Chapter 10

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The room seemed heavier. As if the air had been filled with particles of powder so fine you couldn't physically see it, but immense enough in volume to suffocate you, slowly, as it filled your lungs. He didn't want to breathe it in. This smothering atmosphere convincing him keep what air he had in his lungs. Holding his breath, he felt if he let it out, he would draw in this odd tension in on himself. It was completely overwhelming.

Levi's eyes had taken on a flicker, something like a shadow which he had seen on so few rare occasions, dulling his eye. These rare occasions which left him near paralyzed in a desperate fear. A fear, of what, he didn't know. He didn't want to know. Levi was kind, and loving. He took him in, cared for him, loved him beyond what he ever could have wished for, and he was grateful; he had and will always be grateful. But there was something beneath what he knew. There was a silent shadow, a stalking butler that kept itself hidden from the light. It was a darkness he couldn't imagine Levi ever possibly capable of until he saw the intensity burning in his blank stare.

It was the fear he felt when Levi had pinned him against the kitchen counter. Demanding, with a single minded task. Ruthless, as it surged forward for what he wanted without consequence. It was the same fear when shadows overlay the hollows of his eyes as a silent threat passed on to the ones he called friends. But the most frightening part, was not knowing 'why' he had that look now, at the simple mention of his father.

What could have possibly happened? Did he even want to know?

Erwin on the other hand. Eren, cautiously chanced a glance, unnerved him in an entirely different way. His expression was cool, smug under the guise of a smile. How he managed to seem relaxed and casual through the intensity of this moment, in reality only seconds long, that seemed to stretch into minutes, was beyond his understanding. He held a smooth kind of indifference when dealing with Levi. He was analyzing; calculating. Every word. Every movement, every gesture, glance, and look. It wasn't a fear of what he might do, but more so, a fear of what this man was capable of.

How could this man just sit there and exude a feeling of nonchalance? What exactly did he have hidden under his sleeve? It was like, at any moment, he would slap down a trump card that neither of them could throw out.

Out of the corner of his gaze, he could see Levi shift. The dark look passing as quickly as it came, but he still seemed tense; reluctant even. If this was something Levi didn't want to talk about there was a reason for it. Besides, it has always and only ever been Levi and himself. Furthermore, there was no reason to ask such a question in the first place. It had nothing to do with why this man was here, and everyone in this room knew that much.

This was about Mikasa. This was about Armin and Jean. This was about the relationship that came into light that needed to be denied to the public eye. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Excuse me, Mr. Smith."

He surprised himself on how firm his voice was. He was afraid it would shake. He felt slightly light headed, still overwhelmed in this situation, but he managed to remove it from his voice. In comparison, he was nothing more than a mouse between these two. They danced around each other, akin to two entities waiting to tear apart throats, in this strange charade masked behind polite words. At any point in time, he felt he could get caught in the fray; tilting the favor in either of their hands, but he wouldn't sit still. He wouldn't hold silence. He didn't care if he didn't fully comprehend this meeting between lions. He didn't appreciate this man pressing Levi to make such a dangerous expression.

His blood was boiling from the simple fact that this man had upset his lover in such a way; somehow trying to insinuate some meaning that remained lost on him. He wanted this finished and taken care of. He wanted this man out of their home and away from Levi and himself. He wanted to curse Mikasa's meddling more than ever now. It was one thing to upset him, and putting aside the burden it had placed on their relationship, he was outraged that Levi would be subjected beyond that by this man.

The deep harmony of Erwin's voice, and the confidence in the way his words flowed through his lips, only further added fuel to the flame as his initial intimidation melted into rage.

"Yes, Eren?"

"With all due respect…"

Eren forced himself not to grit out the words, because he certainly didn't care about upsetting this man if not for the consequences it could have against Levi and himself.

Erwin gestured with a short wave of his hand for Eren to continue, "Go on."

"I understand why you're here. I know why you're here," he wanted to make himself clear and he wanted to make Erwin understand that they should deal with the matter of hand and that alone.

"I'm curious," Smith interjected, "What do you know about the nature of this visit, I wonder?"

This time he did feel his teeth grind. The way he spoke his question, the condescending tone fit for that of a five year old. He was being treated like a child, like he knew absolutely nothing of what was happening and why.

At another other time, Levi might have settled a hand on his shoulder to try to ease the tension from cording each muscle into a knot, but now he remained a fair distance away, despite the short length of the couch.

It was bad enough, the way Erwin was stirring up his aggressions, but the simple fact that his presence meant keeping himself from Levi… The idea of this distance, of why it was created and why it was necessary to play pretend, forced the bitterness to seep into his words.

"This is all because of Mikasa," Eren grit out, "She called in with a made up story about my father and I having a relationship."

It felt strange to use the term. He hadn't considered Levi his father, for as long as he could honestly remember, he couldn't recall calling him by such a label. At a point and time, he could remember calling him big brother, but even that was a time to distant to clearly remember.

To him Levi was everything, and while he took care of him, raised him, taught him right from wrong and mentored him in a way one might associate with a father figure, he couldn't bring himself to think of him in such a way. As he became older, he recognized; realized, that these feelings went beyond that of platonic love. Levi meant the world to him, everything. Everything he had, and everything he could want. In this moment, as he felt nothing more than the need to protect him, he understood, even just a little bit more, how Levi felt.

Though grateful that these events managed to define his confusion, becoming graspable and wrapping his mind, that much more, around his lover, he could not excuse this man or his friend's actions.

"A young lady did indeed call this in," Erwin said thoughtfully, "Though I can't figure out why she would make such a call without reason."

Every word was indirect and direct all at once. It was as if his words played around the subject while he clearly highlighted what questions were being asked at the same time. This man was a conundrum; complicated and simple, subtle and forward. It was falling into place; this man could be very dangerous if they weren't careful. He couldn't take this man lightly.

"Mikasa's just trying to get back at me."

"Eren," this time it was Levi's voice who interrupted.

When he glanced at him, he expected Levi to reprimand him into silence with only looks alone. Yet he was surprised to see the slight nod accompanied with a command to say what he needed. Encouragement. He felt his chest swell with pride that Levi trusted him in this fragile moment. If either one of them were to say the wrong thing, who knew what could happen. He had the utmost faith in him, and he wouldn't let him down.

Erwin tilted his head in question, bending his index of his lips with a curious furrow of his brow, "Go on."

Eren swallowed, it would hurt him in a way to do this. To lie about a friend he truly cared about, even despite this, and even despite wanting to lash out at her, he still held respect for her and his small group, but Levi took precedence over all else. If he had to drag someone through the mud, ultimately, every time, he would do so to be with Levi. No matter how much it hurt them or himself, though in all honesty, he would try to take the brunt of it himself.

"I haven't told anyone else, why I mean," Eren let out a shaky breath, looking from Erwin to Levi in a show of reluctance.

"She asked me out, was pretty persistent about it. She's always been obsessive when it's come to me. You can ask anyone at school. She's a good friend, but that's all I see her as, but she wouldn't accept that. She couldn't."

Erwin seemed to be hiding a smirk, and panic itched at him, but he refused to believe the man saw through his act already. It was very true what he said. Every word of it actually. Mikasa had asked him out before, and she had and still was very protective of him, but the reasons she had for calling had nothing to do with that.

"I think I can see where this is going," Erwin commented and added, "However, why go so far as to…"

Eren cut him off quickly. If he were to be convincing, he would have to do so now. With a shout, clenching his hands into balled fists, he bowed his head and closed his eyes tightly.

"I-I'm gay!"

Silence filled the room, and Eren licked his lips, eyes hidden by his hair. After a pause, he carefully continued, doing his best to keep his voice nervous, low, and shy.

"S-She blames Levi. She told me that if he raised me correctly I wouldn't have ended up this way," summoning tears he grit through his teeth, "She won't accept it. She won't accept me, and Jean… He took her side and…," he miserably gestured to the cleaned cuts and bruises, "that's why, today…"
Eren's voice broke off as he pulled in a sob. Perhaps it wasn't the best excuse he could come up with, but Eren knew she needed some type of motivation. Why else would someone do something so drastic? But to go to such lengths for this type lie, was a stretch, and he knew that. He needed to play it off, as much as he hated to do so, as unstable teenage hormones. As kids reacting and taking immature action. They were still young, close to adults, but still at an age where recklessness could be excused to a certain extent. Eren turned his head away, purposely exposing his neck as he craned his head to look to Levi.

"I'm sorry, I should have said something sooner. I didn't think she would…"

"Did those marks on your neck come from Jean as well," Erwin asks off handedly.

"Huh," Eren turned his head quickly, as if shocked at the question. His mouth agape as he stared like a fish with his head cut off, cognitive responses limited to the opening and closing of his mouth before his cheeks burned into a blush.

"N-no, they're not…," Eren swallowed and hid his eyes behind his hand, "T-They're from Armin…"

"Armin?"

"Yes… I… um… This is... this is how she found out," Eren mumbles as if embarrassed, "S-she saw us in his room, and Armin… He didn't want Mikasa to hate him… So we're not…"

As if remembering where he was, Eren's head shoots up to turn to Levi, "I-I didn't want… I wanted to tell you… talk to you, but I didn't know if… if…"

"Oi, brat," Levi finally spoke, silently impressed by his dramatics.

Even with the story seemingly a bit stretched, more akin to a drama series, it wasn't entirely without merit. He covered his bases. Mikasa would be discredited, as would Jean's word, and even Armin wouldn't be able to say anything. He had them all wrapped together. Each one would stand for each other's stories yet they would need word outside of their small group to make any real argument. Tied together, their words meant little to nothing. He'd have to remember to give Eren quite the treat once they convinced the ken doll they were nothing more than father and son, apparently victims of a hormonal and infuriated teenage girl whose love was unrequited.

He reached up to pull his hand from his face and ruffled his hair. The gesture was patronal; something any loving father would do to comfort their son. Whether or not it was convincing was still yet to be seen. For now, they just had to run through this act without faltering.

"I raised you better than that, don't assume things so easily."

Erwin cleared his throat, as Eren wiped away any leftover tears he had shed.

"I've had teenagers do stranger things, though, this is a serious matter. I apologize for how inconvenient this may be, so let's try to wrap this up. It's only protocol that I have all the answers I need to dismiss this accusation, so Eren, I apologize again, but I'll have to intrude just a bit more."

Eren nodded his head, none too happy that this character would still choose to push forward, but he seemed to at least buy into this charade; that was what mattered most. While he wished he wouldn't have to see Levi become upset again, if it meant that they'd be left alone for good, then so be it. No matter how frustrated or angry he'd become, he would hold his tongue, for both their sakes'.

"I understand…"

Erwin's warm smile converged along the lines of sympathy and one of compassion; in Levi's eyes a mere feint.

"I can see you two are close. I'm sorry you had to say so much in such a circumstance."

"What was it you had to ask," Levi cut in a little impatiently, "I'm sure you can understand, it's been a long day."

Erwin nodded, still not phased at all with the rudeness, "Of course. Perhaps this is more for my own curiosity, however, it is relevant in its own way I assure you."

"Earlier, I had asked if you ever received help in raising Eren. I just want to better understand the dynamic of your relationship, and why it would be so misconstrued. From what we've covered, you have no relatives to help you, but a few details seem…. Left out. If you will."

"Ho," Levi questioned and sat back, still waiting to get the point as his mood slowly began to darken, "And what details are those?"

Eren's brows furrowed, just what was this man speaking about? It was Levi and himself, it had always been just Levi and him. What could be so confusing about that? What details were there to share? Levi found him, took him in, signed the necessary papers and 'adopted' him, the rest to this point falling in line, at least for the public eye. Everything was normal, wasn't it?

"It's a bit unclear," Erwin begins, dragging out the moment, in what Levi feels is an attempt to further rouse his frustration.

It could be that this man thinks he can somehow slip a detail he hadn't meant to reveal? Whatever the reason, Levi wouldn't make such a careless mistake so easily.

"You see, it appears as if your mother was paying child support up until you became of age. Your father, at the time, was also receiving unemployment and food stamps. At the time, you were still living at home in your father's care. Am I correct?"

Levi remained unfazed, "You are."

The brunette's head snapped to face Levi. He never, not once, mentioned his father. Sure, he had to assume at some point Levi was with his parents, but he honestly knew little to nothing of his past.

"What perplexes me, is your father never reapplied for any of his benefits. Curious yet, you mentioned raising Eren on your own. Given your age now, alongside Eren's, and assuming you took him in within a year or two of his birth, that places you close to 15 or 17. That's a fairly young age to raise a child on your own, and a baby at that. At that time, were you not still living at your father's residence? It's strange for a grown man to up and disappear from this story wouldn't you think?"

"You have quite an array of assumptions, Smith."

"None without careful consideration."

Eren's felt his face scrunch, opening his mouth to speak out in anger, but Levi's response quickly snapped his mouth shut.

"I find your consideration lacking," Levi bit out, no longer able to feel patient as he had been.
"A neglectful father disappearing once he's soaked up all the benefits he could from his child and taking off when he no longer has a use? Is that really so strange?"

Levi felt Eren's eyes locked on him, he knew he'd have much to talk about later on. Not that he would be thrilled to do so. The kid would bombard him with a hundred questions. No, a hundred probably wouldn't be enough. It be a miracle to shut him up, but it was a talk that, he knew, might eventually come up. What details to divulge in were really the main question, but that was later. Much later.

For now, he had to deal with this overgrown turd, with enough hair gel to lube and elephant, on his couch.

"You seem like that type that had a happy home. Someone to wipe your ass for you and tell you your shit didn't stink," Levi felt his temper flare, but he couldn't help it, "I think for you it may be strange or unlikely, but for myself and so many other children in that shit hole of a ghetto, it was 'reality'."

Erwin nodded, smile no longer present but still, somehow, humble in his own way, "I can see I've stepped over bounds here. It was mere curiosity on my part, though it did pertain to Eren's well-being, so I do hope you understand."

"At least that much I can be grateful for," Levi admitted but shot him a venomous look, "But rather than going at my throat, perhaps you should tackle those restless shits who are harassing my boy? The only harm I've seen done to this brat is from that group of fanatics. Their actions are intolerable. Slander, harassment, and now even violence," Levi annunciated his point by gesturing his thumb to Eren's banged up appearance.

"Your curiosity is obviously misguided."

"So it seems," Erwin agrees as he begins to stand up.

Levi silently follows as Erwin makes his way to the door, laying a hand on Eren's shoulder as he passes to let him know to stay put for now. As the blonde pulls each arm into his jacket, Levi is already eager to open the door; hand already resting on the door knob.

As Erwin adjust his coat, stepping past the threshold after Levi had opened the door, he pauses with a sudden 'Ah!'

Levi feels his teeth grinding as the man turns around, his jaw tight. Just what in the hell else could this man want? Didn't he come what he came for? Were they not convincing enough? Just what the hell did he want now?

"I realized tonight was a bit much, on both of you," Erwin carried an apologetic tone, though his face didn't quite match it, "However…"

He reaches in his jacket and produces a card, handing it off to Levi. The raven stares at it as if it were a giant wet hairball, as if offended by the small rectangular card stock. He forced back a scowl at it, vowing to burn the damn thing the first chance he had.

Without paying attention, he nearly jumped, realizing Erwin was leaning not but an inch from his ear. The warm huff of a chuckle, and the smell of the coffee he drank earlier, made his senses cringe.

"There are some more things I'd like to ask you," Erwin's voice was lower than before. Something about it making Levi feel uneasy, but he wouldn't let this man know that. Standing his ground, he didn't say a word, eyes watching the other as if he were a mere beast.

"In private," Erwin softly whispered before pulling back, "Well, Thank you for your time today."

Stepping off the stoop and down the stairs, he paused one last time, catching Levi right before he shut the door.

"Ah, and Levi?"

Narrowing his eyes, Levi stared and waited, no longer willing to speak on the matter or any matter any further.

"You should consider enrolling Eren into a school for theater, he has quite the knack for it."

Notes:

I honestly have a terrible migraine - So I'm going to stop here - I just wanted to get you guys another chapter - my roomies moving in tomorrow so I'll have to help her -

NEXT CHAPTER :

Eren questions need answers!

A stroll down memory lane!

And possible smut!

PS PS PS THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS! 3 I adore you all!