Chapter 9

"Levi-san, how exactly did you meet Eren?" he asked, leaning up against the wall that separated the reception desk from the entrance.

"I met him in a cafe." I chose my words carefully, looking him defiantly in the eye. I will not waver by his intimidating stature.

"And you two just started talking? I don't take my son for that much of a charming person, let a lone someone who can flirt openly." he sighed, never breaking eye contact.

Flirting? What the hell is this guy on about?

"So, how much do I have to pay you to keep away from my son?" he asked monotonously, adjusting himself and reaching into his back pocket, pulling out his wallet.

"Excuse me?" I asked incredulously, taking a step back in shock.

"Look, no offense to you and your kind… But I don't want my son around that crowd any longer. It won't bring anything good, and it surely wont continue the family line. So how much are you willing to accept. Money is no object." he pulled out a pen, and readied it to write an amount in his checkbook.

Is he serious? I can't even-

"What do you mean my kind?" I asked, letting my anger get the best of me. I felt my chest puff up, and my hands ball up into fists. It's about to go down.

"You really want me to spell this out for you?" he dismissively sighed, leaning down to try and get on my level. "Eren and you are a gay couple. I don't want him going down that path, so I'll pay you whatever you want to back off. Are we clear?" he smiled that same warm smile that sent a chill through my entire body.

"This isn't the first time I've written a check, and I fear it won't be the last, so speak up."

I couldn't hold back any longer.

"What the hell is wrong with you, old man? Eren and I aren't together, and I didn't even know he was gay. Either way, I don't see how that is a bad thing, seeing as how I turned out just fine. And because you see my kind as a burden on your precious family line, you can kindly fuck off with your pompous ass and shitty checkbook. I don't need your dirty money in my wallet, thanks. No wonder your son is miserable here, with an asshole like you leering over his shoulder!" I found myself shouting, cornering the once proud doctor and giving him, pardon the pun, a taste of his own medicine.

"And one last thing…" I brought my face dangerously close to his, making myself loud and clear.

"Even if we were together, I wouldn't trade a relationship with him for all the money in the world. He is a precious person, and should be treated as such, no matter his sexual orientation." I finished, turning towards the door.

stood there, his once perfect facade diminished into a hollow shell of a man. What an absolute fucking piece of garbage.

"Good day, doctor." With that, I walked out of that building, never looking back and feeling like I could take on any tall ass bitch with my hands tied behind my back. I felt invincible.

XxXxXx

"Hey babe, what are you thinking about?" he asked me, playing with my hair like he did every night.

"How amazing you feel on my skin." I whispered, feeling the sleep conquer me into an honest man.

"Funny, I was thinking the same thing." he chuckled, kissing the top of my head.

Moments like these are unforgettable. Each moment with him is precious, and in a way, it scares me to death.

"Can I ask you something?" he whispered. His voice cracked, revealing what really was on his mind.

"Anything." I felt more awake at his sudden question, sitting up on his chest to see what was actually going through his mind.

"After I'm gone, can you make me a promise?" his voice was barely audible, and with the light of the moon that shown through the window, I could see he was crying.

"Don't talk like that…" my chest tightened at the mere thought of him disappearing.

"I have to, if I'll ever have a shred of reassurance, Levi." he tried to wipe away his tears, but the IV drip on his arm was very restricting.

"Shhhhh, it's going to be okay." I brought my face directly above his, kissing his tear streaked face. Kissing away his tears.

"Promise me something?" he asked again, this time in a sob.

"What's up with you and all these demands?" I giggled, trying to hide the fear that wrenched through my heart at what he would ask of me.

"No matter what happens… No matter how hard it is to fathom the inevitable, I want you to-"

"S-stop. Please, don't talk like this. If you think this way, you'll never survive." I sobbed, trying to keep it together in front of him was so hard, I couldn't even begin to tell someone the pain he and I have been going through. The suffering… The fear of the inevitable…

"Be happy." he brought his free hand up to my face, wiping away the hot tears that spilled over.

"How? How could ever be happy without you?"

"There will be other guys out there, that will love you just as much, if not more, than I do. Just don't forget about me…" he winked at me, watching my face for any changes.

"How could you say that?"

"Because I love you, and I care what happens to you, no matter what."

"But, there has only ever been you. How could I betray you like that?"

"Because you love me, and you will promise me to be happy. I know you can be, if you'd just let yourself."

"That's not fair…"

"Life's not fair, my darling." he chuckled, pulling me into his arms.

"I know… I love you." I whispered, feeling more tears fall.

"I love you back." he squeezed me tighter, not wanting to let go. Even though eventually, he'd have to. And so would I.

"Be happy…"

I'm trying.

Farlan… I miss you, and I think about you everyday… But I really am trying…

XxXxXx

The doorbell rang, snapping me right out of my dream.

I haven't had a dream for so long, it was almost unsettling. I saw his face, and I felt his warmth… I really miss him.

The doorbell rang again, making me jump off of my seat on the couch.

"Who is it Nii-chan?" Bella asked, running up behind me.

I opened the door, leading to Eren, smiling and happy.

"Hi guys!Ready to get your movie on?" he asked, raising up a box of popcorn.

"Wow, that was awful. Get my movie on?" I laughed at his nerdiness, and doubled over for the first time in forever.

"Shut up! Is there a problem with how I speak?!" he pouted, walking in and closing the door.

I stood up straight, wiping the tears from the corners of my eyes.

"Oh contraire little bear!" I laughed, mock punching his shoulder. That caused him to bust up laughing, and Bella to giggle and run towards Eren.

Then I stopped, and looked up at nothing.

"I really am trying." I felt a smile pull at my lips. "I hope I keep this promise for as long as I can…"

"What was that?" Eren asked, holding Bella in his arms as she squeezed his neck.

"Nothing… let's get our movie on." I laughed, grabbing Eren's hand and pulling him towards the living room.

I know. I love you, Levi…

I love you back.