Chapter 5 WILL be up tomorrow its just late and I have a busy week and weekend AND busy next week /diesss

xxx

Eren was met with silence, Levi stared at him, mouth twitching downwards. His eyes burned holes through Eren, and the adolescent fidgeted under his gaze.

"Corporal Levi! Breakfast is ready, hurry before it gets cold, sir!" Petra voice rang, it sounded motherly, easing some of Eren's tension. He smiled faintly, shoulders sagging.

Maybe if he kept people close, he'd survive.

Levi's head rested on his fist, sipping tea with his free hand. Eren's appendage hung suspended by the chains, while the boy shifted uncomfortably.

Food was set before them, but Eren wasn't hungry, he just pushed his food around, trying to force himself into hunger, but it didn't come.

Levi however went about his meal, eating. Eren was almost surprised when Levi asked for his food, usually the captain only ate his share and left it at that, but apparently not today.

Eren pushed his plate towards Levi, his gaze switching to the door. He stared at it, willing up the power to summon Hanji to the room, but she never came. Much to Eren's displeasure.

By noon, Levi had tripped Eren more than he could count, falling too before screaming at Eren, which Eren was fed up enough to bite back with 'You're the one who tripped me!'

Both boys were at the ends of their wires, at each other's throats constantly. It began to cause disruption.

"Levi, Eren, Hanji. Meet me in my office. Immediately." Erwin's eyes were sharp enough to cut diamond, and Eren said his wishes.

The three shuffled in awkwardly, like kindergarteners who'd gotten into a fight and were sent to the Principles office. All three staring down at their shoes.

Erwin intertwined his fingers, setting them below his chin, looking up at the three with massive furrowed brows.

"This has got to stop. Levi, I expect more from you as a superior, and yet you stoop to Eren's level." Eren didn't know whether to be offended or agree.

"Eren, you have no right to speak to Levi the way you have, you could have handled this better, and more maturely, but the fact you didn't, upsets me." Ouch.

"Hanji, your little shenanigans have gone too far this time, I require you release them as soon as you return to your lab. I want the shackles confiscated and the key buried. That is all." Erwin made a swoop with his arm, and the three turned, leaving silently.

When the door clicked shut, Eren and Hanji let out a sigh in unison, looking at each other, brows raised and eyes wide. Levi snorted.

The shenanigans of Hanji Zoe ended later that night, and Eren was forced to return to his cell immediately by a more than embarrassed Levi. Overall, the day was shitty. Eren got refused, or did he?

Levi hadn't said anything, just kept walking like he didn't want to answer that question, maybe he was embarrassed? Like, not professionally, – if that's possible – but emotionally?

Eren pondered the thought, lying in bed, playing with the sheets using his foot. It was so confusing, and Eren didn't like being confused.

He sighed, wrapping his fingers around the key laced by cow-hide chain. It made him feel a bit better, but not by much. Little closure was all Eren could want right now, in all honesty.

A soft knock made Eren jump, his heart rate speeding up. What if it's Levi? What do I say? Ooooh shit!

"Eren." Mikasa.

"Uhh, sorry. Come on in, Mikasa." Mikasa slid past the door, followed by Armin. Eren knew this couldn't be good.

The two sat on either side of Eren's bed, both looking at him expectantly. It dawned on him. He'd told Mikasa and Armin how he felt towards Levi, they were both accepting (Mikasa much less so, but still compliant).

"He didn't say anything." Eren muttered, looking down at his lap, gripping his shirt like a child. Mikasa hummed, brushing Eren's hair out of his face.

"Maybe-"

"No maybes, Armin. I can't…"

"Eren. Shush." Mikasa looked at Eren, her eyes were sharp, boring holes into Eren. It reminded him of Levi earlier, and his heart twisted.

No more words were spoken, the two wrapped their arms around Eren, laying down with him. Their limbs tangled and Eren felt drowsiness kick in.

He was so grateful for these two, without them, he'd probably be dead by now. Mikasa had saved his ass so many times, and Armin too.

Without Armin, everyone would have died, and him, Mikasa and Eren in suit after being targeted by the military.

Eren blinked away the stinging at the back of his eyes, curled into Mikasa's arms, and accepted the burrito of trio.