Hey guys! SUPER SPEEDY UPDATE! I found a window of free time, and I typed up this chapter for ya! :D
Yeah... all of you were pissed about Historia being the traitor. For those who are asking why Historia betrayed Marco, read what Hanji tells Levi in the last chapter carefully. It's all there. :P
This chapter has a different pace than the previous ones. It has three different POVs: Levi and Mikasa, Eren and Armin, and Jean. Then back to Levi and Eren.
Thank you sooooo much for the reviews, faves, and alerts! The support is astounding! :D
Enjoy the chapter~!
Chapter 10 Two Sides of a Coin
"Levi... why don't you take off today? I'm sure Carla won't mind." Mikasa winced.
Levi had spilled ingredients and broken two wooden spoons in a duration of two hours. There was too much on his mind for him to concentrate on baking cookies. It was Saturday, so Eren had decided to go over Armin's house. It was just Mikasa and Levi in the bakery.
"I'll... be fine." Levi sighed. "But what about you? Shouldn't you be upstairs in bed? You're not in full health yet."
"I've gotten a lot better these last few weeks." Mikasa replied, getting out another wooden spoon. "I think it's because Eren has been so lively lately. It makes me feel like I can do anything."
"I see..." Levi took the spoon from Mikasa, making sure not to use too much strength when mixing the cookie dough. "Eren has that much of an effect on you?"
Mikasa nodded earnestly. "Yes. He's the light of my world. Ever since I was taken in, Eren has supported me and gave me the confidence I needed to get better. Before, I never thought I could get out of bed again. But Eren changed my mind, and now look at me. I can walk around the house without feeling faint or weak. I bet I'll be able to go outside soon."
Levi smiled to himself. Eren really can bring out the best in people, despite being a little shit. There's a glow to him that Levi hasn't seen in years.
Wait... what am I thinking about? Levi shook his head. He's just a brat that runs his mouth nonstop. Then... why do I feel warm whenever I think about him?
Mikasa stared at the dough, then at Levi. "Um, Levi? You're mixing the dough too much. It's thinning out."
Levi stopped stirring and looked down. "Sorry. I'm just lost in thought."
Mikasa smiled slightly. "Eren does the same thing. That's why Carla and I never let him bake out here by himself."
"Speaking of which, where is she?" Levi asked, curious. "She's been gone for two days. Eren said she was going to get Dr. Jaeger from the gates."
Mikasa's expression drooped. "Yeah... but there's some trouble up there. There has to be. Whenever Grisha can't get in, Carla is able to get clearance right away. But... neither of them are back yet. I wonder what has happened to them?"
Levi frowned. I can't tell her about the strange things going on in this town. She'll just worry herself back into sickness. I can't help but wonder if this has something to do with Dr. Jaeger leaving town. Hanji told me that he reports to the government what's going on. Did the police find out...?
~.~.~.~.~.~.~
"Armin...I know what happened to Marco." Eren paced back and forth in his best friend's bedroom. "He really is in jail. And...you were right about the culprit being one of our classmates. Levi told her to stay behind yesterday. When you went on ahead to class, I stayed outside the door and listened as best as I could."
Eren also heard Levi calling himself a homosexual. His face reddening, he decided to leave that tidbit out.
Armin paled. "But... why Historia? I'm trying to figure out what motive she could possibly have for telling. He had nothing to do with this."
"Exactly." Eren said. "Their voices were really muffled, but I was able to make out that Historia told the police that Marco and Jean were together. The motive? To protect some sort of secret her family has and scare the rest of us into not saying anything about the drugs."
"We can't tell Jean about this." Armin clutched his head. "He'll go berserk and do something stupider than usual."
"Right. So this must stay between you and me." Eren told him. "We have to do something. Any ideas?"
Armin took a deep breath. "It's difficult. We can't let Historia find out that we know more than she would like. And since you spoke up about the drugs first, she will be keeping an eye on you the most. Our only choice would be to leave Shiganshina with hard evidence that there are illegal dealings going on."
"Wait, do you mean us?" Eren's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Not us necessarily. Someone who is not bound to the travelling laws of Shiganshina." Armin replied.
"...Levi?" Eren's eyes widened.
"That's right." Armin said seriously. "When your father leaves Shiganshina, it gets harder and harder for him to get back in without raising suspicion, correct? Well, that's because he's a citizen here. Levi is not. The only problem is that now Historia is well aware of Levi's goals. If she tells the police not to let him out, they won't. Unless... he leaves the town forever and never comes back."
Eren's heart dropped. "But... he's not even been here for a year yet. And he's the greatest thing that happened to us. Are you sure that is our only option?"
"There's not much else we can do." Armin sighed sadly. "Even if Marco is miraculously released, it doesn't mean he, Jean, or any of us are safe. We know too much. We need other reinforcements to shut this place down."
Eren clenched his fists. Why do I feel so angry with myself? Do I... regret knowing about the drugs? If I had remained ignorant, this wouldn't have happened. Marco wouldn't have gotten arrested, Levi wouldn't be in the middle of an illicit drug scandal, and my entire class wouldn't have to fear for their lives!
"Eren..." Armin laid a hand on his shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up over this. No one could have expected this turn of events. But think about it this way; if we succeed, we'll finally have freedom. We won't be trapped, chained to religious beliefs. Isn't that what we've been dreaming for?"
"...yes." Eren's expression was fierce. "It is. But how many people have to suffer for it? How many people I care about have to go through all of this shit?"
Armin's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait… Levi is on the list of people you care about?"
Eren's face reddened. "W-Well, yes! Why wouldn't he be? He's the greatest teacher ever, and he's wicked smart. I feel like a birdbrain in comparison."
Armin giggled. "Okay, then. But... just remember to keep your head up, and remember our goals. When Marco's released, we'll all leave this place together and never look back."
Eren grabbed his backpack from a chair. "Right. And... I'll talk to Levi about leaving Shiganshina. I want to go with him."
Armin gasped. "But Eren, you can't! You're not allowed to!"
"I'll find a way, Armin! I brought him into this shit. It started when I was careless and let him follow me to our party. The least I can do is stand there with him and take the brunt of the crap he's going through for us. I will be Shiganshina's hope!" Eren said, determined.
"Okay... but be careful." Armin relented. "And remember... we need hard evidence. I doubt Historia will be bringing anymore marijuana for any of the students, so we'll have to resort to stealthy tactics."
"Right." Eren headed for the door. "I'll see you later, Armin. And if you hear about me in the hospital, it's because I told Levi I eavesdropped on him and Historia."
Armin chuckled. "Good luck."
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Jean scuffed his shoes as he walked aimlessly through the neighborhoods. He couldn't sit still in the house all day, so he shrugged on a jacket and left the house. He told his parents goodbye, but as usual, they ignored him. Ever since he and Marco were found out all those months ago, his mother and father refused to speak to him.
A cool breeze whipped through Jean's sandy hair, and he pulled his jacket closer to him.
When... was the last time I was this miserable? Jean wondered. Wait... it's always been this way. I've been blinded by the temporary happiness Marco and I shared these last two months. Things didn't change. And now Marco is gone. Where is he?!
Jean stuffed his hands in his jean pockets. It's strange... at school, my teachers have given me pitiful looks, as if they felt sorry for me. What for? It didn't start until Marco disappeared. In fact, one teacher patted me on the back, telling me that God will bless me for my strength. What does that mean? Do they know how close Marco and I were? Are they sad that he's gone? Or do they think Marco was some sort of bad influence, and they're glad he's gone? I'm so lost and confused. It's only been three days, and I already feel like shit again. Marco... I need you.
Jean spotted the Maria Bakery up ahead. "I wonder if the bastard is there?" He murmured.
Jean entered the bakery, and was surprised by who he found inside. "Levi? Mikasa?"
The two black haired workers looked up.
"Jean. It's been a while." Mikasa smiled lightly.
"Yeah... how've you been?" Jean asked awkwardly, feeling guilty about breaking her heart all over again. He hasn't seen or spoken to her since that incident.
Levi coughed. "Mikasa, I'm going to check on the cookies. They should be almost done. I'll be back."
When the two were alone, the silence that hung in the air was suffocating.
"...Mikasa, I'm so sorry!" Jean finally blurted out. "I never formally apologized to you for what happened. I didn't mean to hurt you! And trust me, Jaeger gave me hell about it, too. I truly am sorry-"
Mikasa lifted a hand, silencing him. "Jean, it's okay. I'm happy that you found joy with Marco Bodt. From what I've heard from Eren, he's a sweet boy. In fact, I wish to meet him one day. I bear no malice or hard feelings for you anymore. Levi talked to Eren about his bullying, and I assume he has stopped messing with you, yes?"
Jean nodded slowly. "Yeah... he did."
"Good." Mikasa sighed in relief. "Although I was happy that he defended my honor, it wasn't right for him to bully you and your boyfriend. And, I apologize for that."
Jean's eyes widened. "Mikasa..."
Levi returned from the back, the cookies he was previously baking on a silver platter. He slid open the glass behind the counter and sat them inside.
"So Jean, how have you been?" Levi asked nonchalantly.
Jean tensed. "Honestly... not so great. At all."
Mikasa looked at Jean and Levi curiously.
"I... I just want Marco back." Jean's lips made a thin line. "He's been gone for three days. That is unheard of for him. Something definitely has happened. And I feel so useless and frustrated, because I can't do anything. This must definitely be a punishment from a deity. This is too cruel. We're ginally happy, and this happens. Marco didn't deserve to disappear without a trace."
Mikasa's mouth opened slightly. "Marco is missing...?"
It was hard for Levi to keep a neutral face. He wanted to visibly show his frustration as well, but he had to keep a strong expression for Jean.
"Don't give up, Jean. We'll find Marco. And he'll be back in your arms before you know it. You two were meant to be together."
Jean sniffed. "Yeah..."
Levi used tongs to remove two freshly baked cookies from the counter and put it in a small plastic bag.
"Here, these are on me. Just promise me you won't cry like a little baby. Stay strong for Marco. Stay strong for yourself. Tears show weakness and defeat. I won't let you be defeated."
Jean wiped at his eyes and took the bag. "Okay. And thanks. I don't know what I would have done without you. Take care."
Jean left, his eyes dry and his face set.
Mikasa looked down at Levi. "Looks like you have the same gift Eren has. You bring out the strength people think they don't have."
Levi scoffed. "As if. I just tell things like it is. There's no point if you're not honest."
Mikasa chuckled. "Yes. But... you and Eren have different methods of bringing out the best in others. Eren's a dreamer, and his idealistic goals give others hope. And you are pragmatic. You give people a clear and concrete view of reality, and from there, they do whatever it takes to do their best. You and Eren are like a coin. You have two different sides, but together, you have great merit."
Levi smirked and looked away. "We have great merit when we're together, huh? Heh... that's interesting."
At that moment, Eren burst in the bakery.
"I'm back!" He announced.
"Oh, goody." Levi replied sarcastically.
"You better be nice to me. Don't forget I'm between you and your paycheck at school and this bakery." Eren sneered.
"If there's one thing you have in common, it's that you both have sharp tongues." Mikasa spoke up.
"Mikasa! You're up! You're not feeling dizzy, are you?" Eren asked, concerned.
"Nope, I'm okay." Her face lit up. "Whenever you're here, I always feel better."
"Heh!" Eren grinned proudly.
Eren glanced at Levi, remembering what he had to do. "Hey Levi, can I talk to you upstairs for a minute?"
Levi raised an eyebrow. "I guess. Mikasa, will you be okay out here?"
She nodded. "I'll be fine."
"Alright. Let's go, brat." Levi headed for the stairs, Eren right behind him.
Levi walked into the kitchen to talk, but Eren grabbed his arm and pulled him into his room, shutting the door behind him.
"The fuck?" Levi was a bit angry at Eren's redirection.
"We have to talk in here. I don't want Mikasa to hear any of what I'm about to tell you." Eren said. "Then again… maybe she should, so you don't end up murdering me."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Levi narrowed his eyes.
Eren gulped. "Well… I kinda eavesdropped on you and Historia yesterday, and I know what's going on. I also heard from yourself that you're gay, which I don't mind at all-"
Levi's eye twitched. "Damn it, Eren! Why do you insist on putting yourself in even more danger?"
"Because I don't want you to go through something I put you in all by yourself!" Eren defended himself. "This is all my fault. If I had kept hush on the drugs, none of this would've happened! Marco wouldn't be in jail…"
Levi tapped his foot. "No one could have predicted this outcome, Eren. But now that it's here, you need to do whatever you can to get out of it."
"But it's too late for that! Historia already knows that I know way too much!" Eren raised his voice slightly. "Just let me help you! I put you in the middle of this because of my own carelessness. There's only one thing you and I can do to end this. Forever. We have to get out of Shiganshina with evidence that there have been drug dealings here."
Levi scowled at Eren. "There is no we in this situation. Your sorry ass will stay here out of the way. My first priority is getting Marco out. And I'm already working on that."
Eren trembled. "Why do you refuse my help? You asked me to trust you, so why can't you trust me as well?"
Levi was silent for a moment. "Because no matter how you look at it, you're still a child with no experience in these kinds of things. I have a history with drugs, a history that I would not like to share at this time. I know how drug dealing works. And it's a lot more difficult than you think."
Eren glowered. "A child with no experience, you say? Try living in a place your entire life where talking about freedom is like swearing! Just let me help you! We both can offer things that can help end this mess!"
Levi thought about what Mikasa said minutes earlier.
You and Eren are like a coin. You have two different sides, but together, you have great merit.
"Fine." Levi spat. "But don't say I didn't warn you, brat."
Eren grinned. "Don't worry about me, Levi. Remember when I told you about my dream, all those months ago? I said I wanted to help people. This is it. I've been waiting for the chance to do something for someone else."
Levi closed his eyes, a slight smile on his face. "You say the shittiest things, Jaeger. You're truly remarkable."
Eren stared at Levi, feeling a warmth growing inside of him. Levi couldn't take his eyes off of Eren's handsome features. There was something captivating about Eren's sea green eyes. The attraction between them was too great to be ignored.
And all of sudden, everything went in slow motion. Eren leaned down and pressed his lips against Levi's briefly.
"…!" Levi's eyes shot open.
Eren realized what he had done.
"I…I…" Eren didn't know what to say.
Why did I kiss him?! I just acted on my own. But… I felt so warm when I kissed him. Why is this happening?
Before Levi and Eren truly understood what was going on, they were on the bed. Levi straddled Eren's hips, kissing him deeply. He slid his tongue into his mouth, exploring his hot cavern.
Eren closed his eyes, savoring the moment. What is this? I feel so hot inside. Levi's tongue is touching mine. I never knew something like that could feel so good. This is… my first kiss.
Eren instinctively reached his hand up and cupped Levi's ass. It was at that moment that Levi regained his senses and pushed Eren away, getting off the bed.
Eren panted slightly. "Levi…" He began. "I l-"
Levi stared at Eren coldly, cutting him off. A chill ran down the brunette's spine.
"What the fuck were you about to say?" Levi growled. "That you love me? I don't know what that little head of yours is thinking. Just because you found out I'm gay, doesn't mean that you can just experiment on me."
"Experiment?!" Eren was astonished. "No!"
"Or, maybe you're confused about that kiss we just shared." Levi stepped threateningly towards the teen. "And since you're inexperienced at everything, you mistook that as something else. Guess what? I'm a single gay man with a decent looking piece of ass standing right in front of me, and I took advantage of it. It's nothing more. I don't have a thing for fifteen year old brats. So get that in your head right now before you wind up in jail with Marco."
Eren was shocked, unable to move a muscle. Finally, when what Levi said hit his senses, Eren ran out of his room and back out of the bakery.
"Eren?!" Mikasa called after him, surprised. She started to go after him, but she started to cough roughly, preventing her pursuit.
Levi leaned against Eren's door, regretting what he just said to Eren.
Heh… I really got pissed. Why did I think he was using me? What motive could he have for that? And… I know this is mostly my fault. I lost my self-control in that instance. But… it is true that he has no experience with love. And he's just a kid that knows nothing about me. It's dangerous for him to have a crush on me, anyway. Look at what happened to Marco. I don't want Eren to go to prison just for having a small crush on his teacher. This is for the best. The sooner he gets over his crush on me, the safer he'll be.
Levi walked downstairs to go look for Eren.
"Levi…?" Mikasa gave him a dead serious look. "You better find him and bring him back safely. He always has dangerous when he's mad."
"Duly noted." With that, Levi left the bakery, hoping Eren is alright.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Eren rarely cried. Usually his tears come from anger or frustration, which is a daily occurrence. However, he never really cried sorrowful tears until today. The brunette was sitting outside the abandoned house, a place that contained good memories with his friends. His head rested on his kneecaps, and he let the tears fall. Eren refused to release any sobs. That would hurt his pride.
"Levi… you fucking bastard." Eren sniffled. "Why? Why can't I be happy for once? I never had feelings for anyone until I met him. And… he goes and does that. I can't even be free to love whomever I choose. A 'crush', he says. Don't belittle me…"
"Okay, then I won't."
Eren stiffened at the voice. He figured Levi would follow him, but not this quickly.
"I wanted to apologize for what I said." Levi sighed. "What I said was uncalled for, and most of it was untrue. I also didn't mean to include Marco. I wasn't thinking and my anger got the better of me."
"Go away." Eren muttered. "I don't want you here."
"Is that so?" The shorter man sat next to him. "Then why did you decide to sit in the one place you knew I could find you and cry?"
"Don't talk down to me!" Eren looked up and glared at Levi fiercely. "I have feelings for you. I guess I'm gay, then. I don't care. I know I'm a shitty brat, and I know I'm not the smartest, the most talented, or nicest person in the world, but when it comes to natural human responses like emotions, don't treat me like a dumbass."
"Do you really know what you're accepting into your life by being gay?" Levi narrowed his eyes. "It's not an easy lifestyle, Eren. You're going to get shit thrown at you from everyone, even people you thought were your friends. And in this place, you could go to fucking prison."
"I know that!" Eren slammed his fist on the ground. "You don't think I've thought about that? The point is, I've never been attracted to any one until I met you. Hell, one time a girl named Mina Carolina tried to touch me sexually in eighth grade behind the school. I never felt a thing. But… when you kissed me… I felt all sorts of things that I never felt before. That has to tell you something."
"You might be gay. Congratulations. Let's go celebrate by sharing a cell with Marco." Levi spat sarcastically.
"Levi!" Eren grabbed the shorter man's arm. "Do not do this! Here's a question; how exactly do you feel about me?"
Levi sighed. "I don't know. I don't know because right now, we are in the midst of a civil war. This is not the time to be thinking about romantic feelings. And if you truly want to help me with this, you have to realize that, and push your feelings aside for now. At least until we get some common ground."
Eren bit his lip, uncertain. After a few minutes, Eren's expression changed to one of determination.
"I understand." Eren released Levi's arm. "I will push them aside. But… don't think that those feelings will disappear in time. As you know, I'm very stubborn and persistent."
"Trust me, I know." Levi rolled his eyes. "Only you could get me to apologize by throwing a tantrum. That takes skill."
Eren chuckled. "And only you could dissipate my anger by talking to me. That also takes skill."
"I guess…"
The two sat in silence for a while, enjoying each other's company.
"Levi… can I, hug you?" Eren spoke up.
Levi frowned. "Eren… what did I just tell you?"
"Not for romantic reasons." Eren said quickly. "Just… as a thank you. For not hating me after I kissed you. I… shouldn't have done that. I didn't consider your feelings."
Levi scooted a little closer to Eren. "Okay fine, but make it quick."
Eren draped his arms around Levi, nuzzling his face onto the side of Levi's neck. Despite Levi's own levels of willpower, his heart started beating faster, and Eren's warmth made him melt. Levi gingerly returned the hug, wrapping his arms around Eren's waist.
"As long as I can stay with you, I'll do my best." Eren murmured.
Same here. Levi wanted to say, but didn't have the resolve to do so. I'm glad I met you, Eren. You've restored something I thought I had lost: spirit.
MORE DRAMA! Not only do we have JeanxMarco problems, now we have Riren problems. When will it end?!
If you've enjoyed this so far, add this to your favorites and alerts. And remember…
REVIEWS ARE LIKE PORN TO WRITERS, SO SATISFY OUR URGES!
See you in the next one!
PRK