Chapter 2: Heat Wave

Disclaimer: I do not own Shingeki no Kyojin

Previously: Levi is stuck in an elevator with Eren and later helps him get back to his mom at the store. He's shocked to learn Eren and his mother, Petra, moved into his apartment building.

It had become common occurrence for Levi to see the mother-son duo in the hallway and make small talk. Eren never missed a chance to harass him about games and high scores. Much to his annoyance and disbelief, Levi hadn't managed to beat the little kid. Not that he was telling the arrogant brat that. As far as the 6-year-old was concerned, Levi had blasted past his high scores and deleted the games because they no longer provided him with a challenge. From the way Petra's lips had curved into a mischievous smile, he got the feeling she hadn't bought it.

Levi checked his watch. He had plenty of time to tidy up his apartment—which, by normal standards, was already clean—before he had to leave and meet his friends at a local bar. It had been a while since he'd gone out. Work had been stressful recently and he could use some fun. The sun was just setting when he locked the door of his apartment. Behind him, he heard someone step out.

"Heading out?"

"Yeah. You too?" Levi asked.

Petra nodded, "I have to drop by the pharmacy. Wanna walk with me?" He nodded and fell in step with her. "So, how's work?"

"It's work," he wrinkled his nose, then shrugged. "But it's nothing too terrible and pays well so I can't really complain too much. What about you? Wait, what do you do?"

Eren was constantly firing off one question after another at Levi and Petra had gotten to know quite a bit about him. He knew next to nothing about her. "I work as a lab tech at Maria General Hospital."

"How's that going? Working at a hospital sounds stressful."

"Yeah, it is, but it's still pretty good. They've got flexible hours and I get the weekends off, the money's pretty good too. So," she punched the ground floor button, "where are you headed?"

"Meeting some friends at a bar. It's about ten minutes away from here, on the corner of 7th and Greenwood. It's very clean and the prices are pretty good. I think you'd liked the place. "

"I don't drink," Petra shrugged.

"You should still check it out for the food. They mainly serve Mediterranean and it's some of the best you'll find in the city."

"Thanks. Speaking of food," she perked up, "I was thinking about getting take-out tonight. Is that Bamboo Garden place any good? It had lots of good reviews online. Eren's having a sleepover at his friend's place tonight and they're supposed to eat Chinese. I've been day-dreaming about orange chicken for hours. And General Tso's. And sweet and sour chicken."

Levi made a face, "Sweet and sour?" His voice echoed in the parking garage.

"Yeah, it's good. Don't you like it?"

"I just don't like my food to be sweet and sour. It's weird. The other two are good, but I love potstickers."

"Really?" Petra stopped before her small silver car. "You like potstickers?"

"Why? Don't you?" His eyes went wide, as if he was unable to imagine such a thing.

Petra wrinkled her nose, "They're just…blugh."

"Why?" Levi persisted. She had to provide him with more than 'blugh.' "You know I don't like sweet and sour chicken because of the weird mix of two flavors. Why don't you like potstickers?"

"I don't know, they just don't taste good. Especially the white part, ew. And they look kind of creepy too." Petra smiled, watching him shake his head incredulously before defending his beloved potstickers. Somehow, the conversation moved to other foods. So lost in conversation, they didn't know how much time had passed until Levi's phone beeped, stopping Petra in her tirade against olives.

"Sorry," Levi quickly scanned the text. "My friends are wondering where I am."

"Oh, of course, I'm sorry for holding you up." She quickly unlocked her car. "I'll see you around then."

He nodded and back up. "Hey," his voice stopped her just as she was about to slide in, "by no means is this conversation over."

"Naturally," she smiled and waved.

It wasn't until he watched the silver car turn out of sight did he realize something. Levi mentally slapped himself. I'm an idiot. Petra was new to the area. With Eren having a sleepover at his friend's place, she was free for the night. I should have at least asked her if she wanted to join me. It might have been nice for her to meet some people and relax for an evening.

At the restaurant, his friends were at their usual table. They'd already made orders and his meal was waiting for him. "Hey, Levi!" Hange waved him over like a crazy person and he rolled his eyes. Someone was already a little tipsy it seemed. "Where were you? It's been like an hour."

"I lost track of time," he shrugged. "Thanks for ordering for me, I'm starving."

"You came at the right time," Erwin grinned, "Mike and Nanaba were just telling us about their crazy neighbors' latest antics."

The food was really good, as was the company. Still, he couldn't help but feel a little…off. Suddenly, an image of a certain ginger-haired woman eating alone in an empty apartment came to mind. Next time, he thought, he'd asked for sure.

Levi was dying.

It's too fucking hot. Big, yellow, and bright, the summer sun seared down on the little humans running under in. What is wrong with these people? He scowled at a few fellow pedestrians who actually seemed to be enjoying the horrendous heat. Why did he ever think taking a walk would be a good idea in this awful weather? That's right, I've been cooped up for weeks. It was straight to home after work and once to a bar every week.

Theoretically, going out for some fresh air and soaking up the sun's rays seemed like a good idea. In reality, he was just reminded of why he hated going outdoors, especially during burning hot summer days. If Levi could spare the moisture, he'd cry at the sight of his apartment building. The soft hum and cool air of the building's air conditioners greeted him and he finally, after getting out of that horrible sun, felt relaxed.

Looking at the content in the plastic bags, he felt the walk wasn't a complete waste of time. Levi couldn't wait to dig into the container of mint chocolate chip. He could practically feel his temperature dropping just at the thought of it. A familiar tiny dark head raced past him, only to stop and run back.

"Kid, how do you have so much energy?"

"Look what I have!" Eren proudly held up a container of vanilla cream with fudge and bananas.

"Good for you."

"You don't like the heat much, do you?" Petra caught up with him, watching Eren take her keys and run up ahead again to open the door and dig in to his cold creamy treat.

"This is hell."

"I'd imagine so." She held up her hand. "At least there's ice-cream."

"Mom, hurry up! It's starting." The fun, lively music of Eren's favorite cartoon came from inside.

"See you around."

Levi placed the bag on the counter. As much as he wanted to stuff his mouth with mint chocolate chip, the sweat making his clothes stick to his body was grossing him out. The smell was putting him off too and the idea of cold water cleansing his skin was heavenly. He went in for a quick shower, spending more time than he originally intended. I feel so much better now.

It didn't last long.

The walk back to his apartment in the terrible heat and being left outside on the countertop had turned his treat into a sloppy mess. No. No! Fuck no! There were still thick chunks in the container, but it was all cover by melted goo. Levi hated that. "You have got to be fucking kidding me!" A few more expletives left his mouth and Levi clenched and unclenched his hands in anger and frustration.

Now he had to go back and get more. It'd be faster and cooler with the car though. Still, just the thought of the mess he had to toss out made him wince in pain. Agitated and annoyed with himself, he answered the knock at the door with a scowl.

Petra's eyes darted down to towel clad body before widening and darting away again. "Um…"

Great, now she thinks I'm a pervert who opens doors almost naked. He cleared in throat. "Yes?"

"I heard you yelling."

"Sorry, I didn't realize you could hear that." Had he really been yelling that loudly? Or were the walls that thin?

"Actually, I was in the hallway. I was just coming back from my car, we left a bag behind." Purposefully, she kept her eyes trained on his face. "Why were you yelling?"

His expression once again became one of irritation. "I walked all the way here from the store and then left the ice-cream out and it melted."

"Oh! One second." She disappeared into her apartment.

Levi felt awkward standing in the hallway in nothing but a towel. Should I go back? Petra would probably be back in a few seconds. He wondered maybe he should take the chance to at least grab a robe. What if Eren came barreling out and saw him?

Petra re-emerged with a present, "Here, hope you like vanilla bean."

"It's okay, you—"

"Don't worry about it," she shook her head. "Eren was worried about a shortage," she grinned, "so we stocked up quite a bit. I don't think he'd mind if I shared one with you."

"Thanks," he accepted it and watched her disappear behind her door again. Quickly changing into some clothes, he sat on the couch, TV on in front of him but his mind elsewhere. Sweet and cold, the ice-cream melted in his mouth, the taste permanently linked to his tiny neighbor with the big heart.

"Please, please tell me I'm dreaming," Levi shut his eyes. When he opened them again, it was still dark. This is a fucking nightmare. He should have known this would happen. They were going through a record breaking heat wave. Every single household had fans and air conditioners turned on full blast. A blackout was only a matter of time. It had already happened in other parts of the city.

Voices drifted from the hallway while Levi grabbed a flashlight. Mentally, he cursed himself for not buying candles in case of an emergency. As much as he disliked the idea, he'd have to leave the windows wide open if he didn't want to be cooked while he slept. That's only considering if I even fall asleep.

He knew who was on the other side before he opened the door. "Hey," Petra stood in a blue, cotton robe and flip-flops, "some of us going up to the terrace for little bit. Wanna come with?"

Normally he'd had have said no. But Levi really hated the heat, more than being in the company of other people. Sitting under a starry sky with the cool wind blowing gently was exceedingly tempting. "Sounds good," he nodded. "No, wait, I don't have one of those," he gestured to the lawn chairs in her arms.

"No problem," Petra held one out for him. "I brought one to share."

"What about Eren?" He was not about to take a chair from a 6-year-old.

"He and the other kids are going to sit on some blankets and play board games."

"Alright," Levi agreed, "let me just grab some things." Petra waited patiently for him to lock up and handed him the blue folding chair. "So, where is the little monster anyway? Did he run up ahead again?"

"Yeah, you know kids. Once they get together, all they think about is playing as soon as possible and there's no stopping them. They're all already up on the roof."

The terrace of the the building was concrete with a two foot ledge around it. A small garden sat at the right and a few potted plants to the left. People had already broken into groups. Except for the kids, they were all sitting together. The group consisting of their parents sat next to them. Petra joined them and Levi followed.

Everyone had cell phones in their hands, but he was glad he wasn't the only one with a laptop out. He figured as long as he contributed a little to the group's conversation it wouldn't be too rude. Overheard, the full moon was out, shining brightly and providing plenty of lighting. More stars were becoming visible and twinkling like diamonds on the black velvety sky. Still they had flashlights of all sizes just in case.

Despite his reluctance to interact with others, he was drawn into the conversation about children and their silly antics. Levi recalled a few of his own childhood memories and found himself sharing them. Eventually, the younger kids began nodding off. It was well past midnight when they decided to retire for the night.

Levi grabbed the chairs while Petra picked up Eren's sleeping form. "Can you hold my laptop?"

"Of course," she replied. Chairs in one hand and flashlight in the other, he lead her down the stairs. "Can you get the door for me, please?" Petra asked. "The keys are in the pocket."

Setting the chairs along the wall, he pulled out the keys and unlocked the door. Plenty of moonlight poured through the windows, making it easier to see in the dark. Levi placed the chairs against the sofa and grabbed his laptop from the table, unsure what to do now. Should he wait for Petra to put Eren to bed and say goodbye or just leave?

Fortunately, she reappeared and saved him from feeling foolish just standing around arguing with himself. "I hope the power comes back by tomorrow."

"Yeah." He cringed internally at his single syllable reply.

"My favorite show's on tomorrow night and I really don't want to miss the episode."

"Of course," he chuckled.

"Well, good night then," Petra said before an uncomfortable silence could set in.

Levi nodded, "Good night."

Mercifully, his apartment wasn't as hot as he'd been expecting it to be. The draft coming from the open windows and the night's cool weather had kept the temperature from becoming suffocating.

Making sure his alarm was set, he closed his eyes, trying to think 'cold' thoughts. Maybe I should take a vacation in the mountains for a bit. He didn't think he was going to get a lot of sleep that night. Eventually though, he did fall asleep. And when he did, he dreamt of Petra's face, looking unimpressed, and a sheepish Eren with crumbs covering his mouth, his hand literally caught in the cookie jar.

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