He dumped you here in this place for good, never to be found." The boy immediately shook his head in denial.
"N-no. He loves me—he'll definitely come for me!"
"If he loves you he wouldn't even think of leaving you here to rot—does this place look remotely habitable to you?" Levi snapped back angrily.
"But you lived here, don't you? All this time—" Their gaze met and his tears finally streamed down his face. Levi clicked his tongue in utter frustration.
"Yeah. And I'm going to leave this shitpile soon enough. I won't be waiting here, crying until the day I roll over and die."
"Didn't you want to leave this place as well? It was written all over your face since the first time I saw you." Levi took another step forward and gripped the boy's arm firmly.
"Oi Eren—listen to me carefully. We might be living in a place where you can't even say your name, but names don't mean shit. You hear me? Your name alone doesn't define who you are."
"Are you going to let your name dictate your future? That's just plain stupid."
"B-but I don't know w-what to do—" Eren choked out. His tears don't seem to want to stop at this point but neither of them wiped it away.
"What the hell are saying? There's only one thing you need to do. And that is to survive."
"Why do you think did I make Isabel and Farlan teach you how to do business here for? Use that brain of yours." His large green orbs seemed to refocus amidst his sobbing, and Levi took it as a sign of understanding.
"P-lease, teach me then—" The boy managed to say, finally wiping the tears off of his face.
"Then stop that crying. That's the first step. If you want to change your fate, you need to be strong— stronger than those who want you dead. Do you understand, Eren?" The boy nodded in response, cheeks and nose flushed. His eyes have reddened but what seemed like determination had now settled on them.
"Please—until I get stronger.. T-teach me?" The boy asked once again tentatively, as if to confirm his already given approval. Levi felt a mixture of relief, pain, and pity.
Eren looked up once again expecting to see Levi's cold, blue gaze, but there was only calmness within them. He can feel as his slender fingers then settled on his locks, ruffling it gently, and it made his gut flutter—the way it does when he receives a compliment from his father.
He had forgotten his question as he stared further into his eyes.
"That's good enough, Eren."
.
